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Four stories from the world of heroine Jane Yellowrock —plus bonus material! Explore the world of shape-shifter & vampire hunter Jane Yellowrock in these stories, collected here for the first time.
The stories “The Early Years,” “Cat Tats,” and “Kits” were previously available on the author’s Web site, and “Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry” has never before been published.
Meet Jane as she leaves the orphanage she was raised in and encounters the witch who’ll become her future best friend. Discover the story behind Cajun cop Rick LaFleur’s cat tattoos — and the powerful witch who inked them. And, in the final, all-new story, find out what happened between Jane and Rick seconds after the end of Mercy Blade. Plus, get a never-before-seen index of vampire clans and alliances and a letter from the author about the origins of Jane Yellowrock. And don’t miss a special excerpt: the first three chapters from the newest Jane Yellowrock novel, Raven Cursed!
The stories “The Early Years,” “Cat Tats,” and “Kits” were previously available on the author’s Web site, and “Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry” has never before been published.
Meet Jane as she leaves the orphanage she was raised in and encounters the witch who’ll become her future best friend. Discover the story behind Cajun cop Rick LaFleur’s cat tattoos — and the powerful witch who inked them. And, in the final, all-new story, find out what happened between Jane and Rick seconds after the end of Mercy Blade. Plus, get a never-before-seen index of vampire clans and alliances and a letter from the author about the origins of Jane Yellowrock. And don’t miss a special excerpt: the first three chapters from the newest Jane Yellowrock novel, Raven Cursed!
113 pages, ebook
First published December 6, 2011
241 people are currently reading
1991 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hunter
93 books5,722 followersFaith Hunter's Junkyard Cats novella series is available in Audible, eBook, and "ridiculously expensive" (her words) trade paperback books at this time.
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats. 15 books and several compilations of shorts
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED. 6 books
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith is a full time writer who finally hired a housekeeper when the dust bunnies multiplied, She bakes homemade bread and loves to cook.
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. She has a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, a boar skull, a deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. Her prize skull is a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers to kayak all over the Southeast. Whitewater Kayaking is her very favorite sport, discovered when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com . To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... and see her website blog at
www.faithhunter.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
June 24, 2020
3.50 Stars. I have been reading so much lesfic that I have not had time to read some of my favorite mainstream paranormal/urban fantasy books anymore. The Jane Yellowrock series is one of my favorites but it has been years, at least 5 or 6, since I read any of the books. I was worried that when I started on book 7 (which is where I left off all those years ago) that it would take me a while to remember everything. I was worried I would be lost. What I decided to do instead was to read 2 collections of short stories (that take place in the Jane Yellowrock world) that have been sitting on my kindle for years. I figured it would be a great way to get reintroduced to all the characters. It worked so well that I was surprised how much these new to me shorts helped spark my memories of the series.
I read both Cat Tales and Have Stakes, Will Travel. Both collections contain 4 shorts each with Cat Tales being the more enjoyable of the collections. In “The Early Years” we get to learn more about 18 year old Jane. This was really good and I would love a novella or book that expanded more on young Jane’s life. I also really enjoyed “Kits” which showed the first real bond between Beast and Angie. I was disappointed that the last two shorts stared Rick. I can’t stand Rick and I’m hoping he disappears as the series goes on. I did find the short “Cat Tats” actually pretty interesting since it shows how he got his cat tattoos. But the last short about Rick getting furry I could have done without.
All in all Cat Tales is a good collection and a bit better that Have Stakes Will Travel. I do want to point out that I would not recommend purchasing either of these collections and instead I would suggest buying Blood in Her Veins: Nineteen Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock. BIHV came out years after I purchased these two short collections or I would have not bothered myself. That is because BIHV contains the 8 Shorts from Cat Tales and Have Stakes Will Travel, plus another 11 more making a total of 19 short stories in one collection. It is a good way to collect all the shorts and it even works as a companion piece to people who are reading the series. Hunter lets you know when each short takes place, after which book, so you know when to read each short without spoiling anything. Later in the summer when I have time to read this series again I look forward to reading book 7 and the short story that comes after it.
