Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon
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“Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Dark Faerie Tales wrote this review Saturday, April 28, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Quick & Dirty: Four novellas featuring love and ink.
The Review:
This anthology contains four stories of love, loss, and tattoos that move, shift, kill, protect, empower and even turn into demons. If only my ink did any one of those things, well not kill, but still.
“Skin Deep” by Karen Chance
Skin Deep features a half-were-half-human heroine, who is also a mage and a member in the War Mage Corps, which is kind of like the magical police. Her mate is a full blooded wolf were, brother to the “Wartime Chief”, who has been banished from his clan, specifically giving him the ability to go undercover in the world of the clanless, and most often lawless, outcast weres. While technically off duty to heal from a shooting, she is specifically requested to look into the magical death of a fellow were, and in doing so, she also must investigate into the disappearance of her mate. When her journey takes her into Tartarus, the underground city in the tunnels beneath Las Vegas, she finds trouble in the form of some rather strange characters, and those weres I mentioned just a bit ago. With the help of some friends and fellow officers, she rescues her love, solves the case and manages to save her were chief from betrayal by his third in command. All in a days work.
Rating 5/5
“Armor of Roses” by Marjorie M. Liu (Hunters Kiss 3.5)
Armor of Roses stars a time traveling demon hunter who is sucked into a half-century-old case by her own personal demon helpers, a man from her “past,” and her very own grandmother. After attending a rather swanky yacht party with her rather rich and hot, even if damaged, lover, she finds a man dying in front of her car. When the man gives her clues that lead to a letter from her dead grandmother, she forces herself to check into things. After tracking down the final intended victim, she discovers that there may be more to this story, but those pesky demons of hers are being rather tight lipped. As she sits outside a hospital awaiting news on the victim, she is unwittingly transported back in time to World War II and where she must emulate a Jew in China during the reign of Hitler. Another surprise planned by these tattoos that come alive is her meeting with none other than her grandmother, who at this time is approximately the same age as she is. It seems that she has been dragged back in time to help rid the world of a specific terror whom preys on children, a zombie known only as The Black Cat. But, it also becomes known in the end, that she was sent to show her grandmother how to be all that she can be; I guess you could say. This is oddly paradoxical, because Maxine is strong and independent because of her grandmother, and her grandmother only becomes strong and independent because of her. Crazy if you think about it hard enough, which I don’t recommend.
Rating 5/5
“Etched in Silver” by Yasmine Galenorn (Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon 0.5)
Etched in Silver is about a half human Moon Witch who is also a member of the YIA, like the CIA but existing in a parallel plane to Earth, and solving crimes where the beings are all sorts of paranormal and magical. Though, I guess, in that plane, humans would be the “paranormal” ones. Our friendly witch is given a case by her boss, destined for failure. But what this guy doesn’t see coming is some help from low places in the form of Trillian, an apparent sex god…um, I mean Charming Fae. Well, despite everything, Trillian does help her get her man, after a strange trip to another realm. Best part, they find out that they are meant to be together, like actually fated. And the mating ceremony that follows is beautiful…painful, but beautiful.
Rating 4/5
“Human Nature” by Eileen Wilks (World of the Lupi 5.5)
Human Nature sees the world, after the presence of a separate race of not quite humans has been announced publicly. Our heroine in this novella has the best luck however, for she is in love with the prince of weres, who just happens to be pretty hot to boot. On the side of not so good luck is that she is in love with the prince of weres, who is used to getting his way when he wants it, and cons her into looking into the murder of a childhood friend. You see, she is a detective in the branch of the FBI that deals with magical crimes, and this murder is almost determined to be non-magical in nature. Good thing she loves him, I guess. What is uncovered in the course of this investigation is nothing short of an honest to goodness love triangle, featuring witchcraft, potions and some rather…well deadly tattoo art.
Rating 4/5
As usual, I am unfashionably late to this particular party, these being my first stories (from what I remember) by all of these authors. So there is a bit of frustration with being thrust into these stories in the middle of all the action, one of them literally occurring in tandem to a previously published book in the series. Otherwise, I have to say that I enjoyed these four well written and interesting stories.
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley provided me with a copy of the Inked Anthology. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.”
“Good anthology of fantasy novellas. I enjoyed all of them, which is unusual since usually there is one or two I find not up to the standards of the others. Good read.”
leftsouth wrote this review Friday, February 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I think the last time I read this I only read half of the book. Since I wasn't sure anymore, I grabbed it yesterday and read it again. It was funny, some were a little sad, but overall the stories were really good. Some were (especially Human Nature and Armor Of Roses) easier to understand now, since I did read the novels that came before those novellas and chronologically it made a loooooooooot more sense.
Jasmin wrote this review Saturday, January 7, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Great book! I really enjoyed both Etched in Silver and Skin Deep too! I might have to pick up the Arnou books too... that story seemmed just so funny!”
“Partially read - Skin Deep”
Zoe H wrote this review Tuesday, June 14, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Really good set of short stories.”
Heather Mc wrote this review Friday, June 10, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wonderful sample of multiple authors and series...”
