A review by stephbookshine
Saints and Curses by Alexis Lantgen
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/