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 Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series.
A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture.
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Elemental Magic
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Sharon ShinnRebecca YorkCarol Berg;
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Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series.
A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture.
the elements of love , 23 Apr 2008
four novellas, all running about 90 - 100 pages, all themed around the elements and fantasy and romance.
I brought this because I like the writing of sharon shinn, the author of the first tale. I was not familiar with the other three writers prior to this.
Sharon shinn produces a very good tale that is a new spin on the cinderella story, with a woman finding romance after a bargain, but having to pay a price. a well realised setting and some good characters who you can care about result in a memorable tale with a final scene you won't forget in a hurry.
The second story involves a princess on a quest getting involved with a man who helps her out, and both finding their destiny. the romance is predictable and the plot is a bit slow till the end but it's very well written and quite engaging, although the elemental tie is a bit cursory
the third story has a similar problem, and covers predictable ground with a lady with magic talents facing problems and romantic entanglement. I really couldnt get into this one, but the other two reviewers speak well of it so maybe it's just me. Judge for yourselves.
The fourth one involves a lady with a magic talent being sent to spy on a man. And you can probably guess what happens next. this was well written if predictable and the elemental tie in again seems cursory. be aware though that this one is fairly explicit erotic fantasy so may not be to all tastes.
So not a bad collection all in all, and worth 4/5
Average., 22 Nov 2007
This compilation of short stories written by Sharon Shinn, Carol Berg, Rebecca York, Carol Berg and Jean Johnson are each based about one of the four elements: fire, earth, air, water.
"Bargain With the Wind" by Sharon Shinn. At Grey Moraine Lord Baler meets Lady Charis, who is in trouble. As they elope he is remains ignorant of the air that surrounds him, but could kill him.
"Birthright" by Jean Johnson. Elrik the mage escorts Arasa on a quest to learn who will inherit the fire.
"Unmasking" by Carol Berg. Joelle is a searcher, who has failed at passing the final exam that would allow her to fight demons; yet whether it is in water or land, she will use her skill anyway to save those she can like Gareth the vegetable farmer.
"Huntress Moon" by Rebecca York. Although she feels as if she is on hell on earth, to save her mother from a terrible fate, Zarah accepts being sold as a slave, who must spy on Griffin to regain her freedom.
Being a fan of both Sharon Shinn and Carol Berg, I was most excited when I learnt that both were contributing to this book. And indeed, their stories stand out as being my favorites. Although Birthright was very interesting too, and I will be looking into further books by this author.
I really didn't like Huntress Moon though. There didn't seem enough depth or emotion in the characters, the whole thing felt very rushed, and the ending was fairly predictable (too much was given away too soon). The romance was difficult to believe real, and the love making scenes read more like an errotic fantasy (not my kinda thing). There were a few scenes that seemed pointless and some serious conflicts were resolved far too quickly. It all felt a bit childish and simplistic really.
The other three stories were enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. Unfortunately, none of them were entirely memorable, nor the sort of thing I'd want to read again.
Three excellent and one good story of mystical romance, 20 Nov 2007
This book consists of four stories, loosely themed around Air, Earth, Water and Flame. The stories are all widely different but each has its own fascinating concepts with appealing characters.
BARGAIN WITH THE WIND by SHARON SHINN
This first story in the collection was a beguiling tale apparently set in England in the Regency period. Duncan Baler has recently inherited the house Grey Moraine after the death of his uncle and his cousin on the same day. Duncan arranges a social event at the house and it is gatecrashed by a beautiful young woman, Charis, who immediately catches Duncan's attention. Over the next week Duncan and Charis spend time together and then get married and Charis begins to settle into life as Lady of the Manor.
However things might not be as they seem. The whole story is narrated from the point of view of the housekeeper, Nettie, and she spends a great deal of her time listening at keyholes and overhearing conversations in other rooms. Nettie begins to suspect that Charis may have some secrets she is hiding from her husband. Why, for example, does she seem bent on alienating the next most important household in the county? Why is she so worried after hearing Nettie's explanations of the Air Spirits and the disastrous bargains young women will make with them to get what they want? What is Charis's secret and is she something other than she appears?
This story is well written and always interesting as we learn, along with Nettie, in snatches of overheard conversation, what's actually going on. If this is set in the English Regency period there are some historical and language mistakes but they are common errors and don't detract too much from the story. It's an interesting read and wasn't at all predictable which I very much liked. Five stars.
BIRTHRIGHT by JEAN JOHNSON
This story almost couldn't be more different than the first in this collection - one of the advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) of collections of this nature. This story is set in a fantasy world with mages and magical lore. Arasa is on a quest to discover whether she or her twin sister were the firstborn as there was some doubt at their birth. Arasa has discovered a way of finding out by retreading a walk that one of her ancestors did between "The Womb" and "The Heart". "the Heart" is the name of their major city but the only "Womb" she knows is in a faraway land. The story starts as Arasa is trying to find a good map of the route to the Womb of Tarden; she is almost tricked by an unscrupulous chap but fortunately a Mage who is also in the Inn offers her the use of a Truth Stone and it soon becomes apparent that the map-seller was trying to confuse her. In discussion with the Mage she very quickly discovers that she's on the wrong track for the "Womb" anyway and that it actually refers to a temple in her own land. She and the Mage, Elrik, agree to travel together to her land so that he can visit the Mage academy and so that she has some protection on the way.
When they arrive Arasa discovers her twin has also discovered a way of finding the true firstborn but isn't willing to discuss it. She says that Arasa's method is better and so the twins set out on the journey with Elrik and her sister's fiancé alongside. However there's some unexpected danger on the way and Arasa has to decide whether to step up to the position of power and authority that she has or to take the easier road which may have long-term negative consequences.
There's a romance in this story between Arasa and Elrik which was very endearing to read and in fact the whole story was enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting was different, the writing style good and the overall story was very well done, although I felt the pronunciation guide given at the start was rather too self-important for a short story! Five stars.
UNMASKING by CAROL BERG
Yet another great story, and another completely different read from the other two so far in this collection. In this story Joelle is in training as a Searcher, a special kind of sorcerer for those who have the greatest magical skills. However she always seems to fail the final tests and so can't graduate to become a true Searcher and these failures are causing her great anguish.
When trespassing at a sacred pool one night she sees a man who shouldn't be there and initially thinks he is a Warden, another kind of sorcerer, until her companion, Kenehyr, points out that his hands weren't clean (something that a true Warden would ensure). Joelle reports this to the magical authorities who conclude he must be the spy they have heard of from another land, trying to find out whether there is true magic within her country or just some illusions. A complex plan is created to trick this spy into believing that the people don't have real magic and Joelle is chosen to be part of this plan, along with a Tenyddar, a man with no magic who works on the land. However when Joelle meets her Tenyddar she recognises him instantly as the man at the pool and things start to get more complex.
