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julieolson's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the Otherworld stories and some of the stand alones.
laurla's review against another edition
a collection of twenty-three short stories.
rakshasa - an immortal woman, bound in servitude, acts as a hand of justice for her masters, making them too much money to ever want to release her.
kat (darkest powers) - Kat is a runaway teen who lives with Marguerite, a vampire. they're trying desperately to stay one step ahead of the evil doctors who genetically engineered her. Or did they?
a haunted house of her own - Tanya is looking for a haunted house to open as a bed and breakfast with her husband Nathan. She gets way more than she bargained for.
learning curve (otherworld, zoe) - Someone’s been stalking Zoe – rather sloppily – so she decides to toy with her stalker and teach them a lesson.
the screams of dragons (# 0.5 cainsville) - a boy named Bobby has strange dreams about meadows and castles... and dragons. He makes the mistake of telling his grandmother about them and she never looks at him or treats him the same. It sends him on a path that ultimately destroys his life.
the kitsune's nine tales (age of legends) - The Emperor has sentenced his former marshal to exile and has sent a young soldier to accompany him. The Emperor warns the young man of the nine tactics his old friend alvar kitsune will use to try to secure his freedom.
last stand - After a zombie apocalypse, Monica is the Commander of the resistance against the Others, and she’ll do anything to protect her people. But things aren’t always as they may seem. it leaves you questioning who the real monsters are.
bamboozled (otherworld) - in the wild west a werewolf bounty hunter and his mate bamboozle people. We follow Lily, Cooper and their gang as they hunt a half demon, but the job goes a bit sideways.
branded (darkest powers/darkness rising) - Rayne and Braeden both live in the Fortress that keeps pure humans away from the branded supernaturals of the world. Rayne doesn't want the life of a whore she is expected to have and it's only a matter of time before everyone figures out Braeden is really a werewolf. So they concoct a plan to escape and ensure their survival in the harsh world outside the walls.
the list (otherworld, zoe) - Follow-up story to LEARNING CURVE, this story catches up with Zoe and her new protege who she jokingly calls “Brittany the Vampire Slayer.” These two are dealing with a list circulating Toronto, allegedly naming all the vampires living there.
young bloods (otherworld) - what happens when young vampires pick the wrong victim.
the door - a husband and wife and their two daughters live in isolation in a home with two doors, which they're never supposed to open.
dead flowers by a roadside - the story of a necromancer whose wife and daughter died in a car accident when he was behind the wheel.
suffer the children - A diphtheria epidemic has just decimated the town, killing thirty-six people: one-third of its inhabitants and the vast majority of their children. Two strangers come to town, promising miracles… for a price. Addie and her adoptive father, the town preacher, feel that there’s something unwholesome about these two men, but most of the folk in town are so dazzled by the strangers’ promise to bring some of their children back to life that they shut their ears to any who try to voice a warning.
the collector - Sarah is a puzzle enthusiast and collector. When an online contest brings her to solve a particularly spectacular puzzle box, the story takes a cool hellraiser type turn.
Gabriel's gargoyles (# 3.1 cainsville, Gabriel) - the story of young Gabriel as he deals with his druggie mom and finds all the gargoyles in cainsville.
harbinger - Jenna is a pretty normal college student when she suddenly finds herself being followed…by apparitions. But are these drowned women ghosts, or are they something more sinister?
v plates (otherworld, nick) - Reese enlists nick and they hatch a plan to relieve noah of his 'v plates' at a brothel that turns out to be something else entirely.
life sentence (otherworld) - Daniel Boyd, a sorcerer in a cabal, is diagnosed with cancer. He uses his wealth and influence to search for a supernatural path to immortality. He cuts corners with people's lives. He does whatever it takes. That ruthlessness gets him the answer he seeks, but it also gets him something else he doesn't expect.
plan b - Gregory and Deanna are having an affair, and the only way forward is to kill Gregory’s wife Abby. But no murder is perfect!
the hunt (# 4.1 cainsville) - A serial killer signs on for a hunt to add something extra to his next murder. But the tables are turned. a story of the wild hunt.
dead to me - It seems this woman's husband just doesn't want to let go, now that he's taken a tumble down her stairs. No matter how many times she tells him that he's dead, he doesn't want to listen. But it's not so simple as a haunting.
