Novella Review: Meridian Six

Meridian Six

Jaye Wells 

Kindle Book

Meridian Six remembers the days before the Troika enslaved humans. She also remembers her mother, a freedom fighter murdered in the final battle between humans and vampires. But it is her mother's final words that have haunted her: Red means life.

In the years since her mother's death, she has been used as both a propaganda tool and a blood slave by the Troika. She's withstood their indignities because the alternative meant bleeding out in a blood camp. But their abuses finally go too far, and she decides to run towards freedom and her mother's red light. On the other side, she finds the Sisters of Crimson. They help her just as her mother promised, but they also hand her to the human rebels. The vampires used her famous name to keep human slaves biddable, but now the humans want to use it inspire a revolution. 

When the world is at war, freedom is a luxury paid for with blood...

This is a fast-paced exciting story which reminds me a little of Logan’s Run for some reason! Meridian Six is the daughter of a terrorist/freedom fighter who was raised by her mother’s enemies and used for propaganda. Eventually she escapes but then she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life – help the rebels or run and hide. 

There is some really bloody action right from the start which gets your heart pumping! However, the strength of this novella are the mix of characters we get introduced to - from the head of the vampire church where Meridian seeks refuge to the young rebel Rabbit. Each character is unique and gets some time to establish themselves and their emerging relationships with Six. Six, herself is unsure about what she wants and how to achieve the freedom she’s never had before but she manages to act and think on her feet. I really felt like I was getting to care about these characters and wanted to spend more time with them. 

The world is intriguing and I definitely feel there could be a lot more to explore – this feels more like a prequel than a finished story and I want to know if Rebels succeed and if Six ever gains her own happiness. More from this world please Jaye! :)

Recommended for fans of Julie Kagawa and Suzanne MacLeod. 8.5 out of 10 

Novella Review: Spartan Frost

Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5)

Jennifer Estep

Kindle Book

Review Copy Courtesy of Netgalley and Jennifer Estep

 I’m Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy. At least I was — until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost. Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I’m fine, that Loki and the Reapers don’t have a hold on me anymore, but I can’t risk it. I can’t risk hurting Gwen again. So I’m leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away. I know Gwen wonders what’s happening to me, whether I’m safe. I can’t tell her, but this is my story...

After the tragic ending of Crimson Frost, Logan, Spartan and sometime beau of Gwen Frost has left Mythos Academy and returned home with his Dad to ensure that neither he nor the evil god Loki, hurt Gwen again. He is determined that the Reapers of Chaos pay for their actions and is spending much of his time training while avoiding other people. Logan has been damaged by recent events which hurt him and those he loved and is struggling to come to terms with what happened to him. This is quite a short novella but allows us to explore the view point of another character in Gwen’s world.  

It was nice to see inside Logan’s head for a change and how he really cares about Gwen and his friends. The nightmares he experiences are horrific and it must be terrible to live with that knowledge and learn to trust yourself again. It is nice to see Logan and his father try to build a relationship after so long estranged – especially as it feels like they are more equal than before. Logan and his father also chase after some Reapers that are stealing artifacts from museums and what they find is intriguing but never really resolved. The end is quite abrupt and pulls back into Mythos Academy (and presumably the next book!) so I was left wanting more than what I got – and hungry for the next book, Midnight Frost.

Recommended for fans of Kelley Armstrong & Richelle Mead. 7 out of 10

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels #5.5) Novella

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels #5.5)

Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

Magic Gifts is exactly that – a magical gift to fans of Kate Daniels and Curran. Set at the same time as the start of Gunmetal Magic, this story basically explains why Kate isn’t around much at the beginning of Andrea’s story. While out having dinner Kate and Curran end up becoming involved with the People, when one of their young apprentices loses control after given a necklace.

This is not a world or even Atlanta threatening situation and it’s nice to see how Kate and Curran work together in, what is for them, a regular day. They still don’t always see eye to eye and as ever chaos and is never too far away. The action scenes are fun, exciting and just what you expect from the pair. I especially enjoyed the Viking Hall and the confrontation in the glade, which gives you good background for a scene in Gunmetal Magic.

