Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #498: Wink edited by Henry Herz

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher: 

We all remember our favorite childhood classics, like The Giving Tree and The Velveteen Rabbit. Wink explores those classics through the lens of YA fantasy and science fiction. Featuring stories from bestselling and award-winning authors, including Kendare Blake, Leah Cypess, Stacia Deutsch, David Gerrold, Nancy Holder, Alethea Kontis, Jonathan Maberry, Seanan McGuire, and Maggie Stiefvater, Wink takes us on a wonderful romp through our favorite childhood stories.

Wink edited by Henry Herz is expected out June 24th, 2024 from Brigids Gate Press.

Why am I waiting on this book: I like retellings.And I have a fondness for children's literature. The list of included authors looks good too. I'm looking forward to checking this one out and seeing what stories they choose as basis for their works.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists.Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

 

From the publisher:

Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. This belief takes many forms: for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai’po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear—and even follow you home.

These wholly original and shiver-inducing tales introduce readers to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creatures, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge. Introduced and contextualized by bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones, these stories are a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ survival and imagination, and a glorious reveling in all the things an ill-advised whistle might summon.

Never Whistle at Night  was published September 19th, 2023 by Vintage.

My Thoughts:  This is a perfect read for this time of year and for anytime you want to spook yourself. Even the introduction has it's creepy moments.

Some of the stories are really scary. Others are gross in their horror. The first story in the book is one of my favorites, Kushtuka by Mathilda Zeller. I caught myself holding my breath in places in the story. I was worried for the protagonist. 

This is an anthology of dark fiction. Some of it is supernatural horror. Some of it is the horror of the things people do to each other. But, all of it is well written. 

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to fans of dark fiction. It's well worth a read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #439: Playing Games edited by Lawrence Block

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

WIN, LOSE, OR DIE.

Whether it’s child’s play or for the highest stakes, whether we stick to the rules or cheat, we all play games—for fun, for thrills, for love or money, to prove we’re the best or make an opponent knuckle under. And the games we play, with cards or dice or nothing but our wits, reveal something deeply personal about the players.

In this powerful new anthology, Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Lawrence Block has assembled an all-star team for the ultimate game night. Sit down at the checkerboard with S.A. Cosby, assemble jigsaw puzzles with David Morrell, or play marbles for the fate of the world with Joe R. Lansdale. In Jeffery Deaver’s hands, an innocent game of Candyland takes twists the Parker Brothers could never have imagined. Science-fiction grandmaster Robert Silverberg uncovers painful truths about destiny while betting on the turtle races in a Caribbean resort. And Lawrence Block himself out-Hitchcocks Hitchcock with his classic story of murder victims swapped by strangers on a handball court.

From hide-and-seek to Russian roulette, from mahjong to Mouse Trap, it’s a game lover’s dream—but beware: your turn is coming, and while winning isn’t everything, sometimes losing can be deadly…

Playing Games edited by Lawrence Block is expected out January 31st, 2023 from Subterranean Press.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like the concept of the anthology. While some games may easily lend themselves to the idea of a mystery, I'm eager to see what the authors do with those and the less common games such as Candyland. And Lawrence Block is an excellent editor.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #425: Tales of Capes and Cowls

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

"Look, up in the sky, it's Ultragod!"

Superheroes have conquered movies, television, video games, and (of course) the comic book. However, there's still a dearth of fantastic superhero literature out there. Tales of Capes and Cowls is a wonderful collection of nine short stories, novelettes, and a novella about the text-based adventures of superheroes.

Inside, you'll find stories about a supervillain recruited to kill Hitler before he wins WW2 using magic, a street level hero out to stop an insane AI, a group of young heroes befriending a powerful wizard, a daring jailbreak, and a 1960s romp with that era's modest heroes! Works by C.T. Phipps (Supervillainy Saga), David Niall Wilson (Hoods), Keith R.E. DeCandido (Super City Cops), Richard Roberts (Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm A Supervillain), and more!

Tales of Capes and Cowls is expected out June 30th, 2022 from Mystique Press.

Why am I waiting on this book? I 've read a few books with superheroes as the main characters, most recently Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep. And I enjoyed reading these types of stories. I think this anthology sounds interesting.  I haven't read any of the authors. So this could be a gateway to finding new books.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Heroic Hearts ed. by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

On heroes from the introduction:

They’re the regular people in irregular circumstances who find themselves considering others first and standing up to do whatever needs to be done. 

