A Tale of Vines and Vengeance - Quick Review by Voodoo Bride

 

A Tale of Vines and Vengeance (Wicked Darlings #3.5)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

This is not a full novel, it is a short story connected to the Wicked Darlings series. It is meant to be read after you've completed all three of the main novels in the series, starting with A Court of Sugar and Spice. It contains some spoilers for the series.

If you loved Clara and her handsome Sugarplum Faerie, Finias, you'll enjoy this small glimpse into their life after the events of the series.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I'm a rebel. I totally skipped over the third book in this series to read this short story about Clara and Fin.

And it's a quick read with both suspense and lots of deliciousness. If you loved Clara and her Sugarplum Faerie as much as I do, this is a must read!

There's spoilers for the first two books, and maybe minor spoilers for the third book.

Why should you read it:

It's fun and delicious.

Locked Out - Book Review

 

Locked Out (Zombie Bedtime Stories #2)

by Thea Isis Gregory

What is it about:

Doctor Anna Lewis administrates a team of researchers who find their facility co-opted by the military, with a very special project. They're charged with looking for a medical cause to the sudden outbreak of violence and riots in the capital, which have begun spreading to neighboring cities. They must struggle to assimilate new equipment and talent, while searching for a scientific explanation.

What they discover challenges their sense of ethics, and draws them together while simultaneously tearing them apart. As the unrelenting enemy draws closer, their research is superseded by the need to survive long enough to report their chilling discoveries to the world.

What did I think of it:

This second story in this zombie series is a bit longer at 51 pages and just as cool as the first one.

Told from the perspective of a scientist who gets roped in to find out what's going on, it's engaging and suspenseful. I really liked Anna and rooted for her and for the army major who has been send to oversee her lab and the research.

It soon is clear things are bad and maybe getting close too quickly. Some things I could see coming, but this short story did have some surprises hidden in its 51 pages. 

You bet I'll be reading the next one soon.

Why should you read it:

Zombie Goodness!

Locked In - Book Review

 

Locked In (Zombie Bedtime Stories #1)

by Thea Isis Gregory

What is it about:

Haley is enjoying her new job as a paramedic on a beautiful summer’s day. Not even her dour and sullen partner, Frank, can deflate her enthusiasm for life. Responding to a routine call near her former high school, she is excited to see her old hang-out spot, the park. On arrival, something is clearly wrong, and Haley is attacked by one of her old friends. Soon, she begins to experience disturbing changes in her personality and food preferences, until she wakes up a zombie. Her consciousness is suspended in a body that she can't control, and she needs to find a way to escape.

What did I think of it:

I'm always on the lookout for a good zombie story, so when I encountered the author on Social Media and she mentioned zombies I immediately got hold of her Zombie Bedtime Stories series and read the first book as it's only 18 pages.

And what a cool read!

It's told from the perspective of someone who has been infected and it's so well done! I was immediately hooked and wondering how this could and would end. Those 18 pages flew by. I was very glad I immediately got the whole series of short stories, because this one tastes like more!

You bet you can expect a review of the secons book real soon!

Why should you read it:

This is an amazing zombie read! 

Three Quick Book reviews

 

Quick Reviews

Sing by Karin Tidbeck

The biologist Petr explores the strange colony of Kiruna and meets the village outcast Aino, who seduces him unknowingly with her intoxicating singing voice. He finds comfort in her unusual way of life but soon discovers that a symbiotic relationship can be a blessing or a curse.

What did I think:

A weird, but alluring short story. I liked Aino, Petr is a bit of a tool though. I really liked the writing and the atmosphere.

Compulsory (The Murderbot Diaries #0.5) by Martha Wells

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

What did I think:

It's Murderbot! What's not to love?!

Relocating Christmas by Kerry Anne King/Kerry Schafer

A heartwarming Christmas mystery with a touch of magic.

Nickle Wood is not a thief, although her rap sheet begs to differ. It’s just that a lot of objects are not where they are meant to be and the universe has chosen her to move them. Christmas is absolutely the worst, with every brightly wrapped package a potential landmine.

She and her private-eye boyfriend, Hawk, have agreed: no presents. But he can’t resist giving her a little something and Nickle’s fragile trust is broken. She thought he understood the problem, but maybe he doesn’t really know her at all. Insult to injury, the gift, a beautiful pendant, clearly wants to be elsewhere.

Nickle ventures out into a Christmas Eve snowstorm, determined to relocate the pendant on her own, but when it leads her to a runaway teen and a dog sheltering together behind a dumpster, Nickle knows she’s going to need Hawk’s help to find the girl’s missing mother. Can they trust each other – and Nickle’s unusual ability – enough to work together and pull off a Christmas miracle?

