A strong collection anchored by three stories set in the same world: the titular Jackalope Wives, the sequel The Tomato Thief (both with Grandma HarkeA strong collection anchored by three stories set in the same world: the titular Jackalope Wives, the sequel The Tomato Thief (both with Grandma Harken) and Pocosin (featuring witch Maggie Gray). I really hope Kingfisher writes more of these characters some day. Another review I read likened Grandma to a desert-dwelling contemporary of the imitable Granny Weatherwax from Terry Pratchett's Discworld and I can see that.
2024 confirmed that T. Kingfisher was a new favourite author for me and I'm steadily reading whatever she writes, as I find it. I have yet to be disappointed....more
This is the closest I've come to getting that feeling I had when I first read Alice in Wonderland: a mix of weirdness, wonder and whimsy! I never knewThis is the closest I've come to getting that feeling I had when I first read Alice in Wonderland: a mix of weirdness, wonder and whimsy! I never knew where we were going next. I think it's best to just dive in. Kingfisher was my favourite author find of 2024 and I'm continuing to jump on everything I can find; this is firmly among my favourites of hers so far. Like the original Alice, it is occasionally dark and disorienting and sometimes a little frightening and gross (the wight flies). But it's also an amazing story about a young girl looking for her heart's desire in a magical world where some of the greatest wonders are inexplicably dying. Kingfisher excels at writing believable magical animal companions, and this group is especially unforgettable (I especially loved Reginald the foppish Hoopoe). Originally serialized on the author's website....more
Having greatly enjoyed the author's Harwood Spellbook series of novellas, I jumped into this book purely for the dragon and I was not disappointed! ThHaving greatly enjoyed the author's Harwood Spellbook series of novellas, I jumped into this book purely for the dragon and I was not disappointed! This is a light, fun read that - like the Spellbook - mixes Regency Romance with Fantasy to delightful effect.
I'm not particularly an Austen fan so I'm sure there's many references I missed but I never felt that as a lack. There's clever banter, a magical case of mistaken identity and a wonderfully magical shoulder-dragon whimsically named Sir Jessamyn who grants wishes like a genie. Will definitely be reading more of Burgis' writing!...more
A charming holiday epilogue that felt far too short for me. I've really enjoyed The Harwood Spellbook novellas and hope the author returns to the worlA charming holiday epilogue that felt far too short for me. I've really enjoyed The Harwood Spellbook novellas and hope the author returns to the world and these characters again someday....more
A delightful return to the world of the Harwood Spellbook, going back in time to tell the story of Any and Jonathan. It could've been a bit longer butA delightful return to the world of the Harwood Spellbook, going back in time to tell the story of Any and Jonathan. It could've been a bit longer but a fun, quick novella....more
A lovely return to Thornfell, as Juliana and Caroline work through a serious relationship misunderstanding. Unlike the first two novellas, this felt mA lovely return to Thornfell, as Juliana and Caroline work through a serious relationship misunderstanding. Unlike the first two novellas, this felt more like a short story to me and I read it in a single sitting. Very enjoyable, looking forward to the next Harwood Spellbook....more
Following on from Snowspelled (my review, 5 stars), this novella sees Cassandra opening up her new magic school for girls with the help of family and Following on from Snowspelled (my review, 5 stars), this novella sees Cassandra opening up her new magic school for girls with the help of family and friends - and frenemies.
When the Boudiccate sends a former nemesis to "inspect" the grand opening, Cassandra will have to marshal all her considerable will to prevent its closure: but that will mean learning to let go of her stubborn pride and ask for (and accept!) assistance from allies she doesn't even realize she has.
I loved the Fae mystery at the heart of the story and learning more about this world and these characters. These are quick reads with real heart. Looking forward to the next installment!...more
A rare novella that feels perfectly formed despite it's short length, this is a lovely Wintery story that places a Regency romance in a fantasy settinA rare novella that feels perfectly formed despite it's short length, this is a lovely Wintery story that places a Regency romance in a fantasy setting. Cassandra lost her magic when she attempted a difficult spell alone, trying to prove that women can work magic as well as men.
Having spent the last few months grieving it's loss and pushing her loved ones away, Cassandra learns that magic is more than just spellcasting when she falls afoul of a Fae Lord's plot to sabotage the important treaty between the two races. The start of a series!...more
A continuation of Silver in the Wood (my review, 3 stars) that sees the two main characters - Tobias Finch and Henry Silver - accidently find their waA continuation of Silver in the Wood (my review, 3 stars) that sees the two main characters - Tobias Finch and Henry Silver - accidently find their way to a Fairyland that proves dark and dismal indeed.
I would have enjoyed this story more if the relationship miscommunication trope hadn't been so painfully (mis)used - instead of talking to each other like adults, Tobias and Silver's happy ending of a single glorious summer evidently splintered apart and, as the novella opens two years later, both are brooding and bitter.