Sailon wrote this review Tuesday, February 1, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I am quite surprised with me enjoying this book. Usually I don't prefer reading short stories because they're either too weak (as in the plot) or the story progresses too fast for my liking. However, my view for Inked differs.
Neon wrote this review Wednesday, January 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The noticeable difference about this is that the stories are like a prolouge or an extra story added to the already published book that had featured the characters. So instead of the authors having to create new characters and to fit an interesting plot into about 130 pages, these writers just added the storyline to the already rock-hard characters! And this is what made Inked so fasinating.
The first story is Skin Deep. Lia is a headstrong female (who isn't?) who finds that there is something suspicious about a murder case. And not just any type, it's one that had it's victims skinned whole. Were victims. So yeah, this is definitely a paranormal-cum-mystery-cum-romance. Interesting.
The second is Armor of Roses. I think I have read the story that happened before this. This story should sort-of be like an extra. After all, there's Zee, Dek, Mal, Aaz and Raw. Not forgetting Maxine and Grant.
The third is Etched in Silver. I am thinking this is the prolouge for another book that should be coming out. Although I like all the stories here, I have to say, this was my favourite. You can't beat the starting of the romance between the two characters, Camille and Trillian. And the moment they met each other. After reading this, I am up for the series done by Yasmine Galenorn. I have to confess, though, I have some suspicion that I have seen the books written by her many times in the library but did not want to pick them up after I read the back summary. Perhaps I shall try them the next time...
The final story is Human Nature. I was pulled in to this story and I enjoyed it. But there was one problem --- it had too much twist and turns. Or just too much mystery things going on. My brain can't taking that type of guessing. So the way Lily solved the case was lost on me, because I couldn't even think by the time she reached the conclusion. But that's all right. She found the killer (with the help of Rule), arrested her and saved the day!
Overall, I have enjoyed this book throughly. I would advise you to pick Inked up because it is good. And doesn't have all those things the other short stories books have. You'll be immersed in them. ”
“Skin Deep By Karen Chance
Melissa wrote this review Friday, November 5, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I really enjoyed the adventure of the mystery in following Lia in finding her boyfriend Cyrus. There is a connection between Lia and Cyrus she is not aware of until it appears for her. Lia, being a mage on light duty, has to find Cyrus - hiding in Tartarus the shifting underground Vegas - to see if he has a clue or... is he in trouble... since there are weres being killed at the very moment of changing - for their skins. Who ever is doing this has to be good, fore the change is instantaneous.
There is some romance in this story as well.
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Armor of Roses By Marjorie M. Liu
This is the story in which I purchased the book for, as I have been following the series and figured this would be a great addition to it. I do feel, if you have not read the series you will be caught up with the major highlights of Maxine and other major characters along with getting into a new story in ten pages.
I felt I got a new respect for Maxine as she is a hardass, but with a soft heart. Maxine gets to spend time with a younger version of her Grandmother, whom she never met except on special jumps through time, trying to get information from her Grandmother during the World War in Japan. I felt so drawn into this story that I could smell the many scents of the city - food, drink, and filth from garbage and feces.
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Etched in Silver By Yasmine Galenorn
This story for some reason was the only one I had a little bit of work to get into. At first I thought it may be Camille the main character, but then I grew to like her by the end of the story. Camille seemed to be a little annoying to me. I am not sure how to really explain it.
Camille and her two sisters live in the Underworld with their father. They are half witches with powers that seem to be a little on the uncontrolable side. They work for an agency that sends them on missions no one else wants or missions expecting the sisters to fail to hold it over them. Camille is on a mission to find an ex-agent who is on a raping, killing spree. Camille comes across a dark stranger who helps her out with more than just her mission.
I really enjoyed the world Karen created in this story. If only for that reason I have added Karens books to my list to read. I love the atmosphere here and the magic present. The sisters being not perfect are an added touch to the story.
There is some steamy tension and sex included in this story.
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Human Nature By Eileen Wilks
I have to admit this was my second favorite story in this book. I really enjoyed reading Eileens story of Lily and Rule. Rule, being a were, receives a call that an old friend of his had died. Well, was murdered, with a tattoo around his neck then his throat cut. Rule being the were he is, is learning how to share with Lily his feelings - yet he wants his FBI Agent girlfriend to head up the investigation. Lily has to find that magic was used in the murder in order to be able to take over the investigation.
I like how the details are given for the explanation of what and why things are happening. There is also different possibilities that could be followed. I really enjoy the mystery with the urban fantasy mix.”
“excellent anthology loved all the stories. and found a couple more series to read and fall in love with. loved all the writers. Kudos to them!! ”
Ruth M wrote this review Friday, July 9, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good anthology! Karen Chance excels as usual - I adore her writing! 4 stars. Marjorie M Lui is new to me, but I'll definitely check into her. Well written and a good story! 3½ or 4 stars, too. As for Ms Galenorn, I'm less than impressed. The story's ok but feels a bit hap-hazard and uninspired. Plus - I don't really like explicit sex scenes that feel unnatural and tossed in there just-because. There's no tension. Just sex. Very un-erotic. 2 stars - and that's when I'm being generous. The last story is good too. I'm gonna get more of Ms Wilks' books. 3 stars.”
Zarah S wrote this review Friday, July 2, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