devil may care (# 4.2 cainsville, Patrick) - Patrick is an old member of the fae, who loves living life as he sees fit: with no responsibility. Until he starts having dreams of an old tragedy, destined to repeat itself through the ages. And he will play a part, whether he likes it, or not. its the story of how Gabriel's father Patrick, and mother Seanna met.
rakshasa - an immortal woman, bound in servitude, acts as a hand of justice for her masters, making them too much money to ever want to release her.
kat (darkest powers) - Kat is a runaway teen who lives with Marguerite, a vampire. they're trying desperately to stay one step ahead of the evil doctors who genetically engineered her. Or did they?
a haunted house of her own - Tanya is looking for a haunted house to open as a bed and breakfast with her husband Nathan. She gets way more than she bargained for.
learning curve (otherworld, zoe) - Someone’s been stalking Zoe – rather sloppily – so she decides to toy with her stalker and teach them a lesson.
the screams of dragons (# 0.5 cainsville) - a boy named Bobby has strange dreams about meadows and castles... and dragons. He makes the mistake of telling his grandmother about them and she never looks at him or treats him the same. It sends him on a path that ultimately destroys his life.
the kitsune's nine tales (age of legends) - The Emperor has sentenced his former marshal to exile and has sent a young soldier to accompany him. The Emperor warns the young man of the nine tactics his old friend alvar kitsune will use to try to secure his freedom.
last stand - After a zombie apocalypse, Monica is the Commander of the resistance against the Others, and she’ll do anything to protect her people. But things aren’t always as they may seem. it leaves you questioning who the real monsters are.
bamboozled (otherworld) - in the wild west a werewolf bounty hunter and his mate bamboozle people. We follow Lily, Cooper and their gang as they hunt a half demon, but the job goes a bit sideways.
branded (darkest powers/darkness rising) - Rayne and Braeden both live in the Fortress that keeps pure humans away from the branded supernaturals of the world. Rayne doesn't want the life of a whore she is expected to have and it's only a matter of time before everyone figures out Braeden is really a werewolf. So they concoct a plan to escape and ensure their survival in the harsh world outside the walls.
the list (otherworld, zoe) - Follow-up story to LEARNING CURVE, this story catches up with Zoe and her new protege who she jokingly calls “Brittany the Vampire Slayer.” These two are dealing with a list circulating Toronto, allegedly naming all the vampires living there.
young bloods (otherworld) - what happens when young vampires pick the wrong victim.
the door - a husband and wife and their two daughters live in isolation in a home with two doors, which they're never supposed to open.
dead flowers by a roadside - the story of a necromancer whose wife and daughter died in a car accident when he was behind the wheel.
suffer the children - A diphtheria epidemic has just decimated the town, killing thirty-six people: one-third of its inhabitants and the vast majority of their children. Two strangers come to town, promising miracles… for a price. Addie and her adoptive father, the town preacher, feel that there’s something unwholesome about these two men, but most of the folk in town are so dazzled by the strangers’ promise to bring some of their children back to life that they shut their ears to any who try to voice a warning.
the collector - Sarah is a puzzle enthusiast and collector. When an online contest brings her to solve a particularly spectacular puzzle box, the story takes a cool hellraiser type turn.
Gabriel's gargoyles (# 3.1 cainsville, Gabriel) - the story of young Gabriel as he deals with his druggie mom and finds all the gargoyles in cainsville.
harbinger - Jenna is a pretty normal college student when she suddenly finds herself being followed…by apparitions. But are these drowned women ghosts, or are they something more sinister?
v plates (otherworld, nick) - Reese enlists nick and they hatch a plan to relieve noah of his 'v plates' at a brothel that turns out to be something else entirely.
life sentence (otherworld) - Daniel Boyd, a sorcerer in a cabal, is diagnosed with cancer. He uses his wealth and influence to search for a supernatural path to immortality. He cuts corners with people's lives. He does whatever it takes. That ruthlessness gets him the answer he seeks, but it also gets him something else he doesn't expect.
plan b - Gregory and Deanna are having an affair, and the only way forward is to kill Gregory’s wife Abby. But no murder is perfect!
the hunt (# 4.1 cainsville) - A serial killer signs on for a hunt to add something extra to his next murder. But the tables are turned. a story of the wild hunt.
dead to me - It seems this woman's husband just doesn't want to let go, now that he's taken a tumble down her stairs. No matter how many times she tells him that he's dead, he doesn't want to listen. But it's not so simple as a haunting.
