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starfallz's review against another edition
2/2012 - Read the Ilona Andrews story. Loved how it was self contained and is a nice elaboration of a point between books 3 and 4.
laureljeanreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed all of the stories contained in this book, my favorites were definitely the Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh stories. All of them touched on Hellhounds in a different way with them ranging from just being mentioned to being a full character side kick. I have never read from the world of 2 of the stories and that being said I didn't feel lost or like I needed to catch up, it was easy to slip into the world of all of the different stories.
kayteeem's review against another edition
Was mostly reading for the Ilona Andrews novella... and now I have several other book series to check out. Very enjoyable, if you like kick-butt heroine paranormal romance/urban fantasy stories.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
I will be honest I did not finish the whole book. I didn't read Meljean Brook's short story set in her Guardian world. I know that she says that each Guardian book can be read on it's own and just the research I did on this anthology told me that the events in this book take place in between books, I didn't feel like I could enter the Guardian world in the middle like that. With that said I do look forward to reading more of Meljean Brook's other books and maybe I will get back to this story later.
Now on to the rest. I had yet to read anything else by Charlaine Harris besides her Sookie Stackhouse series. I liked the story she contributed to this anthology. I thought that she did a great job with the world building within the contstraints that a short story proposes. I actually was left wanting to know more. Wanting to hear other stories set in this setting.
I had not read anything by Nalini Singh before this. This story is part of her Guild Hunters series and where this being a series I'd never read before differs from Meljean Brook's story is that this story takes place before the events in the first offical story in the Guild Hunter series so the reader is not coming into the middle of the series, but getting a preview of what to expect in the series as a whole. It's not, however, a story about the main characters in the Guild Hunter novels but instead is about secondary characters that do appear in the novels as well. It's a nice introduction to the series and in fact i found the story and the mythology interesting enough to pick up the actual novels.
Lastly is Ilona Andrews' story set in her Kate Daniels world. I love the Kate Daniels series and I liked getting a different character's perspective (in this case Andrea). We get the story of Andrea and Raphael's relationship after the events in Magic Strikes. We also get a few little glimpses into what's going on with an injured Kate after the events of the aforementioned book. The end of this novel leads us nicely into the beginning events of the fourth novel Magic Bleeds. I liked learning background information about both Andrea and Raphael. I was saddened by Andrea's story of where / how she grew up and what she had to deal with. It makes her reaction to Kate's indifference to what she is understandable. It also makes her apprehensiveness towards starting anything with Raphael clear as well, but it's also nice to see her try to overcome her aversion to the pack and other Weres and give Raphael a try. I will admit to this story being the main reason I picked up this anthology. It's well worth it to get further insight into the Kate Daniels series, but fortunately it's nothing essential to the main storyline that would leave the reader lost if they don't read it.
Now on to the rest. I had yet to read anything else by Charlaine Harris besides her Sookie Stackhouse series. I liked the story she contributed to this anthology. I thought that she did a great job with the world building within the contstraints that a short story proposes. I actually was left wanting to know more. Wanting to hear other stories set in this setting.
I had not read anything by Nalini Singh before this. This story is part of her Guild Hunters series and where this being a series I'd never read before differs from Meljean Brook's story is that this story takes place before the events in the first offical story in the Guild Hunter series so the reader is not coming into the middle of the series, but getting a preview of what to expect in the series as a whole. It's not, however, a story about the main characters in the Guild Hunter novels but instead is about secondary characters that do appear in the novels as well. It's a nice introduction to the series and in fact i found the story and the mythology interesting enough to pick up the actual novels.
Lastly is Ilona Andrews' story set in her Kate Daniels world. I love the Kate Daniels series and I liked getting a different character's perspective (in this case Andrea). We get the story of Andrea and Raphael's relationship after the events in Magic Strikes. We also get a few little glimpses into what's going on with an injured Kate after the events of the aforementioned book. The end of this novel leads us nicely into the beginning events of the fourth novel Magic Bleeds. I liked learning background information about both Andrea and Raphael. I was saddened by Andrea's story of where / how she grew up and what she had to deal with. It makes her reaction to Kate's indifference to what she is understandable. It also makes her apprehensiveness towards starting anything with Raphael clear as well, but it's also nice to see her try to overcome her aversion to the pack and other Weres and give Raphael a try. I will admit to this story being the main reason I picked up this anthology. It's well worth it to get further insight into the Kate Daniels series, but fortunately it's nothing essential to the main storyline that would leave the reader lost if they don't read it.
showell's review against another edition
3.0
First two stories, while entertaining, felt phoned in. Last two were much better.
