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Sookie Stackhouse #8.2 - Gift Wrap
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe
New York Times best-selling authors Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Keri Arthur, Carrie Vaughn, and Karen Chance - along with ten other masters of the genre - offer stories on werewolves and the holidays, a fresh variation on the concept of birthdays and vampires found in Many Bloody Returns.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone - particularly lycanthropes. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest, saddest werewolf tales by an outstanding pack of authors, best read by the light of a full moon with a silver bullet close at hand.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone - particularly lycanthropes. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest, saddest werewolf tales by an outstanding pack of authors, best read by the light of a full moon with a silver bullet close at hand.
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First published October 7, 2008
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About the author
Charlaine Harris
205 books37.1k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
January 2, 2010
Well, I pulled this book back off the shelf this year for another go at it, after the false start last Christmas. I have listed my thoughts on each story in the collection:
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris. Sadly, I was not impressed with the Sookie Stackhouse story. I felt it was in bad taste. I don't think it's funny to have someone's great-great-great-great, etc- grandfather (even if he's an amoral faery) hooking up his many-times granddaughter with a man for the holidays. I guess I should lighten up, but I found that idea offensive. I'm not here to judge people's personal lives, but when it comes to fiction, there are some things I don't like, and this is in that area of gross-out, ick-factor-ville for me. I don't like to put down people's writing, but I found the story to be very barebones and poorly characterized. Sookie came off as being especially vapid in this story. In general, I don't think she's a very deep character. But I found her likeable in Dead Until Dark and the short story I read out of Powers of Detection Stories of Mystery & Fantasy. However, she was very one-dimensional in this story. I can't say who would be thrilled that her many times grandfather enforced a geis on his subject to pretend to be someone else and seduce her so she wouldn't be alone on Christmas. But she didn't seem that bothered. Whatever happen to gift cards as Christmas presents? For the vulgar nature of this story, I have to give it 1.5 stars. I realize that there is a huge Sookie Stackhouse following, and no offense. We all like what we like. But I was underwhelmed. This story made me put down this very promising volume for a year, and put me off the series. I'm glad my mother was willing to take my Sookie Stackhouse omnibi off my hands for the time being until I muster up the courage to give Sookie another try. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews. This was a cute story. Short and sweet, and a bit of a twist on the werewolf genre story. I liked the inclusion of medieval scholarship and grimoires with recipes of various sorts. And there's a little bit of karma in store for an old flame who took credit for something he didn't do, but his ex-girlfriend, the protagonist, did. Recommended. 4 stars.
Lucy, at Christmastime by Simon R. Green. Not the best story I've read by Green, but pretty good. Very sad story. It takes place in the Nightside, but don't look for John Taylor in this one. However, the main character does make a visit to the Strangefellows bar to spend Christmas Eve. This story brings to mind the old school, sad werewolf tales. Recommended if you're not looking for a happy ending. 4 stars.
The Night Things Changed by Dana Cameron. Very interesting perspective on vampires and werewolves. They are good guys and are perpetually misunderstood by humanity, who they try to protect with their paranormal abilities. Dark and somewhat chilling, with some deeper meaning for a short tale. Recommended. 4 stars.
The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson. What a great story to read around Christmastime. You must take a rather dark sense of humor into this story, for maximum enjoyment. It also helps if you believe in the magic of Christmas. I was quite shocked how it begins. Let's just say that Rudolph isn't around to lead Santa's reindeer after the first page of this story. This is my first time reading Richardson, and I'm glad I've been collecting her urban fantasy series. Recommended. 5 stars.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon. A great story for animal-lovers, particularly dog lovers. I've always believed in the intelligence of animals. Clearly the author does too. I love the loyalty shown by the protagonist's canine friends. This one brought a smile to my face, although it has some gruesome aspects. Recommended. 4.5 stars.
Il est Ne' by Carrie Vaughn. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but I ended up being very pleasantly surprised. It had a very good buildup of tension as Kitty meets a young male who has become a werewolf, and is not in control of his inner wolf at all. When a string of horrible murder mutilations occurs, he suspects himself, and Kitty has reason to do so as well. Together they try to find out if he is the culprit, and if not, to catch the real killer. Kitty also teaches the fledgling wolf how to manage the beast within. Short stories are very hard to execute, so I give props to writers who manage to pick so much into a short tale. This one left me with tears in my eyes, as it really struck clear to my heart with its message about learning to control the darkness inside of one's self, and the fact that it's never to late to go home. If I wasn't a fan of Ms. Vaughn after reading
Kitty and the Midnight Hour, I certainly would be one now. 4.5 stars.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow. Writers of sizzling werewolf romance should take note of the fantastic chemistry that Ms. Stabenow creates between her two protagonists, two police officers who happen to be infatuated with each other, although they are trying to follow the rules about fraternization. They both happen to be werewolves, although the male is latent. I love the way she builds up the intense attraction between the characters, letting it simmer in the backdrop as they track a family of serial killers. The climax is powerful as the hero, Lobison, comes to face the reality of his heritage, triggered by his powerful desire for his partner, Romanov, and the full moon. The interesting thing is that Ms. Stabenow doesn't even write romance. Well I hope she decides to do some more werewolf stories, because she really won me over with this short, sizzling, and satisfying tale. 5 stars.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur. This was my first read by Ms. Arthur, and I must say I enjoyed it. In many ways, it read like a standard lovers reunited romance story, with a paranormal twist. Hannah is a human member of a paranormal unit, with the ability to sense evil, that is on the hunt for a supernatural serial killer. She is trying to deal with the fact that her werewolf co-worker Brodie dumped her last Christmas, and he's trying to insinuate his way back into her life and her good graces. Initially, I wanted Brodie to take a long walk off a short pier, but as his actions convince Hannah that he deserves a second chance, he starts to win my trust as well. While I won't be reading the Riley Jensen books, this story has convinced me to consider reading other works by this author that doesn't involve a lead character who engages in polyamory sexual encounters. 4 stars.
SA by J.A. Konrath. I was a bit worried with how this story started. I don't like body humor, particularly of the scatological variety. But this is a case of following the 'Keep Reading' edict, because this story was one heck of a fun ride. I laughed myself into a coughing fit. This was one of the funniest stories I've had the pleasure to read in a while. Imagine a group of people who turn into animals, called therioantropes. Then imagine that that they have the were-animal version of Alcoholics Anonymous. On top of that, their worst enemies are Santa Claus and the Salvation Army. It sounds incredibly stupid as a concept. But I have to say that Mr. Konrath did a fantastic job of pulling that premise off. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, despite the scatological humor that was vaguely disgusting, but still managed to be in good taste. 5 stars.
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs revisits a character I met in Moon Called. David Christensen is a mercenary who is also a werewolf. I am so happy to see African Americans in urban fantasy, especially appealing characters like David. David is an honorable man who made a terrible mistake long ago, unable to keep his wolf under control, and lost his daughter's respect and companionship as a result. However, she needs his help to protect a foster teen who is in danger from some supernatural elements. This story was intense and involving, for all its shortness. I am impressed yet again with Ms. Briggs writing. She manages to create a very magical world in her stories, but the characters are very human, and you cannot help but care about them. David is no different. He is everything that a father should be, and I ached for him, that he felt his relationship with his daughter was lost forever. I hope that Ms. Briggs continues to include David and his family in her werewolf books. 5 stars.
You Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard manages to be humorous, yet gritty and scary at the same time. It's about two Russian vampires who decide to cut themselves in on vampire Santa Claus gig, which allows him unlimited access to many houses, and the warm, blood-filled bodies within, all year-round, since he is invited in on Christmas Eve to deliver presents. I was a bit horrified at the thought of a vampiric Santa. Part of me still believes in the spirit of Santa Claus (I know he's not real, but in a way he is real to me), so that really hit home with me. The Russian vamps were hilarious, as well as some of the Christmas vampire gags. The werewolf aspect was very cool. The werewolf is a female scientist who is devoted to protecting and saving the few African wild dogs that remain in existence. It turns out that they raised her from a pup, and she has never forgotten her allegiance to them. I just love the pack dynamics in werewolf stories. I have always thought of myself as more of a cat person, but I think I must be equally a dog person, because the nature and the sociology of dogs is very interesting to me. This story was very vivid. I could picture myself in the frigid cold of the North Pole, confronted with a Santa Claus from a horror fan's worst nightmares. This Santa scares me much more than a knife-wielding, homocidal-maniac Santa ever could. Even the reindeer were kind of menacing. I also loved the descriptions of Africa. How I wanted to be there, running with the pack. I really enjoyed this story. 5 stars.
Rogue Elements is my first Karen Chance story, but it won't be my last. The elements of the werewolf clans were so richly infused into this story. I love when a writer gives so much care to the werewolf lore and pack hierarchy, since I feel that werewolf stories are so neglected in urban fantasy. The weres are so much more interesting to me than vampires (although I am a big vampire fan), and the structure of werewolf clans in this story caught my interest right away. Great action, interesting characters, and a dash of sexual attraction and romance, all add up for a very pleasing read. I hope that Ms. Chance revisits this world in future stories. I'd like to see more adventures of the heroine, Accalia, who is a War Mage and is part Were, although she refuses to Change. Very interesting! 5 stars.
Milk and Cookies is by one of my favorite urban fantasy writers, Rob Thurman. I thought I'd miss a story without Cal and Nik, but this story kept me so drawn in, I realized that anything she writes is something I want to read. She tells one heck of a tale with this story of a young teen who is trying to deal with a bully (Yes, I know how he felt. I think I had a 'pick on me' sign on my forehead all the way through school.) Oh, how she draws you in for the twist that you don't see coming until this story is almost over. If you like coming of age stories, you should read this one. It will cause you to feel a bit uneasy, but it's worth the read. 5 stars.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner is one of those tales where you decide you do not like the protagonist, but you are forced to change your mind. I found Jake to be a complete and utter brat, with a major case of 'Teenager Who Drives Me Crazy' syndrome. Yet, I found I had to revise my opinion. I think we were all annoying teenagers, although we forget this as we age. The lessons that we learn are invaluable, allowing us to grow and to change from our selfish views of the world, to embrace the responsibility that we all have in the world to each other. This is Jake's journey in this tale. He is just finding the pack, having been an orphan, passed from foster home to foster home. He is having trouble getting adjusted to following so many rules, and observing traditions that seem just plain hokey to him. But he learns the real message behind the Christmas story about the wolf who watches over the baby Jesus on the first Christmas night. I loved that tale. It was so meaningful to me. What a unique idea to integrate werewolf myth into the Christmas story. And how it ties into the overall tale is wonderfully executed, as Jake learns that being able to enjoy the fruits of werewolf-dom also comes with a resonsibility to protect those in need of protection. Another scary view of Santa (thankfully not the real one in this case), but a human monster kind of scary. 4.5 stars.
This was a rocking cool collection. The only story I disliked was the Sookie Stackhouse story, but I won't let this bump the overall rating down too much. Because I was so happy with this collection, I'd give it an overall rating of 4.5/5.0 stars. I highly recommend this to werewolf fans. I don't think you'd be disappointed at the varied and delicious fare offered in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe.
