5 comments about Kushiel's Mercy (Kushiel's Legacy).

1. Great book, real page turner...best of #4-6 BUT, as some reviewers noted, I found the magic in this book odd...it doesn't fit..... didn't it strike you odd that Drustan and others in Alba didn't figure out the role of magic pretty quick given what was revealed about their knowledge in this arena in book #5? -- once Drustan left Terre D' Ange I cannot believe he would have returned completely clueless and unprepared; to fall under the spell again. Not a big enough hole to ruin the book, but odd.....and much less "spiritual" or "Gods based" than the previous volumns. Still not to be missed, but to me, it seemed oddly disconnected from the previous 5 in terms of focus.



2. Don't get me wrong, I love this series. But, I really miss Phedre & Joscelin. I'm sorry, but niether Imriel or Sidonie are even remotely as complex and make for a less compelling story. I realize Carey can't write about Phedre forever, but the previous 5 books gave the reader such a wild ride full of intrigue and often gut wrenching character growth, that it's hard to expect anything less. I'll continue to read much of what Carey publishes because she is incredibly talanted, but I'm hoping she'll put out something that will more reflect her vehemence for the story and characters.



3. Once again Carey gives more than we hope for and continues to thrill and excite with her stories. What's next? I can't wait.



4. I have read the trilogy now and the three previous books leading up to the trilogy.
   Six fantastic books that kept me on the edge of my seat and reading into the night!
   Kushiel's Mercy introduced us to some really bad guys and also some wonderful characters: Leander, Sanjit, Katos Of course we have our favourites brought back and also the backstory is woven in just right to bring the reader up to speed.
   Her intricate weaving of backstories got me hooked in the first place.
   Exciting! Wonderful characters! Excellent story! Carey weaves a hypnotic story again!
   For those who haven't read the Kushiel series..RUN to the nearest story and get involved in one of the best series I have ever read.
   Melisande,Phedre,Joscelin,Imriel,Ysandre,Sidonie and more all have sexy qualities.
   Love it!



5. I'm so grateful to be able to read reviews of books such as the Kushiel series that no one in my circle of friends nor my book club would be interested in at all. And I've enjoyed reading the reviews of the latest Kushiel book, which I finished last night. The overriding feeling I had throughout most of the book was disbelief that JC would use this weird spell to further the plotline. As I read along, I could definitely understand the need she had to come up with "something" to allow Imre and Sidonie a chance to fall in love all over again, and I have to admit that I really enjoyed what happened to both starcrossed lovers as a result of the spell. And I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. But I never did shake the astoundment I had when the spell was first introduced and when it didn't work but oh yes once they came back to Terre d'Ange it worked again blah blah blah. I just wish JC could've come up with another way to created the storyline without stretching my sensibilities so much.
   
   That being said, I still yo-yo'ed between wanting to see what happened next and slowing down so the adventure could be drawn out a bit longer. I almost read the last chapter at a couple of points, something I NEVER do, just to make sure everything turned out ok @ the end. This book is definitely worth the ride, though I do agree with some other reviewers that I enjoyed the Phaedre part of the Terre d'Ange saga more.

No comments about Horus Heresy: Battle for the Abyss (Horus Heresy).

5 comments about The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 3.

1. If for whatever reason you get bored with the brief lives story arc, which would make no sense then there are some really good single tale stories in the Inn at the end of the World stories which is loosely tied to the Zero Hour event in the DC universe.
   
   The Sandman: Worlds' End is loosely connected as its events are a side effect of the events in Zero Hour.In The Sandman: The Kindly Ones, which will be mentioned in Absolute Sandman 4 Destiny implies that the events of Zero Hour were caused by multiple realities colliding as a result of Dream's conflict with the Furies and its outcome.
   
   The only negative is I have to wait 5 months to figure out how Sandman dies since i am only reading the Absolute Editions. I did buy the Wake book and the Fables and Reflections book which started me off in this addiction almost wish I haven't read these books because these editions are not cheap and it did spoil it for me since I will know what will happen next. If you have not read the Ramadhan story then you should buy it alone for that story.