Real heroes are created by fate— faced with a challenge that they must rise to overcome , and those who do so become our heroes, our stories, our legends. (2% through on my Kindle)

Heroic Hearts edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes was published May 3rd, 2022 by Ace Books.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #421: Into the Forest ed. by Lindy Ryan

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

A collection of new and exclusive short stories inspired by the Baba Yaga. Featuring Gwendolyn Kiste, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Mercedes M. Yardley, Monique Snyman, Donna Lynch, Lisa Quigley, and R. J. Joseph, with a foreword by Christina Henry.

Deep in the dark forest, in a cottage that spins on birds' legs behind a fence topped with human skulls, lives the baba yaga. A guardian of the water of life, she lives with her sisters and takes to the skies in a giant mortar and pestle, creating tempests as she goes. Those who come across the baba yaga may find help, or hinderance, or horror. She is wild, she is woman, she is witch—and these are her tales.

Edited by Lindy Ryan, this collection brings together some of today's leading voices of women-in-horror as they pay tribute to the baba yaga, and go Into the Forest.

Into the Forest ed. by Lindy Ryan is expected out November 8th, 2022 from Black Spot Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like the idea of the exploration in fiction of the baba yaga. It seems to be her year. Last week I highlighted a book that explores the idea of what if she passed and had American heirs. And there is another on the horizon entitled The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore due out September 20th, 2022. This book seems like it will explore the baba yaga from different perspectives. And it is female horror writers doing it. I look forward to seeing how they handle the topic.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #413: Mothers of Enchantment edited by Kate Wolford

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

We remember her best as the generous fairy who dresses Cinderella and handles transportation while she’s at it. But that’s just the most famous fairy godmother’s tale. With a little imagination, you’ll find that fairy godmothers and godfathers appear in many varied forms. The authors in this anthology have crafted new tales that re-imagine the fairy godmother and her role.

A young fairy grapples with imposter syndrome as she takes up her new appointment as godmother. Immortal sisters bestow blessings and curses on princesses as a way to battle the patriarchal fairy godfathers. A struggling artist receives a godmother’s help to impress at her high school reunion. Sparing the life of a moth leads to magical help from an unexpected protector.

Retellings of Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Frog Prince show the magic of these stories in a whole new light. Infused with modern sensibilities but honoring the tradition of fairy tales, these dozen stories will enchant and inspire you.

Mothers of Enchantment ed. by Kate Wolford is expected to be published April 19th, 2022 by World Weaver Press.

Why am I waiting on this book?  I enjoy retellings of fairy tales. While some tackle the theme that way,  I like the idea that some of the stories are re-imaginings of the fairy godmother and her role. For example, there is one story where a new fairy godmother has imposter syndrome. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book review: Collectibles edited by Lawrence Block

 

From the publisher:

A COLLECTION… OF COLLECTIONS What leads one person to collect stamps and another coins, one fine art and another butterflies? Who can say? But one thing is certain: those who’ve got the collecting bug care passionately-sometimes violently-about the objects of their obsession. No one covets like a collector; and as you will find in the pages of this brand new anthology from MWA Grand Master Lawrence Block, a truly dedicated collector will ignore the other nine commandments, too, in his quest for his personal Holy Grail. From Joyce Carol Oates’ tale of the ultimate Marilyn Monroe collectible to Dennis Lehane’s bookseller with a penchant for other people’s tragic correspondence, from Lee Goldberg’s Hollywood hustler with a collection of unaired TV shows to Joe R. Lansdale’s stylish foray into noir, culminating in Lawrence Block’s own classic story of a killer with a unique approach to choosing his victims, Collectibles illustrates the range of the collecting impulse and the lengths people will go to in their hunger to possess the perfect piece.

My thoughts: 

As I read through the anthology, I rated each story and then the book as a whole. I gave the majority of the stories a 5/5 star rating. Although most of them are mysteries or thrillers, a few lean toward horror or science fiction, and a couple toward general fiction.

It seems there's always one or more that doesn't sit as well with you as the others. In this anthology, there was really only one I didn't care for as much as the others, "Miss Golden Dreams 1949" by Joyce Carol Oates. While I didn't really enjoy the story or its tone, I can totally see its value to the collection. 

You would think it would be easier to talk about favorites, but it's a little harder because I enjoyed so many of them. I liked the twist in Lee Goldberg's "Lost Shows." I also liked the twists in "A Bostonian (in Cambridge)" by Dennis Lehane and " Collecting Ackermans" by Lawrence Block. And I thought it was interesting that the two stories involving musical instruments had elements of the paranormal in therm.

