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Otherworld Stories #4
Otherworld Secrets
The next Otherworld anthology from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong...
More than a decade after Kelley Armstrong first opened the doors to the Otherworld, fans are still clamoring for more. In response to their demands—and to coincide with the Syfy Network show based on the series—Plume has signed up three Otherworld anthologies, each of which revolves around a different theme. The second in the trilogy, Otherworld Secrets, features fan-favorites such as Cassandra, Savannah, and Adam in rare and neverbefore- published short stories—plus a brand new novella. Fans old and new will flock to this mystery-themed volume to discover the deepest secrets of this captivating world.
More than a decade after Kelley Armstrong first opened the doors to the Otherworld, fans are still clamoring for more. In response to their demands—and to coincide with the Syfy Network show based on the series—Plume has signed up three Otherworld anthologies, each of which revolves around a different theme. The second in the trilogy, Otherworld Secrets, features fan-favorites such as Cassandra, Savannah, and Adam in rare and neverbefore- published short stories—plus a brand new novella. Fans old and new will flock to this mystery-themed volume to discover the deepest secrets of this captivating world.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
277 books32.2k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 21, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
LIFE AFTER THEFT – 4.5/5
One of the things that sets Kelley Armstrong’s OTHERWORLD stories apart is that she doesn’t only tell the “good” characters’ tales. The leads in this short were Hope Adams who happens to be an Expisco Half Demon and Lucifer’s daughter, and Karl Marsten, professional jewel thief extraordinaire and lifelong thorn in the Pack’s side. This was an entertaining read about one crook trying to con another (take a guess as to who comes out on top), and the protagonists’ struggle to be role models for their children when they both thrive on chaos.
FORBIDDEN – 5/5
This was a twisted novella that’ll leave you questioning who the real monsters are, and a great opportunity to learn about how Morgan joined the Pack. The author kept me in suspense, as she so often does, right up until the end about who the culprits were, and following Elena & Clay’s investigations just so happens to be one of my favourite pass times. I loved the brief look at Michaels’ challenges as Alpha-elect, and the mixture of werewolf / witch lore, and ritualistic magic.
ANGELIC – 4/5
Another story featuring the darker side of this author’s universe with Eve Levine and Kristof Nast as the stars. Savannah’s mom somehow got roped into doing the Fates’ dirty work in her afterlife, and this tale revolved around one of her missions. This was the first, and only appearance made by the Djinn in this series, so that was pretty cool, and I enjoyed watching Eve manipulate angels and demons alike. She’s such an awesome character to tag along with because she has zero qualms about being evil, and winning by any means necessary.
ZEN AND THE ART OF VAMPIRISM – 4/5
I had a decent idea where the plot was headed from the get-go, but you never know with Armstrong, so I didn’t count my chickens before they hatched. Zoe Takano is a secondary that plays a very minor role in the WOTO series, and pops up in a number of shorts, however little is known about her. This was a cute novella about two vampires trying to take over her home turf, and her non-violent way of getting them to think twice about their decision. The various Toronto landmarks that were highlighted during her guided tour of the city were a nice bonus too.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD – 4/5
Two entitled rich kids die in a car accident, and adopt the same snooty attitude as ghosts thinking that all necromancers must serve them. They bit off more than they could chew with one medium, and were then forced to seek out Jaime Vegas for help, only their definition of assistance was somewhat skewed, and they ended up getting exactly what they deserved. I liked how the protagonist tried to do the right thing until she realized why the other necro did what he did, and showed them why it’s important to stay on a Spiritualist’s good side.
COUNTERFEIT MAGIC – 3/5
Lucas & Paige remain at the bottom of the WOTO totem pole for me; don’t ask me why because I honestly don’t know. They are the straight arrows of this world which makes them stand-out like sore thumbs in a series where all of the other characters walk the line between light & dark. They’ve been married for eight years now, and this tale created unnecessary drama in their relationship in the form of potential infidelity. We did get some Savannah / Adam action in this one though, and the classic Cortez-Winterbourne investigation as well which saved it.
LIFE AFTER THEFT – 4.5/5
One of the things that sets Kelley Armstrong’s OTHERWORLD stories apart is that she doesn’t only tell the “good” characters’ tales. The leads in this short were Hope Adams who happens to be an Expisco Half Demon and Lucifer’s daughter, and Karl Marsten, professional jewel thief extraordinaire and lifelong thorn in the Pack’s side. This was an entertaining read about one crook trying to con another (take a guess as to who comes out on top), and the protagonists’ struggle to be role models for their children when they both thrive on chaos.
FORBIDDEN – 5/5
This was a twisted novella that’ll leave you questioning who the real monsters are, and a great opportunity to learn about how Morgan joined the Pack. The author kept me in suspense, as she so often does, right up until the end about who the culprits were, and following Elena & Clay’s investigations just so happens to be one of my favourite pass times. I loved the brief look at Michaels’ challenges as Alpha-elect, and the mixture of werewolf / witch lore, and ritualistic magic.
ANGELIC – 4/5
Another story featuring the darker side of this author’s universe with Eve Levine and Kristof Nast as the stars. Savannah’s mom somehow got roped into doing the Fates’ dirty work in her afterlife, and this tale revolved around one of her missions. This was the first, and only appearance made by the Djinn in this series, so that was pretty cool, and I enjoyed watching Eve manipulate angels and demons alike. She’s such an awesome character to tag along with because she has zero qualms about being evil, and winning by any means necessary.
ZEN AND THE ART OF VAMPIRISM – 4/5
I had a decent idea where the plot was headed from the get-go, but you never know with Armstrong, so I didn’t count my chickens before they hatched. Zoe Takano is a secondary that plays a very minor role in the WOTO series, and pops up in a number of shorts, however little is known about her. This was a cute novella about two vampires trying to take over her home turf, and her non-violent way of getting them to think twice about their decision. The various Toronto landmarks that were highlighted during her guided tour of the city were a nice bonus too.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD – 4/5
Two entitled rich kids die in a car accident, and adopt the same snooty attitude as ghosts thinking that all necromancers must serve them. They bit off more than they could chew with one medium, and were then forced to seek out Jaime Vegas for help, only their definition of assistance was somewhat skewed, and they ended up getting exactly what they deserved. I liked how the protagonist tried to do the right thing until she realized why the other necro did what he did, and showed them why it’s important to stay on a Spiritualist’s good side.
COUNTERFEIT MAGIC – 3/5
Lucas & Paige remain at the bottom of the WOTO totem pole for me; don’t ask me why because I honestly don’t know. They are the straight arrows of this world which makes them stand-out like sore thumbs in a series where all of the other characters walk the line between light & dark. They’ve been married for eight years now, and this tale created unnecessary drama in their relationship in the form of potential infidelity. We did get some Savannah / Adam action in this one though, and the classic Cortez-Winterbourne investigation as well which saved it.
July 31, 2018
Life After Theft - 4/5 stars
Forbidden - 4/5 stars (read before)
Angelic - 4/5 stars (read before)
The Ungrateful Dead - 5/5 stars *FAVOURITE* (re-read; also in Blood Lite anthology)
Zen and the Art of Vampirism - 4/5 stars
Counterfeit Magic - 4/5 stars (read before)
Forbidden - 4/5 stars (read before)
Angelic - 4/5 stars (read before)
The Ungrateful Dead - 5/5 stars *FAVOURITE* (re-read; also in Blood Lite anthology)
Zen and the Art of Vampirism - 4/5 stars
Counterfeit Magic - 4/5 stars (read before)
April 26, 2016
5 Otherworld stars!
I adored this anthology! Kelley Armstrong is one of my all time favourite authors and everything she writes is pure gold. Some of these stories I'd read before and some were new to me but all were five stars. The Women of the Otherworld was the first urban fantasy series I read and it remains my favourite.
I adored this anthology! Kelley Armstrong is one of my all time favourite authors and everything she writes is pure gold. Some of these stories I'd read before and some were new to me but all were five stars. The Women of the Otherworld was the first urban fantasy series I read and it remains my favourite.
June 4, 2016
All good stories with some favorites from the series. The last story was my favorite
February 25, 2018
I'm a huge Otherworld fan and I gobble up anything Armstrong writes. This book makes a terrific companion to the series (both in print and on TV)! A must read for paranormal fans!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
January 28, 2016
4.5/5 stars
Anthology Contents
1) Life After Theft – new Hope/Karl novella
2) Forbidden – Subterranean Press 2012 Elena/Clay novella -Otherworld stories #10.2
3) Angelic – Subterranean Press 2009 Eve/Kristof novella - Otherworld stories #9.3
4) The Ungrateful Dead – Jaime short story from “Blood Lite” anthology - Otherworld stories #8.2
5)Zen and the Art of Vampirism – Zoe novella from Subterranean Press’s long-sold out “A Fantasy Medley” - Otherworld stories #9.2
6) Counterfeit Magic – Subterranean Press 2010 Paige/Lucas novella -Otherworld stories #10.4
***********************************************
I have previously read Forbidden, Angelic and Counterfeit Magic.
