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Kitty Norville #16
Kitty's Mix-Tape
In the final installment of the bestselling Kitty Norville series, the paranormal escapades continue with Carrie Vaughn's most captivating characters. This engaging collection, with Vaughn's soundtrack for each tale, is sure to delight both existing Kitty fans and anyone who enjoys urban fantasy at its best.
Kitty Norville just can't stay away from trouble of the supernatural kind.
Everyone's favorite werewolf talk-show host is here one last time, to mix it up with fan-favorite characters and more. This very last Kitty collection, the final instalment in the series, features fan favorite characters like Rick the vampire and Jessi Hardin, paranormal detective, Kitty's husband Ben, his cousin Cormac the bounty hunter, and the villainous Dux Bellorum. These unpredictable and irresistible tales, feature lupines experimenting with astronomy, a cheating boxer with preternatural strength, vampires from the Philippines, and many other unexpected delights.
Kitty Norville just can't stay away from trouble of the supernatural kind.
Everyone's favorite werewolf talk-show host is here one last time, to mix it up with fan-favorite characters and more. This very last Kitty collection, the final instalment in the series, features fan favorite characters like Rick the vampire and Jessi Hardin, paranormal detective, Kitty's husband Ben, his cousin Cormac the bounty hunter, and the villainous Dux Bellorum. These unpredictable and irresistible tales, feature lupines experimenting with astronomy, a cheating boxer with preternatural strength, vampires from the Philippines, and many other unexpected delights.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
80 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,544 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 18, 2020
I love all of the Kitty Norville books. I have all of the mass market paperbacks as well. So I was excited to see this new book after all of these years. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the five star book I figured it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it but didn’t love it and that’s okay.
I love the title and that’s exactly what the book is, random stories about Kitty or her world or other worlds.
Kitty and Ben will always have a special place in my heart
*Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for a digital copy of this book.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
I love the title and that’s exactly what the book is, random stories about Kitty or her world or other worlds.
Kitty and Ben will always have a special place in my heart
*Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for a digital copy of this book.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
August 17, 2020
3.5ish stars. Kitty Norville is a werewolf radio disk jockey who is, in my mind at least, kind of like Mercy Thompson's and Kate Daniels' less well-known little sister, which is a little unfair to Kitty since her first book predates both of the others'. But they all inhabit comparable urban fantasy worlds with werewolves, vampires and other magical goings-on. Kitty's world just never grabbed me quite as much as the others.
Kitty's Mix Tape is a collection of short stories set in this world, Carrie Vaughn's way of wrapping up the 16- book Kitty Norville series. Some of the stories are odd and ends (the two blue moon short shorts were kind of head-scratchers) or slice-of-life types of stories. Several of them star secondary characters from the series, like Rick the vampire master. There are some definite 4-star level stories in the mix here: I especially enjoyed "The Beaux Wilde," a Regency-era tale about a lonely young woman who's an empath and three "Wilde" brothers who unexpectedly move into the neighborhood, and "Defining Shadows," about Detective Jessi Hardin's efforts to solve a gruesome magical crime.
Full review to come. Thanks to Tachyon and NetGalley for the ARC!
Kitty's Mix Tape is a collection of short stories set in this world, Carrie Vaughn's way of wrapping up the 16- book Kitty Norville series. Some of the stories are odd and ends (the two blue moon short shorts were kind of head-scratchers) or slice-of-life types of stories. Several of them star secondary characters from the series, like Rick the vampire master. There are some definite 4-star level stories in the mix here: I especially enjoyed "The Beaux Wilde," a Regency-era tale about a lonely young woman who's an empath and three "Wilde" brothers who unexpectedly move into the neighborhood, and "Defining Shadows," about Detective Jessi Hardin's efforts to solve a gruesome magical crime.
Full review to come. Thanks to Tachyon and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 3, 2020
It’s been five years since the “final” book in the Kitty Norville series was published (2015’s Kitty Saves the World) so more stories taking place in this fascinating universe are indeed welcome. This volume of short stories presents a nice variety of tales, some of which feature Kitty herself, some that fill out background of series characters or present different views on subplots we’ve seen in the novels. So if you’re interested in what it might be like for a werewolf to unleash his power as a professional boxer, or solve a supernatural case with Detective Jessi Harden, or read stories with characters like Cormac, Ben, or magician Odysseus Grant as the protagonist, then dive right in. My favorite was probably “Bellum Romanum”, the one featuring Gaius Albinus, (AKA, Roman) that provides some eye-opening deeper background into critical history for the entire series.
Carrie Vaughn is well known as the author of the Kitty Norville novels about the werewolf who hosts a radio show and has a penchant for getting into trouble of all stripes. But she is also a highly-regarded short story writer, a deserving award winner, a regular contributor to George R. R. Martin’s “Wild Cards” series, and it is with the short story format that I think she is truly masterful. Generally speaking, most authors will tell you that writing good short stories is more difficult than writing good novels, but Ms. Vaughn makes it look easy.
The appendix includes author’s notes on each story including how it came to be and where it was first published (for those stories not original to this collection). Also included, as the book’s title implies, is a list of music comprising the playlist that appropriately accompanies each story.
All in all, this is a delightful way to revisit the entire series, learn more about the characters, and simply enjoy a dose of excellent short stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carrie Vaughn is well known as the author of the Kitty Norville novels about the werewolf who hosts a radio show and has a penchant for getting into trouble of all stripes. But she is also a highly-regarded short story writer, a deserving award winner, a regular contributor to George R. R. Martin’s “Wild Cards” series, and it is with the short story format that I think she is truly masterful. Generally speaking, most authors will tell you that writing good short stories is more difficult than writing good novels, but Ms. Vaughn makes it look easy.
The appendix includes author’s notes on each story including how it came to be and where it was first published (for those stories not original to this collection). Also included, as the book’s title implies, is a list of music comprising the playlist that appropriately accompanies each story.
All in all, this is a delightful way to revisit the entire series, learn more about the characters, and simply enjoy a dose of excellent short stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
This is a good collection of stories set in Vaughn's supernatural urban fantasy world (the Kittyverse?) of werewolves and magic and werewolves and vampires and werewolves. Most of the stories feature Kitty or her friends (and one enemy), but there are a couple of stories with a Jane Austen flavor set in that period and a couple of others with only a tenuous connection to the core narrative. Sealskin is a sequel to a story from the previous Kitty collection, Kitty's Greatest Hits, about a SEAL who becomes a selkie (or vice versa), and Unterhehmen Werwolf is a WW II werewolf story. Bellum Romanum features the big bad of the series, Roman, and there are good stories starring Odysseus Grant the magician from Las Vegas, Rick the master vampire, and detective Jessi Hardin. We also find out what Ben was up to when he was supposed to be getting married to Kitty a few volumes back. The rest of the stories feature our title heroine to one degree or another; there are a couple of very short pieces looking at the effect of the different Moon phases on werewolves, a look at the ethics of werewolves passing as human participating in sporting events in Kitty Learns the Ropes, and a rather amusingly frustrating excellent adventure for Kitty and Cormac in Kitty and Cormac's Excellent Adventure, in which they're part of someone else's story and they (nor the reader!) never learn just what it's all about. The first and last stories are the most interesting of the book. The first, Kitty Walks on By, Calls Your Name, sees her and Ben attending her high school reunion. It's has a big cast of new characters and a lot of back story and felt like it was a summary of a caper novel similar to the wedding in Vegas volume; it was fun, with an atypical condensed style. The last story, Kitty Busts the Feds, shows Kitty and Ben as parents and introduces new problems and intrigues that felt like it could lead into future books of adventures. That would be cool. This volume also has a nice introduction by Emma Bull, and an afterword with story notes and the traditional playlist by Vaughn. Fun stuff!
August 16, 2020
I love how this short story collection has tie in songs for each story. It adds another layer to the story especially with the author’s notes included.
The collection is the final installment in the Kitty Norville series though each story doesn’t follow Kitty, some are even historical but they are all supernatural, set in this universe and mostly feature characters from the series.
It’s kind of a look around the world at what else was going on since the main series is told from Kitty’s perspective the view is limited to what she experiences. With this collection we get to see a little more and discover things she doesn’t know as well as some new experiences for her since Kitty Saves the World.