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris. Sadly, I was not impressed with the Sookie Stackhouse story. I felt it was in bad taste. I don't think it's funny to have someone's great-great-great-great, etc- grandfather (even if he's an amoral faery) hooking up his many-times granddaughter with a man for the holidays. I guess I should lighten up, but I found that idea offensive. I'm not here to judge people's personal lives, but when it comes to fiction, there are some things I don't like, and this is in that area of gross-out, ick-factor-ville for me. I don't like to put down people's writing, but I found the story to be very barebones and poorly characterized. Sookie came off as being especially vapid in this story. In general, I don't think she's a very deep character. But I found her likeable in Dead Until Dark and the short story I read out of Powers of Detection Stories of Mystery & Fantasy. However, she was very one-dimensional in this story. I can't say who would be thrilled that her many times grandfather enforced a geis on his subject to pretend to be someone else and seduce her so she wouldn't be alone on Christmas. But she didn't seem that bothered. Whatever happen to gift cards as Christmas presents? For the vulgar nature of this story, I have to give it 1.5 stars. I realize that there is a huge Sookie Stackhouse following, and no offense. We all like what we like. But I was underwhelmed. This story made me put down this very promising volume for a year, and put me off the series. I'm glad my mother was willing to take my Sookie Stackhouse omnibi off my hands for the time being until I muster up the courage to give Sookie another try. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews. This was a cute story. Short and sweet, and a bit of a twist on the werewolf genre story. I liked the inclusion of medieval scholarship and grimoires with recipes of various sorts. And there's a little bit of karma in store for an old flame who took credit for something he didn't do, but his ex-girlfriend, the protagonist, did. Recommended. 4 stars.
Lucy, at Christmastime by Simon R. Green. Not the best story I've read by Green, but pretty good. Very sad story. It takes place in the Nightside, but don't look for John Taylor in this one. However, the main character does make a visit to the Strangefellows bar to spend Christmas Eve. This story brings to mind the old school, sad werewolf tales. Recommended if you're not looking for a happy ending. 4 stars.
The Night Things Changed by Dana Cameron. Very interesting perspective on vampires and werewolves. They are good guys and are perpetually misunderstood by humanity, who they try to protect with their paranormal abilities. Dark and somewhat chilling, with some deeper meaning for a short tale. Recommended. 4 stars.
The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson. What a great story to read around Christmastime. You must take a rather dark sense of humor into this story, for maximum enjoyment. It also helps if you believe in the magic of Christmas. I was quite shocked how it begins. Let's just say that Rudolph isn't around to lead Santa's reindeer after the first page of this story. This is my first time reading Richardson, and I'm glad I've been collecting her urban fantasy series. Recommended. 5 stars.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon. A great story for animal-lovers, particularly dog lovers. I've always believed in the intelligence of animals. Clearly the author does too. I love the loyalty shown by the protagonist's canine friends. This one brought a smile to my face, although it has some gruesome aspects. Recommended. 4.5 stars.
Il est Ne' by Carrie Vaughn. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but I ended up being very pleasantly surprised. It had a very good buildup of tension as Kitty meets a young male who has become a werewolf, and is not in control of his inner wolf at all. When a string of horrible murder mutilations occurs, he suspects himself, and Kitty has reason to do so as well. Together they try to find out if he is the culprit, and if not, to catch the real killer. Kitty also teaches the fledgling wolf how to manage the beast within. Short stories are very hard to execute, so I give props to writers who manage to pick so much into a short tale. This one left me with tears in my eyes, as it really struck clear to my heart with its message about learning to control the darkness inside of one's self, and the fact that it's never to late to go home. If I wasn't a fan of Ms. Vaughn after reading
Kitty and the Midnight Hour, I certainly would be one now. 4.5 stars.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow. Writers of sizzling werewolf romance should take note of the fantastic chemistry that Ms. Stabenow creates between her two protagonists, two police officers who happen to be infatuated with each other, although they are trying to follow the rules about fraternization. They both happen to be werewolves, although the male is latent. I love the way she builds up the intense attraction between the characters, letting it simmer in the backdrop as they track a family of serial killers. The climax is powerful as the hero, Lobison, comes to face the reality of his heritage, triggered by his powerful desire for his partner, Romanov, and the full moon. The interesting thing is that Ms. Stabenow doesn't even write romance. Well I hope she decides to do some more werewolf stories, because she really won me over with this short, sizzling, and satisfying tale. 5 stars.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur. This was my first read by Ms. Arthur, and I must say I enjoyed it. In many ways, it read like a standard lovers reunited romance story, with a paranormal twist. Hannah is a human member of a paranormal unit, with the ability to sense evil, that is on the hunt for a supernatural serial killer. She is trying to deal with the fact that her werewolf co-worker Brodie dumped her last Christmas, and he's trying to insinuate his way back into her life and her good graces. Initially, I wanted Brodie to take a long walk off a short pier, but as his actions convince Hannah that he deserves a second chance, he starts to win my trust as well. While I won't be reading the Riley Jensen books, this story has convinced me to consider reading other works by this author that doesn't involve a lead character who engages in polyamory sexual encounters. 4 stars.
SA by J.A. Konrath. I was a bit worried with how this story started. I don't like body humor, particularly of the scatological variety. But this is a case of following the 'Keep Reading' edict, because this story was one heck of a fun ride. I laughed myself into a coughing fit. This was one of the funniest stories I've had the pleasure to read in a while. Imagine a group of people who turn into animals, called therioantropes. Then imagine that that they have the were-animal version of Alcoholics Anonymous. On top of that, their worst enemies are Santa Claus and the Salvation Army. It sounds incredibly stupid as a concept. But I have to say that Mr. Konrath did a fantastic job of pulling that premise off. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, despite the scatological humor that was vaguely disgusting, but still managed to be in good taste. 5 stars.
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs revisits a character I met in Moon Called. David Christensen is a mercenary who is also a werewolf. I am so happy to see African Americans in urban fantasy, especially appealing characters like David. David is an honorable man who made a terrible mistake long ago, unable to keep his wolf under control, and lost his daughter's respect and companionship as a result. However, she needs his help to protect a foster teen who is in danger from some supernatural elements. This story was intense and involving, for all its shortness. I am impressed yet again with Ms. Briggs writing. She manages to create a very magical world in her stories, but the characters are very human, and you cannot help but care about them. David is no different. He is everything that a father should be, and I ached for him, that he felt his relationship with his daughter was lost forever. I hope that Ms. Briggs continues to include David and his family in her werewolf books. 5 stars.
You Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard manages to be humorous, yet gritty and scary at the same time. It's about two Russian vampires who decide to cut themselves in on vampire Santa Claus gig, which allows him unlimited access to many houses, and the warm, blood-filled bodies within, all year-round, since he is invited in on Christmas Eve to deliver presents. I was a bit horrified at the thought of a vampiric Santa. Part of me still believes in the spirit of Santa Claus (I know he's not real, but in a way he is real to me), so that really hit home with me. The Russian vamps were hilarious, as well as some of the Christmas vampire gags. The werewolf aspect was very cool. The werewolf is a female scientist who is devoted to protecting and saving the few African wild dogs that remain in existence. It turns out that they raised her from a pup, and she has never forgotten her allegiance to them. I just love the pack dynamics in werewolf stories. I have always thought of myself as more of a cat person, but I think I must be equally a dog person, because the nature and the sociology of dogs is very interesting to me. This story was very vivid. I could picture myself in the frigid cold of the North Pole, confronted with a Santa Claus from a horror fan's worst nightmares. This Santa scares me much more than a knife-wielding, homocidal-maniac Santa ever could. Even the reindeer were kind of menacing. I also loved the descriptions of Africa. How I wanted to be there, running with the pack. I really enjoyed this story. 5 stars.
Rogue Elements is my first Karen Chance story, but it won't be my last. The elements of the werewolf clans were so richly infused into this story. I love when a writer gives so much care to the werewolf lore and pack hierarchy, since I feel that werewolf stories are so neglected in urban fantasy. The weres are so much more interesting to me than vampires (although I am a big vampire fan), and the structure of werewolf clans in this story caught my interest right away. Great action, interesting characters, and a dash of sexual attraction and romance, all add up for a very pleasing read. I hope that Ms. Chance revisits this world in future stories. I'd like to see more adventures of the heroine, Accalia, who is a War Mage and is part Were, although she refuses to Change. Very interesting! 5 stars.
Milk and Cookies is by one of my favorite urban fantasy writers, Rob Thurman. I thought I'd miss a story without Cal and Nik, but this story kept me so drawn in, I realized that anything she writes is something I want to read. She tells one heck of a tale with this story of a young teen who is trying to deal with a bully (Yes, I know how he felt. I think I had a 'pick on me' sign on my forehead all the way through school.) Oh, how she draws you in for the twist that you don't see coming until this story is almost over. If you like coming of age stories, you should read this one. It will cause you to feel a bit uneasy, but it's worth the read. 5 stars.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner is one of those tales where you decide you do not like the protagonist, but you are forced to change your mind. I found Jake to be a complete and utter brat, with a major case of 'Teenager Who Drives Me Crazy' syndrome. Yet, I found I had to revise my opinion. I think we were all annoying teenagers, although we forget this as we age. The lessons that we learn are invaluable, allowing us to grow and to change from our selfish views of the world, to embrace the responsibility that we all have in the world to each other. This is Jake's journey in this tale. He is just finding the pack, having been an orphan, passed from foster home to foster home. He is having trouble getting adjusted to following so many rules, and observing traditions that seem just plain hokey to him. But he learns the real message behind the Christmas story about the wolf who watches over the baby Jesus on the first Christmas night. I loved that tale. It was so meaningful to me. What a unique idea to integrate werewolf myth into the Christmas story. And how it ties into the overall tale is wonderfully executed, as Jake learns that being able to enjoy the fruits of werewolf-dom also comes with a resonsibility to protect those in need of protection. Another scary view of Santa (thankfully not the real one in this case), but a human monster kind of scary. 4.5 stars.
This was a rocking cool collection. The only story I disliked was the Sookie Stackhouse story, but I won't let this bump the overall rating down too much. Because I was so happy with this collection, I'd give it an overall rating of 4.5/5.0 stars. I highly recommend this to werewolf fans. I don't think you'd be disappointed at the varied and delicious fare offered in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
This is an anthology of werewolf stories set around Christmas. (Or maybe an anthology of Christmas stories told with werewolves.) It's a somewhat limiting framework, with somewhat uneven degrees of success. It opens with a Sookie Stackhouse story by Harris in which she gets a wildly inappropriate Christmas gift from her grandfather. Ew... skip it. Donna Andrews has a one-note story about a jilted lover making the holiday go to the dogs, followed by a short and depressing Nightside story by Simon Green, then a good urban fantasy from Dana Cameron in which vampire and werewolf siblings are the good guys, with a little witchy help. Kat Richardson uses all the Santa mythology in a longish not-for-kids story, and Alan Gordon's story fits the theme quite well despite some impractical elements. Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Christmas story was my favorite in the book, Dana Stabenow's had little to do with the holiday and seemed incomplete, and Keri Arthur's was something of an over-the-top romance. J.A. Konrath's was very funny and was another favorite; we meet a were-pig, a were-turtle, a were-coral and more, united in opposing Satan's Claws. It reminded me of good, early Ron Goulart. Patricia Briggs' story seemed to me to contradict itself, Nancy Pickard's tried too hard, and Karen Chance's was a fine crime-family thing that was fun but didn't offer anything new. Rob Thurman's story was a very nice family story that featured a wolfie Christmas celebration, and the book concludes with another good one, from co-editor Kelner. Kind of a mixed bag of a book, but fun holiday fare. Merrymerry & hoho & aroooo.....
December 20, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a fun Christmas collection. Yes, it has some of the same seasonal schmaltz, but with a bit of blood and guts to counteract the saccharine. There are the expected names: Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs. I had previously encountered Briggs' story, but enjoyed reading it again. I was pleasantly surprised to find Donna Andrews represented. I should have realized that she could write more than the cozy mystery series that she's best known for.
All of the entries were fun and interesting in some way. Unlike so many of these collections, there were no duds. If you are looking for something with a Christmas theme plus werewolves, look no further.
