A review by felinity
Chicks Kick Butt by Rachel Caine, Kerrie L. Hughes
4.0
I used to avoid mixed anthologies and short stories because I prefer plots with more depth, but I've recently rediscovered the magic and reminded myself that this is an excellent way to discover new authors I might like. I only recognized 5 names in this book, and have only read the works of 4, but was nevertheless looking forward to the whole set.
Shiny by Rachel Caine - a nice addition to the Weather Warden series, featuring David and Joanne on a theoretical day off. As you'd expect, things don't go as planned. I was already a fan of the WW series, so I knew I'd like this one.
In Vino Veritas by Karen Chance - urban vampire. I'm not familiar with this universe, which no doubt would have made it better, but the story stands decently on its own. It might be interesting to read more, but I won't go out of my way for it.
Hunt by Rachel Vincent - a shapeshifter is camping in the woods with friends when something goes horribly wrong. I'll definitely be looking out for more by Rachel Vincent.
Monsters by Lilith Saintcrow - this was the one I found hardest to get into. I'm not sure if this were an existing universe, but I didn't get any connection at all. The writing was good, and I could see myself enjoying more of her writing, just not this story.
Vampires Prefer Blondes by P.N. Elrod - an unusual look at vampires and theater dancers from a less serious point of view. Don't expect humor, but this was more of a fun read.
Nine-Tenths of the Law by Jenna Black - an exorcist possessed by a demon who tries to save another potentially possessed person. The story works well and somehow everything works.
Double Dead by Cheyenne McCray - demons, shapeshifters, dark elves and a conspiracy... incredibly, although the first couple of pages were a little uphill, it kept me hooked.
A Rose by Any Other Name Would Still Be Red by Elizabeth A Vaughn - a messenger from the High Baron brings decrees for enforcement in an unusual place. It involves werewolves. This was the only story that seemed slightly out of place, in a good way, but I still enjoyed it.
Superman by Jeanne C Stein - a vampire detective. If you like detectives like V.I. Warshawski, this will have a good feel for you. I hope to read more of her stories soon.
Monster Mash by Carol Nelson Douglas - an alternate Las Vegas ruled by werewolves and vampires instead of the Mob, strange magic and a touch of cinematic history make this an unusual story.
Wanted: Dead or Alive by L.A. Banks - Russian vampires who see the world differently. I wasn't as sure about this one, though I enjoyed it.
Mist by Susan Krinard - modern day valkyries battle other Norse mystical beings to protect certain weapons, but first they have to recognize them. Despite having only a passing familiarity with Norse mythology, this story drew me in easily.
Beyond the Pale by Nancy Holder - elves, knights and the Wild Hunt, but set in Germany. What could it really be like?
Shiny by Rachel Caine - a nice addition to the Weather Warden series, featuring David and Joanne on a theoretical day off. As you'd expect, things don't go as planned. I was already a fan of the WW series, so I knew I'd like this one.
In Vino Veritas by Karen Chance - urban vampire. I'm not familiar with this universe, which no doubt would have made it better, but the story stands decently on its own. It might be interesting to read more, but I won't go out of my way for it.
Hunt by Rachel Vincent - a shapeshifter is camping in the woods with friends when something goes horribly wrong. I'll definitely be looking out for more by Rachel Vincent.
Monsters by Lilith Saintcrow - this was the one I found hardest to get into. I'm not sure if this were an existing universe, but I didn't get any connection at all. The writing was good, and I could see myself enjoying more of her writing, just not this story.
Vampires Prefer Blondes by P.N. Elrod - an unusual look at vampires and theater dancers from a less serious point of view. Don't expect humor, but this was more of a fun read.
Nine-Tenths of the Law by Jenna Black - an exorcist possessed by a demon who tries to save another potentially possessed person. The story works well and somehow everything works.
Double Dead by Cheyenne McCray - demons, shapeshifters, dark elves and a conspiracy... incredibly, although the first couple of pages were a little uphill, it kept me hooked.
A Rose by Any Other Name Would Still Be Red by Elizabeth A Vaughn - a messenger from the High Baron brings decrees for enforcement in an unusual place. It involves werewolves. This was the only story that seemed slightly out of place, in a good way, but I still enjoyed it.
Superman by Jeanne C Stein - a vampire detective. If you like detectives like V.I. Warshawski, this will have a good feel for you. I hope to read more of her stories soon.
Monster Mash by Carol Nelson Douglas - an alternate Las Vegas ruled by werewolves and vampires instead of the Mob, strange magic and a touch of cinematic history make this an unusual story.
Wanted: Dead or Alive by L.A. Banks - Russian vampires who see the world differently. I wasn't as sure about this one, though I enjoyed it.
Mist by Susan Krinard - modern day valkyries battle other Norse mystical beings to protect certain weapons, but first they have to recognize them. Despite having only a passing familiarity with Norse mythology, this story drew me in easily.
Beyond the Pale by Nancy Holder - elves, knights and the Wild Hunt, but set in Germany. What could it really be like?