devil may care (# 4.2 cainsville, Patrick) - Patrick is an old member of the fae, who loves living life as he sees fit: with no responsibility. Until he starts having dreams of an old tragedy, destined to repeat itself through the ages. And he will play a part, whether he likes it, or not. its the story of how Gabriel's father Patrick, and mother Seanna met.
papi's review against another edition
Pretty good collection of short stories, some related to her Otherworld and Gainesville series' and others that are stand alone stories. On the whole, I preferred those that had characters I remembered and enjoyed from her series', but the others were (mostly) entertaining as well.
marie123's review against another edition
4.0
There were a few stories in here that don't stand out in my memory, but in general this was a good anthology. Not a lot of characters you'll remember from her other books-- but it means you could read these stories without having read all of her other works.
hornedserpent's review against another edition
4.0
All you need to now is that the book overall is great, and full of great short stories. Much like the title says, they will lead you astray and you will not see most of the endings coming.
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
An intriguing mix of stories from light to heart-pounding, Armstrong's talent for creating supernatural tales shines in this collection. From her Otherworld and Cainsville worlds to free-standing stories, she taps into universal emotions and fears with characters inspire compassion and terror. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new reader, you won't want to put it down.
sirena_bebee's review against another edition
4.0
I have been a long time fan of Kelley Armstrong Otherworld series. They were quick and easy reads. These stories were just as good as her books, if not better. There were several different stories from several different realms. If you are a fan of alternate fiction or of Kelley Armstrong, these stories will not disappoint.
cathepsut's review
3.0
Mostly very short stories, quite a few of them without a lot of tension. There are some good stories in between, but allover not a terribly exciting offer. Nice for fans of the author. Be aware that most of these stories (almost all?) have been published before.
*~*~*~*~*
Rakshashi: Demons, Hindu mythology, likeable character, good plot, liked it well enough. 3/5 stars.
Kat, A Darkest Powers / Darkness Rising Universe story: Vampires, witches, action from the get go, excellent world building. Too bad that the main series is YA, because I wouldn't mind to continue this. 4/5 stars.
A Haunted House of Her Own: Ghosts, The Shining Lite, Psycho and Roald Dahl having a date... Ok, but not exactly a new idea. 3/5 stars.
Learning Curve, An Otherworld Universe story: Vampires. Too short to do much of anything, pretty pointless. 2/5 stars.
The Screams of Dragons, A Cainsville Universe story: creepy little story, in which all the grown-ups spectacularly fail a small boy. It leaves many open questions at the end and I am not sure what the point is supposed to be. 3/5 stars.
The Kitsune's Nine Tales, An Age of Legends Universe Story: Japanese mythology, feudal Japan. Nice idea, again too short to be much of anything, hardly more than plot bunny. 2/5 stars.
Last Stand: different take on zombies. Short as well, but a clever, little story. 3/5 stars.
Bamboozled, An Otherworld Universe Story: Werewolves in the Wild West. Good story, plot and characters. 4/5 stars.
Branded, A Darkness Powers / Darkness Rising Universe Story: Post-Apocalypse. Humans hide away from the outside in fortresses... The writing feels a little dry, but it is pretty plotty and twisted for a short story. Not bad, but I did not really like the overall tone of it. 3/5 stars.
The List, An Otherworld Universe Story: Humorous snippet with vampires. 3/5 stars.
Young Bloods, An Otherworld Universe Story: Vampires. Another super-short one. 2/5 stars.
The Door: Post-Apocalypse of a sort. Again disappointingly short. 2/5 stars.
Dead Flowers by a Roadside: Ghosts. Seriously? Too short, 2/5 stars.
Suffer the Children: A backwards village in the Canadian wilderness is visited by two mysterious strangers, offering them something they can't resist. Well plotted, unusual idea. But I didn't really like it. That's on me and not the fault of the story. I could see this developping into a full-length novel, telling the life stories of Eleazar and Rene. I would even read it, despite my two-star rating. 2/5 stars.
The Collector: based on an idea of another short story. I had to look it up, as it isn't obvious, if you don't know Clive Barker. Nifty. 4/5 stars.
Gabriel's Gargoyles, A Cainsville Universe Story: Another little boy and his life in and around Cainsville, nicely written, nice ending, not terribly exciting. 3/5 stars.
Harbinger: Heroine sees dead people. Nicely done. 3/5 stars.