ginating's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic anthology! I love the novellas presented by the authors in this book...makes me want to go out and read more of their work. Quick, juicy, will leave you wanting more...
angels_gp17's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook Oct. 2017: I picked up the audio version for Must Love Hellhounds. I've been listening to my favorite series Kate Daniels and we have Kate Daniels #3.5 in this book. I loved the audio. When we got to Andrea barring her soul to Raphael, well I had goose bumps. It was such a powerful scene; even reading it. It's a turning point for Andrea. I had also forgotten that the Guild Hunter was in this installment, so I listened Angels’ Judgement, Guild Hunter #0.5. I had fun with that one too. I skipped the other two and didn't listen to them. The one thing that I noticed with the audio is that the voices between different series didn't change much Andrea (Kate Daniels series) and Sara (Guild Hunter) sound alike. I couldn't distinguish between the voices. We have just the one Narrator: Johanna Parker for all the stories.
******
Must Love Hellhounds was interesting and each novella featured a hellhound in someway. I have previously read Angel’s Judgement in Angels’ Flight and I re-read Magic Mourns. The Britlingens Go to Hell and Blind Spot where new novellas for me.
I like to pick up these type of books from the library. They give you a chance to try new authors and find new series to read. I enjoyed this anthology.
The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris - Rated: 3 Stars
I enjoyed this story, but I felt like I was missing something. I don’t think The Britlingens Go to Hell is part of a series and I felt like it needed to be. It was a little weird; especially since we don’t get enough backstory or world building. Their is a lot of action and no romance or sex in this novella. As for the hellhounds they play a minor role. I enjoyed them, but wish they played a bigger role and helped the little group in other ways.
Over all The Britlingens Go to Hell was enjoyable to read.
Angels’ Judgement (Guild Hunter #0.5) by Nalini Singh - Rated: 5 Stars
** Read as part of [b:Angels' Flight|9738582|Angels' Flight (Guild Hunter, #0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 3.5)|Nalini Singh|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1311894951s/9738582.jpg|14627662]
This one we get Sara Haziz's story. She is a human-born Guild Hunter who later becomes the Guild Director for America. Before she becomes the Director she is sent on a mission and tested by the Archangel’s – The Cadre. But, she’s not alone. Yummy, Deacon is at her side. He’s their to offer protection and to help Sarah on her mission.
It’s action-packed and gritty. I loved every moment of it. They are hunting one of their own, a Guild Hunter who may or may not have gone off the deep end. Sarah uses her mind along with her crossbow to her advantage. Deacon was amazing. He does his job well, but he can also be light and funny. The chemistry was off the charts with these two and those love scenes, steamy.
Angels’ Judgement was a treat. It was wonderful to see Sarah and Deacon become lovers. This novella was perfect. Their is action, danger, blood, and romance.
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels #3.5) by Ilona Andrews - Rated: 5 Stars
** Previously read as a single title
I re-read Magic Mourns. I just LOVE the Kate Daniels series.
Magic Mourns can be read as a standalone title or part of the series. The Andrews team does a fabulous job giving you all the pertinent information about the world that you need to enjoy this novella.
Andrea Nash, works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid and she’s also a Beastkin, but that’s a secret only a few know about. She’s a kick-ass women who loves her guns. I love Andrea. She is such a wonderful character and a great friend to Kate Daniels.
Raphael is a werehyena and bouda to the hyena clan. He’s been trying for 6 months to get Andrea to give him a try.
We are treated to Andra’s POV. Where this novella starts Andrea is filling in for Kate who’s on medical leave. A call comes in about a big dog chasing a shapeshifter and so she goes out to investigate. What she finds is Raphael being chased by “the coolest thing ever, a twenty foot tall three headed dog.”
It’s was nice to see Andrea loosen up a bit. It was also nice to see Raphael not give up and wear her down. These two have such a fun flirtatious banter between them in this novella and their romance explodes once they give into their desires and decide it’s ok to give a relationship a try.
This story is full of action, world building, mystery, mythology, and exciting characters. The world they live in is an uncertain one and Magic comes and goes as it pleases.
Magic Mourns is a fabulous read.
Blind Spot (The Guardians #5.5) by Meljean Brook - Rated: 4 Stars
I’ve only read one other novella in this series and have yet to try out The Guardians series.
Blind Spot features Maggie as she tracks Colin’s, (her employer), kidnapped niece and retrieves Blake, Colin’s nephew. I found Blake aka Geoff interesting. He’s blind, but with a special ability. Maggie is pretty kick-ass. These two ended up working together and in the process start to develop a more then working relationship.