This story was fascinating, particularly with regard to the relationship between Joelle and Bran/Gareth as they try to trick the spy. Bran/Gareth's position in society is at the lowest point as a farmer without magic and yet Joelle begins to see that some people can make more of themselves than perhaps others might think. Equally he is able to help her to understand her failures and their significance. This isn't really a romance as the romantic element is tiny but it's an excellent story about understanding other people and the possibilities that exist within them. Five stars.
HUNTRESS MOON by REBECCA YORK
This last story in the collection was not as enjoyable as the rest although still a reasonable read. It follows the variable fortunes of Zarah, a nobleman's daughter who has fallen on hard times. Her father has been executed for apparently embezzling money and her mother is dying of cancer; Zarah is told by Scanlon, head of the city White Flint, that if she agrees to spy on Griffin, head of Sun Acres, her mother will get healing treatment. Zarah's role, in spying on Griffin, will be that of his mistress. She eventually agrees, knowing that her own honour is less important than her mother's life.
Zarah's journey to Sun Acres is dangerous but she is helped by Quinn, another of the slaves. When Zarah is chosen by Griffin and taken to his house she begins to question whether she should be spying on him because he seems to be a far more good and honourable man than Scanlon. However when he finds out that she is a spy things look bad for her. Quinn's role in the story becomes more important, and Zarah's magical skills prove to be a great help to Griffin.
This story was written quite simply and without any great depth to the characters. I found the rapidity of Zarah's fall to slavery and then subsequent rise to a position of importance pretty startling, especially as everyone knew she had been a slave. I was also unsure about some of her motivations and of the almost instant 'falling in love' between hero and heroine. It was a pleasant enough read but lacked the depth of the other stories. Three Stars.
In conclusion, this is an excellent collection of short stories with three outstanding and one reasonable tale. Three of the four are fantasies and the fourth is a historical story but they are all very different from each other and consider different themes with varying characters. This should be a really good read for those who like to read mystical romances.
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Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series.
A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture.
the elements of love , 23 Apr 2008
four novellas, all running about 90 - 100 pages, all themed around the elements and fantasy and romance.
I brought this because I like the writing of sharon shinn, the author of the first tale. I was not familiar with the other three writers prior to this.
Sharon shinn produces a very good tale that is a new spin on the cinderella story, with a woman finding romance after a bargain, but having to pay a price. a well realised setting and some good characters who you can care about result in a memorable tale with a final scene you won't forget in a hurry.
The second story involves a princess on a quest getting involved with a man who helps her out, and both finding their destiny. the romance is predictable and the plot is a bit slow till the end but it's very well written and quite engaging, although the elemental tie is a bit cursory
the third story has a similar problem, and covers predictable ground with a lady with magic talents facing problems and romantic entanglement. I really couldnt get into this one, but the other two reviewers speak well of it so maybe it's just me. Judge for yourselves.
The fourth one involves a lady with a magic talent being sent to spy on a man. And you can probably guess what happens next. this was well written if predictable and the elemental tie in again seems cursory. be aware though that this one is fairly explicit erotic fantasy so may not be to all tastes.
So not a bad collection all in all, and worth 4/5
Average., 22 Nov 2007
This compilation of short stories written by Sharon Shinn, Carol Berg, Rebecca York, Carol Berg and Jean Johnson are each based about one of the four elements: fire, earth, air, water.
"Bargain With the Wind" by Sharon Shinn. At Grey Moraine Lord Baler meets Lady Charis, who is in trouble. As they elope he is remains ignorant of the air that surrounds him, but could kill him.
"Birthright" by Jean Johnson. Elrik the mage escorts Arasa on a quest to learn who will inherit the fire.
"Unmasking" by Carol Berg. Joelle is a searcher, who has failed at passing the final exam that would allow her to fight demons; yet whether it is in water or land, she will use her skill anyway to save those she can like Gareth the vegetable farmer.
"Huntress Moon" by Rebecca York. Although she feels as if she is on hell on earth, to save her mother from a terrible fate, Zarah accepts being sold as a slave, who must spy on Griffin to regain her freedom.
Being a fan of both Sharon Shinn and Carol Berg, I was most excited when I learnt that both were contributing to this book. And indeed, their stories stand out as being my favorites. Although Birthright was very interesting too, and I will be looking into further books by this author.
I really didn't like Huntress Moon though. There didn't seem enough depth or emotion in the characters, the whole thing felt very rushed, and the ending was fairly predictable (too much was given away too soon). The romance was difficult to believe real, and the love making scenes read more like an errotic fantasy (not my kinda thing). There were a few scenes that seemed pointless and some serious conflicts were resolved far too quickly. It all felt a bit childish and simplistic really.
The other three stories were enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. Unfortunately, none of them were entirely memorable, nor the sort of thing I'd want to read again.
Three excellent and one good story of mystical romance, 20 Nov 2007
This book consists of four stories, loosely themed around Air, Earth, Water and Flame. The stories are all widely different but each has its own fascinating concepts with appealing characters.
BARGAIN WITH THE WIND by SHARON SHINN
This first story in the collection was a beguiling tale apparently set in England in the Regency period. Duncan Baler has recently inherited the house Grey Moraine after the death of his uncle and his cousin on the same day. Duncan arranges a social event at the house and it is gatecrashed by a beautiful young woman, Charis, who immediately catches Duncan's attention. Over the next week Duncan and Charis spend time together and then get married and Charis begins to settle into life as Lady of the Manor.
However things might not be as they seem. The whole story is narrated from the point of view of the housekeeper, Nettie, and she spends a great deal of her time listening at keyholes and overhearing conversations in other rooms. Nettie begins to suspect that Charis may have some secrets she is hiding from her husband. Why, for example, does she seem bent on alienating the next most important household in the county? Why is she so worried after hearing Nettie's explanations of the Air Spirits and the disastrous bargains young women will make with them to get what they want? What is Charis's secret and is she something other than she appears?
This story is well written and always interesting as we learn, along with Nettie, in snatches of overheard conversation, what's actually going on. If this is set in the English Regency period there are some historical and language mistakes but they are common errors and don't detract too much from the story. It's an interesting read and wasn't at all predictable which I very much liked. Five stars.
BIRTHRIGHT by JEAN JOHNSON
This story almost couldn't be more different than the first in this collection - one of the advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) of collections of this nature. This story is set in a fantasy world with mages and magical lore. Arasa is on a quest to discover whether she or her twin sister were the firstborn as there was some doubt at their birth. Arasa has discovered a way of finding out by retreading a walk that one of her ancestors did between "The Womb" and "The Heart". "the Heart" is the name of their major city but the only "Womb" she knows is in a faraway land. The story starts as Arasa is trying to find a good map of the route to the Womb of Tarden; she is almost tricked by an unscrupulous chap but fortunately a Mage who is also in the Inn offers her the use of a Truth Stone and it soon becomes apparent that the map-seller was trying to confuse her. In discussion with the Mage she very quickly discovers that she's on the wrong track for the "Womb" anyway and that it actually refers to a temple in her own land. She and the Mage, Elrik, agree to travel together to her land so that he can visit the Mage academy and so that she has some protection on the way.
When they arrive Arasa discovers her twin has also discovered a way of finding the true firstborn but isn't willing to discuss it. She says that Arasa's method is better and so the twins set out on the journey with Elrik and her sister's fiancé alongside. However there's some unexpected danger on the way and Arasa has to decide whether to step up to the position of power and authority that she has or to take the easier road which may have long-term negative consequences.
There's a romance in this story between Arasa and Elrik which was very endearing to read and in fact the whole story was enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting was different, the writing style good and the overall story was very well done, although I felt the pronunciation guide given at the start was rather too self-important for a short story! Five stars.
UNMASKING by CAROL BERG
Yet another great story, and another completely different read from the other two so far in this collection. In this story Joelle is in training as a Searcher, a special kind of sorcerer for those who have the greatest magical skills. However she always seems to fail the final tests and so can't graduate to become a true Searcher and these failures are causing her great anguish.
When trespassing at a sacred pool one night she sees a man who shouldn't be there and initially thinks he is a Warden, another kind of sorcerer, until her companion, Kenehyr, points out that his hands weren't clean (something that a true Warden would ensure). Joelle reports this to the magical authorities who conclude he must be the spy they have heard of from another land, trying to find out whether there is true magic within her country or just some illusions. A complex plan is created to trick this spy into believing that the people don't have real magic and Joelle is chosen to be part of this plan, along with a Tenyddar, a man with no magic who works on the land. However when Joelle meets her Tenyddar she recognises him instantly as the man at the pool and things start to get more complex.
This story was fascinating, particularly with regard to the relationship between Joelle and Bran/Gareth as they try to trick the spy. Bran/Gareth's position in society is at the lowest point as a farmer without magic and yet Joelle begins to see that some people can make more of themselves than perhaps others might think. Equally he is able to help her to understand her failures and their significance. This isn't really a romance as the romantic element is tiny but it's an excellent story about understanding other people and the possibilities that exist within them. Five stars.
HUNTRESS MOON by REBECCA YORK
This last story in the collection was not as enjoyable as the rest although still a reasonable read. It follows the variable fortunes of Zarah, a nobleman's daughter who has fallen on hard times. Her father has been executed for apparently embezzling money and her mother is dying of cancer; Zarah is told by Scanlon, head of the city White Flint, that if she agrees to spy on Griffin, head of Sun Acres, her mother will get healing treatment. Zarah's role, in spying on Griffin, will be that of his mistress. She eventually agrees, knowing that her own honour is less important than her mother's life.
Zarah's journey to Sun Acres is dangerous but she is helped by Quinn, another of the slaves. When Zarah is chosen by Griffin and taken to his house she begins to question whether she should be spying on him because he seems to be a far more good and honourable man than Scanlon. However when he finds out that she is a spy things look bad for her. Quinn's role in the story becomes more important, and Zarah's magical skills prove to be a great help to Griffin.
This story was written quite simply and without any great depth to the characters. I found the rapidity of Zarah's fall to slavery and then subsequent rise to a position of importance pretty startling, especially as everyone knew she had been a slave. I was also unsure about some of her motivations and of the almost instant 'falling in love' between hero and heroine. It was a pleasant enough read but lacked the depth of the other stories. Three Stars.
In conclusion, this is an excellent collection of short stories with three outstanding and one reasonable tale. Three of the four are fantasies and the fourth is a historical story but they are all very different from each other and consider different themes with varying characters. This should be a really good read for those who like to read mystical romances.
Reanimation and retribution, 15 May 2008
Another book in Rebecca York's Moon series about werewolves and people from a parallel universe, this story works on its own although it does reference events in previous books. In this story Quinn has travelled from the parallel universe to this work to meet up with Logan and Rinna and help them prepare for the arrival of another woman, Zarah, the pregnant wife of Griffin. Zarah is in danger back in their world and it is hoped that she can be moved to safety into this world until after the birth of her baby.
Quinn finds herself with the feeling of being watched as she steps through the portal into some woodland. She soon discovers that there's a ghost tied to the land, a male, and that she can both sense his presence and also feel his touch. Eventually she is able to hear his voice and learns that he is Caleb Marshall, a werewolf man who was killed by his cousin seventy-five years before. The more time she spends with Caleb the more solidly he begins to appear - but nothing can come of a relationship with a ghost.
But a strange Colonel is plotting something against the USA and his group of soldiers try to kill one of them who they discover is a spy; he is buried alive in the woods and Caleb calls Quinn to help to rescue him. They aren't in time to save the man's life but through some strange events Caleb ends up in this man's body, reanimated after 75 years. Now Caleb has the opportunity to wreak vengeance against the descendants of the man who killed him - but those descendents are Quinn's friends. Can Caleb settle into his new body? Can he put aside his vengeance against the Marshalls? Can they discover what the Colonel is doing and prevent a huge disaster befalling the USA?
This book was well-paced with events unfolding smoothly as Caleb and Quinn's lives intertwine. There were many references to events in previous books but things were explained enough for new readers to this series to understand. This reader was never quite able to get over the ickiness of a 75-year-old ghost reanimating someone else's body and living in it and there were some parts of the plot that I felt were a little loosely handled. However it was a reasonable read overall, if nothing particularly special.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008
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Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series. A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture. the elements of love , 23 Apr 2008
four novellas, all running about 90 - 100 pages, all themed around the elements and fantasy and romance.
I brought this because I like the writing of sharon shinn, the author of the first tale. I was not familiar with the other three writers prior to this.
Sharon shinn produces a very good tale that is a new spin on the cinderella story, with a woman finding romance after a bargain, but having to pay a price. a well realised setting and some good characters who you can care about result in a memorable tale with a final scene you won't forget in a hurry.
The second story involves a princess on a quest getting involved with a man who helps her out, and both finding their destiny. the romance is predictable and the plot is a bit slow till the end but it's very well written and quite engaging, although the elemental tie is a bit cursory
the third story has a similar problem, and covers predictable ground with a lady with magic talents facing problems and romantic entanglement. I really couldnt get into this one, but the other two reviewers speak well of it so maybe it's just me. Judge for yourselves.
The fourth one involves a lady with a magic talent being sent to spy on a man. And you can probably guess what happens next. this was well written if predictable and the elemental tie in again seems cursory. be aware though that this one is fairly explicit erotic fantasy so may not be to all tastes.
So not a bad collection all in all, and worth 4/5 Average., 22 Nov 2007
This compilation of short stories written by Sharon Shinn, Carol Berg, Rebecca York, Carol Berg and Jean Johnson are each based about one of the four elements: fire, earth, air, water.
