nicolelin23's review
3.0
I really do not have a lot of good things to say about this book. I have read other book edited by Telep which I really like. But this collection of short stories only held a few stories that were worth reading. I actually did not read two of the stories because the stories were really strange and I did not understand the themes. . But these are the stories that I liked:The Spirit Jarby Karen Mahoney , The Dungeons of Langeais by Becca Fitzpatrick, Behind The Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge, Fearless by Rachel Vincent and The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater.
trankin's review
3.0
I just stumbled upon this book and decided to give it a go because I like short stories. I read most of them, but skipped a couple because of language and sexual content. I really like the way short stories start out in one direction, then there is a surprise twist at the end, which was the case for most of the short stories in this collection.
kashumaru's review
3.0
I had high hopes for this book seeing as I read The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire. It was quite good and had a few sad stories even, which I have to say I was not expecting, which made me want to continue to read the book even more to see what creative adventures the authors would make. I do wish that a couple wasn't so short but alas every story must end at one point or risk loosing the pull of interest it contains.
kimberly_b's review
3.0
My thoughts on each story:
The Assassin's Apprentice by Michelle Zink: Although this story was fairly simple, I liked it. I could easily see it being part of a full-sized novel. However, I was confused about the time in which the story was set. Rose's use of the words 'valise,' 'firebox,' 'threshold,' etc. and the mention of coal mines and factories in the beginning suggest it being set maybe early in the 1900's. But, there are some inaccuracies (I looked them up because they struck me as odd): pallets (which were mentioned) weren't developed until at least 1927 and there was no coal mining in New York (where the story was supposed to take place). I'm being nitpicky, but easy to research facts that are wrong bother me. Since the story was okay/likable, I'm rating it 2.5 stars.
Errant by Diana Peterfreund: I'm not sure how this qualifies as 'paranormal love.' It's a stretch at best. The story was interesting enough and the characters in this story were more well-developed than in the first one. The lore surrounding the unicorns in Errant was a little illogical, but at least the paranormal aspect (the unicorns) was original. This story is tough to rate since I don't feel like it fits in with theme well...probably 2.5 stars.
The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney: I liked this story, but it didn't knock my socks off, probably because it seemed a little long in parts. The heroine was the most interesting for me out of the stories thus far. 3.5 stars.
Note: So far, the tales really seem as though they are a part of previous/future novels. They don't entirely seem like stand-alone stories.
Lost by Justine Musk: This story was the most concise so far. The plot was fairly simple, but that certainly didn't make for a dull story. I liked the mythological twist to this one. 3.5 stars.
The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan: This was easily my least favorite story so far. It was meant to be humorous, and it was in parts, but overall it was boring and almost difficult to comprehend at times. 1 star.
"Dungeons of Langeais" by Becca Fitzpatrick: This was my favorite story so far! It pulled me right in and kept me entertained and guessing the whole time. I haven't read Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series yet, but this story sparked my curiosity enough to give it a try. 4.5 stars.
Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge: This story was okay, but I thought the writing was sloppy at times. For instance, in the beginning Deirdre isn't supposed to be smoking because it's so hot out, but then she's flicking ashes into the grass and stubbing out her clove moments later. Kittredge's writing just wasn't rich enough for me. The bones of the story were interesting, but the execution wasn't there. 2 stars.
Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan: There was more sloppy writing in this story. A large part of the plot was based off two contradictory statements. How difficult is it for an author/editor to edit a short story?! This was another story that was tied in with an author's previous work. I haven't read any of Ryan's [b:The Forest of Hands and Teeth|3432478|The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1)|Carrie Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320633297s/3432478.jpg|3473471] books and I don't plant to after reading this. The 'world' just wasn't compelling for me. 2 stars.
Familiar by Michelle Rowen: I liked this story overall. There was one dumb part, but other than that it was a solid, interesting story. I could see it making a good full-size YA novel. 3.5 stars.
Fearless by Rachel Vincent: This was a good story that kept my interest. I found Sabine's ability a little too...parasitic, which made it difficult for me to empathize with her. 3 stars.
