Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

Title: Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

Editor: Trisha Telep

Release: August 3, 2010

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Source: Book It Forward ARC Tours

Full of dark seduction and modern romance, this short story collection presents a variety of talented voices sure to satisfy every werewolf, ghost, fallen angel, zombie, and shape-shifter’s dark desires.

Before reading, I had never read an anthology before. So when I saw that this one was packed with awesome authors and an amazing theme: paranormal romance, I knew I had to check it out. Here is a short review for each of the stories in the anthology…

The Assassin’s Apprentice by Michelle Zink was a very quick, fast-paced story. I was so intrigued by the world she wrote about and I can only hope to find out more. I will definitely be checking out her other books.

Errant by Diana Peterfreund was very confusing at first, but once I got into the totally intriguing world and awesome story, I was hooked. I cannot wait to read the Killer Unicorn series set in the same world. I’m sure it will rock my socks off.

The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney was a great mix of vampire and genie magic and lore. I loved the characters, story, everything! This story made me so excited to see what Karen Mahoney brings to the table with her debut next year.

Lost by Justine Musk was mysterious and intriguing from start to finish and it had me wanting to know more with every mini-chapter. I loved growing with Sasha and finding out about Haiden and his world.

The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan was a very different take on Peter Pan. It was updated to be very modern, yet was twisted to make it very morbid. Peter is kidnapping girls to be his mother, when he himself is now a man. He doesn’t see that the world is changing around him. Something about it was just creepy.

Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge was probably the creepiest story in this anthology. I didn’t get into it at first, and set it down and went to bed, but when I woke up, I picked it up and couldn’t get enough. It was a classic ghost story that really creeped me out.

The Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan was pretty much the sole reason I decided to read this book. I love her books and the world she has created and couldn’t wait to see more of it. And I am so glad I did! It was great seeing into Tabitha’s world before she turned into what she is in The Forest of Hands and Teeth.

Familiar by Michelle Rowen was simply incredible. Definitely one of my favorite stories in this anthology, if not my absolute favorite. There was just something about it that I loved. I was so sad when it ended, I wanted it to go on and on and on. I really wish this was a full book so I could enjoy it longer!

Fearless by Rachel Vincent was very strange, but really good also. I loved the writing. Also, it was great to be introduced into her Soul Screamers world. I haven’t read that series yet and this was a great introduction to that world and made me want to read that series because of all the new creatures she created!

Vermillion by Daniel Marks was weird. It was so confusing and I didn’t understand one page. I was lost the whole time. All I got was that there were ghosts, love, an Asian prostitute, and I think an octopus.

The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater was extremely well written and very alluring. I was sucked right into the story and was never lost or confused. I loved to see just that sprinkle of magic and totally want to see more. The ending leaves you with a gaping mouth because of a shocking surprise.

Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters made me so very interested in reading more about the Generation Dead world. I seriously need to read those books because if this story is any indication what’s to come inside those pages, I will not be disappointed.

Dungeons of Lengeais by Becca Fitzpatrick was unfortunately not included in the ARC of this anthology so I did not get the chance to read it.

Overall, this was a great introduction to the anthology world, but I definitely like full novels more than short stories. Some of these stories made me so angry when they ended because I just wanted more, more, more! Hopefully some of these authors will take the worlds they created in these stories and expand them into full books.