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bookfessional's review against another edition
3.0
4.5 stars
Rebirth - How Aaron became a vampire and met Cassandra.
Bewitched - This is the story of how Eve and Kristof met and fell in love. And also the specifics concerning why she left him. Fair warning--it's as lovely as it is heartbreaking.
Birthright - Logan POV. How he joined the Pack.
Beginnings - At close to 200 pages this is closer to a short story than a novella (not that I'm complaining). It's included in the Tales of the Otherworld collection, and it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I'm talking OMGOMG!! amazing.
It's the story of how Clay and Elena met and fell in love right up to where it all went to hell (you can read about the hell part in Becoming). It's told, alternating, from both Clay and Elena's POV, so it finally answers the question, "What was his thinking?!" a million times over. Was it a crap thing to do? Yes. Do I love, love, L-O-V-E him anyway? YES.
Expectations - From Lucas's POV, about a run-in he had with Eve in an attempt to steal one of her grimoires.
Ghosts - Jeremy POV from right after he sent Elena and Clay to Toronto in Bitten.
Wedding Bell Hell - Countdown to Lucas and Paige's wedding. Meh.
The Case of El Chupacabra - Lucas and Paige short story with a tiny bit of Sean Nast tossed in. About an alleged vampire killing and how Lucas and Paige came into possession of their office space.
Rebirth - How Aaron became a vampire and met Cassandra.
Bewitched - This is the story of how Eve and Kristof met and fell in love. And also the specifics concerning why she left him. Fair warning--it's as lovely as it is heartbreaking.
Birthright - Logan POV. How he joined the Pack.
Beginnings - At close to 200 pages this is closer to a short story than a novella (not that I'm complaining). It's included in the Tales of the Otherworld collection, and it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I'm talking OMGOMG!! amazing.
It's the story of how Clay and Elena met and fell in love right up to where it all went to hell (you can read about the hell part in Becoming). It's told, alternating, from both Clay and Elena's POV, so it finally answers the question, "What was his thinking?!" a million times over. Was it a crap thing to do? Yes. Do I love, love, L-O-V-E him anyway? YES.
Expectations - From Lucas's POV, about a run-in he had with Eve in an attempt to steal one of her grimoires.
Ghosts - Jeremy POV from right after he sent Elena and Clay to Toronto in Bitten.
Wedding Bell Hell - Countdown to Lucas and Paige's wedding. Meh.
The Case of El Chupacabra - Lucas and Paige short story with a tiny bit of Sean Nast tossed in. About an alleged vampire killing and how Lucas and Paige came into possession of their office space.
booksenvogue's review against another edition
4.0
I scanned the chapter titles and only read the stories that seemed interesting. Sorry but Page and Lucus' wedding and first case wasn't very appealing. If it's mentioned in a later book, maybe I will come back and reread it.
evifyffe's review against another edition
1.0
I read the first two stories and didn't enjoy them....lame.
alice2000's review against another edition
4.0
As a faithful fan of the Women of the Otherworld this book delighted me almost completely. There were a couple of stories I didn't much care for, not because the writing or story lacked, just because I really am not too involved in the characters mentioned.
Paige and Lucas have always been lower on my favorites totem pole, but after reading their add on stories I'm a little more in love with them. It was also fabulous to see Eve & Kristos before Savannah and I take any chance to read more about Elena, Clay and Jeremy. Overall a very worthy collection!
Paige and Lucas have always been lower on my favorites totem pole, but after reading their add on stories I'm a little more in love with them. It was also fabulous to see Eve & Kristos before Savannah and I take any chance to read more about Elena, Clay and Jeremy. Overall a very worthy collection!
mountie9's review against another edition
5.0
The Good Stuff
* I've only read one other Kelley Armstrong book so far (The Gathering) and I was a little worried that I would be lost reading this anthology, but was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't lost at all, it just really whet my appetite to read the rest of her stories in order to find out more about their stories
* ALL proceeds from sale of book goes to World Literacy Canada - that is worth the price of the book alone
* Kelley just knows how to craft a good tale. I always feel slightly out of touch after I am reading her stories, because I become so engrossed in her world
* Favorite stories were Rebirth, Bewitched and Beginnings
* Intriguing, fast paced stories
* Love her dry humour
* Strong kick ass female characters
The Not so Good Stuff
* Now I want to read more books by her and I have some books that HAVE to be reviewed first, before I can read more by Kelley -- damn responsibilities
* Brought it to work with me one day to read at lunch and ended up reading for almost 2 hours -- and I only have a 1 hour lunch -- phew didn't get busted though
* As a new reader I was a little confused at what exactly the Cabal are
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"It was like seeing a mythical being come to life -- a real parent, the kind I'd heard existed, but never met. Certainly never had myself."
