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Four of the bestselling names in romance and fantasy come together in this collection of thrilling novellas featuring powerful women who know how to handle a hex or two.
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First published June 1, 2011
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About the author
Ilona Andrews
149 books33.4k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews
April 16, 2017
I don't normally say this, but... People! Aim higher! Not the authors, although that goes for them too. No, I'm talking readers. Ilona Andrews, as always, has an interesting blog post about the 'Cheap, Fast, and Good' phenomenon in publishing (link). You should read it, as I think she offers some excellent insight, particularly the comment, "Research has shown that if a person wants a particular movie or book, they would rather settle for a mediocre book on their preferred topic than buy a better quality book in a different genre." (April 12, 2017). The jacket copy on Hexed claims that all four authors are 'bestselling,' two of them from the NYT Bestseller list. Which leads me back to my point, that readers need to demand better, not more, because if this is bestselling, these short-form writers really need to read more Peter S. Beagle or Roger Zelazny. I suggest you do too.
The first story 'Magic Dreams' is set in Andrews' Kate Daniels universe, about Dali, a brilliant Indonesian woman who is called upon when her crush is exposed to deadly magic. It's a solid story, although I feel like Dali's personality doesn't come through well; she mostly seems like a young, awkward girl with a giant crush on a powerful man. This is in contrast with the confident woman of the Daniels' series, who volunteers for death matches and pretends she's a professional race-car driver. Still, it has fun mythology and gives a little more insight into another corner of Atlanta. Three stars.
The second story, 'Ice Shards' by Yasmine Galenorn is utterly incomprehensible, over-wrought, over-written drivel of the sort a clever fifteen-year-old who reads too much Juliet Marillier might write. Twenty pages was enough to make me swear off reading for the evening, poisoned by the language sinking into my brain. In an effort to purge it, I'll share: "I stared at Grandmother Coytoe's portal. We were standing in the middle of a snow-shrouded wood, in the Belles-Faire district of Seattle, a few miles from home. But we were about to travel through the veil, to the Otherworld, the land of Camille's birth. From there we would journey to the Northlands, the world I'd left behind so long ago, when I'd been branded a murderer, stripped of my strongest powers, and cast out of the order of Undutar, the Goddess of the Mist and Snow." That's on page three, in case you were wondering. No, you don't get more explanation that makes sense.
How about our heroine? "Most people thought I was a pushover, an easy mark, since I was so short and petite. Some assumed I was mild and delicate; others thought I was a cozy maid. But I'd seen too much to ever be mild or cozy or an easy mark. I hid my memories well, but they were always there to fuel the need to fight." Gack. What is a 'cozy maid?' Why are we bringing memories into it? And believe me, in twenty pages, there wasn't any fighting, just a tear or two, a meeting in a bar and etc., etc., yawners. One star.
The third story, 'Double Hexed,' by Allyson James, is a fun urban fantasy and will probably appeal to fans of Kate Daniels. A hotel owner, her boyfriend, a couple of staff members and others are trapped in the hotel by a hex. The protagonist is a no-nonsense heroine that is looking out after her friends. James has a straight-forward writing style with interesting magical-being building, although I could have passed on the tantric magic. Interesting integration of Southwest Native mythology with conceptions of withcraft, vampires and black magic. Three stars.
The final story, 'Blood Debt,' by Jeanne C. Stein feels a little knock-off-ish and unfinished, but with potentially interesting bones. A woman who was recently made a vampire is called to account for killing a murderous witch by powers from the other world. Straight-forward prose. Choppy with partial sentences. Love-at-first-sight love interest (see what I did there?) Two stars.
Overall, definitely don't buy. Worth picking up only if you want to see a novella by one of the authors you enjoy.
The first story 'Magic Dreams' is set in Andrews' Kate Daniels universe, about Dali, a brilliant Indonesian woman who is called upon when her crush is exposed to deadly magic. It's a solid story, although I feel like Dali's personality doesn't come through well; she mostly seems like a young, awkward girl with a giant crush on a powerful man. This is in contrast with the confident woman of the Daniels' series, who volunteers for death matches and pretends she's a professional race-car driver. Still, it has fun mythology and gives a little more insight into another corner of Atlanta. Three stars.
The second story, 'Ice Shards' by Yasmine Galenorn is utterly incomprehensible, over-wrought, over-written drivel of the sort a clever fifteen-year-old who reads too much Juliet Marillier might write. Twenty pages was enough to make me swear off reading for the evening, poisoned by the language sinking into my brain. In an effort to purge it, I'll share: "I stared at Grandmother Coytoe's portal. We were standing in the middle of a snow-shrouded wood, in the Belles-Faire district of Seattle, a few miles from home. But we were about to travel through the veil, to the Otherworld, the land of Camille's birth. From there we would journey to the Northlands, the world I'd left behind so long ago, when I'd been branded a murderer, stripped of my strongest powers, and cast out of the order of Undutar, the Goddess of the Mist and Snow." That's on page three, in case you were wondering. No, you don't get more explanation that makes sense.
How about our heroine? "Most people thought I was a pushover, an easy mark, since I was so short and petite. Some assumed I was mild and delicate; others thought I was a cozy maid. But I'd seen too much to ever be mild or cozy or an easy mark. I hid my memories well, but they were always there to fuel the need to fight." Gack. What is a 'cozy maid?' Why are we bringing memories into it? And believe me, in twenty pages, there wasn't any fighting, just a tear or two, a meeting in a bar and etc., etc., yawners. One star.
The third story, 'Double Hexed,' by Allyson James, is a fun urban fantasy and will probably appeal to fans of Kate Daniels. A hotel owner, her boyfriend, a couple of staff members and others are trapped in the hotel by a hex. The protagonist is a no-nonsense heroine that is looking out after her friends. James has a straight-forward writing style with interesting magical-being building, although I could have passed on the tantric magic. Interesting integration of Southwest Native mythology with conceptions of withcraft, vampires and black magic. Three stars.
The final story, 'Blood Debt,' by Jeanne C. Stein feels a little knock-off-ish and unfinished, but with potentially interesting bones. A woman who was recently made a vampire is called to account for killing a murderous witch by powers from the other world. Straight-forward prose. Choppy with partial sentences. Love-at-first-sight love interest (see what I did there?) Two stars.
Overall, definitely don't buy. Worth picking up only if you want to see a novella by one of the authors you enjoy.
February 2, 2017
(This review is only for the story Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews)
Jim likes a girl. The problem is that Jim is too Alpha to make the first move. Moreover as the Pack Leader of the were-cats and head of Security for Curran the Beast Lord, he can be easily accused of taking advantage of his position.
Dali likes a boy. The problem is that were-tigress Dali is vegetarian, almost blind and too unattractive to make the first move. A brain with glasses she describes herself.
One day Jim is in trouble. Being at the wrong place the wrong time, he has been infected with something hideous that is eating Jim’s soul and magic. Jim keeps falling asleep and as a final result he will die.
Dali will not allow an evil spirit to steal Jim from her. Jim is hers, nobody else could have him!
The living, breathing golden snail (KEONG EMAS) is the only thing that can help Jim. Dali will not hesitate to risk her life to find it for him. She has to visit the Underground, the most dangerous place in Atlanta for shifters and buy it.
Then, Dali will have to fight JOROGUMO, the Biding Maiden, the whore spider and get Jim out from her spiderweb. It is a good thing that Dali is a clever girl and very good in riddles.
Jim’s and Dali’s future will look bright.
There is also the addition of another interesting character in Kate Daniels’ world: A SUANMI (i.e. the son of the dragon), from which Dali will save.
I loved the story! It features weird and wonderful creatures from Asian mythology - especially from Japanese mythology.
Jim likes a girl. The problem is that Jim is too Alpha to make the first move. Moreover as the Pack Leader of the were-cats and head of Security for Curran the Beast Lord, he can be easily accused of taking advantage of his position.
Dali likes a boy. The problem is that were-tigress Dali is vegetarian, almost blind and too unattractive to make the first move. A brain with glasses she describes herself.
One day Jim is in trouble. Being at the wrong place the wrong time, he has been infected with something hideous that is eating Jim’s soul and magic. Jim keeps falling asleep and as a final result he will die.
Dali will not allow an evil spirit to steal Jim from her. Jim is hers, nobody else could have him!
The living, breathing golden snail (KEONG EMAS) is the only thing that can help Jim. Dali will not hesitate to risk her life to find it for him. She has to visit the Underground, the most dangerous place in Atlanta for shifters and buy it.
Then, Dali will have to fight JOROGUMO, the Biding Maiden, the whore spider and get Jim out from her spiderweb. It is a good thing that Dali is a clever girl and very good in riddles.
Jim’s and Dali’s future will look bright.
There is also the addition of another interesting character in Kate Daniels’ world: A SUANMI (i.e. the son of the dragon), from which Dali will save.
I loved the story! It features weird and wonderful creatures from Asian mythology - especially from Japanese mythology.
May 12, 2022
I'm somewhat disappointed that I spent money on this anthology. When I calculated my average my star values for the four novellas, the result was 2.5 stars. The highest marks go to Ilona Andrews because…Ilona Andrews. I know their characters, they feel like old friends, and I always enjoy learning more about them or just getting to hang out with them in their world.
The fourth story by Jeanne C. Stein was the next most entertaining because vampires. I usually like a good vampire tale. The middle two stories were forgettable and I can't imagine wanting to reread them. I'll probably hang on to the volume for the sake of the Andrews' story. I should have had the patience to interlibrary loan it. Perhaps I'll be wiser next time?
The fourth story by Jeanne C. Stein was the next most entertaining because vampires. I usually like a good vampire tale. The middle two stories were forgettable and I can't imagine wanting to reread them. I'll probably hang on to the volume for the sake of the Andrews' story. I should have had the patience to interlibrary loan it. Perhaps I'll be wiser next time?
