ARC Teen Review: ENTHRALLED Paranormal Diversions Anthology
Author: Anthology
Book: Enthalled; Paranormal Diversions
Released: September 20, 2011
Reviewer: Desi & Day
Source: Harper Collins
Purchase: – Book DepositoryA journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.
Sixteen of today’s hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying. Authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Melissa Marr return to the beloved worlds of their bestselling series, while others, like Claudia Gray, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl, create new landscapes and characters. But whether they’re writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.
Suspenseful, funny, or romantic, the stories in Enthralled will leave you moved.
This is one of the BEST anthologies I have had the pleasure to read. Featuring some of my favorite authors in the genre like Rachel Caine, Carrie Ryan, Ally Condie, Jennifer Lynn Barnes…I knew from the moment I laid eyes on it that I would at least like half of the stories. What I didn’t factor in (and probably should have) was the fact that another couple of authors who continuously put out work I adore were behind the anthology and co-edited it. Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong are incredible writers who flex their story-telling muscles and contribute new shorts to the book but it is their talent for understanding their fans and providing a new book that is packed with talent and flows beautifully that gave me a new kind of respect for what these women are able to accomplish. You see, it is in part their desire to connect with fans and other amazing authors that are responsible for Enthralled’s very existence.
You see it is fitting that Enthralled is being released in September just as the “Smart Chicks Kick It” 2011 tour “kicks off”. Last year was the first tour of this kind and was a tremendous success and lots of fun. The grassroots tour was masterminded by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely series) with the help of Kelley Armstrong (Women of the Otherworld series), both of whom will appear at every event
“The logic behind the tour was that booksellers & readers keep saying they like group events, but publisher organized group events–for logistical reasons–are restricted to authors from one publisher. Readers don’t read from one publisher; booksellers don’t sell from one publisher. I, of course, adore my publisher* & a number of HC authors . . . but I also like trying new things. I did a multi-author event last year with non-Harper authors. I did a co-event with a non-Harper author. It was fun. Umm, I also did a slew of things with Kelley . . . which was also fun. So I approached Kelley, & then we approached Alyson, & now . . . we’re approaching more authors.
It could devolve into chaos, or it could work out. I’ve done a few tours now, but they were all organized by my lovely publicist. This one is organized by . . . umm, authors. So we will have a learning curve.” -Melissa Marr
To fund the 2010 Smart Chicks tour, Armstrong and Marr sold an anthology to HarperTeen and that anthology was Enthralled. The tour and book have an even deeper connection as the authors incorporated the names of readers they met on tour into the stories. Melissa Marr wrote in her Live Journal Blog that there weren’t any promises as to whether those particular fan named characters lived or died, but the authors put one of the fans from EVERY tour city in there.
About the stories…
Giovanni’s Farewell: Claudia Gray
This was a really nice story that made me smile while reading it. The characters were endearing and I immediately went to google to see if there was more books or stories featuring twins Ravenna and Cairo.
Scenic Route: Carrie Ryan
As a HUGE Carrie Ryan fan I admit that I read this one first. This story evoked that fear you have if you are out late at night and your imagination is making you fear all the things that could jump out and getcha.:)
Red Run: Kami Garcia
A story about revenge and ghosts. Full of mystery and possibility, I was intrigued by this one. It was pretty good, but could be even better as a full length IMO.
Things About Love: Jackson Pearce
This story is about genies…and of course love. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of Pearce’s previous work, but this short story has convinced me that I should try one-and soon.
Niederwald: Rachel Vincent
Again, this was a story that pertained to the authors Soul Screamers series and I haven’t gotten to read them yet. So, I was a little lost but quickly found my way…and WOW! This story is told from the character of Sabine’s POV. She is seeking a reading with an oracle for clues to her future with a guy named Nash and has to go on a trip to “Niederwald” to get to the oracle.
Merely Mortal: Melissa Marr
I LOVE MELISSA MARR. There, I got that out of the way;) This story focuses on fey Keenan and Donia from the author’s Wicked Lovely series. If you aren’t familiar with this series it may be confusing, but rest assured all you need to do is go get the Wicked Lovely books and read them NOW.