Read more reviews and other bookish content on my blog https://elainehowlin.com
November 4, 2020
Wonderful mix of stories and exploration of Kitty's world. I would have liked to see more of Kitty as she's only in a few stories but I liked seeing more of Ben and seeing new aspects of the world from different perspectives.
June 2, 2024
Read: April/May 2024
Kitty Walks On By, Calls Your Name- 4/5 stars
It's Still The Same Old Story- 4/5 stars
The Island of Beasts - 5/5 stars FAVOURITE
The Beaux Wild - 5/5 stars FAVOURITE
Unternehmen Werwolf - 3/5 stars
Kitty and the Full Super Bloodmoon Thing - 3/5 stars
Kitty and Cormac's Excellent Adventure - 4.5/5 stars
Sealskin - 3/5 stars
The Arcane Art of Misdirection - 5/5 stars
What Happened to Ben in Vegas - 4/5 stars
Kitty and the Super Blue Blood or Whatever Moon Thing - 3/5 stars
Defining Shadows - 4/5 stars
Bellum Romanum - 5/5 stars
Kitty Learns The Ropes - 4/5 stars
Kitty Busts The Feds - 4/5 stars
Kitty Walks On By, Calls Your Name- 4/5 stars
It's Still The Same Old Story- 4/5 stars
The Island of Beasts - 5/5 stars FAVOURITE
The Beaux Wild - 5/5 stars FAVOURITE
Unternehmen Werwolf - 3/5 stars
Kitty and the Full Super Bloodmoon Thing - 3/5 stars
Kitty and Cormac's Excellent Adventure - 4.5/5 stars
Sealskin - 3/5 stars
The Arcane Art of Misdirection - 5/5 stars
What Happened to Ben in Vegas - 4/5 stars
Kitty and the Super Blue Blood or Whatever Moon Thing - 3/5 stars
Defining Shadows - 4/5 stars
Bellum Romanum - 5/5 stars
Kitty Learns The Ropes - 4/5 stars
Kitty Busts The Feds - 4/5 stars
September 23, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
That's an easy question: this is the second collection of short stories (previously published) set in the world of Kitty Norville, the werewolf turned talk radio star. We get a lot of stories featuring Kitty and/or her friends and allies (and one foe), and we get some stories that just happen to take place in the same reality even if they really don't have any cross-over with the series.
There's an introduction by Emma Bull that by itself would make a great review of this book (and maybe the series). Really, writing anything else after reading Bull seems superfluous.
Kitty & the Gang
I'm going to have a hard time keeping myself from talking too much about the stories featuring Kitty and her friends—Kitty and Ben going to her 10-year high school reunion was the perfect way to start off this book. Quick, fun, and a great way back into this world.
"It's Still the Same Old Story," could've fit into The Immortal Conquistador that I talked about a few months back—except it didn't fit into the story arc of that one. But for those who wonder what Rick was up to in the early part of the twentieth century, this will give you a good idea. This is possibly my favorite thing focusing on Rick to date.
On the eve of their wedding in Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand Ben disappears off on his own for a while, Vaughn finally lets us know what he was up to at the time. I'd forgotten all about that until I read this story, but I remember wondering then (as I was supposed to) what he'd been up to—it's nice to have that answered.
There was a dynamite story about Detective Jessi Harden of Denver PD investigating a murder with a supernatural angle that doesn't involve any of the series regulars. This would be the basis of a great follow-up series if Vaughn was in the mood for something. Hardin tackling "woo woo" crimes (I think that's what the New Orleans PD calls them in the Yellowrock books) would be compelling as all get out.
One more that I want to mention is called "Kitty Learns the Ropes." In this story, Kitty meets a professional athlete who happens to be a werewolf. Does that give him an unfair advantage? Should he disclose his situation to the world? Can't this guy who never asked to be supernatural just live is life?
I'm going on too long, so I'll summarize a few other standouts: there's a fun little story with Odysseus Grant, and some cute bits with Kitty and her pack dealing with the Super Blood Moon and the like, and a showdown with some Federal Agents.
OTHER STORIES
There are some stories that aren't about Kitty or her friends, too, but just take place in her universe. There are two that take place in Regency England, "The Island of Beasts" and "The Beaux Wilde." I enjoyed them both, and it is interesting to see Vaughn try to put her werewolves in that world. I would eagerly read more stories or a novel about the characters in "The Beaux Wilde."
There's also a sequel to a story from her previous short story collection, Kitty's Greatest Hits about a child of a selkie who grows up to be a Navy SEAL (what else could such a son be)? I liked that one, too, but it seemed to be missing a little something from the end. But I'm pretty sure it was supposed to feel that way.
The tale about Nazis attempting to use werewolves in the war didn't do much for me—but I think that's mostly a me thing. It was a good story, just not the sort of thing I think I'd seek out.
THE SONGS
Vaughn includes a list of songs that embody the various stories for her, which she did for the novels, too. I think if you consider this list as a track list for a mixtape, you'd end up with something that Rob Fleming (in any incarnation) would look upon with scorn. If you take them as pieces to go with the stories, it's a lot of fun, and adds a nice little dimension to them.
I will admit that I didn't listen to them as I read—I think it would work though. They're also a good tool to use to ruminate on the stories a bit.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
There wasn't a dud in the bunch, which is rare for a short story compilation—sure, I liked the ones about Kitty and her friends best, because that's what I came to the collection for. But I liked them all.
The back cover promises that this is "the final installment" of the series, but Vaugn talks about staying tuned because it's great to have a pre-existing world to write stories in. If the blurb is right, I'm glad I got a little more time in this world, but I'm hoping that staying tuned will pay off.
This may not be a great introduction to the werewolf DJ named Kitty, but it might work as one just fine, it's certainly a good tour of the world. But it's definitely the kind of thing that Kitty's readers should come for. It's one of the best collections I've read this year—and maybe for a good chunk of last year, too. Give it a whirl.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
---
WHAT'S KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
That's an easy question: this is the second collection of short stories (previously published) set in the world of Kitty Norville, the werewolf turned talk radio star. We get a lot of stories featuring Kitty and/or her friends and allies (and one foe), and we get some stories that just happen to take place in the same reality even if they really don't have any cross-over with the series.
There's an introduction by Emma Bull that by itself would make a great review of this book (and maybe the series). Really, writing anything else after reading Bull seems superfluous.
Kitty & the Gang
I'm going to have a hard time keeping myself from talking too much about the stories featuring Kitty and her friends—Kitty and Ben going to her 10-year high school reunion was the perfect way to start off this book. Quick, fun, and a great way back into this world.
"It's Still the Same Old Story," could've fit into The Immortal Conquistador that I talked about a few months back—except it didn't fit into the story arc of that one. But for those who wonder what Rick was up to in the early part of the twentieth century, this will give you a good idea. This is possibly my favorite thing focusing on Rick to date.
On the eve of their wedding in Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand Ben disappears off on his own for a while, Vaughn finally lets us know what he was up to at the time. I'd forgotten all about that until I read this story, but I remember wondering then (as I was supposed to) what he'd been up to—it's nice to have that answered.
There was a dynamite story about Detective Jessi Harden of Denver PD investigating a murder with a supernatural angle that doesn't involve any of the series regulars. This would be the basis of a great follow-up series if Vaughn was in the mood for something. Hardin tackling "woo woo" crimes (I think that's what the New Orleans PD calls them in the Yellowrock books) would be compelling as all get out.
One more that I want to mention is called "Kitty Learns the Ropes." In this story, Kitty meets a professional athlete who happens to be a werewolf. Does that give him an unfair advantage? Should he disclose his situation to the world? Can't this guy who never asked to be supernatural just live is life?
I'm going on too long, so I'll summarize a few other standouts: there's a fun little story with Odysseus Grant, and some cute bits with Kitty and her pack dealing with the Super Blood Moon and the like, and a showdown with some Federal Agents.
OTHER STORIES
There are some stories that aren't about Kitty or her friends, too, but just take place in her universe. There are two that take place in Regency England, "The Island of Beasts" and "The Beaux Wilde." I enjoyed them both, and it is interesting to see Vaughn try to put her werewolves in that world. I would eagerly read more stories or a novel about the characters in "The Beaux Wilde."
