Book Review: Faery Tales and Nightmares

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

I am a huge fan of everything Melissa Marr has done. I think, regardless of premise, I will read it and love it. She is a fantastic story-teller, and her use of folklore is amazing. Faery Tales & Nightmaresis an anthology, so for this review, I will spend a bit of time on each story. I won't say much about each story, especially the Wicked Lovely world shorts, so as to avoid spoilers.

"Where Nightmares Walk" is an interesting opening. It's very short, but the visuals are amazing. It is followed by "Winter's Kiss" a tale of a girl and a polar bear. Nesha was a princess who's breath was like winter. She could create snow on a hot summer day. Until she journeyed with a polar bear. "Winter's Kiss" was my favorite in this anthology. Next came "Transition" which was previously published in Teeth, a vampire anthology, and "Love Struck" a selchie story from Love is Hell. These four stories show just how amazing Melissa's use of folklore is in that they are so diverse.

"Stopping Time" and "Old Habits" are two Wicked Lovely world shorts, both of which has been previously available as ebook only. Definitely don't read these until after Ink Exchange. They wouldn't be quite as amazing without knowledge from the series. "Stopping Time" is a fun, sexy short following up on Leslie and Niall. "Old Habits" tells the story of Irial... and his inability to break some of his old habits. The thing I loved about this one was Irial's interaction with High Queen, Sorcha.

"The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King" was an amazing addition to this collection. Melissa wrote this years ago, and it eventually evolved into Wicked Lovely. I knew it had been a short story first, so I've been wanting to read this for years. I was surprised and excited to find out it'd be here. This short was my second favorite of the anthology. It's so unlike Wicked Lovely, yet if you've read the novel, you can pick out which pieces trickled over.

"The Art of Waiting" was creepy, but "Flesh for Comfort" surpassed the creep factor. Both were interesting shorts, not set in a world Melissa has written before. These are two of the shortest works in this anthology, but also two of the most interesting.

The last three stories are also Wicked Lovely world. "Cotton Candy Skies" is a post Radiant Shadows story, revolving around Rabbit and his life in Faerie. "Unexpected Family" is a post Darkest Mercy story, starring Seth. For the first time in the series, we get to meet his parents. "Merely Mortal" is another post Darkest Mercy story. It was previously published in Enthralled, an anthology Melissa co-edited with Kelley Armstrong. And it tells the story of where Keenan and Donia are after the series end. These last three stories were my least favorite in this collection, but still amazing. Don't forget to read the Wicked Lovely series before these, or you'll be spoiled big time.

I highly recommend the Wicked Lovely series and Graveminder, as they are both amazing. And, of course, pick this one up once you finish Darkest Mercy. Melissa Marr has a new novel called Carnival of Souls coming this fall from Little, Brown. And if you're a fan of her works, be sure to check out the Wicked Lovely fansite and Rath and Ruins.

Short Story Review: Forever Summer (and giveaway)

“Relax. I don‟t bite...at least not in public.”

With her dreams of a career by the sea shattered, Katya's trying to be happy with two weeks in the Florida Keys. But when her rental ends up infested, she's ready to go home. At least until Jay, the handyman next door, comes to her rescue.

Sweet, talented & sexy, he's all she ever wanted in a man. Too bad he's only hanging out with her because he's such a nice guy.

Or is he?

"Forever Summer" is the fourth story I've read by Seleste deLaney. The first two were paranormal short stories, and then a steampunk novella. "Forever Summer" was the first contemporary story she has published. It is currently available at only one place: 1 Place for Romance.

I really enjoyed this short story. It went back and forth between two points of view: Katya and Jay. Katya is horrified to find the rental house to be infested with bugs and the porch falling in as you walk on it. So she ends up sleeping in her neighbor's hammock. Enter super smexy Jay, who doesn't seem to bothered to find the lovely Katya using his hammock. Jay is the handyman, and while he fixes up Katya's rental, is nice enough to let her bunk with him.

This was a cute, sweet romance set in the lovely Florida Keys. It's fun, but far too short. And definitely not to be missed if you're a fan of romance. By the way, did you know it won the published author short story contest over at 1 Place for Romance?

Want to win an e-copy from me? Leave a comment on this review (must be a follower) and follow Seleste deLaney's blog. Must be 18 or older to enter. Please include your email address in the comments section. Winner drawn Nov 1.