2. I've never been that into comic books, but the first two volumes of the Absolute Sandman blew my mind. The storytelling is simply incredible. So, I was excited for Volume 3 to release. Now having read about 3/4's of the new volume, I find that the stories are not as entertaining as those in Vol 1 and 2. It still hits some high points and is certainly worth reading, but those high points come more infrequently than in the previous volumes. If you're a newcomer like me to the series, I'd still recommend buying it, but if your expectations were as high as mine, you may come away disappointed.



3. The real reason I bought it is that even though I read The Sandman first run, I have the issues scattered throughout uncounted files and boxes. Couldn't pull them out to read them without a major overhaul. This book is big and gorgeous and once shelved, will be there when I need it. Well made compendiums are for keeping and using. This one is worth its weight. All I can hope is that when I'm old and frail, I'll still be able to lift it.



4. I consumed this volume in mere days, I had recently acquired the first two volumes and had to wait a month for this edition to come out...it was worth the wait. I am looking forward to the last installment to make my collection complete. The writing is superb, and the artwork is a perfect combination of design and detail.



5. I have the Sandman trade paperbacks 1-6. I decided I was willing to take a gamble with the Absolute edition. It was a great choice. The Absolute edition surpassed my expectations. It is significantly larger than the trade paperbacks, which makes it instantly more fun to read, and the text being larger means it is easier on your eyes. The colors look a lot more vibrant. The paper is thick and feels good to touch. The price is the only undesirable portion of this book, but even with that being what it is, I think it is worth it.
   
   And, just to make an attempt to justify the price, consider this:
   A hardcover graphic novel that is the size of a Sandman trade paperback usually costs around $20. Absolute Sandman Volume 3 includes about 2.5 trade paperbacks (Brief Lives, Worlds End, and part of Fables & Reflections). 20 times 2.5 equals $50. And then you factor in the extras, the larger size, the higher quality coloring and paper, the impressive cover, and the slipcase...which more than justifies the other $14. So, is this really expensive? Yes. Is it unreasonably expensive? No. Is it worthy purchasing? ABSOLUTELY!

No comments about Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry, Book 7).

5 comments about Hellboy Volume 1: Seed of Destruction (Hellboy (Graphic Novels)).

1. Great collection at a great price. I am a big Graphic Novel fan, and Hellboy is without a doubt my favorite. Mike Mignola is a real talent. I've read them all, but this is the first that I have purchased. I am sure that I'll get the other collections soon.



2. Just click the "buy" button and you'll greatly appreciate it. And send me $$ for all of the time I just saved you in reviewing.



3. This is a great book that follows the story line of the character. If you've seen the movie, you need to read this story to get a complete background of the character.



4. I just got back into comics recently and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to get this book. As I've noted elsewhere, Mignola's plotting and art is just phenomenal. One of the reasons I love Hellboy is because I love the old Hammer horror movies from the 60s and 70s (Horror of Dracula), the Corman "Poe/Lovecraft" movies from the same time like The Haunted Palace / The Tower of London or The Fall of the House of Usher /The Pit and the Pendulum.



5. "Hellboy." I first heard the title quite a number of years ago when I saw the trailer for the movie adaptation in a theater. I pretty much scoffed, rolled my eyes, and said "Hellboy?" under my breath. Long story short, time passes, I got into comics, and began to hear a lot of good things about "Hellboy." I even read some quotes from the actual book that intrigued me. However, it was the trailer for the second movie--sheer, unadulterated awesomeness--that pushed me over the edge and made me buy the first volume of the comic series.
   
   Creator and artist Mignola enlisted John Byrne to write the first script for this series, and the team works together very well. Hellboy's attitude and way of looking at things is very entertaining (which keeps his internal dialogue always interesting), but the mythology of this series is pure magic. The sorcerers, Liz, Abe, Hellboy himself, the Lovecraftian beasts, all of it works together, forming this very dark yet attractive story. The main story arc, "Seed of Destruction," is very much an origin story for Hellboy, but you can tell how well-read both Byrne and Mignola are from the brilliance they churn out here.
   
   Apart from the main four issue story arc, there are two short Hellboy stories in the back, as well as a cover gallery. The two shorts were promotional pieces, and they were interesting little tidbits to give us an idea of who Hellboy is and what he does. That part of the TPB was great, but I also have a huge complaint that has nothing to do with the story or the art. The binding was horrible. As another reviewer mentioned, the cover simply falls off when you're reading it. There will be an audible crack, and the cover will simply separate from the book. As a fan of Dark Horse's books (I've gotten many of their TPBs and this has never happened before) I was quite upset with that.
   