"Bargain With the Wind" by Sharon Shinn. At Grey Moraine Lord Baler meets Lady Charis, who is in trouble. As they elope he is remains ignorant of the air that surrounds him, but could kill him.
"Birthright" by Jean Johnson. Elrik the mage escorts Arasa on a quest to learn who will inherit the fire.
"Unmasking" by Carol Berg. Joelle is a searcher, who has failed at passing the final exam that would allow her to fight demons; yet whether it is in water or land, she will use her skill anyway to save those she can like Gareth the vegetable farmer.
"Huntress Moon" by Rebecca York. Although she feels as if she is on hell on earth, to save her mother from a terrible fate, Zarah accepts being sold as a slave, who must spy on Griffin to regain her freedom.
Being a fan of both Sharon Shinn and Carol Berg, I was most excited when I learnt that both were contributing to this book. And indeed, their stories stand out as being my favorites. Although Birthright was very interesting too, and I will be looking into further books by this author.
I really didn't like Huntress Moon though. There didn't seem enough depth or emotion in the characters, the whole thing felt very rushed, and the ending was fairly predictable (too much was given away too soon). The romance was difficult to believe real, and the love making scenes read more like an errotic fantasy (not my kinda thing). There were a few scenes that seemed pointless and some serious conflicts were resolved far too quickly. It all felt a bit childish and simplistic really.
The other three stories were enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. Unfortunately, none of them were entirely memorable, nor the sort of thing I'd want to read again. Three excellent and one good story of mystical romance, 20 Nov 2007
This book consists of four stories, loosely themed around Air, Earth, Water and Flame. The stories are all widely different but each has its own fascinating concepts with appealing characters.
BARGAIN WITH THE WIND by SHARON SHINN
This first story in the collection was a beguiling tale apparently set in England in the Regency period. Duncan Baler has recently inherited the house Grey Moraine after the death of his uncle and his cousin on the same day. Duncan arranges a social event at the house and it is gatecrashed by a beautiful young woman, Charis, who immediately catches Duncan's attention. Over the next week Duncan and Charis spend time together and then get married and Charis begins to settle into life as Lady of the Manor.
However things might not be as they seem. The whole story is narrated from the point of view of the housekeeper, Nettie, and she spends a great deal of her time listening at keyholes and overhearing conversations in other rooms. Nettie begins to suspect that Charis may have some secrets she is hiding from her husband. Why, for example, does she seem bent on alienating the next most important household in the county? Why is she so worried after hearing Nettie's explanations of the Air Spirits and the disastrous bargains young women will make with them to get what they want? What is Charis's secret and is she something other than she appears?
This story is well written and always interesting as we learn, along with Nettie, in snatches of overheard conversation, what's actually going on. If this is set in the English Regency period there are some historical and language mistakes but they are common errors and don't detract too much from the story. It's an interesting read and wasn't at all predictable which I very much liked. Five stars.
BIRTHRIGHT by JEAN JOHNSON
This story almost couldn't be more different than the first in this collection - one of the advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) of collections of this nature. This story is set in a fantasy world with mages and magical lore. Arasa is on a quest to discover whether she or her twin sister were the firstborn as there was some doubt at their birth. Arasa has discovered a way of finding out by retreading a walk that one of her ancestors did between "The Womb" and "The Heart". "the Heart" is the name of their major city but the only "Womb" she knows is in a faraway land. The story starts as Arasa is trying to find a good map of the route to the Womb of Tarden; she is almost tricked by an unscrupulous chap but fortunately a Mage who is also in the Inn offers her the use of a Truth Stone and it soon becomes apparent that the map-seller was trying to confuse her. In discussion with the Mage she very quickly discovers that she's on the wrong track for the "Womb" anyway and that it actually refers to a temple in her own land. She and the Mage, Elrik, agree to travel together to her land so that he can visit the Mage academy and so that she has some protection on the way.
When they arrive Arasa discovers her twin has also discovered a way of finding the true firstborn but isn't willing to discuss it. She says that Arasa's method is better and so the twins set out on the journey with Elrik and her sister's fiancé alongside. However there's some unexpected danger on the way and Arasa has to decide whether to step up to the position of power and authority that she has or to take the easier road which may have long-term negative consequences.
There's a romance in this story between Arasa and Elrik which was very endearing to read and in fact the whole story was enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting was different, the writing style good and the overall story was very well done, although I felt the pronunciation guide given at the start was rather too self-important for a short story! Five stars.
UNMASKING by CAROL BERG
Yet another great story, and another completely different read from the other two so far in this collection. In this story Joelle is in training as a Searcher, a special kind of sorcerer for those who have the greatest magical skills. However she always seems to fail the final tests and so can't graduate to become a true Searcher and these failures are causing her great anguish.
When trespassing at a sacred pool one night she sees a man who shouldn't be there and initially thinks he is a Warden, another kind of sorcerer, until her companion, Kenehyr, points out that his hands weren't clean (something that a true Warden would ensure). Joelle reports this to the magical authorities who conclude he must be the spy they have heard of from another land, trying to find out whether there is true magic within her country or just some illusions. A complex plan is created to trick this spy into believing that the people don't have real magic and Joelle is chosen to be part of this plan, along with a Tenyddar, a man with no magic who works on the land. However when Joelle meets her Tenyddar she recognises him instantly as the man at the pool and things start to get more complex.
This story was fascinating, particularly with regard to the relationship between Joelle and Bran/Gareth as they try to trick the spy. Bran/Gareth's position in society is at the lowest point as a farmer without magic and yet Joelle begins to see that some people can make more of themselves than perhaps others might think. Equally he is able to help her to understand her failures and their significance. This isn't really a romance as the romantic element is tiny but it's an excellent story about understanding other people and the possibilities that exist within them. Five stars.
HUNTRESS MOON by REBECCA YORK
This last story in the collection was not as enjoyable as the rest although still a reasonable read. It follows the variable fortunes of Zarah, a nobleman's daughter who has fallen on hard times. Her father has been executed for apparently embezzling money and her mother is dying of cancer; Zarah is told by Scanlon, head of the city White Flint, that if she agrees to spy on Griffin, head of Sun Acres, her mother will get healing treatment. Zarah's role, in spying on Griffin, will be that of his mistress. She eventually agrees, knowing that her own honour is less important than her mother's life.
Zarah's journey to Sun Acres is dangerous but she is helped by Quinn, another of the slaves. When Zarah is chosen by Griffin and taken to his house she begins to question whether she should be spying on him because he seems to be a far more good and honourable man than Scanlon. However when he finds out that she is a spy things look bad for her. Quinn's role in the story becomes more important, and Zarah's magical skills prove to be a great help to Griffin.