I read both Cat Tales and Have Stakes, Will Travel. Both collections contain 4 shorts each with Cat Tales being the more enjoyable of the collections. In “The Early Years” we get to learn more about 18 year old Jane. This was really good and I would love a novella or book that expanded more on young Jane’s life. I also really enjoyed “Kits” which showed the first real bond between Beast and Angie. I was disappointed that the last two shorts stared Rick. I can’t stand Rick and I’m hoping he disappears as the series goes on. I did find the short “Cat Tats” actually pretty interesting since it shows how he got his cat tattoos. But the last short about Rick getting furry I could have done without.
All in all Cat Tales is a good collection and a bit better that Have Stakes Will Travel. I do want to point out that I would not recommend purchasing either of these collections and instead I would suggest buying Blood in Her Veins: Nineteen Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock. BIHV came out years after I purchased these two short collections or I would have not bothered myself. That is because BIHV contains the 8 Shorts from Cat Tales and Have Stakes Will Travel, plus another 11 more making a total of 19 short stories in one collection. It is a good way to collect all the shorts and it even works as a companion piece to people who are reading the series. Hunter lets you know when each short takes place, after which book, so you know when to read each short without spoiling anything. Later in the summer when I have time to read this series again I look forward to reading book 7 and the short story that comes after it.
March 1, 2017
*** 4 ***
Mostly Rick stories. How he got his tats and his cat transition:) Good addition to the main story line.
Mostly Rick stories. How he got his tats and his cat transition:) Good addition to the main story line.
August 5, 2018
Anthology. 4.125 is the average star.
The Early Years - This is the first time Jane changes when she leaves the orphanage. Short but sweet. 3-1/2 stars.
Cat Tats. This story explains how and why Rick got his cat tattoos. Really sad story. 4 stars
Kits. A story about how Jane and Molly became friends. 4 stars.
Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry. This story happens right after Mercy Blade and is about Jane tries to help Rick. 5 stars.
The Early Years - This is the first time Jane changes when she leaves the orphanage. Short but sweet. 3-1/2 stars.
Cat Tats. This story explains how and why Rick got his cat tattoos. Really sad story. 4 stars
Kits. A story about how Jane and Molly became friends. 4 stars.
Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry. This story happens right after Mercy Blade and is about Jane tries to help Rick. 5 stars.
October 16, 2024
Cat Tales features 4 short stories in the Jane Yellowrock series. Each are enjoyable and give you a little background on Jane and Rick.
I’ve only read book one Skinwalker; before I picked these short stories up. I think I should have at least read up to book three Mercy Blade; before diving into the short stories and novellas in the Jane Yellowrock series. They are good, but Blood, Fangs and Going Furry #3.2 gave some things away.
— The Early Years #0.2
Jane is 18 and leaving the children’s home she has spent her childhood at. She has an instinct she doesn’t understand and is going on a quest to the mountains where she was found.
We learn a little more about Jane, not much, get background on how she got her name Jane Yellowrock, and that she is starting to remember things from her past.
The Early Years was ok. Fans will like the little backstory.
Rated: 3 Stars
— Cat Tats #0.4
This one we get a backstory on Rick LaFleur who we meet in book one, Skinwalker.
Rick has gotten himself into trouble for chasing tail. What a surprise!!!
In Cat Tats we get Rick’s POV, learn how he got his tattoo’s, and who he’s related too. It was interesting to see how he got his cat tats and that they, Rick and Jane, where fated to cross paths. Their is a lot of pain that Rick goes through in this one.
Cat Tats was enjoyable. Fans will like the backstory on Rick and that fate was preparing him.
Rated: 3 Stars
— Kits #0.5
Aww. This one hit me in all the right places. We get to meet Molly and her family and the birth of Molly and Jane’s friendship. I do love a good friendship starter.
Something witchy is happening at Molly’s place and the Beast knows that a Kit is in trouble and needs help. This incident was mentioned in Skinwalker briefly and I was curious to learn a little more on how Molly and Jane’s friendship was sealed for life.
Kits was a sweet and enjoyable read. Fans will like seeing how Molly and Jane become friends.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
— Blood, Fangs and Going Furry #3.5
This one features Rick again and is in his POV.
A lot was given away in this one. You need to read book three Mercy Blade; before going into this short story.
Rick did a lot of woe is me and I fucked things up with Jane and need to talk to her to explain in this short story. I don’t feel sorry for him, but a lot of things where given away that had I read the books I wouldn’t be spoiled on.
As I said, read this short after reading Mercy Blade or things will be given away.
Blood, Fangs and Going Furry was ok. Fans might like it. I’m not a fan of Rick.