December 6, 2017
I picked up this Anthology to listen to the novella Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels #4.5) only. I LOVE the Kate Daniels series and have been listening to the books and loving them all over again. Instead of just listening to Magic Dreams I went ahead and listened to all four novellas; Magic Dreams, Ice Shards, Double Hexed, and Blood Debt. This Anthology was interesting and each novella was different and enjoyable to listen too.
Magic Dreams - 5 Stars
Here we get Jim & Dali, two shapeshiftes in the Cat Clan. If you are familiar with the Kate Daniels series then you have an idea of who these two are. Jim shows up in the first book and Dali shows up in the third book, but here we get to see more into them, their insecurities, and mating dance. Lots of fun to listen too and learn more about these two.
The Narrator: Renée Raudman did a superb job with the narration. The audiobook brings out the emotions, characters, mystery, and adventure.
Ice Shards - 4 Stars
Ice Shards takes place in the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon #9.5 series. I haven’t tried this series yet, but do have book one on my TBR. This novella has made me want to bump up trying out Yasmine Galenorn. Iris has to face her past. I like how her past is weaved into the now. I found this novella interesting and entertaining.
The Narrator: Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed the Irish accent given to Iris and all the other different voices for the other characters.
Double Hexed - 3 Stars
Double Hexed is part of the Stormwalker #2.5 series. This one I felt lost and like I was missing something. The familiar connections between the characters just wasn’t their for me. All the people introduced are friends, acquaintances, or a lover. This novella focused on Janet the main character in the Stormwalker series. We also get Coyote the God, Mike a dragon, Cassandra a witch, Ansel a Nightwalker, and a few others. Theirs a cute/hex on the inn that Janet runs. Their more dark primal instances are coming out. This novella wan’t working so well for me. It didn’t make me want to go out and pick up the Stormwalker series.
The Narrator: She did a good job. The voices where unique and you could distinguish between the different characters.
Blood Debt - 4 Stars
Blood Debt is Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5 series. We meet Anna a bounty hunter/vampire. Something in her past is coming back to bit her in the butt. We learn about her, her past, and how she was turned. She’s got to defend her actions in an otherworld court. Not just her life, but another’s is on the line. It’s interesting. Anna is determined to protect those who can’t defend themselves. I’m curious to try the Anna Strong Chronicles series. It sounds like it has adventure, mystery, and fun characters.
The Narrator: She did a wonderful job. All the voices where alive and unique. The story came alive.
Magic Dreams - 5 Stars
Here we get Jim & Dali, two shapeshiftes in the Cat Clan. If you are familiar with the Kate Daniels series then you have an idea of who these two are. Jim shows up in the first book and Dali shows up in the third book, but here we get to see more into them, their insecurities, and mating dance. Lots of fun to listen too and learn more about these two.
The Narrator: Renée Raudman did a superb job with the narration. The audiobook brings out the emotions, characters, mystery, and adventure.
Ice Shards - 4 Stars
Ice Shards takes place in the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon #9.5 series. I haven’t tried this series yet, but do have book one on my TBR. This novella has made me want to bump up trying out Yasmine Galenorn. Iris has to face her past. I like how her past is weaved into the now. I found this novella interesting and entertaining.
The Narrator: Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed the Irish accent given to Iris and all the other different voices for the other characters.
Double Hexed - 3 Stars
Double Hexed is part of the Stormwalker #2.5 series. This one I felt lost and like I was missing something. The familiar connections between the characters just wasn’t their for me. All the people introduced are friends, acquaintances, or a lover. This novella focused on Janet the main character in the Stormwalker series. We also get Coyote the God, Mike a dragon, Cassandra a witch, Ansel a Nightwalker, and a few others. Theirs a cute/hex on the inn that Janet runs. Their more dark primal instances are coming out. This novella wan’t working so well for me. It didn’t make me want to go out and pick up the Stormwalker series.
The Narrator: She did a good job. The voices where unique and you could distinguish between the different characters.
Blood Debt - 4 Stars
Blood Debt is Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5 series. We meet Anna a bounty hunter/vampire. Something in her past is coming back to bit her in the butt. We learn about her, her past, and how she was turned. She’s got to defend her actions in an otherworld court. Not just her life, but another’s is on the line. It’s interesting. Anna is determined to protect those who can’t defend themselves. I’m curious to try the Anna Strong Chronicles series. It sounds like it has adventure, mystery, and fun characters.
The Narrator: She did a wonderful job. All the voices where alive and unique. The story came alive.
May 29, 2019
Review for Magic Dreams
Dali has always been a bit peculiar to me, but then again, I thinks she’s supposed to be that way to everyone. I often wondered what her background and motivations were and now I know and oh my! I loved her so much! This is a fast, intense read/listen and it has a great balance of thrills/chills and suspense, along with a bit of romance. I’m all about the romance but too much can kill a story and not enough can make me lose interest. This had the perfect ratio for me. And lordie! When this wraps up, let’s just say Jim turned me into a swoony mess!
In order to get to this one you’re going to need to read the other before it but I gotta say that this has been my fave...it’s all about the geek to me!
Dali has always been a bit peculiar to me, but then again, I thinks she’s supposed to be that way to everyone. I often wondered what her background and motivations were and now I know and oh my! I loved her so much! This is a fast, intense read/listen and it has a great balance of thrills/chills and suspense, along with a bit of romance. I’m all about the romance but too much can kill a story and not enough can make me lose interest. This had the perfect ratio for me. And lordie! When this wraps up, let’s just say Jim turned me into a swoony mess!
In order to get to this one you’re going to need to read the other before it but I gotta say that this has been my fave...it’s all about the geek to me!
June 6, 2011
Since this is an anthology I am going to review the novellas separately.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4.5)
In this one Dali and Jim fight together to bring down a Japanese demon. Dali is not a scary shifter, but she does know her magic. Jim is an alpha and they have always been at odds. That is you know they both like each other but never get together. So therefore I looked forward to reading this book knowing it would finally happen. Interesting mythology and in a way I did not feel like you had to have read the Kate Daniels series to understand the novella. Of course by having read them you would have met these two before and wanted the same thing I wanted. I enjoyed this novella.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon #9.5)
I never ever come across Finnish mythology and here I did. Iris Kuusi is a housesprite from Finland and she is going to the Northlands to find out if she killed someone 600 years ago. Ok I was a bit lost here at times, not really lost, but it was the fact that there have been 9 books in this series about three sisters. And this character who I guess is a minor character there. Also, they would not have had last names that far back and some names in it would not have been used. Still it was interesting in it's rich mythology. There seems to be a lot going on in that world (worlds).
Double Hexed by Allyson James (Stormwalker #3.5)
This one was my favourite because it really made me want to read the series behind it. Janet and her friends are trapped in her hotel because someone has put a hex on it. I found myself wanting to read more about Janet and her dragon lover Mick. Coyote was funny, the vampire seemed nice (when not crazed) and the rest of the cast interesting. It's a world I want to read about and book 1 made it to my wishlist.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5)
Yes 6 before this one but I never felt at loss. I got a bit of explanations what Anna was and what she had been through. In this book she stands trail for something she has done. And that made me know about her history. I would definitely be interested in reading her story from book 1. The writing and story was good and I do like kick-ass UF heroines.
Conclusion:
Interesting novellas that made me want to read more about the worlds presented. And as always some better than other.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4.5)
In this one Dali and Jim fight together to bring down a Japanese demon. Dali is not a scary shifter, but she does know her magic. Jim is an alpha and they have always been at odds. That is you know they both like each other but never get together. So therefore I looked forward to reading this book knowing it would finally happen. Interesting mythology and in a way I did not feel like you had to have read the Kate Daniels series to understand the novella. Of course by having read them you would have met these two before and wanted the same thing I wanted. I enjoyed this novella.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon #9.5)
I never ever come across Finnish mythology and here I did. Iris Kuusi is a housesprite from Finland and she is going to the Northlands to find out if she killed someone 600 years ago. Ok I was a bit lost here at times, not really lost, but it was the fact that there have been 9 books in this series about three sisters. And this character who I guess is a minor character there. Also, they would not have had last names that far back and some names in it would not have been used. Still it was interesting in it's rich mythology. There seems to be a lot going on in that world (worlds).
Double Hexed by Allyson James (Stormwalker #3.5)
This one was my favourite because it really made me want to read the series behind it. Janet and her friends are trapped in her hotel because someone has put a hex on it. I found myself wanting to read more about Janet and her dragon lover Mick. Coyote was funny, the vampire seemed nice (when not crazed) and the rest of the cast interesting. It's a world I want to read about and book 1 made it to my wishlist.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5)
Yes 6 before this one but I never felt at loss. I got a bit of explanations what Anna was and what she had been through. In this book she stands trail for something she has done. And that made me know about her history. I would definitely be interested in reading her story from book 1. The writing and story was good and I do like kick-ass UF heroines.
Conclusion:
Interesting novellas that made me want to read more about the worlds presented. And as always some better than other.
June 10, 2011
Hexed is an urban fantasy anthology that features novellas by Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James, and Jeanne C. Stein.
Andrews's story, Magic Dreams, focuses on Dali Harimau, a shapeshifting tiger, and her quest to save Jim, the man that she loves, when a spider-like demon infects Jim and tries to take over his body. Iris Kuusi, a Finnish sprite, is looking for redemption and a chance to discover what really happened to her former lover in Galenorn's Ice Shards. Janet Begay, a Stormwalker, must keep her wits about her when she and her friends are trapped in her hotel in James's Double Hexed. And in Stein's Blood Debt, vampire Anna Strong tries to save a kidnapped man and is judged on some of her past actions by a group of mysterious beings.
I like anthologies because you get to try several authors for the price of one book. I almost always find one or two authors that I want to read more by, and this book was no exception.
I liked Galenorn's story the best. I'd never read her before, and I thought her writing was just excellent -- vivid, lush, and descriptive. She really transports you to the frozen land where the story is set and packs a lot of world building into this novella, which is part of her Otherworld series. What really happened to Iris's lover was a little predictable, but I definitely plan to read more books by Galenorn.