This was a fun Christmas collection. Yes, it has some of the same seasonal schmaltz, but with a bit of blood and guts to counteract the saccharine. There are the expected names: Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs. I had previously encountered Briggs' story, but enjoyed reading it again. I was pleasantly surprised to find Donna Andrews represented. I should have realized that she could write more than the cozy mystery series that she's best known for.
All of the entries were fun and interesting in some way. Unlike so many of these collections, there were no duds. If you are looking for something with a Christmas theme plus werewolves, look no further.
January 24, 2010
Generally, the best stories in here are the ones not set in any of the worlds of the author's books and the werewolf and Christmas themes are closely tied together.
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris 3/5
A story about Sookie from Harris's Southern Vampires series. Sookie finds herself alone on Christmas Eve. Or so she thinks. Features the strangest Christmas gift a relative can give.
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews 3/5
A college T.A.'s brother wants her to make him a spell that'll turn him into a werewolf. Surprisingly funny. Not what you'd think of when you hear "Christmas story", but hey, the T.A.'s happy by the end.
Lucy at Christmas Time 4/5
A story from the nightside. Knowing Simon R. green, I was expecting some hijinks. Instead, we get a tragic tale. A werewolf enters the oldest bar in the world during Christmas eve and reminisces and we find out why.
The Night Things Changed - Dana Cameron 3/5
A short mystery that could've been stretched out to fill a book, considering the really awesome twists the author did to vampires and werewolves, the character relationships, and the plot.
The Werewolf Before Christmas - Kat Richards 5/5
Werewolf with issues ends up hijacking plane, crash lands in North Pole, eats Rudolph - the red nose reindeer - and ends up being Rudolph's replacement for Christmas Eve. It's hilarious and well thought out.
I've tried to read Richardson's Greywalker series, but never managed to finish the first book due to lack of interest. I might have to try them after reading this story. Maybe it's the thrid person that creates the difference in enjoyability. Or just the story itself.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon 3/5
A man whom trains guard dogs makes plans to spend Christmas Eve alone, locked up (literally!) with only his dogs for company. Outside wait people who plan to kill him.
I liked this story. Girlfriend took it all a bit too well, but then, it's a Christmas story.
Il Est Né - Carrie Vaughn 3/5
Not what I expected, but Kitty is in character and David's redemption is very christmasy.
The Perfect Gift - Dana Stabenow 2/5
This story feels like a prolouge for a bigger story.
Christmas Past - Keri Arthur 2/5
Will appeal to paranormal romance readers.
SA - J. A. Konrath 3/5
The story made sense and seem very realistic until Santa came in. Then the story became absurd, though in a good way.
The Star of David - Patricia Briggs 4/5
You'd Better Not Pyout - Nancy Pickard
Cute and hilarious take on Santa Clause.
Rogue Elements - Karen Chance 4/5
I'm assuming this takes place in the world of the Cassandra Palmer Series. I dislike that series, but I have no issues with this short story. Though the Christmas aspect is completely irrelevant to the story and would not have been missed.
Milk and Cookies - Rob Thurman 5/5
What a great twist!
Keeping Watch Over His Flock - Toni L. P. Kelner 5/5
I like the spin on how werewolves got started.
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris 3/5
A story about Sookie from Harris's Southern Vampires series. Sookie finds herself alone on Christmas Eve. Or so she thinks. Features the strangest Christmas gift a relative can give.
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews 3/5
A college T.A.'s brother wants her to make him a spell that'll turn him into a werewolf. Surprisingly funny. Not what you'd think of when you hear "Christmas story", but hey, the T.A.'s happy by the end.
Lucy at Christmas Time 4/5
A story from the nightside. Knowing Simon R. green, I was expecting some hijinks. Instead, we get a tragic tale. A werewolf enters the oldest bar in the world during Christmas eve and reminisces and we find out why.
The Night Things Changed - Dana Cameron 3/5
A short mystery that could've been stretched out to fill a book, considering the really awesome twists the author did to vampires and werewolves, the character relationships, and the plot.
The Werewolf Before Christmas - Kat Richards 5/5
Werewolf with issues ends up hijacking plane, crash lands in North Pole, eats Rudolph - the red nose reindeer - and ends up being Rudolph's replacement for Christmas Eve. It's hilarious and well thought out.
I've tried to read Richardson's Greywalker series, but never managed to finish the first book due to lack of interest. I might have to try them after reading this story. Maybe it's the thrid person that creates the difference in enjoyability. Or just the story itself.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon 3/5
A man whom trains guard dogs makes plans to spend Christmas Eve alone, locked up (literally!) with only his dogs for company. Outside wait people who plan to kill him.
I liked this story. Girlfriend took it all a bit too well, but then, it's a Christmas story.
Il Est Né - Carrie Vaughn 3/5
Not what I expected, but Kitty is in character and David's redemption is very christmasy.
The Perfect Gift - Dana Stabenow 2/5
This story feels like a prolouge for a bigger story.
Christmas Past - Keri Arthur 2/5
Will appeal to paranormal romance readers.
SA - J. A. Konrath 3/5
The story made sense and seem very realistic until Santa came in. Then the story became absurd, though in a good way.
The Star of David - Patricia Briggs 4/5
You'd Better Not Pyout - Nancy Pickard
Cute and hilarious take on Santa Clause.
Rogue Elements - Karen Chance 4/5
I'm assuming this takes place in the world of the Cassandra Palmer Series. I dislike that series, but I have no issues with this short story. Though the Christmas aspect is completely irrelevant to the story and would not have been missed.
Milk and Cookies - Rob Thurman 5/5
What a great twist!
Keeping Watch Over His Flock - Toni L. P. Kelner 5/5
I like the spin on how werewolves got started.
January 1, 2010
Review Courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com
Review: "Gift Wrap" by Charlaine Harris occurs chronically after From Dead To Worse (book 8) in the Sookie Stackhouse Series and you might want to save this story for later if you plan on reading the Sookie series and aren’t caught up as there are a number of spoilers (but of course my reviews are always spoiler free). Sookie is an odd character. I remember wondering if she was mentally challenged when I started the first Sookie book because she is very forthright and in a way childlike in how she interacts with the world around her. And Sookie brings that same guilelessness to Gift Wrap when she stumbles across a wounded werewolf in her woods and brings him home on Christmas Eve. I'll admit I found the idea of the gift Sookie recieves in this story, considering the source, to be a bit creepy. But Sookie fans will enjoy this much too brief holiday tale.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews, who is best known for her Meg Langslow Mystery Series, contributes probably the shortest story in this book. The first of the brother and sister pairings in this anthology has a witch agreeing to decipher a spell for her brother to make him a werewolf and get even with her ex in the process. Not a lot to say about this story considering its brevity.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green is a Nightshade short story and its bittersweet. A werewolf remembers his first love while sitting in a bar on Christmas. I enjoyed the somber tone here and even though the ending is predictable, the writing is very good. One of my favorites in this anthology.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron
Gerry Steuben is an average guy, a PI living in Salem, Massachusetts. He’s also one of the Fangborn, an ancient family of werewolves and vampires secretly dedicated to protecting humankind from evil. When a series of increasingly violent murders is committed, Gerry and his vampire sister Claudia must confront an unimaginable supernatural threat on Christmas Eve. -Dana Cameron
“The Night Things Changed,” won the 2008 Agatha Award, the 2009 Macavity Award, and was nominated for the 2009 Anthony Award! "The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron offers the second brother and sister tale and one of the longer stories in this anthology. Don't let the innocuous title fool you, this is one of the best stories in this collection. The world building was very strong here and extremely compelling. Fangborn (werewolves and vampires) are the unsung heroes of this world seeking evil to cleanse it where possible, destroying it where not. There are some fun twists on vampire mythology here to. Vampires don't feed off of human blood, but rather bite bad people and suck evil out of them and then sun cleanses the evil from the vampire's systems. Sadly I couldn't find any evidence that this author plans to continue writing about the Fangborn.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson is perhaps the most festive story in this anthology as it takes place at the north pole and Santa Clause is a main character, but its also arguably the most fractured tale as it describes what happens when a werewolf eats Rudolph and must then lead Santa's sleigh. Kat Richardson takes a break from her Greywalkers series to give us a whole new (and rather macabre) spin on the origin of Santa Clause and some of our most treasured Christmas traditions.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon is a quiet unassuming tale about a dog trainer who has an uncanny gift for communication with the animals (one guess why). But being a werewolf causes more problems then it solves when his furry secret costs him the only woman he's ever loved and, on Christmas Eve, threatens to take his life as well. The author claims to be working on a book based on this character. I liked this story, but it probably isn't the kind I'd read more of.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon is a quiet unassuming tale about a dog trainer who has an uncanny gift for communication with the animals (one guess why). But being a werewolf causes more problems then it solves when his furry secret costs him the only woman he's ever loved and, on Christmas Eve, threatens to take his life as well. The author claims to be working on a book based on this character. I liked this story, but it probably isn't the kind I'd read more of.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "II Est Né" by Carrie Vaughn has us spending a lonely Christmas Eve with werewolf DJ Kitty at a local Waffle House when in walks a new werewolf who may inadvertently be responsible for a series of murders. You don't really have to worry about spoilers if you're new to this series or haven't read up through Kitty Takes a Holiday (this story occurs chronically just prior to the events in that book). Warm, fuzzy feelings abound by the end.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow presents a confusing story that starts out with a group discussing the idea of 'thinning the herd' of predators, then jumps to a police investigation of a family of murderers. A couple people turn out to be/become werewolves. The correlation between the two scenes was not clear. Suffice it to say this one made very little sense and was my least favorite story in this anthology.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur (best known for her Riley Jenson Guardian series(. Good characterizations here as Keri introduces us to a paranormal police partnership between a psychic and her ex boyfriend werewolf as they hunt down a vampire serial killer. This story definitely fits into the paranormal romance category as there is a scene of sensuality.
Sexual Content: A scene of sensuality
My entry is called Star of David, and centers on David Christiansen, who was briefly mentioned in Moon Called. It's a heartwarming story of how murder and deception can bring a family together. -Patricia Briggs
Review: "The Star of David" by Patricia Briggs. Another story set in the wonderful world of Mercy Thompson reunites a werewolf with his estranged daughter to help an orphan on Christmas. Leave it to Briggs to go above and beyond the werewolf requirement for her story and throw in vampires and mages too. I expected Patricia's contribution to be my favorite as I’ve never read anything by her that I didn't enjoy, and Star is no exception, but my favorite entry is yet to come.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard poses the question: Is Santa Clause a vampire? The story begins with two Russian vampires discussing the possibility and then follows them to the North Pole when they decide they want in on the all you can drink Christmas buffet. Of course Vampire Santa isn't as Jolly as tradition portrays him and the two end up guarding Rudolph from a werewolf. If you're a Futurama fan this fractured Santa will bring a merry smile to your cheeks.
Sexual Content: None
Someone is kidnapping werewolves, and not just any wolves at that: every one is the daughter of an important clan leader. Desperate to find his daughter, Sebastian Arnou does the unthinkable: he goes to the Silver Circle of light magic users for aid. Their version of a police force is known as the War Mage Corps, and although they agree to help, few have much experience with Weres. The exception is disgraced, on-the-edge-of-being-canned war mage Lia de Croissets, whose mother happened to be a high ranking member of the important Were clan Lobizon. Someone with a werewolf mother isn’t much trusted by the Corps, and a mage with a human father is equally suspect as far as the clans are concerned. But her knowledge of Were customs and her background in human magic make Lia unmistakably the best person for the job. Whether they will be enough to keep her alive is another matter.-Karen Chance
Review: "Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance (best known for her Cassandra Palmer series) invites us into a fully realized world of War Mages and werewolves. I'd already fallen in love with the characters of War Mage/were Lia and her on/off werewolf love Cyrus, but this is the first story featuring them as they struggle to find the kidnapped daughters of a bunch of high ranking werewolves. It's hard to believe this story only spans 40 pages or so because the characterizations and plotting are stronger than most full length novels. Of the fifteen stories in this anthology, this one delivers the biggest payoff for traditional urban fantasy lovers. Tied for my favorite.