Rated: 3 Stars
I’ve only read book one Skinwalker; before I picked these short stories up. I think I should have at least read up to book three Mercy Blade; before diving into the short stories and novellas in the Jane Yellowrock series. They are good, but Blood, Fangs and Going Furry #3.2 gave some things away.
— The Early Years #0.2
Jane is 18 and leaving the children’s home she has spent her childhood at. She has an instinct she doesn’t understand and is going on a quest to the mountains where she was found.
We learn a little more about Jane, not much, get background on how she got her name Jane Yellowrock, and that she is starting to remember things from her past.
The Early Years was ok. Fans will like the little backstory.
Rated: 3 Stars
— Cat Tats #0.4
This one we get a backstory on Rick LaFleur who we meet in book one, Skinwalker.
Rick has gotten himself into trouble for chasing tail. What a surprise!!!
In Cat Tats we get Rick’s POV, learn how he got his tattoo’s, and who he’s related too. It was interesting to see how he got his cat tats and that they, Rick and Jane, where fated to cross paths. Their is a lot of pain that Rick goes through in this one.
Cat Tats was enjoyable. Fans will like the backstory on Rick and that fate was preparing him.
Rated: 3 Stars
— Kits #0.5
Aww. This one hit me in all the right places. We get to meet Molly and her family and the birth of Molly and Jane’s friendship. I do love a good friendship starter.
Something witchy is happening at Molly’s place and the Beast knows that a Kit is in trouble and needs help. This incident was mentioned in Skinwalker briefly and I was curious to learn a little more on how Molly and Jane’s friendship was sealed for life.
Kits was a sweet and enjoyable read. Fans will like seeing how Molly and Jane become friends.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
— Blood, Fangs and Going Furry #3.5
This one features Rick again and is in his POV.
A lot was given away in this one. You need to read book three Mercy Blade; before going into this short story.
Rick did a lot of woe is me and I fucked things up with Jane and need to talk to her to explain in this short story. I don’t feel sorry for him, but a lot of things where given away that had I read the books I wouldn’t be spoiled on.
As I said, read this short after reading Mercy Blade or things will be given away.
Blood, Fangs and Going Furry was ok. Fans might like it. I’m not a fan of Rick.
Rated: 3 Stars
April 6, 2022
Collection of Jane Yellowrock short stories from Rick and Jane's pov. I like Rick and wish there was more explanation to his choices. Hopefully, readers will see more of him in the Soulwood series.
library eloan
library eloan
January 7, 2020
3.5 Stars. I have to admit I'm not a fan of Rick but these stories at least made me like him more and understand him a bit better. Still not a big fan and I certainly don't think he's the right guy for Jane but at least I don't actively dislike him anymore. I liked getting to know Molly a bit better as well. These short stories helped flesh out the secondary characters a lot better - something I felt was lacking so far in the series except for Bruiser and Leo of course.
November 4, 2022
I enjoyed this drop back into the Jane Yellowrock world. There definitely a lot of Rick here, and he's not my favorite character... honestly, I really dislike Rick. He ruined it for me MANY books ago.
I did enjoy the peek into Jane's early years... the time right after leaving the home, and I would really love to read more of that time!
I did enjoy the peek into Jane's early years... the time right after leaving the home, and I would really love to read more of that time!
October 8, 2014
I somehow skipped this collection of short stories as I read though the Jane Yellowrock series. I was still able to enjoy the stories now, as three of the four are prequels anyway.
The Early Years – I’ll admit, I have wondered what it was like for Jane to consciously shift into her Beast for the first time. After all, from the time she was 12 until she was 18, she had no idea what she was. She suppressed the voice of Beast in her head. She had no memory of her life Before.
This story follows Jane as she leaves the orphanage in search of her history. And we go with her on the journey during her first shift. Sadly, this one was not great for me. It’s too much inside of Jane/ Beast’s head. Very little actually happens. Probably my least favorite of the short stories I have read in this series.
Cat Tats – As much as I loathe Rick LeFleur, I actually enjoyed this short story from his POV. (Maybe it was because he was tortured, LOL.) It’s set long before he ever met Jane and gives us some more of his backstory. Primarily, it takes us through the chain of events that left him with his cat tattoos. It’s a difficult trial for him and could have ended very differently. But it was a good enough story, it almost made me forget that I hate him. Almost.
