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A review by prationality
Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite by P.C. Cast
4.0
In my review for the companion anthology, Immortal, I said I wanted more anthologies of this kind in the future. Young Adult Paranormal Romance stories these may be, but they're dark and tinted with a reality I appreciate. Love doesn't conquer everything in these stories.
"Bloodshed" by Claudia Gray
Set in her Evernight Universe
Its a good idea to have read "Free" in Immortal because a lot of Patrice's actions are a direct consequence to the tragedy in that story. Patrice is probably one of my favorite characters in Evernight, especially now that we've been given a more in depth look into her past. The story was touching and heartbreaking, but it made me want to read more about the consequences of her actions this time around.
"Say Yes" by Lili St. Crow
I'm fairly certain the name of the main character isn't mentioned in this story, not once. Its told from her POV, but it felt weird trying to put a name to her when writing this review. Lifestyles of the idle and rich teens of America, if you've ever seen the movie Clueless than what these girls (and guys) get up to shouldn't be a surprise. I was a little confused, near the end when the MC meets up with Jack again and what's done is done, with the implication on the newscast. I would like to see what happens to the MC in the future, but far as I can tell this has no connection to her Strange Angel series of books.
"Letters to Romeo" by Nancy Holder
Oh Romeo, who I have said on many an occasion is the original 'emo' boy. This was an odd story, maybe more so because it didn't end like I thought it would. More than anything I felt bad for 'Juliet'. I do wonder what it must be like, 700 years he remained loyal to his 'wife', loyal to the love they shared. If nothing else this should shush the naysayers who the think their love was less true because they were so young. In the end though I didn't enjoy this until the ending, when everyone did what was right finally.
"The Other Side" by Heather Brewer
Score one for Brewer she had me blinking at the ending. Then re-reading it and then just staring. Unfortunately I didn't like how the story played out. It was kind of melodramatic and given over to sentimental moments. I haven't read Brewer before, though her Vladimir Tod series has always interested me, so I can't say if this is how she ordinarily writes or not. The ending intrigued me however and I want to read more about a world where they are considered 'myths'.
"Drama Queen's Last Dance" by Rachel Caine
Set in her Morganville Vampires Universe
Told from Eve's POV, it was interesting to see Eve act the adult. When Oliver said "Love is rarely that simple...or painless." I felt that sort of summed up the Morganville series in general. No one has an easy time of love in this series. Ever. And though this series tops my top 5 series to read and love, I'm not fond of Eve's style of narration. Its blunt and sharp, like she is, which is fine when its from Claire's POV, but from hers it begins to grate pretty swiftly. The rival, Gloriana, I'm guessing will be a player in the new story arc of the series, and apparently it worries Oliver. I wonder at Oliver's great sadness though and hope we get a short story about his past at some point. And more Myrnin being in the story and not just mentioned is always appreciated (another reason I love Claire's POV).
"Thief" by Jeri Smith-Ready
A heartbreaking story of what love can transcend. Oh Jeri, if I didn't already love your writing this would make me do so. Its tender and brutal and makes you wonder what happens next. I wonder why Brendan thought it would be better for the community and why Mary's mother wanted better for her daughter, but wouldn't fight for it. Why go to all that trouble and then roll over? And I certainly hope that Gavin gets what's coming to him. Why were the boys so scared of Brendan? It sounded like the community's justice was ample times worse. Here's hoping there's more stories in this world sometime!
Like the first anthology this story was a lot of heart break and sadness, but equally powerful. Oliver definitely said it best--love isn't simple or painless. It requires sacrifice and knowing yourself, something all these stories had in common.
"Bloodshed" by Claudia Gray
Set in her Evernight Universe
Its a good idea to have read "Free" in Immortal because a lot of Patrice's actions are a direct consequence to the tragedy in that story. Patrice is probably one of my favorite characters in Evernight, especially now that we've been given a more in depth look into her past. The story was touching and heartbreaking, but it made me want to read more about the consequences of her actions this time around.
"Say Yes" by Lili St. Crow
I'm fairly certain the name of the main character isn't mentioned in this story, not once. Its told from her POV, but it felt weird trying to put a name to her when writing this review. Lifestyles of the idle and rich teens of America, if you've ever seen the movie Clueless than what these girls (and guys) get up to shouldn't be a surprise. I was a little confused, near the end when the MC meets up with Jack again and what's done is done, with the implication on the newscast. I would like to see what happens to the MC in the future, but far as I can tell this has no connection to her Strange Angel series of books.
"Letters to Romeo" by Nancy Holder
Oh Romeo, who I have said on many an occasion is the original 'emo' boy. This was an odd story, maybe more so because it didn't end like I thought it would. More than anything I felt bad for 'Juliet'. I do wonder what it must be like, 700 years he remained loyal to his 'wife', loyal to the love they shared. If nothing else this should shush the naysayers who the think their love was less true because they were so young. In the end though I didn't enjoy this until the ending, when everyone did what was right finally.
"The Other Side" by Heather Brewer
Score one for Brewer she had me blinking at the ending. Then re-reading it and then just staring. Unfortunately I didn't like how the story played out. It was kind of melodramatic and given over to sentimental moments. I haven't read Brewer before, though her Vladimir Tod series has always interested me, so I can't say if this is how she ordinarily writes or not. The ending intrigued me however and I want to read more about a world where they are considered 'myths'.
"Drama Queen's Last Dance" by Rachel Caine
Set in her Morganville Vampires Universe
Told from Eve's POV, it was interesting to see Eve act the adult. When Oliver said "Love is rarely that simple...or painless." I felt that sort of summed up the Morganville series in general. No one has an easy time of love in this series. Ever. And though this series tops my top 5 series to read and love, I'm not fond of Eve's style of narration. Its blunt and sharp, like she is, which is fine when its from Claire's POV, but from hers it begins to grate pretty swiftly. The rival, Gloriana, I'm guessing will be a player in the new story arc of the series, and apparently it worries Oliver. I wonder at Oliver's great sadness though and hope we get a short story about his past at some point. And more Myrnin being in the story and not just mentioned is always appreciated (another reason I love Claire's POV).
"Thief" by Jeri Smith-Ready
A heartbreaking story of what love can transcend. Oh Jeri, if I didn't already love your writing this would make me do so. Its tender and brutal and makes you wonder what happens next. I wonder why Brendan thought it would be better for the community and why Mary's mother wanted better for her daughter, but wouldn't fight for it. Why go to all that trouble and then roll over? And I certainly hope that Gavin gets what's coming to him. Why were the boys so scared of Brendan? It sounded like the community's justice was ample times worse. Here's hoping there's more stories in this world sometime!
Like the first anthology this story was a lot of heart break and sadness, but equally powerful. Oliver definitely said it best--love isn't simple or painless. It requires sacrifice and knowing yourself, something all these stories had in common.