Andrews's story was also entertaining, and I thought Dali was the best character in the anthology. She's smart, sassy, sarcastic, and vulnerable all at the same time. Plus, I enjoyed the different cultures and mythologies that were featured in the story. I read the first book in the Kate Daniels series, and this novella reminded me that I need to get caught up on Andrews's books.
However, I didn't enjoy the other two stories quite as much. I thought the idea of Stormwalkers and the Southwestern setting in James's story was really cool, but you don't get to really see any of the scenery since Janet and her friends are trapped in the hotel for most of the novella. For me, those kind of locked door stories usually work better in murder mysteries. I would have liked to see Janet out in the elements mastering the storms.
The same thing is true of Stein's story. I think I would have liked it better if it had shown me more of Anna's regular world, friends, etc., instead of transporting her to this other dimension where she doesn't know the rules and isn't quite sure what's going on.
Overall, though, this is a solid urban fantasy anthology with a variety of styles, characters, and creatures. Check it out.
Andrews's story, Magic Dreams, focuses on Dali Harimau, a shapeshifting tiger, and her quest to save Jim, the man that she loves, when a spider-like demon infects Jim and tries to take over his body. Iris Kuusi, a Finnish sprite, is looking for redemption and a chance to discover what really happened to her former lover in Galenorn's Ice Shards. Janet Begay, a Stormwalker, must keep her wits about her when she and her friends are trapped in her hotel in James's Double Hexed. And in Stein's Blood Debt, vampire Anna Strong tries to save a kidnapped man and is judged on some of her past actions by a group of mysterious beings.
I like anthologies because you get to try several authors for the price of one book. I almost always find one or two authors that I want to read more by, and this book was no exception.
I liked Galenorn's story the best. I'd never read her before, and I thought her writing was just excellent -- vivid, lush, and descriptive. She really transports you to the frozen land where the story is set and packs a lot of world building into this novella, which is part of her Otherworld series. What really happened to Iris's lover was a little predictable, but I definitely plan to read more books by Galenorn.
Andrews's story was also entertaining, and I thought Dali was the best character in the anthology. She's smart, sassy, sarcastic, and vulnerable all at the same time. Plus, I enjoyed the different cultures and mythologies that were featured in the story. I read the first book in the Kate Daniels series, and this novella reminded me that I need to get caught up on Andrews's books.
However, I didn't enjoy the other two stories quite as much. I thought the idea of Stormwalkers and the Southwestern setting in James's story was really cool, but you don't get to really see any of the scenery since Janet and her friends are trapped in the hotel for most of the novella. For me, those kind of locked door stories usually work better in murder mysteries. I would have liked to see Janet out in the elements mastering the storms.
The same thing is true of Stein's story. I think I would have liked it better if it had shown me more of Anna's regular world, friends, etc., instead of transporting her to this other dimension where she doesn't know the rules and isn't quite sure what's going on.
Overall, though, this is a solid urban fantasy anthology with a variety of styles, characters, and creatures. Check it out.
June 15, 2011
**only read Magic Dreams**
What a cute, sweet story! I went into this thinking I wasn't going to like Dali much but I was so wrong. She is really funny which I wasn't expecting. I loved the names of her cars ~ Rambo and Pooki! Even though there wasn't much physically going on between her and Jim, there still was a lot going on.
The big baddy was very interesting and I enjoyed the whole Asian spin on things. Dali's Mom was great too.
I really hope we get to see more of them together in future books.
footnote: a few "new" things to me or things I hadn't caught till this book....
What a cute, sweet story! I went into this thinking I wasn't going to like Dali much but I was so wrong. She is really funny which I wasn't expecting. I loved the names of her cars ~ Rambo and Pooki! Even though there wasn't much physically going on between her and Jim, there still was a lot going on.
The big baddy was very interesting and I enjoyed the whole Asian spin on things. Dali's Mom was great too.
I really hope we get to see more of them together in future books.
footnote: a few "new" things to me or things I hadn't caught till this book....
June 7, 2011
June 7th
So far I've only read Magic Dreams, by Ilona Andrews, and that's because I read the Magic Series faithfully. I will probably read the Anna Strong novella, as I've read most of the books, but the others I could give or take.
Jim and Dali were fantastic. I love Dali so much. Her insecurities made her all the more endearing, and relate-able for me personally. I've always had a thing for Mr. Tall, Dark and Scary Jim, and I loved his explanation for not acting on his feelings towards Dali sooner. My only Qualm? It ended much too soon!!
The villain was cool and different, and I love how Ilona and Gordon weave mythology in their world, and plots.
For such a short story, this one had it all. Great mystery, cool, creepy villains, and a wee bit of romance :) Perfect!
So far I've only read Magic Dreams, by Ilona Andrews, and that's because I read the Magic Series faithfully. I will probably read the Anna Strong novella, as I've read most of the books, but the others I could give or take.
Jim and Dali were fantastic. I love Dali so much. Her insecurities made her all the more endearing, and relate-able for me personally. I've always had a thing for Mr. Tall, Dark and Scary Jim, and I loved his explanation for not acting on his feelings towards Dali sooner. My only Qualm? It ended much too soon!!
The villain was cool and different, and I love how Ilona and Gordon weave mythology in their world, and plots.
For such a short story, this one had it all. Great mystery, cool, creepy villains, and a wee bit of romance :) Perfect!
January 14, 2020
Overall rating of anthology: 4
Excellent anthology containing four high quality novellas. The genres are fantasy/paranormal romance. I’m not a huge romance fan, although I do love fantasy. But these were good stories.
The audio readers were Cassandra Campbell and Renee Raudman. I’m not sure who read which story, but they were good readers. I think Raudman may have read the first story, and she gave that narrator’s voice a high pitched, little girly quality I didn’t care for, although I suppose it suited the character. The other stories were read well.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
3.5
This story has it all—shapeshifters and weres,
exotic Asian magic, demons, and medicine; crime, and romance. The story takes place in Atlanta. Dali, a shapeshifter of Indonesian descent whose animal form is
a white tiger, teams up with Jim, another
shapeshifter, to get to the bottom of a local crime spree.
So why didn’t I give it a higher rating? I’m not a huge
fan of romance fiction.
Ice Shards - An Otherworld Novella by Yasmine Galenorn
5
I haven’t read any of Galenorn’s novels, some of which
have been seriously dissed on Goodreads.
Nevertheless, I loved this powerful novella.
Iris Kuusi, an ancient and petite Finnish house sprite now living in the Seattle area, takes along some friends: a witch, a dragon (married to the witch), and an incubus, to support her on a quest in the Northlands, a frigid magical realm. Iris was accused of murder there centuries ago and cruelly cast out. She needs to find out the truth, as she doesn't remember what happened. She wants to lift the curse placed upon her in the Northlands so she can marry her leprechaun boyfriend in Seattle, Bruce O'Shea. Iris and her companions are also aided by Howl, an Elemental Lord and King of the wolves. A strong and moving tale of a brave woman and her frightening shamanic spirit encounters in a cold and inhospitable climate.
Double Hexed. A Stormwalker Novella by Allyson James
4
I read this some years ago in some anthology or other.
For the life of me I cannot remember which anthology I found it in. I do remember really enjoying it. I did not reread it.
Janet Begay, an eccentric witch, owns a hotel in the Southwest, which suddenly appears to be cursed. Various critters, people, and spirits show up to help (or not). Such as Coyote and Janet’s handsome boyfriend, Mick. This story has all manner of supernatural creatures, including dragons, spirit animals, etc.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein
4
Well, okay, romance still isn’t my favorite genre, but this story is a paranormal romance, and I enjoyed it more than “Magic Dreams”, the first story in this volume.
Anna Strong is a vampire bounty hunter. She’s also trying to be one of the “good guys”. Through no fault of her own, she gets drawn into an otherwordly conflict with some nasty adversaries. This story features witches and a yucky incubus in addition to the vampire.
Excellent anthology containing four high quality novellas. The genres are fantasy/paranormal romance. I’m not a huge romance fan, although I do love fantasy. But these were good stories.
The audio readers were Cassandra Campbell and Renee Raudman. I’m not sure who read which story, but they were good readers. I think Raudman may have read the first story, and she gave that narrator’s voice a high pitched, little girly quality I didn’t care for, although I suppose it suited the character. The other stories were read well.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
3.5
This story has it all—shapeshifters and weres,
exotic Asian magic, demons, and medicine; crime, and romance. The story takes place in Atlanta. Dali, a shapeshifter of Indonesian descent whose animal form is
a white tiger, teams up with Jim, another
shapeshifter, to get to the bottom of a local crime spree.
So why didn’t I give it a higher rating? I’m not a huge
fan of romance fiction.
Ice Shards - An Otherworld Novella by Yasmine Galenorn
5
I haven’t read any of Galenorn’s novels, some of which
have been seriously dissed on Goodreads.
Nevertheless, I loved this powerful novella.
Iris Kuusi, an ancient and petite Finnish house sprite now living in the Seattle area, takes along some friends: a witch, a dragon (married to the witch), and an incubus, to support her on a quest in the Northlands, a frigid magical realm. Iris was accused of murder there centuries ago and cruelly cast out. She needs to find out the truth, as she doesn't remember what happened. She wants to lift the curse placed upon her in the Northlands so she can marry her leprechaun boyfriend in Seattle, Bruce O'Shea. Iris and her companions are also aided by Howl, an Elemental Lord and King of the wolves. A strong and moving tale of a brave woman and her frightening shamanic spirit encounters in a cold and inhospitable climate.
Double Hexed. A Stormwalker Novella by Allyson James
4
I read this some years ago in some anthology or other.
For the life of me I cannot remember which anthology I found it in. I do remember really enjoying it. I did not reread it.
Janet Begay, an eccentric witch, owns a hotel in the Southwest, which suddenly appears to be cursed. Various critters, people, and spirits show up to help (or not). Such as Coyote and Janet’s handsome boyfriend, Mick. This story has all manner of supernatural creatures, including dragons, spirit animals, etc.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein
4
Well, okay, romance still isn’t my favorite genre, but this story is a paranormal romance, and I enjoyed it more than “Magic Dreams”, the first story in this volume.
