dinsdag 27 januari 2015

Anthology: Night Shift

A collection of stories by Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, Nalini Singh and Milla Vane, published November 25, 2014.
Genre: urban fantasy / paranormal romance
Cover: sweet

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Nalini Singh – Secrets at Midnight

New York Times best-selling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight, as the scent of Bastien Smith's elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that's as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he's found his mate, he'll do anything to keep her.

Perhaps a very predictable story, but I loved it nonetheless. I have to admit I can’t remember Bastien from previous books in this series, but he is delectable, and he has some bachelor brothers, so there could be more sweet stories in the future. I liked Bastien’s mate, Kirby. She did not have a good childhood, living in the foster care system, but she is a very sweet woman and she can handle Bastien. To tell more would spoil the story for those who do not find it predictable.

Ilona Andrews – Magic Steals

In one New York Times best-selling author Ilona Andrews' novella Magic Steals, when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

I have enjoyed another short story about Dali, who is half-blind and still races cars, and Jim before, and this one was even better. We get to see Dali in action. Dali is Balinese, and she is blessed with some kind of holy magic, to fight evil. She is all about preserving balance. Usually she uses calligraphy to craft her curses, but this time, a more direct approach is needed. And now someone is using black magic to kill people, and Dali is the one who can defeat him. Jim has never seen his white tiger in action, and he sure is in for a treat. But he won’t back down, and he won’t be scared away, even when an enchanted car tries to eat him.

Fascinating little story, and a lovely love story all in one. I will re-read this one for sure.

Lisa Shearin – Lucky Charms

It's seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince's bachelor party goes every which way but right in nationally best-selling author Lisa Shearin's Lucky Charms.

The prequel to the first book in the SPI files series, and this was a fun read. The book hints at this story a few times, so I am glad I had the chance to read about Mac’s first day on the job. We are introduced to a lot of intriguing characters, and I would not mind reading more about the goblin mage.

Milla Vane – The Beast of Blackmoor

In Milla Vane's The Beast of Blackmoor, a warrior princess must tame a savage beast to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

I DNF-ed this story, I really disliked the first two chapters and did not want to try for more.


Of course I had to buy and devour this anthology, three of my favourite authors with new stories for me to read, and one new to me author to try. I really enjoyed my favourite author’s new stories and am glad I read them. And perhaps if you try this book, you will enjoy the fourth one as well.

8 stars.



Autobuy author

buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

19 opmerkingen:

  1. This was a great Anthology. I've read three of the stories and loved them in different degrees. The best was Nalini's lovely novella. Milla Vane's book was not an DNF for me, but I don't remember much about it. Lisa Shearin's story was fun!
    I'm keeping the Ilona Andrews story for when I'm reading the Edge series.

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    1. Three out of four is usual for me and anthologies, so I am happy with this one.

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  2. I do want to read it but I am a bit..eh anthology

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    1. Well, lots of favourite authors in this one B, so it is a must read for me.

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  3. I loved this anthology. I normally on read the stories that are part of series that I'm already reading, but with this one, I did the entire book. I listened to the audio. I also disliked the last story most. It didn't fit with the other three stories very well. I still finished it and enjoyed it, but I only gave it three stars, where the others were all four and four and half and even five stars for Jim and Dali's story.

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    1. Hi Melanie, thanks for visiting and commenting. I sure love the originality of Dali, and hope to see more of her in coming books.

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  4. I loved the Jim and Dali story. I'm still holding out hope that they'll eventually get a full length book to themselves.

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    1. Hi Bookminxreads, welcome to the blog and thanks for commenting. I thinkt their romance was well done, and I hope they will become bigger secondary characters in the future.

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  5. Oh yes I was curious about this one, so many wonderful authors there, I was sure it would be good.

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    1. Yes, it was a good one Melliane, hope you will enjoy it as well.

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  6. At least most of them worked. I want to read this one for Magic Steals. :) I have it on my audio wishlist.

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  7. I think I still have to read that book Felicia, as I am waiting for the paperback to arrive. I hate it when series switch to hardcover midseries, and I have to wait so long for the paperback.

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  8. Anthologies are always so weird - some stories will be fantastic, while others are barely worth reading. I'm really curious for the Ilona Andrews one, it sounds very interesting.

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    1. Hi Celine, welcome to my blog and thank you for commenting. The Ilona Andrews story is really good and surprising, and I enjoy that.

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  9. I loved the cover too. Vane's was a weird one. I ended up really liking it but it so didn't fit the antho at all.

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    1. I just couldn't make myself read any more Anna, but I am glad you enjoyed it.

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  10. Nalini Singh was my least favorite author, but I'm glad you loved her and the other two authors :)

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