"Some women just aren't cut out to be mothers, and unfortunately it had taken Susanna three kids to realize she was one of them."
"I wasn't stupid enough to piss off a guy like that. Just stupid enough to do business with him and expect a fair deal."
"Vampirism is simply another state of consciousness" she said. "You will find that vampires do not appreciate being called--" Her lips twisted. "Undead".
What I Learned
* Tons of background information about various characters in the Otherworld
* That I NEED to get more books by Kelley -- hmm I know the babysitter and Keira have all of her books, think I will be borrowing from them for a change.
Who should/shouldn't read
* Pretty much anyone who is interested in a good tale with paranormal twists
* I would say 14+ due to some sexuality and violence - but it is not me to judge
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review -- thank guys for introducing me to such a spectacular author and she's Canadian : )
* I've only read one other Kelley Armstrong book so far (The Gathering) and I was a little worried that I would be lost reading this anthology, but was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't lost at all, it just really whet my appetite to read the rest of her stories in order to find out more about their stories
* ALL proceeds from sale of book goes to World Literacy Canada - that is worth the price of the book alone
* Kelley just knows how to craft a good tale. I always feel slightly out of touch after I am reading her stories, because I become so engrossed in her world
* Favorite stories were Rebirth, Bewitched and Beginnings
* Intriguing, fast paced stories
* Love her dry humour
* Strong kick ass female characters
The Not so Good Stuff
* Now I want to read more books by her and I have some books that HAVE to be reviewed first, before I can read more by Kelley -- damn responsibilities
* Brought it to work with me one day to read at lunch and ended up reading for almost 2 hours -- and I only have a 1 hour lunch -- phew didn't get busted though
* As a new reader I was a little confused at what exactly the Cabal are
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"It was like seeing a mythical being come to life -- a real parent, the kind I'd heard existed, but never met. Certainly never had myself."
"Some women just aren't cut out to be mothers, and unfortunately it had taken Susanna three kids to realize she was one of them."
"I wasn't stupid enough to piss off a guy like that. Just stupid enough to do business with him and expect a fair deal."
"Vampirism is simply another state of consciousness" she said. "You will find that vampires do not appreciate being called--" Her lips twisted. "Undead".
What I Learned
* Tons of background information about various characters in the Otherworld
* That I NEED to get more books by Kelley -- hmm I know the babysitter and Keira have all of her books, think I will be borrowing from them for a change.
Who should/shouldn't read
* Pretty much anyone who is interested in a good tale with paranormal twists
* I would say 14+ due to some sexuality and violence - but it is not me to judge
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review -- thank guys for introducing me to such a spectacular author and she's Canadian : )
destiel74's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It was a fine book not as intriguing as Armstrong's other work. I did enjoy the heartbreaking whirlwind romances of Kristoff/Eve and Clay/Eleana.
stronggirlreads's review against another edition
5.0
Elena and Clay's story alone is worth reading thing
slc333's review against another edition
3.0
Really loved the history of Elena and Clay's relationship. When I first read Bitten I didn't like Clay at all and couldn't understand why Elena loved him after he had turned her against her will. This story gave insight into Clay and made me understand why he did it and why Elena would eventually forgive him.
a_h_haga's review against another edition
4.0
REREAD 2020
So I have to admit that I heard part of this book as an audiobook, because I'm not able to read a lot these days for health-reasons. Because of that, I just have to say one thing: the male narrator was not good! His female voices and even his ''italian'' accent grated on my ears and made my teeth itch! That did ruin the whole experience a little for me. But other than that, it was a good book with good characters and stories.
Individual stories review:
REBIRTH
This story would probably be more interesting if I remembered who Aaron is.
It wasn't bad, tho.
3/5
BEWITCHED
The story of how Even and Kristoff got together and made Savannah, and how their relationship ended. It's a bittersweet story, knowing what we know of their fate, but it is well written and interesting, and shines a bright light on how Eve grew into the character we know from the main series.
4/5
BIRTHRIGHT
I'm glad we got to know Logan a little better with this story. I mean, he was clearly important to Elena, and he's important in later stories as well, so this is a much needed story.
