Pages: 220, ebook
Published: February 2011
So hard to review anthologies! So I am just gonna say a few words, sentences about each short story.
A Ghoulish Valentine by H.P. Mallory:
Dulcie O'Neil can't help her attraction to Knight Vander, much though she tries to fight her feelings. When she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to dinner and a movie, she can't imagine her evening will be derailed by a cemetery full of hungry ghouls and one incredibly sexy man.
Dulcie O'Neil can't help her attraction to Knight Vander, much though she tries to fight her feelings. When she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to dinner and a movie, she can't imagine her evening will be derailed by a cemetery full of hungry ghouls and one incredibly sexy man.
They fight evil ghouls while on a date. Dulcie and Knight seem ok, and the world is interesting. I did like that before just rushing in to fight she stopped to see to that her clothes offered protection. Good girl.
Cat Fight by Zoe Winters:
Cat Fight takes place in Zoe Winters' "PretVerse". Greta is a cat therian (shifter). She's been involved with Dayne, a local sorcerer since she sought his protection from her murderous tribe. After a fight, Greta shifts into cat form and refuses to come back out.
I liked Greta, and Dayne. Not much happened since it was short but I did enjoy when she went all mad and refused to shift back, even after he tried his best. So short and cute, and it did make me wanna read how they met in the first place. Which I can since this novella happens after book 1.
Impulse Control by Susan Bischoff:
In the world of the Talent Chronicles, kids born with supernatural powers are taken from their families and forced into government research facilities called State Schools. At one such school, a group of Talents must work together to stop a dangerous experiment that's already killed two of their peers and threatens others. If they're caught they face Detention, and Detention at a State School has a whole different meaning.
This was a YA story. Kids put in schools, never to see their families again. Sure I understand people being afraid of people with talents but I would expect some sort of outrage. What a horrible world, I hope those kids get out.
Wild Passion by Lori Brighton:
James is a treasure hunter intent on collecting a deadly, priceless statue. Then he meets Adelaide, a stubbornly beautiful and mysterious woman who knows more about the statue than she admits. Suddenly, James is tempted to give up everything for the one treasure he can't seem to own ... Adelaide.
This one deals with events in Wild 1 and 3, but it works fine on its own too. I liked Adelaide, she did what she had too, and I am sure she and James are gonna have some great adventures.
A Fairytale Ending by M.T. Murphy:
An unlucky actress discovers that there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse.
An unlucky actress discovers that there is no good and bad when it comes to vampires and werewolves, only bad and worse.
I did like it in the beginning, but then came a sad and depressing end that ruined the whole thing for me. So I did not like it.
Blind Sight by Kait Nolan:
Isla's ability as a Seer has made her a life-long captive of a paranormal crime lord. Fae assassin, Ransom, offers her a chance at escape, but when she touches his hand she sees only blood, horror, apocalypse. What reason can Ransom have for wanting to rescue her, and can she possibly trust a man who deals in death?
I liked this one. Seemed like a nice world and I wanted to know more, and I would read more too.
The Sacrifice by Toni LoTempio:
After a chance meeting with the mysterious Alfred Barstow, Jennifer is swept off her feet by his whirlwind courtship of her, so much so that she accepts his proposal of marriage. Leaving her boyfriend Peter behind, she heads off to start a new life in California, unaware there's more to Alfred than meets the eye - and a sinister plot behind his proposal. The Sacrifice is a story about what happens when the man of your dreams turns out to be your worst nightmare...and then some!
After a chance meeting with the mysterious Alfred Barstow, Jennifer is swept off her feet by his whirlwind courtship of her, so much so that she accepts his proposal of marriage. Leaving her boyfriend Peter behind, she heads off to start a new life in California, unaware there's more to Alfred than meets the eye - and a sinister plot behind his proposal. The Sacrifice is a story about what happens when the man of your dreams turns out to be your worst nightmare...and then some!
It was a good story, though one thing was a bit far-fetched. She went away, her ex was sad and decided to look up her new man, and then he realized they were evil vampires..really, I would just have thought she was high on passion.
Until the Breaking of the Day by Daniel Arenson:
The Underground. A realm of flame, blood, and knives in the dark.When its prince returns from exile, a young demon girl will learn his secrets.
Omg! This story was my fav of all the stories in this anthology. I seriously need to read more by this authot!! Awesome story.
If You Leave by Stacey Wallace Benefiel:
Despite their devotion to one another, Gabrielle and Jorge have been living separate lives. That is, until Gabrielle's life ends. Reunited and it feels so...complicated?
Despite their devotion to one another, Gabrielle and Jorge have been living separate lives. That is, until Gabrielle's life ends. Reunited and it feels so...complicated?
