Tag Archives: Fantasy

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Brief Cases

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My overall rating for this anthology comes to an impressive 4.7 stars, reflecting the average of the individual stories contained within this collection. I had the pleasure of both reading and listening to the book, which greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the narratives. The audiobook features several talented narrators, including James Marsters, whose portrayal of Harry Dresden has become iconic, and the author himself, Jim Butcher. This volume comprises 12 stories, combining both original tales and previously published pieces from other anthologies.

**3.75 stars for “A Fistful of Warlocks.”** This story follows Anastasia Luccio in the early stages of her career as a Warden. Tasked with apprehending a rogue warlock, Anastasia travels to Dodge City, where she encounters legendary figures like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday. The narrative creates a captivating blend of Western atmosphere and supernatural intrigue, successfully showcasing the alliance and tension between the White Council and the Ventori. Additionally, we are treated to a glimpse of a younger, more inexperienced Anastasia as she navigates this unfamiliar territory.

**4.0 stars for “B is for Big Foot.”** Having read this story previously, I was pleased to find that my enthusiasm for it only grew upon re-reading. The plot revolves around Harry Dresden, who finds himself summoned into the woods for a mysterious job. Bigfoot, the legendary creature, enlists Harry’s help to check on his son, who is currently enrolled at a private school. The premise is amusing and light-hearted, showcasing a blend of humor and warmth as Harry embraces the unusual task at hand.

**5.0 stars for “AAAA Wizardry.”** This story marks a significant turning point for Harry, who takes on the role of mentor to a group of young wizards. He strives to impart values and knowledge about their responsibilities as Wardens. The narrative does an excellent job of highlighting Harry’s growth throughout the series, as he grapples with the weight of teaching and guiding a new generation while reflecting on his own long journey.

**5.0 stars for “I Was a Teenage Bigfoot.”** In yet another engaging installment, Harry receives another urgent call from Big Foot, this time concerning his son, Irwin, who is facing darker challenges at school, potentially involving malicious magic. As they reunite, it’s heartwarming to see how Irwin has absorbed Harry’s teachings, showcasing both a deeper connection and the lingering shadows of danger that encircle their lives.

**5.0 stars for “Curses.”** In this cleverly crafted tale, Harry finds himself embroiled in the famous Billy Goat Curse that has beleaguered the Chicago Cubs, preventing them from breaking their World Series drought. As Harry navigates this whimsical yet poignant narrative, he attempts to remedy the amusingly cursed situation, bringing a light-hearted touch to the often-serious tone of the series.

**5.0 stars for “Even Hand.”** This story delves into the complex character of John Marcone, the sole fully human participant in the Unseelie Accords. Known for his harsh demeanor, Marcone’s character is further developed when Justine seeks his protection. The story offers rich insight into Marcone’s perspective on Harry’s future, presenting a nuanced view of one of the series’s most intriguing villains.

**4.5 stars for “Big Foot on Campus.”** In this engaging narrative, Harry is once again recruited by Big Foot to assist his son Irwin, who may be in over his head due to matters of the heart. Initially reluctant, Harry agrees to help on the condition that Big Foot finally meets his child. This setup leads to a captivating exploration of family dynamics against a backdrop of potential danger.

**5.0 stars for “Bombshells.”** This story centers on Molly Carpenter and the profound impact that Dresden’s death has had on her life. Justine reappears, not as the damsel in distress but as a character seeking help for Thomas. The plot showcases Molly’s growth as she steps into action, combating a dire situation and trying to make a difference in the face of adversity.

**4.0 stars for “Cold Case.”** The narrative follows Molly Carpenter, the Winter Lady, along with Mab, as they embark on a mission to Alaska. While there, Molly is tasked with collecting a tribute from the Fae in Unalaska. However, her mission is complicated by the unexpected arrival of Carlos Ramirez, who brings with him a peculiar mystery that entangles Molly in a deeper conflict.

**5.0 stars for “Jury Duty.”** In this humorous yet tense installment, Harry finds himself serving on a jury, where his unique skill set adds a twist to the classic courtroom drama. The story captures the essence of Dresden’s character and the series’ hallmark blend of humor and supernatural intrigue.

**4.0 stars for “Day One.”** This tale features Waldo Butters, Harry’s friend and a capable coroner, who has undergone significant development throughout the series. As Butters takes on the mantle of a Knight of the Cross, he faces his first real battle, grappling with feelings of inadequacy as he prepares to step into a new role that requires courage and resilience.

**5.0 stars for “Zoo Day.”** I would gladly give this story more than 5 stars if I could! It’s a beautiful narrative capturing Harry, his daughter Maggie, and Mouse on their first meaningful outing together. The story artfully switches between their perspectives, illustrating Harry’s anxieties about fatherhood, Maggie’s hope to connect with her dad, and Mouse’s desire to protect his friends. As a darker element threatens to disrupt their joyful day, the trio must remain vigilant, adding depth to their familial bond.

For anyone missing the adventures of Harry Dresden and his eclectic group of companions, this anthology is a delightful treat that will surely capture your heart. Enjoy!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠.7

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Genome

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**Not as Good as the First Book**

Although I found some enjoyment in this book, I struggled to stay engaged with the story. There were moments when the plot felt overly dramatic, and the overall length made it a bit of a slog to get through. The characters, however, were still thoughtfully crafted and relatable, making them easy to root for despite the pacing issues. Unfortunately, there were times when I set the book aside for several days simply because it failed to capture my interest. I may be a little too generous in giving it 3 stars, but I acknowledge that the underlying story has merit, even if it wasn’t entirely captivating.

My rating: 💫💫💫

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Antique Bed

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This was my first encounter with this author’s work, and I found this short story exceptionally well-crafted. It has piqued my interest in reading more of his works. The narrative is engaging, with several intense moments that are effectively executed. The characters are surprisingly developed for the story’s brevity.

The local children have always whispered that the old hardware store was haunted. But do ghosts really exist?
After being left by her boyfriend, Sandy needs to find affordable housing and stumbles upon an apartment above the newly renovated hardware store. Disbelieving in ghosts, she’s thrilled to find such a bargain. However, as odd occurrences unfold, she begins to question her disbelief.

Try reading this story and form your own opinion.

My rating: ⚝⚝⚝⚝

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The Ghost of Normandy Road

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It simply didn’t resonate with me. Despite its high ratings and popularity, it failed to capture my interest. Perhaps I’ll reconsider it in the future if the opportunity arises. However, the inability to connect with any of the characters was a significant drawback for me, even though I persisted well beyond the usual stopping point.

My rating: 🌟

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The Afterlife of Abdul

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I have never read this author before. The story was a bit slow moving considering how short it is. The characters are bland and do not really draw you in. They are more just snapshots of their personalities without any real depth to them. The language that is used by them seems to fit with who they are as far I can tell.

Azrael, the Angel of Death comes to collect the souls of Abdul and those who die with him. Abdul does not die alone and Jenny, a six year old who is asleep in her mother’s back seat also dies. What happens next is something they could not have seen coming.

This was alright but not worth another read. I have not decided whether to red the next in the series yet. I will be reading another book from this author and decide what to do. While I found it rather dry someone else might not.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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Conquest: Angels of Chicago

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I had never read this author before, but I was open to giving their work a chance to captivate me. Initially, the story didn’t grab my attention, but as I delved deeper, I became more engaged, only to lose interest again towards the end. The book was riddled with grammatical errors, including missing or superfluous words. The characters were decent, yet I wished for a deeper exploration of their identities, despite the book’s brevity.

Sam Black, a private detective in Chicago, is burdened with a psychic ability he resents. He views it as a curse and believes he’s alone in his suffering until an angel named Alleam appears, heralding a series of extraordinary events. A cosmic battle between Heaven and Hell ensues, with Sam caught in the crossfire. Alleam enlists Sam’s help to avert the apocalypse, signaling that things will worsen before they improve.

Although this story wasn’t a favorite, I persisted to the end.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟

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Midnight Labyrinth

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The first three novellas provide a solid introduction to the series, acquainting us with key characters in Ben and Tenzin’s story. I give it 4.5 stars for the significant enjoyment it offers. Though not immediately gripping, by the second chapter, I was fully engaged and eager to see what would unfold next. The introduction of new characters and the return of familiar ones is appreciated after some time.

Benjamin Vecchio has abandoned his tumultuous life in New York, where he was raised by a famed vampire assassin. Now an adult, he comes back to the city that once brought him sorrow, intent on establishing an identity separate from his aunt and uncle. With Tenzin at his side, Ben begins to set up an antiquities recovery business in New York, echoing Giovanni’s rare book enterprise in California.