Other than L, tho, it didn't really bring anything new to thw table.
3/5
BEGINNINGS
The story of how Cley and Elena met, and how they fell in love. It's a story I like for a lot of reasons, least of all the characters. Well written and interesting, shedding light on multiple characters.
4/5
EXPECTATIONS
A really short about the first meeting between Lucas and Eve, which is mentioned in the main-series to have happened before either char was introduced.
Wasn't bad, but didn't really do anything for me either
3/5
GHOSTS
A really short following Jeremy during Bitten. If I hadn't already read the series and the comics, this would have been a really strong one. Even now, it still tugged at my heartstrings, but it didmn't do more than that
3.5/5
WEDDING BELL HELL
Ah, the joy of family and weddings. Poor Paige and Lucas, but the destination is the goal, so.
Again, a fluff-story rather than an actual one, but still not bad.
3/5
THE CASE OF EL CHUPACABRA
A story that is actually a story, and somewhat interesting. Not quite as up there as some of the others, but still not bad! I like how it mixes the human world with the supernatural one, and how it evolves so many characters at a time.
3.5/5 stars
So, over all, it's more like 3.5/5 stars in general rating, but I'll leave the 4-star rating up because a half-star isn't an option.
-------------------------
Original rating: 4/5 stars
So I have to admit that I heard part of this book as an audiobook, because I'm not able to read a lot these days for health-reasons. Because of that, I just have to say one thing: the male narrator was not good! His female voices and even his ''italian'' accent grated on my ears and made my teeth itch! That did ruin the whole experience a little for me. But other than that, it was a good book with good characters and stories.
Individual stories review:
REBIRTH
This story would probably be more interesting if I remembered who Aaron is.
It wasn't bad, tho.
3/5
BEWITCHED
The story of how Even and Kristoff got together and made Savannah, and how their relationship ended. It's a bittersweet story, knowing what we know of their fate, but it is well written and interesting, and shines a bright light on how Eve grew into the character we know from the main series.
4/5
BIRTHRIGHT
I'm glad we got to know Logan a little better with this story. I mean, he was clearly important to Elena, and he's important in later stories as well, so this is a much needed story.
Other than L, tho, it didn't really bring anything new to thw table.
3/5
BEGINNINGS
The story of how Cley and Elena met, and how they fell in love. It's a story I like for a lot of reasons, least of all the characters. Well written and interesting, shedding light on multiple characters.
4/5
EXPECTATIONS
A really short about the first meeting between Lucas and Eve, which is mentioned in the main-series to have happened before either char was introduced.
Wasn't bad, but didn't really do anything for me either
3/5
GHOSTS
A really short following Jeremy during Bitten. If I hadn't already read the series and the comics, this would have been a really strong one. Even now, it still tugged at my heartstrings, but it didmn't do more than that
3.5/5
WEDDING BELL HELL
Ah, the joy of family and weddings. Poor Paige and Lucas, but the destination is the goal, so.
Again, a fluff-story rather than an actual one, but still not bad.
3/5
THE CASE OF EL CHUPACABRA
A story that is actually a story, and somewhat interesting. Not quite as up there as some of the others, but still not bad! I like how it mixes the human world with the supernatural one, and how it evolves so many characters at a time.
3.5/5 stars
So, over all, it's more like 3.5/5 stars in general rating, but I'll leave the 4-star rating up because a half-star isn't an option.
-------------------------
Original rating: 4/5 stars
paperbackstash's review against another edition
4.0
I'm completely gaga over The Women of the Otherworld series. It's hard to put these down - not only am I going through the novels in order (thirteen full length), but also the several novellas and anthology collections. This is the first anthology I've taken on for the series, and if they continue to be as good as this one, I'll end up enjoying these almost as much as the full-length novels. This is one of the highest recommended because it has Elena and Clay's novella where they first meet and bond.
The anthology opens mediocre before blooming into greatness. Rebirth is Aaron's short story - how he died, how he rose, how he meets Cassandra. It was just okay. I never cared about either character in the series either really. Short and to the point.
Bewitched is telling the backstory of how Eve met Kristof and how they ended up working together and eventually falling for each other. It was okay, but since I'm not attached to either of the characters just yet, I wasn't as glued into the story. The ending felt slightly abrupt. I'm curious how he found out about the pregnancy and did she go into hiding? Only more reading will tell. It would work out reading this one before or after Eve's full length novel, Haunted.