Vermillion by Daniel Marks: I didn't like Marks' writing AT ALL. Velvet was just plain mean and way too concerned with appearances. What a crappy story for a YA audience. In addition to the ridiculous messages in the story, the 'world building' was sparse at best; I didn't get a clear idea of how everything/everyone worked. 1 star.
The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater: This story was the whole reason I picked up this book. I wasn't disappointed. This story is short but awesome, and I loved the twist at the end. My only complaint is that I could have read so much more of the story than the scant 20 pages there were. 4.5 stars.
Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters: DNF. I didn't make it past the first paragraph when it talks about people getting thrown out of a vehicle in a wreck. I can't handle reading about car crashes.
My average rating for each story is 2.79, so I'm rounding it up to 3 stars for the the collection as a whole. My favorites stories were the ones by Fitzpatrick and Stiefvater.
The Assassin's Apprentice by Michelle Zink: Although this story was fairly simple, I liked it. I could easily see it being part of a full-sized novel. However, I was confused about the time in which the story was set. Rose's use of the words 'valise,' 'firebox,' 'threshold,' etc. and the mention of coal mines and factories in the beginning suggest it being set maybe early in the 1900's. But, there are some inaccuracies (I looked them up because they struck me as odd): pallets (which were mentioned) weren't developed until at least 1927 and there was no coal mining in New York (where the story was supposed to take place). I'm being nitpicky, but easy to research facts that are wrong bother me. Since the story was okay/likable, I'm rating it 2.5 stars.
Errant by Diana Peterfreund: I'm not sure how this qualifies as 'paranormal love.' It's a stretch at best. The story was interesting enough and the characters in this story were more well-developed than in the first one. The lore surrounding the unicorns in Errant was a little illogical, but at least the paranormal aspect (the unicorns) was original. This story is tough to rate since I don't feel like it fits in with theme well...probably 2.5 stars.
The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney: I liked this story, but it didn't knock my socks off, probably because it seemed a little long in parts. The heroine was the most interesting for me out of the stories thus far. 3.5 stars.
Note: So far, the tales really seem as though they are a part of previous/future novels. They don't entirely seem like stand-alone stories.
Lost by Justine Musk: This story was the most concise so far. The plot was fairly simple, but that certainly didn't make for a dull story. I liked the mythological twist to this one. 3.5 stars.
The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan: This was easily my least favorite story so far. It was meant to be humorous, and it was in parts, but overall it was boring and almost difficult to comprehend at times. 1 star.
"Dungeons of Langeais" by Becca Fitzpatrick: This was my favorite story so far! It pulled me right in and kept me entertained and guessing the whole time. I haven't read Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series yet, but this story sparked my curiosity enough to give it a try. 4.5 stars.
Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge: This story was okay, but I thought the writing was sloppy at times. For instance, in the beginning Deirdre isn't supposed to be smoking because it's so hot out, but then she's flicking ashes into the grass and stubbing out her clove moments later. Kittredge's writing just wasn't rich enough for me. The bones of the story were interesting, but the execution wasn't there. 2 stars.
Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan: There was more sloppy writing in this story. A large part of the plot was based off two contradictory statements. How difficult is it for an author/editor to edit a short story?! This was another story that was tied in with an author's previous work. I haven't read any of Ryan's [b:The Forest of Hands and Teeth|3432478|The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1)|Carrie Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320633297s/3432478.jpg|3473471] books and I don't plant to after reading this. The 'world' just wasn't compelling for me. 2 stars.
Familiar by Michelle Rowen: I liked this story overall. There was one dumb part, but other than that it was a solid, interesting story. I could see it making a good full-size YA novel. 3.5 stars.
Fearless by Rachel Vincent: This was a good story that kept my interest. I found Sabine's ability a little too...parasitic, which made it difficult for me to empathize with her. 3 stars.