Sexual Content: A meeting takes place in a sex club, but there is no description of anything.
Review: "Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman (best known for her Call Leandros series) feels almost like a Steven King story (and I don't mean horror). The voice of the adolescent boy is so strong and painfully/humorously real as he tries to fend off the increasingly homicidal attacks of a school bully and protect his little sister's Christmas in the process. I did not in anyway predict the ending of this one. While it doesn't feel exactly like urban fantasy, I loved this story. Tied for my favorite.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L. P. Kelner (nominated for a Macavity for Best Short Story) nicely ends things with a jaded orphan werewolf spending his first Christmas with a family, learning the biblical origins of werewolves and their special role in the birth of Christ. When he disobeys his Alpha and runs off to shift during the full moon, he gets the chance to live up to his noble heritage.
Sexual Content: Discussions of pedophilia. A man intends to molest a child.
Review: "Gift Wrap" by Charlaine Harris occurs chronically after From Dead To Worse (book 8) in the Sookie Stackhouse Series and you might want to save this story for later if you plan on reading the Sookie series and aren’t caught up as there are a number of spoilers (but of course my reviews are always spoiler free). Sookie is an odd character. I remember wondering if she was mentally challenged when I started the first Sookie book because she is very forthright and in a way childlike in how she interacts with the world around her. And Sookie brings that same guilelessness to Gift Wrap when she stumbles across a wounded werewolf in her woods and brings him home on Christmas Eve. I'll admit I found the idea of the gift Sookie recieves in this story, considering the source, to be a bit creepy. But Sookie fans will enjoy this much too brief holiday tale.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews, who is best known for her Meg Langslow Mystery Series, contributes probably the shortest story in this book. The first of the brother and sister pairings in this anthology has a witch agreeing to decipher a spell for her brother to make him a werewolf and get even with her ex in the process. Not a lot to say about this story considering its brevity.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green is a Nightshade short story and its bittersweet. A werewolf remembers his first love while sitting in a bar on Christmas. I enjoyed the somber tone here and even though the ending is predictable, the writing is very good. One of my favorites in this anthology.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron
Gerry Steuben is an average guy, a PI living in Salem, Massachusetts. He’s also one of the Fangborn, an ancient family of werewolves and vampires secretly dedicated to protecting humankind from evil. When a series of increasingly violent murders is committed, Gerry and his vampire sister Claudia must confront an unimaginable supernatural threat on Christmas Eve. -Dana Cameron
“The Night Things Changed,” won the 2008 Agatha Award, the 2009 Macavity Award, and was nominated for the 2009 Anthony Award! "The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron offers the second brother and sister tale and one of the longer stories in this anthology. Don't let the innocuous title fool you, this is one of the best stories in this collection. The world building was very strong here and extremely compelling. Fangborn (werewolves and vampires) are the unsung heroes of this world seeking evil to cleanse it where possible, destroying it where not. There are some fun twists on vampire mythology here to. Vampires don't feed off of human blood, but rather bite bad people and suck evil out of them and then sun cleanses the evil from the vampire's systems. Sadly I couldn't find any evidence that this author plans to continue writing about the Fangborn.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson is perhaps the most festive story in this anthology as it takes place at the north pole and Santa Clause is a main character, but its also arguably the most fractured tale as it describes what happens when a werewolf eats Rudolph and must then lead Santa's sleigh. Kat Richardson takes a break from her Greywalkers series to give us a whole new (and rather macabre) spin on the origin of Santa Clause and some of our most treasured Christmas traditions.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon is a quiet unassuming tale about a dog trainer who has an uncanny gift for communication with the animals (one guess why). But being a werewolf causes more problems then it solves when his furry secret costs him the only woman he's ever loved and, on Christmas Eve, threatens to take his life as well. The author claims to be working on a book based on this character. I liked this story, but it probably isn't the kind I'd read more of.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon is a quiet unassuming tale about a dog trainer who has an uncanny gift for communication with the animals (one guess why). But being a werewolf causes more problems then it solves when his furry secret costs him the only woman he's ever loved and, on Christmas Eve, threatens to take his life as well. The author claims to be working on a book based on this character. I liked this story, but it probably isn't the kind I'd read more of.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "II Est Né" by Carrie Vaughn has us spending a lonely Christmas Eve with werewolf DJ Kitty at a local Waffle House when in walks a new werewolf who may inadvertently be responsible for a series of murders. You don't really have to worry about spoilers if you're new to this series or haven't read up through Kitty Takes a Holiday (this story occurs chronically just prior to the events in that book). Warm, fuzzy feelings abound by the end.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow presents a confusing story that starts out with a group discussing the idea of 'thinning the herd' of predators, then jumps to a police investigation of a family of murderers. A couple people turn out to be/become werewolves. The correlation between the two scenes was not clear. Suffice it to say this one made very little sense and was my least favorite story in this anthology.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur (best known for her Riley Jenson Guardian series(. Good characterizations here as Keri introduces us to a paranormal police partnership between a psychic and her ex boyfriend werewolf as they hunt down a vampire serial killer. This story definitely fits into the paranormal romance category as there is a scene of sensuality.
Sexual Content: A scene of sensuality
My entry is called Star of David, and centers on David Christiansen, who was briefly mentioned in Moon Called. It's a heartwarming story of how murder and deception can bring a family together. -Patricia Briggs
Review: "The Star of David" by Patricia Briggs. Another story set in the wonderful world of Mercy Thompson reunites a werewolf with his estranged daughter to help an orphan on Christmas. Leave it to Briggs to go above and beyond the werewolf requirement for her story and throw in vampires and mages too. I expected Patricia's contribution to be my favorite as I’ve never read anything by her that I didn't enjoy, and Star is no exception, but my favorite entry is yet to come.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard poses the question: Is Santa Clause a vampire? The story begins with two Russian vampires discussing the possibility and then follows them to the North Pole when they decide they want in on the all you can drink Christmas buffet. Of course Vampire Santa isn't as Jolly as tradition portrays him and the two end up guarding Rudolph from a werewolf. If you're a Futurama fan this fractured Santa will bring a merry smile to your cheeks.
Sexual Content: None
Someone is kidnapping werewolves, and not just any wolves at that: every one is the daughter of an important clan leader. Desperate to find his daughter, Sebastian Arnou does the unthinkable: he goes to the Silver Circle of light magic users for aid. Their version of a police force is known as the War Mage Corps, and although they agree to help, few have much experience with Weres. The exception is disgraced, on-the-edge-of-being-canned war mage Lia de Croissets, whose mother happened to be a high ranking member of the important Were clan Lobizon. Someone with a werewolf mother isn’t much trusted by the Corps, and a mage with a human father is equally suspect as far as the clans are concerned. But her knowledge of Were customs and her background in human magic make Lia unmistakably the best person for the job. Whether they will be enough to keep her alive is another matter.-Karen Chance
Review: "Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance (best known for her Cassandra Palmer series) invites us into a fully realized world of War Mages and werewolves. I'd already fallen in love with the characters of War Mage/were Lia and her on/off werewolf love Cyrus, but this is the first story featuring them as they struggle to find the kidnapped daughters of a bunch of high ranking werewolves. It's hard to believe this story only spans 40 pages or so because the characterizations and plotting are stronger than most full length novels. Of the fifteen stories in this anthology, this one delivers the biggest payoff for traditional urban fantasy lovers. Tied for my favorite.
Sexual Content: A meeting takes place in a sex club, but there is no description of anything.
Review: "Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman (best known for her Call Leandros series) feels almost like a Steven King story (and I don't mean horror). The voice of the adolescent boy is so strong and painfully/humorously real as he tries to fend off the increasingly homicidal attacks of a school bully and protect his little sister's Christmas in the process. I did not in anyway predict the ending of this one. While it doesn't feel exactly like urban fantasy, I loved this story. Tied for my favorite.
Sexual Content: None
Review: "Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L. P. Kelner (nominated for a Macavity for Best Short Story) nicely ends things with a jaded orphan werewolf spending his first Christmas with a family, learning the biblical origins of werewolves and their special role in the birth of Christ. When he disobeys his Alpha and runs off to shift during the full moon, he gets the chance to live up to his noble heritage.
Sexual Content: Discussions of pedophilia. A man intends to molest a child.
October 12, 2008
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
The main story I wanted to read in this book was Gift Wrapped by Charlaine Harris. Know right off the bat, I adore Sookie Stackhouse, so I am difficult to disappoint in this regard. But this story was very short and rather hollow. It lacked the punch of the short story in Bite. And Sookie always rises above feeling sorry for herself, so that was a bummer. I'm glad Quinn got a mention. She just doesn't use her brain to figure out something more is amiss than what it seems. Maybe fairies really are that glamourful, but shouldn't she have been immune? She never sleeps with a guy she just meets, no matter how convenient for the plot line. There must have been serious mojo cooking; and if she ever realizes it, she will be PISSED. Maybe I've been reading too much Jezebel feminist propaganda, but I don't want Sookie getting a psychic spiked drink, date raped (basically), and grandpa looking all the more congenial for the favor? Eww. CH what were you thinking? Harris wrote a blog about how she disapproves of rape as sexy in romance novels, but how was this story not that in better wrapping? Pun intended.
The main story I wanted to read in this book was Gift Wrapped by Charlaine Harris. Know right off the bat, I adore Sookie Stackhouse, so I am difficult to disappoint in this regard. But this story was very short and rather hollow. It lacked the punch of the short story in Bite. And Sookie always rises above feeling sorry for herself, so that was a bummer. I'm glad Quinn got a mention. She just doesn't use her brain to figure out something more is amiss than what it seems. Maybe fairies really are that glamourful, but shouldn't she have been immune? She never sleeps with a guy she just meets, no matter how convenient for the plot line. There must have been serious mojo cooking; and if she ever realizes it, she will be PISSED. Maybe I've been reading too much Jezebel feminist propaganda, but I don't want Sookie getting a psychic spiked drink, date raped (basically), and grandpa looking all the more congenial for the favor? Eww. CH what were you thinking? Harris wrote a blog about how she disapproves of rape as sexy in romance novels, but how was this story not that in better wrapping? Pun intended.
January 3, 2020
My review is only for Rogue Elements by Karen Chance.
The leader of the werewolf clans turns to the Silver Circle’s police force, named the War Mage Corps for help finding kidnapped female werewolves.
The Silver Circle is the only link to the Cassandra Palmer series in this story, as there was not much about Weres before… Because of this, first I didn’t want to read it, thinking it is easily skippable. But it turned out to be really interesting, and I’m glad I read it.
The main character is Lia, who works for the Corps, and narrates the story.
The story is a little fast and crowded, but the suspense is great, with twists and turns, some really fun scenes, and necessarily a superhot werewolf, Cyrus, with questionable allegiance.
Having Cyrus’ full attention was like being the only rabbit in the world in front of a pack of starving wolves.
The leader of the werewolf clans turns to the Silver Circle’s police force, named the War Mage Corps for help finding kidnapped female werewolves.