It was the last one and I fear I did not pay as much attention as I could have.
Conclusion:
I had only read one author before so the rest were new to me, and one thing is for sure, I need more Arenson!!! Trust me, that world was pure gold. All in all, an interesting anthology with a lot to offer, Paranormal YA, paranormal historical, some ass-kicking and cool new worlds.
My flash fiction entry for the week
Love the short reviews. Anthologies are the most difficult to review books. One cannot review it comprehensively.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good and it let's you get an idea of each author's writing which is nice.
ReplyDeleteThis anthology sounds great!
ReplyDeleteNicely done Blodeudd, you certainly whet my appetite. But I will wait for more reviews of the authors you like, if they live up to your expectations in a full lenght novel as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat things about anthologies is that you can pick new authors and decide whether they work for you or not. Bad thing is that good short stories are ...too short. This one is on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be more of these anthologies turning up lately. They seem really good.
ReplyDeleteThere are some great writers here. Sometimes i am totally in the mood for short stories.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy anthologies, I like getting a bunch of different stories in one book and this sounds like a great group of characters and some fabulous authors. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'd been wondering about this anthology because I'm a fan of HP Mallory, though I have only read her Jolie series. But now you've got me curious about Arenson. Will have to check it out.
ReplyDeletecool to see lori in this bunch.
ReplyDeleteYou piqued my interest so I will have to read this one....
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy anthologies occasionally, but I wish so many of the stories didn't connect to already established series.
ReplyDeleteNana
ReplyDeleteIt's so very hard, a bunch of short stories that do not connect to each other
Darlene
It's a nice way to have a look at new authors.
Irena
I am not a huge fan of short stories but they are fun now and again
Aurian
Two of them are already reviewed on my blog. the rest, we will see :)
Ana
ReplyDeleteI know, short stories can be so very annoying sometimes. But they do gave me a bit of insight if I would like an author or not
Vivienne
I am not sure that I could write a short story. A flash, yes.
Carrie
And they are over so fast so the book in a whole feels short too ;)
Jenny
Nice to see a fan. For me most often I just want more, cos they are just so short. Still they are fun
Missie
ReplyDeleteI went over to GoodR at once to check him out. Very intriguing world he created. And I am sure you would like the Mallory one
VV
I did want to know more about Adelaide when I read Wild 2 :)
BJS
Have a look :)
Carol
I wish the same thing. Like when to read the Alpha and Omega books you first have to read this short story in an anthology. Why can't they all just be new ones
Sounds like an overall winner! I often end up with the anthology that has one ok book and lots of duds.
ReplyDeleteAnthologies are not only difficult to review, they are difficult to read sometimes as well. You have to have a flexible mind. ;)
ReplyDeleteAs a feline lover I like the idea of taking a cat form!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good anthology. I need to read that Daniel Arenson one. :)
ReplyDeleteOh and do you hate me? *sniff* You are evil! Where is my HEA? *sniff* However... darn it... your ff was good.
this anthology sounds intriguing and you made it even more so.
ReplyDeletei have read the previous one of zoe winters and enjoyed it. it was pretty short though. :)
thanks blodeuedd!
I haven't read any of these authors, but I've heard so many good things. This sounds like a great anthology.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I don't do shorts often, but it sounds worth it.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Not my normal reading genre, but Impulse Control sounds pretty good. I love checking out new authors via anthologies (especially sci-fi) but hardly ever set aside time for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not big on anthologies but that's just me.
ReplyDeleteI do like reading some short stories once in a while. And even with authors new to me you get a sample of their writing.
ReplyDeleteChris
ReplyDeleteYes I sure know about those. I still wonder why I finished The big pnr book, some very bad ones in that one
Janna
So true, difficult to read and review. But I tried :)
DC
I would love the be a cat too :)
Melissa
ReplyDeleteI know, I failed you :( *sad eyes* Do forgive me. I will see if I can try to write a HEA for next time ;)
Redd
Aha, you have? Good to hear. It did make me interested in reaidng more
Yvonne
You should check it out, and see if you like all these authors
Brandi
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan either, they are just so short. And I most often want more
Alyce
It's a good way to take a little dip and see if the author might just be for you :)
Staci
truth be told I am the same, so you are not alone. But I do like to try them, even if I prefer books
Jenny
It's a good way to sample them yes :)
great review! not a huge fan of anthos, but it seems you had fun =D
ReplyDeleteLarissa
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy them now and again :)
Hi Blod!
ReplyDeleteI agree, anthologies are hard to review. You did a great job.
Thanks Naida :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you think so