REVIEW: The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen

*Thanks to Netgalley and Tachyon for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Enter the Emerald Circus and be astonished by the transformations of your favorite tales. Ringmaster and internationally bestselling author Jane Yolen (Briar Rose, Sister Emily’s Lightship) spins modern fantasy classics in tales that go well beyond Wonderland and Oz, down the rabbit hole and back again.

Where is Wendy? Leading a labor strike against the Lost Boys, of course! A girl blown away from Kansas returns as a sophisticate with unusual gymnastic abilities. A talented apprentice, forging her first sword, is suddenly left to the mercies of Merlin. Alice’s infamous nemesis has jaws and claws, but also lacks the essential: a sense of humor.

Witty and bold, and unexpected, these tales go well beyond the rabbit hole and back again.

Table of Contents

Andersen’s Witch - I enjoyed this one and it's rift on Hans Christian Andersen
Lost Girls - quite possibly my favorite of the whole book besides the reimaginings of Oz and Alice.
Tough Alice - LOVED IT!
Blown Away - LOVED IT!
A Knot of Toads - I was very surprised by this story but enjoyed it.
The Quiet Monk - not a standout for me as a reader
The Bird - quite mysterious, loved the Poe vibe!
Belle Bloody Merciless Dame - just okay for me
Jewel in the Toad Queen’s Crown - same, just okay not a favorite
A Gift of Magicians - not a standout for me as a reader
Rabbit Hole - another favorite.
Our Lady of the Greenwood - a spin on Robin Hood
The Confession of Brother Blaise - not a standout for me as a reader
Wonder Land - short but packs a punch.
Evian Steel - extremely intriguing and engaging, sort of a prequel to King Arthur
Sister Emily’s Lightship - Emily Dickinson!!!! 

Overall, this was a well written collection of stories.  Yolen is a master of her craft.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Urban Enemies (anthology)

*Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an ARC*

Expected publication: August 1, 2017

Villains have all the fun—everyone knows that—and this anthology takes you on a wild ride through the dark side! The top villains from sixteen urban fantasy series get their own stories—including the baddies of New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Kelley Armstrong, Seanan McGuire, and Jonathan Maberry.

The full anthology features stories by Jim Butcher (the Dresden Files), Kelley Armstrong (the Cainsville and Otherworld series), Seanan McGuire (October Daye), Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger), Lilith Saintcrow (Jill Kismet), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville), Joseph Nassise (Templar Chronicles), C.E. Murphy (Walker Papers), Steven Savile (Glasstown), Caitlin Kittredge (the Hellhound Chronicles and the Black London series), Jeffrey Somers (The Ustari Cycle), Sam Witt (Pitchfork County), Craig Schaefer (Daniel Faust), Jon F. Merz (Lawson Vampire), Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock), and Diana Pharaoh Francis (Horngate Witches).

I enjoyed the tone of each story and the fact that Urban Enemies provides a different take on the other anthologies published in the urban fantasy genre. Typically these short stories focus on the much beloved heroes of this narrative; however, even the Big Bad needs a moment to shine.

Highlights for me were the stories by Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Kelley Armstrong and Jonathan Maberry since I am currently most invested in these series. However, there were some strong showing by Seanan McGuire, Carrie Vaughn and Faith Hunter. 

Overall, a recommended read for fans of the genre and these particular writers.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: "Bombshells" by Jim Butcher

"Bombshells" is a short story of the Dresden Files occurring between Changes and Ghost Story.  Told from Molly Carpenter's POV, she's dealing with the death of her mentor, staying under the White Council's readar and has been keeping up her magical apprentice training with 'Auntie Lea' while assuming the Ragged Lady persona to fight the Fomor's increasing presence in Chicago. When Justine shows up claiming Thomas is missing, Molly does some investigating before teaming up with Justine and Andi (Butters' werewolf girlfriend) to crash a party, thwart the treaty signing between the Fomor and Svartalves, save Thomas and prevent a bomb explosion. All in a day's work, right!?!

This story is featured in the anthology Dangerous Women edited by George R. R. Martin and featuring other stories by Carrie Vaughn, George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and Diana Gabaldon. I skimmed through the rest of the book but wasn't enamored by many of the other stories.

I really enjoyed "Bombshells" since I adore Butcher's writing but also the chance to read a story from Molly's perspective. I love her and the growth her character has made since she arrived into Dresden's life in Proven Guilty. Lea, Butters and Andi never disappoint and it is always nice to see Justine and Thomas.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#bombshells #dresdenfiles #anthology #DangerousWomen #books

REVIEW: Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige

Within Stories Vol. 2, Paige rounds out her collection of short stories connected to the Dorothy Must Die trilogy.  Readers get the chance to discover what happened to Dorothy's companions--the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion after her departure from Oz and before her fateful return that will send the kingdom spiraling into wickedness.

Back in 2015, I reviewed "Heart of Tin" which is the Tin Man's story of unrequited love and the desperation and loneliness which Glinda uses to manipulate him for her own purposes. I really enjoyed this story even though it has a bit of a creepy, stalker vibe. 