There's also a sequel to a story from her previous short story collection, Kitty's Greatest Hits about a child of a selkie who grows up to be a Navy SEAL (what else could such a son be)? I liked that one, too, but it seemed to be missing a little something from the end. But I'm pretty sure it was supposed to feel that way.
The tale about Nazis attempting to use werewolves in the war didn't do much for me—but I think that's mostly a me thing. It was a good story, just not the sort of thing I think I'd seek out.
THE SONGS
Vaughn includes a list of songs that embody the various stories for her, which she did for the novels, too. I think if you consider this list as a track list for a mixtape, you'd end up with something that Rob Fleming (in any incarnation) would look upon with scorn. If you take them as pieces to go with the stories, it's a lot of fun, and adds a nice little dimension to them.
I will admit that I didn't listen to them as I read—I think it would work though. They're also a good tool to use to ruminate on the stories a bit.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
There wasn't a dud in the bunch, which is rare for a short story compilation—sure, I liked the ones about Kitty and her friends best, because that's what I came to the collection for. But I liked them all.
The back cover promises that this is "the final installment" of the series, but Vaugn talks about staying tuned because it's great to have a pre-existing world to write stories in. If the blurb is right, I'm glad I got a little more time in this world, but I'm hoping that staying tuned will pay off.
This may not be a great introduction to the werewolf DJ named Kitty, but it might work as one just fine, it's certainly a good tour of the world. But it's definitely the kind of thing that Kitty's readers should come for. It's one of the best collections I've read this year—and maybe for a good chunk of last year, too. Give it a whirl.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
May 16, 2021
If you enjoyed the tales about Kitty Norville, late-night DJ who started hosting werewolf and vampire phone-ins, the main series might have ended but another few short stories about her are sprinkled through this compilation.
The rest of the stories feature other urban fantasy figures, some familiar, some less so, but all well written and entertaining.
I read this e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
The rest of the stories feature other urban fantasy figures, some familiar, some less so, but all well written and entertaining.
I read this e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
December 4, 2020
Carrie Vaughn may (or may not) be done writing novels about a werewolf named Kitty. Luckily, she's collected fourteen stories in her latest anthology, Kitty's Mix-Tape. Like a mix-tape, some stories are stronger than others. Half feature Kitty, and the other half feature major and minor characters from the series.
First up is a story about Kitty and Ben attending her high school reunion. It's a nice break for Kitty, but naturally, trouble is never far away. It's a bit bittersweet, too, in that Kitty is reminded of who she was and what she might have been, had she not been attacked and infected with lycanthropy.
Fan favorites Rick, a master vampire, and Odysseus Grant, a magician, get solid outings. Detective Jessi Hardin solves a case with only half a corpse to work with, and Cormac appears in that story. He also has a case where Kitty tags along and they find a shape-shifter who may be more than he seems.
It's been a while since the series ended, and even longer since I'd read some of the books, so I had trouble placing a few of the characters. While the backstories were nice, I'd rather have had more Kitty tales (pun intended).
Overall, this is a 3.5/5.
I received a free copy from the Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.
First up is a story about Kitty and Ben attending her high school reunion. It's a nice break for Kitty, but naturally, trouble is never far away. It's a bit bittersweet, too, in that Kitty is reminded of who she was and what she might have been, had she not been attacked and infected with lycanthropy.
Fan favorites Rick, a master vampire, and Odysseus Grant, a magician, get solid outings. Detective Jessi Hardin solves a case with only half a corpse to work with, and Cormac appears in that story. He also has a case where Kitty tags along and they find a shape-shifter who may be more than he seems.
It's been a while since the series ended, and even longer since I'd read some of the books, so I had trouble placing a few of the characters. While the backstories were nice, I'd rather have had more Kitty tales (pun intended).
Overall, this is a 3.5/5.
I received a free copy from the Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
Kitty's Mix Tape by Carrie Vaughn was a delightful mix of short stories. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. The stories bounced around the timeline of the Kitty books. There were Kitty stories, like how the blood moon and blue moon might affect the wolves. There was a nice backstory about Rick and one of his human friendships that lasted decades. We get to meet other wolves and how they came to be in Scotland and Germany. A selkie traced his heritage in Ireland and tried to figure out his path in life. We even got short stories with Odysseus Grant and Detective Hardin.. I enjoyed this book and glimpses into characters in the Kitty books. This was a fun read and makes me want to go back and reread the series.
September 24, 2020
Kitty's Mix Tape by Carrie Vaughn was a delightful mix of short stories. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. The stories bounced around the timeline of the Kitty books. There were Kitty stories, like how the blood moon and blue moon might affect the wolves. There was a nice backstory about Rick and one of his human friendships that lasted decades. We get to meet other wolves and how they came to be in Scotland and Germany. A selkie traced his heritage in Ireland and tried to figure out his path in life. We even got short stories with Odysseus Grant and Detective Hardin.. I enjoyed this book and glimpses into characters in the Kitty books. This was a fun read and makes me want to go back and reread the series.
September 12, 2020
This series is one of my favorites and I was sad when it was done. I like that the author still gives us new stories with other characters as the main narrator. I was excited to read this book too, even as I knew some of the stories I had read before. It was funny how some of them instantly clicked in my head and I knew what was coming, while others not so much until I read at the end where the author talked about them and I know I read them. Either way I enjoyed reading all of them, the new, the not so new and the ones I had forgotten about and now I want to do a re-read of the series.
October 19, 2020
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a Kitty book, and reading this book made me really miss her. It was great being back with the characters and visiting the world again. I admit that short stories are my favorite, but I’m just so glad to be back, I enjoyed myself very much. I didn’t love every one of the stories, but I did really like them all. I would suggest, though, that this not be a reader’s first foray into the world. Start with the first book and work up to this one. This is definitely for those who miss Kitty. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 5, 2024
I wasn't 100% sure what this book was when I picked it up. I knew it was a kitty book, but like the Rick book, I didn't know about it until after it came out. I found out about this one around the same time as the Rick book. With a title like Kitty's mix tape. I'm not shocked it's a short story collection. I enjoyed this. It was nice to revisit the world, and I did love this, but this does cement to me that Kitty's story is over. I wouldn't be against more stories set in this world. Maybe a new series with a new protagonist, but Kitty's part is more or less done.
October 12, 2020
Kitty's Mix-Tape is a delightful mix of vignettes featuring characters from the world of werewolf DJ Kitty Norville. I love this series and miss the characters so this was like a gift. We discover Dux Bellorum’s backstory. We get to hang out with Kitty, Ben and Cormac in various locations doing what comes natural. Even Rick the vampire gets a story. I truly enjoyed revisiting these characters. Rock on, Kitty, rock on.
February 2, 2021
I've missed the Kitty series so I was glad to find this collection of short stories. I especially liked the ones that filled in the blanks on some of the Kitty books.
August 21, 2020
Many thanks to Netgalley & Tachyon Publishing for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of short stories set in the world of Kitty Norville, radio DJ and werewolf extraordinaire. As with all short story anthologies there is something for everyone. For me, this anthology shone when it gave me extra insights to the characters I know and love (Rick and Cormac especially) and was otherwise good.
Where Kitty is a part of the story we jump around from the early days to after the series ended with only small clues as to where they are set unless you flick to the back and read the story notes, not something I’d advise till you had have read the story. Otherwise, we are relying on social structures and clues ot place the time period. As with all Kitty books this comes with a play list, this time a mix tape of songs at a rate of one per story making up part of the notes at the end.
The mix opens with an introduction from Emma Bull who has become a fan after failing to take up the offer to blurb the first book. She feels authentic and mirrors some of my fan girl feels.
Now to the stories & my thoughts on each…
#1 Kitty walks on by, calls your name
Kitty and Ben attend her 10 year high school reunion where she feels out of place, especially as she has not been in touch with the friend who invited her since she became a wolf. Is this a trap or just a chance to finally catch up? What could old friends have to say to each other now their lives have changed? What exactly happened with Kitty and her ex?