Kits – What a great story! This is the genesis of Jane’s friendship with Molly. As it begins, they are casual acquaintances. But when one day, Molly doesn’t show up for work, Jane gets concerned and sets out to find out what has gone wrong. In the end, she helps save Angie Baby from herself and makes an unbreakable bond with the child’s mother. The end made me get a bit misty — no small feat for a story this short.
Blood Fangs and Going Furry – And so we are back to Rick again. This is an excellent story to read immediately after Mercy Blade. That book had such a great ending line. This story picks up immediately at that point and tells the story from Rick’s perspective. Mercy Blade is the book that left Rick dead to me, so it’s hard to muster too much sympathy for him here. His suffering is real, though, and I enjoyed getting a little of his perspective. Douchebag that he is.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection, but it was short. It did more to make me want to revisit the series than to leave me satisfied on its own.
Rating: B-
The Early Years – I’ll admit, I have wondered what it was like for Jane to consciously shift into her Beast for the first time. After all, from the time she was 12 until she was 18, she had no idea what she was. She suppressed the voice of Beast in her head. She had no memory of her life Before.
This story follows Jane as she leaves the orphanage in search of her history. And we go with her on the journey during her first shift. Sadly, this one was not great for me. It’s too much inside of Jane/ Beast’s head. Very little actually happens. Probably my least favorite of the short stories I have read in this series.
Cat Tats – As much as I loathe Rick LeFleur, I actually enjoyed this short story from his POV. (Maybe it was because he was tortured, LOL.) It’s set long before he ever met Jane and gives us some more of his backstory. Primarily, it takes us through the chain of events that left him with his cat tattoos. It’s a difficult trial for him and could have ended very differently. But it was a good enough story, it almost made me forget that I hate him. Almost.
Kits – What a great story! This is the genesis of Jane’s friendship with Molly. As it begins, they are casual acquaintances. But when one day, Molly doesn’t show up for work, Jane gets concerned and sets out to find out what has gone wrong. In the end, she helps save Angie Baby from herself and makes an unbreakable bond with the child’s mother. The end made me get a bit misty — no small feat for a story this short.
Blood Fangs and Going Furry – And so we are back to Rick again. This is an excellent story to read immediately after Mercy Blade. That book had such a great ending line. This story picks up immediately at that point and tells the story from Rick’s perspective. Mercy Blade is the book that left Rick dead to me, so it’s hard to muster too much sympathy for him here. His suffering is real, though, and I enjoyed getting a little of his perspective. Douchebag that he is.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection, but it was short. It did more to make me want to revisit the series than to leave me satisfied on its own.
Rating: B-
January 21, 2016
The Early Years - 4.0 stars
An 18-year-old Jane follows an instinct she doesn't understand and finds her way back home. It gives me FEELS.
Cat Tats - 4.0 stars
Oh, look. Ricky Bo got himself in trouble b/c chasing tail. SHOCKER.
This one's told from Rick's POV, and if you've been curious about how he got his mountain lion/bobcat tattoo:
IT MEANS NOTHING.
I like this one b/c lot and lots of PAIN for Rick (whom I HATE).
Kits - 5.0 stars
KITS hits me in ALL the FEELS, and it's probably my favorite Jane short to date.
1. Beast and kits always plays havoc with my emotions. She's so fierce and so pure and so . . . single-minded. Nothing is more important than kits. *rubs fist over heart*
2. The birth of Molly and Jane's friendship:
I may have cried. A lot.
Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry - 3.5 stars
Have I mentioned that I HATE Rick? B/c I do.
This one is from Rick's POV, and it details his first full moon as a were . . . A were unable to shift b/c witchy tattoos. It appears to be rather painful.
THIS PLEASES ME.
And I would've given it full marks if it hadn't been for his, "Woe is me, I really effed things up with Jane," and, "I really need to talk to her, I need to explain," crap and trash.
<------not a spoiler, just me cursing at Rick (spoiler tagged out of respect for Jane who hates potty mouths).
Fool me once . . .
An 18-year-old Jane follows an instinct she doesn't understand and finds her way back home. It gives me FEELS.
Cat Tats - 4.0 stars
Oh, look. Ricky Bo got himself in trouble b/c chasing tail. SHOCKER.
This one's told from Rick's POV, and if you've been curious about how he got his mountain lion/bobcat tattoo:
Rick didn’t know what it meant to have the cats here on his body, beneath his skin, part of him.
