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stronggirlreads's review against another edition
5.0
Elena and Clay's story alone is worth reading thing
oliviagwynne's review against another edition
4.0
I loved see how Clay and Elena first got together! I love all these short stories filling out the inbetweens.
wealhtheow's review against another edition
3.0
A surprisingly strong collection of stories about characters from Armstrong's Otherworld novels. Some provide insight into side characters. Others fill in gaps in the lives of protagonists like Eve Levine.
I enjoyed the longest story of the lot, in which Paige and Lucas investigate a possible vampire attack. Besides giving us a view into their domestic life (which I quite enjoyed--to me, their relationship feels the most real and lived-in of all the romances in the Otherworld), it also gives depth to the benefits and strictures of Cabal life. Lucas distanced himself from the Cabals long ago, but is beginning to think that a closer connection might be useful. Sean, on the other hand, is the heir to the other largest Cabal, and he has chosen to try to change the organization from within. He finds that doing so is more painful and difficult than he'd imagined. The contrast isn't belabored within the story, but it is interesting.
The least successful story, for me, covered Clayton falling in love with Elena pre-[b:Bitten|11918|Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1306101770s/11918.jpg|2606334], when he was a hotshot young professor and she was his beautiful student. He's immediately enamored with her and so offers her a job as his TA (even though she's an undergrad) to keep her around. Eventually they start dating and get engaged. Clayton, however, is a werewolf sworn to secrecy about the supernatural, and to ensure this the Alpha won't allow anyone to be in a serious relationship with a human.Clayton can't bear to give Elena up but also doesn't want to disobey his Alpha and be cast out of his family, so he bites Elena. Nonconsensually turning someone into a werewolf is pretty shitty, but to make his act even worse, he knows that no adult has been successfully turned before. His bite pretty much condemns her to death. Since writing this backstory into [b:Bitten|11918|Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1306101770s/11918.jpg|2606334], Armstrong seems to have realized how incredibly fucked up it is, and has given Clayton a sob story and some softening in an attempt to make Elena's eventual marriage to Clayton (the man who lied to her and basically tried to kill her) seem less twisted. But seeing the world through Clayton's eyes doesn't make his decision to turn Elena any less horrific; instead, it makes it clear that he was absolutely clear-headed and knew exactly what he was doing. Suuuuper icky. I never liked him or the werewolf-centric books in general (the constant rape threats to Elena from all the other werewolves get old fast), but this short story just cemented my dislike.
I enjoyed the longest story of the lot, in which Paige and Lucas investigate a possible vampire attack. Besides giving us a view into their domestic life (which I quite enjoyed--to me, their relationship feels the most real and lived-in of all the romances in the Otherworld), it also gives depth to the benefits and strictures of Cabal life. Lucas distanced himself from the Cabals long ago, but is beginning to think that a closer connection might be useful. Sean, on the other hand, is the heir to the other largest Cabal, and he has chosen to try to change the organization from within. He finds that doing so is more painful and difficult than he'd imagined. The contrast isn't belabored within the story, but it is interesting.
The least successful story, for me, covered Clayton falling in love with Elena pre-[b:Bitten|11918|Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1306101770s/11918.jpg|2606334], when he was a hotshot young professor and she was his beautiful student. He's immediately enamored with her and so offers her a job as his TA (even though she's an undergrad) to keep her around. Eventually they start dating and get engaged. Clayton, however, is a werewolf sworn to secrecy about the supernatural, and to ensure this the Alpha won't allow anyone to be in a serious relationship with a human.
si0bhan's review against another edition
4.0
I was rather excited to read The Case of El Chupacabra as I was eager to get a decent length tale told from the point of view of my favourite male from the Women of the Otherworld series – Lucas. I will be honest and say this story wasn’t quite what I had expected, but I enjoyed being given the chance to read a story that followed Lucas and the drama of his life.
In truth, this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating. I believe the reason for this is that I set my standards a bit too high when I realised there was a Lucas tale to be read. However, I did have a lot of fun with it, and it was close enough to a four-star rating for me to decide to round it up.
