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cathepsut's review against another edition
It has been years since I really, deeply enjoyed reading Urban Fantasy, with some exceptions. So take this review with a grain of salt. I am basically working through my TBR pile.
Based on the quarter of this book that I did read these are short stories set in between full-length novels of longer UF series. This book will be better for fans of these series. I think everybody else will miss context.
Shiny, A Weather Warden Story / by Rachel Caine ✅
Read Ill Wind in 2015, ⭐️⭐️⭐️, never continued the series and do not plan to.
The short story was entertaining.
In vino veritas / by Karen Chance ✅
Dorina Basarab #2.1, Cassandra Palmer #6.5. I read 16 of the books and stories. There is plenty more, but eventually they did not grab me anymore.
Can be read for free here: https://www.karenchance.com/extras/vi...
Or get a free copy on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
The story has lots of vampires. The usual high octane craziness. Probably better for people that know this world.
On my TBR pile and seriously considering to delete them:
Masks & Ride the Storm
Hunt / by Rachel Vincent, see Hunt. ❌
Apparently a spin off from Rachel's Shifters Series. I read the first book, Stray, in 2011. and gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Never continued the series or read anything else by the author.
Attempted rape and murder. Why do so many UF stories have rape in them? Not interested, skimmed.
Monsters / by Lilith Saintcrow ❌
I have not read anything by this author. The first two pages of this story made not much sense, you probably really need to know her books for this to work. Nope.
This point in the anthology brought me to page 86 of 366 and made me realize one more time that I do not enjoy this type of UF anymore. DNF at 23%.
Based on the quarter of this book that I did read these are short stories set in between full-length novels of longer UF series. This book will be better for fans of these series. I think everybody else will miss context.
Shiny, A Weather Warden Story / by Rachel Caine ✅
Read Ill Wind in 2015, ⭐️⭐️⭐️, never continued the series and do not plan to.
The short story was entertaining.
In vino veritas / by Karen Chance ✅
Dorina Basarab #2.1, Cassandra Palmer #6.5. I read 16 of the books and stories. There is plenty more, but eventually they did not grab me anymore.
Can be read for free here: https://www.karenchance.com/extras/vi...
Or get a free copy on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
The story has lots of vampires. The usual high octane craziness. Probably better for people that know this world.
On my TBR pile and seriously considering to delete them:
Masks & Ride the Storm
Hunt / by Rachel Vincent, see Hunt. ❌
Apparently a spin off from Rachel's Shifters Series. I read the first book, Stray, in 2011. and gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Never continued the series or read anything else by the author.
Attempted rape and murder. Why do so many UF stories have rape in them? Not interested, skimmed.
Monsters / by Lilith Saintcrow ❌
I have not read anything by this author. The first two pages of this story made not much sense, you probably really need to know her books for this to work. Nope.
This point in the anthology brought me to page 86 of 366 and made me realize one more time that I do not enjoy this type of UF anymore. DNF at 23%.
felinity's review against another edition
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?
girrlfriday's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun book that made me wonder why it's been so long since I read any fantasy/sci-fi. Usually in a short story collection there's one or two duds, but all of the stories in this one were fast, engaging, and humorous.
redhairedashreads's review
3.0
3 stars - I liked it
The rating is only for the story A Rose By Any Other Name Would Still Be Red by Elizabeth Vaughan.
This is a short scene with Red Gloves enforcing the end of slavery and rescuing a messenger. I enjoyed watching her decimate the enemy and not giving up. I do hope we learn more about the vores though because they seem like cool creatures.
jeanz's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel Caine not read in fear of spoilers!
Rachel Vincent 5 stars
Karen Chance 5 stars
Lilith Saintcrow 4 stars
P N Elrod 4 star
Jenna black 5 stars
Cheyenne McCray 4 stars
Elizabeth A Vaughan 4 stars
Jeanne C Stein 4 stars
Carole Nelson Douglas 3 stars
L A Banks 4 stars
Susan Krinard 1 star
Nancy Holder 2 stars
Rachel Vincent 5 stars
Karen Chance 5 stars
Lilith Saintcrow 4 stars
P N Elrod 4 star
Jenna black 5 stars
Cheyenne McCray 4 stars
Elizabeth A Vaughan 4 stars
Jeanne C Stein 4 stars
Carole Nelson Douglas 3 stars
L A Banks 4 stars
Susan Krinard 1 star
Nancy Holder 2 stars
squirrelfish's review
4.0
A very fun anthology. I loved a few of the stories, some from authors I've loved forever - I auto-buy any of [a:Karen Chance|38066|Karen Chance|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1274779703p2/38066.jpg]'s Dorina Basarab stories - I didn't even know there was one hidden in this anthology until I got to it. Other contributions were from authors I've had more mixed feelings for, like [a:Lilith Saintcrow|131208|Lilith Saintcrow|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1358029579p2/131208.jpg]. Her 'Monsters' was a great story that really made me want to read more in the universe or with the characters. There were a few authors I'd read before and meh'd their novels but the stories here did kick butt, and I'll go check out their more recent works. Overall, this anthology lived up to its name and also inspired me with some more good authors to check out, so thumbs up, recommend.