Life After Theft: 5 stars
Life After Theft is the new novella in this anthology. And it is the reason to get this book. It features Hope and Karl and a mystery. I love Hope and Karl and I loved getting to see them as parents. But I also loved to see them at work. Poor Karl used to be a jewel thief and now he works in security. But someone frames him for a heist and he and Hope try to uncover the truth.
I absolutely loved to see Karl and Hope trying to figure out this mystery. It was such an enjoyable story!
Forbidden: Read September 23-25, 2013 (4.5/5 stars)
I am a huge Women of The Otherworld fan. So I am always thrilled to get to revisit my favorite characters, especially now that the series has ended.
In Forbidden we get a lot of Clay and Elena. The e-novella (although it's 200+ pages) is narrated by Elena (first person). But there are also bits narrated 3rd person by others (mostly Morgan Walsh who we met in Frostbitten).
Morgan has arrived from Alaska and is heading to see Jeremy/Elena/Clay. But he is forced to stay in a little town not that far away from where they lives.
Elena and Clay head down to help him and they end up trying to solve a case.
I enjoyed this story a lot. My only complaint would be that this is a #10.6, and Thirteen which was released BEFORE this is a #13. I would love to read stories that take place AFTER #13.
*Also just a quick note - there is not a lot of wolf stuff (where they turn into wolves) in this novella.
Angelic: Read January 1-2, 2012 (5 stars).
I am a huge Kelley Armstrong fan. And a huge fan of the Women of the Otherworld series (it is probably my favorite adult series).
I was never able to get a copy of Angelic (it is a limited edition novella). So after getting a kindle last week this was one of my first purchases.
I enjoy Eve, so I was definitely looking forward to another of her adventures.
I enjoyed getting to see some of the other Otherworld characters. Although I wish we could have gotten to see more of them in the story (I do understand though that this being a novella that it was difficult).
IMO, this is not a standalone book/story. I would not read this if you have not read the other books in the series. Not because you won't be able to follow the story. But because Angelic comes after book 9 and there will be spoilers from the first books. Also, I feel like this story is much better knowing the backstories of all the characters featured in this novella.
That said I enjoyed Angelic very much. Glad that these were released as ebooks.
The Ungrateful Dead: 4 stars
The Ungrateful Dead is a short story featuring Jaime and Savannah. Jaime is a necromancer (she can see and talk to the dead). She does live shows, only during these shows she prefers to pretend to talk to the dead (vs actually doing it). This story is about a pain in the neck ghost who asks her to do something that she does not want to do.
I enjoy Jaime very much. I just wish that this story was more detailed.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism: 3 stars
This story features a very minor character in the Women of the Otherworld series, Zoe Takano (vampire). That is actually my main issue with this story. The story is so short. My favorite thing about these stories is that they feature my favorite characters from the Otherworld. I am much less interested in reading about a character that I have little interest it (can barely remember). This story is about Zoe, a vampire living in Toronto. Two other vampires want to take over her territory.
Counterfeit Magic: Read December 22-25, 2011 (5 stars)
I love the Women of the Otherworld series and have wanted to read this novella since it first came out. So after getting a kindle this week Counterfeit Magic was my first ebook purchase.
I really enjoy Savannah and Paige so it was great to get to read another story featuring them. I will be so sad when the last book 13 comes out.
Counterfeit Magic has Paige and Savannah go undercover in a supernatural fight club. We get some of Adam and Lucas too!
I love this series. So I enjoyed the novella. It's not as in depth as the regular Otherworld novels. But still a satisfying story. A must for any fan of the series.
****************************************************
Overall this is a great anthology, especially if a reader was unable to get some of the previously released e-books. As an avid Kelley Armstrong fan (and having already read those previously released e-books) my only complaint is that I wish that there was more new material. I absolutely loved the new novella with Karl and Hope and can't wait to read more novellas as they are released.
Anthology Contents
1) Life After Theft – new Hope/Karl novella
2) Forbidden – Subterranean Press 2012 Elena/Clay novella -Otherworld stories #10.2
3) Angelic – Subterranean Press 2009 Eve/Kristof novella - Otherworld stories #9.3
4) The Ungrateful Dead – Jaime short story from “Blood Lite” anthology - Otherworld stories #8.2
5)Zen and the Art of Vampirism – Zoe novella from Subterranean Press’s long-sold out “A Fantasy Medley” - Otherworld stories #9.2
6) Counterfeit Magic – Subterranean Press 2010 Paige/Lucas novella -Otherworld stories #10.4
***********************************************
I have previously read Forbidden, Angelic and Counterfeit Magic.
Life After Theft: 5 stars
Life After Theft is the new novella in this anthology. And it is the reason to get this book. It features Hope and Karl and a mystery. I love Hope and Karl and I loved getting to see them as parents. But I also loved to see them at work. Poor Karl used to be a jewel thief and now he works in security. But someone frames him for a heist and he and Hope try to uncover the truth.
I absolutely loved to see Karl and Hope trying to figure out this mystery. It was such an enjoyable story!
Forbidden: Read September 23-25, 2013 (4.5/5 stars)
I am a huge Women of The Otherworld fan. So I am always thrilled to get to revisit my favorite characters, especially now that the series has ended.
In Forbidden we get a lot of Clay and Elena. The e-novella (although it's 200+ pages) is narrated by Elena (first person). But there are also bits narrated 3rd person by others (mostly Morgan Walsh who we met in Frostbitten).
Morgan has arrived from Alaska and is heading to see Jeremy/Elena/Clay. But he is forced to stay in a little town not that far away from where they lives.
Elena and Clay head down to help him and they end up trying to solve a case.
I enjoyed this story a lot. My only complaint would be that this is a #10.6, and Thirteen which was released BEFORE this is a #13. I would love to read stories that take place AFTER #13.
*Also just a quick note - there is not a lot of wolf stuff (where they turn into wolves) in this novella.
Angelic: Read January 1-2, 2012 (5 stars).
I am a huge Kelley Armstrong fan. And a huge fan of the Women of the Otherworld series (it is probably my favorite adult series).
I was never able to get a copy of Angelic (it is a limited edition novella). So after getting a kindle last week this was one of my first purchases.
I enjoy Eve, so I was definitely looking forward to another of her adventures.
I enjoyed getting to see some of the other Otherworld characters. Although I wish we could have gotten to see more of them in the story (I do understand though that this being a novella that it was difficult).
IMO, this is not a standalone book/story. I would not read this if you have not read the other books in the series. Not because you won't be able to follow the story. But because Angelic comes after book 9 and there will be spoilers from the first books. Also, I feel like this story is much better knowing the backstories of all the characters featured in this novella.
That said I enjoyed Angelic very much. Glad that these were released as ebooks.
The Ungrateful Dead: 4 stars
The Ungrateful Dead is a short story featuring Jaime and Savannah. Jaime is a necromancer (she can see and talk to the dead). She does live shows, only during these shows she prefers to pretend to talk to the dead (vs actually doing it). This story is about a pain in the neck ghost who asks her to do something that she does not want to do.
I enjoy Jaime very much. I just wish that this story was more detailed.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism: 3 stars
This story features a very minor character in the Women of the Otherworld series, Zoe Takano (vampire). That is actually my main issue with this story. The story is so short. My favorite thing about these stories is that they feature my favorite characters from the Otherworld. I am much less interested in reading about a character that I have little interest it (can barely remember). This story is about Zoe, a vampire living in Toronto. Two other vampires want to take over her territory.
Counterfeit Magic: Read December 22-25, 2011 (5 stars)
I love the Women of the Otherworld series and have wanted to read this novella since it first came out. So after getting a kindle this week Counterfeit Magic was my first ebook purchase.
I really enjoy Savannah and Paige so it was great to get to read another story featuring them. I will be so sad when the last book 13 comes out.
Counterfeit Magic has Paige and Savannah go undercover in a supernatural fight club. We get some of Adam and Lucas too!
I love this series. So I enjoyed the novella. It's not as in depth as the regular Otherworld novels. But still a satisfying story. A must for any fan of the series.
****************************************************
Overall this is a great anthology, especially if a reader was unable to get some of the previously released e-books. As an avid Kelley Armstrong fan (and having already read those previously released e-books) my only complaint is that I wish that there was more new material. I absolutely loved the new novella with Karl and Hope and can't wait to read more novellas as they are released.
July 20, 2015
Fans of Armstrong's concluded Otherworld series will love the chance to dive back into this fun urban fantasy world and revisit some of their favorite characters. With five novellas and a short story, this anthology contains mostly reprints, but the tales will be new to most fans. The novellas are all enjoyable, well put-together pieces, with only the short story falling flat. Highly recommended for readers of the Otherworld series who are still mourning its end.
Thanks to Plume and Edelweiss for providing a digital review copy.
Thanks to Plume and Edelweiss for providing a digital review copy.
January 26, 2019
Life After Theft – Karl and Hope and their little girl, this made me love them even more. Karl retires from being a jewel thief. It is an interesting tale of 2 not so truthful fellas trying to con the other. They also struggle to be good role models for their little girl who is very bright.
Forbidden – Oh the mystery, I enjoyed this short Morgan is a wolf we meet before and I was so intrigued by him so this was an interesting bonus story. The town Elena and Clay go to, to meet up with Morgan is like something you would read in a book spooky and a little off, lmao that is the best way to describe it.
Angelic – This is a neat little story of Eve and how she is enjoying or not enjoying her new job. ;)
I didn't mind it, kinda wished I had listened while I was listening to the series it’s not a big deal though.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism – I love Jamie and Savannah! Not really sure what this story was for, other than to know that these two are just as bad as Paige and Savannah getting into mischief.
The Ungrateful Dead – Zoe is trying to sell the apartment only T her (roommate who is a necromancer/demon) is having none of it
Counterfeit Magic – I t was short and to the point, don’t really have a lot to say really. I didn’t believe Lucas could do something like that it all just felt a little off. The Adam thing too was weird but it got worked out. It just was kinda drama for the sake of drama I just didn’t get this story at all.
Forbidden – Oh the mystery, I enjoyed this short Morgan is a wolf we meet before and I was so intrigued by him so this was an interesting bonus story. The town Elena and Clay go to, to meet up with Morgan is like something you would read in a book spooky and a little off, lmao that is the best way to describe it.
Angelic – This is a neat little story of Eve and how she is enjoying or not enjoying her new job. ;)
I didn't mind it, kinda wished I had listened while I was listening to the series it’s not a big deal though.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism – I love Jamie and Savannah! Not really sure what this story was for, other than to know that these two are just as bad as Paige and Savannah getting into mischief.
The Ungrateful Dead – Zoe is trying to sell the apartment only T her (roommate who is a necromancer/demon) is having none of it
Counterfeit Magic – I t was short and to the point, don’t really have a lot to say really. I didn’t believe Lucas could do something like that it all just felt a little off. The Adam thing too was weird but it got worked out. It just was kinda drama for the sake of drama I just didn’t get this story at all.
September 5, 2017
That was fun.
I guess it could work as a stand alone bunch of short stories but do yourself a favor and read the other books in the Women of the Otherworld series. If you're a fan of the series and have read the books then this is a good book for you. I didn't love all the stories but never go into a short stories book expecting to because you'll end up disappointed.
The stories contained a good variety of characters and I enjoyed the book. The coolest thing about this series and this book is that the main characters are strong females. Love it! I also recommend Tales of the Otherworld and Men of the Otherworld.
I borrowed the book from the library but I wouldn't mind owning it. If that's not a recommendation then I don't know what is. :-)
I guess it could work as a stand alone bunch of short stories but do yourself a favor and read the other books in the Women of the Otherworld series. If you're a fan of the series and have read the books then this is a good book for you. I didn't love all the stories but never go into a short stories book expecting to because you'll end up disappointed.
The stories contained a good variety of characters and I enjoyed the book. The coolest thing about this series and this book is that the main characters are strong females. Love it! I also recommend Tales of the Otherworld and Men of the Otherworld.
I borrowed the book from the library but I wouldn't mind owning it. If that's not a recommendation then I don't know what is. :-)
April 17, 2020
Most of the stories in this I've already read. I got this for the 2 I haven't.
Life After Theft
It was nice to see a peak into what Hope (1/2 Chaos demon) and Karl (werewolf) were up to. They are happily married with a daughter and another child on the way. Karl is a retired thief who works for Hope's brother in security systems. (He was an excellent thief). Karl is framed and has to go back and steal one last thing to clear his name. I liked this couple from previous books and it was wonderful to see what was going on with them a few years after the series ended.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
A short story featuring Zoe (I don't remember her from the series) and how she gets rid of 2 vampires who want to take over her territory.
Life After Theft
It was nice to see a peak into what Hope (1/2 Chaos demon) and Karl (werewolf) were up to. They are happily married with a daughter and another child on the way. Karl is a retired thief who works for Hope's brother in security systems. (He was an excellent thief). Karl is framed and has to go back and steal one last thing to clear his name. I liked this couple from previous books and it was wonderful to see what was going on with them a few years after the series ended.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
A short story featuring Zoe (I don't remember her from the series) and how she gets rid of 2 vampires who want to take over her territory.
July 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this collection of Otherworld stories. These always remind me how much I enjoyed this series. If you haven't started Kelley's Women of the Otherworld series, I highly recommend it. Anthology Rating: ✮✮✮½
Otherworld Secrets
"Life After Theft" (✮✮✮✮☆) ~ A new novella featuring Hope and Karl. He's trying out retirement life when someone steals a supernatural item and all fingers point to him as the thief. I loved this look at Hope and Karl as parents.
"Forbidden" (✮✮✮½) ~
"Angelic" (✮✮✮☆☆) ~
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism" (✮✮✮✮☆) ~ Zoe novella from Subterranean Press’s long-sold out “A Fantasy Medley” Kelley's vampires always piqued my interest, yet she doesn't spend a lot of time on them in the series. So, this short was a nice treat. Zoe seems like a very interesting character and I'd love to read more.
"The Ungrateful Dead" (✮✮✮½) ~ Jaime short story from “Blood Lite” anthology ~ This was a funny short featuring Jaime, professional "spiritualist" - real-life necromancer. During a show a rude frat boy pops in and won't leave her alone. He's insisting she help his cousin, but he's really going about it in the worst way possible. She's going to make him regret it.
"Counterfeit Magic" (✮✮✮☆☆) ~
Otherworld Secrets
"Life After Theft" (✮✮✮✮☆) ~ A new novella featuring Hope and Karl. He's trying out retirement life when someone steals a supernatural item and all fingers point to him as the thief. I loved this look at Hope and Karl as parents.
"Forbidden" (✮✮✮½) ~
The team-spirit sign by the side of the highway seems a good omen to loner Morgan Walsh, as he drives to what could be the most important visit of his life — a chance to join the North American Pack. Then he wakes naked in the woods, surrounded by wolf tracks and a ring of suspicious cops. The situation only gets worse when he’s bailed out by Alpha-elect Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers, her terrifying enforcer and mate.This novella takes place prior to Elena becoming Alpha and their trip into the snowy woods helped her work through some of the worries she has as to how the change will affect her life.
Disappointed that such a promising young werewolf risked exposing them, Elena isn’t expecting anything from the pesky retrieval job except some much-needed alone time with Clay. Instead, she finds a different kind of evil stalking the streets and forests of Westwood, New York. Trapped in town by a snowstorm and sabotage, Elena, Clay and Morgan must find the mysterious threat before it sets its sights on them.
"Angelic" (✮✮✮☆☆) ~
As a half-demon master of the dark arts, Eve Levine isn’t what anyone would call angelic. That’s exactly why the Fates chose her for the job. She’s their secret weapon against the forces of evil. However after five years, Eve is tired of being the designated rebel of the angel corps, expected to break the rules, then penalized for it. When the leaderless djinn stage an uprising, Eve sees the perfect chance to get herself fired. As she plunges deeper into the demon world, though, she realizes she’s in danger of losing a lot more than her job.Angelic is set five years after Haunted. Eve Levine is tired of her job and is thinking about getting herself fired while handling the newest job the fates have set forth for her. Throughout the series, I found Eve an intriguing character, so it was nice to have a closer look at her and Kristof.
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism" (✮✮✮✮☆) ~ Zoe novella from Subterranean Press’s long-sold out “A Fantasy Medley” Kelley's vampires always piqued my interest, yet she doesn't spend a lot of time on them in the series. So, this short was a nice treat. Zoe seems like a very interesting character and I'd love to read more.
"The Ungrateful Dead" (✮✮✮½) ~ Jaime short story from “Blood Lite” anthology ~ This was a funny short featuring Jaime, professional "spiritualist" - real-life necromancer. During a show a rude frat boy pops in and won't leave her alone. He's insisting she help his cousin, but he's really going about it in the worst way possible. She's going to make him regret it.
"Counterfeit Magic" (✮✮✮☆☆) ~
The first rule of a supernatural fight club? Don't kill your opponent.This wasn't my favorite, as it highlighted a (needless, IMO) weakness of Paige's, but I do enjoy Savannah and a mystery that starts with a supernatural fight club.
When the fighters come with lethal spells, werewolf strength and half-demon powers, that can be a lot tougher than it sounds. It's hard to attract talent if they know they might not leave the ring alive. So when fighters at a California club start dying -- it's bad for business.
