Veena’s review of Dark Bites (Dark Hunter, Book 24) by Sherrilyn Kennyon
Paranormal Romance published by St. Martins Press 21 Jan 14
I am not a huge fan of short stories unless they’re freebies you download. I’ve always felt a collection of this nature is just another way to package and commercialize little tidbits that provide additional content to existing stories. So when I was invited to read this collection. my first instinct was to refuse. However……
The short stories in this collection really do showcase the depth and breath of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s talent. There are a few older ones that I had read in other short story collections with the Katagaria, one told from each perspective the human who could turn into a wolf and the wolf who turned into a human. We got some prequels and sequels to stories that have been published as full-length novels or perhaps some deleted material that made the story interesting read alone but might have made the original story sag a bit. There is also a Christmas miracle story that I had never read before which did not deal in the paranormal at all, and I am not sure why one would consider it dark, but, nevertheless, it is thoroughly enjoyable.
The first story gives us the background and prequel to the author’s latest work, Styxx. The short story gives us deeper insights into the past reincarnation of the two characters who were reborn into the characters who became Styxx and his significant other. Almost novella size, I enjoyed the back story and learned more about the capriciousness of the Greek gods.
The other story I enjoyed is the Dark Hunter who had been a mobster who comes face to face with the great, great…several times over members of his family. We see a totally heartwarming side to the Simi demon and how she creates a family of all manner of creatures.
Then just as I started to feel like this is a great addition and I was so glad to discover this collection, I came across one that seems like an epilogue for a story that was published as a stand-alone short story. This is the wedding day for the two demons I can’t recall the original story about or even if I read it. It’s an enjoying short epilogue, but it doesn’t hold any meaning at all.
All in all, I am not sorry I read this collection. I enjoyed some great new short stories, but I do miss the league from the futuristic books the author writes who were not represented in this collection. I know this collection is dedicated to Dark Hunters, but I wish it had been broader and included short bites from that series as well which I thoroughly enjoy.
Grade:B
Summary:
For years, eager fans have been clamoring for an all-in-one collection of #1 bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon’s novellas. At their enthusiastic behest, we have delivered this brand-new short story collection, including stories previously exclusive to Sherrilyn’s website, as well as an all-new, never-before seen story!
Sherrilyn Kenyon takes readers from the Dark-Hunters to the demigods, from Dream-Hunters to demons, and everything in between. Dangerous and exciting, each story is one thrill ride after the next, proving time and again how Sherrilyn has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Now, readers are invited to go deep into Kenyon’s rich and imaginative world and experience the heart-racing moments that never stop coming!
Other books in this series:
