Mundie Moms

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Book Review- Songs of Love & Death

Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozios
Published by Gallery Books
Released on November 16th, 2010
Source- Simon and Schuster
3.5 Stars- It's A Good Read

In this star-studded cross-genre anthology, seventeen of the greatest modern authors of fantasy, science fiction, and romance explore the borderlands of their genres with brand-new tales of ill-fated love. From zombie-infested woods in a postapocalyptic America to faery-haunted rural fields in eighteenth- century England, from the kingdoms of high fantasy to the alien world of a galaxy-spanning empire, these are stories of lovers who must struggle against the forces of magic and fate.

Award-winning, bestselling author Neil Gaiman demonstrates why he’s one of the hottest stars in literature today with “The Thing About Cassandra,” a subtle but chilling story of a man who meets an old girlfriend he had never expected to see.

International blockbuster bestselling author Diana Gabaldon sends a World War II RAF pilot through a stone circle to the time of her Outlander series in “A Leaf on the Winds of All Hallows.” Torn from all he knows, Jerry MacKenzie determinedly survives hardship and danger, intent on his goal of returning home to his wife and baby—no matter the cost.

New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher presents “Love Hurts,” in which Harry Dresden takes on one of his deadliest adversaries and in the process is forced to confront the secret desires of his own heart.

Just the smallest sampling promises unearthly delights, but look also for stories by New York Times bestselling romance authors Jo Beverley and Mary Jo Putney, and by such legends of the fantasy genre as Peter S. Beagle and Tanith Lee, as well as many other popular and beloved writers, including Marjorie M. Liu, Jacqueline Carey, Carrie Vaughn, and Robin Hobb. This exquisite anthology, crafted by the peerless editing team of George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, is sure to leave you under its spell (quoted from Goodreads).

Songs of Love and Death has a unique collection of short stories from some well know authors like Neil Gaiman, Carrie Vaughn, Diana Gabaldon and many other authors. Here's some of my thoughts on a few of the short stories you'll find this collection-

The Marrying Maid by Jo Beverly is one that blends together Faery lore and Victorian times. It's a beautiful story that weaves together legend, love and fables that bring together a strong willed maid and a man with ties to the faery world who must marry her or else his life and the lives of his family will parish. This curse was set by Titiania and Oberon from A Mid-Summer's Night Dream. I really enjoyed how Jo put her own spin on play and the legend of Robin Hood, and made it work for her story. I really enjoyed Jo's setting, her characters and the romance between the two. If you like Faery lore, you may enjoy Cecelia Holland's Demon Lover, which is centered around love and an invitation like no other that takes the characters into the faery world.

Rooftops by Carrie Vaughn is a quick, engaging read that will have you wanting to unmask the hero in this story. The story's love triangle is one that will having you wondering who the young, aspiring playwright will choose. Her DA boyfriend, or the masked hero who saved her from a hostage situation. Both man have similar characteristics, which will leave you wondering just how real the hero is in this well written short story.

Blue Boots by Robin Hobb is a fabulous star crossed short story, set in time I love. Her main character is one who knows all about heartache and now finds herself working in an inn when she meets a minstrel. Will it be a happily ever after for this couple? Speaking of couples, Neil Gaiman's The Thing About Cassandra threw me for a loop. I'll just say I didn't see that one coming at all, as his twist in Stewards love life was one I didn't except at all.

Lisa Tuttle's His Wolf is a great adult short story that of course has my favorite, wolves. One of her characters isn't the "typical" werewolf, but one that is some what similar to the wolves of Mercy Falls. It's a story of love and loss and having love there on the brink of your touch, but not being able to control what the thing that happens next. Diana Gabaldon's A Leaf On The Winds of All Hollows, weaves together a story of War, love and heartache and what might have been. It's a story that plays out like a movie and leaves you wanting more.

Songs of Love and Death is full of short stories that offers a little bit of everything for readers. Whether your a fan of love, mythology, lore, historical settings, or paranormal characters. The stories are as diverse of the authors and the readers who will enjoy them This is a book I'd recommend more to adults looking for YA cross overs. There is mild language and sexual content in some of the stories.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It's a post where we share thebooks we've received this past week for review, borrowed from friends or the library, received as a gift, bought, or received to giveaway.

Katie's IMM
For Review:
* Red Glove by Holly Black, published & received from Simon and Schuster, to be released on April 5th, 2011.
* The Vyne, Mystery of Hidden Ember by Daniel Walls, published by Two Harbors Press, to be released on January 3rd, 2011, received for The Teen Scene ARC Tour
* Lost On Spirit River by Tommy Batchelor, published by Mirror Publishing, released on November 8th, 2010, received for The Teen Scene Blog Tour
* Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors, published & received by Walker Books for Young Readers, to be released on January 4th, 2011.

Bought:
* Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
* Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
* The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers, edited by Carol Kelley-Gangi (not pictured)
* The Wisdom of the Native Americans, compiled & Edited by Kent Nerburn (not pictured)

Sophie's IMM
Bought:
* Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson
* Beasts & BFF's by Shannon Delaney (FREE ebook download for Kindles/Nooks)

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, The Teen Book Scene and Bloomsbury Books for this week's wonderful reads. What books did you receive?

Speaking of books, there is a great blog run by Erin Underwood (www.underwordsblog.com) in which she's recently posted a collection of fabulous books who have FREE chapter samplers to read or download. It's books like Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Possessions by Nancy Holder and more. There's a lot of adult and some YA. Be sure to visit her link to see more of the books.

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