Vermillion by Daniel Marks: I didn't like Marks' writing AT ALL. Velvet was just plain mean and way too concerned with appearances. What a crappy story for a YA audience. In addition to the ridiculous messages in the story, the 'world building' was sparse at best; I didn't get a clear idea of how everything/everyone worked. 1 star.
The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater: This story was the whole reason I picked up this book. I wasn't disappointed. This story is short but awesome, and I loved the twist at the end. My only complaint is that I could have read so much more of the story than the scant 20 pages there were. 4.5 stars.
Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters: DNF. I didn't make it past the first paragraph when it talks about people getting thrown out of a vehicle in a wreck. I can't handle reading about car crashes.
My average rating for each story is 2.79, so I'm rounding it up to 3 stars for the the collection as a whole. My favorites stories were the ones by Fitzpatrick and Stiefvater.
bbckprpl's review
2.0
Anything I read between June and September of 2012 is not getting a fair shake, probably. So I'll just stick with "it was ok" and skip the review.
trysarahtop's review
4.0
I don't read very many anthologies because for some reason they take me longer to read than novels.
Anyways, here's what I thought:
"The Assassin's Apprentice" by Michelle Zink:
I have the first book for her Sisters of the Prophecy series but I have not read it yet. I have no idea if this short story has anything to do with the series but I enjoyed it! It makes me want to read her novel as soon as I can! There wasn't a lot of explanation on what Descendants are or Assassins except that they have something to do with Angels. Of course there are demons involved too! I enjoyed the way the protagonists met. I liked the way Asher wanted to help Rose. I would give it a 4/5.
"Errant" by Diana Peterfreund:
This short story has to do with her Unicorn Killers series, I don't know where it falls in the timeline of the series or if it is directly involved at all. All I know is, I really liked it! I haven't read anything that featured unicorn mythology (except for Harry Potter). I liked how strong the women were in the story and I appreciated that they didn't want to give up on something they believed in. I found the leading male to be a jerk, but I think that was intended. It definitely makes me want to pick up the first in her series Rampant. 4/5.
"The Spirit Jar" by Karen Mahoney:
The main character, Moth, is also featured in the "sister" anthology The Eternal Kiss in a story by Karen Mahoney. I wanted this story to be longer! A whole novel involving Moth would be great! I liked that it involved Djinn, and vampires. Although, I'm getting tired of vampires I really liked Moth. I wanted more details into her life. Karen Mahoney also wrote The Iron Witch (which I own but have not read). This story definitely has a lot of action, and some very hot kisses! 5/5.
"Lost" by Justine Musk:
I've never read anything by this author before and I don't know if she has any novels (I haven't looked her up yet). Basicly, her story revolves around Greek mythology. I really, really liked this short story. I want to know more about Sasha and Haiden. I think Sasha's abilities are unique, being able to find lost souls and leading them to the light, so-to-speak. 5/5
"The Spy Who Never Grew Up" by Sarah Rees Brennan:
Again, I've never read anything about this author but I enjoyed the story. I wouldn't say it's my favorite in the anthology, or that it makes me want to check out her other work, but I did find it cute and entertaining. Peter Pan as a spy for the Queen of England! I think that's all I need to say about this one! 3/5
"Dungeons of Langeais" by Becca Fitzpatrick:
This short is a prequel type story for her Hush series. It features Chauncey and we get an inside look into why he does what he does to Patch and Nora in Hush, Hush. You don't really have to read the series in order to understand the short story but it does offer some insight. I really enjoyed this short story, and it wasn't necessarily because it was tied into Hush, Hush. I just enjoyed Becca Fitzpatrick's writing and I would probably read it again. 5/5.
"Behind the Red Door" by Caitlin Kittredge:
Okay, this short story creeped me out!! If you enjoy scary stories this you would enjoy this one. I didn't really find Jo relateable, nor did I particularly enjoy her attitude but I did like the plot. It's twisted and eerie. 3/5.