   7/10

5 comments about Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10).

1. So, the Dresden series now having become my very favorite paranormal books, of course I read this as soon as I got the chance (Still well behind the curve, of course -- 'cuz I'm a big rebel, yeah.). It was as excellent and fun to read as the rest.
   
   I will say that the feel of it was different. There was much less humor in this one than in several of the others. It seems that, with each book, Harry grows in maturity, in power and influence, and also in pessimism -- because how can you not be a little dark in your outlook, when you're facing necromancers who are immensely more powerful than you, the entire Red Court and much of the White and Black Courts, the Fae, the Black Council (or at least the disapproving White Council), and, of course, the Knights of the Blackened Denarius? But as Harry grows, he becomes too self-conscious of his own smartypants defense mechanism, and so loses his flair for it. The comment is made at one point that he is actually left speechless by an enemy, and that seems to be happening throughout the book, and the series. I wouldn't be surprised if part of it is Butcher getting burnt out on making up witty sarcastic repartee -- I would guess that any character trait would get somewhat tired after ten books.
   
   Anyway, there is some wittiness, and there are some really funny parts -- the moment when Harry raises a fist in praise of the ugly dolphins, the ones who didn't sell out to a plastic surgeon to be on Flipper, and says, "Represent," cracked me up. And there is also a lot of banter between Harry and Thomas, which seems a good place for it. But there is a new romantic entanglement for Harry, which is excellent since the poor guy is so lonely and yet so surrounded by incredibly beautiful and monstrously evil temptresses; and there is some good progress made toward endgame. Though we don't find out anything terribly momentous about the Black Council, apart from them being even more powerful and nasty than we may have thought. And the good side takes some serious losses as well, so it isn't all wine and roses. Which just makes me eager to read the next book, of course.



2. This book brought back the Denarians (which was only fitting as Lasciel was defeated at the end of the previous book) who (which?) are among my favorite enemies (Death Mask remains my favorite in the series).
   
   It also reintroduced the Archive, Kincaid, and Marcone - who are all interesting secondary characters. I love Butcher's grasp on mythology and legend - tying the Archive into historic oracles and Pythians - bringing up elements of the apocrypha and old and new testament legend - all m...more This book brought back the Denarians (which was only fitting as Lasciel was defeated at the end of the previous book) who (which?) are among my favorite enemies (Death Mask remains my favorite in the series).
   
   It also reintroduced the Archive, Kincaid, and Marcone - who are all interesting secondary characters. I love Butcher's grasp on mythology and legend - tying the Archive into historic oracles and Pythians - bringing up elements of the apocrypha and old and new testament legend - all make for a rich fantasy novel with a tone that doesn't approach hokey. I really believe someone like Harry Dresden could exist in my world.
   
   I'm eagerly awaiting book 11.



3. Small Favor is the tenth book in the Dresden Files and follows White Night. In White Night, families in the White Court plan to usurp power from Lord Raith by culling female wizards from several cities. Thomas becomes involved in the case and draws his brother into it as well. Many intersting developments occurred in White Night, including the reappearance of Elaine (who operates as a wizard in LA), the conversion of Lasciel and her death, the elevation of Marcone to the Accords, and Helen Beckitt's return (villain in Storm Front).
   
   That said, Small Favor is the best novel of the series. The plot is more powerful than other novels because of the inclusion of so many characters of past novels. Kincaid and the Archive reappear, and Jim Butcher describes the Archive more fully. Warden Luccio is drawn to Chicago by Dresden's plea. Nicodemus returns to Chicago with the entire crew of denarians. Michael and Sanya see an opportunity to finish them. Additionally, my favortite plot line returned as Mab appears and gives Dresden a task, which also means summer is around trying to harm him.
   
   Small Favor was exciting and exhilarating. When I began the series, I wasn't sure if I liked it too much, but now, I can't wait for the next novel to come out.



4. Completely full of action. There was so much going on it was hard to breathe. Excellent book, as usual for the Dresden Files.



5. Like many others, I was disappointed in this installment of the Dresden Files. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't up to the same caliber as previous books. I also think there was way too much Michael, and not enough Murphy. And a lot of characters seemed to be thrown into the mix just so they could appear. Really, was driving Harry around all Thomas could do? Molly has the potential to be a good character, but she has little substance at this point so why not have her hide out with the rest of the kids? Yet, these were minor problems for me. My main objection was yet another hollow victory.
   
   I agree completely with the reviewer who said, "the action is relentless to the point that it sometimes seems like movement for its own sake and simply to grind Harry down." I'm all for a nemesis, or powerful villain that recurs to tempt or taunt the hero. However, the endless parade of uber-powerful foes has become too much. I find myself thinking, "put the poor bugger out of his misery" instead of "go Harry!" He (still) owes a favor to Mab. Summer wants him dead. Then we have The Fallen, The Red Court, and The Black Council. Not to mention all the individual evils that pop up. And the White Council which still doesn't trust him. And to top it all off, his friends are doubting him and he keeps getting beaten up - literally! When I reached the end of the novel, it didn't feel like Harry saved the day. The little progress that was made was taken back and then some, and the Fallen are just regrouping over a minor setback. The plot, such as it was, didn't seem to serve any purpose. You'd think Summer would be just as concerned over a breach of the Accords as Winter, yet they're too intent on killing Harry? All this manipulation by Nicodemus on the chance the Archive would arbitrate? It just didn't mesh. I miss the Harry Dresden who investigated, prepared careful spells in advance (with Bob's running commentary), and came out ahead because of wits and bravery. I miss when the Voltswagon Beetle took the brunt of the damage instead of Harry. I was surprised to find myself happy at the potential romance between Harry and Luccio. I think because I just wanted something good to happen to our hero. But a kiss on the last page isn't enough to make up for how depressing the rest of his life, and this book, is.
   
   Overall, I can't deny this was a page turner. Fans of the series will want to know what happens, and I did enjoy some of it. There is a lot of action and Harry is still a great, chivalrous hero. Butcher's trademark humor is here and a lot of good one liners. I've already pre-ordered the next book, but can't help but hope it gives us a real victory for the good guys. Harry deserves it.

5 comments about Invincible (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 9).

1. I loved this book... in part. The ending between Jaina and Jacen was absolutely amazing. Very touching, made me cry. LOL However, wtf happened in the rest of this book? What happened to the story? Is this really the ending? After building up what promised to be the most dangerous and powerful Sith Lord of all time, it just ends? All the amazing new and lost powers Jacen unearthed gone again? So many intriguing points from the past 8 books just left hanging, as well as a decent amount of new ones from this very book left unanswered! Maybe they are leaving things hanging for an immediate follow up. There is definitely a lot of confusion left in the galaxy after all of this, and I am left feeling just as confused myself.



2. I think that in the context of a sci-fi space opera, the "Legacy of the Force" storyline has been pretty brilliant (its not trying to cure cancer). But this last book was quite disappointing. After reading the pretty amazing "Revelation" by Karen Traviss, you kind of have to wonder what happened. Traviss spent that whole novel meticulously building great characterizations of Jacen, Ben, Luke, Niathal, Daala, Palleaon, and most impressively, Boba Fett, who has spent most of his history being a rather boring bada$$ enigma. Traviss moves all the chess pieces around the board to establish an interesting political, military, and philosophical standoff, then along comes "Invincible", and all that groundwork, and all those characters either disappear, or are reduced back to the stock cliches that were the hallmark of the worst Bantam novels (anyone remember "The Crystal Star" or "The New Rebellion"?)
   
   We're left with what reads more like an outline with a few well written action scenes, and dialogue that is eye-rollingly frustrating. Has Denning always had such a tin-ear with these characters? I don't recall things getting so goofy during the Swarm Wars. Scenes where characters spends a page extemporising about throw-away one liners betray an author who is far more amused than he should be about his characters' witty retorts. I hate to keep comparing Denning to Traviss, but I love the way her Manolorians (and the Clone Troopers in their series) dryly quip to one another while going about their duty. If a Clone Trooper laughed at one of their jokes, they'd be thrown out of the squad. Denning's characters sounded more like the dorky kid who repeats someone else's joke ad nauseum long after it stopped being funny. And I'd swear Denning must have been using his thesaurus looking up synonyms for 'laugh', as his characters spent waay too much time chuckling, chortling, or snickering.
   