Anna Strong is a vampire bounty hunter. She’s also trying to be one of the “good guys”. Through no fault of her own, she gets drawn into an otherwordly conflict with some nasty adversaries. This story features witches and a yucky incubus in addition to the vampire.
July 22, 2021
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews ★★★★☆
I didn’t think I would ever touch the Kate Daniels world again but this story centers around other characters, an Indonesian white tiger witch and an African American Jaguar changeling. This was a neat match and the plot had them taking on wet markets! A worthy cause.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn ★★★★☆
Maybe it was the Irish narrator but I enjoyed this long slow Mysts of Avalon/LOTR inspired redemption quest. The starter to this series has some shocking reviews, lol, but there are 23 books plus short stories so the haters might be the loud minority :)
Double Hexed by Allyson James ★☆☆☆☆
Speaking of hating… this sucked. There are alpha males done right and then there was this instant DNF
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein ★★★☆☆
This seems to be a world like The Hollows, except our over-the-top goody goody savior is a vampire not a witch. The story was ok but I will not be looking for the series.
March 26, 2012
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels 4.5) 4.5*
Loved it. I was curious about Dali since her first appearance: she's an unique character, with her physical weakness but a strenght she's not aware of, so I really appreciated this insight on her, the relationship with her mother, knowing how she sees herself and that she couldn't stand Kate, how she tries to be strong for Jim and fighting the impulse to try to gain his attention and not wanting to trouble him too much.
I really liked discovering Jim's romantic side, barely hinted in the books, and his reasons for not acting first as well.
I wonder if there's more - and what - about what Hitomi said, and I really hope we will see how Dali and Jim's relationship proceeds: between them and in front of the Pack!
I'd really enjoy seeing more of this couple. A lot more!
Re-read on 22-24 March 2012
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels 4.5) 4.5*
In addition to the compelling style and the peculiar and original characters that make her stories so special, Andrews has the great gift of succeding in making the reader understand how her world goes without excessive details and/or explanations that could otherwise confuse or annoy the reader. Neither she says too little, with the consequence of leaving the reader wondering what he's reading.
Something lacking in the other three stories in this anthology.
Ice Shards - Yasmine Galenorn (Otherworld / Sisters of the Moon 9.5) 2 *
Narration was hard to follow, there are redundant roundabout expressions and it jumps from an archaic-like language to contemporary slang and swear language. But above all, the story-telling is sterile: it does not convey any of the emotions presumably felt by the characters, in particular by the protagonist. I haven't felt any transpiring of anxiety, or worry, doubt, guilt, fear. But neither love, nor for the man who Iris has supposedly loved in her past, nor for the man she's in love with now, neither the strength of her desire to have a family and children with him. Almost paradoxically, Vikkommin appears livelier than Iris and make you feel sympathetic, at the point that I almost regret she didn't die (as well)!
To worsen the ensemble: many names and nouns are almost impossible to pronounce, there are many notions and quotes of gods, spirits, magical beings, creatures&co without further information on worldbuilding, further elaborations on characters, even the main one, are deficient/absent, and there's a presence of seemingly unnecessary and/or inconsistent details (the pocket mirror is just the essential object for the improvised fighter! Isn't it?! If the use of that "fire" is a forbidden knowledge, why the temple priests and priestess openly use it for torture?).
The theme that brings together myths and legends of the Nordic tradition would be interesting, but this short story fails to capture the reader for the main series.
Double Hexed - Allyson James (Stormwalker 3.5) 3*
Interesting story with a good pace, you can feel a certain tension that drives you to continue reading.
The plot tends to show only the characters' worst features and so they lack a good insight, that depth necessary to the reader to become really interested and attached to them, but the plot management and the elements you can see of the worldbuilding are intriguing enough to make you want to go and read the regular books of the series.
Blood Debt - Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles 6.5) 1*
I find this style of narration with very short periods, sometimes of only one word, like in a grocery list, very irritating.
I didn't like the main character at first sight: she feels too good, too strong, too capable and she's egocentric, and has a lot of angst, but unfortunately without a good dose of self-irony to temper that.
Reading felt a hard chore, and neither the premises of the plot nor the characters took grip on me, even in the slightest, and at the end of chapter five the last flicker of still-reading-will abandoned me.
3* overall just to not penalize Magic Dreams
Loved it. I was curious about Dali since her first appearance: she's an unique character, with her physical weakness but a strenght she's not aware of, so I really appreciated this insight on her, the relationship with her mother, knowing how she sees herself and that she couldn't stand Kate, how she tries to be strong for Jim and fighting the impulse to try to gain his attention and not wanting to trouble him too much.
I really liked discovering Jim's romantic side, barely hinted in the books, and his reasons for not acting first as well.
“It has eyes but cannot see; it has ears but doesn’t listen; it has fangs, but it doesn’t hunt; it has a womb, but it’s shriveled and dry; it has knowledge but can’t save itself; it will die alone, regretting everything. What is it?”
Ha! “It’s me. Do you think I don’t know myself, Hiromi?”
I wonder if there's more - and what - about what Hitomi said, and I really hope we will see how Dali and Jim's relationship proceeds: between them and in front of the Pack!
I'd really enjoy seeing more of this couple. A lot more!
Re-read on 22-24 March 2012
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels 4.5) 4.5*
In addition to the compelling style and the peculiar and original characters that make her stories so special, Andrews has the great gift of succeding in making the reader understand how her world goes without excessive details and/or explanations that could otherwise confuse or annoy the reader. Neither she says too little, with the consequence of leaving the reader wondering what he's reading.
Something lacking in the other three stories in this anthology.
Ice Shards - Yasmine Galenorn (Otherworld / Sisters of the Moon 9.5) 2 *
Narration was hard to follow, there are redundant roundabout expressions and it jumps from an archaic-like language to contemporary slang and swear language. But above all, the story-telling is sterile: it does not convey any of the emotions presumably felt by the characters, in particular by the protagonist. I haven't felt any transpiring of anxiety, or worry, doubt, guilt, fear. But neither love, nor for the man who Iris has supposedly loved in her past, nor for the man she's in love with now, neither the strength of her desire to have a family and children with him. Almost paradoxically, Vikkommin appears livelier than Iris and make you feel sympathetic, at the point that I almost regret she didn't die (as well)!
To worsen the ensemble: many names and nouns are almost impossible to pronounce, there are many notions and quotes of gods, spirits, magical beings, creatures&co without further information on worldbuilding, further elaborations on characters, even the main one, are deficient/absent, and there's a presence of seemingly unnecessary and/or inconsistent details (the pocket mirror is just the essential object for the improvised fighter! Isn't it?! If the use of that "fire" is a forbidden knowledge, why the temple priests and priestess openly use it for torture?).
The theme that brings together myths and legends of the Nordic tradition would be interesting, but this short story fails to capture the reader for the main series.
Double Hexed - Allyson James (Stormwalker 3.5) 3*
Interesting story with a good pace, you can feel a certain tension that drives you to continue reading.
The plot tends to show only the characters' worst features and so they lack a good insight, that depth necessary to the reader to become really interested and attached to them, but the plot management and the elements you can see of the worldbuilding are intriguing enough to make you want to go and read the regular books of the series.
Blood Debt - Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles 6.5) 1*
I find this style of narration with very short periods, sometimes of only one word, like in a grocery list, very irritating.
I didn't like the main character at first sight: she feels too good, too strong, too capable and she's egocentric, and has a lot of angst, but unfortunately without a good dose of self-irony to temper that.
Reading felt a hard chore, and neither the premises of the plot nor the characters took grip on me, even in the slightest, and at the end of chapter five the last flicker of still-reading-will abandoned me.
3* overall just to not penalize Magic Dreams
June 9, 2011
All four of these authors set magical shorts in the universes of their series: Andrew's Kate Daniels (Magic), Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon, James' Stormwalker, and Stein's Anna Strong. Though I've read at least the starting book of each of the series, Andrews is the only one I've followed religiously but after reading the offerings from James and Stein, I think I may have to pull their other books off the 'to be read' pile.
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews - Kate's off licking her wounds, and misfity white tiger shifter Dali has a chance to shine and put her not-always-reliable magic to good use as the Andrews tackle a Japenese myth to bring us an enemy who has sunk her fangs into cat alpah Jim (Kate's former partner). - I am a huge fan of author pair Ilona and Gordon Andrews, and while I'd have liked to have seen a bit more Jim in this Jim and Dali short, the Andrews manage to pack a heck of alot of story and some of their trademark snarky humor into this short - I loved the ending.
Ice Shards - Yasmine Galenorn - Iris turn out to be way more than a homeloving house sprite as she is aided on a quest by Smokey, Camille, and Rozurial to face down the shadows of her past so that she may have the future that she desires. - I don't follow Galernorn's series - her writing just doesn't click for me - so I'll just say that readers who do follow the series will probably enjoy the look into Iris' surprising past and the opportunity see her become more than they might have imagined.
Double Hexed - Allyson James - The whole Stormwalker cast is hexed and trapped in Janet's hotel and the spell is making tempers and emotions run high. - This was just a really good slice of the series, even though some of the characters are acting out of character due to the spell.
Blood Debt - Jeanne C Stein - Anna is called to pay the price for an enemy's death. - I really enjoyed this one, and since it's been so long since I read the first book, I can confidently say that it would work for those not at all familiar with the series.
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews - Kate's off licking her wounds, and misfity white tiger shifter Dali has a chance to shine and put her not-always-reliable magic to good use as the Andrews tackle a Japenese myth to bring us an enemy who has sunk her fangs into cat alpah Jim (Kate's former partner). - I am a huge fan of author pair Ilona and Gordon Andrews, and while I'd have liked to have seen a bit more Jim in this Jim and Dali short, the Andrews manage to pack a heck of alot of story and some of their trademark snarky humor into this short - I loved the ending.