"Hare Moon" by Carrie Ryan:
This short is a prequel to her Forest of Hands and Teeth series (which is about zombies). I loved, loved, loved the series so I did enjoy this short story. I didn't rate it very highly only because I felt like it was rushed and I wanted more character development (yes I know it's a short story and there isn't a lot of room for that but I felt like it could have been improved on that point). I wanted to know more about Patrick, I really wanted it to end happily ever after. Patrick and Tabitha are very sweet together and I enjoyed their romance. 3/5.
"Familiar" by Michelle Rowan:
Another author I've never read before but I highly enjoyed this short story. It has witches, werewolves, and shifters! What more could you ask for? I really, really liked Brenda. I also, really liked Owen and I think he's rather fetching. I wish this story was longer because I want to know more about them. I don't know if this short has anything to do with any of her works but I will definitely be looking into it. If not, I think she should make a series that surrounds Brenda and Owen. 5/5.
"Fearless" by Rachel Vincent:
Okay, I've read the first book to her Soul Screamers series so I know that Nash (who is featured in that series) makes an appearance in this short story. I don't think it directly relates to the series, but I don't know. The main female character is Sabine (I haven't heard her mentioned any where but again I've only read the first book). She is a mara - she is an empath that eats fear. I don't know where Rachel Vincent gets her ideas but I love them! I think it's awesome that she has a series about banshees and that her short features some other very unique creatures. 5/5.
"Vermillion" by Daniel Marks:
I've never read/heard of Daniel Marks so I don't know about his work. I had a lot of trouble getting into this short story so I ended up skipping it! Bad! Bad! I know but I couldn't read it! Maybe I'll go back and try again but as of right now it was a no go. So I'm not going to give a rating for this story.
"The Hounds of Ulster" by Maggie Stiefvater:
I've read her Wolves of Mercy Falls series (currently up to date, impatiently waiting for Forever!) and I know she has a Faerie series out that I have not read. I don't know why but I thought this story might have to do with WoMF but it doesn't. It is a stand alone short story, as far as I know. This story is unique and I was very confused by whether or not the narrator was a boy or a girl (it is a girl, just so you know). I don't know if the author did this on purpose or if it just happened to come out that way. I'm not going to tell you what mythological creature is featured because I think the whole point is to find out at the end! 4/5.
"Many Happy Returns" by Daniel Waters:
I've read two out of the three books in his Generation Dead trilogy, I know this short story is involved but I don't know where it falls in the chronology of the series. I did not read this short story because I couldn't get into. I don't know why I couldn't but I just couldn't. So I'm not rating this story either.
Overall, I'd say this is a great collection of stories and that anyone who reads any of these authors would enjoy reading more of their work! For the anthology as a whole I gave it 4/5 stars (which you can see above). The only thing I felt like was lacking was the overall romance. Some of the stories had romance as the shining feature and some where loosely including it. I think it needed more romance.
Anyways, here's what I thought:
"The Assassin's Apprentice" by Michelle Zink:
I have the first book for her Sisters of the Prophecy series but I have not read it yet. I have no idea if this short story has anything to do with the series but I enjoyed it! It makes me want to read her novel as soon as I can! There wasn't a lot of explanation on what Descendants are or Assassins except that they have something to do with Angels. Of course there are demons involved too! I enjoyed the way the protagonists met. I liked the way Asher wanted to help Rose. I would give it a 4/5.
"Errant" by Diana Peterfreund:
This short story has to do with her Unicorn Killers series, I don't know where it falls in the timeline of the series or if it is directly involved at all. All I know is, I really liked it! I haven't read anything that featured unicorn mythology (except for Harry Potter). I liked how strong the women were in the story and I appreciated that they didn't want to give up on something they believed in. I found the leading male to be a jerk, but I think that was intended. It definitely makes me want to pick up the first in her series Rampant. 4/5.
"The Spirit Jar" by Karen Mahoney:
The main character, Moth, is also featured in the "sister" anthology The Eternal Kiss in a story by Karen Mahoney. I wanted this story to be longer! A whole novel involving Moth would be great! I liked that it involved Djinn, and vampires. Although, I'm getting tired of vampires I really liked Moth. I wanted more details into her life. Karen Mahoney also wrote The Iron Witch (which I own but have not read). This story definitely has a lot of action, and some very hot kisses! 5/5.
"Lost" by Justine Musk:
I've never read anything by this author before and I don't know if she has any novels (I haven't looked her up yet). Basicly, her story revolves around Greek mythology. I really, really liked this short story. I want to know more about Sasha and Haiden. I think Sasha's abilities are unique, being able to find lost souls and leading them to the light, so-to-speak. 5/5
"The Spy Who Never Grew Up" by Sarah Rees Brennan:
Again, I've never read anything about this author but I enjoyed the story. I wouldn't say it's my favorite in the anthology, or that it makes me want to check out her other work, but I did find it cute and entertaining. Peter Pan as a spy for the Queen of England! I think that's all I need to say about this one! 3/5
"Dungeons of Langeais" by Becca Fitzpatrick:
This short is a prequel type story for her Hush series. It features Chauncey and we get an inside look into why he does what he does to Patch and Nora in Hush, Hush. You don't really have to read the series in order to understand the short story but it does offer some insight. I really enjoyed this short story, and it wasn't necessarily because it was tied into Hush, Hush. I just enjoyed Becca Fitzpatrick's writing and I would probably read it again. 5/5.
"Behind the Red Door" by Caitlin Kittredge:
Okay, this short story creeped me out!! If you enjoy scary stories this you would enjoy this one. I didn't really find Jo relateable, nor did I particularly enjoy her attitude but I did like the plot. It's twisted and eerie. 3/5.
"Hare Moon" by Carrie Ryan:
This short is a prequel to her Forest of Hands and Teeth series (which is about zombies). I loved, loved, loved the series so I did enjoy this short story. I didn't rate it very highly only because I felt like it was rushed and I wanted more character development (yes I know it's a short story and there isn't a lot of room for that but I felt like it could have been improved on that point). I wanted to know more about Patrick, I really wanted it to end happily ever after. Patrick and Tabitha are very sweet together and I enjoyed their romance. 3/5.
"Familiar" by Michelle Rowan:
Another author I've never read before but I highly enjoyed this short story. It has witches, werewolves, and shifters! What more could you ask for? I really, really liked Brenda. I also, really liked Owen and I think he's rather fetching. I wish this story was longer because I want to know more about them. I don't know if this short has anything to do with any of her works but I will definitely be looking into it. If not, I think she should make a series that surrounds Brenda and Owen. 5/5.
"Fearless" by Rachel Vincent:
Okay, I've read the first book to her Soul Screamers series so I know that Nash (who is featured in that series) makes an appearance in this short story. I don't think it directly relates to the series, but I don't know. The main female character is Sabine (I haven't heard her mentioned any where but again I've only read the first book). She is a mara - she is an empath that eats fear. I don't know where Rachel Vincent gets her ideas but I love them! I think it's awesome that she has a series about banshees and that her short features some other very unique creatures. 5/5.
"Vermillion" by Daniel Marks:
I've never read/heard of Daniel Marks so I don't know about his work. I had a lot of trouble getting into this short story so I ended up skipping it! Bad! Bad! I know but I couldn't read it! Maybe I'll go back and try again but as of right now it was a no go. So I'm not going to give a rating for this story.
"The Hounds of Ulster" by Maggie Stiefvater:
I've read her Wolves of Mercy Falls series (currently up to date, impatiently waiting for Forever!) and I know she has a Faerie series out that I have not read. I don't know why but I thought this story might have to do with WoMF but it doesn't. It is a stand alone short story, as far as I know. This story is unique and I was very confused by whether or not the narrator was a boy or a girl (it is a girl, just so you know). I don't know if the author did this on purpose or if it just happened to come out that way. I'm not going to tell you what mythological creature is featured because I think the whole point is to find out at the end! 4/5.
"Many Happy Returns" by Daniel Waters:
I've read two out of the three books in his Generation Dead trilogy, I know this short story is involved but I don't know where it falls in the chronology of the series. I did not read this short story because I couldn't get into. I don't know why I couldn't but I just couldn't. So I'm not rating this story either.