The change of perspective from Tobias to Silver is also jarring - although it feels necessary to better understand the motivation behind some of Silver's actions in the first novella, the sulky and self-absorbed teenage vibe is distracting and unbefitting of a romantic lead. He is also a rather unreliable narrator. I think Tesh was going for Byron-esque, but it was tiresome, and it took far to long to find out what actually happened through the flashbacks.
Again, although the central story is supposed to be the relationship between Tobias and Silver, and how it changes with the change in their supernatural status, that all feels much less interesting to the parts of the story that we get glimpse: like the first novella, the plot is too vague.
I did enjoy the destroyed version of Fairyland though, and again, Tesh excels at darkly atmospheric writing. I hope there are more Henry and Silver adventures someday, or that these novellas inspire a full book, as there is a lot of potential here - it's just so frustrating most of it is unrealized as of yet.
I enjoyed the first novella in this duology, A Psalm for the Wild-Built (my review, 4 stars), and immediately read this sequel, which I recommend haviI enjoyed the first novella in this duology, A Psalm for the Wild-Built (my review, 4 stars), and immediately read this sequel, which I recommend having on hand if you're planning to start this series. The two stories do not stand on their own, and the conclusion to the first novella - while not exactly a cliffhanger - is unsatisfactory without this sequel.
As Sibling Dex and Mosscap the robot continue their adventures around Panga, they slowly discover more about their world, the six gods and themselves. As with all novellas, I was left wanting more, and I hope that Chambers continues the Monk & Robot stories. Overall, this duology is an interesting and thought-provoking read that moves slowly but is over too quickly. ...more
I enjoyed Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (my review) so much that I immediately looked to see what else I could find by her, which haI enjoyed Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (my review) so much that I immediately looked to see what else I could find by her, which happened to be the Monk & Robot novella duology. I highly recommend having the second book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, on hand before starting this one - although the ending is not a huge cliffhanger, both parts of the story need the other to feel complete.
My main issue with novellas, in general, is that they are too short. Although the world here is fully developed, I couldn't help wanting more, and I hope Chambers will share more Monk & Robot adventures in the future. I've heard these described as "cozy fantasy" and I'd agree in the sense that they are a slice-of-life character study, as two very different beings struggle in their own quiet ways to make sense of the world they share.
Sibling Dex, a non-binary Tea Monk, no longer finds the same sense of fulfillment they once did in taking their travelling tea cart around all the little villages of Panga. Having attained their dream, and become the best at what they do, they no longer feel content, despite providing a valuable and necessary service, since serving tea is part of the work of the gods and provides a sort of therapy for those availing of the service.
Once, long ago, Panga was mechanized and its factories were run by robots. However, those robots revolted and left to live in the wilderness. Splendid Speckled Mosscap returns to civilization to check up on the humans left behind to see how they are faring, and Mosscap crosses paths with Dex. An unlikely friendship forms, and soon the two are travelling together.
It's a slow, meandering journey that at times feels far too easy and at others far too difficult. But I enjoyed it, especially since I immediately read the sequel afterwards. A short, interesting story that raises far more questions than it answers....more
Collection consisting of the first two Kinsmen novellas, a bonus (very) short story and three character artworks. Very short, even for novellas, but sCollection consisting of the first two Kinsmen novellas, a bonus (very) short story and three character artworks. Very short, even for novellas, but sow the seeds of an interesting multiverse better developed in Kinsmen #3, "Fated Blades (5â�).
Kinsmen are close-knit mafia-style families of genetically advanced space colonizers who carefully guard and utilize their abilities while trying to maintain and expand talent-based empires.
Overall, an enjoyable read for Ilona Andrews fans but new readers are advised to start elsewhere. I'd recommend either Kate Daniels or Hidden Legacy as a first read
Merged review:
Collection consisting of the first two Kinsmen novellas, a bonus (very) short story and three character artworks. Very short, even for novellas, but sow the seeds of an interesting multiverse better developed in Kinsmen #3, "Fated Blades (5â�).
Kinsmen are close-knit mafia-style families of genetically advanced space colonizers who carefully guard and utilize their abilities while trying to maintain and expand talent-based empires.
Overall, an enjoyable read for Ilona Andrews fans but new readers are advised to start elsewhere. I'd recommend either Kate Daniels or Hidden Legacy as a first read...more
I really enjoyed the first book but this one is even darker and twistier. It would have been a five star read for me but the ending was very abrupt, tI really enjoyed the first book but this one is even darker and twistier. It would have been a five star read for me but the ending was very abrupt, the kind of abrupt where you're left wondering if you missed pages. I do wonder if perhaps a third book had been planned.
Still, a solid and innovative Urban Fantasy duology!
