Title: Tales of the Otherworld
Author Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Random House Canada
Published: 2010
Pages: 352
My Copy: Won from Libraries and Young Adults
Have you ever wondered how lone wolf Clayton Danvers finally got bitten by the last thing he ever expected: love? Or how the hot-blooded bad-girl witch Eve Levine managed to ensnare the cold, ruthless corporate sorcerer, Kristof Nast in one of the Otherworld’s most unlikely pairings? Would you like to be a fly on the wall at the wedding of Lucas Cortez and Paige Winterbourne, as their eminently practical plans are gradually upended by their well-meaning friends? Or tag along with Lucas and Paige as they investigate a rather gruesome case that looks to be the result of a rogue vampire?
Now, Otherworld reader can share these moments with some of their favorite characters—as well as catching welcome glimpses into the minds of some of the lesser-known players. But even readers new to the Otherworld universe will find much to love in these seven tales of friendship, adventure, and enduring romance.
Anthology contains: Birthright, Beginnings, Ghosts, Expectations, Wedding Bell Hell, The Case of El Chupacabra and a new story narrated by Eve.
It’s been a few months since I’ve read a book by Kelly Armstrong but within moments of starting this one I was reminded why she’s one of my all-time favorite authors. Her writing skills are top notch and her characters are so real I feel as if they’re my friends. Tales of the Otherworld is a real treat for both new and old fans because it offers a peak into this series without commitment but also offers new insights into your favorite characters. There was one particular short story that I was looking forward to in this novel: the tale of how Clay and Elena met. My absolutely, most favorite, beyond the shadow of a doubt, werewolf couple. And rest assured that it did not disappoint! In fact, it was all that I could have ever hoped for and more! I’m getting warm fuzzy feelings all over again just thinking about it!
There are a few short stories in this book that are only a chapter in length. Not much to go on if you’re new to this series but for long-time fans they’re like the cherry on top of a delicious sunday. Short but oh so sweet! While these stories may leave a newcomer confused, don’t worry because others are between 100 & 200 pages in length with ample content that’ll convert even the most skeptical reader. One such story is about the beginning of Eve Levine and Kristof Nast’s romantic relationship. Both of which are extremely badass and evil in their own right but this tale shows them in an entirely different light. Love doesn’t discriminate and even bad guys have a soft side. By the end of this short story I actually liked Eve. I was shocked by the history between these two! A quick side-note, they’re Savannah’s parents, and because of this my interest in their lives grew two-fold.
The coup de grâce of this anthology for me was Beginnings. I’ve been dying to know how Clay and Elena’s relationship first began. Bits and pieces are mentioned throughout this series but this story really brings it all together. Again, I was surprised by the events in this tale. Modern day Clay is very masculine, which is still true in Beginnings but a whole new side of him is also explored. When he meets Elena he falls head-over-heels and all of his walls turn into goo. I loved seeing this side of him. I already count him among my fictional boyfriends but this story made me pine for him even more! Elena is great too. In the more recent books of the Women of the Otherworld series she’s strong, authoritative and the backbone of the pack but she didn’t start out that way. In this tale she’s vulnerable, insecure and human. I could go on forever on the reasons why I adored Beginnings but I’m afraid to ruin it for those who haven’t read it so I’ll stop here. But I LOVED this short story. There I go getting emotional again! Will I be re-reading this one? HELL YEAH!
Wedding Bell Hell and The Case of El Chupacabra are also brilliant! Lucas and Paige are front and center in both of these stories. Another one of my favorite fictional couples. The second tale gave me a whole new understanding of Lucas and the motives behind his decisions. What more can I say!? This book is incredible and I was enthralled from page 1. My expectations going into this novel were excessively high, but in true Kelley Armstrong fashion, she surpassed them by leaps and bounds. Read this anthology; in fact, read the whole series! I can’t reiterate enough how fabulous all aspects of these books are so you’ll just have to read them for yourselves and discover first-hand.
This book counts towards my goal’s in the Parajunkee’s View Shifters Challenge.
About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I am so glad that you finally got around to reading it Carmel/ that you loved it! I am not going to lie, I think that the anthologies are actually my most favourite books of the series just because we get to see a completely other side of the characters (ie. Clay as a child when Jeremy rescues him from the boggish swamp thing, or how Elena and Clay met).
😉
@Avery Oh yes! Thanks for reminding me about the Clay in the swamp story as a kid. That one was so good too!
I was looking for your top rated books to see if I can find the audio, and I found this..This is one of my favorite audiobooks of all time! also Men of the Otherworld, both are fantastic audiobooks.