The Silver Circle is the only link to the Cassandra Palmer series in this story, as there was not much about Weres before… Because of this, first I didn’t want to read it, thinking it is easily skippable. But it turned out to be really interesting, and I’m glad I read it.
The main character is Lia, who works for the Corps, and narrates the story.
The story is a little fast and crowded, but the suspense is great, with twists and turns, some really fun scenes, and necessarily a superhot werewolf, Cyrus, with questionable allegiance.
Cyrus had taught me that it was possible to never stop being friends and yet to end up enemies.
February 22, 2009
I just read the Sookie story in this installment and I have to say that I absolutely hated it. As a huge fan of the Sookie series, I thought I would get a treat in between installments, but this is one I wish I had never read.
Sookie's a pretty "nice" girl for the most part and that's one of the things that I enjoy about her most. The present that she received from her grandfather was absolutely ridiculous and seemed to cheapen Sookie's character for me. I am going to pretend I didn't read it.
I would have rated this a 1 if there weren't other author's stories in here that I only had a chance to gleen.
Sookie's a pretty "nice" girl for the most part and that's one of the things that I enjoy about her most. The present that she received from her grandfather was absolutely ridiculous and seemed to cheapen Sookie's character for me. I am going to pretend I didn't read it.
I would have rated this a 1 if there weren't other author's stories in here that I only had a chance to gleen.
October 18, 2008
"Wolfsbane and Mistletoe" is an anthology containing werewolf stories by 15 different authors including Keri Arthur, Patricia Briggs, Karen Chance, Simon R Green, Charlaine Harris, and Carrie Vaughn, among others. There's something for everyone here as the stories range from humorous to scary, a little spicy to plain vanilla. Each story is fairly short which makes the book easy to put down and pick back up without 'losing' anything. And finally, each story also centers around the holiday season, making this a great book to give as a gift for 'fur' fans.
February 4, 2021
I finished the last werewolf story around two am and it was a good one. It was Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner. I will have to look for some of her books. I also really enjoyed Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman. I didn't expect the ending but the school bully got his just desserts or comeuppance as Grace Metalious would say!
Rogue Elements had way too much "bragging, kickass" werewolf stuff so I quit reading it.
I will be able to read most of these again around Christmas but reading about all the snow and ice now was also very good.
Rogue Elements had way too much "bragging, kickass" werewolf stuff so I quit reading it.
I will be able to read most of these again around Christmas but reading about all the snow and ice now was also very good.
August 31, 2020
SA by J. A. Konrath ★★★★★
Lycanthrope are blessed by God to eat evil doers but Lucifer gave Santa, aka Satan’s claws, the means to kill them. This was a lot of fun!
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews
★★★★★
That was the best non violent ex boyfriend revenge story! He conspires to get her to change him into a powerful werewolf. She makes him into a Lhasa Apso and gives him to her old neighbor. Lol!!!
Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman ★★★★★
A bully gets more than he bargained for when he messes with an orthodox student and his little sister. Orthodox werewolves that is, lol!
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon ★★★★★
A werewolf dog trainer is hunted down on Christmas Eve. His dogs and ex-girlfriend save him.
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs ★★★★½
David, the werewolf, reconnects with his daughter by saving one of her foster children, a wizard, from a vampire.
Rogue Elements by Karen Chance ★★★★☆
It takes a damn good writer to drop you into the middle of a situation in a foreign urban fiction. Missing werewolves, war mages, vendettas, forced prostitution, and romance - how she made it all effortlessly make sense is good writing.
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris ★★★★☆
Sookie rescues a werewolf that rewards her with a long sexy Christmas Eve. It was actually a gift from her grandfather. Excellent taste!
The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson ★★★★☆
A werewolf kills Rudolf and is thus recruited to take the job. This Sinterklaas is more a Grimm’s tale of The Bishop of Merna and an evil butcher, Black Peter. Naughty or nice has real consequences whether human or wolf.
The Night Things Changed by Dana Cameron ★★★½☆
I enjoyed this tale of the Fangborn, where vampires and werewolves are born, often to the same families, as protectors of humanity.
You'd Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard ★★★☆☆
Santa is actually a vampire and Rudolph’s nose is red because he drinks too much. There were also a werewolf, African wild dogs, and Russian royal vampires - it was too much for a short story. But I allowed the three stars for eating the poachers.
Lucy, at Christmastime by Simon R. Green ★★★☆☆
An ancient werewolf reminisces about his first love, his first kill.
Il Est Né Carrie Vaughn ★★★☆☆
While Kitty is on the outs with her pack she finds a lone wolf and stops a serial killer.
Keeping Watch over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner ★★★☆☆
A teenage werewolf breaks all the rules but saves a little girl from pedo Santa.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur ★★½☆☆
Paranormal investigators hunt killer vampires and struggle with their relationship on Christmas.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow ★★☆☆☆
Boring until the very end.
Average rating 3.76 stars easily rounded up because this was such fun!
Read
March 1, 2009It doesn't seem fair to rate the entire anthology, when I've only read one story. However, I would like to share my review of JA Konrath's "S.A."
Some of us push the envelope... JA Konrath's S.A. begins with a most unhappy --but healthy-- gentleman crossing a snowy parking lot, carrying a semi-see-through, blue plastic box containing a large stool sample. In fact, it's not a sample. It's the whole enchilada.
He's taking this vigorous specimen to his doctor because there's something unusual about it. There are buttons and coins embedded in it. Now, it's nothing like that health insurance advert where the patient has money coming out of the wazoo, as the western oriental ER surgeon explained when making one of those predetermination phone calls.
The coins are small change. The doctor's advice about unhealthy midnight snacks is... priceless.
After a thorough rectal exam which brings to light many strange things and leads to some unpalatable conclusions in the mind of our hero, he waddles off to search the internet for clues as to whom he's been eating when the moon is full.
Just when I thought I'd read every dragonish permutation of bad people tasting good (or bad), or good people tasting bad (or good), JA Konrath comes up with a fresh twist.
This story is a riot. I laughed out loud three times in the first three pages. Of course, there are certain bathroom words that will make me laugh out loud. One of them is poop.
The would-be sci-fi writer in me appreciated the elegance of JA Konrath's solution as regards mass. The hero has a mind-boggling telephone conversation with a were-squirrel... who collects nuts... and he asks both questions that spring to mind, much to this reader's delight.
I'm not going to tell you what "S.A." means, because I enjoyed guessing.
Poop is a very good place to start, when one is creating a convincing werewolf. Done right, starting with the scat is an excellent short cut to world-building.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg advises world-builders to start with the sun. But for a short story about a magical being, why not start where the sun don't shine? I'm not a gentle reader. I don't suspend disbelief easily. I'm not programmed to trust my author, no matter how outrageous. Not at first, anyway.
I can give a turd the benefit of the doubt for several reasons. For a start, the narrator is embarrassed about it. That's believable. He's also frightened. He's not Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs), so he's probably not inclined to put it through a sieve.
If there are bits of teeth, chips of bone, coins, buttons, a crucifix, a clump of dead man's beard... I get the picture. I don't worry about the force of a werewolf's bite, or his stomach capacity, or the inhuman speed of his digestive processes whereby the indigestible evidence of his midnight feast ends up in his morning toilet bowl.
This short story straddles rather too many genres for my taste. It's heart pounding, fast paced action, humorous horror, satire, paranormal with (lite) romantic elements. I hope someone has the wit to publish this short story as a stand-alone e-book!
Some of us push the envelope... JA Konrath's S.A. begins with a most unhappy --but healthy-- gentleman crossing a snowy parking lot, carrying a semi-see-through, blue plastic box containing a large stool sample. In fact, it's not a sample. It's the whole enchilada.
He's taking this vigorous specimen to his doctor because there's something unusual about it. There are buttons and coins embedded in it. Now, it's nothing like that health insurance advert where the patient has money coming out of the wazoo, as the western oriental ER surgeon explained when making one of those predetermination phone calls.
The coins are small change. The doctor's advice about unhealthy midnight snacks is... priceless.
After a thorough rectal exam which brings to light many strange things and leads to some unpalatable conclusions in the mind of our hero, he waddles off to search the internet for clues as to whom he's been eating when the moon is full.
Just when I thought I'd read every dragonish permutation of bad people tasting good (or bad), or good people tasting bad (or good), JA Konrath comes up with a fresh twist.
This story is a riot. I laughed out loud three times in the first three pages. Of course, there are certain bathroom words that will make me laugh out loud. One of them is poop.
The would-be sci-fi writer in me appreciated the elegance of JA Konrath's solution as regards mass. The hero has a mind-boggling telephone conversation with a were-squirrel... who collects nuts... and he asks both questions that spring to mind, much to this reader's delight.
I'm not going to tell you what "S.A." means, because I enjoyed guessing.
Poop is a very good place to start, when one is creating a convincing werewolf. Done right, starting with the scat is an excellent short cut to world-building.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg advises world-builders to start with the sun. But for a short story about a magical being, why not start where the sun don't shine? I'm not a gentle reader. I don't suspend disbelief easily. I'm not programmed to trust my author, no matter how outrageous. Not at first, anyway.
I can give a turd the benefit of the doubt for several reasons. For a start, the narrator is embarrassed about it. That's believable. He's also frightened. He's not Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs), so he's probably not inclined to put it through a sieve.
If there are bits of teeth, chips of bone, coins, buttons, a crucifix, a clump of dead man's beard... I get the picture. I don't worry about the force of a werewolf's bite, or his stomach capacity, or the inhuman speed of his digestive processes whereby the indigestible evidence of his midnight feast ends up in his morning toilet bowl.
This short story straddles rather too many genres for my taste. It's heart pounding, fast paced action, humorous horror, satire, paranormal with (lite) romantic elements. I hope someone has the wit to publish this short story as a stand-alone e-book!
September 17, 2025
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris: ★
Just plain creepy! Your grandfather setting up a one night stand for you? Ew!
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews: ★★
When your brother won't stop seeing your cheating ex, turn them both into dogs!
Lucy at Christmas Time by Simon R. Green: ★★★
Very Simon. A werewolf reminisces about his first.
The Night Things Changed - Dana Cameron: ★★★
A good enough short story about a crime fighting brother & sister duo.
The Werewolf Before Christmas - Kat Richards: ★★
A werewolf substitute for Randolph in Santa's sleigh.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon: ★★★
A guard-dogs trainer, a werewolf hunter, a little girl, a dumped girlfriend and some very smart dogs.
Il Est Né by Carrie Vaughn: ★★
Kitty helps a new werewolf accept and adjust to his new lifestyle.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow: ★
Being the seventh son is a big deal.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur: ★
A werewolf tries to make amends.
SA by J. A. Konrath: ★★★★
Craziness, Santas, shifters and a werecoral!
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs: ★★★
It takes a vampire and a wizard to bring an estranged werewolf and his daughter back together.
You'd Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard: ★★★
Santa's a vampire, so obvious!
Rogue Elements by Karen Chance: ★★★
Girls belonging to rich werewolf families start disappearing. Two rogues team up to find out why.
Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman: ★★
A bully gets what he deserves.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner: ★★★
A teenage wolf saves the day.
Review of Nightside Book 8 here
Review of Mercy Thompson books here
Just plain creepy! Your grandfather setting up a one night stand for you? Ew!
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews: ★★
When your brother won't stop seeing your cheating ex, turn them both into dogs!
Lucy at Christmas Time by Simon R. Green: ★★★
Very Simon. A werewolf reminisces about his first.
The Night Things Changed - Dana Cameron: ★★★
A good enough short story about a crime fighting brother & sister duo.