I really enjoyed this, as someone who had a small group of friends at school that I didn’t see for years, I really understood Kitty’s worries and enjoyed the journey as she finally recognised a couple of her gang. A 10/10 strong opener of a story that reminded me excactly what I love about this series.
#2 It’s still the same old story
Ahhhh Rick!! We meet Rick and Hardin after Rick has discovered the body of an old friend, one he is certain was murdered. This story skilfully weaves between Rick’s first meeting with Helen post WWII and the investigation to her death. It highlights the disconnect that vampires might feel as the world passes them by, who can they trust to know them without wanting anything in return?
I love Rick but was a bit disappointed by how the ending to this left me feeling unsatisfied. I think there is great potential here to have added to Hardin & develop her character as well as give me closure but it wasn’t quite reached. This may just have been a reaction to seeing my favourite character and wanting it to keep going on forever. 7/10
#3The Island of the beasts
Now we hit the experimental what if? Stories. Start with a what if? For wolves through time. How do you manage as a wolf if you don’t have a pack or refuse to bow to the local Alpha? This story takes us to the islands off Scotland where wolves deemed too uncivilised for society (read unwilling to bow to the Lord of Wolves and the Master of Blood) end up being isolated. Will our woman who has been dumped there give into her wolf or stay civilised? What about the other wolves who have been dumped there, how will they react to a woman arriving on their territory?
This shows the first historic inkling that wolves and vampires were working together, possibly in conjunction with the government, to prepare for war. I found this interesting but so apart from the stories I was enjoying that linked to the series it was a bit jarring.
I did like the resolution but do wonder why only one female werewolf had shown alpha tendencies at this period? 5/10
#4 The Beaux Wilde
Jumping further back in time we reach the what if a wolf pack has to be civilised to avoid this fate? How would they survive in England & high society? I love our main focus hear, a gentle miss who has passable embroidery but loves to curl up and read. She avoids people as most of them are confusing to her with the feelings and words differing, as she reflects ‘What Amy said and the feelings behind the words were the same’ this explains why she avoids people and feels the difference in the new members of society. Perhaps she is a psychic or has some fae heritage?
An enjoyable look at a maiden who falls for a wolf and how this might be dealt with in the days of supervision and cordial distances. 7/10.
#5 Unternehmen werewolf
When Kitty goes to Washington and ventures out to play with the lycanthropes in the area she meets Fritz, AKA the Nazi and asks for his story. He calls the show one night and gives her the bones but now we get to see how he was at 17, during the war. This helps ask the question can you escape from the evil when your wolf knows what you do is wrong but your society has you thinking it is right?
A great short piece to add to the backstory of a character from one book. 7/10.
#6 Kitty and the Full Super Blood Moon thing
A one shot with the pack on the night of the once in a century super blood moon. How will it affect the wolves on their pack run out?
Just a little bit of fun
#7 Kitty and Cormac’s excellent adventure
Cormac needs Rick’s help so goes through Kitty to get in touch, he’s agreed to take a job that just isn’t as easy as he thought it would be. Now he’s asked for one favour he’s also stuck with Kitty till it’s done, she loves a mystery but will this one be easy to solve?
What follows is a treasure hunt through the area where clues have been left possibly in time and in a strange order. I was struck by how this could easily have led to a crossover with Patricia Briggs and her Mercyverse as Kitty meets a descendant of Coyote
This was brilliant and just what the collection needed at this point to pick up the pace and bring us back to the present. 8/10 for the ending as, like Kitty, I hate an unsolved mystery and there was definitely room for explanations here. On reflection I think the explanation may not have been as interesting as the story but it didn’t stop me going what? Why? How? Tell me more?
#8 Sealskin
A special ops soldier takes a trip to Ireland following his mother’s death. He never knew his father but his feet and hands are webbed and he has always loved the water. Feeling lost and unsure of himself he travels the coast and finds some locals who point him in the right direction to find his roots, roots he didn’t know he had among the waters off Ireland.
Anyone who loves mythical creatures can recognise where this story is going, what surprised me was how it ended. A gentle roam around Ireland and an interesting look at what makes us feel whole. Is it family or is it just the knowing? 4/10
#9 The arcane art of misdirection
Vegas and a casino know they are being tricked but don’t know how. Who do you get on the case? Odysseus Grant of course! Teaming up with Julie, a casino worker who spots the game but can’t work out how it is being played we follow them as they investigate a case of ‘luck’ or is it magic?
A fun romp through Vegas as we search for who is behind the illusions. I really enjoyed seeing what a magician might do for the casinos and the idea that some employees could see it and do nothing whilst Julie takes a step into his world. What will happen next? This story gave me a lot to work with in imagining what came next and filled me with hope for Odysseus and more of his story in the future. 9/10
#10 What happened to Ben in Vegas
Finally some resolution for those of us who wondered what on earth Ben was up to whilst Kitty was saving the world, or at least part of it in Vegas. Turns out he had been ‘escorted’ by two men in suits to a secret location. Ben goes along as they threaten Kitty but where is he and can he make it out in time for the wedding? The city has it in for him in this well paced examination as to why Ben has been taken along with another idea for how casinos could use the paranormal to help with security.
I really enjoyed this view of how Ben can take care of himself and the insight into how he feels about Kitty. It almost made me feel ok about her beign with him instead of Cormac. 8/10
#11 Kitty and the super blue blood or whatever moon thing
How many once in 100 year moons can there be? How will this one affect the wolves and should we really care? Again another fun one shot on another special night.
#12 Defining Shadows
Somehow Hardin has become the cop that Denver PD go to when things look a little quirky in a case. This time there is a pair of legs standing in a shed but how did the body die and where is the top half?
Hardin has made use of her connections to Kitty to style herself the ‘expert’ even though she knows she is making it up as she goes along. Give it a few years and she will be writing the book for all departments across the country on this type of investigation.
I really enjoyed this view into Hardin and her thoughts as she tries to deal with things that go bump in the night. I also was pleased to see a different culture used as the basis for the paranormal culprit, one I hadn’t heard of and the myth was provided without being in your face so it felt a natural part of the story and put me in Hardin’s shoes. Excellent overall, 10/10
#13 Bellum Romanum
Now to a vampire who goes to find out if his tools of power are still where he left them as he planned to destroy the world. Gaius Albinus is off to a small Croatian town to find an old palace. What has he hidden in the walls and how will he use it?
Another story that shows us in short inserts what it might be like to live for so long that all your world has moved on. Nothing like forward planning as you play the Long Game!
This story left me divided, I feel like I would appreciate this more if I could place the main focus in context of the Kitty verse but it was still good even without that. I feel a reread of the series coming on! 7/10
#14 Kitty Learns the Ropes
A journalist has found Kitty and wants her to help with a story. Showing Kitty a video where a boxer comes back from an injury that should have kept him down, she pledges her case for the need to know if a particular fighter is a werewolf or something else?
Kitty goes along with her and we follow them as Kitty faces the choice: follow the story or protect others from the experience she had when she was outed both by Cormac and then in Washington. Which will she choose?
I found this an interesting look at the ethical dilemma you might face if you know something about another person that could give them an advantage in their chosen field. Should you break the story or trust that the person is ethical? 6/10
#15 Kitty Busts the Feds
And we are back where we started! One night Kitty is on the air discussing the effects of pot on supernatural beings when she is cornered in the studio by the Men In Black. Has it something to do with her broadcast or something much more sinister?
I loved this story, from its references to Nazisim, McCarthyism and beyond to the appearance of Ben & Cormac in response to what they decided was a call for help it was the perfect way to end the collection. 10/10
This is a collection of short stories set in the world of Kitty Norville, radio DJ and werewolf extraordinaire. As with all short story anthologies there is something for everyone. For me, this anthology shone when it gave me extra insights to the characters I know and love (Rick and Cormac especially) and was otherwise good.
Where Kitty is a part of the story we jump around from the early days to after the series ended with only small clues as to where they are set unless you flick to the back and read the story notes, not something I’d advise till you had have read the story. Otherwise, we are relying on social structures and clues ot place the time period. As with all Kitty books this comes with a play list, this time a mix tape of songs at a rate of one per story making up part of the notes at the end.
The mix opens with an introduction from Emma Bull who has become a fan after failing to take up the offer to blurb the first book. She feels authentic and mirrors some of my fan girl feels.