Ice Shards - Yasmine Galenorn - Iris turn out to be way more than a homeloving house sprite as she is aided on a quest by Smokey, Camille, and Rozurial to face down the shadows of her past so that she may have the future that she desires. - I don't follow Galernorn's series - her writing just doesn't click for me - so I'll just say that readers who do follow the series will probably enjoy the look into Iris' surprising past and the opportunity see her become more than they might have imagined.
Double Hexed - Allyson James - The whole Stormwalker cast is hexed and trapped in Janet's hotel and the spell is making tempers and emotions run high. - This was just a really good slice of the series, even though some of the characters are acting out of character due to the spell.
Blood Debt - Jeanne C Stein - Anna is called to pay the price for an enemy's death. - I really enjoyed this one, and since it's been so long since I read the first book, I can confidently say that it would work for those not at all familiar with the series.
June 20, 2011
I only read Magic Dreams. Maybe I'll get back to it later and give the other stories a chance.
The only problem I had with this story was its length. Too short! Jim and Dali, carrying huge chips on their shoulder have always intrigued me. It was good to finally get a glimpse of their minds.
The only problem I had with this story was its length. Too short! Jim and Dali, carrying huge chips on their shoulder have always intrigued me. It was good to finally get a glimpse of their minds.
November 20, 2017
I read all of these stories but the one by Yasmine Galenorn......I will not read her books!!
June 5, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4.5)
A minor character in the Kate Daniels series, Dali proves more than ready for her own series in Magic Dreams. She couldn’t be more dissimilar from Kate, yet she displays the same strength of character and bravery that I’ve come to expect from the women in this series. She’s a tiny, visually impaired, Indonesian woman who shifts into a white Tiger. As a human, she’s about a physically imposing as a kitten and shifting to her tiger form isn’t easy for her. But she does know how to use magic, sometimes. And in Magic Dreams when her Alpha Jim, the man she secretly loves, shows up asking for help, she doesn’t hesitative even when she learns that she may have to sacrifice her life for Jim’s.
Kate fans won’t want to miss this story and it’s a perfect introduction for new readers as it has one of the best and most concise explanations for the world building in this series. The dialogue is as sharp and clever as ever, the Japanese mythology borrowed for this story is integrated very well, and the romance between Dali and Jim subtly beautiful. By far the best story in HEXED.
Sexual Content: Kissing Rating: 4/5
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon #9.5)
My only exposure to Galenorn’s Sister’s of the Moon (SotM) series was in the anthology INKED, so I’ll admit near total ignorance when it comes to this world and these characters going in, and I feel pretty much the same way having read Ice Shards. The chronology jumps all over the place and the writing struck me as lazy and uninteresting. Lots and lots of characters and yet not one grabbed me. Iris travels with her friends (including SotM main character Camille and one of her husbands) to find out if she committed a crime she can’t remember. They travel, talk to people, travel, have flashbacks, travel etc. until the last 3 pages when Iris finally gets answers. I suppose fans of this series may enjoy all the cameos, but as a newbie, this story just turned me off the whole series.
Sexual Content: References to sex Rating: 2/5
Double Hexed by Allyson James (Stormwalker #3.5)
Double Hexed is the longest story in HEXED (and I believe that’s Janet on the cover) and makes full use of its extra pages. Like the previous story, there are lots of characters (some stronger than others), but unlike the previous story, they each justify their inclusion in this specific story. Stormwalker Janet and her dragon shifter Mick are the leads and we learn about each character as they interact with them while trying to break a hex that has trapped them all in Janet’s hotel. This actually would be a great introduction for new readers who want to try this series featuring Native American mysticism mixed with more conventional paranormal tropes and a uniquely imagined world Beneath our own where demons and evil have been trapped. Janet and Mick have a heated romance and this story is the steamiest in the anthology.
Sexual Content: References to homosexuality. A brief sex scene Rating: 3/5
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5)
This is another series I’m largely unfamiliar with (I’ve only read the first book), but I didn’t have any trouble jumping in to this story. Anna and her bounty hunter partners are tracking a Skip when a series of events lead her to stand trail for her life. This setup provides Stein with an opportunity to highlight certain key events from Anna’s life (how she was turned into a vampire, how she ended up as a bounty hunter, and how she finally killed her nemesis etc). It works well has an intro for new readers, but doesn’t dominate the story so that fans become bored. There is a romantic relationship that gets set up in Blood Debt that I imagine will get woven into future books, so series devotees won’t want to miss seeing how it began.
Sexual Content: A couple brief sex scenes Rating: 3/5
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4.5)
A minor character in the Kate Daniels series, Dali proves more than ready for her own series in Magic Dreams. She couldn’t be more dissimilar from Kate, yet she displays the same strength of character and bravery that I’ve come to expect from the women in this series. She’s a tiny, visually impaired, Indonesian woman who shifts into a white Tiger. As a human, she’s about a physically imposing as a kitten and shifting to her tiger form isn’t easy for her. But she does know how to use magic, sometimes. And in Magic Dreams when her Alpha Jim, the man she secretly loves, shows up asking for help, she doesn’t hesitative even when she learns that she may have to sacrifice her life for Jim’s.
Kate fans won’t want to miss this story and it’s a perfect introduction for new readers as it has one of the best and most concise explanations for the world building in this series. The dialogue is as sharp and clever as ever, the Japanese mythology borrowed for this story is integrated very well, and the romance between Dali and Jim subtly beautiful. By far the best story in HEXED.
Sexual Content: Kissing Rating: 4/5
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon #9.5)
My only exposure to Galenorn’s Sister’s of the Moon (SotM) series was in the anthology INKED, so I’ll admit near total ignorance when it comes to this world and these characters going in, and I feel pretty much the same way having read Ice Shards. The chronology jumps all over the place and the writing struck me as lazy and uninteresting. Lots and lots of characters and yet not one grabbed me. Iris travels with her friends (including SotM main character Camille and one of her husbands) to find out if she committed a crime she can’t remember. They travel, talk to people, travel, have flashbacks, travel etc. until the last 3 pages when Iris finally gets answers. I suppose fans of this series may enjoy all the cameos, but as a newbie, this story just turned me off the whole series.
Sexual Content: References to sex Rating: 2/5
Double Hexed by Allyson James (Stormwalker #3.5)
Double Hexed is the longest story in HEXED (and I believe that’s Janet on the cover) and makes full use of its extra pages. Like the previous story, there are lots of characters (some stronger than others), but unlike the previous story, they each justify their inclusion in this specific story. Stormwalker Janet and her dragon shifter Mick are the leads and we learn about each character as they interact with them while trying to break a hex that has trapped them all in Janet’s hotel. This actually would be a great introduction for new readers who want to try this series featuring Native American mysticism mixed with more conventional paranormal tropes and a uniquely imagined world Beneath our own where demons and evil have been trapped. Janet and Mick have a heated romance and this story is the steamiest in the anthology.
Sexual Content: References to homosexuality. A brief sex scene Rating: 3/5
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein (Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5)
This is another series I’m largely unfamiliar with (I’ve only read the first book), but I didn’t have any trouble jumping in to this story. Anna and her bounty hunter partners are tracking a Skip when a series of events lead her to stand trail for her life. This setup provides Stein with an opportunity to highlight certain key events from Anna’s life (how she was turned into a vampire, how she ended up as a bounty hunter, and how she finally killed her nemesis etc). It works well has an intro for new readers, but doesn’t dominate the story so that fans become bored. There is a romantic relationship that gets set up in Blood Debt that I imagine will get woven into future books, so series devotees won’t want to miss seeing how it began.
Sexual Content: A couple brief sex scenes Rating: 3/5
June 13, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/06/rev...
Hexed is an anthology written by four of the bestselling writers in the fantasy, romance genre. Action and magic follow four powerful woman as they fight for the men they love.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews- Rating: B+
Old legends and frightening nightmares came to life in Magic Dreams. The shapeshifting Tigress Dali Harimau finds herself in deep water when she must challenge a dark being to a battle of wits, or risk losing the man she secretly longs for. (Goodreads)
Ilona Andrews offers up a fast-paced action packed story with a bite of humor. Dali (a vegan white tiger of the Atlanta pack) and Jim (Alpha of Clan Cat) get into a spot of trouble with a dark demon bent on revenge. Magic snails, Chinese dragons, and a bossy mom all get in on the action when Dali risks everything to save the man she loves.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn -Rating: B
Iris Kuusi, a Finnish house sprite who lives with the D’Artigo sisters, must journey to the frozen Northlands to confront the crazed shadow of her former lover she’s accused of murdering, so she can break the curse keeping her from marrying the man she loves. (Goodreads)
A dark yet uplifting story that speaks of deception, betrayal, and the bonds of friendship. Iris Kuusi was tortured and cursed when she is accused of murdering her former lover. Forced to leave her home she returns 500 years later to confront the spirit of her old lover and find out exactly what happened that fateful night.
Double Hexed by Allyson James -Rating: B+
Janet and her friends find themselves locked in her hotel, victims of a hex cast by a very powerful sorcerer. As Janet and her friends frantically work to release the spell before the sorcerer kills them all, they realize that their worst enemies might just be themselves. (Goodreads)
You can never go wrong with a sexy dragon lover and a bi-sexual mirror fighting on your side. Action, humor, and magic rule that day as Janet and the residents of the hotel get trapped by a hex cast by an evil sorcerer. A hex that disrupts their own magic and causes the residents to have to look deep into themselves and embrace their baser natures in order to defeat the sorcerer.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein -Rating: B
Bounty-hunter-turned vampire Anna Strong is visited by three witches who ask her to right an old magical wrong. Anna will have to live up to her name to make it through alive.(Goodreads)
A cute, humorous novella that gives us a brief glimpse back into Anna’s life after Chosen. Anna thought she was in the right when she defeated and killed Belinda Burke, but now she is being called before an angelic tribunal to atone for her crimes. When the brother of one of the witches is kidnapped to ensure her cooperation, Anna prepares to defend herself and an innocents’ right to live. But all is not right with this tribunal and someone will stop at nothing to ensure Anne pays for her crime.
