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Book Review of Strange Brew

Strange Brew
esjro avatar reviewed on + 903 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8


A Strange Brew is a collection of stories that all involve witches or spell casting. Unlike many anthologies, there are only a couple of duds!

Patricia Briggs - A blind witch helps a werewolf find his brother, and in return he gives her site. I liked the concept of this story, but thought it would have been better as a novel. The ~40 pages did not do the characters or their developing relationship justic.

Jim Butcher - After a hard day of work Harry Dresden just wants a beer. Unfortunately, his favorite bar has been ransacked and the beer is poisoned. This story is self-contained in that it could fit in pretty much anywhere chronologically in the Dresden Files series. It works well as a humorous short story. Love the premise!

Rachel Caine - A witch who can raise the dead must resurrect her lover to save herself. Caine packs a lot of emotion into this short, enjoyable story.

Karen Chance - A mage instructor must rescue her students. I could not finish this story. Although it had a lot of action, it only had action and very little characterization.

P.N. Elrod - A vampire detective recovers a stolen diamond. Not very engaging - perhaps old P.N. was too busy editing to write an interesting story for this collection.

Charlaine Harris - A vampire whose husband is murdered enlists the help of a witch to seek revenge. This story had a few funny moments, but overall was not as funny (nor interesting) as it was probably meant to be.

Faith Hunter - A witch and a shapeshifter track down a rogue vampire group on a killing spree. Hunter packs a lot of action and chills into her offering! I added Skin Walker, the book based on one of the characters in this story, to my wishlist.

Caitlin Kittredge - A werewolf detective sends her caster cousin undercover. As someone who has not read any of the Nocturn City books, I found this story boring and confusing. Perhaps it makes better sense in the context of the series?

Jenna Maclaine - A vampire who is also an aspiring witch must learn to control her magic to save her lover and friends. The author packs a lot of romance and adventure in her 30-some paged offering.