Witch detectives Paige Winterbourne and Savannah Levine take the case. Going undercover in the power-heavy arena of the fight club is a welcome change of pace for Paige, relegated to the role of The Wife as her husband struggles to find his place in his family's Cabal--the corporate Mafia of the supernatural world.
As Paige is drawn deeper into new and dangerous corners of her world, she quickly discovers the greatest threat isn't the killer in her sights. It's something much, much closer to home. And this is one fight she can't afford to lose.
April 26, 2022
OTHERWORLD SECRETS by Kelley Armstrong is the fourth book in the Otherworld Stories Series. I love these short story compilations about the awesome Otherworld characters. They give me a bit more time with the kick-arse characters I have fallen in love with, in the Women of the Otherworld series. The short stories in this book are entertaining and filled with the right amount of action and sex appeal.
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November 28, 2015
If you are an “Otherworld” fan and still suffering from withdrawal symptoms because the series ended this is the book to pick up. It is comprised of six short stories (I would dare to say novellas) and each was a nice (re)visit with the main characters from the book series. As I was writing the short synopsis for each story I realized that these could stand well on their own. One could still enjoy them not having read the series, and ... it may whet your appetite for the series.
LIFE AFTER THEFT (Hope and Karl)
With baby number two on the way Karl has retired from his life as a werewolf jewel thief, but one of his clients has one more heist that only Karl can pull off – the theft of the ultimate grimoire containing ancient dark magic spells.
MORGAN (Elena and Clay)
Morgan Walsh has been living with wolves in Alaska – living with them as a wolf – but now he has decided to come to Stonehaven to consider Elena’s invitation to join the pack. While on route he stops in Westwood for a bite to eat. How he resist stopping in a town that advertises itself as “Home of the Werewolves” and the diner gives a 10% discount to all Werewolves and their families … of course the town is talking about their football team, but Morgan stops anyway. It’s not too long before he discovers himself in the local jail with barely any recollection of how he got there. A map with Stonehaven circled and Elena’s telephone number written on it is the only identification he has, so the sheriff calls. It’s not too long before Elena and Clay realize that things are not quite right in Westwood.
ANGELIC (Eve and Kristof)
With her latest case resolved Eve is ready to join the ghost realm with Kristof for some much needed R&R. The fates however have a slightly different idea. They want her to wrap a quick case involving a demon uprising. To save time she enlists the help of a couple of other avenging angels only to find that she is not the only rule breaker in the “angel corps”.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD (Jaime)
While performing one of her on stage séances Jaime is visited by a ghost with a mission and no amount of vervain is going to repel this determined spirit. Not wanting him hanging around as she is getting ready for a weekend visit from Jeremy she decides to see what his request is all about. Well, she can certainly put her necromancer skills to good use when she uncovers his little secret.
ZEN AND ART OF VAMPIRISM (Zoe)
Zoe has always been the only vampire in Toronto and she likes it that way, but when two new vamps come to town with the idea of taking over Zoe gives them a tour of the city they will not soon forget.
COUNTERFEIT MAGIC (Lucas & Paige, Adam & Savannah)
Carlos is still trying to get Lucas to leave the Cabal and a new client shows up to hire Winterbourne Investigations to look into the death of her brother … somehow these two incidents are related. Not until things in Paige and Lucas’ marriage take a turn for the worse and Adam is possessed by a demon do they get the bottom of what is really happening.
Each story was wonderful, but because they featured my favorite characters from the series I must admit to enjoying “Counterfeit Magic” and “Morgan” the best.
As I was reading this book I realized that I have been quite “brainwashed” by the “Bitten” television series, because every time Clay’s name came up all I could picture in my mind was Greyston Holt. Not a great hardship, darlin!
LIFE AFTER THEFT (Hope and Karl)
With baby number two on the way Karl has retired from his life as a werewolf jewel thief, but one of his clients has one more heist that only Karl can pull off – the theft of the ultimate grimoire containing ancient dark magic spells.
MORGAN (Elena and Clay)
Morgan Walsh has been living with wolves in Alaska – living with them as a wolf – but now he has decided to come to Stonehaven to consider Elena’s invitation to join the pack. While on route he stops in Westwood for a bite to eat. How he resist stopping in a town that advertises itself as “Home of the Werewolves” and the diner gives a 10% discount to all Werewolves and their families … of course the town is talking about their football team, but Morgan stops anyway. It’s not too long before he discovers himself in the local jail with barely any recollection of how he got there. A map with Stonehaven circled and Elena’s telephone number written on it is the only identification he has, so the sheriff calls. It’s not too long before Elena and Clay realize that things are not quite right in Westwood.
ANGELIC (Eve and Kristof)
With her latest case resolved Eve is ready to join the ghost realm with Kristof for some much needed R&R. The fates however have a slightly different idea. They want her to wrap a quick case involving a demon uprising. To save time she enlists the help of a couple of other avenging angels only to find that she is not the only rule breaker in the “angel corps”.
THE UNGRATEFUL DEAD (Jaime)
While performing one of her on stage séances Jaime is visited by a ghost with a mission and no amount of vervain is going to repel this determined spirit. Not wanting him hanging around as she is getting ready for a weekend visit from Jeremy she decides to see what his request is all about. Well, she can certainly put her necromancer skills to good use when she uncovers his little secret.
ZEN AND ART OF VAMPIRISM (Zoe)
Zoe has always been the only vampire in Toronto and she likes it that way, but when two new vamps come to town with the idea of taking over Zoe gives them a tour of the city they will not soon forget.
COUNTERFEIT MAGIC (Lucas & Paige, Adam & Savannah)
Carlos is still trying to get Lucas to leave the Cabal and a new client shows up to hire Winterbourne Investigations to look into the death of her brother … somehow these two incidents are related. Not until things in Paige and Lucas’ marriage take a turn for the worse and Adam is possessed by a demon do they get the bottom of what is really happening.
Each story was wonderful, but because they featured my favorite characters from the series I must admit to enjoying “Counterfeit Magic” and “Morgan” the best.
As I was reading this book I realized that I have been quite “brainwashed” by the “Bitten” television series, because every time Clay’s name came up all I could picture in my mind was Greyston Holt. Not a great hardship, darlin!
February 6, 2017
Otherworld Secrets
Life After Theft
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: An item is stolen. Fingers point to Karl. Except Hope's. I enjoyed the way everything unfolded: it was exhilarating. It's my favourite story in this collection so far. And I was so not expecting that.
Forbidden
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Elena and Clay
Angelic
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Always enjoy following Eve! She's such a strong character!
The Ungrateful Dead
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Poor Jaime. Just imagine it: being harassed by ghosts. Reading this makes me grateful that I'm not a necromancer. I'm the kind of person who gets crept out easily. I mean, seriously: I would faint all the time with everything Jaime sees. Overall, I enjoyed it: I love Jaime. And if only it had been longer!
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: I wasn't as compelled to this one as the others. It definitely wasn't bad: it was still good. But it wasn't my favourite.
Counterfeit Magic
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: New case: Paige and Savannah must go undercover at a fight club for supernaturals. And of course, danger is ahead of them. As always, I enjoy following Paige and Savannah's journeys. This one was a particularly exciting one. And I am glad it's a novella and not a short story. It allowed more story and character development. Definitely a favourite!
Life After Theft
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: An item is stolen. Fingers point to Karl. Except Hope's. I enjoyed the way everything unfolded: it was exhilarating. It's my favourite story in this collection so far. And I was so not expecting that.
Forbidden
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Elena and Clay
Angelic
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Always enjoy following Eve! She's such a strong character!
The Ungrateful Dead
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Poor Jaime. Just imagine it: being harassed by ghosts. Reading this makes me grateful that I'm not a necromancer. I'm the kind of person who gets crept out easily. I mean, seriously: I would faint all the time with everything Jaime sees. Overall, I enjoyed it: I love Jaime. And if only it had been longer!
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: I wasn't as compelled to this one as the others. It definitely wasn't bad: it was still good. But it wasn't my favourite.
Counterfeit Magic
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: New case: Paige and Savannah must go undercover at a fight club for supernaturals. And of course, danger is ahead of them. As always, I enjoy following Paige and Savannah's journeys. This one was a particularly exciting one. And I am glad it's a novella and not a short story. It allowed more story and character development. Definitely a favourite!
February 10, 2016
I was excited to see this book as the series is one of my favorites and I was sad to see it end. I like that the author still puts out these shorts that lets up catch up on characters we love. I had read all but one of these stories previously.
The new one, Life After Theft was centered around Hope and Karl. There is something about this couple that always makes me smile. I think part of it is neither has any problem with Karl's past as a thief. I do find it fun to see Karl more domesticated, the house-husband who cares for the kids. While "Daddy" is fun for Nita to play with now, I have a feeling he won't be all that much as she grows up and wants to date. Karl and Hope's dilemma of what to do about Karl being framed was fun. Of course they would get to the bottom of it and of course Karl's rep would come out better than ever.