Another element I enjoyed was Jim’s juggling act between his responsibilities, his friendships and his loyalties as without meaning to Kate and Curran rely on him far too much. The resolution of the Mercenery Guild sub-plot could through up some interesting curve-balls for future adventures as well. Overall this is a great side adventure for one of my favourite book couples and an enjoyable couple of hours!

Recommended for fans of Karen Chance and Kelley Armstrong. 8.5 out of 10

Novella Review: Silver Shark

Silver Shark (World of the Kinsmen)

Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

Claire Shannon is a killer. She uses no weapons, only her mind.
Born on a planet locked in a long war, Claire is a psycher, a woman with the ability to attack minds and infiltrate a biological computer network where psychers battle to the death. But when the war abruptly ends, Claire must hide her psycher's ability to survive. She is deported to a new planet, a vivid beautiful place, where she meets Venturo Escana, a powerful psycher, whose presence overwhelms both her mind and her body. She thought she had left war and death behind, but now she must fight for her new life and this battle might just cost her everything...

This was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon – curled up on the sofa with some cherry coke and a romantic science fiction story by one of my favourite authors. Ilona Andrews has created an intriguing universe with many populated worlds, which are run by the Kinsmen – humans with extra-ordinary abilities – physical and mental.

Claire has some extraordinary mental powers, but when the war she has been fighting all her life ends and she has the opportunity to start again on a new planet she jumps at the chance. Landing a job with a generous, and very handsome man she has to keep the details of her past secret, but as she draws closer to Venturo she’s not sure how she can keep it quiet. Claire is a great character – you can see her opening up and coming into bloom now she no longer has to fight, but it is still difficult for her. Venturo is very much the ideal man – gorgeous, clever, loyal and with a caring streak, but a ruthless edge if crossed.

While not long story, it is a deliciously sweet cake with just the right consistency and a tangy aftertaste. Lots of fun and a good example of what can be done with a novella.

Recommended for fans of Elizabeth Moon and Maria V Synder. 8 out of 10

Novella Reviews: A Family Affair & Shadowland

A Family Affair (Cassie Palmer #4.1) 

Karen Chance

Kindle Book

Both A Family Affair and it’s sequel short story, Shadowland are free on Karen Chances website – and before I catch up with Cassie Palmer and the going-ons in Las Vegas, I thought these would remind me of the world!

Both these stories are told from John Pritkins point of view. John was always one of the most intriguing characters in the series – a mage bodyguard to Cassie Palmer as the Pythia, the top clairvoyant in the world and part incubus, he has cast a long shadow over the series and it is good to see how much he has come to care for Cassie. In fact the torch he holds for Cassie is very sweet and gives some nice colour to the usually glowering figure.

In A Family Affair, John’s father promises to stop trying to kill Cassie if John will recapture an escaped demoness from hell...unfortunately his father may take advantage of John’s absence to get rid of Cassie in the meantime. This was a nice exploration of the demon realms and some of John’s past. However, the character that stands out the most is Cassanova – the combination of a vampire possessed by an succubus spirit is interesting but it’s Cassanova’s complete disregard for anyone by himself and his willing to say anything is great fun – think Cordelia from Buffy! Overall, this is a nice gift from Karen exploring part of ‘normal’ life for Cassie and John now.

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. 7 out of 10

-----------------------------------------

Shadowland (Cassie Palmer #4.2)

Karen Chance

Kindle Book

This is pretty much a direct sequel to A Family Affair. When one of the Pythia’s presents turns out to be a bomb, John Pritkins jumps into one of the demonlands in order for revenge. However, all is not what it seems back at Cassanova’s hotel in Vegas...

This is a much simpler story and as such is much more fun. The split again between action in Dante’s Hell on the strip and the actual Shadowlands is a nice contrast – and there is less difference between them than you would expect! John’s reaction to the bomb is so heart-felt and moving. Cassanova is as fun as before – definitely one of my favourite characters. However, my favourite part of the story is the ending – which manages to surprise John and leave a smile on your face!

Overall, these have both been good reminders of Cassie’s world and Karen Chance’s writing. It’s made me really excited to pick up Hunt the Moon, Cassie’s fifth book!

Recommended for fans of Ann Aguirre and Jacqueline Carey. 8 out of 10.