Short Story Review: Love Struck

Sure, love is hell. But it’s totally worth it.

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers—Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely), Scott Westerfeld (Specials), Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere), and Laurie Faria Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares)—love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

"Love Struck" is Melissa Marr's contribution to the anthology Love is Hell. Alana leaves a party on the beach and meets Vic, a hot guy with dreadlocks. He scares her. And the moment she gets away from him, she meets Murrin, another hottie. Both offer her their pelts, and it's then that she realizes that she met two selchies. Both of whom try to trap her. Selchies (or selkies) are seal people from folklore.

In all of the stories she's heard, it's the selchies who are trapped. But she realizes that it's the other way around. It's the selchies, the fey, who trap humans. Can either of them be trusted? She's going to have to figure out which one is more trustworthy and hope she picks the right one.

I love this story. And one of the selchies in this story is my favorite male character that Melissa Marr has written. While it's not set within the Wicked Lovely series, it is faery, so it very well could be set in that world. One of the things I find most interesting about this story is the flip from what I usually hear. A selchie woman's pelt is stolen, and she is stuck with the person who stole her pelt, until she can find it and escape. Not only is it the men in this story that are selchies, but they're the ones doing the trapping. Which makes complete sense to me. They fey are magical and cunning, and it seems more likely that they would do the trapping instead of being trapped.

Be sure to check this story out. Don't want the anthology? You can find "Love Struck" by itself in ebook form.

Short Story Review: Kat and Hunting Kat

"Kat" in THE ETERNAL KISS introduces us to Katiana. She is from the same world as The Darkest Powers series, and, you guessed it, a girl who was experimented on by The Edison Group. As with many of Kelley Armstrong's stories, you find out things that the characters in The Darkest Powers didn't know. Such as, vampires were experimented on. That's not really a spoiler, as it's set in a vampire anthology.

Other authors in this anthology are:Holly Black, Libba Bray, Melissa De La Cruz, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié, Cecil Castellucci, Maria V. Snyder, Sarah Rees Brennan, Lili St. Crow, Karen Mahoney, and Dina James

Katiana is back in an all-new story by Kelley Armstrong. It's called "Hunting Kat" and can be found in KISSES FROM HELL. It picks up more-or-less where Kat left off. The Edison Group is still after her. And other teens who've escaped. But everyone is not who they seem.

Other authors in this anthology are: Kristin Case, Alyson Noël, Richelle Mead, and Francesca Lia Block

Definitely pick up both of these anthologies. They are worth the price for Kelley's writing alone. Not to mention the other fabulous authors involved.

Short Story Review: Of Course I Try (and giveaway)

Contest Closed! The winner is... Sandy!

I was recently asked by a friend to review her first published work. It is epublished by Decadent Publishing, a company that publishes erotica (which is what this is) as well as various sub-genres of romance and even some YA. Seleste deLaney is a penname for... actually, I can't tell you that. =P But you can read an excerpt here.

She pitched it to me as an adult story with some paranormal thrown in. The paranormal is the part that attracts me to a lot of stories. Jocelyn is our MC, and she is in love with Max. Or perhaps it's just "in lust with". And I can see why. Unfortunately, I can't say too much about the story, or you'll know the big secret that's revealed at the end.

The only complaint I have is that it's just too short. I wanted more. The writing is superb, and I am looking forward to more from her. Hopefully, longer pieces, and, of course, I'd read more short stories as well.

This type of story isn't for everyone, but if you're an adult and enjoy erotica, you'll definitely enjoy this tale.

Synopsis:

Love is a wonderful thing. Unless you don't get a choice in the matters of your own heart.

Jocelyn has loved Max since the day she met him. Even when he scares her enough to leave, she can't resist going back. No matter how many times she tries to break free from him, she ends up in his arms and bed again. Not this time. Jocelyn needs to be free and Max isn't going to stop her from walking away -- no matter how hard he tries.

And I liked it so much, that I'm giving away a copy. This is only published in eformat, so this contest will be a bit different. I will send you a gift certificate for the exact amount on Amazon, and by entering, it means you will use it for that. Honor system. Contest runs through 9/10. You have until 9:00 PM EST.