The new one, Life After Theft was centered around Hope and Karl. There is something about this couple that always makes me smile. I think part of it is neither has any problem with Karl's past as a thief. I do find it fun to see Karl more domesticated, the house-husband who cares for the kids. While "Daddy" is fun for Nita to play with now, I have a feeling he won't be all that much as she grows up and wants to date. Karl and Hope's dilemma of what to do about Karl being framed was fun. Of course they would get to the bottom of it and of course Karl's rep would come out better than ever.
August 5, 2014
Jaime and Savannah short. Between the two of them they come up with a hilarious (and oh, so very wrong) solution to how-to-get-rid-of-a-ghost-who-won't-take-"no"-for-an-answer.
September 27, 2024
The fourth anthology in the Women of the Otherworld urban fantasy series comes with an even split of two short stories, two novelettes, and two novellas all revolving around different characters within the series.
The Series
"Life After Theft", 10.2 with Karl and Hope
"Forbidden", 10.3 with Morgan Walsh and Elena and Clay
"Angelic", 9.3 with Eve and Kristof
"The Ungrateful Dead", 8.1 with Jaime Vegas
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism", 9.2 with Zoe
"Counterfeit Magic", 10.4 with Paige Winterbourne and Lucas Cortez
Goodreads restricts the number of words allowed in a post, so for a more complete character listing, check out my KD Did It review (after 31 August 2020).
The Stories
"Life After Theft"
This new novelette is a sweet insight into Karl and his, ahem, reformation. Yet it's first person protagonist point-of-view from Hope's perspective, and she can feel how much he misses the challenge of his previous career, and the latest project has him itching. However, he also loves being a dad. Don'cha wish more men felt that way?
It's also a sad hypocrisy of a "bad guy" who is such a good guy, and another character who was raised in wealth and spoiled to death with it, who can betray at the drop of a hat, er, dog.
The Characters
The pregnant Hope Adams is an Expisco (chaos) half-demon with a direct line to other people's chaotic thoughts and is the editor at True News. Karl Marsten, her husband, is a werewolf clotheshorse, a retired international jewel thief whose reputation has always been as an honorable man, and Nita's primary caregiver. Nita is their daughter with a thirst for adventure. Joel Adams is Hope's brother and Karl's, sort of, boss at a security company.
Paige Winterbourne is the head of the Interracial Council and runs a law and private investigation firm with her husband, Lucas Cortez. Benicio Cortez is Lucas' father and CEO of the Cortez Cabal of sorcerers. Troy is one of Benicio's bodyguards. Elena is the Alpha of the North American Pack; Clayton is her second and their Enforcer. Kate and Logan are Elena and Clay's kids.
Gustav Nast is the former CEO of the German branch of the Nast Cabal.
Melinda, Lady Fitzwilliams, is a socialite in Philadelphia. Bradley is one of her sons. Miguel is one of her guards, and Theresa, the maid, is one of Miguel's friends.
Fredrick Birkan is based at Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and fancies himself a collector.
Sharon Avery is a self-absorbed witch.
"Forbidden"
Whew, this novella was intense and just gross at the end. I know people can be pretty intense about their sports, but this one was a bit much. Definitely a "5".
"Forbidden" is also available as a standalone. At the price, you're better off buying Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Morgan Walsh, a mutt, has spent the last two years in Newfoundland, Alaska, as a wolf and does NOT want to be a fisherman. Blaine is his brother. Their father is a stubborn man.
Alpha-elect Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers, who is her terrifying enforcer, mate, and anthropologist, are based on an estate called Stonehaven in Syracuse, New York. Kate and Logan are their five-year-old twins. Jeremy is the Alpha Elena will replace. Jaime Vegas, a celebrity necromancer, is Jeremy's girlfriend. The Legacy is a book of Pack and werewolf history.
Paige Winterbourne is a witch and on the Interracial Council.
In Westwood, New York...
Jessica Dales is the police chief. Her officers include Wes Kent and Phil Jaggerman, the volunteer assistant coach.
Marnie is a waitress at the café and Hanlon's girlfriend. Mr and Maria Rivera's son Ricky is missing. Tom Hanlon, the high school football coach, is Lacoste's stepson. Charlie Lacoste is a hermit who went missing a few months ago. Bryan and Jason are a couple of the high school football players.
"Angelic"
This novelette contains a nasty betrayal as seen from a first person protagonist point-of-view, but Eve lightens things up with her "promise" to the Fates to shape up and be a proper angel, lol.
"Angelic" is also available as a standalone...and it is WAY cheaper to buy Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Eve Levine, a half-demon dark witch who had practiced any kind of magic, is now an ascended angel going on missions for the Fates. She's also Savannah's mother as Kris is her father. Eve's father had been Lord Demon Balam, aa Aspicio demon and Dantalian's older brother.
Kristof Nast had been the Nast Cabal heir and a lawyer. Now he's a defense lawyer with a houseboat who enjoys playing hockey. Bryce is Kristof's younger son.
The Fates are Eve's bosses. Trsiel is a full angel and Eve's usual partner; Marius (he'd been a gladiator) and Katsuo (a former samurai) are ascended angels, just like Eve.
Dantalian is a master of the djinn, and he's imprisoned in a wall in Glamis castle. Armaros is a trusted djinn soldier.
The Cerberi are three guardian dogs who block all points of entry to hell, a.k.a. the Great Library of Alexandria. Think Cerberus. Delphia has a very short-term memory — it's the only peace she can get from the memories of all times that have passed and all times that are to come. Jaime Vegas is a celebrity necromancer. Tara is her assistant. Jeremy Danvers is Jaime's boyfriend and another dual-parentage supernatural: werewolf and kogitsune, a fox maiden demi-demon.
"The Ungrateful Dead"
This short story begins with Jaime's first rule of being a necromancer: don't acknowledge the dead people. The real clincher is that annoying, dead frat boy. Yep, there are jerks everywhere and this kid proves it.
The first chunk of the story just makes you mad, but then Savannah has her brilliant idea, lol. Yeah, yeah, it's nasty, but those boys SO deserve it *more laughter*.
This short story can also be found in Blood Lite .
The Characters
Jaime Vegas is a necromancer who performs on stage. Eve Levine is an ascended angel who made a deal to bodyguard Jaime from ghosts. Savannah is Eve's daughter and the ward of Paige Winterbourne, a witch who runs Cortez-Winterbourne Demon Hunters agency along with her husband, Lucas Cortez, in Portland. Adam Vasic, a fire half-demon, is one of their employees. Cass is a vampire.
Patty thinks her Uncle Mort likes her when he really prefers sister Pammy. Cousin Ken has cataracts, Aunt Amy has arthritis, and little Lulu has a lazy eye.
Threatening frat boy, a.k.a. "Chuck" (actually Byron), insists that Jaime serve him, because he's dead. Yep, he still doesn't listen worth a damn. Molly Crane is a dark witch.
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism"
This short story confused the heck out of me. I wasn't quite sure what Zoe was up to, but it did start to send me what turned out to be the right direction. And, omigod, it was too funny.
We also get Zoe's back history and why she changed her name, introducing us to the serpent of rage that dwells within her.
I gotta say I am so not impressed with Hans and how "decent" he's being. Excuse me...? As for Brigid...I do like Tee's reaction to her, lol.
The Characters
Zoe Takano is a vampire thief in Toronto who's low on cash. Tee is her roommate and a very powerful, very old, crazy necromancer.
Rudy is the bartender at Miller's Bar and Randy Tolliver's half-brother, who runs a medical clinic for the homeless.
José is a potential client and a vamp freak. Hans, a.k.a. John, used to be an Anne Rice fan and now he's into Underworld. Brigid Drescher is a flaxen-haired Amazon partnered up with Hans.
"Counterfeit Magic"
Ooh, this novella is nasty. For Paige. She has to be Lucas' representative at a Cortez Cabal meeting, and everyone but Benicio thinks she's a brainless chick who should run everything past the hubbie.
Then there's the murder investigation the whole office heads off on. With a man who might be angry about being pulled from college and a potential fighting career.
I have to say the bad guys played a good game here.
"Counterfeit Magic" is also available as a standalone...and if you like both "Forbidden" and this one, just get Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Paige Winterbourne and Lucas Cortez are married and run Cortez-Winterbourne Investigations in Portland. Savannah Levine, a.k.a. Georgia, is Paige's ward as well as her admin assistant. Adam Vasic is a fire half-demon.
Benicio Cortez is Lucas' father and CEO of the Cortez Cabal based in Miami. Carlos is a legitimate son but his greed and amorality, combined with his incompetency, makes him useless as the heir. A Romanian shaman who didn't disclose that he was employed by the Moreau Cabal, a French group, is just one issue.