Overall, I'd say this is a great collection of stories and that anyone who reads any of these authors would enjoy reading more of their work! For the anthology as a whole I gave it 4/5 stars (which you can see above). The only thing I felt like was lacking was the overall romance. Some of the stories had romance as the shining feature and some where loosely including it. I think it needed more romance.
noregrets4life33's review
3.0
This was an interesting and highly varied mythology. It wasn't all about love/kisses. There were also many ups and downs, but ultimately it was a fun read. Anthologies have a way of being fun and fresh because you are getting so many snippets. Although some people shouldn't write short stories unless they can A) Make them coherent and non-confusing and B) Make a fully formed idea/small plot in a small allotted space.
Here's a review of the 13 stories:
The Assassin's Apprentice - *2 stars* Not a good start, not enough development and not enough explanation of the mythology
Errant by Diana Peterfreund *5 stars* will definitely be looking into her series about killer unicorns and the virgins that protect them!
The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney *5 stars* a djinn! AND MOTH AGAIN <33 I want Moth to have her own series.
Lost by Justine Must *5 stars* a really cool take on a greek myth, needs to be a novel
The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan *1 star hated this.... a weird take on Peter Pan
Dungeons of Langeais by Becca Fitzpatrick *1 star here too.. I hope Hush Hush is nothing like this!
Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge *5 stars.. such a well written short story, the best written of the bunch
Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan *2 stars so weird and 1 star was just for the nice writing
Familiar by Michelle Rowen* 4 stars really cute but too insta love for me
Fearless by Rachel Vincent *5 stars WOW this needs to be a series.. O it is!!!! *buys Soul Screamers*
Vermillion by Daniel Marks *3 stars.. so confusing but a neat take on Purgatory
The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater *2 stars, boring and went no where
Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters *3 stars, this kids returning from dead this in this world holds promise.
There you have it! Just my thoughts on the stories..I averaged my ratings to get my overall rating :) 3.30 if you don't feel like doing the math. I Still really enjoyed a handful of the stories though so I originally would have guessed 4. O well. Definitely not a bad read though!
Here's a review of the 13 stories:
The Assassin's Apprentice - *2 stars* Not a good start, not enough development and not enough explanation of the mythology
Errant by Diana Peterfreund *5 stars* will definitely be looking into her series about killer unicorns and the virgins that protect them!
The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney *5 stars* a djinn! AND MOTH AGAIN <33 I want Moth to have her own series.
Lost by Justine Must *5 stars* a really cool take on a greek myth, needs to be a novel
The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan *1 star hated this.... a weird take on Peter Pan
Dungeons of Langeais by Becca Fitzpatrick *1 star here too.. I hope Hush Hush is nothing like this!
Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge *5 stars.. such a well written short story, the best written of the bunch
Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan *2 stars so weird and 1 star was just for the nice writing
Familiar by Michelle Rowen* 4 stars really cute but too insta love for me
Fearless by Rachel Vincent *5 stars WOW this needs to be a series.. O it is!!!! *buys Soul Screamers*
Vermillion by Daniel Marks *3 stars.. so confusing but a neat take on Purgatory
The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater *2 stars, boring and went no where
Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters *3 stars, this kids returning from dead this in this world holds promise.
There you have it! Just my thoughts on the stories..I averaged my ratings to get my overall rating :) 3.30 if you don't feel like doing the math. I Still really enjoyed a handful of the stories though so I originally would have guessed 4. O well. Definitely not a bad read though!
silviamuelah's review
4.0
Todo esto pasa 300 años antes de que Patch conozca a Nora y ocurra toda esta historia de amor.
Este pequeño libro nos ayuda a comprender mas el primero libro (Hush Hush) y por que la venganza de Lengais hacia Patch
Este pequeño libro nos ayuda a comprender mas el primero libro (Hush Hush) y por que la venganza de Lengais hacia Patch