The Werewolf Before Christmas - Kat Richards: ★★
A werewolf substitute for Randolph in Santa's sleigh.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon: ★★★
A guard-dogs trainer, a werewolf hunter, a little girl, a dumped girlfriend and some very smart dogs.
Il Est Né by Carrie Vaughn: ★★
Kitty helps a new werewolf accept and adjust to his new lifestyle.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow: ★
Being the seventh son is a big deal.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur: ★
A werewolf tries to make amends.
SA by J. A. Konrath: ★★★★
Craziness, Santas, shifters and a werecoral!
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs: ★★★
It takes a vampire and a wizard to bring an estranged werewolf and his daughter back together.
You'd Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard: ★★★
Santa's a vampire, so obvious!
Rogue Elements by Karen Chance: ★★★
Girls belonging to rich werewolf families start disappearing. Two rogues team up to find out why.
Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman: ★★
A bully gets what he deserves.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner: ★★★
A teenage wolf saves the day.
Review of Nightside Book 8 here
Review of Mercy Thompson books here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2008
Although I'm not a huge fan of werewolves, or of short stories--especially about Christmas, I wanted to read this book because I like Charlaine Harris and Donna Andrews. It surprised me just how much sheer variety the various submissions included on this theme.
December 26, 2018
I'm not going to review each and every short story in this book, because actually, on the whole they were all pretty good. Of course, some were considerably better than others; but there wasn't a single story that left me feeling bored.
Some stories were funny, some had a moral weight to them, some were adventurous, and some were just very gory/explicit. But without a doubt, every short story was centered around werewolves, and Christmas. So if like me, you want a christmassy read that isn't a cheesy, happily-ever-after kinda novel, then this is just great and you've come to the right place. Because even still the book was a fun and light hearted read. I personally really enjoyed reading the various short stories, reflecting the 'christmas holidays' and 'paranormal' genres in a new light.
Some stories were funny, some had a moral weight to them, some were adventurous, and some were just very gory/explicit. But without a doubt, every short story was centered around werewolves, and Christmas. So if like me, you want a christmassy read that isn't a cheesy, happily-ever-after kinda novel, then this is just great and you've come to the right place. Because even still the book was a fun and light hearted read. I personally really enjoyed reading the various short stories, reflecting the 'christmas holidays' and 'paranormal' genres in a new light.
September 19, 2015
3.5 Stars (overall for the stories I read)
As with all anthologies I have reviewed I wanted to review a large selection of the short stories to give you a good indication if this book is worth reading/buying, unfortunately with the lead up to Christmas I just haven't had the time to read much at all. So I only have two mini reviews for you. Hopefully I will review a few more from this anthology in due course.
GIFT WRAP ~ Charlaine Harris
How does Ms Harris do it? In just twenty odd pages she pulled me into the story and I didn't want to leave. This is a lovely self-contained little story with a beginning, middle and end and written with Harris's usual easy southern style.
Being without family and friends over the Christmas holiday, Sookie is feeling a little lonely. While out the day before she'd heard a strange noise in the words and so decides to investigate. Well, what else has she to do?
She happens upon an injured, naked man who, in Sookie style, she takes back to her place to clean him up and take care of his wounds. She knows he's a were from his psychic waves and also finds she can't quite keep her eyes off his naked body!
But things are not as they seem. Sookie feels something's off about him but still lusts after him. And after a while a howl from outside alerts the man, who calls himself Preston, that the creatures that hurt him have found him and he's in danger. Sookie hides him and manages to see off the bad guys with her shotgun in hand.
Things take a surprising turn for Sookie as she finds herself in bed with Preston. Let's just say she wakes up Christmas morning with a smile on her face. The ending I didn't see coming which was great, especially for such a short story and there's also a little twist. When I finished I desperately wanted to go and read the next book in the Sookie series that's sitting on my shelf. (8/10)
LUCY, AT CHRISTMASTIME ~ Simon R. Green
Although I've heard of this author and even have one of his books on my shelf, I've never read anything by him before. His writing style is great with a dryness that I liked a lot.
We meet a guy in a bar who's remembering a lost love on Christmas Eve. His thoughts are with Lucy from years ago, when they first met, how their love grew. This is a bittersweet story with a sting in its tale. I enjoyed this story even though it was very short story (seven pages), but it was enough of a taster to want to read more by this author. (7/10)
VERDICT:
The two stories I read were great and I am looking forward to reading more from this anthology, I'm just sorry I didn't have time to read and review more for you.
As with all anthologies I have reviewed I wanted to review a large selection of the short stories to give you a good indication if this book is worth reading/buying, unfortunately with the lead up to Christmas I just haven't had the time to read much at all. So I only have two mini reviews for you. Hopefully I will review a few more from this anthology in due course.
GIFT WRAP ~ Charlaine Harris
How does Ms Harris do it? In just twenty odd pages she pulled me into the story and I didn't want to leave. This is a lovely self-contained little story with a beginning, middle and end and written with Harris's usual easy southern style.
Being without family and friends over the Christmas holiday, Sookie is feeling a little lonely. While out the day before she'd heard a strange noise in the words and so decides to investigate. Well, what else has she to do?
She happens upon an injured, naked man who, in Sookie style, she takes back to her place to clean him up and take care of his wounds. She knows he's a were from his psychic waves and also finds she can't quite keep her eyes off his naked body!
But things are not as they seem. Sookie feels something's off about him but still lusts after him. And after a while a howl from outside alerts the man, who calls himself Preston, that the creatures that hurt him have found him and he's in danger. Sookie hides him and manages to see off the bad guys with her shotgun in hand.
Things take a surprising turn for Sookie as she finds herself in bed with Preston. Let's just say she wakes up Christmas morning with a smile on her face. The ending I didn't see coming which was great, especially for such a short story and there's also a little twist. When I finished I desperately wanted to go and read the next book in the Sookie series that's sitting on my shelf. (8/10)
LUCY, AT CHRISTMASTIME ~ Simon R. Green
Although I've heard of this author and even have one of his books on my shelf, I've never read anything by him before. His writing style is great with a dryness that I liked a lot.
We meet a guy in a bar who's remembering a lost love on Christmas Eve. His thoughts are with Lucy from years ago, when they first met, how their love grew. This is a bittersweet story with a sting in its tale. I enjoyed this story even though it was very short story (seven pages), but it was enough of a taster to want to read more by this author. (7/10)
VERDICT:
The two stories I read were great and I am looking forward to reading more from this anthology, I'm just sorry I didn't have time to read and review more for you.
May 14, 2012
This is one of the better anthologies out there. I can truly say that no matter my feelings about any one of them, every single story is well-written and mostly entertaining.
My favorite stories were
The Haire of the Beast, by Donna Andrews,
Fresh Meat, by Alan Gordon, and
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow.
They are all new-to-me authors (well, I've read a mystery from Dan Stabenow before, but still) and their stories were simple, interesting, and fresh perspectives of werewolf/shifter mythologies. Ms. Stabenow's was a bit cluttered and I was confused for a while, but it all clears up into an enjoyable story.
Patricia Briggs' story was also enjoyable, as was Karen Chance's.
My least favorite stories were Rob Thurman's entry - it was quite twisted and my only reaction was wth? and Keri Arthur's entry: I just didn't care about it.
Recommended! A very good anthology, with every single story in it being worth the money.
My favorite stories were
The Haire of the Beast, by Donna Andrews,
Fresh Meat, by Alan Gordon, and
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow.
They are all new-to-me authors (well, I've read a mystery from Dan Stabenow before, but still) and their stories were simple, interesting, and fresh perspectives of werewolf/shifter mythologies. Ms. Stabenow's was a bit cluttered and I was confused for a while, but it all clears up into an enjoyable story.
Patricia Briggs' story was also enjoyable, as was Karen Chance's.
My least favorite stories were Rob Thurman's entry - it was quite twisted and my only reaction was wth? and Keri Arthur's entry: I just didn't care about it.
Recommended! A very good anthology, with every single story in it being worth the money.
April 26, 2013
Note: I only read The Star of David by Patricia Briggs
Considering that this novella doesn't even have a remote far-fetched allusion to Mercy or Adam, it was pretty darn good. Although it centers around David, a middle-aged werewolf who lost control and murdered his wife in front of his daughter, a character we barely know, it has a surprising amount of depth. David is desperately trying - and failing - to mend his relationship with his daughter, Stella, and seizes the opportunity to help her when she tentatively calls him. While I felt the ending to this was rather sudden and found myself almost wanting to know what the next conversation held, it was different, short, and refreshing. For fans of Patricia Briggs - her writing and world and characters, not just her well-known series - this is a must-read.
Considering that this novella doesn't even have a remote far-fetched allusion to Mercy or Adam, it was pretty darn good. Although it centers around David, a middle-aged werewolf who lost control and murdered his wife in front of his daughter, a character we barely know, it has a surprising amount of depth. David is desperately trying - and failing - to mend his relationship with his daughter, Stella, and seizes the opportunity to help her when she tentatively calls him. While I felt the ending to this was rather sudden and found myself almost wanting to know what the next conversation held, it was different, short, and refreshing. For fans of Patricia Briggs - her writing and world and characters, not just her well-known series - this is a must-read.
January 27, 2013
"Gift Wrap" by Charlaine Harris starts with a depressed and lonely Sookie all alone on Christmas Eve, and quickly turns to her discovering an injured Werewolf in her woods. Of course, there is more to this Were than meets the eye. I liked this story; it was nice and humble, and Niall made an appearance as well. One note: I would love to have a great-grandfather, or any family member for that matter, give me a Christmas "gift" like Sookie got. Lucky Girl!
"The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews was a funny and interesting addition to this book. It detailed one woman trying to help out her self-centered and irresponsible brother with a werewolf spell, her feelings about her philandering and manipulative ex-boyfriend, and what to get her nosy but good landlord and neighbor for Christmas! Really liked the story!
"Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green was a very powerful, dark, strange, and emotional short story that had my mouth gaping at the end of one werewolf's memories of a Christmas Eve many years ago! Really, really powerful addition to this collection!
"The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron was an okay story with plenty of action and adventure as two siblings with crime stopping in their hearts and natures try to stop an "evil" menace stalking their city. I felt like the story itself started in the middle of a long-running series and it seemed like there was just some missing info I could have used. Still enjoyable and definitely fit with the Werewolves and Christmas theme of the anthology!
"The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson was truly a funny yet macabre take on the classic Christmas story! Mattie the werewolf is stuck in the North Pole and he meets an interesting character after partaking in some unconventional sustenance. I liked this story and all the characters in it. There were twists and turns throughout the story and it just worked in the end.
"Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordan was a funny, interesting story that details an attack dog trainer and how he spent his Christmas Eve with mans' best friends. I liked this story overall. It had interesting ideas on werewolves and I enjoyed the author's writing as well. The ending was pretty great too.
"Il Est Ne" by Carrie Vaughn was a quirky yet interesting glimpse into the world of Kitty Norville, Werewolf radio talk-show host. Kitty is having a fantastically lonely Christmas in her local diner when an equally lonely and lost stranger wanders in with secrets that could be the key to the recent murders plagueing the area. Cute and interesting, this story was very well written and actually has me interested in reading the Kitty Norville series from the beginning.
"The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow was a strange and fast-paced story about two detectives trying to solve a rash of murders and who turn out to have a lot more in common than either of them anticipated. I liked this story for its elements and its content, but it seemed sort of rushed and I felt like it should have had more to it than the abrupt ending.
"Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur was a funny and heartwarming story about a detective out to nab a murderous vampire on a killing spree while trying to mend her broken heart and wounded pride after a bad break-up the previous year. Of course, that could prove difficult when her ex-boyfriend is her partner and they are working this case together. Let the holiday spirit begin! Very good story and I enjoyed the characters and the world as a whole.