This delightful stand alone novella continues the story of Nickle and Hawk from King’s beloved novel Other People’s Things.

What did I think:

If you paid attention you noticed this book was mentioned as a Christmas Reads and hopefully you read and enjoyed it already. If not: Go get it! It's a wonderful read as both a standalone and a continuation of  Other People’s Things! Also a great read outside of the Holiday Season, so don't wait until December to get it.

The Bone Bride - Book Review

 

The Bone Bride: A Short Story

by Merrie Destefano

What is it about:

Grimm's Fairy Tales meet Dark Epic Fantasy.

A high-born girl learns she’s been sold as a bride to a dead goblin prince.

Being betrothed to a goblin prince is bad enough—they’re all ugly and horrid and live in dark tunnels underground. But being betrothed to a dead goblin prince? That’s an immediate death sentence!

Nineteen-year-old Rowan attempts to flee when she learns about her arranged marriage. But there’s no escaping a contract signed by the dreaded Goblin King.

Now, all the dark magic in the Realm is against her. The gruesome King of Death himself will be looking for her soon.

Rowan’s only hope is to convince the fair Nicholas—the boy she planned to run away with—to destroy her marriage contract. But it must be done before the sun rises.

And already, the sky is brightening with light.

Please note this 30-minute short read is a Dark Fantasy with Grimdark elements and unreliable narrators.

What did I think of it:

This is a really cool read!

It is atmospheric and dark. It reminded me of old Irish ghost stories in mood and the way it was told, and I was drawn in from the start.

The story has several viewpoint characters and I liked reading them all. I was eager to find out what would happen and if Rowan would escape the marriage her father arranged for her.

The story ends in a way that has me eager to get my trotters on the next book. You bet I'm stalking Destefano's facebook page!

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful, atmospheric short story.

buy from Amazon

Shark's Teeth - Quick Book Review

 

Shark's Teeth (Marla Mason #5.5)

by T.A. Pratt

What is it about:

Marla, bored in her forced exile in Hawaii, goes looking for trouble (and finds it).

What did I think of it:

A fun short story.

Marla doesn't handle having free time well, so goes looking for something to do. She gets into trouble of course, and handles it in her usual no nonsense way. 

This story brought me even further back into Marla's world and mindset, and introduced me to her new normal. I'll pick up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable short story

Wait for Night - Quick Book Review

 

Wait for Night

by Stephen Graham Jones 

What is it about:

Wait for Night by Stephen Graham Jones is horror story about a day laborer hired to help clean up a flooded creek outside of Boulder, Colorado, who comes across what could be a very valuable find.

What did I think of it:

This is a short story and a very entertaining one at that.

It starts out mysterious, but soon things get dangerous and deadly. I liked the writing and the worldbuilding. Graham Jones manages to set up and deliver this story in less than 20 pages without it feeling rushed or unfinished. Because it's so short it's hard to tell anything about it without spoiling things, but it's suspenseful and with plenty of action.

I might see what else he has written,

Why should you read it:

It's a suspenseful Short Story.

buy from amazon

Shambling With the Stars - Quick Book Review

 

Shambling With the Stars (Living With the Dead #2.5)

by Jesse Petersen

What is it about:

Avery Andrews is her name and directing celebrity telethons after tragedies is her game. But the Northwestern Zombie Outbreak isn't your average tragedy... and once the infection spreads to the studio, Avery and her crew will have to worry about staying alive, not ratings.

What did I think of it:

I realized I never read this short story, back when I read the Living with the Dead series for the first time. 

I missed out! This is a really cool Zombie read.

It's short, but has it all: people transforming and biting others on live tv, mayhem, and lots and lots of zombies! 

I had a great time with it and might continue my reread of the series soon.

Why should you read it:

Zombie mayhem!

buy from amazon

Little Free Library - Quick Book Review

Little Free Library

by Naomi Kritzer

What is it about:

Sharing stories we love with one another is one of the most magical forms of connection there is. This is especially so for Meagan, who develops an unexpected friendship with a mysterious borrower of books from her Little Free Library.

What did I think of it:

This was a very enjoyable read.

Meagan sets up a Little Free Library and starts communicating with one of the borrowers via letters left in the little free library. It starts out normal enough, but slowly it turned more fantastical. I was curious about the identity of the mysterious borrower, and as the story progressed I started to care and worry.

All in all a quick, bittersweet read.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable short read.

buy from Amazon

The Little Witch - Quick Book Review

 

The Little Witch

by M. Rickert 

What is it about:

A strange dark fantasy about an elderly woman visited every Halloween by a trick or treating child dressed as a witch. Over time, they development a tenuous relationship.

