Shorts on Shorts

The Faeriewalker Series by Jenna Black, 13 to Life by Shannon Delany, Demon Trapper Novels are three great YA masterpieces.
Reviewed here on our site before, find the Glimmerglass & Shadowspell reviews, as well as 13 to Life.  Coming very soon - The Demon Trappers Daughter and Secrets and Shadows.

So when I happened upon 3 short stories available for free on Kindle I was thrilled.  I thought I'd do a very quick (short) review on the 3 "short" stories...

Remedial Magic by Jenna Black (Faeriewalker series, backstory)
Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.(courtesy of Amazon)


A cute short to go with the Faeriewalker series, most of the story isn’t key for the series, but I was glad to get a glimpse into this particular character’s world.  As a semi-outcast, she spends time trying so hard to fit in and giving attitude when necessary! It's got to be hard in the world of Faerie when you don't have the skills you need...If you haven’t tried the series, give it a go and slip this in later.


Beasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany (13 to Life Series, short)
Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction.(Courtesy of Amazon)


Part of the 13 to Life series by Delaney, which I have to say was a great first book and I am waiting for the arrival on my door step of the 2nd Secrets and Shadows, this short was just a little window and again, not pivotal to the story or needed.  I can't say I thought much about it.  Give the series a real go before you dive into this one, it could be a little confusing. 





2 slices for them both


Retro Demonology by Jana Oliver (Demon Trapper Novels bonus)
Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...(Courtesy of Amazon)
Reading this alone, would have me reaching for Book 1 in the Demon Trappers series.  I love Riley's character and the world Oliver has created for us.  Demons are second favorite for me, next to weres and I was not disappointed.  Look next for the review of The Demon Trapper's Daughter...

Sin's Daughter (short) by Eve Silver

Cursed with immortality, driven into a nomadic life on the fringes of society to escape those who hunt her, Amber Hale has learned the bitter lesson that she can never grow close to anyone. Never love.

Only once did she break her own rules. And her lover, Kai Warin, paid for her mistake with his life. For decades, she's been numb with grief. Now, confronted by a soul reaper--an agent of one of the most powerful of the Underworld deities--with Kai's face, she must acknowledge the likelihood that he betrayed her...to the Lord of Evil himself.

Forced into an uneasy alliance and plagued by the unwanted yearning between them, they must work together to elude the dark forces hunting them both...(courtesy of Amazon)

As I completed 2 of the 3 main books in the Otherkin trilogy by Eve Silver, I wanted to make sure I read the short story that inserts itself between book 1 and 2.  I was glad that this was created as what seemed to be a prequel to the stories, and even more so happy that it didn't really fit into the stories and I did not miss or spoil anything.  

I was a little disappointed because I expected it to tie in, but I thought the story was well done as a short quick interlude to the world of the Otherkin.  There was an interesting twist, and I do like Silver's writing. If you are looking for a quick read - grab this one, it's  able to stand alone and gives you a taste of Silver

2 slices

A Scarlet Past by Evanne Lorraine

As World War II heats up, so does the secret battle on the home front. For two touch-starved werewolf warriors, mating is more than pleasure—it’s a matter of survival. Vivian heals the fissures in Fergus’s humanity. Though he saved Vivian’s life, she’s an Alpha bitch unable to meekly submit to any male. Both try to dominate the other, when surrendering to their deepest desires is the only chance of victory. (courtesy of Amazon)


This book is a short - a prequel to the series Treeland Pack by Evanne Lorraine, the first book A Taste of Scarlet is due out January 2011.  


Given that it was a prequel, I expected a quick set up.  Lorraine promises erotic paranormal, and she definitely gives us that. This book has many great provocative sex scenes.  Fergus and Vivian are hot together, two alphas hooking up, you can't beat that.  If you are looking for just that, this short will get you a fix.  


From a story line basis, I get the feeling the next books could go in ANY direction and it makes me want to check it out.  I was a little disappointed in the setting - supposedly in the WWII era, they seemed to have a lot of modern conveniences.  The character set up was simple and led you on their path of forming a relationship, but I didn't have a chance to get attached.  Aside from learning about our characters and beginning their relationship, there wasn't much of an intriguing plot.  Again, I can completely expect this prequel to be more of a long prologue and our first book is going to hit the ground running.  If Lorraine keeps up the heat, I'll at least dive in for a little enjoyment.  

Don't let the cover fool you, this is definitely not sci-fi, it's werewolf paranormal, with sexy nips :) Snag it up for Kindle .99 cents right now at Amazon


2 slices

    

The Shifters by Alexandra Sokoloff

Charged with overseeing the shapeshifters of New Orleans, Caitlin MacDonald has her reasons for being wary of their kind. So when charismatic bounty-hunting shifter Ryder Malloy blows into town claiming to be on the trail of a horde of malevolent entities called Walk-Ins, Caitlin has no reason to trust him—with her city or her heart. But as tourists start dropping dead from supernatural possession, Cait must team with Ryder to navigate his shadowy, ephemeral world…

Fiercely independent, Ryder usually hunts alone—but this case requires an exception. To prevent a supernatural massacre, he needs the beautiful Keeper on his side—and, if possible, even closer. In his world, appearances can be deceiving and deadly. And the only way they'll survive is if this woman who tempts him like no other trusts in him completely….(courtesy of Amazon)


Book 2 in the Keeper series – I have to say I was disappointed with this one.  Caitlyn is definitely full of prejudice we learned in the first book, it was wrong and annoying that she hated vampires so, but in this book, she is evolved to be disgusted with shifters (her charge to protect).  Maybe her character could have become likable if she didn’t act so immature.  Her older sister Fiona was the star in the first book.  She can see potential in Caitlyn.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and probably Fiona’s positive vibe in this story helped me through it.  I plan to read book 3 this week so I wanted to give book 2 the chance. 


Aside from the character, I felt that this plot was a little overdone.  It lacked the mystery and engagement of the first one.  Ryder couldn’t hold my heart either, though I wanted greatly for him to hold a piece of my heart, I just couldn’t get myself wrapped around him.  I wanted a bit more from him.  With only a little heat in the book, I have to give it only 2 slices.  On to book 3, The Wolven, written by Deborah LeBlanc. 


2 Slices