Facing Facts: Kelley Armstrong
I was really excited to read this story because I have always enjoyed Armstrong’s other books. This is a part of The Summoning world of Chloe Saunders. It was pretty good but could spoil it for people who haven’t read the other books.
Let’s Get this Undead Show on the Road: Sarah Rees Brennan
SO funny. Like the title suggest, it deals with the undead and in this case vampires. I think Sarah Rees Brennan is wonderful and her writing is very entertaining.
Bridge: Jeri Smith-Ready
This is part of the Shade series and was a touching story about the bond two brothers have depite the fact that one of them is dead.
Skin Contact: Kimberly Derting
So, this was maybe my favorite story. It is about her character Rafe and gives insight to him and his backstory.
It was very sad and emotional.
Leaving: Ally Condie
Sticking to the dystopian that she writes so well…this story was very interesting and could be read as a stand alone. It is a great introduction to Ally Condie’s writing style.
At the Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show: Jessica Verday
RUN!!! The girl scouts are eating people NOT cookies!!! LOL. This was fun and thrilling. With the original idea of cannibal girl scouts and flamboyant vampires and more! I definitely will be reading more from this author!
IV League: Margaret Stohl
This was alright. It is about a vampire tring to go to an Ivy League school. Maybe it was just me, but I kept seeing Edward Cullen in my mind the entire time I was reading.
Gargouille: Mary E. Pearson
Gorgoyales are the main creatures and characters in this story about finding love. Different!
The Third Kind: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Disclosure- I adore Jennifer Lynn Barnes and she can do no wrong in my book. The only negative thing I can say about this story is I wanted MORE. It is about two sisters. One sister is impulsive and runs off in the middle of the night and the other sister follows.
Automatic: Rachel Caine
I LOVE Morganville! This was a really great story that is about a vampires blood lust and of course the quirks of living in a college town like Morganville…which is run by vampires.
Also Reviewed by: - Bibliosaurus Text
I’ve wanted to read some of these authors, but haven’t had a chance. With this anthology I’ll get to sample their work ahead of time. Thank you, Day!
Mona, I hope you enjoy it! I will send you my copy;)
So many fantastic authors. I cannot wait to get this!
Carrie Ryan, Melissa Marr, Ally Condie and Mary Pearson are the reasons I’m dying to read this novel! Thank you for the story-by-story review, it really helps me figure out which ones I should read first.
I can’t wait to get this anthology! I’m really looking forward to it!
I want to read this so bad!
Not fans of antho, since sometimes the story at novella is too short and rushed, but looking forward to read this, since there are Claudia Gray’s story and I enjoy her Evernight series
Sounds like a great book, I love Rachel Caine, and Claudia Gray but haven’t read anything by the others yet. =)
Great review and I have heard such great things about this book
I’ve heard great things. You can’t go wrong with that many good authors!
I am really excited to read this one!
So many of my favorite authors in one book. Can’t wait to read this!
wow, looking forward to this!
=))
I didn’t know this book, it sounds interesting ! Thanks for your review !
An amazing line up of authors. A great review thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you for your detailed review. Scenic Route by Carrie Ryan sounds like a story I would totally enjoy!
Great review. I’m looking forward to this anthology so I can read samples from authors I’ve never read before.
I love the authors, i’m a great fan, and that’s why I’m so crazy to read the book! And you review is so great!
I can’t wait for this book! I adore Kimberly Derting!!!!
I’d LOVE to read this book! I adore the authors and I’m really curious to read their stories. Can’t wait!!! :)
I am really looking forward to this book. i have it posted in my To Buy List :) Glad it got a good review!
Can’t wait for this book!
This looks so good! There’s alot of my authors and some new ones that I might like :)
I heard about it a few months back due to Kelley Armstrong’s newsletter. I really can’t wait to read this!!
I am generally not overly fond of anthologies, but I absolutely love these authors and really look forward to reading Enthralled. Thank you for sharing today.
I adore every single one of these authors and i LOVE their writing! I anticipate this anthology to be the best compilation of authors I’ve ever read.Thank you for your review which proves that overall this book delivers.
Rachel, Kelley, and Jeri are my must have authors – so i must have this book for my TBR pile
thanks
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This looks like a nice compilation. I am currently collecting some books ahead of the Summer reading season for our daughter. Reply with any must reads! Thanks!