Novella Review: Six Geese a-Laying

Six Geese a-Laying

Sophie Kinsella

Kindle Book

In Six Geese a-Laying, Christmas is approaching, and Ginny is looking forward to the birth of her first baby. It's a pity her partner Dan is so useless, and she has to keep reminding him where he's going wrong. Luckily she's enrolled into the most exclusive antenatal class going - all the highest achieving, smartest mothers-to-be aspire to be taught by the legendary Petal Harmon. Like the other five women in the class, Ginny already knows exactly what she wants, and how she's going to handle motherhood.But when they turn up for the final class it isn't quite what they expect. As Ginny discovers what parenthood is really going to be like, she begins to realize the things that really matter...

This is a sweet short story set days before Christmas at an exclusive pre-natal class for six women (whose names all begin with ‘G’). It’s their last class before their due dates and they are all chatting away comparing notes on nurses, names and worries they have about the birth and the child they are carrying. However, the last class is different from others as their instructor is able to give them all glimpses of what lays ahead (pun intended!).

I really enjoyed this – especially as it seems a lot of my friends are pregnant at the moment! It addresses a lot of the concerns expectant mothers have about themselves, their health care, their child and even their relationships, but at the same time is amusing and light. It’s not a long story but a fantastic little break from real life and easily read within half an hour.

Recommended for fans of Trisha Ashley and Marian Keys. 8 out of 10

Novella Review: A Karma Girl Christmas

A Karma Girl Christmas (Bigtime Superheroes #3.5)

Jennifer Estep

Kindle Book

It's Christmas time in Bigtime, New York, but society reporter Carmen Cole isn't in the mood to celebrate since her husband, Sam, has to go on a business trip and might not make it home for the holiday. But Carmen has plenty to keep her busy, since she moonlights as Karma Girl, a member of the Fearless Five superhero team. On Christmas Eve, Carmen, as Karma Girl, is assigned to guard toys, clothes, food, and more that are intended for needy children and their families. But an ubervillain also has his eye on the toys and plans to steal and then sell them to the highest bidder. Carmen will have to use all her empathic powers just to stay alive, not to mention make sure Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her. It's all in a night's work for a superhero ...

A return visit to Bigtime at Christmas time to see how Carmen aka Karma Girl is getting to grips with being a superhero instead of uncovering their secret identities. This Christmas instead of snuggling up with her new husband Sam aka Stryker Carmen has to guard piles of presents for under-privileged kids…and of course it’s too tempting a target for the Uber-villians to just leave alone…

Carmen is a great character – warm and understanding, but with a piquant line of snark that stops her being too perfect. While most of the characters we’ve met so far appear at some point in cameo scenes or just in the background this is Carmen’s story and a nice catch up to see how she has coped with becoming a superhero. Her powers are fun to investigate and it was nice to see how she was able to handle the role without the rest of the Fearless Five around. Like the books, there are a lot of clichés in the story but you know it’s been included on purpose knowing you’d recognise them and enjoy them! My one criticism is that it is too short – I would love Carmen to feature as the main character in another full length novel!

Overall this is a very sweet story which reads like a cheesy Christmas special from one of you favourite TV shows – light, fun and full of seasonal cheer!

Recommended for fans of Lois and Clark and Christmas! 8 out of 10

Novella Review: Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts

Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts

Talli Roland

Kindle Book

Does every relationship deserve a second chance?
When chief romantic Rose Delaney scores her dream job at London's quirkiest new attraction, The Museum of Broken Hearts, she thinks she's got it made. Sure, it's a little depressing dealing with relics of failed relationships each day, but Rose is determined not to let it break her 'love conquers all' spirit. After discovering the museum's handsome curator is nursing a broken heart of his own, Rose steps in to fix it. Can Rose heal the rift, or will this happy ending go awry?

The Christmas theme is purely a matter of when it is set – the Museum of Broken Heart is due to open on 15^th December. The Museum of Broken Hearts aims to share with the world the remains of all those relationships that ended – from underwear worn on the last night to a salt shaker that stood through years of marriage. Rosie bored of her job at the British Museum applies to be assistant curator to the museum despite believing in happy ever-afters and fairy tale endings, but her new boss makes her start to question that belief.

