BLURB: For centuries, the woods have been a pivotal part of the wonder and danger of fairy tales, for once you enter anything can happen. Elves, druids, fairies - who knows what you will find once you dare step into the forest?
And now, New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison ventures into these mysterious, hidden lands of magic and mystery in her first short-story collection. Into the Woods brings together an enchanting mix of brand-new, never-before-published stories and tales from Harrison's beloved, bestselling Hollows series.
The tales her include an original Hollows novella, Million-Dollar Baby, about Trent Kalamack's secret elven quest in Pale Demon; two original short stories, "Pet Shop Boys" and "Temson Woods," that explore just what happens when humanity and the supernatural collide; and two novelettes, "Spider Silk" and "Grace," set in new worlds of imagination and adventure. Into the Woods also contains all of the previously published Hollows short stories - together in one volume for the very first time.
Step into the woods and discover the magic for yourself. Original.
MY THOUGHTS: I read some of these anthologies in their previous releases and some I read for the first time. I am going to give a review of all the Hollows stories old and new but I am skipping the other stories for now.
The Bespelled- This was the story of how Ceri came to be in Algaliarept's keeping for such a long time. I enjoy a peek into Al's mind as well as the little glimpse as to how it all went down. This was quite short and still enjoyable.
Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel (Holidays are Hell)- This story gives us insight into young Rachel's family relationship. We see how she interacted with her brother and mother. We are also first introduced to Pierce, who has many appearances in later stories. The setting is Christmas and a bit whimsical and light for Rachel Morgan really. I liked this one.
Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil (Dates from Hell)- This story is an Ivy story, her life as an investigator with the I.S before she left with Rachel. Though I really am easily confused by the vampires in this series, I liked this story. The glimpse into Ivy's life and with her voice was very interesting, it really opens up a new level of understanding in her and Rachel's relationship.
Dirty Magic (Hotter Than Hell)
This is the first introduction to the Mia, the banshee. She is struggling to raise her baby, Holly. Its really a rather sad story and to be honest it really didn't do to much for me.
The Bridges of Eden Park (For a Few Demons More)- This was just a little side story of Kisten and Rachel together. They try to help Kisten's sister with an ex-boyfriend who is trying to get custody of their son. There really wasn't a whole lot to this story, just felt like a side note.
Ley Line Drifter (Unbound)- Who doesn't love a Jenks story? This is merely a side story with some insight into Jenks beyond Rachel and Ivy. It was a fun story.
Million Dollar Baby (Pale Demon)- This is the story of Jenks and Trent going to recover Trent's daughter. The story takes place along side Pale Demon and is really more of a deleted scene. Nonetheless I felt that this story really added depth to Trent's character and was very heartfelt. I would almost say it is a must read. ~ MICHELLE