The order of the stories is well done. The collection starts and ends strong and has a good rhythm to it. Interspersed with the stories are excerpts from Otto Penzler's Mysterious Obsession about collecting books and his efforts in obtaining certain titles. I found the excerpts to be complimentary to the stories. 

Overall, I gave the collection 5/5 stars. Lawrence Block did an excellent job as editor. I would recommend this book to you if you enjoy anthologies or maybe even collecting something.

Collectibles was published May 31st, 2021 by Subterranean Press.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Fantastic Hope edited by Laurell K. Hamilton and William McCaskey

 

Fantastic Hope edited by Laurell K. Hamilton and William McCaskey is a collection of 16 short stories by science fiction and fantasy authors. Some are well known. Others are just starting out. All of the stories are new. Included in the anthology are: Jonathan Maberry, Sharon Shinn, Larry Correia, Kacey Ezell, Griffin Barber, Kevin J. Anderson, John G. Hartness, Patricia Briggs, Robert E. Hampson, L.E. Modesitt Jr, Patrick M. Tracy, M.C. Sumner, William McCaskey, Michael Williamson and Jennifer Schlenker, Monalisa Foster, and Laurell K. Hamilton. 

I rated all of the stories as I read them. All but 3 of them I rated as 4 stars or 5 stars. Those three I rated as 3 stars. My favorites leaned towards urban fantasy, though I pretty much liked them all. My two favorites were the story by Patricia Briggs and the story by Laurell K. Hamilton. Overall, I rate this anthology as 4 out of 5 stars. The stories are engaging and well-written. And most have a positive ending of some sort. 

If you enjoy science fiction and fantasy with a positive twist, then this would be a good anthology for you. It's also a good introduction to a variety of writers. 

Fantastic Hope was published April 7th, 2020 by Berkley Books.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #334: Nothing Good Happens After Midnight ed. Jeffrey Deaver

Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Amazon:

The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…

Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.

Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories that will leave you…speechless.

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight is expected to be published November 17th, 2020 by Suspense Publishing.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like the majority of the line-up of authors listed as contributing to the anthology. And I like the driving concept.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments. so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #305:Deadly Anniversaries edited by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

Mystery Writers of America is proud to present Deadly Anniversaries, a collection of crime and mystery stories from some of the best contemporary authors, all of whom have been invited to put their own unique spin on what it means to recognize a certain day or event every year. An anniversary can take many forms, and by the time this group of bestsellers and award winners is through, none of us will ever look at anniversaries the same way again.

Edited by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini, this collection features original stories from twenty industry giants. Deadly Anniversaries is sure to shock, scare and delight mystery and suspense fans of all kinds.

Deadly Anniversaries is expected to be published April 21st, 2020 by Hanover Square Press.

Why am I waiting on this one? I like anthologies. This one has an interesting focus and a good list of contributors including: Doug Allyn, Lee Child, Max Allan Collins, Jeffery Deaver, Meg Gardiner,  Alison Gaylin, Sue Grafton, Carolyn Hart, Naomi Hirahara, Wendy Hornsby, Laurie R. King, William Kent Krueger, Laura Lippman, Peter Lovesey, Margaret Maron, Marcia Muller, Bill Pronzini, Peter Robinson, 
S.J. Rozan, and Julie Smith.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #290: His Hideous Heart ed. by Dahlia Adler

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

Thirteen of YA’s most celebrated names reimagine Edgar Allan Poe’s most surprising, unsettling, and popular tales for a new generation.

Edgar Allan Poe may be a hundred and fifty years beyond this world, but the themes of his beloved works have much in common with modern young adult fiction. Whether the stories are familiar to readers or discovered for the first time, readers will revel in Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tales, and how they’ve been brought to life in 13 unique and unforgettable ways.

Contributors include Kendare Blake (reimagining “Metzengerstein”), Rin Chupeco (“The Murders in the Rue Morge”), Lamar Giles (“The Oval Portrait”), Tessa Gratton (“Annabel Lee”), Tiffany D. Jackson (“The Cask of Amontillado”), Stephanie Kuehn (“The Tell-Tale Heart”), Emily Lloyd-Jones (“The Purloined Letter”), Hillary Monahan (“The Masque of the Red Death”), Marieke Nijkamp (“Hop-Frog”), Caleb Roehrig (“The Pit and the Pendulum”), and Fran Wilde (“The Fall of the House of Usher”).

His Hideous Heart edited by Dahlia Adler is expected to be published September 10th, 2019 from Flatiron Books.

Why am I waiting on this one? I've always enjoyed Poe's tales. And for the most part, I've also enjoyed retellings of them as well. I'm looking forward to seeing what these authors do with the stories especially the editor's take on "Ligeia."

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #260: Sleigh Bells and Sleuthing

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A COZY MYSTERY HOLIDAY NOVELLA COLLECTION WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO SAVING ANIMALS! Get comfy this holiday season with a cup of tea or cocoa, and while you’re enjoying a delightful seasonal cozy mystery, you’ll be helping rescue animals with Good Fortune Farm Refuge, a NO KILL animal refuge located in Alabama. 

You’ll love these sixteen cozy mystery stories, many from Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Amazon best-selling authors! Murder, mystery, magic, and mayhem don’t stop just because it’s the holiday season! 

All profits from this collection go to Good Fortune Farm Refuge. Find out more about them at www.goodfortunefarmrefuge.org. 

Each author is a member of the Sleuthing Women author collective, a select group of women mystery authors who have joined together to connect with our readers through a Facebook group called Sleuthing Women—Read. Sleuth. Solve. Repeat. Check us out on Facebook. 

Stories come from both traditionally and independently published authors Abby L. Vandiver, Ava Mallory, Clare Kauter, Larissa Reinhart, Loraine J. Hudson, Mona Marple, Morgana Best, Ritter Ames, Sam Cheever, S.E. Babin, Tara Meyers, Tricia L. Sanders, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, Jenna St. James, K.E. O’Connor, and Laina Turner. 

Sleigh Bells and Sleuthing is due out November 20th, 2018 from Good Fortune Farm Refuge. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

Why am I waiting on this one? I'm familiar with 2 of the authors, and they are really good - Larissa Reinhart and Ritter Ames. I'm thinking the other stories should be good as well. Plus, sales benefit a no-kill animal shelter.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: Toil and Trouble edited by Jessica Spotswood and Tess Sharpe

Toil and Trouble: 15 Tales of Women and Witchcraft edited by Jessica Spotswood and Tess Sharpe is a collection of short stories about witchy women. It was published August 20th, 2018 from Harlequin Teen.

As with all anthologies, there are some stories I liked more than others. But, I didn't hate any of them. My favorites were those where the magic was of the healing sort. That the tales weren't all from the same cultural perspective was a plus. And many of the stories had a feminist bent to them.

Among my favorites was "Starsong" by Tehlor Kay Mejia where there is a young witchy astrologist who is drawn to another girl. And I enjoyed "The Truth about Queenie" by Brandy Colbert where a girl is driven to find out if she really has power or not. And I liked "The Legend of Stone Mary" by Robin Talley which has a nice twist to it. There were more I liked than not.

At the end of the book was a list of all the authors with brief bios that included their favorite fictional witches. This was informative and entertaining.

I give this collection 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about witches. It's a perfect read for October. It is a YA collection and some of the stories do have a feminist bent to them.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Review: Haunted Nights edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton

Haunted Nights is a perfect October read. It's a collection of Halloween themed horror short stories edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton. From a haunted house to wandering Jack to the far-flung future of Halloween, there is enough variety to suit anyone. Lisa Morton, a well-known expert on Halloween, writes the enjoyable and informative introduction to the book.

Of the 16 short stories included in the collection, I really liked all but about 2 of them. I think as far as anthologies go, that's a pretty good success rate. My favorites were about the wandering Jack with the fiery turnip. Yes, there was more than one about Jack, but they were nothing alike. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of "The Seventeen Year Itch" by Garth Nix.

I liked that in addition to Halloween, some of the stories also dwelt on what was termed the time when the veil between the worlds thins, The Day of the Dead, All Souls' Day, and Devil's Night. The variety really made the collection a joy to read.

If you enjoy your horror with a taste of Halloween and other related themes, then this is a good book for you. The quality of the writing is there. The chills are present. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Review: Urban Enemies ed. by Joseph Nassise

Urban Enemies edited by Joseph Nassise is an anthology of short stories about the villains from several popular urban fantasy series. Most of the stories are told from the villain's point of view rather than just being about the villain. Some of them are written in such a way that you can actually feel a moment of empathy for them. Others showcase just how evil they really are.

In total there are 17 stories from the following:  "Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), Kelley Armstrong (The Cainsville and Otherworld series), Seanan McGuire (October Daye), Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger), Lilith Saintcrow (Jill Kismet), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville), Joseph Nassise (Templar Chronicles), C.E. Murphy (Walker Papers), Steven Savile (Glasstown), Caitlin Kittredge (the Hellhound Chronicles and the Black London series), Jeffrey Somers (The Ustari Cycle), Sam Witt (Pitchfork County), Craig Schaefer (Daniel Faust), Jon F. Merz (Lawson Vampire), Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock), and Diana Pharaoh Francis (Horngate Witches)." (List of authors from Goodreads)

I wasn't expecting to empathize with any of the villains. And I found some of them downright scary. I was not familiar with all of the series. In fact, I was hoping to gain some idea of other urban fantasy series I might enjoy. It was a success in that regard. All of the stories were well written no matter the angle they took. I think my favorite though is the story by Jim Butcher from the Dresden Files. This was one of the authors I had not previously read, but will definitely seek to read again. In truth, I would reread this whole anthology in addition to seeking out other works by the authors. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Urban Enemies is due out August 1, 2017 from Gallery Books. If you enjoy urban fantasy, definitely check this book out.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Waiting on Wednesday #196/Can't Wait Wednesday: Haunted Nights ed. Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

This week the book I am waiting on is Haunted Nights edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton. It's due out October 3, 2017 from Anchor Books.

Sixteen never-before-published chilling tales that explore every aspect of our darkest holiday, Halloween, co-edited by Ellen Datlow, one of the most successful and respected genre editors, and Lisa Morton, a leading authority on Halloween.

In addition to stories about scheming jack-o'-lanterns, vengeful ghosts, otherworldly changelings, disturbingly realistic haunted attractions, masks that cover terrifying faces, murderous urban legends, parties gone bad, cult Halloween movies, and trick or treating in the future, Haunted Nights also offers terrifying and mind-bending explorations of related holidays like All Souls' Day, Dia de los Muertos, and Devil's Night.

"With Graveyard Weeds and Wolfbane Seeds" by Seanan McGuire 
"Dirtmouth" by Stephen Graham Jones"
"A Small Taste of the Old Country" by Jonathan Maberry
"Wick’s End" by Joanna Parypinski 
"The Seventeen Year Itch" by Garth Nix
"A Flicker of Light on Devil’s Night" by Kate Jonez
"Witch-Hazel" by Jeffrey Ford
"Nos Galen Gaeaf" by Kelley Armstrong 
"We’re Never Inviting Amber Again" by S. P. Miskowski
"Sisters" by Brian Evenson
"All Through the Night" by Elise Forier Edie 
"A Kingdom of Sugar Skulls and Marigolds" by Eric J. Guignard
"The Turn" by Paul Kane
"Jack" by Pat Cadigan
"Lost in the Dark" by John Langan
"The First Lunar Halloween" by John R. Little

Why am I waiting on this one? Halloween is my favorite holiday. I really enjoy stories that center around it. Ellen Datlow is an excellent editor. And Lisa Morton is considered "a leading authority on Halloween." The two working together on a book of Halloween short stories seems like could be a stroke of genius. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday#192/Can't Wait Wednesday: Urban Enemies ed. by Joseph Nassise

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Villains have all the fun—everyone knows that—and this anthology takes you on a wild ride through the dark side! The top villains from sixteen urban fantasy series get their own stories—including the baddies of New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Kelley Armstrong, Seanan McGuire, and Jonathan Maberry.

For every hero trying to save the world, there’s a villain trying to tear it all down.

In this can’t-miss anthology edited by Joseph Nassise (The Templar Chronicles), you get to plot world domination with the best of the evildoers we love to hate! This outstanding collection brings you stories told from the villains’ point of view, imparting a fresh and unique take on the evil masterminds, wicked witches, and infernal personalities that skulk in the pages of today’s most popular series.

The full anthology features stories by Jim Butcher (the Dresden Files), Kelley Armstrong (the Cainsville and Otherworld series), Seanan McGuire (October Daye), Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger), Lilith Saintcrow (Jill Kismet), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville), Joseph Nassise (Templar Chronicles), C.E. Murphy (Walker Papers), Steven Savile (Glasstown), Caitlin Kittredge (the Hellhound Chronicles and the Black London series), Jeffrey Somers (The Ustari Cycle), Sam Witt (Pitchfork County), Craig Schaefer (Daniel Faust), Jon F. Merz (Lawson Vampire), Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock), and Diana Pharaoh Francis (Horngate Witches).

Urban Enemies is due out August 1, 2017 from Gallery Books.

Why am I waiting on this one? All the stories are urban fantasy tales. And even though I am not familiar with all of the series featured, I am looking forward to reading stories from the villain's perspective. I think I will probably find some new series to read as a result as well.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!