What did I think of it:

This is a short, but nice read.

There's probably more layers in it than in a layered cake, but I wasn't in the mood to analyze the story, so as it is, it's a pleasant, story with a Halloweeny atmosphere to it.

Why should you read it:

It's about Halloween and witches.

buy from Amazon

The Court Magician - Quick Short Story Review

 

The Court Magician

by Sarah Pinsker

What is it about:

A boy gets the chance to become the court magician, but what is he willing to sacrifice for that position and the knowledge it brings?

What did I think of it:

I read this story in 2019 when I was reading for the Hugo's of that year. Back then it was just a blip on my radar among the other short stories, novelettes, and novellas I read. After reading Two Truths and a Lie, and And Then There Were (N-One) I decided to give it another try.

And this story definitely grows on you. 

 I was invested in the boy and the choices he makes, as well as in the unnamed person who is telling the story. I was lured into this dark story and wanted to tell the boy to make different choices, to think!

All in all a dark and clever story. I totally picked up one of Sarah Pinsker's novels after finishing this.

Why should you read it:

It's a clever if dark short story 

buy from Amazon

Forget - Quick Book Review

 

Forget

by Amy Laurens

What is it about:

Simon Baker, 86, aging rapidly in an aged care facility. Just an ordinary man, coming to the end of an ordinary life…

Except something else tickles the edges of his mind—of his memory. If only he could remember his real identity. Before time runs out.

A quiet science fiction tale about the importance of memory, that resonates with anyone who’s ever watched a loved one fade away.

What did I think of it:

This is a nice enough short story, but I think I'd probably have enjoyed it more if I knew more about the world it is set in. I felt like I was missing important information.

Still a nice read if you don't have a lot of time.

Why should you read it:

It's a nice quick read.

buy from amazon

The Artist as a Young Girl - Quick Book Review

 

Yes, I know, I've been very irregular in my blogging here, but Cyberpunk 2077 still has me in its grasp. I did read some short stories and even a whole novel though.

The Artist as a Young Girl

by Liana Brooks

What is it about:

Young Sophie dreams of being an artist. Of painting her mother’s dreary, monochrome existence with color. But art? It’s the one thing forbidden by her mother.

Can clandestine art lessons lead Sophie to finding her dream—and her true self?

A whimsical story about longing for your place in the world, not matter what the cost.

What did I think of it:

This short story is a very satisfying read.

Brooks can set up and deliver a story in just 22 pages. This one is fantastical and atmospheric. I really need to pick up more by Brooks.

Why should you read it:

It's a quick and satisfying read.

buy from Amazon

Last Christmas - Book Review

 

Last Christmas

by Josie Jaffrey

What is it about:

Some secrets are best left buried.

With the latest land reclamation project, the Daggett mansion is finally accessible again; rich pickings for a crew like Mara's.

It was supposed to be a simple heist, planned to perfection, but there's something in the water that they hadn't anticipated. And inside the mansion: bodies and memories.

It turns out that Mara picked this mark for a reason. She's about to remember what it is.

A standalone short story

What did I think of it:

A short, but intense story.

Set in a dark, but believable future this story might be about Christmas, but it's definitely not a fluffy and jolly read.

Pulling no punches it delivers pain, heartbreak and suspense.

If you're looking for a gritty and dark read, look no further.

Why should you read it:

It's a dark and intense read

buy from amazon

A Cup of Salt Tears - Book Review

 

A Cup of Salt Tears

by Isabel Yap

What is it about:

Makino’s mother taught her caution, showed her how to carve her name into cucumbers, and insisted that she never let a kappa touch her. But when she grows up and her husband Tetsuya falls deathly ill, a kappa that claims to know her comes calling with a barbed promise. “A Cup of Salt Tears” is a dark fantasy leaning towards horror that asks how much someone should sacrifice for the one she loves.

What did I think of it:

This is a beautifully sad short story.

Makino seeks some solace and solitude at the bathhouse after caring for and worrying about her dying husband all day, but is visited by a kappa who makes some enticing promises.

I loved the atmosphere and mood in this story. Makino's emotions are understated, under the surface, but definitely there. As the kappa makes his promises she'll have to make a choice and find out if she can live with that choice.

All in all a lovely, sad story.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful short story about love and grief.

buy from amazon

Red as Blood and White as Bone - Book Review

 

I'm quite addicted to Cyberpunk 2077 at the moment, but I managed to read a couple of short stories.

