★★★★
#bookreview #holidaygoodness @KelleyArmstrong @jeffekennedy
Looking for a holiday treat? Check out this new anthology from talented fantasy writers!
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
On my list of books to read is A Stitch in Time. I confess, I grabbed this book because of Ms. Armstrong. I love all her books and grabbed this book, blurb unseen. I find that reading Ms. Armstrong with no prior knowledge is a very pleasant experience. This short story continues after the book A Stitch in Time. Luckily, it can be read as a standalone. After reading this, I need to buy the book of this new series and read it.
What I enjoyed is the questions of the time paradox and how Browyn adjusts to her two identities in different places. I especially enjoyed learning of Victorian holiday traditions. This is a very sweet story of romance and a bit of hook for another story.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
I have adored this series since the first book. I have missed a few of the books over the years and I regret not getting to them. There is something magical about this world created by Ms. Kennedy. The Twelve Kingdoms is so unique. Expanding it to include other regions and how they now all tie together just blows my mind. With this sweet poignant novella, Rhyian is able to face his regrets and possibly move forward. I loved the concept of this story and how it regrets can be rehashed and forgiven.
As the title suggests, the novella does leave a reader hooked in to read the Heirs of Magic. I am waiting eager to read about the seven childhood friends of powerful leaders, now grown up!
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
New to me author, Ms. Marr throws me into a confused world of possibly zombies or maybe they are vampires. I'm not 100% sure. What I am sure, is that I'm intrigued and I want to read more. Geneviève Crowe reminds me a little of Gin in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins and Alex Craft in Kalyana Price's series. I like Geneviève and I'm very interested in reading more about her. Her relationship with Eli Stonecroft seems beyond complicated and I want to know where it will go. From my viewpoint, Eli is a saint and Geneviève is a cock-tease.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
I experienced the hardest time with this novella. My stomach was in a knot because the premise of this story is an ancient one, brothers with different mothers who are trying to vie for their father's place. I would almost say, of biblical portions. Even though I dreaded to see what would happen and I was furious for the father for doing nothing with this rift, I am interested in Mooriah. She is very different than any others in the clans. A surprise visitor brings another element to the story which reminds me of Sharon Shinn's arch angel series as well as Sharon Greene's The Rebel Prince.
This anthology is a wonderful blend of magic, hope for a better future. Recommended for all fantasy lovers who are looking for a heart warming holiday treat.
* Arc provided for review