IT MEANS NOTHING.
I like this one b/c lot and lots of PAIN for Rick (whom I HATE).
Kits - 5.0 stars
KITS hits me in ALL the FEELS, and it's probably my favorite Jane short to date.
1. Beast and kits always plays havoc with my emotions. She's so fierce and so pure and so . . . single-minded. Nothing is more important than kits. *rubs fist over heart*
2. The birth of Molly and Jane's friendship:
I pulled on my socks and carried my boots into what was left of Molly’s house. We had tea. We shared secrets. Weirdly, Molly held my hand while we talked, as if protecting something fragile or sealing something precious. Even more weirdly, I let her. I think that, for the first time in my life, I had a real friend.
I may have cried. A lot.
Blood, Fangs, and Going Furry - 3.5 stars
Have I mentioned that I HATE Rick? B/c I do.
This one is from Rick's POV, and it details his first full moon as a were . . . A were unable to shift b/c witchy tattoos. It appears to be rather painful.
THIS PLEASES ME.
And I would've given it full marks if it hadn't been for his, "Woe is me, I really effed things up with Jane," and, "I really need to talk to her, I need to explain," crap and trash.
<------not a spoiler, just me cursing at Rick (spoiler tagged out of respect for Jane who hates potty mouths).
Fool me once . . .
January 14, 2012
I had already read most of the other stories that were previously available to read for free on Faith's website, but I really wanted to read the new one that was set directly after Mercy Blade. You know with Ricky-bo, and the smell of Big Cat....
It was short but very sweet. It has definitely whet my appetite for Raven Cursed which I'm going to jump straight into next. I forgot, I think, just how cool Jane is. Love the head bob thing. She rocks!
As for Ricky, well, I wish him luck- he's going to need it. Not only with his own problems but also with THAT conversation he needs to have with Jane.
Meeow....
It was short but very sweet. It has definitely whet my appetite for Raven Cursed which I'm going to jump straight into next. I forgot, I think, just how cool Jane is. Love the head bob thing. She rocks!
As for Ricky, well, I wish him luck- he's going to need it. Not only with his own problems but also with THAT conversation he needs to have with Jane.
Meeow....
June 25, 2015
Enjoyed the introduction to Faith Hunter as an author and Jane Yellowrock. The Amazon reviews had me not sure if reading this as my 1st book was a good idea but it has me interested in checking out the series. I suspect I will want to reread some of the shorts as I get to the parts of the full series they fit into as they will make more sense. An enjoyable read, interesting characters, interesting world building, glad to have come across this during my recent urban fantasy research.
January 16, 2012
Really good collection of short stories set in Jane Yellowrock's world. Learned some new info about Jane and Rick both. Especially appreciated the story from Rick's POV regarding the events that happened right where Mercy Blade picked up.
December 28, 2022
Excellent back story for Jane Yellowrock fans
I have read (AFAIK) all of Faith Hunter’s books and have been trying to find any short stories that I had missed. I actually put this book on my interlibrary request list more than three years ago. It always came up with unavailable but suddenly (magically) appeared yesterday! So I instantly checked it out and while the story of Rick LaFleur getting his tattoos was in another collection I hadn’t seen the other stories so this was definitely worth reading!
I have read (AFAIK) all of Faith Hunter’s books and have been trying to find any short stories that I had missed. I actually put this book on my interlibrary request list more than three years ago. It always came up with unavailable but suddenly (magically) appeared yesterday! So I instantly checked it out and while the story of Rick LaFleur getting his tattoos was in another collection I hadn’t seen the other stories so this was definitely worth reading!
February 1, 2021
This was a fun interim short story book that helped flesh out some character development in the main series of books that were otherwise left a mystery. Learning about the magic imbued in Rick's tattoos, or how Jane initially befriended Molly were fun stories to enjoy as a light quick read to change the pace up of Hunter's main novels. I'll definitely keep an eye out for these .5 editions, and I'm also glad I heeded the spoiler warnings from reviews. Won't read these in between stories before I've digested the main novels they reference. Onto the next Yellowrock!
March 24, 2018
Real rating 3 and a half.
