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civreader's review against another edition
4.0
First one was a bit of a slog to get through, and often a bit annoying. Second was twisted and gruesome in interesting ways. Third one was longer, quite interesting.
seamyst's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.75
crofteereader's review against another edition
2.0
The collection as a whole really didn't do it for me. Read on to get my reviews on each novella individually.
A SHEEP AMONG WOLVES: I was warned in advance that this was not particularly great novella, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyway. I was bored almost immediately by Clia's passivity, her meekness, and the stereotypical bullying. Plus, it took a loooong time for anything of note to really happen. I actually DNF'd this story, skipping ahead in the hopes that Khaw's would be better (since I've lived Khaw's evocative descriptions and lyrical style in the past). Which brings me to...
FINE PRINT: Between a character we don't like, a severely isolated setting with few characters (and none but Duke with anything resembling depth), and little to no action/movement, this novella was dry. Khaw usually thrives on the super descriptive and a kind of dry, off-kilter tone. But honestly, Duke could burn and I found the antagonists to not be threatening/looming enough. The ending didn't shock me as I'm sure it was supposed to. It all just felt inevitable. Indeed, the editors of this collection absolutely believed in saving the best for last...
THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY: Leigh (Lee?) was such a fun take on the "ethical" vampire. Plus, the hierarchical structure to the area's mythical underbelly, the different castes of vampires (all inspired by different traditions) made for a fascinating backdrop. Add in gay ladies and a touch of obsession and I'm here for it. The story was clever and fascinating - by and large the best of the bunch. But making a listener slog through those first two in order to get to this one... It would have made anyone impatient.
A SHEEP AMONG WOLVES: I was warned in advance that this was not particularly great novella, but I figured I'd give it a shot anyway. I was bored almost immediately by Clia's passivity, her meekness, and the stereotypical bullying. Plus, it took a loooong time for anything of note to really happen. I actually DNF'd this story, skipping ahead in the hopes that Khaw's would be better (since I've lived Khaw's evocative descriptions and lyrical style in the past). Which brings me to...
FINE PRINT: Between a character we don't like, a severely isolated setting with few characters (and none but Duke with anything resembling depth), and little to no action/movement, this novella was dry. Khaw usually thrives on the super descriptive and a kind of dry, off-kilter tone. But honestly, Duke could burn and I found the antagonists to not be threatening/looming enough. The ending didn't shock me as I'm sure it was supposed to. It all just felt inevitable. Indeed, the editors of this collection absolutely believed in saving the best for last...
THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY: Leigh (Lee?) was such a fun take on the "ethical" vampire. Plus, the hierarchical structure to the area's mythical underbelly, the different castes of vampires (all inspired by different traditions) made for a fascinating backdrop. Add in gay ladies and a touch of obsession and I'm here for it. The story was clever and fascinating - by and large the best of the bunch. But making a listener slog through those first two in order to get to this one... It would have made anyone impatient.
pages_and_procrastination's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
hel_lo's review against another edition
3.0
- A Sheep Among Wolfs: * (did not like it)
- Fine Print: ** (it was ok)
- Land of Milk and Honey: **** (really liked it)
I round it up to *** because the voice actors are amazing.
- Fine Print: ** (it was ok)
- Land of Milk and Honey: **** (really liked it)
I round it up to *** because the voice actors are amazing.
joreadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Content warning for suicide ideation, blood consumption, gore, violence, manipulation
Genevieve Gornichec's "A Sheep Among Wolves" performed by Erika Ishii
A college student looks for companionship and finds it in the unlikeliest of places. I really appreciate how Gornichec approached the recruitment strategy, and laid out a solid framework for that final reveal. The mental health aspect of it was also relatable, plus the general loneliness that comes with being in college. Very atmospheric.
Cassandra Khaw's "Fine Print" performed by Neil Kaplan
Of the three, I think this one might have been the grossest. Khaw takes the approach of food insensitivities and the paperwork that goes into becoming a vampire. It also tackles individual interpretations of privilege that are both incisive and has you rooting for the antagonists in the best way. Sometimes the vampires are the good guys.
Caitlin Starling's "Land of Milk and Honey" performed by Xe Sands
The setpiece of a verfiable blood farm was exquisite in this work. Leigh just wants to have an ethical source of vampire food, and nearly compromises the Masquerade in the process. If you're looking for some sapphic pining, this novellas also has plenty of that to go around. The women are complex, and the attention to detail regarding animal husbandry is particularly good.
A must-listen for people needing more vampire stories in their life.
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