The hellhound, Sir Pup, was a great addition. He doesn’t talk, but you can tell by his actions he understands whats going on and has a sense of humor. I found him to be enjoyable.
The world is interesting and has peeked my interesting in checking out the series. Blind Spot was an enjoyable novella.
******
Must Love Hellhounds was interesting and each novella featured a hellhound in someway. I have previously read Angel’s Judgement in Angels’ Flight and I re-read Magic Mourns. The Britlingens Go to Hell and Blind Spot where new novellas for me.
I like to pick up these type of books from the library. They give you a chance to try new authors and find new series to read. I enjoyed this anthology.
The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris - Rated: 3 Stars
I enjoyed this story, but I felt like I was missing something. I don’t think The Britlingens Go to Hell is part of a series and I felt like it needed to be. It was a little weird; especially since we don’t get enough backstory or world building. Their is a lot of action and no romance or sex in this novella. As for the hellhounds they play a minor role. I enjoyed them, but wish they played a bigger role and helped the little group in other ways.
Over all The Britlingens Go to Hell was enjoyable to read.
Angels’ Judgement (Guild Hunter #0.5) by Nalini Singh - Rated: 5 Stars
** Read as part of [b:Angels' Flight|9738582|Angels' Flight (Guild Hunter, #0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 3.5)|Nalini Singh|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1311894951s/9738582.jpg|14627662]
This one we get Sara Haziz's story. She is a human-born Guild Hunter who later becomes the Guild Director for America. Before she becomes the Director she is sent on a mission and tested by the Archangel’s – The Cadre. But, she’s not alone. Yummy, Deacon is at her side. He’s their to offer protection and to help Sarah on her mission.
It’s action-packed and gritty. I loved every moment of it. They are hunting one of their own, a Guild Hunter who may or may not have gone off the deep end. Sarah uses her mind along with her crossbow to her advantage. Deacon was amazing. He does his job well, but he can also be light and funny. The chemistry was off the charts with these two and those love scenes, steamy.
Angels’ Judgement was a treat. It was wonderful to see Sarah and Deacon become lovers. This novella was perfect. Their is action, danger, blood, and romance.
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels #3.5) by Ilona Andrews - Rated: 5 Stars
** Previously read as a single title
I re-read Magic Mourns. I just LOVE the Kate Daniels series.
Magic Mourns can be read as a standalone title or part of the series. The Andrews team does a fabulous job giving you all the pertinent information about the world that you need to enjoy this novella.
Andrea Nash, works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid and she’s also a Beastkin, but that’s a secret only a few know about. She’s a kick-ass women who loves her guns. I love Andrea. She is such a wonderful character and a great friend to Kate Daniels.
Raphael is a werehyena and bouda to the hyena clan. He’s been trying for 6 months to get Andrea to give him a try.
We are treated to Andra’s POV. Where this novella starts Andrea is filling in for Kate who’s on medical leave. A call comes in about a big dog chasing a shapeshifter and so she goes out to investigate. What she finds is Raphael being chased by “the coolest thing ever, a twenty foot tall three headed dog.”
It’s was nice to see Andrea loosen up a bit. It was also nice to see Raphael not give up and wear her down. These two have such a fun flirtatious banter between them in this novella and their romance explodes once they give into their desires and decide it’s ok to give a relationship a try.
This story is full of action, world building, mystery, mythology, and exciting characters. The world they live in is an uncertain one and Magic comes and goes as it pleases.
Magic Mourns is a fabulous read.
Blind Spot (The Guardians #5.5) by Meljean Brook - Rated: 4 Stars
I’ve only read one other novella in this series and have yet to try out The Guardians series.
Blind Spot features Maggie as she tracks Colin’s, (her employer), kidnapped niece and retrieves Blake, Colin’s nephew. I found Blake aka Geoff interesting. He’s blind, but with a special ability. Maggie is pretty kick-ass. These two ended up working together and in the process start to develop a more then working relationship.
The hellhound, Sir Pup, was a great addition. He doesn’t talk, but you can tell by his actions he understands whats going on and has a sense of humor. I found him to be enjoyable.
The world is interesting and has peeked my interesting in checking out the series. Blind Spot was an enjoyable novella.
claire_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris- ★
I hated this story, the writing is simplistic and overly descriptive (I don't care what type of polish people are using on their armour, I don't need it described for both characters It really could have been written by a fifteen year old) but what really infuriated me was the way that rape was treated, Trovis attempted to rape Batanya ("he wouldn't take no for an answer" she broke her collarbone and his arm fighting him off) and yet this is seen as something they just have to deal with, they'll apparently loose respect if they report it to their senior officer. It just casually implies that women in the fighting forces should just deal with attempted rape and sexual assault when it's a serious issue that no one should have to deal with. Considering that rape in the armed forces is such a sensitive issue this really should have been dealt with better. It was also determinedly 'adult' with constant out of place references to sex and genitalia but at no point was it vaguely sexy.