1. Leave me a comment to be entered.

2. You must be 17 years of age and a follower of Aine's Realm.

3. You do NOT need a kindle, as you can download kindle for PC or Mac.

4. This is open to US, Canada, and UK. Let me know which country so I can order from the right amazon, though I'm not sure it actually matters. =P

5. Extra point for following @SelestedeLaney on Twitter (leave name).

6. Extra point if you promise to review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Short Story Review: Necromancer and Greydeere

I have this condition. I wish I knew the name of it. Diagnoses are important. But I know many other bookaholics have it, so at least I’m normal. Right? What happens is... I read a book that I love, so then I go find everything else that author has written. This has happened many times with authors such as Sarah Dessen, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Charles de Lint.

As you all know, I recently read WE HEAR THE DEAD by Dianne K Salerni. And I loved it so much that I’m giving a copy away here. Check back on Sunday for the winner announcement and an interview with the fantastic author. And while I'm plugging cool stuff, you have until tomorrow to enter Dianne's contest on her blog.

While playing around on Dianne K Salerni’s website I found out that she had written two short stories. “Necromancer” in VISIONS Volume 1 and “Greydeere” in VISIONS, Volume 2. Both are published by Strider Nolan. If you click on the titles you can read excerpts in pdf format.

I received VISIONS Volume 1 on Monday. Why does Amazon ship books separately even when you click on “group items together”? Anyway, I cracked it open that night to read “Necromancer”. And I feel the need to point out that this is one of the greatest covers ever.

VISIONS was referred to as “a modern pulp magazine”. I have to admit that I had no idea what that meant. So I turned to the ever faithful Wikipedia and read up on the history.

“Necromancer” fits in the horror/occult genre, as you could probably guess from the title. It was fantastic, very creepy. And what I loved most about it was that I thought I knew what was going to happen, but… I was wrong. I love being wrong when it comes to this. Figuring out the ending in the beginning is never any fun. I’m not crazy about Miranda, the main character. She made some decisions that I consider unethical. Rakhoum was a creepy old man, but I enjoyed his scenes. He came to the library Miranda worked at in search of ancient Persian texts on sorcery and necromancy, but remember “raising the dead is impossible.”

Based on the synopses of both stories, I was sure I’d like “Necromancer” better. Again… wrong… “Greydeere” was even more amazing! It fits into the fantasy/sword and sorcery genre, however, there was little of that in there. The ninth Marquis was mysterious and tricky… or so he thought. And Evan was so sweet. *little crush* But the character that fascinated me most was Greydeere. The little surprise Dianne included early on made this character that much more interesting. Can’t say more or it would give it away. There was some major sexual tension I this story, and I was never sure who I could trust or not trust. But the “legend of Greydeere reached new heights”, and I hope we see more of this thief.

I can only say how much I loved Dianne's selections, as I haven't gotten to the others, but I can say that between what I've read, and what I've heard, these books are must-haves.

Short Story Review: Winter's Passage

This short story is set in The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I read THE IRON KING a bit ago, and I really enjoyed it. I downloaded this as soon as it was available. I read it today during my three-hour-long staff meeting. I figured it would be a good idea to do something productive during that time. It's set between THE IRON KING and THE IRON DAUGHTER.

As with the first novel in the series, it was a bit rushed. Danger comes and is defeated in just two pages. But it was enjoyable nonetheless. So if you're waiting for book two, this is a good appetizer.

It is available for download on Amazon Kindle for free. Kindle works on more than just the kindle device. Kindle for PC, Android, iPhone, and more... Get it while it's free!

Synopsis:

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

Short Story Review: My Soul to Lose

My second short story review is "My Soul to Lose" by Rachel Vincent. This story is a prequel to her Soul Screamers story, and well worth reading. It basically covers events that are mentioned in the beginning of MY SOUL TO TAKE... the first time she screamed her bean sidhe scream.

You can find this one free on Amazon to download for Kindle or PC Kindle. It's also available in .pdf on Rachel Vincent's site. And... you can download the audio for it at Audible for free, read by the same girl who reads the other Kaylee books.

For a freebie, it's amazing. I'd have paid to read this and not have been disappointed I spent the money, but this is a great thanks from Rachel Vincent for her readers. This is definitely one of the best series in YA fiction I've read lately. You don't need to start here, but if you haven't read the others and need an incentive... this would do it.

Synopsis:

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine - despire the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities...