Book Review: The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow

 

Title: The Knight and the Butcherbird

Author: Alix E. Harrow

Release Date: 11 March 2025

Page Amount: 36 pages

GoodReads 

StoryGraph 

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Alix E. Harrow weaves a dystopian fairy tale that follows the town storyteller as she struggles to protect a local demon from the knight hired to kill it.

In this gritty, haunting tale about doing whatever it takes for love, a small-town storyteller resolves to keep the local monster—and her own secrets—safe from a legendary knight.

Nestled deep in the steep hills, valleys, and surrounding woodlands lies Iron Hollow, a rural community beset by demons. Such horrors are common in the outlands, where most folks die young, if they don’t turn into monsters first. But what’s causing these transformations?

No one has the answer, not even the town’s oral historian, seventeen-year-old Shrike. And when a legendary knight is summoned to hunt down the latest beast to haunt their woods, Shrike has more reason than most to be concerned. Because that demon was her wife. And while Shrike is certain that May still recognizes her—that May is still human, somewhere beneath it all—she can’t prove it.

Determined to keep May safe, Shrike stalks the knight and his demon-hunting hawk through the recesses of the forest. But as they creep through toxic creeks and overgrown kudzu, Shrike realizes the knight has a secret of his own. And he’ll do anything to protect it.

Review:

A dystopian fairy tale isn't something I had heard before, so I was intrigued. Plus, I love short stories. And I really liked this one. I'm finding that I quite like Alix E. Harrow. I'll have to read more of her work. This was definitely fairy tale like, but in a dark way, which I like. There was a lot of metaphor and social commentary in this. I'm sure some of it went right over my head. The religious commentary stood out to me. I feel like it was more about the institutionalization of religion, which is a topic I find interesting and have some thoughts on myself. But even if you go in just to enjoy the dystopian fairy tale side and not focus on the commentary as much, I think this is a great story. I would definitely recommend it, 

4.25 quills

Book Review | How to Begin Again by Cindy Ray Hale

 

Title: How to Begin Again

Author: Cindy Ray Hale
Release Date: March 25th 2017

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

Hannah Miller is stuck in the past. Although she hasn’t told a soul, she can’t stop thinking about her ex-boyfriend, Colin, the guy who pulled her into a lot of trouble at her old school. She’s working hard to move on with a fresh start. Her parents sent her to a private school to reform her and she loves the new friends she made there, but that hasn’t stopped her from secretly looking up romantic pictures of her with Colin. Despite her best efforts, she can’t let go.

But all she has to do is look out her bedroom window, which looks straight into the bedroom of Evan Bellingham, the hottie who goes to her new school. But when he invites her over and surprises her with the song he’d written for her, she begins to wonder if he’s the key to helping her learn how to begin again.

Review: 

This was a quick read and my introduction to Cindy Ray Hale's story telling. I enjoyed Hannah's story a lot. It was a short and sweet read. It made me curious to read more about the character. To learn more about her and to dive into Cindy's other books. The writing was clean and engaging. I have to admit, with the mention of Evan's southern twang and his blue eyes and the fact that he played guitar and sang...yes, I thought of Elvis. It was hard not to. But I liked it for more than just that. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 quills.

Book Review | Try Me (and other romantic short stories) (Daily Della) by Della Galton

Title: Try Me (and other romantic short stories) (Daily Della)
Author: Della Galton
Release Date: August 25th 2012
Published By: SoundHaven.com
Page Amount: 28 pages, Kindle edition

GoodReads Link

GoodReads Blurb:

Daily Della is a series of short fiction anthologies for all Kindle enabled reading devices. Five stories in each issue, ideal for your daily coffee break.

This issue of ‘Daily Della’ is a special cut-down, cut-price version, designed to give you a taster.

In this issue:

The Naked Truth

When Emma and Jilly see an advert for NUDE male cleaners they wonder whether it's genuine. Emma decides there's only one way to find out - she has visions of naked men ironing her clothes - and despite Jilly's protestations, she rings the number.

On One Condition

The last place Karen expects to find herself on her thirtieth birthday is stuck up a tree, but thanks to her niece and nephew, ten year old twins, Conrad and Sarah that's exactly what happens. They tell her not to worry, Tom will get her down and they disappear to find him. Then to make matters worse it starts to rain and Karen's left worrying about the identity of the mysterious Tom.

