Reviews

Otherworld Secrets by Kelley Armstrong

yodamom's review against another edition

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4.0

All good stories with some favorites from the series. The last story was my favorite

papidoc's review against another edition

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3.0

Pretty good set of shorts stories and novella length stories from the Otherworld. Some sounded familiar...they may have been printed in another anthology, or have been the basis for a novel length book.

vikingwolf's review against another edition

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4.0

I've already read and reviewed all but two of the stories featuring in this anthology so I'll concentrate on the two that are new to me.

Life After Theft
Karl is horrified to discover his kid stealing from the Danver twins and decides that it is time to go straight. However, he is instantly blamed when a client of his brother-in-law is robbed of a jewel and the only way to clear his name is to find out who took it. Karl and Hope soon discover that it is a set up to force Karl to do a risky theft for a rich man.

I liked this one as I am starting to really warm to Karl as a character. I like that he has flaws but is devoted to his family, and still trying to win the trust of The Pack. I think that Elena should have taken his word that he was not involved in the theft, as it seems unfair to keep bringing up his past. And one person he would never hurt is Hope so why would he steal from her family? There is plenty action in this book, revolving around the impossible theft and trying to outwit his enemies. He and Hope get to use all their skills to try and make the theft.

Zen and the art of vampirism
Zoe is annoyed when two vampire enemies show up in her territory and announce that they are going to be taking over and sending her packing. Instead of fighting, Zoe agrees to go quietly and is even nice enough to introduce them to the somewhat bizarre locals that they will be looking after.

This story is pretty funny. Zoe knows that there is a smarter way to get rid of these vampires so she starts showing them just how undesirable this territory actually is. I liked Zoe instantly, and the characters we meet in the book are interesting. I can't help wondering why Zoe didn't get a couple of books of her own in the Otherworld series instead of getting whiny Savannah all the time. Zoe is feisty, funny and smart and I want to read a lot more about her!

vikingwolf's review against another edition

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3.0

Jaime finds a ghost at her show that wants her help but when he starts ordering her to serve him and being rude, she decides to banish him instead of helping. Savannah arrives with the supplies needed and persuades Jaime to have a look at the crypt that her ghost wants to open.

I love Jaime. I loved the way she always made a fool of herself with her crush on Jeremy and loved it when they got together, so I was pleased to see a short story about her latest adventure. However it was the arrival of Savannah that really annoyed me and as usual I found her spoiling my enjoyment a bit. She does her usual-butting in and taking over, trying spells that she has no control over and turning things dangerous. I really have no time for this spoiled brat and I wish Jaime could banish her! When Jaime takes control back, I really like her revenge on the ghosts!

charlottenw1's review against another edition

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4.0

I love all these short stories and read them all in a matter of hours.

garnetofeden's review against another edition

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4.0

Life After Theft – featuring Hope and Karl, takes place 3-4 years after Thirteen (Nita is 3-4 years old)

Forbidden (Otherworld Stories #10.2) – featuring the Pack

Angelic (Otherworld Stories #9.3) – featuring Eve and Kristof, first read September 7, 2011

The Ungrateful Dead (Otherworld Stories #8.2) – featuring Jaime and Savannah

Zen and the Art of Vampirism (Otherworld Stories #9.2) – featuring Zoe

Counterfeit Magic (Otherworld Stories #10.4) – featuring Paige, Lucas, Savannah, and Adam

Rating reviewed 1/20/2023.

smitchy's review against another edition

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5.0

Love these stories - sheer escapism! and a few I haven't read anywhere else which is always nice.

fdr_girl's review against another edition

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4.0

Could have been 5 stars, because I absolutely loved Life After Theft and Forbidden. Angelic has been a long time favourite and both The Ungrateful Dead and Zen and the Art of Vampirism were cute little snapshots of two characters I loved ... just Counterfeit Magic leaves me feeling just off-kilter. I know all couples have problems sometimes but there's something crude and clumsy about Paige even half-heartedly thinking Lucas might cheat. Makes my heart sad tbh.

Nevertheless a great anthology, as always!

hgranger's review against another edition

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3.0

A few of these short stories were great and a couple were just so so. The Elena/ Clay story needs more bite (haha....), and the Paige/ Lucas story as usual wasn’t very interesting. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Love Savannah, Karl, the Jaimie/ Jeremy dynamic, and the idea of Elena as alpha. More of that please.

debwendler's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75