Now to the stories & my thoughts on each…
#1 Kitty walks on by, calls your name
Kitty and Ben attend her 10 year high school reunion where she feels out of place, especially as she has not been in touch with the friend who invited her since she became a wolf. Is this a trap or just a chance to finally catch up? What could old friends have to say to each other now their lives have changed? What exactly happened with Kitty and her ex?
I really enjoyed this, as someone who had a small group of friends at school that I didn’t see for years, I really understood Kitty’s worries and enjoyed the journey as she finally recognised a couple of her gang. A 10/10 strong opener of a story that reminded me excactly what I love about this series.
#2 It’s still the same old story
Ahhhh Rick!! We meet Rick and Hardin after Rick has discovered the body of an old friend, one he is certain was murdered. This story skilfully weaves between Rick’s first meeting with Helen post WWII and the investigation to her death. It highlights the disconnect that vampires might feel as the world passes them by, who can they trust to know them without wanting anything in return?
I love Rick but was a bit disappointed by how the ending to this left me feeling unsatisfied. I think there is great potential here to have added to Hardin & develop her character as well as give me closure but it wasn’t quite reached. This may just have been a reaction to seeing my favourite character and wanting it to keep going on forever. 7/10
#3The Island of the beasts
Now we hit the experimental what if? Stories. Start with a what if? For wolves through time. How do you manage as a wolf if you don’t have a pack or refuse to bow to the local Alpha? This story takes us to the islands off Scotland where wolves deemed too uncivilised for society (read unwilling to bow to the Lord of Wolves and the Master of Blood) end up being isolated. Will our woman who has been dumped there give into her wolf or stay civilised? What about the other wolves who have been dumped there, how will they react to a woman arriving on their territory?
This shows the first historic inkling that wolves and vampires were working together, possibly in conjunction with the government, to prepare for war. I found this interesting but so apart from the stories I was enjoying that linked to the series it was a bit jarring.
I did like the resolution but do wonder why only one female werewolf had shown alpha tendencies at this period? 5/10
#4 The Beaux Wilde
Jumping further back in time we reach the what if a wolf pack has to be civilised to avoid this fate? How would they survive in England & high society? I love our main focus hear, a gentle miss who has passable embroidery but loves to curl up and read. She avoids people as most of them are confusing to her with the feelings and words differing, as she reflects ‘What Amy said and the feelings behind the words were the same’ this explains why she avoids people and feels the difference in the new members of society. Perhaps she is a psychic or has some fae heritage?
An enjoyable look at a maiden who falls for a wolf and how this might be dealt with in the days of supervision and cordial distances. 7/10.
#5 Unternehmen werewolf
When Kitty goes to Washington and ventures out to play with the lycanthropes in the area she meets Fritz, AKA the Nazi and asks for his story. He calls the show one night and gives her the bones but now we get to see how he was at 17, during the war. This helps ask the question can you escape from the evil when your wolf knows what you do is wrong but your society has you thinking it is right?
A great short piece to add to the backstory of a character from one book. 7/10.
#6 Kitty and the Full Super Blood Moon thing
A one shot with the pack on the night of the once in a century super blood moon. How will it affect the wolves on their pack run out?
Just a little bit of fun
#7 Kitty and Cormac’s excellent adventure
Cormac needs Rick’s help so goes through Kitty to get in touch, he’s agreed to take a job that just isn’t as easy as he thought it would be. Now he’s asked for one favour he’s also stuck with Kitty till it’s done, she loves a mystery but will this one be easy to solve?
What follows is a treasure hunt through the area where clues have been left possibly in time and in a strange order. I was struck by how this could easily have led to a crossover with Patricia Briggs and her Mercyverse as Kitty meets a descendant of Coyote
This was brilliant and just what the collection needed at this point to pick up the pace and bring us back to the present. 8/10 for the ending as, like Kitty, I hate an unsolved mystery and there was definitely room for explanations here. On reflection I think the explanation may not have been as interesting as the story but it didn’t stop me going what? Why? How? Tell me more?
#8 Sealskin
A special ops soldier takes a trip to Ireland following his mother’s death. He never knew his father but his feet and hands are webbed and he has always loved the water. Feeling lost and unsure of himself he travels the coast and finds some locals who point him in the right direction to find his roots, roots he didn’t know he had among the waters off Ireland.
Anyone who loves mythical creatures can recognise where this story is going, what surprised me was how it ended. A gentle roam around Ireland and an interesting look at what makes us feel whole. Is it family or is it just the knowing? 4/10
#9 The arcane art of misdirection
Vegas and a casino know they are being tricked but don’t know how. Who do you get on the case? Odysseus Grant of course! Teaming up with Julie, a casino worker who spots the game but can’t work out how it is being played we follow them as they investigate a case of ‘luck’ or is it magic?
A fun romp through Vegas as we search for who is behind the illusions. I really enjoyed seeing what a magician might do for the casinos and the idea that some employees could see it and do nothing whilst Julie takes a step into his world. What will happen next? This story gave me a lot to work with in imagining what came next and filled me with hope for Odysseus and more of his story in the future. 9/10
#10 What happened to Ben in Vegas
Finally some resolution for those of us who wondered what on earth Ben was up to whilst Kitty was saving the world, or at least part of it in Vegas. Turns out he had been ‘escorted’ by two men in suits to a secret location. Ben goes along as they threaten Kitty but where is he and can he make it out in time for the wedding? The city has it in for him in this well paced examination as to why Ben has been taken along with another idea for how casinos could use the paranormal to help with security.
I really enjoyed this view of how Ben can take care of himself and the insight into how he feels about Kitty. It almost made me feel ok about her beign with him instead of Cormac. 8/10
#11 Kitty and the super blue blood or whatever moon thing
How many once in 100 year moons can there be? How will this one affect the wolves and should we really care? Again another fun one shot on another special night.
#12 Defining Shadows
Somehow Hardin has become the cop that Denver PD go to when things look a little quirky in a case. This time there is a pair of legs standing in a shed but how did the body die and where is the top half?
Hardin has made use of her connections to Kitty to style herself the ‘expert’ even though she knows she is making it up as she goes along. Give it a few years and she will be writing the book for all departments across the country on this type of investigation.
I really enjoyed this view into Hardin and her thoughts as she tries to deal with things that go bump in the night. I also was pleased to see a different culture used as the basis for the paranormal culprit, one I hadn’t heard of and the myth was provided without being in your face so it felt a natural part of the story and put me in Hardin’s shoes. Excellent overall, 10/10
#13 Bellum Romanum
Now to a vampire who goes to find out if his tools of power are still where he left them as he planned to destroy the world. Gaius Albinus is off to a small Croatian town to find an old palace. What has he hidden in the walls and how will he use it?
Another story that shows us in short inserts what it might be like to live for so long that all your world has moved on. Nothing like forward planning as you play the Long Game!
This story left me divided, I feel like I would appreciate this more if I could place the main focus in context of the Kitty verse but it was still good even without that. I feel a reread of the series coming on! 7/10
#14 Kitty Learns the Ropes
A journalist has found Kitty and wants her to help with a story. Showing Kitty a video where a boxer comes back from an injury that should have kept him down, she pledges her case for the need to know if a particular fighter is a werewolf or something else?
Kitty goes along with her and we follow them as Kitty faces the choice: follow the story or protect others from the experience she had when she was outed both by Cormac and then in Washington. Which will she choose?
I found this an interesting look at the ethical dilemma you might face if you know something about another person that could give them an advantage in their chosen field. Should you break the story or trust that the person is ethical? 6/10
#15 Kitty Busts the Feds
And we are back where we started! One night Kitty is on the air discussing the effects of pot on supernatural beings when she is cornered in the studio by the Men In Black. Has it something to do with her broadcast or something much more sinister?
I loved this story, from its references to Nazisim, McCarthyism and beyond to the appearance of Ben & Cormac in response to what they decided was a call for help it was the perfect way to end the collection. 10/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Carrie Vaughn may (or may not) be done writing novels about a werewolf named Kitty. Luckily, she's collected fourteen stories in her latest anthology, Kitty's Mix-Tape. Like a mix-tape, some stories are stronger than others. Half feature Kitty, and the other half feature major and minor characters from the series.