On a business outing one night, Ben encounters Chloe, his high school sweetheart, and they rekindle their relationship. Chloe introduces Ben to the works of Emil Samson, her celebrated artist, at an art gallery. There, Ben is struck by two discoveries: a troubling story from a young woman tied to a missing artwork, part of a trilogy, which he pledges to find pro bono, much to Tenzin’s chagrin. Moreover, their endeavors rarely proceed without complications.

This installment brings just the right amount of thrill, setting the stage for future books. It also addresses a grave domestic issue with appropriate sensitivity and attention. The experience is highly enjoyable, particularly when experienced through an audiobook that brings the characters to life vividly.

My rating: ✯✯✯✯½

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Omens and Artifacts

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Although I adore the characters, they seemed somewhat underdeveloped in this instance. I missed the usual action associated with Ben and Tenzin as they strive to establish their business. The new characters didn’t excite me, but there’s always potential for growth if they reappear.

In the Elemental world, reputation is crucial, yet it’s a double-edged sword. Benjamin Vecchio is venturing into the world of antiquities hunting and is in dire need of clients. His uncle’s notoriety as a legendary fire vampire assassin has generated much intrigue but hasn’t translated into job offers. Benjamin needs a significant find to earn the recognition and prestige he seeks. If he can recover Brennus the Celt’s lost sword, he believes it could be his breakthrough. All he needs is for a descendant of Brennus to employ him for the search.

Securing his reputation might also endanger his life, but that’s par for the course in the perilous realm of ancient vampires.

It remains an excellent choice for fans of the series.

My rating: ✭彡✭彡✭彡

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Tales From Ara

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Since the end of January, I’ve been attempting to read this book but have only reached page 162. No matter how many times I tried—and there were many—I couldn’t engage with the story. The characters, especially the main one, Harlette, didn’t captivate me enough to continue reading. Harlette often behaves in a childlike manner, despite being portrayed as a seductive woman. She frequently whines, throws tantrums, and behaves like a petulant child. The king of the land she enters is needlessly harsh and vexing to her and to anyone not in his immediate circle.

Harlette, single and a hopeless romantic, is an ordinary girl with just two dreams: to fall in love and to find her place in the world.
Her life, rather unremarkable until now, changes dramatically when she’s whisked away to another world, Ara, without any explanation or even proper clothing.
Clad only in underwear and stilettos, she ends up in Nimrod’s forest, where she is captured by Karayan, the elven king, and his guards. Nimrod is the mightiest kingdom in Ara, and Karayan is the most formidable of elves.
Although Karayan takes a strong interest in her, the appearance of humans in Ara is rare and often considered an ill omen, leading him to treat Harlette with suspicion and hostility…
Caught amid an escalating interdimensional conflict, branded as an intruder, and with no way back home, Harlette is thrust into a whirlwind of adventures. She soon realizes that this fairy tale, regardless of its cruelty or beauty, is not a figment of her imagination. Love is not as straightforward as in romance novels, and she must toughen up if she is to withstand the storm of events ahead.
Will Harlette uncover the reason for her abrupt transport to Ara, and does she possess the strength to confront the obstacles in her path?

The first thing I thought of when I started reading this was The Wizard of Oz because it has that same feel to it. Like a fairy tale that has a dark side but you have to really look deep to find it. There are elves, which makes the Oz thing not so much.

Though I could not find my way into the story someone else may. This just was not my cuppa on any level.

My rating: ✮

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Imitation and Alchemy

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Once more, I was drawn into the world of these unique vampires with their fascinating lives. The humans connected to them are equally intriguing, living alongside predators who are just a moment away from turning on them. The seamless introduction of new characters gives an immediate understanding of their personas.

Ben expected a tranquil summer before his final college semester, but that was wishful thinking. Tenzin, intrigued by the prospect of locating a trove of invaluable medieval coins for the vampire ruling Naples, planned a trip to Italy.

Ben vowed not to get entangled in another of Tenzin’s plots. A year later, he finds himself on the brink of another Italian adventure with her, lacking crucial details. Once again, Tenzin’s actions surprise him, revealing hidden agendas. Yet, this apparent debacle might have a silver lining.

The sequel may lack the action of its predecessor, but it offers a more compelling narrative that delves deeper into Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. Ben contemplates his significance to Tenzin, who appears to have claimed him as her own. As they embark on their new partnership and living situation, their lives are bound to become even more entwined.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