Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-power-politics-and-pesky-poltergeists

Title: Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘As Dumbledore had expected and intended, Slughorn was captivated by Harry Potter, whom he believed (erroneously) to be supremely talented in his own subject.

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Synopsis

These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts – and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Thoughts

I’ve always enjoyed the fact that throughout the Harry Potter series, some of the most evil and terrifying characters are that way due to their pursuit of power. This collection of character bios and short stories helped to drive this fact home. From Dolores Umbridge to Horace Slughorn, these characters were either inconceivably evil or just incredibly misguided in their ties to and desire for power. These tales were a great warning against an uncontrolled will to obtain power, regardless of the cost.

I have never really loved politics, or those who are interested in gaining political power – and the tales in this collection of short stories were a great reminder of this fact. No matter what someone’s intentions are, there seems to be a number of ways in which they can become corrupted. I also love the attention to detail that is present in the list of all past Ministers of Magic – two centuries worth of characters and their imprint upon the world of British Magic involves a lot of thought.

Although power and politics are somewhat serious topics, and the characters covered in this bio range from self-centred to truly evil, my favourite tales and chapter in this collection is that on poltergeists. Particularly the presence of Peeves within Hogwarts and his many exploits throughout the years. I particularly loved the imagery provided by the attempt to eject him from the castle.

 <- The Tales of Beedle the Bard Review Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

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Overview

the-demigod-files

Title: The Demigod Files
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Uh-huh,’ said another Athena guy, clearly unimpressed.

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Synopsis

IF YOU’RE READING THIS BOOK, YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO GET A LOT MORE DANGEROUS.

In these top-secret files, Rick Riordan, Camp Half-Blood’s senior scribe, gives you an inside look at the world of demigods that NO regular human child is allowed to see.

These highly classified archives include three of Percy Jackson’s most perilous adventures, a Spotter’s Guide to Monsters, a Who’s Who in Greek mythology, Percy’s Summer Camp report and much more.

SO IF YOU’RE ARMED WITH THIS BOOK, YOU’LL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOU ALIVE IN YOUR TRAINING. YOU OWN ADVENTURES HAVE JUST BEGUN…

Thoughts

This is a really nice companion book to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It is a little quirky and different in its layout, but it really brings the world of Camp Half-blood to life. Interviews, short stories and profiles all morph together to create this short and lively book that are well worth reading if you have become as obsessed with the writings of Rick Riordan as I have.

Although this book was written between The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian, it isn’t strictly necessary to read it then. However, if you want to understand who Bob is and what happened to him in The Heroes of Olympus series, then it is definitely worth reading one of the shorts within this collection.

<- The Greek Heroes Review The Demigod Diaries Review ->
Image source: Puffin Books Australia

Outside the Box by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hex-appeal

Title: Outside the Box
Author: P.N. Elrod
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The vamp had kidnapped the poor girl, forced the change on her, and buried her deep in a box in that old cemetry.

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Synopsis

A tale of vampires, witches and pointless bureaucracy – and how the intersection of these can go completely wrong sometimes.

Thoughts

This was an amazing short story – it had vampires, witches and pointless bureaucracy. The voice of Mars, the woman telling the story was strong and realistic, she’s bored with the tedium of a government job and worried about money. I love when writers pull the concerns that we all have, such as money, hobbies, careers, into a paranormal setting, like waiting for a newly turned vampire to rise.

The idea of bureaucratically controlling newly risen vampires was a great commentary on how everything in our lives appears to be governed by rules. Yes, without them things could fall apart, but with them, sometimes those who do the right thing, such as Mars and Ellinghaus, are punished to make the governing body look good. The fact that this regimented system was part of the cause of the carnage that followed just helped to highlight how important flexibility can be within such a system.

This short story is set in the world of the Vampire Files, but it is still separate. It is an easy way to spend half an hour and immerse yourself in a wonderfully constructed world.

 <- Snow Job Review How Do You Feel? Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod

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Overview

hex-appeal

Title: Hex Appeal
Authors: Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, Simon R. Green, Lori Handeland, Erica Hayes & Carrie Vaughn
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Books and clothing and bedclothes and typical dorm room décor had been scattered everywhere.

Synopsis

Fall under the intoxicating spell of their hex appeal…

In the magical world that lies hidden beneath our own, witches and conjurers play deadly games. They know just the right spell to kill a man with one kiss—or raise him back again. And they’re not afraid to exact sweet revenge on those who dare to cross them. But what if you’re the unlucky soul who falls victim to a conjurer’s curse? And if you had the power to cast a magic spell of your own, would you use it?

