Hex Appeal

April 30, 2012
Heavy hitters serve up sharp, dark, witty urban fantasy in this anthology of nine hex tales, each with a unique twist. Conjurers, vampires, fairies, demons, shape-shifters, even Bigfoot all make an appearance. Ilona Andrews’s “Retribution Clause” packs a storytelling wallop as shape-shifter Adam Talford battles an unholy monster. Jim Butcher’s wizard, Harry Dresden, deals with a “Bigfoot on Campus” with his usual dry, endearing outlook on all things odd. In Rachel Caine’s “Holly’s Balm,” witch Holly Caldwell delves into the very grim side of urban fantasy while wondering how long her unusual lover will stay with her. Fans of Elrod’s Strange Brew, which included many of the same authors, will find plenty more to enjoy in this strong anthology.

June 15, 2012

From Ilona Andrews's tale of supernatural insurance "adjusters" in a magic-infused Philadelphia ("Retribution Clause") to Jim Butcher's addition to yeti lore and his "Dresden Files" series ("Bigfoot on Campus"), the nine original stories in this themed collection explore the many kinds of wizards that populate the urban fantasy genre. Other contributors include Carrie Vaughn, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, and others. VERDICT This is a solid collection for lovers of urban fantasy and wizards in the modern world.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2012
Elrod has assembled an impressive array of paranormal stories by nine accomplished authors that involve magic, danger, and romantically attracted couples. The stories also feature all manner of supernatural characters, from witches, vampires, wizards, demons, and fae to ancient gods, Bigfoot, a twenty-third-century car that morphs into a sexy woman, and a resurrected Old West zombie slayer. Some authors bring back beloved characters from their novels, including Jim Butcher's wizard, Harry Dresden, and Carole Nelson Douglas' Delilah Street; but readers will embrace new characters as well, and vicariously experience how they live in worlds that appear ordinary but are filled with danger and wonder, such as Carrie Vaughn's blackjack dealer, who discovers a whole new way of looking at the world, or Ilona Andrews' insurance adjusters, who deal with horrifyingly supernatural styles of retribution. Equally enticing are stories by Simon R. Green, Lori Handeland, Erica Hayes, and editor Elrod, rounding out a collection that will appeal to readers looking for fresh new fantasy voices as well as old favorites.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)