Short Story Collections

Anthologies conjure thoughts of large collections of short stories by authors you mostly don't know of.  You'll read story after story. Some good some bad.  But I don't really want to talk about those.  I'm curious if there is a name for those short story collections that are usually no longer than a novel in length. They only contain around four stories all usually with the same theme. Understand what I'm talking about? I'm reviewing two below. What would you call these?

Title: Many Bloody Returns
Authors: Various, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, and Kelley Armstrong highlighted.Genre: Paranormal, romance, short stories
Source: Library

This collection has the over arching theme of birthdays.  Some have a stronger connection to the theme than others. Some of the stories are new, or in worlds that are new to me, while others are happily familar. For example: I'm positive I've read the Charlaine Harris' story before....Eric's excited about Dracula's birthday. It's a fun lil vignette that gives a side to Eric's character that isn't often seen in the novels.  This whole collection is a fun read, but nothing phenomenal.

Title: Love at First Bite
Authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, LA Banks, Susan Squires, and Ronda Thompson
Genre: Paranomal, romance, short stories
Source: Library

This collection only has the four stories, and they are all in worlds I've yet to set eyes on. This is partly why I chose to read this collection. I've heard good things about each author but for whatever reason haven't picked up their books.  Three of the stories are about vampires and one is werewolfs.  Generally, I really enjoyed this collection. While there was one story that I just had trouble getting through....an odd mix of Hispanic and Native legends smashed with a coming of age vampire hunter story.......I did enjoy the experience on the whole. I've even added Ronda Thompson's Wulf series to my library request list.  This is a great collection to find a new favorite author from.

A few thoughts..

1. BlogFest was awesome! I loved seeing all the comments and gaining new friends/followers.

2. I miss seeing comments on my reviews and other posts.

3. To help remedy the above, I will be venturing out of my own little world to interact and comment more on other blogs.

4. What can I do to facilitate more interactions / blog love here?

5. Anything you really want to see here that I don't already do?

BlogFest 2010 Winner!

I'm proud to announce that the winner of my fantasy reader gift bundle is:

Melissa @ Books R Us

Thank you all, again, for participating! BlogFest 2010 was a huge success!

Melissa, I'll be emailing you.

BlogFest 2010 Ends

BlogFest 2010 has come to a close. Thank you all for participating! 

I had so much fun working through the blogs, visiting some I've never seen before, entering contests. 

I hope you had fun too!

I can't believe how many people turned out to enter my contest! 

Seriously. I didn't expect this much of a response.

And several of you joined my followers! Awesome!

You're probably waiting for a winner announcement....you'll just have to wait. 

This is a filler post. I'll do another post soon with the winner's name. 

BlogFest 2010 is here!

Welcome to stop #204 on the BlogFest tour! 

Glad to see you....hope you stay a while. 

As part of the BlogFest, I'm offering a bundle for fantasy readers.

The bundle includes a hardback edition of The River Kings' Road by Liane Merciel, a Way of Kings backpack, and a some bookmarks. This is an awesome bundle for a fantasy reader! It's just looking for a great home.

Giveaway is open to US residents only. Sorry international folks - I just can't afford it.

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment with your name and email (so I can contact you if you win)

2. Tell me what your favorite fantasy novel is.

3. When you're done here, head on over to Fiction Flurry for the next stop.

Also, Don't forget about the massive BlogFest 2010 grand giveaway!  Head on over to http://ajourneyofbooks.halfzero.net and click on the Tracking Site link ( or go to http://ajourneyofbooks.com/blogfest/ )  to head to our own exclusive tracking site.  Once there you can register with a valid email address (to be used solely for the purpose of contacting the winner).  This site will allow you to track your progress through BlogFest 2010!  You can log on from anywhere at any time and continue where you left off.  The best part is that every blog that you visit and mark off through this tracking site will give you one entry into the massive giveaway!  We have a great collection of books, goodies and other swag that is looking for a new home!

 Good Luck! Hope you enjoy BlogFest 2010!

The Iron Daughter & Winter's Passage

Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal
Source: ARC from NetGalley

I had no choice. This novel is actually the reason I joined NetGalley. I read, reviewed, and raved about the first novel in this series previously. I couldn't resist the opportunity to read this one. As I expected, I loved it!



Blurb from author's site:   Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Ms. Kagawa successfully crafts a world where all the fae you've ever heard about entwine, frolick, and mix with their humans....and their readers. It's easy to get lost in this world.

Title: Winter's Passage
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal, novella
Source: ARC from NetGalley

This novella actually should be read between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter. It is a bit strange to read it after the first two books....which is what I did. It's like looking back on a memory. This story covers the events that happen between the two. It gives more information about Megan's  and Ash's relationship. If you are one of those choice a team people....this story will help cement your position.

Blurb from author's site:   WINTER'S PASSAGE,a free novella in the Iron Fey series will be available for download June 1st. It takes place between THE IRON KING and THE IRON DAUGHTER and follows Meghan and Ash on their perilous journey deep into the heart of Winter. Check out EnterTheFaeryWorld.com for more details.