Overall Rating: B
Hexed is an anthology written by four of the bestselling writers in the fantasy, romance genre. Action and magic follow four powerful woman as they fight for the men they love.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews- Rating: B+
Old legends and frightening nightmares came to life in Magic Dreams. The shapeshifting Tigress Dali Harimau finds herself in deep water when she must challenge a dark being to a battle of wits, or risk losing the man she secretly longs for. (Goodreads)
Ilona Andrews offers up a fast-paced action packed story with a bite of humor. Dali (a vegan white tiger of the Atlanta pack) and Jim (Alpha of Clan Cat) get into a spot of trouble with a dark demon bent on revenge. Magic snails, Chinese dragons, and a bossy mom all get in on the action when Dali risks everything to save the man she loves.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn -Rating: B
Iris Kuusi, a Finnish house sprite who lives with the D’Artigo sisters, must journey to the frozen Northlands to confront the crazed shadow of her former lover she’s accused of murdering, so she can break the curse keeping her from marrying the man she loves. (Goodreads)
A dark yet uplifting story that speaks of deception, betrayal, and the bonds of friendship. Iris Kuusi was tortured and cursed when she is accused of murdering her former lover. Forced to leave her home she returns 500 years later to confront the spirit of her old lover and find out exactly what happened that fateful night.
Double Hexed by Allyson James -Rating: B+
Janet and her friends find themselves locked in her hotel, victims of a hex cast by a very powerful sorcerer. As Janet and her friends frantically work to release the spell before the sorcerer kills them all, they realize that their worst enemies might just be themselves. (Goodreads)
You can never go wrong with a sexy dragon lover and a bi-sexual mirror fighting on your side. Action, humor, and magic rule that day as Janet and the residents of the hotel get trapped by a hex cast by an evil sorcerer. A hex that disrupts their own magic and causes the residents to have to look deep into themselves and embrace their baser natures in order to defeat the sorcerer.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein -Rating: B
Bounty-hunter-turned vampire Anna Strong is visited by three witches who ask her to right an old magical wrong. Anna will have to live up to her name to make it through alive.(Goodreads)
A cute, humorous novella that gives us a brief glimpse back into Anna’s life after Chosen. Anna thought she was in the right when she defeated and killed Belinda Burke, but now she is being called before an angelic tribunal to atone for her crimes. When the brother of one of the witches is kidnapped to ensure her cooperation, Anna prepares to defend herself and an innocents’ right to live. But all is not right with this tribunal and someone will stop at nothing to ensure Anne pays for her crime.
Overall Rating: B
July 3, 2011
One of the better anthologies I've read, I really enjoyed three out of four stories.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
A terrific story, as usual from this team. They're smart enough not to try to introduce their entire world or all of their characters, but to focus on two of their fun supporting characters and to give them a great adventure. It felt to me like a story that wouldn't be confusing if you'd never read any of the books in the series, but of course I can't really judge that.
As usual, I loved that they introduced me to some new mythology that I'd never encountered before, these guys are master researchers and have a deft hand at weaving obscure myths into great storytelling. And I really liked learning more about Dali, it's easy to identify with this smart but insecure girl who's trying to be brave to protect the man she adores. Gordon and Ilona are terrific at making the characters' emotions feel very real, much more so than most authors I read, and it makes all of their stories, long and short, very enjoyable.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn
I was intrigued at the beginning but quickly got completely overwhelmed as tons of characters were thrown at me, it was super confusing. It felt like she was trying to tell me everything that ever happened in every one of her books and it just didn't work at all. I had to stop reading it. But I am a bit more intrigued about her books than I was. They were already on my to-read, so at least I have a bit of the flavor now. It's not exactly my style, not gritty and kind of silly it seems, more romance than urban fantasy, but at least I have a taste.
Double Hexed by Allyson James
I loved this story, this was the best part of the book because now I can't wait to start this series. This is why publishers love anthologies! It was just a fun story, the characters were introduced in a way that made me want to get to know them, have no problem remembering who they were, and want very much to know more about them. I had no problem following the information about the magic and their backgrounds. It was just well done, everything I want in a story. In fact, it felt more like a complete novel, it didn't feel like it got cut off or was lacking anything. It was just solid. I can't wait to start the series.
Blood Debt
A decent story. It didn't thrill me but it wasn't bad in any way either. I think from reading this that if I read the books they'd probably be 3.5 stars, good but not outstanding. It didn't zing, but it was a good story.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
A terrific story, as usual from this team. They're smart enough not to try to introduce their entire world or all of their characters, but to focus on two of their fun supporting characters and to give them a great adventure. It felt to me like a story that wouldn't be confusing if you'd never read any of the books in the series, but of course I can't really judge that.
As usual, I loved that they introduced me to some new mythology that I'd never encountered before, these guys are master researchers and have a deft hand at weaving obscure myths into great storytelling. And I really liked learning more about Dali, it's easy to identify with this smart but insecure girl who's trying to be brave to protect the man she adores. Gordon and Ilona are terrific at making the characters' emotions feel very real, much more so than most authors I read, and it makes all of their stories, long and short, very enjoyable.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn
I was intrigued at the beginning but quickly got completely overwhelmed as tons of characters were thrown at me, it was super confusing. It felt like she was trying to tell me everything that ever happened in every one of her books and it just didn't work at all. I had to stop reading it. But I am a bit more intrigued about her books than I was. They were already on my to-read, so at least I have a bit of the flavor now. It's not exactly my style, not gritty and kind of silly it seems, more romance than urban fantasy, but at least I have a taste.
Double Hexed by Allyson James
I loved this story, this was the best part of the book because now I can't wait to start this series. This is why publishers love anthologies! It was just a fun story, the characters were introduced in a way that made me want to get to know them, have no problem remembering who they were, and want very much to know more about them. I had no problem following the information about the magic and their backgrounds. It was just well done, everything I want in a story. In fact, it felt more like a complete novel, it didn't feel like it got cut off or was lacking anything. It was just solid. I can't wait to start the series.
Blood Debt
A decent story. It didn't thrill me but it wasn't bad in any way either. I think from reading this that if I read the books they'd probably be 3.5 stars, good but not outstanding. It didn't zing, but it was a good story.
March 16, 2012
This anthology was a very mixed bag. I have owned a paper copy for close to a year. I started it and could not even get through the first story. Thanks to a challenge, though, I took the opportunity to make myself read it.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews - 5 stars
This was the story I started and couldn't get into. I have no idea why or how because this time around I breezed through it. Jim has a death spell of some kind hovering over his head and Dali must help him figure it out and break it or else Jim, who she secretly loves, is going to die. I loved it. I loved the mythology, and I liked Dali and her family (her mom's hilarious). I really like how the voices are different. Dali's voice is different from Kate's is different from Andrea. It makes the whole series seem more authentic to me. Two things I noticed: JIM IS A BLACK MAN?!!!! However did I miss that? Did everyone else know it? The second thing is that Dali thinks Kate is gorgeous. I smiled because Kate thinks she is not beautiful. Without a doubt this was the best story in the anthology. By far.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn - 2 stars
I forget if I also tried to read this one or if it was another Yasmine Galenorn, but my experience was the same: flat and uninterested. To compound it, there were so many characters, each with their own backstory. So for someone like me who hasn't read anything by Ms. Galenorn or the series from which this novella comes, it was hella confusing. I didn't enjoy this one.
Double Hexed by Allyson James - 1.5 stars
This story is set in the Stormwalker world, starring Janet Begay and her entourage. I knew I wasn't going to like this one. The two Stormwalker books I read were bad reading experiences for me, and it was no different this time. Every single character in that world is an idiot. Every.single.one. And yes, it's not very complimentary, so I sorta feel bad saying that about an author's work, but really, those characters make me want to shoot them. I was rooting for the demon to do us a big favor and kill them all, but alas, no one cares what I think, so that wish was ignored.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C.Stein - 3 stars
A completely new-to-me-author. I don't even have any idea what series this novella comes from. But I think the author did a good job. I was annoyed sometimes because the heroine seemed a bit too Mary-Sueish, but that could just have been me being peckish. It was a good story and I think I am interested enough to check out the series.
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews - 5 stars
This was the story I started and couldn't get into. I have no idea why or how because this time around I breezed through it. Jim has a death spell of some kind hovering over his head and Dali must help him figure it out and break it or else Jim, who she secretly loves, is going to die. I loved it. I loved the mythology, and I liked Dali and her family (her mom's hilarious). I really like how the voices are different. Dali's voice is different from Kate's is different from Andrea. It makes the whole series seem more authentic to me. Two things I noticed: JIM IS A BLACK MAN?!!!! However did I miss that? Did everyone else know it? The second thing is that Dali thinks Kate is gorgeous. I smiled because Kate thinks she is not beautiful. Without a doubt this was the best story in the anthology. By far.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn - 2 stars
I forget if I also tried to read this one or if it was another Yasmine Galenorn, but my experience was the same: flat and uninterested. To compound it, there were so many characters, each with their own backstory. So for someone like me who hasn't read anything by Ms. Galenorn or the series from which this novella comes, it was hella confusing. I didn't enjoy this one.
Double Hexed by Allyson James - 1.5 stars
This story is set in the Stormwalker world, starring Janet Begay and her entourage. I knew I wasn't going to like this one. The two Stormwalker books I read were bad reading experiences for me, and it was no different this time. Every single character in that world is an idiot. Every.single.one. And yes, it's not very complimentary, so I sorta feel bad saying that about an author's work, but really, those characters make me want to shoot them. I was rooting for the demon to do us a big favor and kill them all, but alas, no one cares what I think, so that wish was ignored.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C.Stein - 3 stars
A completely new-to-me-author. I don't even have any idea what series this novella comes from. But I think the author did a good job. I was annoyed sometimes because the heroine seemed a bit too Mary-Sueish, but that could just have been me being peckish. It was a good story and I think I am interested enough to check out the series.
January 25, 2019
Basic Premise: 4 novellas by popular UF authors, ostensibly about hexes.