September 10, 2021
story included in audiobook Cat o' Nine Tales
July 12, 2013
If you're familiar with the world of Jane Yellowrock then these short stories will more than please. If you haven't read any of the Jane Yellowrock stories then these are a good place to start although I think you'll enjoy them so much more if you actaully read the series and honestly if you like Urban Fantasy in any form then you owe it to yourself to read the Jane Yellowrock series. In Cat's Tales we're introduced to four stories that not only add to our knowledge and enjoyment of Jane but are also fun to read.
The Four Short Stories are:
1. The Early Years - A short story about Jane which is set right after she left the Children's home that she grew up in. It's a story about finding ones self and sets the pace for the path that Jane will forever walk.
2. Cat Tats - How Rick LeFleur got the tattoes of the cats on him and is in his point of view.
3. Kits - The story of how Jane became good friends with Molly.
4. Blood, Fangs and Going Furry - A story with Rick LeFleur and Jane in Rick's point of view and takes place "immediatly" after the book Mercy Blade.
Along with these tales you also get a nice introduction from the Author which talks about how she came up with Jane Yellowrock and her world and a nice timeline for the series as a whole including the short stories so you'll know when they all took place. Honestly, it's a real value for the price. The quality of the short stories is top notch, the editing is perfect and the stories aren't super short nor too long. A great way to enhance your collection and a good way to learn more about Jane Yellowrock and her world. I loved every minute of it!
The Four Short Stories are:
1. The Early Years - A short story about Jane which is set right after she left the Children's home that she grew up in. It's a story about finding ones self and sets the pace for the path that Jane will forever walk.
2. Cat Tats - How Rick LeFleur got the tattoes of the cats on him and is in his point of view.
3. Kits - The story of how Jane became good friends with Molly.
4. Blood, Fangs and Going Furry - A story with Rick LeFleur and Jane in Rick's point of view and takes place "immediatly" after the book Mercy Blade.
Along with these tales you also get a nice introduction from the Author which talks about how she came up with Jane Yellowrock and her world and a nice timeline for the series as a whole including the short stories so you'll know when they all took place. Honestly, it's a real value for the price. The quality of the short stories is top notch, the editing is perfect and the stories aren't super short nor too long. A great way to enhance your collection and a good way to learn more about Jane Yellowrock and her world. I loved every minute of it!
December 9, 2011
Loved, loved the four short stories. Two of which I had read before, but re-read along with two new ones from Faith Hunter. Jane Yellowrock has to be one of my all time favorite series' and anything that gets me to North Carolina, riding along on Jane's Harley, in my mind is an excellent and all around good time. I got a much deeper understanding of Jane when she was just starting out at a tender age fresh from the home for children in the first story. The last story also gave me an insight into what happened after Rick Le Fleu, ex-boyfriend and general pain in Jane's ass, tried to shift into a were on the first full moon. The other two stories, one of which dealt with Rick's capture by a vamp and the other was set in Ashville N.C. and deals with Jane's friend Molly the witch and Molly's discovery of Jane's Beast side for the first time.
It's always a good thing when you get the chance to explore a fav character. Short stories give you that chance.
It's always a good thing when you get the chance to explore a fav character. Short stories give you that chance.
November 4, 2012
Short stories... I just love short stories. They add content and perspective to the series. First we explore how Jane Yellowrock discovers her lost home and how beast is able to escape the mind cage Jane forced her into. The second story explores how Rick LaFleur ended up with those tattoos. The third story allows us to see how Molly Everhart and Jane became the friends they are now. The fourth story allows us to see how Rick's life transforms after surviving the weres. A taste of Raven Cursed is included in this anthology.
The best part of this book in my opinion is the note Faith Hunter adds at the beginning of the book. She shares a little about how the story and the character development phase happened for her. I enjoyed it immensely .
The best part of this book in my opinion is the note Faith Hunter adds at the beginning of the book. She shares a little about how the story and the character development phase happened for her. I enjoyed it immensely .
November 1, 2012
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This short story was a GREAT addition to the series. I never really warmed up to the character Rick LaFleur in the other books. This story gives some insight into his character and a bit of his history. Really enjoyed it.
This short story was a GREAT addition to the series. I never really warmed up to the character Rick LaFleur in the other books. This story gives some insight into his character and a bit of his history. Really enjoyed it.
April 1, 2016
Since all but the last story I read on March 30th, that's where I'm putting this! Great collection of stories about cats of all kinds and yeah, really great to read!