This story was written quite simply and without any great depth to the characters. I found the rapidity of Zarah's fall to slavery and then subsequent rise to a position of importance pretty startling, especially as everyone knew she had been a slave. I was also unsure about some of her motivations and of the almost instant 'falling in love' between hero and heroine. It was a pleasant enough read but lacked the depth of the other stories. Three Stars.
In conclusion, this is an excellent collection of short stories with three outstanding and one reasonable tale. Three of the four are fantasies and the fourth is a historical story but they are all very different from each other and consider different themes with varying characters. This should be a really good read for those who like to read mystical romances.
Reanimation and retribution, 15 May 2008
Another book in Rebecca York's Moon series about werewolves and people from a parallel universe, this story works on its own although it does reference events in previous books. In this story Quinn has travelled from the parallel universe to this work to meet up with Logan and Rinna and help them prepare for the arrival of another woman, Zarah, the pregnant wife of Griffin. Zarah is in danger back in their world and it is hoped that she can be moved to safety into this world until after the birth of her baby.
Quinn finds herself with the feeling of being watched as she steps through the portal into some woodland. She soon discovers that there's a ghost tied to the land, a male, and that she can both sense his presence and also feel his touch. Eventually she is able to hear his voice and learns that he is Caleb Marshall, a werewolf man who was killed by his cousin seventy-five years before. The more time she spends with Caleb the more solidly he begins to appear - but nothing can come of a relationship with a ghost.
But a strange Colonel is plotting something against the USA and his group of soldiers try to kill one of them who they discover is a spy; he is buried alive in the woods and Caleb calls Quinn to help to rescue him. They aren't in time to save the man's life but through some strange events Caleb ends up in this man's body, reanimated after 75 years. Now Caleb has the opportunity to wreak vengeance against the descendants of the man who killed him - but those descendents are Quinn's friends. Can Caleb settle into his new body? Can he put aside his vengeance against the Marshalls? Can they discover what the Colonel is doing and prevent a huge disaster befalling the USA?
This book was well-paced with events unfolding smoothly as Caleb and Quinn's lives intertwine. There were many references to events in previous books but things were explained enough for new readers to this series to understand. This reader was never quite able to get over the ickiness of a 75-year-old ghost reanimating someone else's body and living in it and there were some parts of the plot that I felt were a little loosely handled. However it was a reasonable read overall, if nothing particularly special.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008 charming tales from 3 top flight paranormal writers, 12 Jul 2005
"Road of Adventure" by Robin D. Owens, is not one of her Celta tales, but it does have a charming irrepressible Cat - BORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRISSSSSS. Boris is a ghost cat, more specifically an angel cat, even though Jake thinks he is the ugliest creature he's ever laid eyes upon. Borrrrrrriiiissssssssss belongs to Shauna, a gentle soul, loves growing things and animals, why she thinks Boris is beautiful! Boris cannot get his real angel wings - mine mine mine mine mine mine mine - until he brings Jake and Shauna together. Boris very desperately wants his wings and his golden halo, but sniffs at Jake as the possible mate for Shauna. HIS Shauna is much too good for the macho cop. They were destined to find their fates together, but something happened, and each took a wrong turn and died. Now with their guide Borrrisssssssssss, they are sent back, Jack to do it again and hopefully get it right. It's a delightful tale with Boris stealing the show, but isn't that natural??? Worthy buying for Owens tale alone. Rebecca York has been a long time fav of mine with her consistent work for Harlequin and now her werewolf series. Again, she comes through with a delightful tale called "Shattered Dreams". Miranda often thinks of her teenage love Caleb. Once he sculpted her in stone. Despite time and separation, Caleb still wants Miranda. Their bond that defies all calls him to save the women he once loved before from an evil wanting to claim her life. Sherrilyn Kenyon gives us a charming tale, though the weakest of the three, about "Knightly Dreams". As with all Kenyon tales read for the charm of the story not for the historical accuracy. When she catches her boyfriend with his secretary doing the Wild Thang, Tayrn is ready to put males on the endangered species list. Then a bookstore owner shows her a real knight in shining armour. It really stretches the imagination a tad. He is in a book, and suddenly he is there and she adores him. Face it, if that's all it took, J.D. Robb's Roarke would be giving me a massage right now!
A Great Anthology, 10 Jul 2005
"What Dreams May Come" is an anthology containing 3 short romantic tales. Knightly Dreams by Sherrilyn Kenyon
When unlucky in love Taryn's car breaks down she tarries a while in a quaint little book shop. After meeting an old dear named Esther she finds her whole life changes. Enter Sparhawk, the Earl of Ravensmoor, a major hottie from a romance novel named "Knightly Dreams". It appears that book storylines do occur in another world, a world where Sparhawk actually exists. When his fiancée Alinor from "Knightly Dreams" (a nasty piece of works) obtains a copy of their own book, she finds herself in control of the story line and draws Sparhawk back into his own world. Taryn is heartbroken, however with the heart and soul of a writer, she has the ability to perhaps write her own happy ever after ending with a real life hero. Shattered Dreams by Rebecca York
The son of gypsy fortune tellers, Caleb Mancuso is now a celebrated sculptor. Gifted with certain abilities, he is busy creating a familiar female form in marble when he receives mental images of an awful car crash, the victim Miranda Grove, his teenage sweetheart who cruelly broke his heart. With Miranda in a coma, he uses his gifts to mentally contact her; however Miranda is unaware she's trapped in unconsciousness. With the arrival of Miranda's father, the man who destroyed their young love, Caleb has his work cut out.. He also has to discover who and why someone wants to see Miranda dead, a someone with strong psychic power. The Road of Adventure by Robin D Owens
Jake and Shauna have little in common except for dying on the same day, yet the harsh detective and tree loving spiritualistic landscape gardener were destined to be soul mates had they met whilst living. Unfortunately Shauna's cat Boris failed in his task to bring them together and therefore doesn't receive his wings, his crown, his temple or his road to great adventure. Given a second opportunity of life, both Shauna and Jake at last meet. Unfortunately although Shauna falls in love with Jake, he views himself as fundamentally unlovable and has difficulty accepting their relationship. With the help of the now golden winged ghost cat Boris, expect a happy ending. I freely admit that I only purchased this book because of one author, the fantastic Sherrilyn Kenyon. It's always a treat when the rest of the stories within an anthology are great. This book is a fantastic mix of paranormal romance, with wonderful storylines and plenty of passion between the leading lovers. Bravo to all 3 authors!
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Crimson Moon (Berkley Sensation)
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Rebecca YorkRuth Glick;
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Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series. A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture. the elements of love , 23 Apr 2008
four novellas, all running about 90 - 100 pages, all themed around the elements and fantasy and romance.
I brought this because I like the writing of sharon shinn, the author of the first tale. I was not familiar with the other three writers prior to this.