With this one, we follow a tale that intertwines Lucas and Sean, giving us insight into the drama of both. We get to find out more about Sean and his choices, along with finding out more about how certainly elements of the Paige and Lucas story come to be. There were points in this story where things seemed to drag on a bit, but for the most part I had fun watching how everything came together.
If you’re a fan of the series and you enjoy watching how all the little bits come together, I would certainly recommend giving The Case of El Chupacabra a read.
Merged review:
I’m a big fan of Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series (Kelley Armstrong in general, if we’re being completely honest), meaning I was more than happy to dive into the Otherworld short stories despite the fact I’m not that big a fan of short stories. With my love of the world and the characters, though, I was more than willing to believe Kelley Armstrong would be offering some great stories in the collections offered.
Although I have given Tales of the Otherworld a three-star rating, know the book is made up of three-star reads and four-star reads. The reason I gave an overall three-star rating is that I rounded down my rating, as there were more three-star ratings than four-star ratings.
Despite the three-star rating, I did have a lot of fun with this one. There was so much enjoyment to be had throughout, with plenty of stories being offered, guaranteeing something for fans of each of the characters. More than worth the read if you’re a fan of the Women of the Otherworld series.
Individual ratings:
Rebirth: Three stars.
Bewitched: Four stars.
Birthright: Three stars.
Beginnings : Four stars.
Expectations: Three stars.
Ghosts: Three stars.
Wedding Bell Hell: Three stars.
The Case of El Chupacabra: Four stars.
In truth, this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating. I believe the reason for this is that I set my standards a bit too high when I realised there was a Lucas tale to be read. However, I did have a lot of fun with it, and it was close enough to a four-star rating for me to decide to round it up.
With this one, we follow a tale that intertwines Lucas and Sean, giving us insight into the drama of both. We get to find out more about Sean and his choices, along with finding out more about how certainly elements of the Paige and Lucas story come to be. There were points in this story where things seemed to drag on a bit, but for the most part I had fun watching how everything came together.
If you’re a fan of the series and you enjoy watching how all the little bits come together, I would certainly recommend giving The Case of El Chupacabra a read.
Merged review:
I’m a big fan of Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series (Kelley Armstrong in general, if we’re being completely honest), meaning I was more than happy to dive into the Otherworld short stories despite the fact I’m not that big a fan of short stories. With my love of the world and the characters, though, I was more than willing to believe Kelley Armstrong would be offering some great stories in the collections offered.
Although I have given Tales of the Otherworld a three-star rating, know the book is made up of three-star reads and four-star reads. The reason I gave an overall three-star rating is that I rounded down my rating, as there were more three-star ratings than four-star ratings.
Despite the three-star rating, I did have a lot of fun with this one. There was so much enjoyment to be had throughout, with plenty of stories being offered, guaranteeing something for fans of each of the characters. More than worth the read if you’re a fan of the Women of the Otherworld series.
Individual ratings:
Rebirth: Three stars.
Bewitched: Four stars.
Birthright: Three stars.
Beginnings : Four stars.
Expectations: Three stars.
Ghosts: Three stars.
Wedding Bell Hell: Three stars.
The Case of El Chupacabra: Four stars.