V Plates, An Otherworld Universe Story: Werewolves and zombies. Liked the plot. Makes me want to pick up the original series again. 4/5 stars.
Life Sentence, An Otherworld Universe Story: Rich guy with a terminal illness, searching for a way out... Wicked! 5/5 stars.
Plan B: Nothing supernatural in this one. Murder, she wrote. 3/5 stars.
The Hunt, A Cainsville Universe Story: Hunting. Extremely short, but creepy nonetheless. 3/5 stars.
Dead to Me: Murder. Or not? I am actually not sure what I am supposed to think. 2/5 stars.
Devil May Care, A Cainsville Universe Story: Fae. Exellent story, could be a great start to a series that I would like to read. Good world building, Patrick is a great character. Best story of the collection. 5/5 stars.
*~*~*~*~*
Rakshashi: Demons, Hindu mythology, likeable character, good plot, liked it well enough. 3/5 stars.
Kat, A Darkest Powers / Darkness Rising Universe story: Vampires, witches, action from the get go, excellent world building. Too bad that the main series is YA, because I wouldn't mind to continue this. 4/5 stars.
A Haunted House of Her Own: Ghosts, The Shining Lite, Psycho and Roald Dahl having a date... Ok, but not exactly a new idea. 3/5 stars.
Learning Curve, An Otherworld Universe story: Vampires. Too short to do much of anything, pretty pointless. 2/5 stars.
The Screams of Dragons, A Cainsville Universe story: creepy little story, in which all the grown-ups spectacularly fail a small boy. It leaves many open questions at the end and I am not sure what the point is supposed to be. 3/5 stars.
The Kitsune's Nine Tales, An Age of Legends Universe Story: Japanese mythology, feudal Japan. Nice idea, again too short to be much of anything, hardly more than plot bunny. 2/5 stars.
Last Stand: different take on zombies. Short as well, but a clever, little story. 3/5 stars.
Bamboozled, An Otherworld Universe Story: Werewolves in the Wild West. Good story, plot and characters. 4/5 stars.
Branded, A Darkness Powers / Darkness Rising Universe Story: Post-Apocalypse. Humans hide away from the outside in fortresses... The writing feels a little dry, but it is pretty plotty and twisted for a short story. Not bad, but I did not really like the overall tone of it. 3/5 stars.
The List, An Otherworld Universe Story: Humorous snippet with vampires. 3/5 stars.
Young Bloods, An Otherworld Universe Story: Vampires. Another super-short one. 2/5 stars.
The Door: Post-Apocalypse of a sort. Again disappointingly short. 2/5 stars.
Dead Flowers by a Roadside: Ghosts. Seriously? Too short, 2/5 stars.
Suffer the Children: A backwards village in the Canadian wilderness is visited by two mysterious strangers, offering them something they can't resist. Well plotted, unusual idea. But I didn't really like it. That's on me and not the fault of the story. I could see this developping into a full-length novel, telling the life stories of Eleazar and Rene. I would even read it, despite my two-star rating. 2/5 stars.
The Collector: based on an idea of another short story. I had to look it up, as it isn't obvious, if you don't know Clive Barker. Nifty. 4/5 stars.
Gabriel's Gargoyles, A Cainsville Universe Story: Another little boy and his life in and around Cainsville, nicely written, nice ending, not terribly exciting. 3/5 stars.
Harbinger: Heroine sees dead people. Nicely done. 3/5 stars.
V Plates, An Otherworld Universe Story: Werewolves and zombies. Liked the plot. Makes me want to pick up the original series again. 4/5 stars.
Life Sentence, An Otherworld Universe Story: Rich guy with a terminal illness, searching for a way out... Wicked! 5/5 stars.
Plan B: Nothing supernatural in this one. Murder, she wrote. 3/5 stars.
The Hunt, A Cainsville Universe Story: Hunting. Extremely short, but creepy nonetheless. 3/5 stars.
Dead to Me: Murder. Or not? I am actually not sure what I am supposed to think. 2/5 stars.
Devil May Care, A Cainsville Universe Story: Fae. Exellent story, could be a great start to a series that I would like to read. Good world building, Patrick is a great character. Best story of the collection. 5/5 stars.
oliviagwynne's review against another edition
3.0
It's a good collection, some short stories I liked more than others. I would say calling this book "the best of Kelley Armstrong" does her a disservice.