Sharon shinn produces a very good tale that is a new spin on the cinderella story, with a woman finding romance after a bargain, but having to pay a price. a well realised setting and some good characters who you can care about result in a memorable tale with a final scene you won't forget in a hurry.
The second story involves a princess on a quest getting involved with a man who helps her out, and both finding their destiny. the romance is predictable and the plot is a bit slow till the end but it's very well written and quite engaging, although the elemental tie is a bit cursory
the third story has a similar problem, and covers predictable ground with a lady with magic talents facing problems and romantic entanglement. I really couldnt get into this one, but the other two reviewers speak well of it so maybe it's just me. Judge for yourselves.
The fourth one involves a lady with a magic talent being sent to spy on a man. And you can probably guess what happens next. this was well written if predictable and the elemental tie in again seems cursory. be aware though that this one is fairly explicit erotic fantasy so may not be to all tastes.
So not a bad collection all in all, and worth 4/5 Average., 22 Nov 2007
This compilation of short stories written by Sharon Shinn, Carol Berg, Rebecca York, Carol Berg and Jean Johnson are each based about one of the four elements: fire, earth, air, water.
"Bargain With the Wind" by Sharon Shinn. At Grey Moraine Lord Baler meets Lady Charis, who is in trouble. As they elope he is remains ignorant of the air that surrounds him, but could kill him.
"Birthright" by Jean Johnson. Elrik the mage escorts Arasa on a quest to learn who will inherit the fire.
"Unmasking" by Carol Berg. Joelle is a searcher, who has failed at passing the final exam that would allow her to fight demons; yet whether it is in water or land, she will use her skill anyway to save those she can like Gareth the vegetable farmer.
"Huntress Moon" by Rebecca York. Although she feels as if she is on hell on earth, to save her mother from a terrible fate, Zarah accepts being sold as a slave, who must spy on Griffin to regain her freedom.
Being a fan of both Sharon Shinn and Carol Berg, I was most excited when I learnt that both were contributing to this book. And indeed, their stories stand out as being my favorites. Although Birthright was very interesting too, and I will be looking into further books by this author.
I really didn't like Huntress Moon though. There didn't seem enough depth or emotion in the characters, the whole thing felt very rushed, and the ending was fairly predictable (too much was given away too soon). The romance was difficult to believe real, and the love making scenes read more like an errotic fantasy (not my kinda thing). There were a few scenes that seemed pointless and some serious conflicts were resolved far too quickly. It all felt a bit childish and simplistic really.
The other three stories were enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. Unfortunately, none of them were entirely memorable, nor the sort of thing I'd want to read again. Three excellent and one good story of mystical romance, 20 Nov 2007
This book consists of four stories, loosely themed around Air, Earth, Water and Flame. The stories are all widely different but each has its own fascinating concepts with appealing characters.
BARGAIN WITH THE WIND by SHARON SHINN
This first story in the collection was a beguiling tale apparently set in England in the Regency period. Duncan Baler has recently inherited the house Grey Moraine after the death of his uncle and his cousin on the same day. Duncan arranges a social event at the house and it is gatecrashed by a beautiful young woman, Charis, who immediately catches Duncan's attention. Over the next week Duncan and Charis spend time together and then get married and Charis begins to settle into life as Lady of the Manor.
However things might not be as they seem. The whole story is narrated from the point of view of the housekeeper, Nettie, and she spends a great deal of her time listening at keyholes and overhearing conversations in other rooms. Nettie begins to suspect that Charis may have some secrets she is hiding from her husband. Why, for example, does she seem bent on alienating the next most important household in the county? Why is she so worried after hearing Nettie's explanations of the Air Spirits and the disastrous bargains young women will make with them to get what they want? What is Charis's secret and is she something other than she appears?
This story is well written and always interesting as we learn, along with Nettie, in snatches of overheard conversation, what's actually going on. If this is set in the English Regency period there are some historical and language mistakes but they are common errors and don't detract too much from the story. It's an interesting read and wasn't at all predictable which I very much liked. Five stars.
BIRTHRIGHT by JEAN JOHNSON
This story almost couldn't be more different than the first in this collection - one of the advantages (and sometimes disadvantages) of collections of this nature. This story is set in a fantasy world with mages and magical lore. Arasa is on a quest to discover whether she or her twin sister were the firstborn as there was some doubt at their birth. Arasa has discovered a way of finding out by retreading a walk that one of her ancestors did between "The Womb" and "The Heart". "the Heart" is the name of their major city but the only "Womb" she knows is in a faraway land. The story starts as Arasa is trying to find a good map of the route to the Womb of Tarden; she is almost tricked by an unscrupulous chap but fortunately a Mage who is also in the Inn offers her the use of a Truth Stone and it soon becomes apparent that the map-seller was trying to confuse her. In discussion with the Mage she very quickly discovers that she's on the wrong track for the "Womb" anyway and that it actually refers to a temple in her own land. She and the Mage, Elrik, agree to travel together to her land so that he can visit the Mage academy and so that she has some protection on the way.
When they arrive Arasa discovers her twin has also discovered a way of finding the true firstborn but isn't willing to discuss it. She says that Arasa's method is better and so the twins set out on the journey with Elrik and her sister's fiancé alongside. However there's some unexpected danger on the way and Arasa has to decide whether to step up to the position of power and authority that she has or to take the easier road which may have long-term negative consequences.
There's a romance in this story between Arasa and Elrik which was very endearing to read and in fact the whole story was enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting was different, the writing style good and the overall story was very well done, although I felt the pronunciation guide given at the start was rather too self-important for a short story! Five stars.
UNMASKING by CAROL BERG
Yet another great story, and another completely different read from the other two so far in this collection. In this story Joelle is in training as a Searcher, a special kind of sorcerer for those who have the greatest magical skills. However she always seems to fail the final tests and so can't graduate to become a true Searcher and these failures are causing her great anguish.
When trespassing at a sacred pool one night she sees a man who shouldn't be there and initially thinks he is a Warden, another kind of sorcerer, until her companion, Kenehyr, points out that his hands weren't clean (something that a true Warden would ensure). Joelle reports this to the magical authorities who conclude he must be the spy they have heard of from another land, trying to find out whether there is true magic within her country or just some illusions. A complex plan is created to trick this spy into believing that the people don't have real magic and Joelle is chosen to be part of this plan, along with a Tenyddar, a man with no magic who works on the land. However when Joelle meets her Tenyddar she recognises him instantly as the man at the pool and things start to get more complex.
This story was fascinating, particularly with regard to the relationship between Joelle and Bran/Gareth as they try to trick the spy. Bran/Gareth's position in society is at the lowest point as a farmer without magic and yet Joelle begins to see that some people can make more of themselves than perhaps others might think. Equally he is able to help her to understand her failures and their significance. This isn't really a romance as the romantic element is tiny but it's an excellent story about understanding other people and the possibilities that exist within them. Five stars.