First up is a story about Kitty and Ben attending her high school reunion. It's a nice break for Kitty, but naturally, trouble is never far away. It's a bit bittersweet, too, in that Kitty is reminded of who she was and what she might have been, had she not been attacked and infected with lycanthropy.
Fan favorites Rick, a master vampire, and Odysseus Grant, a magician, get solid outings. Detective Jessi Hardin solves a case with only half a corpse to work with, and Cormac appears in that story. He also has a case where Kitty tags along and they find a shape-shifter who may be more than he seems.
It's been a while since the series ended, and even longer since I'd read some of the books, so I had trouble placing a few of the characters. While the backstories were nice, I'd rather have had more Kitty tales (pun intended).
Overall, this is a 3.5/5.
I received a free copy from the Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.
First up is a story about Kitty and Ben attending her high school reunion. It's a nice break for Kitty, but naturally, trouble is never far away. It's a bit bittersweet, too, in that Kitty is reminded of who she was and what she might have been, had she not been attacked and infected with lycanthropy.
Fan favorites Rick, a master vampire, and Odysseus Grant, a magician, get solid outings. Detective Jessi Hardin solves a case with only half a corpse to work with, and Cormac appears in that story. He also has a case where Kitty tags along and they find a shape-shifter who may be more than he seems.
It's been a while since the series ended, and even longer since I'd read some of the books, so I had trouble placing a few of the characters. While the backstories were nice, I'd rather have had more Kitty tales (pun intended).
Overall, this is a 3.5/5.
I received a free copy from the Tachyon Publications in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
An anthology of various short stories in the Kitty Norville universe. Some are hers (honestly I loved the school reunion one oddly enough), some are supporting characters and one is even for a series villain. It was like a cozy return to many of these characters and may inspire a re-read of the series for me. Carrie Vaughn was one of the authors who kicked off my love of urban fantasy with her use of short and long game stories and themes that often allow a bit of commentary on humanity and politics deftly woven in the storyline. For readers of the series it's a great way to revisit the characters. If you haven't read the series these won't quite hold the same appeal sadly.
August 11, 2020
Though it's been a few years since Carrie Vaughn's brought the Kitty Norville sequence to an end, last year she surprised readers with The Immortal Conquistador, a work which revealed Rick the vampire's origin story. And even if it made you beg for more, that book was a compelling read that finally shed some light on one of the most fascinating and secretive characters from the Kitty universe.
This year, the author returns with a collection of short stories featuring Kitty herself and many of the men and women that made the supporting cast so memorable over the course of the series. The bulk of these short fiction pieces first appeared in SFF magazines, various anthologies, and on Vaughn's own website. But a few are original to Kitty's Mix-Tape.
Once again, it was a delight to return to Kitty's world. Even if it was only for the duration of a few short stories. Kitty's Mix-Tape makes you remember why you enjoyed the series to such a degree and makes you long for more of Kitty's misadventures. Thankfully, in the story notes Vaughn implies that there is more on the way. I'm sure I'm not the only one excited about that!
Here's the blurb:
Kitty Norville still can’t stay away from trouble—of the supernatural kind.
Everyone’s favorite werewolf DJ is here to mix it up just one last time. Here you will find, or even newly discover, the irrepressible Kitty Norville with friends and enemies alike: Rick the vampire; Jessi Hardin, paranormal detective; Kitty’s husband Ben; Cormac, the bounty hunter; and the villainous Dux Bellorum. These irresistible tales are full of unpredictable twists and turns: lupines experimenting with astronomy, a cheating boxer with preternatural strength, vampires arriving from the Philippines.
As a special treat, author Carrie Vaughn (Bannerless) has provided her own selections for a mix-tape: story notes and songs dedicated to each tale.
So whatever you do, don’t miss Kitty before she is gone. . . .
It goes without saying that this work is for people already familiar with the original book sequence. As was the case with The Immortal Conquistador, Kitty's Mix-Tape is another great companion book for fans of Vaughn's signature series. Newbies could potentially enjoy several of the tales, but without context they would miss out on too many nuances and references. Anyone interested in giving the series a shot should start at the beginning and read Kitty and the Midnight Hour.
The short fiction pieces compiled in Kitty's Mix-Tape offer an engaging blend of stories. Some of them provide new perspectives that fill in some gaps in the series' plotlines. Others are yet more origin stories. Others feature secondary characters that deserved more of the spotlight. Others are loosely related to the main story arc. And yet, though some are inevitably better and more entertaining than others, the entire collection makes for a fun and interesting read.
My favorites include "Kitty Walks On, Calls Your Name" (you just knew that any high school reunion Kitty attended would be something special!), "It's Still the Same Old Story" (another tale featuring Rick which occurs across different timelines), "The Arcane Art of Misdirection" (in which Odysseus Grant takes center stage), "Defining Shadows" (Filipino vampire, nuff said!), and "Bellum Romanum" (which shows how Roman became a powerful magician).
While we eagerly await whatever comes next for Kitty and the others, this one should scratch that itch. Like its predecessor, Kitty's Mix-Tape is sure to please all the Kitty Norville fans out there!
Carrie Vaughn proves yet again that she is nearly as good a short story writer as she is at writing novel-length projects.
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
This year, the author returns with a collection of short stories featuring Kitty herself and many of the men and women that made the supporting cast so memorable over the course of the series. The bulk of these short fiction pieces first appeared in SFF magazines, various anthologies, and on Vaughn's own website. But a few are original to Kitty's Mix-Tape.
Once again, it was a delight to return to Kitty's world. Even if it was only for the duration of a few short stories. Kitty's Mix-Tape makes you remember why you enjoyed the series to such a degree and makes you long for more of Kitty's misadventures. Thankfully, in the story notes Vaughn implies that there is more on the way. I'm sure I'm not the only one excited about that!
Here's the blurb:
Kitty Norville still can’t stay away from trouble—of the supernatural kind.
Everyone’s favorite werewolf DJ is here to mix it up just one last time. Here you will find, or even newly discover, the irrepressible Kitty Norville with friends and enemies alike: Rick the vampire; Jessi Hardin, paranormal detective; Kitty’s husband Ben; Cormac, the bounty hunter; and the villainous Dux Bellorum. These irresistible tales are full of unpredictable twists and turns: lupines experimenting with astronomy, a cheating boxer with preternatural strength, vampires arriving from the Philippines.
As a special treat, author Carrie Vaughn (Bannerless) has provided her own selections for a mix-tape: story notes and songs dedicated to each tale.
So whatever you do, don’t miss Kitty before she is gone. . . .
It goes without saying that this work is for people already familiar with the original book sequence. As was the case with The Immortal Conquistador, Kitty's Mix-Tape is another great companion book for fans of Vaughn's signature series. Newbies could potentially enjoy several of the tales, but without context they would miss out on too many nuances and references. Anyone interested in giving the series a shot should start at the beginning and read Kitty and the Midnight Hour.
The short fiction pieces compiled in Kitty's Mix-Tape offer an engaging blend of stories. Some of them provide new perspectives that fill in some gaps in the series' plotlines. Others are yet more origin stories. Others feature secondary characters that deserved more of the spotlight. Others are loosely related to the main story arc. And yet, though some are inevitably better and more entertaining than others, the entire collection makes for a fun and interesting read.
My favorites include "Kitty Walks On, Calls Your Name" (you just knew that any high school reunion Kitty attended would be something special!), "It's Still the Same Old Story" (another tale featuring Rick which occurs across different timelines), "The Arcane Art of Misdirection" (in which Odysseus Grant takes center stage), "Defining Shadows" (Filipino vampire, nuff said!), and "Bellum Romanum" (which shows how Roman became a powerful magician).
While we eagerly await whatever comes next for Kitty and the others, this one should scratch that itch. Like its predecessor, Kitty's Mix-Tape is sure to please all the Kitty Norville fans out there!
Carrie Vaughn proves yet again that she is nearly as good a short story writer as she is at writing novel-length projects.
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
December 1, 2020
A collection of short stories that take place in Kitty Norville’s world. Last of the Kitty stories for a while. Cry!!