Saint Or Sinner

Debs and her friend go to see a Welsh male voice choir and Debs falls in love with a gorgeous tenor, third row, fifth from the left. When they play her favourite hymn, 'When the Saints Go Marching In' she begins to feel like a sinner herself. Especially as she's married to Andrew who's waiting patiently for her back home. 

Review:

I found this book unexpectedly through Amazon, I can't remember how but it was very inexpensive so I decided to buy it. I like the concept, too, quick stories that can be read during a coffee break. 

These stories had a well formed beginning, middle, and end. Each one had a satisfactory story arc in my opinion. That is not easy to do (in any form, really, but especially short stories.) I very much enjoyed reading them. They were quick, fun reads. I'm glad that I read this and would definitely pick up more of these "Daily Della" e-books. I think I'd give it 3.5 quills. 

Short Story Re-Review | Four Houses by Victoria Scott

Title: Four Houses
Author: Victoria Scott
Release Date: July 29th 2014 (first published June 26th 2011)
Page Amount: 35 pages, E-book

GoodReads Blurb:

A short story written in an unusual format, Four Houses tells the story of a teen girl who finds herself in a field surrounded by four Victorian houses. Over the course of the story, Maddie visits each home, and is ultimately faced with a ghastly decision. With a surprise ending, Four Houses demands readers answer the question: Which house would you choose?

GoodReads Link

Review:

I read this short story shortly after it was published for the first time in 2011. I absolutely loved it then and you can read that review here. 

I saw that this short story had been re-released with extra content so I knew that I had to reread it. (I love the cover.) I did that this January and I must say, I love it even more than I did the first time. The structure of the story is undoubtedly unconventional and that is one of the things that I love about it. I like that we don't start out seeing the beginning first. That will make more sense once you read the story (which you absolutely should.) Victoria Scott does an amazing job using this style of story telling. I wish that I could utilize something like that. The writing is as beautiful, vivd and descriptive as I remember. The story is eerie and hauntingly gorgeous. As for the extra content, I thought that it was a wonderful addition. It added even more to the story and made me love it even more than I already did. This is an exceptionally crafted short story and I highly recommend it. 5 quills!! 

Short Story Review | First Kisses by Dina Littner

 

Title: First Kisses

Author: Dina Littner 

Release Date: October 25th 2015 (first released August 1st 2015)

Page Amount: 21 pages, Kindle

GoodReads Blurb:

Fifteen year-old Jillian Ross is determined to get her first kiss this summer. She is surprised to find the solution to her problem has been right next to her all along. 

It's the Fourth of July and more than one kind of fireworks are going to explode. 

GoodReads Link

Review:

I found this author through other authors that I know (for the life of me I can't remember which one.) I was in the mood for a short story and remembered hearing about this one so I went ahead an picked it up. I read this one the beginning of last month. (I'm unconscionably  behind on my book reviews.) I read it in between commercials while watching Criminal Minds, I think.

It was just what I needed. Something quick to read but not just something short, something that also had substance and interested me. A relatable subject, too. First kisses. Something that everyone (at least everyone that I know) was at least somewhat nervous about.

I really enjoyed this short story. I liked the characters a lot. They seemed like great friends and I like seeing that type of relationship. The kisses themselves were pretty great, too. That first kiss... damn. That was one hell of a first kiss, let me just say that. In contrast, I loved that second kiss. How much more careful it was in comparison.

I enjoyed the writing, the story and the characters. After I finished the first thing that I did was look up Dina Littner on GoodReads. I'm anxiously awaiting when she will have a full length novel available. You can be sure that I'll be on the lookout and pick that up. Especially if it's about these characters because I really want to know how thing went for them after those kisses.

I recommend this if you want a quick read with good writing, heart, good characters and a little bit of heat. I give this one 4 quills and will be on the lookout for more from Dina Littner.

 

Short Story Review ~ A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson

 

Title: A Christmas Gift

Author: Stella Wilkinson

Release Date: December 12th 2014

Page Amount: 28 pages, Nook Book

GoodReads Blurb:

Holly and Caleb had been best friends as children, growing up on the same street, but as teenagers they couldn't be further apart. When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead. 

A young adult romantic comedy, from Stella Wilkinson, acclaimed author of The Flirting Games Series. 

"Oh what it is to be young! A funny, light and frothy read." Janie Oakes, Teen Reader Today 

Please note that this is a short story of approx 7000 words (excluding copy-write and back matter).  