This is a sweet short story about expecting happy endings verses making them happen. Rosie is a nice character – a little naive perhaps but basically good-hearted wanting everyone to be happy. Her new boss is a little aloof, but very handsome and it doesn’t take a genius to guess what will happen between the two of them. However, you don’t read Chick-Lit for original stories. The journey is sweet and well-worn and it does leave you with a big smile on your face.

A perfect wintery tale for those incurable romantics wanting their heart strings pulled in the run up to Christmas.

Recommended for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Carole Matthews. 7 out of 10

The Viscount and The Witch: Novella Review

The Viscount and The Witch (The Riyria Chronicles Short)

Michael J. Sullivan

Kindle Book

Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief and idealist swordsman, were just learning how to work together as a team. 

This is a short story set long before the start of the books shortly after Royce and Hadrian have met and are still getting to know each other. I’ve not read the books – although certain bloggers I trust have raved about them so I thought this novella would be a nice introduction to the world to see if I wanted to start the series proper. The short answer is, yes I do!

Royce and Hadrian are fun characters – very different but are learning to trust each other. Each is intelligent and good at what they do. When a bedraggled old woman stops them on the path and asks for their help to evict a drunk from her barn Royce agrees to help, much to Hadrian disgust. After all it’s nothing to do with them. The writing is quick-witted and fun; you can glimpse how much Michael Sullivan likes writing about these characters. While this  a very short story it is a perfect appetiser and I want to know more!  

Recommended for fans of David Eddings and Robin Hobb. 8 out of 10

Novella Review: In The Tall Grass

In The Tall Grass
-       Stephen King & Joe Hill

Kindle Book

In the Tall Grass begins with a sister and brother who pull off to the side of the road after hearing a young boy crying for help from beyond the tall grass. Within minutes they are disoriented, in deeper than seems possible, and they’ve lost one another. The boy’s cries are more and more desperate. What follows is a terrifying, entertaining, and masterfully told tale...

This is a short story I bought especially for Halloween this year and it does do a pretty good job of taking something pretty ordinary and turning it into something creepy. A brother and pregnant sister are taking a road trip when they hear a child lost in the field filled with tall grass. Naturally they stop to help him – and his mother. However, the grass isn’t what it seems and more maybe happening here than they first though.

The first half of this story is truly creepy with the slowly dawning realisation that this field isn’t what you first though. That realisation is beautifully drawn out – with frustration and irriation playing as much of a role as horror. However the second part of the story drops the slow creepiness for more explicit horror which is quite uncomfortable to read and topples the story into a more visual, disturbing element. Like one of those horror films you have to watch from between you fingers – you just can’t stop watching.

This is a perfect little horror story to read now the evenings are closing in and the trees start to weep leaves – but I would make sure your lawn is cut before hand or you may not venture out into the grass for a while afterwards...

Recommended for fans of Shaun Hutson and James Herbert.7 out of 10

Novella Review: Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City

Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City (Iron Seas #1.5)

-       Meljean Brook

Kindle Book

Eight months after The Iron Duke, can their marriage survive a new danger?
After Mina is called in to investigate the murder of an aristocratic bounder, her husband Rhys—known to the world as the Iron Duke—must overcome his fear for his new bride before his need to protect her tears them apart. But when she invites him to join her at the murder scene, a search for a mysterious killing machine puts her in more danger than ever before…a danger that leads straight back to Rhys.

This is a great little epilogue to The Iron Duke as we catch up with Mina and Rhys eight months into their marriage. They are both struggling to come to terms with their new situation. Rhys especially is trying to find the balance between wanting to protect his new police inspector wife and knowing that by doing so he would lose her entirely. He really seems to have grown since we first met him in The Iron Duke. Mina as well is particularly patient with Rhys and understanding of his fears. I also loved the way they brought Anne the Tinker into their family and how all three of them are still figuring out the family dynamic as its new to all of them.

The story itself is based on the murder of prominent bounder and involves some politics about automating factories verses the loose of jobs. It’s a grey area and while the murder is solved, the situation does raise some interesting grey areas which may be explored in future stories... I did enjoy some of the automation and gadgets that are explored – the two-seater balloons seem wonderful (I would love one myself!).

This is a wonderful little coda into a book I particularly adored and a little insight into how a happily ever after really works. Some excitement, some smexy action and I am now hungry to read Heart of Steel!

