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kathydavie's review
5.0
An anthology of stories that encompass the concept of a woman hunting within the paranormal.
Series:
"Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" (Black London, 1.5)
"Sin Slayer" (Cin Craven, 3.5)
The Stories
Christine Warren's "Devil's Bargain" is a new [to me] approach to preventing the Apocalypse when Lilli Corbin, a half-human, half-demon bounty hunter is required to fulfill the third and last task she owes Sammael. The interpretation of the verses of a prophecy that could wind either way.
Marjorie M. Liu's "Robber Bride" is an intriguing story that reminds me of Ilona Andrews' Edge series with a touch of Faith Hunter's Thorn St. Croix. An isolated settlement. A junkyard. A fixer of things. Shifters and demons clashing. A sense of boundaries. A kiss that promises. Death. Love. I don't really understand the title. The demons rob people of life as can Maggie. Yes, Maggie does collect salvage which I reckon would count as robbing. Although, there's no one left to own what she takes. I suppose the "bride" could be interpreted as Iudra wanting her??
Caitlin Kittredge's "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" ain't just whistlin' Dixie and it finds the Poor Dead Bastards playing a gig in Scotland where Jack Winter is trapped by his cock and his curiosity into going up against demons. Forced by a geas into aiding a huntress into reclaiming her lover as they go Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go. The denouement is most confusing; I did not understand who was doing what or what was their driving purpose.
Jenna Maclaine's "Sin Slayer" should probably be titled Cin Slayer as that's what the London Wardens are hoping the Righteous will do. Or more exactly, what Cin Craven will do with the aid of Michael, Devlin, and Justine. Someone has unleashed a demon on London and Jack the Ripper has gotten bored with killing humans. Vampires are so much more fun.
The Cover
The model on the cover is the concept of the lethal and sexy as a red bustier-clad huntress standing in her high-heeled, calf-high boots with legs braced and a crossbow held down at the wet stone paving on this dark night.
Series:
"Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" (Black London, 1.5)
"Sin Slayer" (Cin Craven, 3.5)
The Stories
Christine Warren's "Devil's Bargain" is a new [to me] approach to preventing the Apocalypse when Lilli Corbin, a half-human, half-demon bounty hunter is required to fulfill the third and last task she owes Sammael. The interpretation of the verses of a prophecy that could wind either way.
Marjorie M. Liu's "Robber Bride" is an intriguing story that reminds me of Ilona Andrews' Edge series with a touch of Faith Hunter's Thorn St. Croix. An isolated settlement. A junkyard. A fixer of things. Shifters and demons clashing. A sense of boundaries. A kiss that promises. Death. Love. I don't really understand the title. The demons rob people of life as can Maggie. Yes, Maggie does collect salvage which I reckon would count as robbing. Although, there's no one left to own what she takes. I suppose the "bride" could be interpreted as Iudra wanting her??
Caitlin Kittredge's "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" ain't just whistlin' Dixie and it finds the Poor Dead Bastards playing a gig in Scotland where Jack Winter is trapped by his cock and his curiosity into going up against demons. Forced by a geas into aiding a huntress into reclaiming her lover as they go Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go. The denouement is most confusing; I did not understand who was doing what or what was their driving purpose.
Jenna Maclaine's "Sin Slayer" should probably be titled Cin Slayer as that's what the London Wardens are hoping the Righteous will do. Or more exactly, what Cin Craven will do with the aid of Michael, Devlin, and Justine. Someone has unleashed a demon on London and Jack the Ripper has gotten bored with killing humans. Vampires are so much more fun.
The Cover
The model on the cover is the concept of the lethal and sexy as a red bustier-clad huntress standing in her high-heeled, calf-high boots with legs braced and a crossbow held down at the wet stone paving on this dark night.
amybraunauthor's review
4.0
This was a fun, easy read for escapism. The first and last stories were my favourites, and while the stories in between them were in no way bad, they simply weren't to my taste. The writing style for both was great, yet I simply wasn't compelled by the story or was a little confused about what was happening.
So, focusing on the stories I did enjoy, both were different, but both had fun female heroes, romance, and adventure. Given the length of the stories, there were some pacing issues, which I understand, and I would have loved to see the story expanded a little bit more. Of all four stories, the final one with Cin Craven was my favourite. I really liked Cin and am interesting in seeing more of her world.
All in all, I recommend this book looking for some fun, light reading for urban fantasy/paranormal romance fans, even if these authors aren't currently on your radar.
So, focusing on the stories I did enjoy, both were different, but both had fun female heroes, romance, and adventure. Given the length of the stories, there were some pacing issues, which I understand, and I would have loved to see the story expanded a little bit more. Of all four stories, the final one with Cin Craven was my favourite. I really liked Cin and am interesting in seeing more of her world.
All in all, I recommend this book looking for some fun, light reading for urban fantasy/paranormal romance fans, even if these authors aren't currently on your radar.
angels_gp17's review
3.0
Only read Christine Warren "Devil's Bargain" and Caitlin Kittredge "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go."
"Devil's Bargain" by Christine Warren ~ 3 Stars
This short story was interesting, steamy and certain parts were funny, but it's not fantastic. It's not like her "Others" series, if your looking for something on that line this is not it.
"Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" by Caitlin Kittredge ~ 1.5 - 2 Stars
This short story goes with her Black London series. This story is #1.5 in the series. I wanted to get into Black London, but I'm having such a hard time with the series.
Jake is an ass and not likable especially in this story. The denouement is most confusing; I did not understand who was doing what or what was their driving purpose, I just couldn't bring myself to care for any of the characters, and the plot was unnecessarily complicated.
"Devil's Bargain" by Christine Warren ~ 3 Stars
This short story was interesting, steamy and certain parts were funny, but it's not fantastic. It's not like her "Others" series, if your looking for something on that line this is not it.
"Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" by Caitlin Kittredge ~ 1.5 - 2 Stars
This short story goes with her Black London series. This story is #1.5 in the series. I wanted to get into Black London, but I'm having such a hard time with the series.
Jake is an ass and not likable especially in this story. The denouement is most confusing; I did not understand who was doing what or what was their driving purpose, I just couldn't bring myself to care for any of the characters, and the plot was unnecessarily complicated.
mousegoddess's review
4.0
Two of the stories were a five for me, two of them a three. Marjorie Liu steals the show in my opinion. That story would get more than 5 stars if that were an option. I love her folkloric stuff (which this one definitely was for me) and the post apocalyptic element was just gorgeous.
reader44ever's review
4.0
I know I've read this book, as today (last night, really) I finished the [b:Strange Brew|6122181|Strange Brew|P.N. Elrod|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311986453s/6122181.jpg|6300509] anthology and the story "Dark Sins" by [a:Jenna Maclaine|245963|Jenna Maclaine|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1264794468p2/245963.jpg] sparked my memory: I was sure I had "met" Cin, Michael, Devlin and Justine before. And while I unfortunately do not remember much about the [b:Huntress|5988375|Huntress (Cin Craven #3.5, Black London #1.5)|Christine Warren|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317064959s/5988375.jpg|6162375] anthology, reading the blurb did bring back a few memories. This was enough to remind me that really enjoyed this collection of stories, and I new reminder to myself that I need to read it again. :-)
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