1) ‘Kitty Walks On By, Calls Your Name’. 4 stars. Original story that takes place while Rick is still Master of Denver. Kitty and Ben go to her HS reunion and find out some of her old friends have changed more than they normally would.
2) ‘It’s Still the Same Old Story’. 5 Stars. Previously read in the ‘Down These Strange Streets’ anthology. Rick, Master of Denver, goes to help an old friend and ends up avenging her murder. Loved it more this 2d time.
3) ‘The Island of Beasts’. 4 stars. Not directly conned to the characters in Kitty’s group. Also found in the ‘Nightmare’ anthology. A female werewolf is exiled on a remote Scottish isle where other werewolves have been exiled, but she is the only female and must choose one of the two packs there in order to survive. But not wanting to choose is why she was sent there in the first place.
4) ‘The Beaux Wilde’. 4 stars. Also found in the ‘Urban Fantasy’ magazine, Dec 2014. An introverted English girl meets 3 mysterious brothers at a country ball and falls in love with one and his untamed lifestyle.
5) ‘Unternehmen Werwolf’. 3 stars. Also found in the ‘Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre’ anthology. A young werewolf is recruited by the SS during WWII. During a mission to execute a collaborator he finds freedom.
6) ‘Kitty and the Full Super Blood-moon Thing’. 3 stars. Website Sept 30, 2015. A very short scene about Kitty’s pack preparing to change on the night of an extraordinary moon.
7) ‘Kitty and Cormac’s Excellent Adventure’. 4 stars. Original story about Kitty helping Cormac deliver a mysterious package. The ending seems like it should be the beginning of a new series.
8) ‘Sealskin’. 3 stars. Also found in the ‘Operation Arcana’ anthology. Barely part of Kitty’s world. A disillusioned soldier with webbed hands and feet travels to Ireland and discovers family. Misty eyed.
9) ‘The Arcane Art of Misdirection’. 4.6. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Hex Appeal’ anthology. Odysseus Grant stops another Magician from cheating at blackjack.
10) ‘What happened to Ben in Vegas?’ 2 stars. Original story from Ben’s POV on what happened to him when he was kidnapped in Vegas.
11) ‘Kitty and the Super Blue Blood or Whatever Moon Thing’. 2 stars. Website: Jan, 31, 1018. Sequel to the previous (#6) Kitty full moon story. It’s another super full moon and Kitty and Ben are worried about might happen this time (We still haven’t found out about the first.)
12) ‘Defining Shadows.’ 2 stars. Also found in the ‘Those Who Fight Monsters’ anthology. Ordinary type murder mystery with an odd killing method.
13) ‘Bellum Romanum’. 13.5. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Urban Enemies’ anthology. Background story of Roman finding the ‘Hand of Hercules’.
14) ‘Kitty Learns the Ropes’. 4.4. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Full Moon City’ anthology. Kitty is asked to determine if a quick healing boxer is supernatural.
15) Kitty Busts the Feds’. 5 stars. Original story. When two federal agents show up in the middle of kitty’s show, she stands up them and wins the day (night?).
1) ‘Kitty Walks On By, Calls Your Name’. 4 stars. Original story that takes place while Rick is still Master of Denver. Kitty and Ben go to her HS reunion and find out some of her old friends have changed more than they normally would.
2) ‘It’s Still the Same Old Story’. 5 Stars. Previously read in the ‘Down These Strange Streets’ anthology. Rick, Master of Denver, goes to help an old friend and ends up avenging her murder. Loved it more this 2d time.
3) ‘The Island of Beasts’. 4 stars. Not directly conned to the characters in Kitty’s group. Also found in the ‘Nightmare’ anthology. A female werewolf is exiled on a remote Scottish isle where other werewolves have been exiled, but she is the only female and must choose one of the two packs there in order to survive. But not wanting to choose is why she was sent there in the first place.
4) ‘The Beaux Wilde’. 4 stars. Also found in the ‘Urban Fantasy’ magazine, Dec 2014. An introverted English girl meets 3 mysterious brothers at a country ball and falls in love with one and his untamed lifestyle.
5) ‘Unternehmen Werwolf’. 3 stars. Also found in the ‘Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre’ anthology. A young werewolf is recruited by the SS during WWII. During a mission to execute a collaborator he finds freedom.
6) ‘Kitty and the Full Super Blood-moon Thing’. 3 stars. Website Sept 30, 2015. A very short scene about Kitty’s pack preparing to change on the night of an extraordinary moon.
7) ‘Kitty and Cormac’s Excellent Adventure’. 4 stars. Original story about Kitty helping Cormac deliver a mysterious package. The ending seems like it should be the beginning of a new series.
8) ‘Sealskin’. 3 stars. Also found in the ‘Operation Arcana’ anthology. Barely part of Kitty’s world. A disillusioned soldier with webbed hands and feet travels to Ireland and discovers family. Misty eyed.
9) ‘The Arcane Art of Misdirection’. 4.6. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Hex Appeal’ anthology. Odysseus Grant stops another Magician from cheating at blackjack.
10) ‘What happened to Ben in Vegas?’ 2 stars. Original story from Ben’s POV on what happened to him when he was kidnapped in Vegas.
11) ‘Kitty and the Super Blue Blood or Whatever Moon Thing’. 2 stars. Website: Jan, 31, 1018. Sequel to the previous (#6) Kitty full moon story. It’s another super full moon and Kitty and Ben are worried about might happen this time (We still haven’t found out about the first.)
12) ‘Defining Shadows.’ 2 stars. Also found in the ‘Those Who Fight Monsters’ anthology. Ordinary type murder mystery with an odd killing method.
13) ‘Bellum Romanum’. 13.5. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Urban Enemies’ anthology. Background story of Roman finding the ‘Hand of Hercules’.
14) ‘Kitty Learns the Ropes’. 4.4. 4 stars. Previously read in the ‘Full Moon City’ anthology. Kitty is asked to determine if a quick healing boxer is supernatural.
15) Kitty Busts the Feds’. 5 stars. Original story. When two federal agents show up in the middle of kitty’s show, she stands up them and wins the day (night?).
November 10, 2020
Kitty's Mix-Tape, by Carrie Vaughn, is a new collection (with a few old favorites) of short stories set in the world of Kitty Norville - werewolf night DJ.
When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I love Kitty Norville and all of the other characters in the series, and I really just love how these stories are written. You fall into them, and are taken into their world so completely.
This was particularly nice because we got to see a wide variety of characters - there are a few that I really want their short stories to be turned into a full novel (hint, they don't have Kitty in them at all), and I think that is part of what makes this collection great.
When I read this, I wanted to go back and re-read the whole series again. It gave me a little hype to want to experience it all again, and I'm sure if you have never read any other book by Vaughn, this collection would make you want to go devour everything you can that is in this world.
Absolutely I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Urban Fantasy, who likes some stakes in their stories, or even those who like some re-imagined historical fantasy.
If you are looking for hot and heavy, keep looking, but otherwise I would hands down say give this collection a shot.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I love Kitty Norville and all of the other characters in the series, and I really just love how these stories are written. You fall into them, and are taken into their world so completely.
This was particularly nice because we got to see a wide variety of characters - there are a few that I really want their short stories to be turned into a full novel (hint, they don't have Kitty in them at all), and I think that is part of what makes this collection great.
When I read this, I wanted to go back and re-read the whole series again. It gave me a little hype to want to experience it all again, and I'm sure if you have never read any other book by Vaughn, this collection would make you want to go devour everything you can that is in this world.
Absolutely I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Urban Fantasy, who likes some stakes in their stories, or even those who like some re-imagined historical fantasy.
If you are looking for hot and heavy, keep looking, but otherwise I would hands down say give this collection a shot.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
It's been five years since Kitty Saves the World and I loved the recent book about her good friend, Rick in The Immortal Conquistador. Kitty's Mix Tape is a collection of new and reprinted stories in her world. I always appreciate short story anthologies so one doesn't have to go out and find them separately in different publications. I don't know the mix of old vs. new but I was unfamiliar with them and I always try to read everything in a series.
Other than Kitty or Ben, there are stories about many other favorite characters in the world, as well as a main villain. I enjoyed the stories with Kitty in them the most, or Rick, but they are all great character development additions to the series.