In this bewitching collection, nine of today’s hottest paranormal authors tell all-new, otherworldly tales.  Spellbinding stories featuring bigfoot, albino vampires, professional wizards, resurrected boyfriends and even a sex droid from the twenty-third century named Silicon Lily.  But as our conjurers are about to discover, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hexed.  And sometimes, even the best spun spells can lead to complete and utter mayhem.

Thoughts

This was a slightly dark and definitely morally questioning collection of short stories. In each tale there was no good or bad guy, but rather someone who was working at surviving with the cards that they have been dealt. The name hints beautifully at this though, Hex Appeal, both appealing and potentially damaging – like all of the leads in these nine very diverse stories.

Finishing this collection left me wanting more, more of these not-quite-good characters that thrived in worlds that ran beautifully parallel to our own. Each tale consisted of a multi-dimensional setting in which fighting to survive allowed for acts that would not necessarily be accepted in today’s society and reality. Drugging someone to rob just seems wrong, but make it a horny vampire and it is much more realistic. Think you’re husband may kill you in a dystopian reality? Take out a retribution clause to ensure that he follows you into death… these ideas are such exaggerated versions of our reality that they truly make you think about the world that we all live in today.

<- The Arcane Art of MisdirectionRetribution Clause ->

Image source: Succubus

Forked Tongues by Rachel Caine

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Overview

Kicking It

Title: Forked Tongues
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #3
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect),
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: And that was when the devil dog opened its red eyes and stepped out of the shadows ten feet ahead of us.

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Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.

Thoughts

I would love for this short story to be part of a much bigger series – it caught me and fascinated me in the first paragraph. I thoroughly enjoyed the urban fantasy setting and the idea of witches each having his or her own type of power – they have limitations, just like everyone else. Caine was able to build a wonderfully realistic world that sat perfectly within our own.

Holly and Andy are a gorgeous, simplistic couple. I love the simplicity of their relationship in this story and their acceptance of one another – they are able to work side by side to overcome obstacles in a self-efficient, unassuming manner. Combine this wholesome relationship with a gun-toting man of the West who also has witch powers and you have a winning blend.

There are so many stories that remind us that the ‘us vs them’ mentality can have severe consequences and truly hurt the innocent. Caine’s third Holly & Andrew short story is no different. The chief antagonist is the embodiment of using others’ fear of the different to attack and vilify a minority group. Writing about this from the minority’s point of view is a great way in which to remind us that just because someone or something is different, it doesn’t mean that it is bad.

 <- Holly’s Balm Review Kicking It Review ->
Image source: Penguin

Holly’s Balm by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

hex-appeal

Title: Holly’s Balm
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #2
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I felt abandoned, nevertheless.

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Synopsis

Holly and Andrew’s love is tested in the next instalment in this fantastic short stories series.

Thoughts

Another great short Holly & Andrew story, but this time, it’s their relationship that is tested. Hanging on to life for the sake of someone you love is admirable, but it also means that there can be some pretty severe consequences if something goes awry. Caine uses Holly’s Balm to test the limits of love and trust in a uniquely trialled way.

Caine showed in her previous short story, Death Warmed Over, that she has an amazing grasp on the ways in which death and legal legislation was able to work in a world where raising the dead is a reality. It is always a pleasure when such seemingly minor details are worked out so intricately and fully that it is incredibly fulfilling and satisfactory to read.

This non-ambiguity within Caine’s world further lends itself to the serial killer theme within this tale. The idea of re-killing the dead left goosebumps marching up my arms in uncomfortable anticipation of the story’s climax.

 <- Death Warmed Over Review Forked Tongues Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Death Warmed Over by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Death Warmed Over
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #1
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sam Twist wasn’t answering – not his phone, his cell, or his secret emergency number.

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Synopsis

A witch with a penchant for raising the dead, raises an old cowboy witch from the West.

Thoughts

The overarching message in this short story is that love can conquer all – even death. That is, if you have enough power to try. The concept and the story itself is incredibly sweet, and enough to make anyone believe in true love again.

I love Holly’s quiet strength and integrity throughout the piece – she doesn’t wish to re-raise those who are already deceased because of their potential torture and pain. Her unerring ability to do what is right and take care of Andy and the victims of horrific crimes shows her steely resolve and courage. But, it is her compassion and morality which make her such an admirable heroine, one that has made me want to jump further into the worlds of Rachel Caine.