Ava Cookson is a Tripudio, who insists on talking to Lucas. Brody had been her half-brother, drowning in debt.
A Santa Cruz fight club truly is...
...independent of the cabals. Ethan and Shane Gallante are brothers who own the club. Rico is a bouncer. Mel, a snotty dwarf witch, will be Georgia's opponent on her first night. Davy Jones is a half-demon whose manager is Travis Nichols. Dr Phillips is their medic.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep and dark in a blue-green woods with a blonde dressed all in leather looking back at us over her right shoulder with a rivet-laden wide bracelet on her right hand. The author's name is just above center in a black shadowed yellow with a white info blurb just below it. A triple horizontal rule in white separates these words from the title below it also in a black-shadowed yellow. At the very bottom is the information that this is an anthology, in white.
The title is those Otherworld Secrets hidden by the participants.
The Series
"Life After Theft", 10.2 with Karl and Hope
"Forbidden", 10.3 with Morgan Walsh and Elena and Clay
"Angelic", 9.3 with Eve and Kristof
"The Ungrateful Dead", 8.1 with Jaime Vegas
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism", 9.2 with Zoe
"Counterfeit Magic", 10.4 with Paige Winterbourne and Lucas Cortez
Goodreads restricts the number of words allowed in a post, so for a more complete character listing, check out my KD Did It review (after 31 August 2020).
The Stories
"Life After Theft"
This new novelette is a sweet insight into Karl and his, ahem, reformation. Yet it's first person protagonist point-of-view from Hope's perspective, and she can feel how much he misses the challenge of his previous career, and the latest project has him itching. However, he also loves being a dad. Don'cha wish more men felt that way?
It's also a sad hypocrisy of a "bad guy" who is such a good guy, and another character who was raised in wealth and spoiled to death with it, who can betray at the drop of a hat, er, dog.
The Characters
The pregnant Hope Adams is an Expisco (chaos) half-demon with a direct line to other people's chaotic thoughts and is the editor at True News. Karl Marsten, her husband, is a werewolf clotheshorse, a retired international jewel thief whose reputation has always been as an honorable man, and Nita's primary caregiver. Nita is their daughter with a thirst for adventure. Joel Adams is Hope's brother and Karl's, sort of, boss at a security company.
Paige Winterbourne is the head of the Interracial Council and runs a law and private investigation firm with her husband, Lucas Cortez. Benicio Cortez is Lucas' father and CEO of the Cortez Cabal of sorcerers. Troy is one of Benicio's bodyguards. Elena is the Alpha of the North American Pack; Clayton is her second and their Enforcer. Kate and Logan are Elena and Clay's kids.
Gustav Nast is the former CEO of the German branch of the Nast Cabal.
Melinda, Lady Fitzwilliams, is a socialite in Philadelphia. Bradley is one of her sons. Miguel is one of her guards, and Theresa, the maid, is one of Miguel's friends.
Fredrick Birkan is based at Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and fancies himself a collector.
Sharon Avery is a self-absorbed witch.
"Forbidden"
Whew, this novella was intense and just gross at the end. I know people can be pretty intense about their sports, but this one was a bit much. Definitely a "5".
"Forbidden" is also available as a standalone. At the price, you're better off buying Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Morgan Walsh, a mutt, has spent the last two years in Newfoundland, Alaska, as a wolf and does NOT want to be a fisherman. Blaine is his brother. Their father is a stubborn man.
Alpha-elect Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers, who is her terrifying enforcer, mate, and anthropologist, are based on an estate called Stonehaven in Syracuse, New York. Kate and Logan are their five-year-old twins. Jeremy is the Alpha Elena will replace. Jaime Vegas, a celebrity necromancer, is Jeremy's girlfriend. The Legacy is a book of Pack and werewolf history.
Paige Winterbourne is a witch and on the Interracial Council.
In Westwood, New York...
Jessica Dales is the police chief. Her officers include Wes Kent and Phil Jaggerman, the volunteer assistant coach.
Marnie is a waitress at the café and Hanlon's girlfriend. Mr and Maria Rivera's son Ricky is missing. Tom Hanlon, the high school football coach, is Lacoste's stepson. Charlie Lacoste is a hermit who went missing a few months ago. Bryan and Jason are a couple of the high school football players.
"Angelic"
This novelette contains a nasty betrayal as seen from a first person protagonist point-of-view, but Eve lightens things up with her "promise" to the Fates to shape up and be a proper angel, lol.
"Angelic" is also available as a standalone...and it is WAY cheaper to buy Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Eve Levine, a half-demon dark witch who had practiced any kind of magic, is now an ascended angel going on missions for the Fates. She's also Savannah's mother as Kris is her father. Eve's father had been Lord Demon Balam, aa Aspicio demon and Dantalian's older brother.
Kristof Nast had been the Nast Cabal heir and a lawyer. Now he's a defense lawyer with a houseboat who enjoys playing hockey. Bryce is Kristof's younger son.
The Fates are Eve's bosses. Trsiel is a full angel and Eve's usual partner; Marius (he'd been a gladiator) and Katsuo (a former samurai) are ascended angels, just like Eve.
Dantalian is a master of the djinn, and he's imprisoned in a wall in Glamis castle. Armaros is a trusted djinn soldier.
The Cerberi are three guardian dogs who block all points of entry to hell, a.k.a. the Great Library of Alexandria. Think Cerberus. Delphia has a very short-term memory — it's the only peace she can get from the memories of all times that have passed and all times that are to come. Jaime Vegas is a celebrity necromancer. Tara is her assistant. Jeremy Danvers is Jaime's boyfriend and another dual-parentage supernatural: werewolf and kogitsune, a fox maiden demi-demon.
"The Ungrateful Dead"
This short story begins with Jaime's first rule of being a necromancer: don't acknowledge the dead people. The real clincher is that annoying, dead frat boy. Yep, there are jerks everywhere and this kid proves it.
The first chunk of the story just makes you mad, but then Savannah has her brilliant idea, lol. Yeah, yeah, it's nasty, but those boys SO deserve it *more laughter*.
This short story can also be found in Blood Lite .
The Characters
Jaime Vegas is a necromancer who performs on stage. Eve Levine is an ascended angel who made a deal to bodyguard Jaime from ghosts. Savannah is Eve's daughter and the ward of Paige Winterbourne, a witch who runs Cortez-Winterbourne Demon Hunters agency along with her husband, Lucas Cortez, in Portland. Adam Vasic, a fire half-demon, is one of their employees. Cass is a vampire.
Patty thinks her Uncle Mort likes her when he really prefers sister Pammy. Cousin Ken has cataracts, Aunt Amy has arthritis, and little Lulu has a lazy eye.
Threatening frat boy, a.k.a. "Chuck" (actually Byron), insists that Jaime serve him, because he's dead. Yep, he still doesn't listen worth a damn. Molly Crane is a dark witch.
"Zen and the Art of Vampirism"
This short story confused the heck out of me. I wasn't quite sure what Zoe was up to, but it did start to send me what turned out to be the right direction. And, omigod, it was too funny.
We also get Zoe's back history and why she changed her name, introducing us to the serpent of rage that dwells within her.
I gotta say I am so not impressed with Hans and how "decent" he's being. Excuse me...? As for Brigid...I do like Tee's reaction to her, lol.
The Characters
Zoe Takano is a vampire thief in Toronto who's low on cash. Tee is her roommate and a very powerful, very old, crazy necromancer.
Rudy is the bartender at Miller's Bar and Randy Tolliver's half-brother, who runs a medical clinic for the homeless.
José is a potential client and a vamp freak. Hans, a.k.a. John, used to be an Anne Rice fan and now he's into Underworld. Brigid Drescher is a flaxen-haired Amazon partnered up with Hans.
"Counterfeit Magic"
Ooh, this novella is nasty. For Paige. She has to be Lucas' representative at a Cortez Cabal meeting, and everyone but Benicio thinks she's a brainless chick who should run everything past the hubbie.
Then there's the murder investigation the whole office heads off on. With a man who might be angry about being pulled from college and a potential fighting career.
I have to say the bad guys played a good game here.
"Counterfeit Magic" is also available as a standalone...and if you like both "Forbidden" and this one, just get Otherworld Secrets .
The Characters
Paige Winterbourne and Lucas Cortez are married and run Cortez-Winterbourne Investigations in Portland. Savannah Levine, a.k.a. Georgia, is Paige's ward as well as her admin assistant. Adam Vasic is a fire half-demon.
Benicio Cortez is Lucas' father and CEO of the Cortez Cabal based in Miami. Carlos is a legitimate son but his greed and amorality, combined with his incompetency, makes him useless as the heir. A Romanian shaman who didn't disclose that he was employed by the Moreau Cabal, a French group, is just one issue.
Ava Cookson is a Tripudio, who insists on talking to Lucas. Brody had been her half-brother, drowning in debt.