Read through SF Public Library, Overdrive and Kobo Aura.
Read through SF Public Library, Overdrive and Kobo Aura.
thenia's review against another edition
3.0
Hunt - Rachel Vincent (56:49 minutes/~26 pages) - 3 stars (3/9/2013)
It's been a long time since I finished the series and reading this short story I realized how much I'd missed the world the author's created. The werecats and their enforcers, and even Faythe who doesn't make an appearance in the story but is mentioned as the mentor of young Abby, the protagonist.
Abby has grown but the trauma of what happened to her still remains and in this story she gets to finally put it behind her.
Superman - Jeanne C. Stein (44:38 minutes/~34 pages) - 3 stars (4/11/2015)
It's been many years since I last read anything from the Anna Strong series, so I've forgotten quite a bit about it and this short story helped remind me. It is set between [b:Chosen|7832174|Chosen (Anna Strong Chronicles, #6)|Jeanne C. Stein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1270257511s/7832174.jpg|10898695], which is the last book I read in the series, and [b:Crossroads|10694189|Crossroads (Anna Strong Chronicles, #7)|Jeanne C. Stein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311703511s/10694189.jpg|15604208], which I'm still not sure I want to read.
Still, the series has its good points and I might give it another chance.
It's been a long time since I finished the series and reading this short story I realized how much I'd missed the world the author's created. The werecats and their enforcers, and even Faythe who doesn't make an appearance in the story but is mentioned as the mentor of young Abby, the protagonist.
Abby has grown but the trauma of what happened to her still remains and in this story she gets to finally put it behind her.
Superman - Jeanne C. Stein (44:38 minutes/~34 pages) - 3 stars (4/11/2015)
It's been many years since I last read anything from the Anna Strong series, so I've forgotten quite a bit about it and this short story helped remind me. It is set between [b:Chosen|7832174|Chosen (Anna Strong Chronicles, #6)|Jeanne C. Stein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1270257511s/7832174.jpg|10898695], which is the last book I read in the series, and [b:Crossroads|10694189|Crossroads (Anna Strong Chronicles, #7)|Jeanne C. Stein|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311703511s/10694189.jpg|15604208], which I'm still not sure I want to read.
Still, the series has its good points and I might give it another chance.
hccarousal's review against another edition
3.0
I only read Hunt by Rachel Vincent (A Shifter short)
irridessa's review against another edition
5.0
Great book, a good sampler if you are trying to find yourself some new series's to read. For clarification purposes the books and their series's are listed below where applicable:
Shiny by Rachel Vincent - Weather Wardens #1.5
In Vino Veritas by Karen Chance - Dorina Basarab / Cassie Palmer World #2.1
Hunt by Rachel Vincent - The Shifters #6.5 & Wildcats #0.5
Monsters by Lilith Saintcrow
Vampires Prefer Blondes by P.N. Elrod - Vampire Files #2.3
Nine-Tenths of the Law by Jenna Black - Morgan Kingsley #5.5
Double Dead by Cheyenne McCray - Night Trackers #5.5
A Rose by any other Name Would Still be Red by Elizabeth Vaughan - Epic of Palins #1.5
Superman by Jeanne C Stein - Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5
Monster Mash by Carole Nelson Douglas - Delilah Street #5.5
Wanted: Dead or Alive by L.A. Banks
Mist by Susan Krinard - Milgard #1
Beyond the Pale by Nancy Holder
Shiny by Rachel Vincent - Weather Wardens #1.5
In Vino Veritas by Karen Chance - Dorina Basarab / Cassie Palmer World #2.1
Hunt by Rachel Vincent - The Shifters #6.5 & Wildcats #0.5
Monsters by Lilith Saintcrow
Vampires Prefer Blondes by P.N. Elrod - Vampire Files #2.3
Nine-Tenths of the Law by Jenna Black - Morgan Kingsley #5.5
Double Dead by Cheyenne McCray - Night Trackers #5.5
A Rose by any other Name Would Still be Red by Elizabeth Vaughan - Epic of Palins #1.5
Superman by Jeanne C Stein - Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5
Monster Mash by Carole Nelson Douglas - Delilah Street #5.5
Wanted: Dead or Alive by L.A. Banks
Mist by Susan Krinard - Milgard #1
Beyond the Pale by Nancy Holder