January 21, 2019
Cat Tales is a collection of four short stories from the Jane Yellowrock series and written by Faith Hunter, which was collected and published after Mercy Blade, but three of the four stories takes place before Skinwalkter, the first book. To avoid spoilers, it is best to read this anthology after Mercy Blade as there is one story "Blood, Fangs and Going Furry" takes place moments after the third book.
Included in this anthology is an index of vampire clans and alliances, a letter from the author about the origins of Jane Yellowrock, the protagonist, and the first three chapters of Raven Cursed, the fourth installment, which I already read and reviewed.
For the most part, I really like these short stories, although one does not really need to read this book to continue with the series. However, it is highly worth it if you do, because it broadens and strengthens the universe. All the short stories were written well, but each story seemed lacking somewhat – especially "The Early Years" and "Cat Tats" as it needed more space to complete the stories.
All in all, Cat Tales is a wonderful collection of short stories that expands and strengthens the fictional universe. It mainly gives background and relationship stories of the major characters of the series.
Included in this anthology is an index of vampire clans and alliances, a letter from the author about the origins of Jane Yellowrock, the protagonist, and the first three chapters of Raven Cursed, the fourth installment, which I already read and reviewed.
For the most part, I really like these short stories, although one does not really need to read this book to continue with the series. However, it is highly worth it if you do, because it broadens and strengthens the universe. All the short stories were written well, but each story seemed lacking somewhat – especially "The Early Years" and "Cat Tats" as it needed more space to complete the stories.
All in all, Cat Tales is a wonderful collection of short stories that expands and strengthens the fictional universe. It mainly gives background and relationship stories of the major characters of the series.
July 19, 2019
Not really short stories or novellas as much as scenes. I didn't finish the first one and the second,"Cat Tats", was mostly some woman reading one Tarot card after another. It was also kind of nasty and didn't explain the actual significance of the tats, which was why I read it. "Kits" gives you a little event where Angelina's powers show up and was OK. The final story follows the third book and details a bit of what happened to Rick after he was rescued. But I'm pretty sure it was just deleted from the actual books because it didn't tell much. If you're a huge fan of the series it's probably worth the time to pick up a free copy of this book, but otherwise I wouldn't bother.
September 17, 2017
I had to read this because Raven Cursed was confusing me on the alpha thing with Kenembi (spelling? listening to audio books over reading). I was a bit irritated I had to stop and read this to understand exactly what happened. I like short stories, the added insight. However, I hate when something pivotal happens in one and I miss something that adds to the main storyline.
I will go through and read all of these at some point, but for now, I just read the one that mattered for story continuation for Raven Cursed.
I will go through and read all of these at some point, but for now, I just read the one that mattered for story continuation for Raven Cursed.
August 3, 2021
I always hate having to track down these novellas when they're integral to the main series. I sometimes feel like the authors should have found a place in the main story to put them, especially if they were going to be that important with background or bridging story lines but also super short. And idk if I'm just not in the right head space for Jane (I'm on hold for the next BDB book *sadface*) but while these novellas were "important" I didn't care for them too much. I'm definitely into Raven Cursed though so there's that.
March 5, 2019
Another Wonderful collection of Jane Yellowrock shorts!
This is another must read collection of short stories about Jane Yellowrock, Ricky-bo and the Everharts and other characters. These stories are interesting and informative looks into these characters and experiences that are referenced in the series.
If you love Jane Yellowrock, then you have to read these stories as well. More Jane! What is their no to love about that? Read it!!!
This is another must read collection of short stories about Jane Yellowrock, Ricky-bo and the Everharts and other characters. These stories are interesting and informative looks into these characters and experiences that are referenced in the series.
If you love Jane Yellowrock, then you have to read these stories as well. More Jane! What is their no to love about that? Read it!!!
April 6, 2019
This is a collection of short stories that explain a bit about how Jane started her career as rogue vampire hunter, how she met Mollie, and how Rick got his tattoos. It's a fun read for fans of the series, but has no value for those unfamiliar with that world or characters. Read after book 3, because last story has major spoilers for the plot of that book.
June 25, 2017
The book is short, that's ok. It provides back stories that help fill in gaps, especially for Rick. Most importantly, it provides the scene between books 3 and 4 in the series. Worth the whole price just for that.
June 1, 2019
Sorry Faith Hunter fans but I am sick of Jane, TSTL, IMHO. Why she continues working for vampires who do horrid things to her when she supposedly hates them to start with makes her too ignorant for me to continue reading her shennagins. I didn't even finish this book
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