Review: 

I found this through Ryan Ringbloom's "Holiday Reads" feature on her website. Which I was actually featured in, as well. You can find my review for "My Santa, My Elf" here: http://www.ryanringbloom.com/holiday-reads/holiday-reads-my-santa-my-elf and while you're there don't forget to check out the other reviews from some other amazing authors!! 

A Christmas Gift was the book that Ryan Ringbloom reviewed. It sounded like a cute read so I went right to Barnes & Noble and got it for my Nook. It read it one night. Partly because it was a fast read and partly because I wanted to see what happened. I liked the character of Holly a lot. She seemed relatable to me. From the way she described Caleb at first I wasn't so fond of him but he grew on me. 

The writing was good and I could picture everything that was going on without any trouble. I love when I can just see everything going on in a book. The Christmas references made it a great read for this month, especially since I celebrate Christmas. I liked the ending, it was a very cute and sweet happily ever after. A perfect feel good Christmas or holiday read. Which is why today was the perfect day to post this review. Merry Christmas!! I give this short story 4 quills!! 

 

Short Story Review ~ Love at First Book by Sarah Tregay

 

Title: Love at First Book (A Short Story in Verse)

Author: Sarah Tregay

Release Date: June 27th 2015 

Page Amount: 64 pages, Paperback

GoodReads Blurb:

Love at First Book: a short story in verse... 

From across the coffee shop Lorelei catches a stanza of heart-stopping description of a boy with a book in his back pocket. And that might have been her last line if he didn't leave it behind with a poem tucked between the pages. A poem about a candy-striper with bright hair and an angel's voice who reads to hospital patients like Lorelei does. 

Review: 

I love books told in verse. I can't remember which book I'd just finished but I remember that I was looking for something really quick to read. I found this through recommendations on GoodReads and thought that it sounded cute so I bought a copy for my Kindle app. 

This was a very cute read. I enjoyed the story and loved that Lorelei was so intrigued by this boy because he carried a book and then left a poem tucked between its pages. I liked Lorelei, too. And the way that it was told was fun. As I said, I love stories told in verse. I love fiction but I also love poetry so it's a great combination of the two. I do feel that the ending was a bit abrupt. I'd say that it's worth the read. Especially if you're looking for something sweet and quick to read. 3 quills. 

 

Short Story Review ~ Last Day of Love: A Teardrop Story (Teardrop #0.5) by Lauren Kate

Title: Last Day of Love: A Teardrop Story (Teardrop #0.5)
Author: Lauren Kate
Release Date: December 10th 2013 (first published January 1st 2013)
Published By: Delacorte Press
Page Amount: 50 pages, e-book

GoodReads Blurb:
On Ander's eighteenth birthday, he must give up all that he loves in order to complete the Passage and become a Seedbearer. But can he ever relinquish his love for Eureka?

An exclusive e-book original short story from the dark, romantic world of TEARDROP.

Review: 
(I read this in 2013 but am posting this review in 2014).

I'm a fan of Lauren Kate's Fallen series and I saw that she had a new series out. I wasn't sure that I wanted to rush out and buy the book right away though. So when I saw that there was a prequel I thought "Oh, that's great! I'll read that!" You know, that way I could see if the series was something that I found interesting and wanted to pursue reading. 

I found myself really enjoying this short story. It also has the first two chapters of Teardrop but I only read about the first page or so. This short story is told in first person point of view from Ander's perspective. From what I can tell, Teardrop is in third person point of view and shifts viewpoints. This short story, however, is a glimpse into Ander's mind before Teardrop starts. I enjoyed Ander's voice and the I found the imagery to be very good as well. Also, the emotions that Ander was feeling were so well conveyed. I could really feel them. Ander and the supporting characters were pretty well developed. Which is a difficult feat in a novel length work, let alone a short story. 

You learn a lot of background about Ander and his family. The series could be read without reading this short story, but I think if you can you definitely should. I think that this short story really will add to the series as a whole. Knowing background about Ander and what he has to do will likely make me look at the series in a different way. So, if you are considering reading this series (or you already are) I would say definitely read this short story as well if you can. It will add a different dimension to the series. I give this one 4 stars!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Short Story Review ~ Cat Calls by Cynthia Leitich Smith

 

Title: Cat Calls

Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith

Release Date: December 23th 2010 (first published December 22nd 2010)

Published By: Candlewick 

Page Amount: 16 pages, NookBook 

GoodReads Blurb:

Tiffany's grandmother sees something wild in her future -- but is 16-year-old Tiffany prepared for the powerful shape it will take? When she takes over her grandmother’s fortune telling booth for a day, some really strange things happen… CAT CALLS is a short story by New York Times Bestseller Cynthia Leitich Smith -- set in the same dark universe as her novels Tantalize, Eternal, and Blessed.