Birthright is a short stint showing Logan coming to Stonehaven. While I usually love Clay, he was a little too trigger happy for my tastes in this one. It's brief and shows a quick intro to the character and how he came there.
Beginnings is the heart of this anthology. Pretty much any fan of the series will want to see Clay and Elena meeting and falling for each other. The novella takes up most of the book at over 100 pages. It's told through alternating POVs for Elena and Clay. Shows his offstandish personality with people which comes across adorable. His intensity in the relationship with Elena = heart-putter. I love the slow and realistic way their bond develops. It's not instant lightning strike but it's awesome. The scene with Jeremy explains much more than I understood before on the reasoning. Excellent novella fans should hunt down.
Expectations is a brief journey of Lucas stealing a grimoire. It doesn't add anything to the cannons of the story, like Logan's short, but it's worth reading.
Ghosts is beautifully strong. Told through Jeremy's POV with flashbacks to Elena changed and begging to break from the cage, to Clay's weakness and also begging from the cage. It shows how lonely Jeremy is without him and how he fears the emptiness of the house. Haunting in theme and gorgeous writing, one of the best of the anthology.
Wedding Bell Hell is the top one outside Elena and Clay's meet that I wanted to read. It was funny as anticipated but I wish it were longer and could go into a bit more detail. Love that couple and the father's meddling. Recommended.
The Case of El Chupacabra was lengthy and enjoyable. We get into Paige and Luca's life while they explore and solve, but also other characters like Sean and a personal dilemma, Savannah showing off to her two grandfathers, Benecio's scheming, and a life changer for Lucas.
Tales of the Otherworld carries stories central to the characters: Elena and Clay meeting, Paige and Lucas tying the knot, Kris and Eve first falling for each other. It tells the backstory for a few minor characters like Aaron and Logan. Finally, it throws in some behind the scenes stuff that fleshes out some regulars like Jeremy. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
The anthology opens mediocre before blooming into greatness. Rebirth is Aaron's short story - how he died, how he rose, how he meets Cassandra. It was just okay. I never cared about either character in the series either really. Short and to the point.
Bewitched is telling the backstory of how Eve met Kristof and how they ended up working together and eventually falling for each other. It was okay, but since I'm not attached to either of the characters just yet, I wasn't as glued into the story. The ending felt slightly abrupt. I'm curious how he found out about the pregnancy and did she go into hiding? Only more reading will tell. It would work out reading this one before or after Eve's full length novel, Haunted.
Birthright is a short stint showing Logan coming to Stonehaven. While I usually love Clay, he was a little too trigger happy for my tastes in this one. It's brief and shows a quick intro to the character and how he came there.
Beginnings is the heart of this anthology. Pretty much any fan of the series will want to see Clay and Elena meeting and falling for each other. The novella takes up most of the book at over 100 pages. It's told through alternating POVs for Elena and Clay. Shows his offstandish personality with people which comes across adorable. His intensity in the relationship with Elena = heart-putter. I love the slow and realistic way their bond develops. It's not instant lightning strike but it's awesome. The scene with Jeremy explains much more than I understood before on the reasoning. Excellent novella fans should hunt down.
Expectations is a brief journey of Lucas stealing a grimoire. It doesn't add anything to the cannons of the story, like Logan's short, but it's worth reading.
Ghosts is beautifully strong. Told through Jeremy's POV with flashbacks to Elena changed and begging to break from the cage, to Clay's weakness and also begging from the cage. It shows how lonely Jeremy is without him and how he fears the emptiness of the house. Haunting in theme and gorgeous writing, one of the best of the anthology.
Wedding Bell Hell is the top one outside Elena and Clay's meet that I wanted to read. It was funny as anticipated but I wish it were longer and could go into a bit more detail. Love that couple and the father's meddling. Recommended.
The Case of El Chupacabra was lengthy and enjoyable. We get into Paige and Luca's life while they explore and solve, but also other characters like Sean and a personal dilemma, Savannah showing off to her two grandfathers, Benecio's scheming, and a life changer for Lucas.
Tales of the Otherworld carries stories central to the characters: Elena and Clay meeting, Paige and Lucas tying the knot, Kris and Eve first falling for each other. It tells the backstory for a few minor characters like Aaron and Logan. Finally, it throws in some behind the scenes stuff that fleshes out some regulars like Jeremy. Highly recommended for fans of the series.