It took me a long time to read because some stories were more interesting to me than others. I would not recommend this for those who have not read the series. As a fan who has read every book in the Kitty Norville series, I enjoyed it.;
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
It's been five years since Kitty Saves the World and I loved the recent book about her good friend, Rick in The Immortal Conquistador. Kitty's Mix Tape is a collection of new and reprinted stories in her world. I always appreciate short story anthologies so one doesn't have to go out and find them separately in different publications. I don't know the mix of old vs. new but I was unfamiliar with them and I always try to read everything in a series.
Other than Kitty or Ben, there are stories about many other favorite characters in the world, as well as a main villain. I enjoyed the stories with Kitty in them the most, or Rick, but they are all great character development additions to the series.
It took me a long time to read because some stories were more interesting to me than others. I would not recommend this for those who have not read the series. As a fan who has read every book in the Kitty Norville series, I enjoyed it.;
August 5, 2020
It's so nice to return to this world! I really enjoyed the Kitty Norville series, so naturally, I had to pick this up. I do recommend reading the series first before jumping into this collection in order to get the full impact (and avoid spoilers). I had read only 3 of the stories here in previous anthologies, so it was nice to have more that I hadn't already read! I also enjoyed how the stories were framed around different songs. The writing style is easy to read and often quite entertaining.
In terms of the stories themselves, there were a couple that were only a handful of pages. While I don't think these really added a ton, I thought they were pretty entertaining and just fun tidbits about the world. I particularly enjoyed the boxing story, as well as the one about Rick. We do get some hints that perhaps the Long Game isn't quite finished and there's maybe more to be told. I certainly hope that's the case as I'd love to read more!
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the Kitty Norville series (and if you haven't already read them, you should!).
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
In terms of the stories themselves, there were a couple that were only a handful of pages. While I don't think these really added a ton, I thought they were pretty entertaining and just fun tidbits about the world. I particularly enjoyed the boxing story, as well as the one about Rick. We do get some hints that perhaps the Long Game isn't quite finished and there's maybe more to be told. I certainly hope that's the case as I'd love to read more!
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the Kitty Norville series (and if you haven't already read them, you should!).
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2020
A varied collection of short fiction in the world of the Kitty Norville stories. I say "in the world of" because it includes a couple of stories set in the 19th century, which seem not to feature any characters from the main (contemporary) series - and with a number of characters being unaffected by ageing, that isn't as odd a sentence as it sounds. In fact, there's one story about Rick the Conquistador vampire and some experiences of his from 50 years ago that suddenly become relevant today.
A couple of the pieces are just short vignettes written for posting on social media, and could have been skipped without losing anything from the book, but they're short enough that it's not a problem. Others are side-stories for characters in the books; the books are all from Kitty's viewpoint, but these give other characters a chance at centre stage.
Carrie Vaughn is that unusual thing, a novelist who is also a good short story writer, and while I've read standalone short stories of hers that are better than many of the ones in this volume, that isn't to say these aren't good. And if you're a fan of the main series, you'll probably enjoy these glimpses into other characters' lives and other places and times.
A couple of the pieces are just short vignettes written for posting on social media, and could have been skipped without losing anything from the book, but they're short enough that it's not a problem. Others are side-stories for characters in the books; the books are all from Kitty's viewpoint, but these give other characters a chance at centre stage.
Carrie Vaughn is that unusual thing, a novelist who is also a good short story writer, and while I've read standalone short stories of hers that are better than many of the ones in this volume, that isn't to say these aren't good. And if you're a fan of the main series, you'll probably enjoy these glimpses into other characters' lives and other places and times.
July 23, 2020
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of KITTY’S MIX-TAPE (A Kitty Norville Series short story anthology) by Carrie Vaughn in exchange for an honest review. This is a collection of supernatural short stories; some are in Kitty’s world and some aren’t clearly identifiable as being part of that reality. The tales fill in a few gaps by providing information Kitty didn’t know, give us a few new adventures, introduce some new characters, and inspire a small hope that, though the series has officially concluded, Kitty’s story may, eventually, continue.
I have been a fan of the Kitty Norville Series since the beginning. I even bought most of the books twice as I abandoned the dead-tree editions for digital. I obviously and enthusiastically recommend the entire series to all fans of urban fantasy. (Trigger warning: the series is rife with physical violence and contains some sexual violence, as well).
#KittysMixTape #NetGalley
I have been a fan of the Kitty Norville Series since the beginning. I even bought most of the books twice as I abandoned the dead-tree editions for digital. I obviously and enthusiastically recommend the entire series to all fans of urban fantasy. (Trigger warning: the series is rife with physical violence and contains some sexual violence, as well).
#KittysMixTape #NetGalley
November 9, 2020
I can't even tell you how nice it was to slip back into Kitty's world. It was my go-to urban fantasy series and, in fact, sparked my love for the genre in the first place. I was sad when it ended, so to have this chance to revisit this cast of characters again was so great. It felt like catching up with old friends.
There's a good assortment of tales featuring Kitty, of course, but most of the stories are about secondary characters. It was great getting new perspectives on them and to see their stories fleshed out a bit more. There were even a few historical tales.
This was a really great collection. I enjoyed the vast majority of the stories. A couple I didn't really care for, but that's to be expected in a collection like this. My favorites were The Beaux Wilde set during the regency period and then Defining Shadows about Detective Jessi Hardin.
If you've ever been a fan of Kitty Norville, this is a must read! I highly recommend it.
There's a good assortment of tales featuring Kitty, of course, but most of the stories are about secondary characters. It was great getting new perspectives on them and to see their stories fleshed out a bit more. There were even a few historical tales.
This was a really great collection. I enjoyed the vast majority of the stories. A couple I didn't really care for, but that's to be expected in a collection like this. My favorites were The Beaux Wilde set during the regency period and then Defining Shadows about Detective Jessi Hardin.
If you've ever been a fan of Kitty Norville, this is a must read! I highly recommend it.
November 1, 2020
I'm not usually a huge fan of short stories, but this world is one of my favorites, so I gave it a pass and picked this one up. If you're a Kitty fan, this is peppered with characters from throughout her "career" and we get a few with her and Ben, too!
There's a wide variety of tales in this book, so I'm sure there is something in here for everyone. Some are more somber, some are set in the past, and some are quirky fun rides. Those last ones are my favorite, so that's what I would recommend if I were someone who could hop around in an anthology. There is a particularly fun one that takes Kitty to her high school reunion that kept me entertained. The general feeling of the anthology is one of "bonus stories" not necessarily "filling in the blanks." If you are not hung up on completing the series "completely" then you can pick and choose. Me? I gobbled them all up!
There's a wide variety of tales in this book, so I'm sure there is something in here for everyone. Some are more somber, some are set in the past, and some are quirky fun rides. Those last ones are my favorite, so that's what I would recommend if I were someone who could hop around in an anthology. There is a particularly fun one that takes Kitty to her high school reunion that kept me entertained. The general feeling of the anthology is one of "bonus stories" not necessarily "filling in the blanks." If you are not hung up on completing the series "completely" then you can pick and choose. Me? I gobbled them all up!
March 19, 2021
This delightful collection of short pieces – some previously published stories, others slice-of-life vignettes – is like a series of tea parties – or songs, if you will – from Vaughn’s urban fantasy world and its characters. Werewolves and vampires and selkies, oh my! Vaughn’s prosecraft and story-telling skills are up to their usual superb level.
The organizing thread is the werewolf DJ, Kitty Norville. I met Kitty (and some of the other characters) tangentially in other works set in this same world. I loved finding out more about them, peeking into the hidden corners of their better-known adventures. I suspect that those who are familiar with Kitty’s world and its denizens will derive particular delight in meeting them again, but the stories are so well told and carefully ordered that newcomers will not be lost, only enchanted.
The organizing thread is the werewolf DJ, Kitty Norville. I met Kitty (and some of the other characters) tangentially in other works set in this same world. I loved finding out more about them, peeking into the hidden corners of their better-known adventures. I suspect that those who are familiar with Kitty’s world and its denizens will derive particular delight in meeting them again, but the stories are so well told and carefully ordered that newcomers will not be lost, only enchanted.
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