A Santa Cruz fight club truly is...
...independent of the cabals. Ethan and Shane Gallante are brothers who own the club. Rico is a bouncer. Mel, a snotty dwarf witch, will be Georgia's opponent on her first night. Davy Jones is a half-demon whose manager is Travis Nichols. Dr Phillips is their medic.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep and dark in a blue-green woods with a blonde dressed all in leather looking back at us over her right shoulder with a rivet-laden wide bracelet on her right hand. The author's name is just above center in a black shadowed yellow with a white info blurb just below it. A triple horizontal rule in white separates these words from the title below it also in a black-shadowed yellow. At the very bottom is the information that this is an anthology, in white.
The title is those Otherworld Secrets hidden by the participants.
April 25, 2021
A pretty great selection of Otherworld stories. Forbidden, featuring Clay and Elena and a new werewolf looking to join the pack but getting sidetracked by a pretty dark , chilling plot was a particularly great story. I was on my toes all time and the end was appropriately chilling. Plus great characterization.
Life after Thefth , featuring Hope and Karl, was pretty equal part of funny and suspenseful, with Karl being a pretty great dad and the family finding its footing in the aftermath of his ‘quitting’ thieving life while getting roped in a new and interesting situation when someone frames Karl to get his attention .
The Ungrateful Dead was hilarious and very entertaining. Great ending .Similarly, Zen and Vampirism, Angelic and last story were excellent further explorations of this alternate world, giving a few chills, some adventure and much humour.
I am quite glad I picked up the series again after years of break. Those stories are amazing entertainment, a good and balanced mix of urban fantasy, horror and thriller.
Life after Thefth , featuring Hope and Karl, was pretty equal part of funny and suspenseful, with Karl being a pretty great dad and the family finding its footing in the aftermath of his ‘quitting’ thieving life while getting roped in a new and interesting situation when someone frames Karl to get his attention .
The Ungrateful Dead was hilarious and very entertaining. Great ending .Similarly, Zen and Vampirism, Angelic and last story were excellent further explorations of this alternate world, giving a few chills, some adventure and much humour.
I am quite glad I picked up the series again after years of break. Those stories are amazing entertainment, a good and balanced mix of urban fantasy, horror and thriller.
July 25, 2017
I haven't read any Kelley Armstrong for a year or so and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy her writing. Granted it's not necessarily ground breaking but its easy to follow and full of great characters and interesting events. Out of the 6 stories my favourites were Zen and the Art of Vampirism, which follows Vancover vampire Zoe as she deals with some new arrivals, and The Ungrateful Dead, which follows Jaime Vegas as she deals with some pushy spirits. The later one also ties in with the earlier tale Angelic, which pulled the collection together a little. I really do need to read and re-read more of her work.
August 30, 2016
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
Life After Theft
Narrated by Johanna Parker
This is a brand new story for this anthology. I love Hope and Karl. Always have. After watching the show Bitten, I love Karl even more. I love the actor they got to play him. I thought he was great in season one. Anyway, Karl is retired from being a jewel thief werewolf, but someone really wants him to come out of retirement. They try really hard to get that to happen. Hope is an Expisco Half Demon, aka chaos demons because they thrive on chaos. Oh, and who is her demon half, none other than Lucifer himself. Oh, and they have a daughter. Think of that breeding and how much trouble that child can be. Though the child isn’t a large part of the story, she was adorable. Makes Elena and Clay’s kids seem calm.
Forbidden
Narrated by Brian Hutchison and Morgan Hallett
While this isn’t a new story, I hadn’t read it yet. It is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, just hadn’t found the time yet. Well, now I have. This story is told mostly by Elena, though there is a new character who has some POV and Morgan, the werewolf that hasn’t joined the pack, but we met in Alaska and was trying an experiment of living as a wolf for two years. He is thinking about joining pack now. He is on his way to Stonehaven when he stops to get something to eat. His choice of town wasn’t the best choice. The town’s high school mascot, werewolves. Then after eating, he starts to have issues and goes out into the woods to change. He is then found in the snow by the local police naked with no human footprints around, just paw prints. Elena is called. Dead body is found. It is a pretty interesting story as Elena, Clay and Morgan investigate these murders so close to pack territory.
Angelic
This was a reread for me. I’ve actually read it, listened to it and now once more here. Eve is not my favorite character in the Otherworld series. However, I think this is my favorite story of hers. She is working part-time as an Angel and then gets time off to be just a ghost and spend time with her lover Kristof Nast (the father of her still living daughter, Savannah). When she is working, she works for the Fates, they shift from the old, middle aged to elder as she talks to them. I love the way that part is written, it flows very well as Eve is talking to them. I can almost picture the body switching from one Fate to the other. Here, she has to fix some issues with the Djinn. The Fates extend her work time to figure out the issue with the Djinn.
The Ungrateful Dead
Narrated by Johanna Parker
This is a short story is another reread for me about Jamie Vegas, famous necromancer. She is a TV psychic who talks to dead people on stage. While she can talk to ghosts, that isn’t what she does on TV. She works the crowd just like any other psychic hack. Reads people’s reactions and plays them. However, in this show, the actual person she’s talking to, the ghost shows up. I wonder if that ever happened to her before. She doesn’t, however, pass along Uncle Mo’s interest in her sister or tell her that he thought she was fat. There is also a ghost who taunts Jaime a ton trying to get her help. When she calls Savannah to get some new banishing supplies, they decide to learn more about this ghost and his request. That’s when things get weird. Also, when you’re a ghost, don’t piss off a necromancer, nothing good can come from it.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
This is a short story about Zoe, a long time vampire member of the interracial council. Zoe has never been a large member of the Women of the Otherworld books, but she is a fun secondary character that pops up from time to time. She is very old and getting towards the end of her life and she knows it. In this story, two vampires are trying to take her territory of Toronto. It is fun to see how Zoe convinces these two that they don’t want to rethink their idea. We get to see several landmarks around Toronto, which is a city that I really want to visit. I’m ashamed to say that I drive through this city every year to and from my cabin in the summer, but have never done more than see it from afar. I really want to spend more time there. One day I will. This is another revisit for me.
Counterfeit Magic
Like Angelic, this is one that I’ve read, listened and now I’m revisiting at least for a third time. This book follows Lucas and Paige, plus there is time with Adam and Savannah. The team has to investigate a supernatural fight club. Benecio is still trying to lure Lucas into the Cortez cabal. There are some relationship issues between Lucas and Paige, which annoyed me. I loved getting to spend time with Adam and Savannah. This is one of my least favorite stories. Lucas and Paige are not my favorite anyway, but I do love Adam and Savannah, so that kept me from completely disliking this book. I did forget how much this story annoyed me though.
Narration
I really enjoyed the narration of all of these stories. Johanna Parker is the only narrator that I’m really familiar with. She narrates a ton of stuff that I love. I enjoyed the two stories she narrated here. I also enjoyed the narration of the other stories as well. I’m not sure who all narrated all the stories, but they all did a great job.
Life After Theft
Narrated by Johanna Parker
This is a brand new story for this anthology. I love Hope and Karl. Always have. After watching the show Bitten, I love Karl even more. I love the actor they got to play him. I thought he was great in season one. Anyway, Karl is retired from being a jewel thief werewolf, but someone really wants him to come out of retirement. They try really hard to get that to happen. Hope is an Expisco Half Demon, aka chaos demons because they thrive on chaos. Oh, and who is her demon half, none other than Lucifer himself. Oh, and they have a daughter. Think of that breeding and how much trouble that child can be. Though the child isn’t a large part of the story, she was adorable. Makes Elena and Clay’s kids seem calm.
Forbidden
Narrated by Brian Hutchison and Morgan Hallett
While this isn’t a new story, I hadn’t read it yet. It is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, just hadn’t found the time yet. Well, now I have. This story is told mostly by Elena, though there is a new character who has some POV and Morgan, the werewolf that hasn’t joined the pack, but we met in Alaska and was trying an experiment of living as a wolf for two years. He is thinking about joining pack now. He is on his way to Stonehaven when he stops to get something to eat. His choice of town wasn’t the best choice. The town’s high school mascot, werewolves. Then after eating, he starts to have issues and goes out into the woods to change. He is then found in the snow by the local police naked with no human footprints around, just paw prints. Elena is called. Dead body is found. It is a pretty interesting story as Elena, Clay and Morgan investigate these murders so close to pack territory.
Angelic
This was a reread for me. I’ve actually read it, listened to it and now once more here. Eve is not my favorite character in the Otherworld series. However, I think this is my favorite story of hers. She is working part-time as an Angel and then gets time off to be just a ghost and spend time with her lover Kristof Nast (the father of her still living daughter, Savannah). When she is working, she works for the Fates, they shift from the old, middle aged to elder as she talks to them. I love the way that part is written, it flows very well as Eve is talking to them. I can almost picture the body switching from one Fate to the other. Here, she has to fix some issues with the Djinn. The Fates extend her work time to figure out the issue with the Djinn.