"SA" by J.A. Konrath was just a hilarious and action-packed story that combined all the holiday spirit of Christmas with an interesting take on Santa Claus and his "helpers" along with all the sarcasm of reality and fantasy and made for one fantastic story. I particularly liked the main character Weston as he tries to figure out why his stomach "contents" have been producing strange things he doesn't remember eating. So funny and just a great read, I really enjoyed this story tremendously!
"Star of David" by Patricia Briggs was set in the Mercy Thompson world with a character first introduced in "Moon Called," the mercenary and lone wolf David Christansen. David's used to spending Christmas alone after the violent past he had after becoming a werewolf, but when his daughter calls looking for help he can't say no even if he wanted to. This story was edgy and powerful for such a short installment. A lot of emotion and action made up this wolf's tale for the holiday season. I liked this short, and liked the overall outcome at the end of the story!
"You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard details two vampires who decide to see if old Saint Nick is really a vampire and, if so, to become part of his "helpers." Interesting, funny, and witty, the story was very good and fit well with the theme of the anthology.
"Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance was a fast-paced, humorous tale of a war mage who is half Were investigating the disappearances of several high clan leaders' daughters with the help of her wiley, sexy ex-Were boyfriend. This was a great story with just the right amount of werewolves, drama, and Christmas. I'd like to read a lot more about Lia and Cyrus in the future!
"Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman was a jaw-dropping, sarcastic odyssey into the life a thirteen year old boy who has long since stopped enjoying the Christmas spirit but is still trying to keep it alive for his little sister. I really truly enjoyed this story and laughed out loud several times. I personally loved the ending and the twist that was just fantastic!
"Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L.P. Kelner was a funny and emotional story about a young teenage werewolf trying to get comfortable within his new pack while a little human child goes missing just before Christmas. Very good story and nice addition to the anthology, I liked it!
Overall, this whole anthology was very good. All the stories kept with the theme of werewolves and Christmas and I would recommend this book to fans of the authors and Urban Fantasy alike!
"The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews was a funny and interesting addition to this book. It detailed one woman trying to help out her self-centered and irresponsible brother with a werewolf spell, her feelings about her philandering and manipulative ex-boyfriend, and what to get her nosy but good landlord and neighbor for Christmas! Really liked the story!
"Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green was a very powerful, dark, strange, and emotional short story that had my mouth gaping at the end of one werewolf's memories of a Christmas Eve many years ago! Really, really powerful addition to this collection!
"The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron was an okay story with plenty of action and adventure as two siblings with crime stopping in their hearts and natures try to stop an "evil" menace stalking their city. I felt like the story itself started in the middle of a long-running series and it seemed like there was just some missing info I could have used. Still enjoyable and definitely fit with the Werewolves and Christmas theme of the anthology!
"The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson was truly a funny yet macabre take on the classic Christmas story! Mattie the werewolf is stuck in the North Pole and he meets an interesting character after partaking in some unconventional sustenance. I liked this story and all the characters in it. There were twists and turns throughout the story and it just worked in the end.
"Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordan was a funny, interesting story that details an attack dog trainer and how he spent his Christmas Eve with mans' best friends. I liked this story overall. It had interesting ideas on werewolves and I enjoyed the author's writing as well. The ending was pretty great too.
"Il Est Ne" by Carrie Vaughn was a quirky yet interesting glimpse into the world of Kitty Norville, Werewolf radio talk-show host. Kitty is having a fantastically lonely Christmas in her local diner when an equally lonely and lost stranger wanders in with secrets that could be the key to the recent murders plagueing the area. Cute and interesting, this story was very well written and actually has me interested in reading the Kitty Norville series from the beginning.
"The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow was a strange and fast-paced story about two detectives trying to solve a rash of murders and who turn out to have a lot more in common than either of them anticipated. I liked this story for its elements and its content, but it seemed sort of rushed and I felt like it should have had more to it than the abrupt ending.
"Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur was a funny and heartwarming story about a detective out to nab a murderous vampire on a killing spree while trying to mend her broken heart and wounded pride after a bad break-up the previous year. Of course, that could prove difficult when her ex-boyfriend is her partner and they are working this case together. Let the holiday spirit begin! Very good story and I enjoyed the characters and the world as a whole.
"SA" by J.A. Konrath was just a hilarious and action-packed story that combined all the holiday spirit of Christmas with an interesting take on Santa Claus and his "helpers" along with all the sarcasm of reality and fantasy and made for one fantastic story. I particularly liked the main character Weston as he tries to figure out why his stomach "contents" have been producing strange things he doesn't remember eating. So funny and just a great read, I really enjoyed this story tremendously!
"Star of David" by Patricia Briggs was set in the Mercy Thompson world with a character first introduced in "Moon Called," the mercenary and lone wolf David Christansen. David's used to spending Christmas alone after the violent past he had after becoming a werewolf, but when his daughter calls looking for help he can't say no even if he wanted to. This story was edgy and powerful for such a short installment. A lot of emotion and action made up this wolf's tale for the holiday season. I liked this short, and liked the overall outcome at the end of the story!
"You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard details two vampires who decide to see if old Saint Nick is really a vampire and, if so, to become part of his "helpers." Interesting, funny, and witty, the story was very good and fit well with the theme of the anthology.
"Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance was a fast-paced, humorous tale of a war mage who is half Were investigating the disappearances of several high clan leaders' daughters with the help of her wiley, sexy ex-Were boyfriend. This was a great story with just the right amount of werewolves, drama, and Christmas. I'd like to read a lot more about Lia and Cyrus in the future!
"Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman was a jaw-dropping, sarcastic odyssey into the life a thirteen year old boy who has long since stopped enjoying the Christmas spirit but is still trying to keep it alive for his little sister. I really truly enjoyed this story and laughed out loud several times. I personally loved the ending and the twist that was just fantastic!
"Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L.P. Kelner was a funny and emotional story about a young teenage werewolf trying to get comfortable within his new pack while a little human child goes missing just before Christmas. Very good story and nice addition to the anthology, I liked it!
Overall, this whole anthology was very good. All the stories kept with the theme of werewolves and Christmas and I would recommend this book to fans of the authors and Urban Fantasy alike!
August 16, 2011
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe is a collection of short storys based on werewolves and Christmas.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris, pages 1-18
gift wrap is a Sookie Stackhouse short story, its about sookie being lonely on Christmas and finding a injured werewolf.
the story was a bit weird at the end, i was a bit creeped out by her grandfathers "gift". lol
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews, pages 19-26
the haire of the beast is about girl who's brother wants to be a werewolf.
this story was a bit odd but also funny, i enjoyed the revenge the girl played on her ex.
Lucy, at Christmasby Simon R. Green, pages 27-31
lucy, at Christmas is about a man who's a werewolf and he's drinking in a bar re-living a past tragedy.
i loved the way this short story was written and the other characters were very interesting... i think i might check out some books from this author.
The Night Things Change by Dana Cameron, pages 32-59
the night things change is about a brother and a sister who are fangborn - which means they fight evil using there powers.
this story was a great new way to look on werewolves and vampires i found the characters pretty interesting.
The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson, pages 60-82
the werewolf before Christmas is about a werewolf who has had a tough childhood and a santa clause who's a bit odd and has an evil assistant.
im not sure i enjoy this story, the main character was a bit wacky in the head but i cant really blame him for that.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon, pages 83-110
fresh meat is about a werewolf who trains guard dogs to protect people he can also mentally talk to them which i thought was pretty good. i enjoyed this story.
Il Est Né by Carrie Vaughn, pages 111-138
Il est né is a kitty norville short story. kitty finds a new werewolf with no control and they stop a serial killer together.
enjoyed this short story, havent read the kitty norville series yet but its already on my to-read list.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow, pages 139-152
the perfect gift is about a cop trying to solve 13 gruesome murders which was committed by a werewolf pack.
i didnt like this short story as much as some others in this book.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur, pages 153-177
Christmas past is about a women, hannah who works for the paranormal police force trying stop a vampire killer with her ex who is a werewolf.
this short story was well written. might check out the author some time.
SA by J.A. Konrath, pages 178-217
SA was about Weston who had some interesting things pop up in his poop, after going to the doctors he found out he was a shapeshifter from the internet and started going to shapeshifter anonymous (SA) where he found out santa clause is evil and has helpers who drink couch syrup.
this story was hilarious from the start, loved it - deferentially looking up the author.
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs, pages 218-245
the star of david was about a werewolf who wasnt speaking to his family after he accidentally killed his wife and her new lover after his first "change" until his daughter needed some help fighting off another monster.
i really liked this story, briggs is a wonderfully writer and her characters and storys are always entertaining.
You'd Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard, pages 246-267
you'd better not pyout is a story about two Russian vampires named Pasha and Serge who believe santa is a vampire and go hunting for him.
i really enjoyed Pasha and Serge's personality's i thought they were a laugh, the werewolf was pretty cool as well.
Rogue Elements by Karen Chance, pages 268-302
rogue elements is about a young woman, lia. her mother was a werewolf and her father is a war mage. (if you have read chance's books before you will understand that would not be a comfortable position to be in.)
lia's pack trys to turn her but she has a genetic trait that wont allow it so they decide she's better off dead.
i loved this story but thats no surprise chances is a fantastic writer. i have noticed that all her main characters are female who dont belong anywhere eg. cassie a clairvoyant who grew up with a mob boss who's a vampires, dory who's a dhampire which all vampire fear and hate and now lia who isnt a true were but the other war mages dont like her anyways.
Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman, pages 303-321
milk and cookies is about a boy who cares about his family and is trying to deal with a bully at school.
this was an interesting story, a bit out there in a good way.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner
keeping watch over his flock was a cute little story about a boy who has been passed off from one foster home to the next untill a werewolf pack finds him and takes him under there care.
i really disliked jakes attitude throughout most of the story until the end, he was a rotten teenager only caring about himself and trashing the pack's beliefs until he grew up a little at the end... then it was a sweet Christmas story.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris, pages 1-18
gift wrap is a Sookie Stackhouse short story, its about sookie being lonely on Christmas and finding a injured werewolf.
the story was a bit weird at the end, i was a bit creeped out by her grandfathers "gift". lol
The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews, pages 19-26
the haire of the beast is about girl who's brother wants to be a werewolf.
this story was a bit odd but also funny, i enjoyed the revenge the girl played on her ex.
Lucy, at Christmasby Simon R. Green, pages 27-31
lucy, at Christmas is about a man who's a werewolf and he's drinking in a bar re-living a past tragedy.
i loved the way this short story was written and the other characters were very interesting... i think i might check out some books from this author.
The Night Things Change by Dana Cameron, pages 32-59
the night things change is about a brother and a sister who are fangborn - which means they fight evil using there powers.
this story was a great new way to look on werewolves and vampires i found the characters pretty interesting.
The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson, pages 60-82
the werewolf before Christmas is about a werewolf who has had a tough childhood and a santa clause who's a bit odd and has an evil assistant.
im not sure i enjoy this story, the main character was a bit wacky in the head but i cant really blame him for that.
Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon, pages 83-110
fresh meat is about a werewolf who trains guard dogs to protect people he can also mentally talk to them which i thought was pretty good. i enjoyed this story.
Il Est Né by Carrie Vaughn, pages 111-138
Il est né is a kitty norville short story. kitty finds a new werewolf with no control and they stop a serial killer together.
enjoyed this short story, havent read the kitty norville series yet but its already on my to-read list.
The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow, pages 139-152
the perfect gift is about a cop trying to solve 13 gruesome murders which was committed by a werewolf pack.
i didnt like this short story as much as some others in this book.
