Otherworld Nights

August 18, 2014
Armstrong revisits her Otherworld series with the first of three planned anthologies. This collection of six short stories and two novellas—one brand-new—focuses on love and family, preternatural intrigue and politics, and zigging where zags are expected. The three best entries involve werewolves. “Chivalrous” may be short, but its story of forbidden college romance between two werewolves packs a major wallop. In the novella “Hidden,” Elena and Clay’s attempt to provide their four-year-old twins with an old-fashioned Christmas is interrupted by the investigation of a young man’s death. Telling the twins about werewolves becomes more pressing for future Pack Alpha Elena when one of them exhibits supernatural abilities. The brief “From Russia, with Love” features a visit from Pack Alpha Jeremy. His plan to relinquish authority to Elena is delightful, and the twins are so precocious it’s a shame the series ended before they grew up. The unfortunately titled “Twilight” is a less interesting examination of vampires, but lycanthrophiles will be very pleased.

September 15, 2014

This anthology set in Armstrong's "Otherworld" universe contains six short stories and two novellas. Aside from the second novella, all the other works have appeared elsewhere, either online or in other collections. The new work, "Vanishing Act," is set after Thirteen and centers on Savannah and Adam, who are trying to protect a young teleporting half-demon from being snatched up by one of the Cabals. However, personal issues intrude and the duo must make some tough decisions about their future. Other stories feature werewolves Elena and Clay trying to protect their young twins, Reese's traumatic backstory, and Cassandra coming to terms with being a vampire. Armstrong has created an intricate world filled with captivating supernatural characters. She takes advantage here of shorter formats to explore side stories, or to fill in blanks. VERDICT Readers of the "Otherworld" series will enjoy this anthology, although serious fans will have already read most of the stories. This title is too specialized to attract new readers. Armstrong plans to release two additional volumes.--Laurel Bliss, San Diego State Univ. Lib.

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