Werewolves, vampires, witches, voodoo, Elvis---and weddings
An "ordinary" wedding can get crazy enough, so can you imagine what happens when otherworldly creatures are involved? Nine of the hottest authors of paranormal fiction answer that question in this delightful collection of supernatural wedding stories. What's the seating plan when rival clans of werewolves and vampires meet under the same roof? How can a couple in the throes of love overcome traps set by feuding relatives---who are experts at voodoo? Will you have a good marriage if your high-seas wedding is held on a cursed ship? How do you deal with a wedding singer who's just a little too good at impersonating Elvis? Shape-shifters, wizards, and magic, oh my! |
Since Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre, it's impossible for me not to be drawn into a themed anthology featuring some characters I already follow and some characters I haven't met yet. The stories are mainly cozy, quaint, and humorous, but there is a serious shadow in a few of them. The cover is adorable with the cake and decorations befitting the genre - and of course with this kind of mixture you can expect all sorts of supernatural beings (vamps, shapeshifters, demons, witches, the undead.)
As with any anthology, the offering is a mixed bag, but I'm happy to report that overall the offerings make the bag pretty.
The first short story, Spellbound, is a cute thing that succeeds at being humorous. From the spoof play of the old rival between Hatfields and the McCoys, to the lust induced cravings of young couples holding off till the wedding, to disasters that befall best men and maids of honor, it's a riot. Not perfect (the field melodrama carries on too much at times and there's not wrap-up explanation about the very beginning), but some fun stuff. I'll always miss L.A. Banks, RIP.
Something Borrowed was yet another reminder to myself that I need to majorly catch up with the Harry Dresden series. Although choppy, it's fun and cute. Harry is a fill-in best man for a were friend about to tie the knot, but when he finds the missing bride, he also finds trouble. Bob makes a needed appearance with his corny trademark lines. Worthy if you're a fan of the series, fast paced.
The third story, Dead Man's Chest by Rachel Caine, is easily my favorite. Pirates, betrayal, surprise twists, a little romance thrown in, humor, enjoyable characters- both heroes and villains - there's not much more I can ask for. I do need to find more of this author - fast.
All Shook Up - I did enjoy the Elvis wedding story - it was more about the magic of Elvis than anything. How the paranormal came into play was decent. Not my favorite story, but a decent one. Would be great for Elvis fans.
Charmed by the moon by Lori Handeland was well written and I like the author's technique with words. I can tell the main character would get on my nerves quick with attitude in a series, though. The story is a good one, sweet, and blending in Indian lore for Will - her intended's - sake.
Tacky - The Charlaine Harris story is set in Sookieverse with Dahlia but without Sookie or any of the main book characters. Not the best story but cute and amusing. Light in structure but it's fun enough.
A Hard Day's Night Searcher - I'm not familiar with the world and the legends that go along with it, but it wasn't really necessary. Jeff was especially funny as the teenage squire who keeps screwing things up. Raphael wasn't the most dimensional but he was amusing as well. Not the best story but one of them. Sherrilyn Kenyon writes humor with ease.
...Or Forever Hold Your Peace - The last story seemed well constructed with several deep layers of twists, but it was one of those where you really need to know the overlying story, series, etc., to get into it and understand it enough to care. The writing isn't back but it's a little old fashioned for an Urban Fantasy series I haven't read. Think it's more for already established fans.
Book Quotes:
“I let out a battle cry. Sure, a lot of people might have mistaken it for a sudden yelp of unmanly fear, but trust me. It was a battle cry.”
― Jim Butcher, My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
“If one cannot learn from the mistakes of others, one might as well become a Democrat.”
― Esther M. Friesner, My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
Other Anthologies:
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