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branch_c's review
3.0
After recently re-reading [b:Bride of the Rat God|438134|Bride of the Rat God|Barbara Hambly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1266554675l/438134._SY75_.jpg|426994], I came across this follow up short story that I hadn’t known about. It’s nicely written, characteristic of pretty much everything Hambly has produced, and the setting and atmosphere are particularly evocative. The story, however, feels somewhat inconsequential to me, and it’s too short to give the characters, old and new, much room to develop. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I couldn’t help being left with a sense that the antagonist “would have gotten away with it, if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids”. Not bad, but below the usual creative standard I expect from Hambly.
kcollett75's review
4.0
Cute novelette sequel to Bride of the Rat God. Definitely some horror, but not necessarily where you expect it. I still love the three Pekinese dogs, though they don’t play as large a role as in Bride of the Rat God. Wish it were longer, but it is perfect in its way.
catevari's review
4.0
Bride of the Rat God is, hands down, my favorite of Hambly's books and so being able to read more about those characters was delightful in and of itself. Norah, Alec, Christine and the Pekes are all present and very much themselves. Even Ambrose Conklin makes a cameo and I was surprised at how pleased I was by his appearance.
The story itself, being short, was very straightforward, but my only real complaint about it--and I should put complaint in sarcastic quotes--is just that it's all too short. I'd really like to read more about the characters we know and the new characters Hambly introduces. I wonder if Hambly might ever try to do what more authors are experimenting with now and do a kickstarter for a new novel in this world. I'd certainly contribute.
The story itself, being short, was very straightforward, but my only real complaint about it--and I should put complaint in sarcastic quotes--is just that it's all too short. I'd really like to read more about the characters we know and the new characters Hambly introduces. I wonder if Hambly might ever try to do what more authors are experimenting with now and do a kickstarter for a new novel in this world. I'd certainly contribute.
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