Recommended for fans of Pip Ballantine and Devon Monk. 8 out of 10.

Magic Dreams: Novella Review

Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels #4.5)

-          Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help. Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.

This novella is set in Kate Daniel’s Atlanta but is focused on two side characters to the main story – Dali, the half blind, Vegetarian were-tiger and Jim, the former Mercenary, Alpha werecat. Dali has long had a crush on Jim and when he shows up at her house unexpectedly with a magical curse, Dali knows she will do anything, risk anything to save him.

I was always intrigued by Dali before and I really liked seeing events from her point of view – she is not a fighter, but she does have magical abilities and uses her brain to investigate what is happening to Jim. Her family are great – I loved her relationship with her mother which was full of care and exasperations of real families. I loved that most of the characters and events occur in the Asian area of Atlanta as it gives some great insight into that culture. Jim is a fighter – strong enough to hold a warrior form, but he is the one in trouble and I loved that the traditional stereotype of the damsel in distress  was reversed with the man needing to be rescued – and through the use of brains rather than force.

Overall, the story is a quick but thoroughly enjoyable – a little too quick for me and I hope Ilona and Gordon Andrews do decide to write another story about Dali and Jim!

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong. 8 out of 10

Blooded Review

Blooded (Jessica McClain #0.5)

- Amanda Carlson

 

Publisher: Orbit Short Fiction

 

Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.
When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .

 

Blooded is a short prequel novella to the soon to release Full Blooded. It introduces us to Jessica and give an idea of the world of the Pack in which she was brought up. Being born the only female to werewolves would be bad enough, accept Jessica is human and without the strength to defend herself against those who rally to denounce her as Daughter of Cain. Despite this, Jessica is determined not to go down without a fight so she challenges a young alpha wolf to a fight without her father’s knowledge. Jessica is feisty and stubborn – and she is smart. She uses her brain while fighting always trying to figure out the next move. She is also aware that the tenuous place she currently holds in the pack cannot continue and that if she stays, something will have to break – her or the pack. This makes for a tense and exciting introduction to a new UF heroine

 

While short, this novella is a great tease for what lies ahead in Full Blooded both in terms of writing styles and characters. With so few pages I was amazed at how much I fell for not only Jessica but also her father and brother and friends Daniel and Nick – all of which I hope have more time in the series proper. The writing was assured and energetic feeling like a well-established world and author. I can’t wait to get my hands on Full Blooded and with the potential shown here, it could well be another new series to add to my must-purchase list!

 

Recommended for fans of Nancy Holzner and Kelley Armstrong. 8.5 out of 10

 

On My Wishlist #97

This is a meme that started on Book Chick City before moving to Cosy Books and is now hosted by the wonderful Sarah at Workaday Reads. There are so many books out there that I want to read that this is the only way I can keep track!

 

I've been getting to novellas recently - partly because they are short and therefore easier to fit into a couple of spare hours and partly with the abundance of self publishing a lot of my favourite authors have been releasing little teasers for new or established series. This is only a good thing as far as I'm concerned as I can catch up on old friends or see if I will make new ones! Here are a few novellas I have my eye on - and once I want to get hold off as soon as my book buying ban is finished!

 

Something Wikked This Way Comes - Nicole Peeler

(Jane True Universe)

Publisher: Orbit Shorts

Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: supernatural private investigators who get paid to clean up paranormal messes.
Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness?

 

We meet Cap, Moo and Shar briefly in Tempest's Legacy and they definitely left an impression! I'm hoping this is as much fun as the ladies were in a cameo role...

 

When Shadows Call (Shaede Assassin #0.5) - Amanda Bonilla

The envy of 1900s society, Darian is the rich, beautiful wife of a prominent Californian doctor—but her life is far from perfect. For years, Darian has suffered at the hand of her cruel husband and yearned for an escape—one that she knows to be all but impossible.
But when an enigmatic stranger comes to call, Darian finds herself charmed by his seductive smile and the inexplicable connection she feels. And when he makes her a thrilling—yet frightening—proposition, Darian must decide if she’s strong enough to abandon the mortal world she knows and answer the shadow’s call...