In this half of this story, Tara and Harry are trying to find their way after big life changes. Their relationship in strained but when Harry asks for Tara's help on a case, fate binds them together again.
Old Soviet spies are disappearing and Cold War secrets and weapons are showing up in dangerous places. Chernobyl spawned supernatural disasters as well and Tara and Harry must race against the clock to stop the Chimera from destroying the world.
What I love most about this series is the seamless way Williams has integrated the Tarot and it's symbolism into Tara's Oracle talents. As the new deck Harry gave her when her own was destroyed begins to awaken new powers and prophetic dreams, it takes Tara on a symbolic journey of Archetypes alongside everyday reality. Fascinating.
I love this series so much, this book feels like visiting old friends! Although I was surprised by the lackluster reviews, I do understand some of theI love this series so much, this book feels like visiting old friends! Although I was surprised by the lackluster reviews, I do understand some of the issues, especially with uneven pacing and the difficulty of connecting with the main characters, which I believe is by design. This is not a standalone story - I highly recommend reading the series in order.
In the Elemental Blessings magic system, the Hunti are the most enigmatic. Independent, stoic, stubborn and affiliated with trees, they dislike change immensely and can be incredibly hard to read and relate to, in general.
Valentina Serlast is the much younger sister of Darien, now King. Summoned by societal expectation to attend his coronation, Val reluctantly travels to the Welce capitol of Chialto for Darien's coronation. Having recently nursed her mother through a long illness to her death, Val is still grieving and resentful that Darien's political duties left the full burden of her mother's care on her shoulders.
However, once in the city, events conspire to pull Val in a new direction. As she gets to know Darien's wife Zoe and finds an unexpected ally in their firecracker daughter Corene, an old childhood friend resurfaces and their relationship gradually transitions into something deeper.
I loved Val and headstrong fiery Sweela Sebastian Ardelay and how their two contrasting Elemental personalities sparked off of each other and ultimately kindled into a twin flame. The story alternates between their past and present. Both characters can be difficult to like or understand at times as both are very stubborn and set in their ways but they share the blessing of Loyalty and watching them finally figure out what they feel for each other is fascinating. It is a testament to Shinn's wonderful writing that such prickly and occasionally frustrating characters are so compelling. I always love the little grace notes (like the missing coin on Sebastian's blessing necklace) that tie her tales together.
I did find the pacing of the story a little odd as it was a slow start and most of the action happened in the last quarter of the book, but I couldn't put it down! I also would have liked to have seen more of some of the other characters - Leah and Foley both seemed underused in their brief cameos - but it was a joy being back in this world and I hope this isn't the last book in this series! ...more
I've read and enjoyed several short stories by Theodora Goss in other anthologies so I was excited to try more of her work and it did not disappoint. I've read and enjoyed several short stories by Theodora Goss in other anthologies so I was excited to try more of her work and it did not disappoint. This is an amazing collection of stories and poems, many gathered from her previous anthologies. I'd love to own a print copy of this treasury.
Several of them seem set in the same world of Sylvania, and feature the enigmatic figure of Mother Night and her court of wild Fae-like creatures, and I'd love to read more about it!
If you love fairy tales and retellings, and whimsy and wonder, this is a collection for you!
There were too many to review individually, so here is a quick list of my favourites, in the order in which they appear:
The Wings of Meister William Princess Lucinda and the Hound of the Moon Singing of Mount Abora Persephone in Hades (poem) Blanchefleur Fair Ladies The Witch's Cat (poem) Pip and the Fairies When You Have Lost Yourself (poem) The Mermaid's Lament (poem) The Sea Witch Diamonds and Toads (poem) The Other Thea Mother Night (poem) Red as Blood, White as Bone (reread, published free on Tor.com) How to Make it Snow (poem) How to Become a Witch-Queen The Nightingale and the Rose (poem)
Really looking forward to reading more of Goss' writing!...more
Picked up as a last minute spooky standalone Hallowe'en read. Started strong but fizzled in the middle and had a disappointingly unbelievable and lackPicked up as a last minute spooky standalone Hallowe'en read. Started strong but fizzled in the middle and had a disappointingly unbelievable and lacklustre ending.
Anna, eldest daughter of the local midwife, accidentally captures the attention and then favour of new Countess Elizabeth Bathory and soon insinuates herself into the noble household, hoping to raise her family's meagre fortunes.
Naive and kind hearted, Anna's infatuation with otherworldly beautiful Elizabeth quickly turns into a hard lesson that not everything is what it seems. Anna has a saviour complex and believes Elisabeth is cruel because of her bad husband but the truth is rather darker.
Unable to save the servants around her, Anna becomes desperate to save herself - eventually. She is far too passive and permissive due to yet another case of bad YA Instalove. Disappointing.
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