lucillemeeps's review against another edition
4.0
I love and adore the Women of the Otherworld series, so I love when we get to learn more about the different characters and their backstories. I thought that all of the stories were interesting; they provided those cool little tidbits into the lives of the characters, some big, some small. Parts with Logan made me sad, because we never really got to know him in Bitten. I definitely had two favourite stories, which are probably pretty obvious, but as a huge Elena/Clay fan, I couldn't get enough of knowing how they started out. I was so happy when I saw how much bigger their section was than all the others. That being said, I also really enjoyed the Eve/Kris, and I felt so annoyed that Thomas Nast couldn't have been more like Benicio Cortez and been happy for his son, but I guess having two nice Cabal leaders wouldn't be all that realistic. For some reason, the case of El Chupcabra (sp?) just couldn't hold my interest. Maybe it was because it was late and I was tired, but it took me a while to read, and by the end I was just reading to finish the book. Overall though, I really enjoyed it, and I hope that Kelley never stops writing about these characters because I grow so much more attatched to them with every story :)
nectar's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed these back stories that added to the development of all the characters that we have come to know and love. It makes me want to read the whole series all over again. I read Eve/Kristof's book and it didn't appeal to me because it was a whole story on how these two people are rediscovering their love for each other and it didn't pull me in because I had no idea what kind of relationship they had in the past. The mini story about how they met and fell in love was great!! Now, I better understand where those two are coming from and it has changed my mind about that book. I was even more thrilled to read about how Clay and Elena met! It makes me love Clay that much more (if that's even possible)!
cleocleveland's review against another edition
3.0
Like all anthologies some were better than others. Unlike everyone else, I've never been a particular fan of Clay and his POV didn't do anything to change that. But I enjoyed Eve & Kristoff's story and I liked the Paige & Lucas stories.
julesgou's review against another edition
5.0
I love these little short stories just as much as the novels!
We get to see into several other people's mind that we don't normally see. Clayton, Jeremy and Aaron are all featured in these stories! We also get other questions asked that aren't answered in much detail in the novels. We see how Clayton met Elena and how Aaron was turned into a vampire.
There are some longer tales and some shorter ones, but they are all the perfect amount for someone who is just getting into the series or wants to go back to it.
I love this series. I love it so much!
I can't wait to read the next one and the rest of the short stories!
We get to see into several other people's mind that we don't normally see. Clayton, Jeremy and Aaron are all featured in these stories! We also get other questions asked that aren't answered in much detail in the novels. We see how Clayton met Elena and how Aaron was turned into a vampire.
There are some longer tales and some shorter ones, but they are all the perfect amount for someone who is just getting into the series or wants to go back to it.
I love this series. I love it so much!
I can't wait to read the next one and the rest of the short stories!
readclever's review against another edition
5.0
A slice of life into Otherworld. Armstrong offers a lot of glimpses into established characters while opening up opportunities for side stories and novellas. Otherworld stories are my favorite, I must admit. I'm a tried and true fan. One thing that really made me appreciate the anthology of novellas is the fact they all center on family. Granted, that's typical Armstrong style, but this felt like more. Family was the binder. Threats to family, to breaking up a unit, seemed to create a lot of tension.
Back stories include Elena and Clayton's first meeting at the University of Toronto as well as Eve and Kristoff's cross country love affair. What I appreciated more was the look into Logan's life. I was intrigued by the character in Bitten and I wanted to know more. Armstrong provides a lot of back story. Not just with his short, but Elena's tale as well. It's all about offering family ties.
The Cortez and Nast Cabals in "The Case of El Chupacabra" show a different side of the equation, especially around Savannah. Sean's clear love for his little sister is echoed in Benicio's affection, even letting her call him Grandpa. Thomas and Josef Nast's clear dislike of a Kristoff reminder are an even harder reminder of how cold sorcerers can be. But ultimately, it's up to the individual person. Cassandra's appearance creates a sharp, efficient contrast to the Nasts.
I highly recommend the book for fans of the series as well as for new readers. You may not understand every character but the ties that bind are very clearly outlined. Anne Bishop called Witch "Dreams Made Flesh." I would say that Otherworld turns supernatural beings into connected jewels on a tangled web.
Back stories include Elena and Clayton's first meeting at the University of Toronto as well as Eve and Kristoff's cross country love affair. What I appreciated more was the look into Logan's life. I was intrigued by the character in Bitten and I wanted to know more. Armstrong provides a lot of back story. Not just with his short, but Elena's tale as well. It's all about offering family ties.