   But the poor attempts at humor are just a small problem compared to the short-shrift given to characterization and the complete lack of resolution or explanations for the major political upheavals that literally take place in the space of a few pages at the tale end of the book. [SPOILER] Daala as the new Chief of State? Jagged Fel taking over the Moffs? Wahuh? I'm not saying I can't accept these rather drastic turns of events, but could we get just a little explanation? Did we really need the rather pointless car chase through Coruscant or the blink-and-you'll-miss-it death of Prince Isolder? [END SPOILER] I think there are about 50 pages of this book that could have been a little better spent.
   
   So, overall, I've really enjoyed the series as a whole. I just wish the finale had been placed in the hands of someone prepared to do it right. The various plot-lines had been built up and woven together far too effectively to be so casually brushed aside for a pretty banal and by-the-numbers conclusion.



3. I need to start with a confession-a bad Star Wars book is better than none! I liked all 9 books but feel the whole story could have been said in 5 volumes. Jacen's slow transition into sithdom and all his "feelings" dragged on a little too long. I did not like how main characters had to be killed off. This is science fiction and I don't read these books and say they aren't realistic just because someone didn't get killed off! I for one do not want to see any of the original characters-Han, Leia, Luke, Lando-killed off. Nor any more of the second generation. Who's going to be around in 10 years??? ATTENTION AUTHORS-if you think these guys are getting too old (and I think they can go on into their 90s easy with all the bacta and prosthetics!), please just let them fade away. Don't kill them off-please.



4. The Legacy series wasn't my favorite, although it had it's moments. The Boba Fett parts were well done, but Karen Traviss has always been good with the Mando stuff. This final book had it's ups and downs but it felt rushed to me. Something didn't quite fit. But the things that were done to the characters in the series are on the edge of unforgivable. First to kill off so many of the EU's best characters, and you never really get to know some of the better new ones, was sad. I haven't liked it much since Chewie left us and the new books are getting pretty redundant. But what got me more than anything was the naming of the new chancellor at the end of the book, that is just... inconceivable. I hope the new books coming out soon are better.



5. What a shame that such a good author would turn out such a half-finished, unsatisfying story like this. Characters so out of place that they're unrecognizable, an unlikely plot that is just not necessary, and an ending that I absolutely hated, and I'm not alone in that opinion.
   
   Plus, what is with the size of this? It felt half-sized, and definitely not worth the hardcover price. My advice? Buy only if you bought any of the other eight car crashes that were the previous books and need to complete the series and learn about the ending. But if I could do it over again, I would just wait until the paperback came out.
   
   What a shame.....

5 comments about Dragon Wytch (Sisters of the Moon, Book 4).

1. I personally love supernatural romances... Kresley Cole and Jacqluine Frank- but this book was next to impossible to read. The heroine was constantly talking about how strong she was, or others were talking about how strong she was- but in truth she was terriably wimpy. I couldn't understand why all the guys were all over her- maybe I just came into the series too late. But I honestly believe that in a series- each book should be able to stand alone- and this one just couldn't.



2. This is the fourth installment of the Otherworld series and we're back to seeing things through Camille's eyes, out of all the sisters she's my favorite. This time around Camille is visited by the crown prince of unicorns, Feddrah-Dahns, at her shop and he brings a tremendous gift for her, the horn of the legendary Black Unicorn. It's said to be very powerful and can help them in the war ahead. She must however, user it sparingly and recharge it during the dark of the moon.
   
   Camille is able to talk to the keeper of the horn and the four elements within it; they respond to her as a wielder of the horn and amplify her magic. Meanwhile other portals are opening up in Seattle and the surrounding area, the barrier that separate Earth, Otherworld and the Sub Realms is breaking apart and the three realms want to converge together. Nasty things are slipping through the unprotected portals and it's up to the girls to stop it.



3. Dragon Wytch is the fourth book in Yasmine Galenorn's Otherworld Series featuring the D'Artigo Sisters. It is a paranormal romance, but the author considers it urban fantasy.
   
   The three sisters work as operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency but live Earthside. Menolly is a vampire, Delilah shape-shifts into a tabby cat when she's upset, and the third sister and narrator of this story, Camille, is a witch whose spells sometimes don't work out quite right. The three sisters are half human and half-Faerie which makes them rather unique.
   