The Ungrateful Dead
Narrated by Johanna Parker
This is a short story is another reread for me about Jamie Vegas, famous necromancer. She is a TV psychic who talks to dead people on stage. While she can talk to ghosts, that isn’t what she does on TV. She works the crowd just like any other psychic hack. Reads people’s reactions and plays them. However, in this show, the actual person she’s talking to, the ghost shows up. I wonder if that ever happened to her before. She doesn’t, however, pass along Uncle Mo’s interest in her sister or tell her that he thought she was fat. There is also a ghost who taunts Jaime a ton trying to get her help. When she calls Savannah to get some new banishing supplies, they decide to learn more about this ghost and his request. That’s when things get weird. Also, when you’re a ghost, don’t piss off a necromancer, nothing good can come from it.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
This is a short story about Zoe, a long time vampire member of the interracial council. Zoe has never been a large member of the Women of the Otherworld books, but she is a fun secondary character that pops up from time to time. She is very old and getting towards the end of her life and she knows it. In this story, two vampires are trying to take her territory of Toronto. It is fun to see how Zoe convinces these two that they don’t want to rethink their idea. We get to see several landmarks around Toronto, which is a city that I really want to visit. I’m ashamed to say that I drive through this city every year to and from my cabin in the summer, but have never done more than see it from afar. I really want to spend more time there. One day I will. This is another revisit for me.
Counterfeit Magic
Like Angelic, this is one that I’ve read, listened and now I’m revisiting at least for a third time. This book follows Lucas and Paige, plus there is time with Adam and Savannah. The team has to investigate a supernatural fight club. Benecio is still trying to lure Lucas into the Cortez cabal. There are some relationship issues between Lucas and Paige, which annoyed me. I loved getting to spend time with Adam and Savannah. This is one of my least favorite stories. Lucas and Paige are not my favorite anyway, but I do love Adam and Savannah, so that kept me from completely disliking this book. I did forget how much this story annoyed me though.
Narration
I really enjoyed the narration of all of these stories. Johanna Parker is the only narrator that I’m really familiar with. She narrates a ton of stuff that I love. I enjoyed the two stories she narrated here. I also enjoyed the narration of the other stories as well. I’m not sure who all narrated all the stories, but they all did a great job.
August 10, 2021
Loved this one. Great to keep up with the various characters from the otherworld books even if they are little shorts.
January 30, 2023
Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series is one of my favourites in the genre. I adored the main books, and I find myself hooked on the short stories that go with them. One of the wonderful things about Kelley Armstrong and the Otherworld universe is that there are a lot of side-stories to read through. All the characters seem to have extra tales, and it is great to dive into them.
Otherworld Secrets was a collection of six tales that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed some a little more than others, but the whole collection kept me gripped throughout. It was a fabulous addition to the series, and a great way to get more of the characters after finishing the final book in the series. Without a doubt, fans of the series in need of a little more should certainly dive into the short story collections.
Individual ratings:
Life After Theft: Three stars.
Forbidden: Four stars.
Angelic: Four stars (rounded up).
The Ungrateful Dead: Three stars.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism: Three stars.
Counterfeit Magic: Four stars.
Otherworld Secrets was a collection of six tales that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed some a little more than others, but the whole collection kept me gripped throughout. It was a fabulous addition to the series, and a great way to get more of the characters after finishing the final book in the series. Without a doubt, fans of the series in need of a little more should certainly dive into the short story collections.
Individual ratings:
Life After Theft: Three stars.
Forbidden: Four stars.
Angelic: Four stars (rounded up).
The Ungrateful Dead: Three stars.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism: Three stars.
Counterfeit Magic: Four stars.
October 28, 2015
Life After Theft
Karl Marsten has given retired as a thief so he can raise his daughter as an honest man, but someone wants to pull him back into it.
I enjoyed this, Karl's always a fun guy to read. The only thing that ruins it is Hope, she's my least favourite.
Forbidden
Morgan Walsh gets caught up in trouble as he's on his way to meet with the American pack and Elena & Clay have to go help him out.
A re-read for me, I bought the book from Subterranean Press when it was released. I like Morgan and it's fun to read from his POV.
Angelic
Eve's angel duties get prolonged as she's called on by the Fates to help deal with a Djinn outbreak.
Another re-read of a Subterranean Press book. Eve's a fantastic character to head a book, she's kick ass and awesome.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
Zoe uses her wits to handle a couple of vampires that want to take over her territory.
I loved Zoe from when we first met her in Broken, she just has a great voice and attitude.
The Ungrateful Dead
Jaime gets harassed by a ghost and gets help from Savannah to teach him a lesson.
I liked this one, I mean it was okay. I like Savannah but Jaime I can take or leave.
Counterfeit Magic
Paige and Savannah go undercover in a supernatural fighting ring to solve some unusual deaths.
Click here to read my review of Counterfeit Magic.
I love Kelley's work and I'm glad her short stories are being released as anthologies because I missed some of them when they were in multi-author books.
I recommend this to any fans of Kelley or the Otherworld but only if you've read previous books, there are spoilers.
Karl Marsten has given retired as a thief so he can raise his daughter as an honest man, but someone wants to pull him back into it.
I enjoyed this, Karl's always a fun guy to read. The only thing that ruins it is Hope, she's my least favourite.
Forbidden
Morgan Walsh gets caught up in trouble as he's on his way to meet with the American pack and Elena & Clay have to go help him out.
A re-read for me, I bought the book from Subterranean Press when it was released. I like Morgan and it's fun to read from his POV.
Angelic
Eve's angel duties get prolonged as she's called on by the Fates to help deal with a Djinn outbreak.
Another re-read of a Subterranean Press book. Eve's a fantastic character to head a book, she's kick ass and awesome.
Zen and the Art of Vampirism
Zoe uses her wits to handle a couple of vampires that want to take over her territory.
I loved Zoe from when we first met her in Broken, she just has a great voice and attitude.
The Ungrateful Dead
Jaime gets harassed by a ghost and gets help from Savannah to teach him a lesson.
I liked this one, I mean it was okay. I like Savannah but Jaime I can take or leave.
Counterfeit Magic
Paige and Savannah go undercover in a supernatural fighting ring to solve some unusual deaths.
Click here to read my review of Counterfeit Magic.
I love Kelley's work and I'm glad her short stories are being released as anthologies because I missed some of them when they were in multi-author books.
I recommend this to any fans of Kelley or the Otherworld but only if you've read previous books, there are spoilers.
February 16, 2016
It turns out I'd read everything before except the first Hope/Karl novella. But they are my faves! So it's okay.
I re-read everything because . . . it was there. But wow, I still don't like Counterfeit Magic. 3 stars for bitterness.
(I do love what Armstong has done with this world, though. It's so fleshed out and awesome! I want mooooooore. Even though we've been spoiled with it.)
I re-read everything because . . . it was there. But wow, I still don't like Counterfeit Magic. 3 stars for bitterness.
(I do love what Armstong has done with this world, though. It's so fleshed out and awesome! I want mooooooore. Even though we've been spoiled with it.)
March 22, 2016
Collection of short stories set in the Women of the Otherworld world. All of them are new to me, although some must have come in between books of the now finished series (completed in 2014 at 13 books) given the characters' timelines. The Karl Marsden/Hope Adams story and the Paige and Lucas story are novella length, and I enjoyed these the best. My least favorite, surprise, is the Clay and Elena story. It isn't bad but reads more like a reboot of prior short stories about them than anything new. Nice addition to the world for fans, but I wouldn't recommend it for those who haven't read the main series.
November 18, 2020
Could have been 5 stars, because I absolutely loved Life After Theft and Forbidden. Angelic has been a long time favourite and both The Ungrateful Dead and Zen and the Art of Vampirism were cute little snapshots of two characters I loved ... just Counterfeit Magic leaves me feeling just off-kilter. I know all couples have problems sometimes but there's something crude and clumsy about Paige even half-heartedly thinking Lucas might cheat. Makes my heart sad tbh.
Nevertheless a great anthology, as always!
Nevertheless a great anthology, as always!
September 25, 2016
I read this in the anthology A Fantasy Medley.
A Toronto vampire who is barely getting by has some other vampires try to take over her territory. It was just an okay story to me. 3 out 5 stars.
A Toronto vampire who is barely getting by has some other vampires try to take over her territory. It was just an okay story to me. 3 out 5 stars.
July 14, 2017
Just as fantastic as the other Otherworld Stories! Highly recommend if you love the series!
February 19, 2016
This is a collection of short stories! Good reading! Except for one story, these were all new to me!
September 21, 2018
A collection of short stories that constantly make me laugh, cry and have minor heart attacks. All at once.
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