readtheroomjess's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
__apf__'s review
3.0
Saints and Curses is a collection of fun fantasy stories. The stories are entertaining and easy to read. A good book to read if you’re in the mood for something light and magical.
Although the stories are fun, the book isn’t notable for the genre. The characters are shallow, the prose is loose, the plots are simple, and there isn’t really a deeper meaning or theme. Within the genre of fantastical short stories, I’d point the reader elsewhere: Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties is haunting and deep, with a clear message; The Dark Dark is moody and memorable. I read this book because Sapience introduced me to the author. Sapience is a much stronger collection of stories, from all angles (writing, character development, world building, plot complexity).
Although the stories are fun, the book isn’t notable for the genre. The characters are shallow, the prose is loose, the plots are simple, and there isn’t really a deeper meaning or theme. Within the genre of fantastical short stories, I’d point the reader elsewhere: Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties is haunting and deep, with a clear message; The Dark Dark is moody and memorable. I read this book because Sapience introduced me to the author. Sapience is a much stronger collection of stories, from all angles (writing, character development, world building, plot complexity).
sarahlillianbooks's review
4.0
Overall, the collection of short stories were really well done. I don't think I have ever rated short stories higher than 3 stars before. My favourites include Cinnamon Ultra Pumpkinator and Erlkong. I definitely saw the stories get stronger as the book progressed and rated many 4 stars. Alexis has very strong writing skills and may even consider picking up her other work.
I hope Alexis considers making a few of these stories into full novels or at least novellas so I get to read more of the stories I loved and see more character growth. For example, Cinnamon Ultra Pumpkinator could 100% be worked into something longer. Although Erlkong was short, of course as it is part of a short story collection, it still made me cry. In a few pages Alexis hit me hard in the feels (in the best way).
Thank you Alexis for sending me Saints & Curses for review!
I hope Alexis considers making a few of these stories into full novels or at least novellas so I get to read more of the stories I loved and see more character growth. For example, Cinnamon Ultra Pumpkinator could 100% be worked into something longer. Although Erlkong was short, of course as it is part of a short story collection, it still made me cry. In a few pages Alexis hit me hard in the feels (in the best way).
Thank you Alexis for sending me Saints & Curses for review!
jerowney's review
4.0
I love short stories of all kinds and I really enjoyed this collection. There are a great mix of dark and light fantasy stories and they worked together well. Would recommend!
amia's review
4.0
This collection of short stories range from historical fiction to a retelling of a fairy tale though all have a bit of magic thrown into the tales. Most are very well-developed and I enjoyed very much. I look forward to reading more from Alexis Lantgen I hope you will find these as entertaining as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this ebook, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Saints and Curses is a collection of short stories that mix fantasy and horror – all with some form of magical element. Eleven ‘normal-length’ short stories are featured, plus one final collection-within-a-collection of very short tweet-length stories.
Every story is different, with no overarching theme, but they are all entertaining for fans of the fantastical. My own personal favourite is ‘Braids’, which tells of the Haar-witch (or hair-witch) of Mont Noire – in classic folklore style. Think Esmerelda and Frollo; Isabella and Angelo; Vianne and Reynaud in terms of plot; as an innocent woman, working to make life better for others is brought down by a priestly sinner.
The other story span a range from violent oppression and natural violence in old-Russia and demon changelings, to a Christmas violinist at an elven ball or a pumpkin-spice latte addict with their own crazy twist.
There is a mixture of light and dark fantasy here, which means a little something for every taste, and I would definitely suggest these stories if you are looking for a quick, entertaining fantasy selection.
A braided crown for boldness and luck. A cascade of hair scented with spring flowers to evoke desire and ample curls to hold it fast.
“Go now,” she said when she’d finished, “and find your man.” When questioned later, Cresputina insisted she meant the girl’s husband, and that she only intended to make Leda beautiful enough to raise the elderly butcher’s flagging desire.
Bu that is not how spells work. Magic loves a shortcut.
– Alexis Lantgen, Saints and Curses
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/saints-and-curses-alexis-lantgen/
Saints and Curses is a collection of short stories that mix fantasy and horror – all with some form of magical element. Eleven ‘normal-length’ short stories are featured, plus one final collection-within-a-collection of very short tweet-length stories.
Every story is different, with no overarching theme, but they are all entertaining for fans of the fantastical. My own personal favourite is ‘Braids’, which tells of the Haar-witch (or hair-witch) of Mont Noire – in classic folklore style. Think Esmerelda and Frollo; Isabella and Angelo; Vianne and Reynaud in terms of plot; as an innocent woman, working to make life better for others is brought down by a priestly sinner.
The other story span a range from violent oppression and natural violence in old-Russia and demon changelings, to a Christmas violinist at an elven ball or a pumpkin-spice latte addict with their own crazy twist.
There is a mixture of light and dark fantasy here, which means a little something for every taste, and I would definitely suggest these stories if you are looking for a quick, entertaining fantasy selection.
A braided crown for boldness and luck. A cascade of hair scented with spring flowers to evoke desire and ample curls to hold it fast.
“Go now,” she said when she’d finished, “and find your man.” When questioned later, Cresputina insisted she meant the girl’s husband, and that she only intended to make Leda beautiful enough to raise the elderly butcher’s flagging desire.
Bu that is not how spells work. Magic loves a shortcut.
– Alexis Lantgen, Saints and Curses
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/saints-and-curses-alexis-lantgen/
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