   Centuries ago, there was a battle that resulted in Earthside and the Other World being separated into two different worlds. But something dangerous is going on since goblins, trolls and a unicorn are loose Earthside in Seattle. Camille receives a visit from a unicorn who happens to be a prince in the Otherworld. The unicorn has a special gift for Camille that must be treasured and kept safe from the people who are after it. Will Camille be able to properly use this newfound magical gift?
   
   Camille made a pact with a sexy dragon named Smokey, and he has come to collect his prize. Camille must stay with Smokey for a week during which he will do whatever he likes with her. In the meantime, Camille's lover, Trillian, is on a dangerous mission in the Otherworld and her second lover, Morio, is worried about Camille being around Smokey.
   
   Smokey becomes useful to the sisters while fighting demons and trolls Earthside. The human cops are getting killed trying to fight trolls and everything is running amok in the world. Will the D'Artigo Sisters be able to keep Earthside safe from demons and whatever else decides to cross the portal and reek destruction on their world?
   
   Dragon Wytch is a thrilling, exciting and suspenseful new installment in this urban fantasy series. There are demons, trolls, vampires, faeries, elves, gargoyles, dragons, shape shifters and every kind of supernatural creature that you could think of in this book. Every page of Dragon Wytch sizzles with action, adventure, and magic.
   
   Yasmine Galenorn has cast a spell on me with her books!
   
   Armchair Interviews Says: Dragon Wytch is an excellent new book that will delight readers!



4. Yasmine Galenorn seems to be hitting her stride with "Dragon Wytch," the 4th installment in the Sisters of the Moon series. In the previous 3 books, she introduced us to the main characters, Camille, Delilah, & Menolly, so "Dragon Wytch" is more concerned with the storyline of the spirit seals, which is an arc in all of the books. I was very happy to see that Smoky will apparently be a big part of the series.
   
   Sometimes the number of characters & places is overwhelming, but there is a dictionary in the back of the book, which helps greatly. I hope this series stays around for a long time.



5. Highly recommended. This series is great. I am a big fan of Anne Rice and Laurell Hamilton and Galenorn joined my list with this serie. Highly recommended

5 comments about Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA.

1. This is a very in depth book that goes in to triginometry and hyperdimensional physics. It is very thorough in backing up its claims with evidence and information. Good book but not a light quick read.



2. This is Richard Hoagland's best book ever and also confirms what I had suspected for many years. As a retired USAF Colonel, I have heard and seen many things of great "interest". As a pilot for 44 years, I have also heard and seen many things of even greater interest. This books gives me more solid evidence that I have not been a bit "crazy" over all of these years. The book lets us know that our tax dollars for NASA are going to "covert" and "black" ops programs and to keep the world ignorant of the truth of what has been found on the earth, the moon, and Mars.



3. I have been a fan of Richard Hoagland and his findings for some time now and this new book is just another example of his commitment to his work and humanity. The information contained within is essential for anyone who has a thirst for the truth. It reaches beyond the mere cover up that NASA (and others) have perpetuated for over 50 years, to the very core of existence. Who are we?; Where did we come from? and ultimately, where could we be going? A fascinating read, highly recommended!!



4. I heartily recommend this book. Good reading, although it bogs a little in the front part with a lot of technical jargon.
   
   Hoagland has done his research very well and exposes NASA as another of those wonderful government branches which will LIE to the American people to further it's hidden goals.
   
   I always wondered what the true reason was behind the sudden stoppage of the Apollo missions in the Mid-70s.
   
   I leave the verbosity to the other reviewers here... as they seem to enjoy that! ;-)



5. Richard Hoagland has been my hero for many a year, and it is breathtaking to see all this information at last in writing. The disparity between what we're told, and the Truth about Space will make you Gasp. Then it will make you Mad. From statements from the Astronauts, to true history from NASA insiders; from retouched and blurred photos from NASA, to the REAL pics of the moon and mars. What is out there is our right to know, and to demand our rights, and soon, is an urgent necessity. There's Big Plans going on for our Solar System, and they don't seem to include Us.

5 comments about Hotter Than Hell.