Review: 
I am a big fan of Cynthia Leitich Smith. The first book of hers that I read was Tantalize and I remember being completely enthralled with it. But that is a review for another day. 

I enjoyed Cat Calls. I enjoyed Cynthia Leitich Smith's writing style. I always have. And I found that Tiffany was very fun to read about. She had a somewhat snarky personality that came across well on the page. And watching her interact with other people was really fun. 

I liked the grandmother character as well. She had a very mysterious air about her from the get-go. Like she knew something about Tiffany that Tiffany didn't. And, yes, she certainly did. 

Now I won't tell you what that something is. You'll have to read the short story to find that out. (Did I mention that it's a FREE short story?) But I will say that it threw me when Tiffany found out what this "something" was. She was just too accepting of it. I feel that one would have questioned it more. So that did bring the rating down some for me. But it was a very enjoyable short story and I'm glad that I read it. 3.5 stars! 

<3 Amanda Leigh

Short Story Review: Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe

Title: Unveiled
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Release: eBook September 18, 2011


Synopsis: 

Amongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world. 

Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm. 

She's its assassin. 

Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of the Force, makes her question everything. Even her heart. 

Novelette (Short Story)

Review:
This story was simply enchanting. I haven't read much Dystopian but have been meaning to get more into the genre. This was such a unique take on Dystopian.  I love that even though it takes place in the future, the city of Karm is fashioned like King Arthur's court in Camelot. It adds an element of romance to the story. And of course, knights.

Such as Xander. The charming, intelligent, rather adorable, swoon-worthy knight Trisha Wolfe has created. At least I found myself swooning over him. Before Xander even spoke I think I had fallen for him. 

Fallon is also a wonderful character. She's strong, independent and can kick butt if she needs to, but she's also vulnerable. She finds herself faltering when trying to carry out her first assignment.

Xander has his vulnerabilities as well. And both Xander and Fallon are questioning the king's rule. 
What I like about these characters is that, like real people, they have their strengths and weaknesses. It makes it easier to be more empathetic toward them and makes them more relatable. Even in this distant world.

If the characters haven't convinced you and you're more about plot twists, there are several to look forward to in this story! What are they? I can't tell you! I wouldn't want to give it away! Just prepare to be shocked several times!

Trisha Wolfe combines a Dystopian world, plot twists, and strong characters perfectly to create a wonderfully entertaining, enchanting, moving read. Don't miss out! 5 Stars! 


Check out Trisha Wolfe's website: http://www.trishawolfe.com/#! 

Short Story Review: Four Houses by Victoria Scott

 Title: Four Houses
 Author: Victoria Scott
Release: eBook June 26, 2011


Synopsis:
A young girl faced with four choices, must make a decision that will forever haunt her.



Excerpt:
The door in front of me is the ugliest shade of plum I've ever seen. It's a prune Grandma would eat, a raisin on its last leg, a swollen bruise in the most inconvenient of places. 


The waiting is the worst part, wondering who will open the door. But this time the waiting is killing me, tearing me down piece by piece and devouring me with its insatiable jaws. 


I bite my lip and raise my hand to knock. 

Review:
I loved this story! Certainly one of the best I have read. I've read a few in my lifetime and it's hard to come across Young Adult Short Stories -unless I'm missing something and if I am please let me know. The writing in this story was poetic and lyrical yet still realistic. I could picture what was happening each step of the way. I'm legitimately getting chills up spine now just thinking about it. 
The way the story is formatted is also very unique. I will admit when I looked at the first page I was thrown off, but after reading it I have to say the format fits the story perfectly.
This story is about decisions. Decisions. . .a word often dreaded. Even the simplest ones can be so hard to make. When we have to make one that will affect us forever, it is even harder. The main character Victoria has created has to make arguably her biggest decision ever.
A wonderfully haunting beautiful story. Don't miss this one!  
Rating: 5 Stars!

Get Victoria Scott's Four Houses here: http://www.victoriascottya.com/work/fourhouses/