Red as Blood and White as Bone

by Theodora Goss

What is it about:

Red as Blood and White as Bone by Theodora Goss is a dark fantasy about a kitchen girl obsessed with fairy tales, who upon discovering a ragged woman outside the castle during a storm, takes her in--certain she’s a princess in disguise.

What did I think of it:

This story starts somewhere in the 1930's, but as Klara, the lead character has her head full of fairy tales it feels more magical and timeless somehow.

Klara's encounter with a woman she thinks is a princess leads to events that can be both mundane or magical. I love how there's hints for something supernatural happening while at the same time you could make a case it's all in Klara's head. I was hooked from the start and had to find out what Klara was getting herself into.

Overall this is a story about imagination, strength, and courage. I will most certainly investigate what else Goss has written.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful bittersweet story.

buy from amazon

Liana Brooks - Two Quick Reviews

 I was looking for Liana Brooks' All I Want for Christmas is a Reaper when I saw these two short stories by her. I just had to give them a try.

Level Nine by Liana Brooks

What is it about: 

Andrea plays the Game—a massive, interstellar, virtual reality experience—as often as she can. And she plays well. Really well. 

…Well, she cheats, actually, which she feels ambivalent about to be honest. 

Except on Level Nine. Because no matter how hard she tries, Level Ten remains out of reach… until a wholesome newcomer arrives. 

A light-hearted, feel-good story about the power of online gaming to bring people together. 

What did I think of it:

This 25 page short story is a fun and quick read. I very much enjoyed the characters and the setting. I wouldn't mind if Brooks would write a longer story in this setting.

Not Quite Cinderella by Liana Brooks

What is it about:

The king announces a ball in order to end the war. His subjects? Overjoyed.

Marian? Determined to stop it. Her sponsors need the war to continue.

Looks like sabotage will feature at the top of tonight’s menu.

A Cinderella retelling for everyone who ever wondered why Cinderella wanted to marry the prince in the first place.

What did I think of it:

Another short, but satisfying story.

I admire how Brooks set up and delivers an intriguing story in just 27 pages.

I will definitely try more of the short stories by Brooks as well as other stories in this series.

Why should you read them:

They're short fun reads for when you need a quick book fix. 

Buy Level Nine here

Buy Not Quite Cinderella here

Ungilded - Book Review

 

Ungilded (Sovereign #0.4)

by Josie Jaffrey

What is it about:

She has made a ghost of me...
In the days after the Fall, most of the world is contaminated. The Silver may have defeated the Weepers, but now they're scrambling to find somewhere they can call home.
But their king is scrambling just to keep his mind. With his queen missing in action, the bond between them is stretching thin, and his consciousness is thinning with it.
If he can't find his love soon, then he won't live to lead his people into their new world.

What did I think of it:

This story fills in some gaps between the Solis Invicti series and the Sovereign series.
It's probably best read and enjoyed if you've read the Solis Invicti series, but I haven't apart from the first book, and still very much enjoyed the mood and world in this short story.
It made me eager to read the rest of the series.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool short story

buy from Amazon

Ring the Bell - Quick Book Review

 

Ring The Bell

by Josie Jaffrey

What is it about:

Scale the mountain. Ring the bell. Buy your freedom. Or trade the prize to change the world.
Mia's life is defined by the Surge. The race comes every five years, and she's determined to win it. She'll make it to the top first, ring the bell and set her family free.

But victory comes at a price. The faster she runs, the more people she'll condemn to death in the valley below.

In Unterstrom, only the strongest survive.

What did I think of it:

This short story is devastatingly beautiful.

The people of Unterstrom have to endure the Surge every five years. Once it begins people have to make their way above the flood line before the bell rings and the water comes. The cruel twist: the bell is rung by the person from Unterstrom who gets there the fastest and who'll win a new life away from Unterstrom.

Following Mia through the years it was very emotional to see her thoughts about the Surge and ringing the bell  change throughout the years.

A bittersweet story about humanity you need to read.

Why should you read it:

It's a powerful and emotional short story.

Expected publication: October 1st 2020

Buy from Amazon

The Devil's Due - Quick Book Review

The Devil's Due

by Melissa Marr

What is it about:

After Adelaide's sisters vanish with the captain of the Fitcher's Bird while she's away at sea, she decides there are only two choices—rescue them or avenge them.

With poisons in her hems and the ghost of her mother "helping," Adelaide sets out to marry the captain to get access to his ship.

This is a short adult story, highly influenced by the story of Bluebeard.

What did I think of it:

Another short story by Melissa Marr.

This has pirates and a Bluebeard like villain! It's short, but sweet and I loved the atmosphere and worldbuilding.

Recommended if you're looking for a quick and satisfying read.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool and quick read.