HUNTRESS MOON by REBECCA YORK
This last story in the collection was not as enjoyable as the rest although still a reasonable read. It follows the variable fortunes of Zarah, a nobleman's daughter who has fallen on hard times. Her father has been executed for apparently embezzling money and her mother is dying of cancer; Zarah is told by Scanlon, head of the city White Flint, that if she agrees to spy on Griffin, head of Sun Acres, her mother will get healing treatment. Zarah's role, in spying on Griffin, will be that of his mistress. She eventually agrees, knowing that her own honour is less important than her mother's life.
Zarah's journey to Sun Acres is dangerous but she is helped by Quinn, another of the slaves. When Zarah is chosen by Griffin and taken to his house she begins to question whether she should be spying on him because he seems to be a far more good and honourable man than Scanlon. However when he finds out that she is a spy things look bad for her. Quinn's role in the story becomes more important, and Zarah's magical skills prove to be a great help to Griffin.
This story was written quite simply and without any great depth to the characters. I found the rapidity of Zarah's fall to slavery and then subsequent rise to a position of importance pretty startling, especially as everyone knew she had been a slave. I was also unsure about some of her motivations and of the almost instant 'falling in love' between hero and heroine. It was a pleasant enough read but lacked the depth of the other stories. Three Stars.
In conclusion, this is an excellent collection of short stories with three outstanding and one reasonable tale. Three of the four are fantasies and the fourth is a historical story but they are all very different from each other and consider different themes with varying characters. This should be a really good read for those who like to read mystical romances.
Reanimation and retribution, 15 May 2008
Another book in Rebecca York's Moon series about werewolves and people from a parallel universe, this story works on its own although it does reference events in previous books. In this story Quinn has travelled from the parallel universe to this work to meet up with Logan and Rinna and help them prepare for the arrival of another woman, Zarah, the pregnant wife of Griffin. Zarah is in danger back in their world and it is hoped that she can be moved to safety into this world until after the birth of her baby.
Quinn finds herself with the feeling of being watched as she steps through the portal into some woodland. She soon discovers that there's a ghost tied to the land, a male, and that she can both sense his presence and also feel his touch. Eventually she is able to hear his voice and learns that he is Caleb Marshall, a werewolf man who was killed by his cousin seventy-five years before. The more time she spends with Caleb the more solidly he begins to appear - but nothing can come of a relationship with a ghost.
But a strange Colonel is plotting something against the USA and his group of soldiers try to kill one of them who they discover is a spy; he is buried alive in the woods and Caleb calls Quinn to help to rescue him. They aren't in time to save the man's life but through some strange events Caleb ends up in this man's body, reanimated after 75 years. Now Caleb has the opportunity to wreak vengeance against the descendants of the man who killed him - but those descendents are Quinn's friends. Can Caleb settle into his new body? Can he put aside his vengeance against the Marshalls? Can they discover what the Colonel is doing and prevent a huge disaster befalling the USA?
This book was well-paced with events unfolding smoothly as Caleb and Quinn's lives intertwine. There were many references to events in previous books but things were explained enough for new readers to this series to understand. This reader was never quite able to get over the ickiness of a 75-year-old ghost reanimating someone else's body and living in it and there were some parts of the plot that I felt were a little loosely handled. However it was a reasonable read overall, if nothing particularly special.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008 charming tales from 3 top flight paranormal writers, 12 Jul 2005
"Road of Adventure" by Robin D. Owens, is not one of her Celta tales, but it does have a charming irrepressible Cat - BORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRISSSSSS. Boris is a ghost cat, more specifically an angel cat, even though Jake thinks he is the ugliest creature he's ever laid eyes upon. Borrrrrrriiiissssssssss belongs to Shauna, a gentle soul, loves growing things and animals, why she thinks Boris is beautiful! Boris cannot get his real angel wings - mine mine mine mine mine mine mine - until he brings Jake and Shauna together. Boris very desperately wants his wings and his golden halo, but sniffs at Jake as the possible mate for Shauna. HIS Shauna is much too good for the macho cop. They were destined to find their fates together, but something happened, and each took a wrong turn and died. Now with their guide Borrrisssssssssss, they are sent back, Jack to do it again and hopefully get it right. It's a delightful tale with Boris stealing the show, but isn't that natural??? Worthy buying for Owens tale alone. Rebecca York has been a long time fav of mine with her consistent work for Harlequin and now her werewolf series. Again, she comes through with a delightful tale called "Shattered Dreams". Miranda often thinks of her teenage love Caleb. Once he sculpted her in stone. Despite time and separation, Caleb still wants Miranda. Their bond that defies all calls him to save the women he once loved before from an evil wanting to claim her life. Sherrilyn Kenyon gives us a charming tale, though the weakest of the three, about "Knightly Dreams". As with all Kenyon tales read for the charm of the story not for the historical accuracy. When she catches her boyfriend with his secretary doing the Wild Thang, Tayrn is ready to put males on the endangered species list. Then a bookstore owner shows her a real knight in shining armour. It really stretches the imagination a tad. He is in a book, and suddenly he is there and she adores him. Face it, if that's all it took, J.D. Robb's Roarke would be giving me a massage right now!
A Great Anthology, 10 Jul 2005
"What Dreams May Come" is an anthology containing 3 short romantic tales. Knightly Dreams by Sherrilyn Kenyon
When unlucky in love Taryn's car breaks down she tarries a while in a quaint little book shop. After meeting an old dear named Esther she finds her whole life changes. Enter Sparhawk, the Earl of Ravensmoor, a major hottie from a romance novel named "Knightly Dreams". It appears that book storylines do occur in another world, a world where Sparhawk actually exists. When his fiancée Alinor from "Knightly Dreams" (a nasty piece of works) obtains a copy of their own book, she finds herself in control of the story line and draws Sparhawk back into his own world. Taryn is heartbroken, however with the heart and soul of a writer, she has the ability to perhaps write her own happy ever after ending with a real life hero. Shattered Dreams by Rebecca York
The son of gypsy fortune tellers, Caleb Mancuso is now a celebrated sculptor. Gifted with certain abilities, he is busy creating a familiar female form in marble when he receives mental images of an awful car crash, the victim Miranda Grove, his teenage sweetheart who cruelly broke his heart. With Miranda in a coma, he uses his gifts to mentally contact her; however Miranda is unaware she's trapped in unconsciousness. With the arrival of Miranda's father, the man who destroyed their young love, Caleb has his work cut out.. He also has to discover who and why someone wants to see Miranda dead, a someone with strong psychic power. The Road of Adventure by Robin D Owens
Jake and Shauna have little in common except for dying on the same day, yet the harsh detective and tree loving spiritualistic landscape gardener were destined to be soul mates had they met whilst living. Unfortunately Shauna's cat Boris failed in his task to bring them together and therefore doesn't receive his wings, his crown, his temple or his road to great adventure. Given a second opportunity of life, both Shauna and Jake at last meet. Unfortunately although Shauna falls in love with Jake, he views himself as fundamentally unlovable and has difficulty accepting their relationship. With the help of the now golden winged ghost cat Boris, expect a happy ending. I freely admit that I only purchased this book because of one author, the fantastic Sherrilyn Kenyon. It's always a treat when the rest of the stories within an anthology are great. This book is a fantastic mix of paranormal romance, with wonderful storylines and plenty of passion between the leading lovers. Bravo to all 3 authors!