Each one featured characters from the authors' ongoing series. I read it for the Ilona Andrews story, but read all four, mostly because I can't stand to pick up a book and not finish the whole thing. I liked the Ilona Andrews story, but had trouble bringing myself to care overly much about the other stories, as the characters and their struggles are unfamiliar to me. They weren't bad stories by any means, I just couldn't seem to care. Here are some highlights:
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews: A story from Dali's perspective. Lots of interesting cultural influence in this story, as Dali is Indonesian and an expert on all things Eastern. Rather enjoyed it.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn: Some fey travel back to the Northlands to find out what happened 6 centuries previous. Interesting but seemed rushed in places. I felt no real connection to the characters and feel that if I had read the rest of the series, I might have cared more.
Double Hexed by Allyson James: I liked the main character (Stormwalker Janet), and there was enough background there for me to feel a bit more connection to her. The characters were interesting, although the dragon boyfriend seemed a bit much. The plot for this one was interesting, had a few twists, which made me happy.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein: Interesting plot, but the main character is a vampire Chosen One who can walk in the sun. Immediate turn off. Insta-love and a gratuitous sex scene at the end of the story once the plot had resolved sealed my opinion of this series forever. No amount of interesting plot could save it at that point, and it's safe to say I will not likely seek out any books by this author.
Each one featured characters from the authors' ongoing series. I read it for the Ilona Andrews story, but read all four, mostly because I can't stand to pick up a book and not finish the whole thing. I liked the Ilona Andrews story, but had trouble bringing myself to care overly much about the other stories, as the characters and their struggles are unfamiliar to me. They weren't bad stories by any means, I just couldn't seem to care. Here are some highlights:
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews: A story from Dali's perspective. Lots of interesting cultural influence in this story, as Dali is Indonesian and an expert on all things Eastern. Rather enjoyed it.
Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn: Some fey travel back to the Northlands to find out what happened 6 centuries previous. Interesting but seemed rushed in places. I felt no real connection to the characters and feel that if I had read the rest of the series, I might have cared more.
Double Hexed by Allyson James: I liked the main character (Stormwalker Janet), and there was enough background there for me to feel a bit more connection to her. The characters were interesting, although the dragon boyfriend seemed a bit much. The plot for this one was interesting, had a few twists, which made me happy.
Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein: Interesting plot, but the main character is a vampire Chosen One who can walk in the sun. Immediate turn off. Insta-love and a gratuitous sex scene at the end of the story once the plot had resolved sealed my opinion of this series forever. No amount of interesting plot could save it at that point, and it's safe to say I will not likely seek out any books by this author.
November 13, 2011
Review and rating only for Ilona Andrew's Magic Dreams and Allyson James' Double Hexed.
This is the first time I haven't read all the stories in an anthology. I had the best of intentions, but Yasmine Galenorn's Ice Shards failed to catch my attention, and then I got completely derailed reading the Master of the Universe fanfic (otherwise known as Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker), and after that experience, I couldn't motivate myself to read Jeanne C. Stein's Blood Debt.
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews
Loved this story featuring Jim and Dali. This is a must for fans of the series, and packs a huge punch for a short story. There was a full and complex plot. Loads of action and plenty of sweetness, topped off with Andrews' trademark brilliant last page.
4 stars
Double Hexed - Allyson James
I haven't yet read James' Stormwalker series (although it has been on my TBR for a while), so I thought this short might give me a good idea of the style. I wasn't disappointed. While it was never hard to follow, it's clear that the world-building had been done before and there was a history with these characters, so I'm looking forward to catching up. This series just got bumped up.
3.5 stars (probably would have been a higher rating had I read the previous books)
This is the first time I haven't read all the stories in an anthology. I had the best of intentions, but Yasmine Galenorn's Ice Shards failed to catch my attention, and then I got completely derailed reading the Master of the Universe fanfic (otherwise known as Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker), and after that experience, I couldn't motivate myself to read Jeanne C. Stein's Blood Debt.
Magic Dreams - Ilona Andrews
Loved this story featuring Jim and Dali. This is a must for fans of the series, and packs a huge punch for a short story. There was a full and complex plot. Loads of action and plenty of sweetness, topped off with Andrews' trademark brilliant last page.
4 stars
Double Hexed - Allyson James
I haven't yet read James' Stormwalker series (although it has been on my TBR for a while), so I thought this short might give me a good idea of the style. I wasn't disappointed. While it was never hard to follow, it's clear that the world-building had been done before and there was a history with these characters, so I'm looking forward to catching up. This series just got bumped up.
3.5 stars (probably would have been a higher rating had I read the previous books)
June 3, 2011
For me, historically, an anthology is one strong story, one reasonably good and the rest rather weak filler.
I was highly pleased to find that HEXED happily underexceeded my historical expectations....each and every novella smoked!
I was introduced to two new-to-me authors, in that I've heard of them, but not read as yet, Allyson James and Ilona Andrews. I have added their books to the WWBL because of their novellas in this book. Each one kept me up way past my bedtime so I could see what else was going to happen to the characters. Especially in Allyson James story, 'Double Hexed'. A multiple of supernatural characters working together to figure out who or what was keeping them trapped inside their hotel.
I've read Yasmine Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon series in the past, but meandered away for some reason. I will be going back after reading 'Ice Shards'. I like how Yasmine draws other characters into the main story, not just the sisters. I've been fascinated with Iris' place in the household and her backstory is uniquely told.
And I absolutely adore Anna Strong's story as written by Jeanne Stein. She's tough, family oriented, and trying to learn her place in the world as a vampire and as The Chosen. I am highly intrigued to read what is going to happen next since it looks like Anna might have a new love interest. YAY!
Thank you, Jeanne Stein, for giving me this signed ARC to enjoy and have on the keeper shelf to dig into again. HEXED comes out 7 Jun. Go get this highly excellent anthology!!
Five sparkly smokin' diamonds......
I was highly pleased to find that HEXED happily underexceeded my historical expectations....each and every novella smoked!
I was introduced to two new-to-me authors, in that I've heard of them, but not read as yet, Allyson James and Ilona Andrews. I have added their books to the WWBL because of their novellas in this book. Each one kept me up way past my bedtime so I could see what else was going to happen to the characters. Especially in Allyson James story, 'Double Hexed'. A multiple of supernatural characters working together to figure out who or what was keeping them trapped inside their hotel.
I've read Yasmine Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon series in the past, but meandered away for some reason. I will be going back after reading 'Ice Shards'. I like how Yasmine draws other characters into the main story, not just the sisters. I've been fascinated with Iris' place in the household and her backstory is uniquely told.
And I absolutely adore Anna Strong's story as written by Jeanne Stein. She's tough, family oriented, and trying to learn her place in the world as a vampire and as The Chosen. I am highly intrigued to read what is going to happen next since it looks like Anna might have a new love interest. YAY!
Thank you, Jeanne Stein, for giving me this signed ARC to enjoy and have on the keeper shelf to dig into again. HEXED comes out 7 Jun. Go get this highly excellent anthology!!
Five sparkly smokin' diamonds......
October 8, 2014
**I ONLY READ MAGIC DREAMS ! THIS RATING DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY OTHER STORY!**
I confess I went into this not really caring that much about a romance between Dali and Jim, so that colored my perception from the start. But I wanted Ilona Andrews to prove to me that there was a good reason for these two to be together.
However, the story itself did nothing to get that ship to sail for me. Dali is an intriguing character, but she's maybe a little too "quirky" to really grab me -- she seems in some ways more like a collection of odd traits than a whole person. Jim is a complete cipher to me, since in the novels he seems to have sprung into existence solely to be Kate's Merc partner and Curran's head of security -- he's tough and thuggish and ... what else? This novella mostly failed for me because it didn't fill in enough of that "what else." We get a couple sweet details, such as that Jim is studying Indonesian so he can speak with Dali in her mother tongue. But the interaction between these two just didn't light any sparks for me.
I did enjoy the creepy Asian grudge-ghost mythology, and I really hope to see the dragon-dude again. I'm a little mystified about a snail that seems to be an insect, but I guess Ilona Andrews can do what she wants with the creatures in her stories.
So, three stars. And maybe seeing Dali and Jim together in the next Kate novels will finally make me care about them.
July 23, 2011
Anthology. 2.875 stars. Worth being the book just for the Allyson James and Ilona Andrews stories.
1. Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews. This has Jim and Dali trying to figure out what killed some shapeshifters at an office and what is slowly killing Jim. Dali finally tries to reach out to Jim to give him a hint of her feelings for him. Great short story. ****
2. Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn. I read a full length novel by this author and didn't care for it. This short story is about people that were in the novel but is written in a totally different way. But neither really worked for me. I don't think I'm going to read this author's full length works again. That's 2 times I didn't care for her work. **
3. Double Hexed by Allyson James. Lots of action, a few crazy sex scenes, some small amount of humor. This short story was packed! ***1/2
4. Blood Debt by Jeanne Stein. First time reading this author. The story was okay, but there were lots of references to past experiences and since I've not read her series I was a little lost. There was also a bad guy who never gave the reason for his hatred and we never found out what type of creature he was. Average story. **
1. Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews. This has Jim and Dali trying to figure out what killed some shapeshifters at an office and what is slowly killing Jim. Dali finally tries to reach out to Jim to give him a hint of her feelings for him. Great short story. ****
2. Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn. I read a full length novel by this author and didn't care for it. This short story is about people that were in the novel but is written in a totally different way. But neither really worked for me. I don't think I'm going to read this author's full length works again. That's 2 times I didn't care for her work. **
3. Double Hexed by Allyson James. Lots of action, a few crazy sex scenes, some small amount of humor. This short story was packed! ***1/2
4. Blood Debt by Jeanne Stein. First time reading this author. The story was okay, but there were lots of references to past experiences and since I've not read her series I was a little lost. There was also a bad guy who never gave the reason for his hatred and we never found out what type of creature he was. Average story. **
June 13, 2011
Read Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews. A slice of life about Dali and Jim, told from Dali's POV.
