Tales of the Otherworld - Book Review

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Tales of the Otherworld is a collection of novellas by Kelley Armstrong, published in 2010. The book is part of the Otherworld series, which consists of 13 novels and various novellas, all set in the same world where supernatural creatures coexist with humans.

The collection contains nine novellas, some of which feature characters from the previous Otherworld novels, while others introduce new ones. The novellas cover a wide range of genres, including horror, urban fantasy, and mystery, and showcase Armstrong's ability to create complex characters and intricate worlds.

The first novella in the collection, Rebirth, follows the werewolf Nick Sorrentino, who wakes up in a hospital after being shot and realizes that he has been turned into a vampire. The story explores the emotional and physical changes Nick goes through, as well as his struggle to come to terms with his new identity.

In Bewitched, readers are introduced to Eve Levine, a half-demon witch who is tasked with solving the mystery of a missing coven member. The story takes place in Savannah, Georgia, and gives readers a glimpse of the city's supernatural community.



Another notable novella in the collection is Birthright, which follows Elena Michaels, a werewolf who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event. The story explores Elena's emotional journey and her struggle to come to terms with her past and present.

One of the most memorable novellas in the collection is Chaotic, which features Hope Adams, a chaos half-demon who first appeared in the novel Personal Demon. Hope is hired by a supernatural group to retrieve a stolen artefact, but soon realizes that the job is more dangerous than she thought.

Other novellas in the collection include Angelic, which explores the relationship between angel Eve Levine and her daughter Savannah; Counterfeit Magic, which follows the witch Paige Winterbourne as she investigates a counterfeit spell-casting ring; and Demonology, which features demon lawyer Leah O'Donnell as she deals with a difficult client.

One of the strengths of Tales of the Otherworld is the variety of supernatural creatures and settings featured in the novellas. Each story introduces new characters and expands the reader's understanding of the world Armstrong has created. The novellas also showcase Armstrong's ability to create compelling, three-dimensional characters, and explore their emotional journeys.

For example, in Rebirth, readers see Nick Sorrentino struggling with his new identity as a vampire, and how it affects his relationships with other characters. In Birthright, readers see Elena Michaels dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event and how it affects her mental and emotional state. These character-driven stories are what make the Otherworld series stand out from other paranormal fiction.

Another strength of the novellas is their ability to stand alone as individual stories. While they are connected to the Otherworld series, readers can enjoy them without having read the previous novels. This makes Tales of the Otherworld a great entry point for new readers who want to explore the world Armstrong has created.

The novellas in Tales of the Otherworld also explore different genres within the urban fantasy and paranormal fiction genres. For example, Counterfeit Magic is a mystery that follows the witch Paige Winterbourne as she tries to solve a spell-casting ring, while Demonology has elements of legal drama as demon lawyer Leah O'Donnell navigates a difficult case. This variety in genre allows readers to experience different types of storytelling within the same world.

The novellas in "Tales of the Otherworld" also explore the consequences of characters' actions and the impact they have on the world around them. For example, in Chaotic, Hope Adams realizes that the artefact she is searching for has the power to destroy the supernatural community if it falls into the wrong hands. This creates a sense of urgency and tension in the story and highlights the importance of responsibility and accountability.

In conclusion, Tales of the Otherworld is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal fiction. These novellas are well-written, engaging, and offer a fresh perspective on the world Armstrong has created. The collection features a diverse cast of characters and explores different genres within the urban fantasy and paranormal fiction genres. Additionally, the novellas in Tales of the Otherworld delve into themes of identity, belonging, and the consequences of characters' actions. Whether you are a fan of the Otherworld series or new to Armstrong's work, this collection is sure to captivate and entertain.

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