 

A prequel to Shaedes of Gray, I've read some good reviews of this novella and seeing as I have Shaedes of Gray on my TBR pile, I'd love to see how it all began...

 

Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City (Iron Seas #1.5) - Meljean Brook

Publisher: Berkley

Eight months after The Iron Duke, can their marriage survive a new danger?
After Mina is called in to investigate the murder of an aristocratic bounder, her husband Rhys—known to the world as the Iron Duke—must overcome his fear for his new bride before his need to protect her tears them apart. But when she invites him to join her at the murder scene, a search for a mysterious killing machine puts her in more danger than ever before…a danger that leads straight back to Rhys.

 

After loving The Iron Duke earlier this year, I would LOVE to know how married live is working for Mina and Rhys...somehow I don't think it will all be smooth sailing...(pun intended!)

 

So any novellas out there that have caught your eye? Or do you never read them?

The Assassin and the Throne of Glass Novellas #2

The Assassin and the Underworld (Throne of Glass Novella #0.3)

-      Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer—and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

After her summer in the Desert with the silent assassin, Celaena returns to Rifthold determined to free herself from the King of Assassin – and discover what happened to her friends Sam after their adventures with the Pirate King...

This is the first time in these novella we see Celaena at work, taking an assignment to kill one of the leading slave traders. It was great watching her at work – scouting out the locations, using her brains and seeing her clash with her mentor. She is still very impetuous and reacts more than she thinks, but that lack of cunning, of long term thinking is one of the things I like most about her. It was also great to see her reunite with Sam as they struggle to figure out what their relationship to each other is.

This had a very sweet ending, that made me happy, but also slightly scared as I can’t help thinking this isn’t the happy ending it seems for Celaena.

Recommeded for fans of Tamora Pierce and Rae Carson. 8 out of 10

 --------------------------------------------------------------

The Assassin and the Empire (Throne of Glass Novella #0.4)

-       Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

Celaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . .

This is where things all go wrong for Celaena. In order to finally escape from the King of Assassin – and for him to not come after them, she and Sam agree to pay him off. But in order to raise the money, they need to assassinate the king of the underworld – the one in charge of all crime in Rifthold and his sadistic lieutenant.

Celaena still has secrets – and I liked that after three novella’s there still seems to be more to discover about her and why she is hard and difficult most of the time. However, both Sam and Celaena’s youth seems to be at fault here with neither of them questioning what is happening – and as a result suffering for it. I was heartbroken reading some parts of this – even if they weren’t entirely unexpected.

This leads us perfectly into the start of the full length novel – one of my most anticipated reads for this summer!

Recommeded for fans of Isobelle Carmody and Kristin Cashore. 8 out of 10

Spider's Lullaby (Deacon Chalk #1.5) Review

Spider’s Lullaby (Deacon Chalk #1.5)

- James R Tuck

Kindle Book – received courtesy of the author (Out now!)

He lives to kill monsters. He keeps his city safe. And his silver hollow-points and back-from-the-dead abilities take out any kind of unnatural threat. But between this bad-ass bounty hunter and rescuing the most helpless of victims stands the one evil he can't defeat...
For Deacon Chalk, loyalty is worth dying for. And now that something has taken were-spider Charlotte's un-hatched children and one of his closest friends, he'll tear up the human and supernatural underworlds to find them. But with his allies stripped away by an invincible Yakuza hit man and time running out, Deacon must face down the most ancient of demonic entities. And his last hope means surrendering to the inner darkness waiting hungrily to consume him...

I have to admit I think I have a slight crush on the imposing, tattooed monster hunter Deacon Chalk. He is fiercely protective of his friends and innocents, scarily intimidating and yet he’s a good catholic and prepared for anything. After a night out with Deacon discover that his were-spider friend, Charlotte’s egg-sack has been stolen. Even worse, it is due to hatch soon and when it does without Charlotte around, the baby spiders will kill and devour all around them. They have until dawn to find out who took the egg-sack and why…

Once again Deacon Chalk is confident and strong in his actions and leading others. As the story is told from his point of view we get to see little chinks in his armour with regard to what happened with his family and his guilt over their deaths. There is also some subtle acknowledgement of his relationship with Tiffany but this short story is less about emotion and more about a quick mission between books. It’s still extremely absorbing – even more than the previous novella as I feel I know Deacon better now. The writing is smooth and tasty – in fact this novella is like a tasty cinnamon bun – full of flavour, texture and smells delicious! I can’t wait to read Blood and Silver, the second full length Deacon book!

