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smiles11's review against another edition
5.0
I loved getting the history of these characters. In the main novels you get glimpses of what they are like, but to get the background as to how they came to be the people they are is really interesting. I really enjoyed finding out about Jeremy's history, and I love his character so much.
maferg01's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. My favorite is Jeremy's story. In the main series he is so infallible and it was wonderful to see a younger version of him. I would recommend this to anyone reading Kelley Armstrong's series, it is a must read.
sarahrosebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I have read most of this book before, when the author first posted Clay and Jeremy's backstory on her website a few years back. But it was a pleasure to read it again. Jeremy is one of my favourite characters in this series, and while Clay is the narrator of much of this backstory, it is just as much Jeremy's story as it is Clayton's. Here we get to read the story of Jeremy's birth, how Clay was changed and how Jeremy found him, and then Clay's upbringing in Stonehaven, right up to when Jeremy becomes Alpha. Finally, there is a little bit more explanation of Jeremy's heritage in a short story at the end.
The only downside to this is that I still feel a teensy bit uncomfortable reading about Jeremy's relationship with Jaime. It's like walking in on your parents in a compromising situation! Jeremy is very much the father-figure in the series, so I guess that explains it. It's nice to see him settled with Jaime, though.
All in all, this makes a nice addition to the series, but really it's one for those who've read the rest of the books, and not something to pick up without reading those first. I'd particularly recommend reading at least Bitten and Stolen before reading this one, and preferably Broken and No Humans Involved as well.
The only downside to this is that I still feel a teensy bit uncomfortable reading about Jeremy's relationship with Jaime. It's like walking in on your parents in a compromising situation! Jeremy is very much the father-figure in the series, so I guess that explains it. It's nice to see him settled with Jaime, though.
All in all, this makes a nice addition to the series, but really it's one for those who've read the rest of the books, and not something to pick up without reading those first. I'd particularly recommend reading at least Bitten and Stolen before reading this one, and preferably Broken and No Humans Involved as well.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. Now I have more to love since I have the backstory on Jeremy and Clayton, the two main werewolves and two of the main men of the series. Hearts to Jeremy for putting up with his father Malcolm. I liked learning about Jeremy's mother too. Clayton's upbringing and his huge part in the pack is explained too. He made me grin as much as anything. His outlook is fairly pure in how life should be, much as it runs against 'normal'.
This is a fab addition to the series.
I can heartily recommend this book, series and author.
This is a fab addition to the series.
I can heartily recommend this book, series and author.
beetree's review against another edition
4.0
Catherine, one of the librarians at my branch, told me about this book when I went to return "No Humans Allowed". What can I say - I'm a sucker for werewolves and also for prequels in general, so I quite loved reading this backstory.
alisonb's review against another edition
3.0
I believe this covers characters of whom I have never read about. I know the puzzle pieces will sink into place once I read the series. This was a nice overview that will fill those gaps once I read more of Armstrong.
thero159's review
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sweetdreams_sunshine's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Mostly because I did not really enjoy "Infusion" although it was nice getting a little background on Jeremy. I really enjoyed the rest of the short stories though.
Mostly because I did not really enjoy "Infusion" although it was nice getting a little background on Jeremy. I really enjoyed the rest of the short stories though.
peachi23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
hemloc's review against another edition
5.0
Five reasons to read Men of the Otherworld:
1) Of the fours stories in this book (Infusion, Savage, Ascension, and Kitsunegari), Savage is my favourite, but it's a very close race. Getting to see Clay as a kid is fascinating and entertaining and has me developing a whole new level of respect for Jeremy's patience. I don't often like children's POV in adult stories because it's rarely done well, but kid Clay feels like a proper, unusual kid. He's funny because he's ridiculous but takes himself so seriously; he's loyal and vicious and stubborn, and it's a really fun read.
2) These stories focus on the Pack, so of course they're among my favourites. I loved getting new insights into the institution, its past, its members, and its infrastructure.
3) The Pack element takes a back seat in the final story, but Jeremy's POV makes up for it. His subtle self-deprecating humour is endearing. I love his relationship with Jaime. And he finally gets to learn more about his heritage.
4) The first story is Malcolm's, and his POV is dark and cruel, which makes for a great opening for this book. Getting to know him better in Clay's two stories was enjoyable because he's awful and interesting.
5) The three POVs are very, very different, which takes a fair deal of writing talent and makes for an amazing read.
One drawback to Men of the Otherworld:
1) My only complaint – which I'm not even sure I can count as a complaint – is that I wanted more. There's a fifteen year gap between Ascension and the next werewolf book in the series (not counting Beginnings and Becoming because they don't focus on the Pack). That's a lot of empty space, and I'm too curious about Jeremy's first few years as Alpha to be content with what I've got.
1) Of the fours stories in this book (Infusion, Savage, Ascension, and Kitsunegari), Savage is my favourite, but it's a very close race. Getting to see Clay as a kid is fascinating and entertaining and has me developing a whole new level of respect for Jeremy's patience. I don't often like children's POV in adult stories because it's rarely done well, but kid Clay feels like a proper, unusual kid. He's funny because he's ridiculous but takes himself so seriously; he's loyal and vicious and stubborn, and it's a really fun read.
2) These stories focus on the Pack, so of course they're among my favourites. I loved getting new insights into the institution, its past, its members, and its infrastructure.
3) The Pack element takes a back seat in the final story, but Jeremy's POV makes up for it. His subtle self-deprecating humour is endearing. I love his relationship with Jaime. And he finally gets to learn more about his heritage.
4) The first story is Malcolm's, and his POV is dark and cruel, which makes for a great opening for this book. Getting to know him better in Clay's two stories was enjoyable because he's awful and interesting.
5) The three POVs are very, very different, which takes a fair deal of writing talent and makes for an amazing read.
One drawback to Men of the Otherworld:
1) My only complaint – which I'm not even sure I can count as a complaint – is that I wanted more. There's a fifteen year gap between Ascension and the next werewolf book in the series (not counting Beginnings and Becoming because they don't focus on the Pack). That's a lot of empty space, and I'm too curious about Jeremy's first few years as Alpha to be content with what I've got.