Angel's Judgement by Nalini Singh - ★★★★
I enjoyed this, it's a sweet little prequel that explains Sara and Deacon's story as she's getting chosen to be guild director. It was nice to get that background and while it's not a crucial part of the story it was a nice addition. It's set before the series begins so while you'd probably understand mroe if you know the series it isn't necessary.
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews - ★★★★★
I really enjoyed this, it's a fun aside in the Kate Daniels world (all the characters are fairly well established ones so I don't know how enjoyable it would be if you hadn't read the rest of the series). We get some background to Andrea and more details of her relationship with Raphael. It was funny, sweet and kickass. A great short story.
(I didn't read the Meljean Brook Story because I've not read the rest of the series - I'm thinking about reading it and didn't want any spoilers)
I hated this story, the writing is simplistic and overly descriptive (I don't care what type of polish people are using on their armour, I don't need it described for both characters It really could have been written by a fifteen year old) but what really infuriated me was the way that rape was treated, Trovis attempted to rape Batanya ("he wouldn't take no for an answer" she broke her collarbone and his arm fighting him off) and yet this is seen as something they just have to deal with, they'll apparently loose respect if they report it to their senior officer. It just casually implies that women in the fighting forces should just deal with attempted rape and sexual assault when it's a serious issue that no one should have to deal with. Considering that rape in the armed forces is such a sensitive issue this really should have been dealt with better. It was also determinedly 'adult' with constant out of place references to sex and genitalia but at no point was it vaguely sexy.
Angel's Judgement by Nalini Singh - ★★★★
I enjoyed this, it's a sweet little prequel that explains Sara and Deacon's story as she's getting chosen to be guild director. It was nice to get that background and while it's not a crucial part of the story it was a nice addition. It's set before the series begins so while you'd probably understand mroe if you know the series it isn't necessary.
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews - ★★★★★
I really enjoyed this, it's a fun aside in the Kate Daniels world (all the characters are fairly well established ones so I don't know how enjoyable it would be if you hadn't read the rest of the series). We get some background to Andrea and more details of her relationship with Raphael. It was funny, sweet and kickass. A great short story.
(I didn't read the Meljean Brook Story because I've not read the rest of the series - I'm thinking about reading it and didn't want any spoilers)
desiree_mcl's review against another edition
4.0
Note: This rating is just for Nalini Singh's Angels' Judgement and Ilona Andrew's Magic Mourns.
Angels' Judgement by Nalini Singh: 4 stars. 89 pages. This was an entertaining short story. The pace moved really well and it's a fun time. I've read the first book and I really enjoyed seeing how Sara and Deacon got together. I'm really liking this series and I look forward to reading the next one.
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews: 4.5 stars. 90 pages. What a pleasant surprise, I've been impatiently waiting for [b:Gunmetal Magic|12288282|Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)|Ilona Andrews|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331230049s/12288282.jpg|17264774] because I love Andrea and Raphael and want to read almost as much about them as I do about Kate and Curran, but I didn't realize this short Kate Daniels installment was focused on Andrea and Raphael. So this has taken the edge off a bit. I already love Andrea but I love her more after this one. My heart went out to her when she was telling Raphael how she grew up. I liked the Hades/Persephone information given, that's always been a favorite Greek myth of mine. And even though this satisfied a bit of the Andrea/Raphael craving I'm still jumping up and down with excitement for Gunmetal Magic.
Angels' Judgement by Nalini Singh: 4 stars. 89 pages. This was an entertaining short story. The pace moved really well and it's a fun time. I've read the first book and I really enjoyed seeing how Sara and Deacon got together. I'm really liking this series and I look forward to reading the next one.
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews: 4.5 stars. 90 pages. What a pleasant surprise, I've been impatiently waiting for [b:Gunmetal Magic|12288282|Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)|Ilona Andrews|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331230049s/12288282.jpg|17264774] because I love Andrea and Raphael and want to read almost as much about them as I do about Kate and Curran, but I didn't realize this short Kate Daniels installment was focused on Andrea and Raphael. So this has taken the edge off a bit. I already love Andrea but I love her more after this one. My heart went out to her when she was telling Raphael how she grew up. I liked the Hades/Persephone information given, that's always been a favorite Greek myth of mine. And even though this satisfied a bit of the Andrea/Raphael craving I'm still jumping up and down with excitement for Gunmetal Magic.