The Cortez and Nast Cabals in "The Case of El Chupacabra" show a different side of the equation, especially around Savannah. Sean's clear love for his little sister is echoed in Benicio's affection, even letting her call him Grandpa. Thomas and Josef Nast's clear dislike of a Kristoff reminder are an even harder reminder of how cold sorcerers can be. But ultimately, it's up to the individual person. Cassandra's appearance creates a sharp, efficient contrast to the Nasts.
I highly recommend the book for fans of the series as well as for new readers. You may not understand every character but the ties that bind are very clearly outlined. Anne Bishop called Witch "Dreams Made Flesh." I would say that Otherworld turns supernatural beings into connected jewels on a tangled web.
book_grinch's review against another edition
4.0
Review to be translated
De todas as séries de fantasia urbana ( e restantes subdivisões) esta série da K.A é das minhas preferidas, por isso já sabia que ao comprar este livro não ia ter desilusões.
Para quem já conhece a série e os seus protagonistas, esta é oportunidade de clarificar certas situações e de ficarmos a conhecer como muitos deles se conheceram .
" Rebirth", conta-nos como Aaron se transformou em vampiro e como ele e Cassandra se conheceram.
"Bewitched" é acerca de Eve Levine e Kristoff Nash. Como se conheceram e porque se separaram. Gostei tanto do conto que deu-me vontade de reler o livro " Haunted", o livro dos dois. As 66 páginas souberam a pouco.
"Birtright"- Algumas coisas nunca mudam. E Clay Danvers é uma delas. Feroz protector de Jeremy Danvers, ele é do tipo de reagir primeiro e fazer perguntas depois. Aqui ficamos a saber como correu o primeiro encontro entre ele e Logan. Digamos que a coisa....não correu bem...
"Beginnings", apresenta-nos uma jovem Elena que se prepara para assistir a uma aula do Dr. Clayton Danvers...o professor resmungão. Bastante bom permite-nos finalmente conhecer a história do romance atribulado deste dois.
"Expectations", onde Lucas Cortez enfrenta a famosa Eve Levine.
"Ghosts", dá-nos uma amostra das verdadeiras capacidades de Jeremy.
"Wedding Bell Hell", casamento de Paige e Lucas com interferências de amigos familiares e Savannah.
" The case of El Chupacabra", apresenta-nos Lucas e Paige em acção.
Uma boa colecção de contos que não dispensa a leitura dos restantes livros da série. Um bom livro.
De todas as séries de fantasia urbana ( e restantes subdivisões) esta série da K.A é das minhas preferidas, por isso já sabia que ao comprar este livro não ia ter desilusões.
Para quem já conhece a série e os seus protagonistas, esta é oportunidade de clarificar certas situações e de ficarmos a conhecer como muitos deles se conheceram .
" Rebirth", conta-nos como Aaron se transformou em vampiro e como ele e Cassandra se conheceram.
"Bewitched" é acerca de Eve Levine e Kristoff Nash. Como se conheceram e porque se separaram. Gostei tanto do conto que deu-me vontade de reler o livro " Haunted", o livro dos dois. As 66 páginas souberam a pouco.
"Birtright"- Algumas coisas nunca mudam. E Clay Danvers é uma delas. Feroz protector de Jeremy Danvers, ele é do tipo de reagir primeiro e fazer perguntas depois. Aqui ficamos a saber como correu o primeiro encontro entre ele e Logan. Digamos que a coisa....não correu bem...
"Beginnings", apresenta-nos uma jovem Elena que se prepara para assistir a uma aula do Dr. Clayton Danvers...o professor resmungão. Bastante bom permite-nos finalmente conhecer a história do romance atribulado deste dois.
"Expectations", onde Lucas Cortez enfrenta a famosa Eve Levine.
"Ghosts", dá-nos uma amostra das verdadeiras capacidades de Jeremy.
"Wedding Bell Hell", casamento de Paige e Lucas com interferências de amigos familiares e Savannah.
" The case of El Chupacabra", apresenta-nos Lucas e Paige em acção.
Uma boa colecção de contos que não dispensa a leitura dos restantes livros da série. Um bom livro.