Paranormal suspense novel, 12 Feb 2007
This book is part of Rebecca York's werewolves series. It can be read on it's own but I'd strongly recommend reading the series from the beginning. Killing Moon, Edge of the Moon, Witching Moon, Crimson Moon. There's nothing better than discovering a new series of books once they're well under way, you don't have to wait months for the next one to hit the book shops!
Extremelly boring ... , 03 Sep 2006
and I mean it. The book has so many clichés that it feels like it's been writen 20 yrs ago. The heroin is a total idiot that makes you want to strangle her (if women are like her, I'll hang myself from the chandalier), the hero is nothing much than another werewolf who finds his mate and all in all this is a very poor attempt to introduce us to a light version of S&M games. One of the very few books that I threw away at page 50 and still crying for my money.
Steamy, 02 Jun 2006
Savannah Carpenter is an artist, but painting is definitely not currently on her mind. Savannah is trying to understand what happened to her sister, Charlotte. Charlotte is in a coma and Savannah is at her bed side every moment she is allowed by the hospital staff. Charlotte had been found in Rock Creek Park. Some say she fell off an outcropping of rocks. Others say she tried to kill herself. But Savannah cannot help but wonder if someone pushed her over the cliff. Savannah's only real clues were some matchbook covers from the Eighteenth Club and Charlotte's journal. Even though Savannah knows she should not read the diary, she consoled herself with the fact that she was searching for clues. In truth, it was the steamy content that enthralled her. She had no idea Charlotte was into such fantasies or that the Eighteenth Club let people act those dark desires out.
Lance Marshall is a werewolf. Being able to shift into canine form has helped him get stories that other journalists could not. After all, a big stray dog could not understand English, right? Lance was currently interested in the Eighteenth Club and its owner, Raymond Conrad. However, while scoping out the club he spies Savannah sneaking about, taking pictures of the top brass entering the establishment. Risky! Especially since some who enter the club never exit alive. He ends up rescuing her from a guard and then begins hunting her for his own reasons.
**** This is a steamy paranormal romance. If you do not like explicit bedroom scenes and hot fantasies, stay away. If you love those scenes (or could care less if they are there or not), then this is right up your alley. The author gives her readers danger, shape-shifters, and hot romance. The best of everything. Brava. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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Rebecca YorkSusan KearneyDiane Whiteside;
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Customer Reviews
Good but could be better, 28 Apr 2008
I did enjoy this book and it was different and the writing was of a very good quality but I have read other works by the same author and I was looking for more.
I found this book by chance and it is a perfect book for when there is nothing on the TV. A nice couple of hours with this book and some Diet Coke.
But the tension is a bit light at parts and if you put down the book you won't be dying to find out what happens next.
But saying that the story is realist, you could see of it happening and the non-roaring at the moon does fit in.
I will read the other books in the series.
A reasonable werewolf/crime book but lacking that special something, 01 Jan 2007
"Killing Moon" is the first book I've read by Rebecca York and it was OK - but only really that. She takes the common werewolf theme and adds her own twist to it, which I liked, but somehow there didn't seem to be enough meat in this book to make it really gripping.
Warning - spoilers below!
Megan Sheridan is a researcher in a biotech company who has her own specific project that she's working on but she keeps getting other basic work handed on to her by her boss. One such job is to take a blood test from a guy to do a genetic test on him. When she arrives at the home of Ross Marshall she finds him laying naked in his lounge and mostly unconscious. Upon further investigation (wouldn't you?!!) she discovers he has a fever and has been shot. She instantly turns from medical research worker to nurse and looks after him, despite him telling her to bog off. Interesting character switch for her there!
Ross is a werewolf. We learn a little about the werewolf situation in this book which isn't traditional (unrelated to the moon - despite the book's title! - but passed down genetically although with very tragic results in most cases). Ross is a Private Eye and he seems to be very successful in detecting serial killers, passing on the information to policeman Jack Thornton - although it's not really explained how he actually finds all these leads (I am unsure how helpful being able to turn into a wolf would be in these situations). Anyway, Ross has identified Donald Arnott as a killer who has bodies in his garden and was shot on the way back from checking the scene out.
Our story is told through four points of view - Megan, Ross, policeman Jack Thornton and Donald Arnott the serial killer. The tension builds slowly throughout the story - will Arnott kill again, who is trying to hurt Megan, why are there problems at the biotech lab - but it never really grips completely. Most of the story seems to be Megan slowly realising that her lover is a werewolf; this part of the story is done quite well - she doesn't instantly accommodate to this rather bizarre piece of information but it seeps in over some time. Still, we are told that their relationship has been caused pretty much by Ross's hormones and it isn't apparent what else the two of them have together that could make it work out. Plus she doesn't seem very good at keeping secrets at all, and Ross is, necessarily, a secretive chappie.
As often in fiction, magically at the end of the book, despite not having done much work, she makes a breakthrough in her biotech work which sets her up financially for life. This kind of thing is so rare in real life it always seems rather cheating for it to happen in fiction - and in this case unnecessary as Megan's future is pretty sorted anyway.
So overall, did I like it? Well, it was OK. The writing was OK. The worldbuilding for the werewolves was OK. The plot was OK. The resolution was OK. I think you've got the picture.
the elements of love , 23 Apr 2008
four novellas, all running about 90 - 100 pages, all themed around the elements and fantasy and romance.
I brought this because I like the writing of sharon shinn, the author of the first tale. I was not familiar with the other three writers prior to this.
Sharon shinn produces a very good tale that is a new spin on the cinderella story, with a woman finding romance after a bargain, but having to pay a price. a well realised setting and some good characters who you can care about result in a memorable tale with a final scene you won't forget in a hurry.
The second story involves a princess on a quest getting involved with a man who helps her out, and both finding their destiny. the romance is predictable and the plot is a bit slow till the end but it's very well written and quite engaging, although the elemental tie is a bit cursory
the third story has a similar problem, and covers predictable ground with a lady with magic talents facing problems and romantic entanglement. I really couldnt get into this one, but the other two reviewers speak well of it so maybe it's just me. Judge for yourselves.
The fourth one involves a lady with a magic talent being sent to spy on a man. And you can probably guess what happens next. this was well written if predictable and the elemental tie | | |