1. Even if you don't normally like anthologies there is such a variety of authors and styles in Hotter than Hell that you're sure to find more than a few that you'll like. And since the stories here are truly short stories, instead of the usual four novellas, there are a dozen little tidbits from some of the hottest paranormal romance(PNR) and urban fantasy (UF) authors. Weighing in at 30 to 50 pages each, most of the authors manage to squeeze a fair amount story into these sexy shorts even though the setup is fast and consummation follows quickly to leave room for the resolution.
   
   My favorites of the bunch were Liu's, Arthur's and McCray's. Liu's two lonely souls coming together had such a sweetness to it, and I am a fan of Arthur's shifters -- this one reminded me of her Imajinn releases which you should check out if you like this one. But the real surprise for me was McCray's tale, I liked the story and liked that she avoided the cruder language she employs in her Magic series. The strangest entry was Saintcrow's, which seemed like it was randomly carved out of a larger story. And Harrison's was the one I liked the least, I read these out of order and the twist to the story left a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste coming on the heels of one of the sweeter romances in the book.
   
   To wet your appetite, here's just a hint for each story.
   
   
   ** Marjorie Liu - "Minotaur in Stone" (PNR)- With a touch of myth, the Minotaur trapped in the Labyrinth and a woman imprisoned by her own isolation grasp their one chance for escape.(5 stars)
   
   ** Keri Arthur - "To Die For" (PNR)- A Wolf shifter psychic investigator finds it hard to avoid the animal attraction to her werewolf partner as they hunt for two kidnapped boys.(4.5 stars)
   
   ** Cheyenne McCray "Demon Lover" (PNR) - An Incubus' must choose whether his last assignment will earn him heaven or hell.(5 stars)
   
   ** Susan Krinard "Ride a Dark Horse" (PNR) - As a woman seeks solitude and emotional healing on a remote ranch, she encounters a dark sensual stranger and the majestic magical horse of her childhood dreams.(4 stars)
   
   ** Heidi Betts - "Curse of the Dragon's Tears"- (PNR) A woman searches out the man who has suffered her ancestor's curse and finds the unusual lover who has haunted her dreams for years.(4 stars)
   
   ** Tanya Huff "Music Hath Charms" (UF) -A musical duo who weave sensual magic with their music, are sought by two music execs - one who would use that power for a darker purpose.(4 stars)
   
   ** Linda Winstead Jones "Moonlight Becomes you" (PNR) - A woman is convinced that her new neighbor is a vamp. Is the attraction that she feels real or has she just fallen under his "spell"? (4 stars)
   
   ** Susan Sizemore and Denise Little "(Like a) Virgin of Spring" (PNR) - A group of time travelers may just have to make history to keep from changing the past.(4 stars)
   
   ** Lilith Saintcrow - "My Brother's Keeper" (UF) - An odd little slice of life, set in Saintcrow's Saint City World (Dante Valentine, Watchers) featuring a sexwitch and Nictvahren (vampire) with a bit of hate sex thrown in. (3.5 stars)
   
   ** L.A. Banks "Equinox" (PNR)- A modern warrior is a worthy adversary for the huntress goddess who awakens to extract retribution from those who have despoiled the world. (3.5 stars)
   
   ** Carrie Vaughn - "Life is the Teacher" (UF) - A newbie vamp goes on her first hunt. (3 stars)
   
   ** Kim Harrison "Dirty Magic"(UF) - A banshee (emotional vampire) uses a wish to love without harm. (3 stars)



2. Really entertaining along with dark, sexy and twisted! The short story format is particularly great for quick beach reads



3. Because the anthology is edited by Kim Harrison, one of my favorite urban fantasy authors, I expected more of an urban fantasy theme and less paranormal romance. I knew there would be some eroticism to the stories, given the title, but I still found myself rolling my eyes as every single story had at least one sex scene in it--and often, the sex wasn't a crucial element of the story.
   Kim Harrison's story did not disappoint, and neither did Tanya Huff's or Carrie Vaughn's. Vaughn's was especially exciting because it was a spinoff from her Kitty series, following a newly-made vampire from Kitty Goes to Washington.Kitty Goes to Washington (Kitty Norville Series, Book 2)
   I usually enjoy anthologies because I can find new favorite authors; this one has taught me, however, that it might be more prudent to wait and read the reviews first.
   In short, if you enjoy paranormal romance, this anthology will give you an abundance of authors to discover. If your tastes lean more towards urban fantasy, this one could be disappointing.