Christmas Past by Keri Arthur, pages 153-177
Christmas past is about a women, hannah who works for the paranormal police force trying stop a vampire killer with her ex who is a werewolf.
this short story was well written. might check out the author some time.
SA by J.A. Konrath, pages 178-217
SA was about Weston who had some interesting things pop up in his poop, after going to the doctors he found out he was a shapeshifter from the internet and started going to shapeshifter anonymous (SA) where he found out santa clause is evil and has helpers who drink couch syrup.
this story was hilarious from the start, loved it - deferentially looking up the author.
The Star of David by Patricia Briggs, pages 218-245
the star of david was about a werewolf who wasnt speaking to his family after he accidentally killed his wife and her new lover after his first "change" until his daughter needed some help fighting off another monster.
i really liked this story, briggs is a wonderfully writer and her characters and storys are always entertaining.
You'd Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard, pages 246-267
you'd better not pyout is a story about two Russian vampires named Pasha and Serge who believe santa is a vampire and go hunting for him.
i really enjoyed Pasha and Serge's personality's i thought they were a laugh, the werewolf was pretty cool as well.
Rogue Elements by Karen Chance, pages 268-302
rogue elements is about a young woman, lia. her mother was a werewolf and her father is a war mage. (if you have read chance's books before you will understand that would not be a comfortable position to be in.)
lia's pack trys to turn her but she has a genetic trait that wont allow it so they decide she's better off dead.
i loved this story but thats no surprise chances is a fantastic writer. i have noticed that all her main characters are female who dont belong anywhere eg. cassie a clairvoyant who grew up with a mob boss who's a vampires, dory who's a dhampire which all vampire fear and hate and now lia who isnt a true were but the other war mages dont like her anyways.
Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman, pages 303-321
milk and cookies is about a boy who cares about his family and is trying to deal with a bully at school.
this was an interesting story, a bit out there in a good way.
Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner
keeping watch over his flock was a cute little story about a boy who has been passed off from one foster home to the next untill a werewolf pack finds him and takes him under there care.
i really disliked jakes attitude throughout most of the story until the end, he was a rotten teenager only caring about himself and trashing the pack's beliefs until he grew up a little at the end... then it was a sweet Christmas story.
March 6, 2017
Really nice compilation of stories. A couple of new authors I want to try now, a couple new series. I still don't like Charlene Harris.
October 21, 2009
I read only a select few of the stories in this anthology... not trying out any new authors, only authors I currently read. :)
1. Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris. 3 Stars. Not sure how I feel about this one... It didn't really paint Sookie or Niall in the best light. If I wasn't already a follower of the Sookie Stackhouse series, I wouldn't pick it up after reading this short story.
2. The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson. 3 Stars. This one made me laugh out loud several times. One of my favorite lines: "And then the werewolf was overcome with a giggling, effervescent sensation..." *snicker* "...snorting cookie dust." The story doesn't get a higher rating because the end of the story was abrupt and left strings swinging in the wind. Annoying.
3. Il Est Ne by Carrie Vaughn. 5 Stars. I haven't read the two most recent books in the Kitty Norville series - before which, this story takes place, I believe. This short story reminded me of why I love that series and made me want to go grab the books of my To-Read Shelf right now! I hope David shows up again in the series. Loved this short story.
4. The Star of David by Patricia Briggs. 4 Stars. A strong story that had a nice family element to it. I wonder if these characters will show up in either the Mercy Thompson series or the Alpha & Omega series.
5. Rogue Elements by Karen Chance. 5 Stars. I loved this story! Chance can write an amazing, engaging story in 34 pages or an amazing, engaging story in a full-length novel. I really hope that Lia, Cyrus, and Sebastian - maybe even Jezebel - show up in future books or short stories by the author.
6. Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman. 4 Stars. Hmm. I totally didn't see that ending coming. Wow, what a way to finish off the anthology.
1. Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris. 3 Stars. Not sure how I feel about this one... It didn't really paint Sookie or Niall in the best light. If I wasn't already a follower of the Sookie Stackhouse series, I wouldn't pick it up after reading this short story.
2. The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson. 3 Stars. This one made me laugh out loud several times. One of my favorite lines: "And then the werewolf was overcome with a giggling, effervescent sensation..." *snicker* "...snorting cookie dust." The story doesn't get a higher rating because the end of the story was abrupt and left strings swinging in the wind. Annoying.
3. Il Est Ne by Carrie Vaughn. 5 Stars. I haven't read the two most recent books in the Kitty Norville series - before which, this story takes place, I believe. This short story reminded me of why I love that series and made me want to go grab the books of my To-Read Shelf right now! I hope David shows up again in the series. Loved this short story.
4. The Star of David by Patricia Briggs. 4 Stars. A strong story that had a nice family element to it. I wonder if these characters will show up in either the Mercy Thompson series or the Alpha & Omega series.
5. Rogue Elements by Karen Chance. 5 Stars. I loved this story! Chance can write an amazing, engaging story in 34 pages or an amazing, engaging story in a full-length novel. I really hope that Lia, Cyrus, and Sebastian - maybe even Jezebel - show up in future books or short stories by the author.
6. Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman. 4 Stars. Hmm. I totally didn't see that ending coming. Wow, what a way to finish off the anthology.
May 5, 2017
WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE - 2.23 STARS
"Gift Wrap" by Charlaine Harris - 2 stars
I've decided the Sookie Stackhouse series is not for me anymore. And that it's extremely creepy that her great-grandfather set up some Christmas nookie for Sookie.
"The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews - 3 stars
Odd but funny at times.
"Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green - 1 star
Depressing.
"The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron - 1 star
Eh. I didn't even want to finish it, but I did. And I fell asleep while reading it.
"The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson - 1 star
Bored me so I didn't even finish it.
"Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon - 2 stars
A little weird but not too bad.
"Il Est Ne" by Carrie Vaughn - 2 stars
Skimmed the last eight pages. Ugh.
"The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow - 1 star
Blah, skipped it because it bored me.
"Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur - 4 stars
Hey! I actually liked this one! It was so cute!
"SA" by J.A. Konrath - 2.5 stars
Skimmed it. Killer Santas frighten me and I don't want to be scared of the Salvation Army guys because I love them!
"The Star of David" by Patricia Briggs - 4 stars
Cute story about David, Adam's military buddy from Moon Called. It was nice learning more about him, but I'm sad there was no Adam and Mercy *sad face*
"You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard - 1 star
Had to stop reading. I draw the line at Killer Santa.
"Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance - 4 stars
Yay, another good one!
"Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman - 3 stars
Interesting. What a good brother, providing a person for his baby sister's first kill.
"Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L. P. Kelner - 2 stars
Eh. Skimmed this one too.
"Gift Wrap" by Charlaine Harris - 2 stars
I've decided the Sookie Stackhouse series is not for me anymore. And that it's extremely creepy that her great-grandfather set up some Christmas nookie for Sookie.
"The Haire of the Beast" by Donna Andrews - 3 stars
Odd but funny at times.
"Lucy, at Christmastime" by Simon R. Green - 1 star
Depressing.
"The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron - 1 star
Eh. I didn't even want to finish it, but I did. And I fell asleep while reading it.
"The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson - 1 star
Bored me so I didn't even finish it.
"Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon - 2 stars
A little weird but not too bad.
"Il Est Ne" by Carrie Vaughn - 2 stars
Skimmed the last eight pages. Ugh.
"The Perfect Gift" by Dana Stabenow - 1 star
Blah, skipped it because it bored me.
"Christmas Past" by Keri Arthur - 4 stars
Hey! I actually liked this one! It was so cute!
"SA" by J.A. Konrath - 2.5 stars
Skimmed it. Killer Santas frighten me and I don't want to be scared of the Salvation Army guys because I love them!
"The Star of David" by Patricia Briggs - 4 stars
Cute story about David, Adam's military buddy from Moon Called. It was nice learning more about him, but I'm sad there was no Adam and Mercy *sad face*
"You'd Better Not Pyout" by Nancy Pickard - 1 star
Had to stop reading. I draw the line at Killer Santa.
"Rogue Elements" by Karen Chance - 4 stars
Yay, another good one!
"Milk and Cookies" by Rob Thurman - 3 stars
Interesting. What a good brother, providing a person for his baby sister's first kill.
"Keeping Watch Over His Flock" by Toni L. P. Kelner - 2 stars
Eh. Skimmed this one too.
May 2, 2016
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe is an urban fantasy anthology with a holiday theme.
Gift wrap is book #8.1 in the Sookie Stackhouse or Southern Vampires Series by Charlaine Harris.
Gift wrap is book #8.1 in the Sookie Stackhouse or Southern Vampires Series by Charlaine Harris.
April 30, 2015
My review is only for the Patricia Brigg's story, The Star of David. I liked this short story and really felt for all of the characters.
David did his family a terrible wrong when he was first changed into a werewolf, and he hasn't seen his daughter, Stella, since she was twelve years old, forty years ago. Although his sons have forgiven David, his daughter has believed him to be monster. When a young boy she cares for is injured and is believed to have demolished a home, Stella contacts her father for the first time and asks for his help. David is very nervous, but anxious to do whatever he can for Stella. When David meets the young man, Devonte, he realizes that all is not as it seemed.he is willing to take any risks necessary to save this boy that is important enough to his daughter to make her ask for his help.
David, Stella, and Devonte were all great characters. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the way everything played out.
David did his family a terrible wrong when he was first changed into a werewolf, and he hasn't seen his daughter, Stella, since she was twelve years old, forty years ago. Although his sons have forgiven David, his daughter has believed him to be monster. When a young boy she cares for is injured and is believed to have demolished a home, Stella contacts her father for the first time and asks for his help. David is very nervous, but anxious to do whatever he can for Stella. When David meets the young man, Devonte, he realizes that all is not as it seemed.he is willing to take any risks necessary to save this boy that is important enough to his daughter to make her ask for his help.
David, Stella, and Devonte were all great characters. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the way everything played out.
January 30, 2016
This story expands on the Were community mentioned in Embrace the Night. It is a quick read perfect for a plane ride or evening in. It introduces a set of characters who could easily pop up later in the Cassandra Palmer series or turn into their own spin off series. Either way, it left me hoping to hear more about this new set of characters based in Las Vagas along with the wealth of plot twists that environment has to offer.
Once again Karen Chance's imagination creates another set of locations in this new world that makes the reader eager to explore. I enjoyed it so much, I took the time to stop and write a review, which is something I seldom do. I look forward to searching out more of these hidden treasures!
Once again Karen Chance's imagination creates another set of locations in this new world that makes the reader eager to explore. I enjoyed it so much, I took the time to stop and write a review, which is something I seldom do. I look forward to searching out more of these hidden treasures!
June 14, 2010
Most of the stories were just meh - although I really enjoyed the story by Patricia Briggs. Short stories are still just difficult for me. I find it too hard to get into the story after having just been dropped into the middle of a new world where I don't know the players or the rules to the game.
August 9, 2017
Meh -Most of the stories are merely OK; only a couple of them really held my attention. Frankly I really hate buying a book like this that has so many author's I don't know and wouldn't read even if I did 'know' them, in it. It is cheaper and easier to simply wait to see if the author you love deigns to come out with a book of his/her own short stories.
May 16, 2015
Patricia Briggs' SS: 4.5*
Karen Chance's SS: 4.5*
Karen Chance's SS: 4.5*
April 8, 2024
- "Elementos rebeldes" Relato de la saga Cassie Palmer de Karen Chance, sobre una mujer lobo que además es maga de guerra. Se deja leer. Autores en GL Bis ⭐⭐⭐
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