4.5 stars So good!!! The interaction between Dali and Jim was great! The big-bad and all the drama that went with it was great as well. Now I really can't wait for the next book because I need more Dali and Jim!!!
I've really come to love Dali. All her insecurities about herself and how she deals with them is very endearing. And I got to glimpse a side of Jim I haven't seen thus far. What a wonderful short story. :)
Had to LOL at "Rambo" and "Pooki" to cute!
4.5 stars So good!!! The interaction between Dali and Jim was great! The big-bad and all the drama that went with it was great as well. Now I really can't wait for the next book because I need more Dali and Jim!!!
I've really come to love Dali. All her insecurities about herself and how she deals with them is very endearing. And I got to glimpse a side of Jim I haven't seen thus far. What a wonderful short story. :)
Had to LOL at "Rambo" and "Pooki" to cute!
June 11, 2011
I only read the Ilona Andrews short story
This was a good short set in the word of Kate Daniels. Although Kate is not in the story; it's about Dali and Jim. The story id told from Dali's point of view, which is refreshing. I liked reading about her vulnerability and her feelings for Jim. My only complaint was that I wish the story was told through both Jim and Dali's eyes.
This was a good short set in the word of Kate Daniels. Although Kate is not in the story; it's about Dali and Jim. The story id told from Dali's point of view, which is refreshing. I liked reading about her vulnerability and her feelings for Jim. My only complaint was that I wish the story was told through both Jim and Dali's eyes.
April 24, 2022
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this rather generic looking paperback, but I found the most enjoyable collection of urban fantasy stories I’ve read recently. The book is a collection of four novellas by women authors and starring women characters and they were all pretty enjoyable.
The first is an Ilona Andrews story, set in her universe where magic and technology flip back and forth in waves. I read another story in this setting not too long ago and while I enjoyed the writing and some of the story, I found myself disliking the basic premise of the setting. I’ll admit that the same holds true here - I’m not opposed to a magic comes back premise, but I don’t like the way it’s formulated as some weird magic and technology are opposing forces that have gotten out of wack thing.
This story is about a nerdy weretiger who suddenly has to help her hunky alpha solve a mystery. It was told first person from her point of view, which I enjoyed, and I liked her character. She was well developed and her whole complex about not being as attractive or powerful as a lot of the other women she knew was handled well. I also enjoyed the way different cultures were woven into the plot, and it was a neat twist that the werecreatures are able to shift even when technology rather than magic dominates. I’m actually starting to feel like I may want to check out the full series eventually, but I’m still kinda wary.
The second story is by Yasmine Galenorn, an author I haven’t heard of before (which is also the case for the other two women who wrote the last two stories). This one is about a Finnish house spirit who was once in training to be a high priestess until she transgressed terribly - except she can’t actually remember what happened. She was banished from her order, stripped of her title, and cursed to be unable to bear children. Now that she wants to get married and have a family, the time has come after six hundred years to travel into a magical otherworld of ice and snow to face her past.
The story throws a lot of different concepts and characters around very quickly, which was disorienting as somebody who doesn’t know this world. I was definitely turned off by this, but over time I was able to ignore the stuff that didn’t actually matter and get into the heart of the story. The core concept of somebody having to face her past was neat, and there was enough action to keep me going. I’ll admit I’m kinda curious to give the main series a try, though the top Goodreads reviews of the first book are all 1 star reviews, which is somewhat concerning.
The third story by Allyson James is basically the urban fantasy version of a bottle episode. Janet Begay is a power mage who runs a hotel, but one day everything goes horribly wrong as a hex is unleashed, trapping herself, her boyfriend, her staff, and her guests in the hotel. It doesn’t help that the hex is exaggerating everyone’s worst traits, and among those trapped are a vampire, the god Coyote, and a dragon shifter. This story is told from Janet’s point of view and I immediately enjoyed her voice. I also like the hints we get of her backstory, with her mother being an evil goddess sealed beneath the earth.
The plot was a lot of fun, as it’s based largely on personality clashes between the various characters. This works well because everyone is written as fleshed out people with different quirks and wants that make them fun to see bounce off each other. The various attempts to break the hex are clever and the way things repeatedly escalate makes sense and helps heighten the tension. I’m definitely interested in checking this one out, especially because it’s set in between the second and third books, meaning I haven’t had much of the story spoiled by reading this.
The last story by Jeanne C. Stein is about a vampire bounty hunter, which basically sold me on the concept from the beginning. I’m a big fan of vampires and I definitely prefer them to werecreatures and possibly even to wizards as my urban fantasy protagonist of choice. Anna Strong was a bounty hunter before she got turned into a vampire, and now she gets involved in a mix of mundane and supernatural adventures. In this story, as with the second in the collection, the theme is facing her past. She previously travelled into the astral plane to hunt down a threat, unknowingly breaking the plane’s truce as a sanctuary. Now she and a mortal human have been taken back to the astral plane to stand trial.
It’s an interesting concept, basically inverting Anna’s normal life as it takes her from hunter of fugitives to criminal. Much of the story is concerned with the rather unfair spectral trial, and in an interesting twist Anna is returned to being a normal human on the astral plane. She gets a chance to dive into her backstory which I appreciated as somebody who was reading an installment of this series for the first time, though it comes in the form of her bonding with the mortal man in a romance that felt a bit tacked on. In fact, Anna even at first thinks that the prosecutor is using magic to make her fall for the man, though it seems this isn’t the case. Overall it was an entertaining story and I’m curious to check out the earlier books in the series because I like the concept of Anna’s character.
All in all this was a fun read, even if I came into it familiar with only one of the four series represented and not invested in any of them. An at lest 75% success rate in getting me interested in reading more makes this by far the most successful collection of urban fantasy stories I’ve read lately, and if you like them I think it’s worth tracking this down.
The first is an Ilona Andrews story, set in her universe where magic and technology flip back and forth in waves. I read another story in this setting not too long ago and while I enjoyed the writing and some of the story, I found myself disliking the basic premise of the setting. I’ll admit that the same holds true here - I’m not opposed to a magic comes back premise, but I don’t like the way it’s formulated as some weird magic and technology are opposing forces that have gotten out of wack thing.
This story is about a nerdy weretiger who suddenly has to help her hunky alpha solve a mystery. It was told first person from her point of view, which I enjoyed, and I liked her character. She was well developed and her whole complex about not being as attractive or powerful as a lot of the other women she knew was handled well. I also enjoyed the way different cultures were woven into the plot, and it was a neat twist that the werecreatures are able to shift even when technology rather than magic dominates. I’m actually starting to feel like I may want to check out the full series eventually, but I’m still kinda wary.
The second story is by Yasmine Galenorn, an author I haven’t heard of before (which is also the case for the other two women who wrote the last two stories). This one is about a Finnish house spirit who was once in training to be a high priestess until she transgressed terribly - except she can’t actually remember what happened. She was banished from her order, stripped of her title, and cursed to be unable to bear children. Now that she wants to get married and have a family, the time has come after six hundred years to travel into a magical otherworld of ice and snow to face her past.
The story throws a lot of different concepts and characters around very quickly, which was disorienting as somebody who doesn’t know this world. I was definitely turned off by this, but over time I was able to ignore the stuff that didn’t actually matter and get into the heart of the story. The core concept of somebody having to face her past was neat, and there was enough action to keep me going. I’ll admit I’m kinda curious to give the main series a try, though the top Goodreads reviews of the first book are all 1 star reviews, which is somewhat concerning.
The third story by Allyson James is basically the urban fantasy version of a bottle episode. Janet Begay is a power mage who runs a hotel, but one day everything goes horribly wrong as a hex is unleashed, trapping herself, her boyfriend, her staff, and her guests in the hotel. It doesn’t help that the hex is exaggerating everyone’s worst traits, and among those trapped are a vampire, the god Coyote, and a dragon shifter. This story is told from Janet’s point of view and I immediately enjoyed her voice. I also like the hints we get of her backstory, with her mother being an evil goddess sealed beneath the earth.
The plot was a lot of fun, as it’s based largely on personality clashes between the various characters. This works well because everyone is written as fleshed out people with different quirks and wants that make them fun to see bounce off each other. The various attempts to break the hex are clever and the way things repeatedly escalate makes sense and helps heighten the tension. I’m definitely interested in checking this one out, especially because it’s set in between the second and third books, meaning I haven’t had much of the story spoiled by reading this.
The last story by Jeanne C. Stein is about a vampire bounty hunter, which basically sold me on the concept from the beginning. I’m a big fan of vampires and I definitely prefer them to werecreatures and possibly even to wizards as my urban fantasy protagonist of choice. Anna Strong was a bounty hunter before she got turned into a vampire, and now she gets involved in a mix of mundane and supernatural adventures. In this story, as with the second in the collection, the theme is facing her past. She previously travelled into the astral plane to hunt down a threat, unknowingly breaking the plane’s truce as a sanctuary. Now she and a mortal human have been taken back to the astral plane to stand trial.
It’s an interesting concept, basically inverting Anna’s normal life as it takes her from hunter of fugitives to criminal. Much of the story is concerned with the rather unfair spectral trial, and in an interesting twist Anna is returned to being a normal human on the astral plane. She gets a chance to dive into her backstory which I appreciated as somebody who was reading an installment of this series for the first time, though it comes in the form of her bonding with the mortal man in a romance that felt a bit tacked on. In fact, Anna even at first thinks that the prosecutor is using magic to make her fall for the man, though it seems this isn’t the case. Overall it was an entertaining story and I’m curious to check out the earlier books in the series because I like the concept of Anna’s character.
All in all this was a fun read, even if I came into it familiar with only one of the four series represented and not invested in any of them. An at lest 75% success rate in getting me interested in reading more makes this by far the most successful collection of urban fantasy stories I’ve read lately, and if you like them I think it’s worth tracking this down.
November 27, 2011
4.5 stars for Magic Dreams.
January 10, 2012
Magic Dreams 4 stars!
December 19, 2014
This goes only for
Magic Dreams
by Ilona Andrews.
My review: here
My review: here
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