4. I like this book...not love...its okay try for pool reading so you can put it down and not feel guilty....



5. At just under 500 pages, Hotter Than Hell, collects a dozen short stories from some of the biggest names in paranormal romance and urban fantasy into one nice little beach ready tome. Because there are a dozen that need a review let me do my best here and give you a very short bit on each one (in the order from the book)!
   
   Music Hath Charms by Tanya Huff is a quicky about a talent scout for a music studio and her sultry adventures to sign a hunky pair of country-rock musicians who's sound has a magic all its own. I hate to say this was my favorite since it was the first story but I loved Huff's crazy concepts for it. 5/5 stars
   
   Minotaur in Stone by Marjorie M. Liu is a darkly fantastical fable about a lonely young woman who is haunted by sensual dreams of a monsterous minotaur made of stone. The concept was great, the present tense narration was awful. Very sexy but not typical Liu. 4/5 stars
   
   Demon Lover by Cheyenne McCray is a story about a writer working on a book relating to incubae when she starts having steamy late night visits from one. A little too cutesey and cliche for me to love but well written and a good example of McCray's writing. 4/5 stars
   
   Equinox by L.A. Banks is a modern mythology of the goddess Artemis' campaign to protect the forests of the world but a group of elite soldiers gets involved and vows get broken. Another excellent story, Banks at her finest and very sensual as always. 5/5 stars
   
   Ride A Dark Horse by Susan Krinard is about a recently divorced woman trying to put her life back together while vacationing in the southwest, there she meets a seductive stranger and a beautiful horse who change her life forever. Never read Krinard before that I know of and I loved this story and her style, another favorite. 5/5 stars
   
   To Die For by Keri Arthur is about a wolf shapeshifter and a werewolf investigating the dissappearance of two teens while fighting the urges to investigate one another intimately. This was one of my least favorite stories. Too abrupt, lacking chemistry and it was more focused on the sex than the story. 2/5 stars
   
   Curse of the Dragon's Tears by Heidi Betts is the story of a man cursed to wear the scales of a dragon and the young woman who wants to break that curse with her love. I've never heard of Betts and I don't plan to look for her after this sloppy story, too many inaccurate details of the culture of Scotland. 1/5 stars
   
   Brother's Keeper by Lilith Saintcrow is about a psychic who's brother is murdered after she receives a frantic call from him and the vampire who protects her. I've not read Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series but I am pretty sure this takes place in the same world. I wasn't impressed and didn't like the characters though the author writes very well. 1/5 stars
   
   (Like A) Virgin of the Spring by Susan Sizemore and Denise Little is a time-travel story, a seer trapped in the past and her rescuer tangle with Arthurian legend. A little cheesy and poorly plotted but fresh and fun. 3/5 stars
   
   Life is the Teacher by Carrie Vaughn is a tale about a newly made vampire struggling with her new power and how it will affect her love life. Fans of the Kitty Norville series will recognize Alette and the story is a good representation of Vaughn's writing but it falls flat otherwise. 3/5 stars
   
   Moonlight Becomes You by Linda Winstead Jones is a cutesey short about a young woman who thinks her neighbor is a vampire and how she tries to prove it but falls in lust/love with him in the process. I've read one of Jones' trilogies and I love her writing, she's got a way of making things light and fun but still solid enough stories and it shows with this one. Very cute and sexy. 4/5 stars
   
   Dirty Magic by Kim Harrison is the final story, about a banshee and her quest to feed her baby daughter. I hate to say it but this one totally lost me. I was so confused by the story I can't give a proper description and I felt it was not Harrison's best despite how much I love her Rachel Morgan series. 1/5 stars
   
   So there you have them... the overall concepts and what I liked and disliked about each of them. Overall I think that this is a good book for someone looking to dabble into the realm of paranormals to pick up so they can try these authors and the concepts of vampires, weres, icubi, time-travel and the like. At the very least check it out at the library and try some of the stories for their unusual faire 'cause stories about banshees, minotaurs and men cursed to be horses aren't your typical everyday paranormal fantasy.