Caine uses this short story beautifully to remind us that death is an integral part of our lives – without death, life doesn’t have the vibrancy and beauty that makes it worth living. Not only is messing with death and somebody’s afterlife seriously frowned upon, but it also can have some serious consequences, not only for the deceased, but those who tamper with it.

 <- Strange Brew Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Grace of Small Magics by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Small Magics

Title: Grace of Small Magics
Author: Ilona Andrews
In: Small Magics (Ilona Andrews) & The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook short story
Publisher: NYLA
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Too stunned to move, she simply stared.

Synopsis

A woman must repay her family’s debt to a shapeshifting magician.

Thoughts

Grace of Small Magics is a fantastic reminder that “offense is the best defense”. Grace’s quiet strength and stability in the face of overwhelming odds is inspiring, and her ability to take control of her future admirable. I love the way that Andrews uses this to poignantly remind us that just because someone appears mousey and weak, they are still capable of great feats.

Both the main characters in this story are battling their own inner demons and preconceived misconceptions. By working together and being themselves, they slowly are able to not only take account of their own past, but also find love and acceptance within each other. I love the idea that when you find someone, your past is just that, in the past, and your good points are grasped and embraced.

 <- Of Swine and RosesSmall Magics ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Greek Gods by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods

Title: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The Titan Prometheus, who had made those little dudes out of clay, really felt sorry for them.

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Synopsis

IF YOU LIKE HORROR SHOWS, BLOODBATHS, LYING, STEALING, BACKSTABBING AND CANNIBALISM, THEN READ ON…

Who could tell the stories of the gods of Olympus better than a modern-day demigod?

In this action-packed tour of Greek mythology, Percy gives his hilarious personal views on the feuds, fights and love affairs of the Olympians.

Want to know how Zeus came to be top god? How many times Kronos ate one of his kids? How Athena literally burst out of another god’s head? It’s all here in black and white…

Thoughts

As with the rest of the books in the Percy Jackson Verse, Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods is a great adaptation of the Greek myths. Using a modern voice that makes them approachable to the today’s generation is not only a great way to retell ancient myths, but it also is a truly unique retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Having said that, this is also the cleanest and most PG retelling of the Greek myths that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The versions of the myths that I read involved a lot of rape, pillaging and incest. And although Riordan does mention that many of the Olympians are brother and sister, husband and wife, this eeew factor is glossed over and better explained. Which is probably a good thing considering that this is a book aimed at a young adult / teenage audience.

Reading this book was really pleasurable and easy. It had a quick, fast pace that gave you a brief overview of each of the twelve major Olympians and moved on. It provided a great glimpse into some of the really fascinating mythos of the Greek persuasion without getting bogged down in the details. Each chapter is a whole new story and this structure worked beautifully well – I finished the book in no time, not even realising that I had spent hours reading.

<- The Dark Prophecy Review The Greek Heroes Review ->
Image source: Joys of Bookworm

Kicking It Edited by Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price

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Overview

Kicking It

Title: Kicking It
Authors: Faith Hunter, Kalayna Price, Rachel Caine, Chloe Neill, Rob Thurman, Shannon K. Butcher, Lucienne Diver, Chris Marie Green & Christina Henry
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Short story collections, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: The dirt on the floor was too scuffed and smeared for her to make out any on distinct set of prints.

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Synopsis

Featuring stories by FAITH HUNTER * KALAYNA PRICE * RACHEL CAINE * CHLOE NEILL * ROB THURMAN * SHANNON K. BUTCHER * LUCIENNE DIVER * CHRIS MARIE GREEN * CHRISTINA HENRY

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.

Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure.

And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman features Trixa Iktomi from her Trickster series dealing with magical vengeance and magical footwear.

Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.

Thoughts

This is one of the most brilliant collections of short stories that I have ever read. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with fantasy stories about strong women kicking butt in amazing shoes… nine stories from nine amazing authors, all featuring strong, independent women who are able to hold their own throughout the story.

Reading this collection of short stories was not only one of the most enjoyable ways I could think of to spend a Sunday afternoon, but also a fantastic way to discover some great new authors. I must admit that I went on a spending spree after reading this book, finding all new stories from the great authors that I had fallen in love with.

<- Ruby Red Review Forked Tongues Review ->
Image source: Penguin