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

In "The Straw King," Scarecrow is so focused on reading to learn what it takes to make a great ruler that he's taken by surprise when a usurper to the throne attacks the Emerald City, killing innocents and forcing Scarecrow and Lion to flee. Eventually they rally a pitiful attempt to reclaim control; however, it is only when Glinda conveniently appears with Ozma (the true princess of Oz) that the usurper is defeated. Glinda believes she can manipulate the young girl as she's done with so many others but Ozma is strong willed and a capable ruler, essentially shutting out Glinda and ignoring Scarecrow as adviser. This was my least favorite story of the three. I wanted to see more of how Scarecrow became the twisted scientist.  I did like Lion's advice that there is more to ruling than reading how to do it well. Sometimes living is about the experience. 

Final rating: 3 out of 4 stars

Glinda continues her rise to power and treachery in "Rule of Beasts." No longer cowardly, Lion is King of the Beasts but very bored.  He longs for a sense of purpose or adventure.  Knowing this, Glinda arrives with a mission and also enchants Lion to do her bidding.  He needs to journey to the Emerald City to find an important items since she and Ozma are on the outs. This was my favorite story of the three because of the introduction of additional characters from Baum's Oz books.  I thought the Gnome King was deliciously evil and well portrayed and we finally got the Wheelers! My favorite part of the film Return to Oz has always been the 'guessing game' at the end and liked how Paige incorporated this into the end of the story.  There is a great smack down between Ozma and Glinda with the outcome shedding some important light on just how the events of the series unfold with Dorothy's return and her wicked demise.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overall rating: 4 out of stars

#dorothymustdie #daniellepaige #wizardofoz #YAlit #teen #bookreview

REVIEW: "Sideswiped" by Kim Harrison

"Sideswiped" is the prequel short story to Kim Harrison's new series The Peri Reed Chronicles, a futuristic, yet urban fantasy, take on government agency operatives and time travel. Told from the perspective of Silas--brilliantly gifted with technology and science, he dreams of a career as an anchor, which would give him a future with lady-love Summer, a drafter.

A chance encounter brings new student Peri Reed into their lives.When Silas, Summer and their friends fail their final test before graduation, they enlist Peri's help to pull off a plan to change their fate.  Of course, the outcome differs vastly from what they'd hoped and further twisting of time leds to traumatic results.

I really enjoyed this glimpse into a new literary world from Harrison. Time travel books can be a bit dodgey but I think this spin on it sounds interesting.  The characters are engaging and readers get just enough insight to imagine that there will be some fallout based on the ending of this story and what is bound to come in The Drafter. I want to know more about Silas and Peri certainly seems sassy with an interesting backstory.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @BurningBunnies




#Sideswiped #TheDrafter #TimeTravel #Futuristic #Books #whatimreading

REVIEW: Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

Slasher Girls & Monster Girls is an YA anthology of scary stories edited by April Genevieve Tucholke.  Thirteen notable teen authors lend their prowess to some downright terrifying stories that will have general fans and more cowering in a corner with a blankie and flashlight at the ready. This is a fantastic go-to volume for year-round reader's advisory.  I know I get teens wanting something 'scary' all the time.  Let's face it, for YA readers there often aren't a lot of truly scary titles. I often recommend anything by Brenna Yovanoff or the Asylum series by Madeleine Roux if they want something beyond R.L. Stine and aren't quite ready for Stephen King.

Personal standouts within Slayer Girls & Monster Boys:

• "Verse chorus verse" by Leigh Bardugo - a teen superstar lands herself in 'rehab' but sinister things happen that make this a not so sweet retreat to get her life on track.

• "Sleepless" by Jay Kristoff - inspired by Hitchcock's Psycho, readers are in for a creepy treat. Full of Kristoff's trademark edgy humor.

• "Dark, scary parts and all" by Danielle Paige - set in high school and heavy with Frankenstein and Dracula allusions.  The school outcast encounters bullying and other drama with a surprise supernatural twist.

• "Fat girl with a knife" by Jonathan Maberry - a short story about a high school outcast but what happens when the bullied girl is your best defense at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse.

• "Girl without a face" by Marie Lu - great, creep imagery.  This one will give readers chills!

• "Stitches" by A.G. Howard - super, super creepy! A young girl agrees to dismember her father over time as part of his penance for other deeds.

Each story is inspired by a song, film or another literary reference. By far my favorite was "Sleepless".  In fact, a week later, I'm still pretty creeped out!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars




#YAlit #teen #anthology #shortstories #bookreview #horror #scary #slashergirls&monsterboys

Verse chorus verse /Leigh Bardugo

REVIEW: "Heart of Tin" by Danielle Paige

"Heart of Tin" is the latest short story release tying into the Dorothy Must Die series.  This is the Tin Man's story, mostly detailing his growing feelings for Dorothy following her first visit to Oz. Paige's portrayal of the Tin Man here is rather forlorn and delusional.  There is a certain obsessive, creeper vibe.   Upon Dorothy's return, the Tin Man is elated at her return; however, insecurity and jealousy take hold within his devotion to her, which are traits Glinda uses in order to manipulate him. She twists his love for Dorothy into something utterly evil and Paige uses this opportunity to share with readers more details into Oz's dark turn.

Overall, it is a well written story which is key to explaining the Tin Man's demise and his terrorizing actions. This fits in nicely with the two published novels in the series (Dorothy Must Die) as well as the other short stories: No Place Like Home, The Witch Must Burn, and The Wizard Returns. These are all available in eBook format and should be found in Overdrive.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#dorothymustdie #daniellepaige #wizardofoz #tinman #YAlit #review