Recommended for fans of Jim Butcher and Kate Griffin. 8.5 out of 10

That Thing At The Zoo Review

That Thing At The Zoo (Deacon Chalk #0.5)

-       James R. Tuck

Kindle Book

Shredding monsters is his stock and trade. He sniffs them out, tracks them down, and corners them. End of story. But when the tables are turned, expect the unexpected. Knowing his enemy is a rule Deacon Chalk swears by. But he's never seen anything like whatever is leaving the Atlanta Zoo's most dangerous predators bloodless, skinned, and hanging high in the treetops. And he's only got until sunrise to keep it from turning the entire city into a slaughterhouse. Now Deacon is in zoo lockdown with a handful of staffers to save. His zookeeper backup has more guts than monster-hunting experience. And the only chance Deacon has to run this thing to holy ground is to unleash his darkest, most uncontrollable instincts

This is an enormously fast-paced, frantic, fun and entertaining read. Deacon Chalk is one hard-assed monster slayer. His family were killed by monsters five years ago and ever since he has dedicated his life to fighting the things in the dark that threaten humanity. When something starts skinning creatures at the zoo, Deacon Chalk is called in to figure out what did it and solve the issue.

Deacon is like Buffy but without the soul searching. He knows who he is and what he does. He fights hard and fast, but he thinks as well. He knows preparation is half the battle so he prepares and has a team that supports him. And once he goes in, he goes in strong and determined. While short, That Thing At The Zoo is a great appetiser for what promises to be a good anecdote to all those with Urban Fantasy fatigue. A hard hero with a trouble past, plenty of action and fantastic writing makes this a great introduction to a new series. In fact I picked up Blood and Bullets, the full length novel as soon as I finished this novella!

Recommended for fans of Jim Butcher and Faith Hunter. 7.5 out of 10

The Assassin and the Throne of Glass Novellas Review

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass Novella 0.1)

- Sarah J Maas

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A Throne of Glass novella.
On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

This was so much fun to read! Celaena Sardothien is a sixteen year old assassin – beautiful, confident and deadly. When she and her colleague and rival, Sam are sent to the Pirate Lord by the King of Assassins in order to conduct a business exchange, she is horrified to find they will be bringing back slaves. Celaena is cocky but extremely competent – always looking for an edge. Yet despite this prickly service she has real heart and a strong sense of honour. Not that she has a heart of gold – but I feel she may have a streak of gold in her heart somewhere!

Added to this is an exciting world where pirates and assassins have leaders, there is a conquering land hinted at in the back ground and there is plenty of action. The action is smoothly done, thrilling and very visual. I could easily see events in my mind and would love to see a TV series or film with these characters! While short, this is the perfect introduction to a new fantasy world and one I very much want to explore! Luckily for me there are another three novellas and a full length novel which is published soon so I will definitely be exploring this world in more detail!

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Rae Carson. 8 out of 10.

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The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass Novella 0.2)

-       Sarah J Maas

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The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive

Following on from The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, this story follows Celaene as she spends time in the Desert with the Master of the Silent Assassins, hoping for a letter of recommendation to allow her to return home. The difference between the Master and his silent assassins and the Kind of Assassins who raised Celaene is marked – particularly the difference in how they treat their followers – one encouraging and the other dissenting is fascinating. The desert is always a interesting place to set a story and this is no exception. I loved the chase scene as well as Celaene’s frustrations that the master won’t train her.

I found this story more enjoyable than the Pirate Lord, Celaene is more relaxed in this story as she’s not on a mission. Her developing friendships with people in the desert is a joy especially given the different personalities of them all. This felt like a much more emotional story with Celaene making some decisions on how she wants to live her life, but at the same time there is plenty of action as Celaene doens’t lack for skills!

Fun, exciting and fulfilling this is a perfect teaser for Throne of Glass – as soon as I finished this story, I pre-ordered the novel which is out in August!

Recommended for fans of Rae Carson and Maria V Synder. 9 out of 10