Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Strange Brew (Jane Yellowrock)

Top positive review

Excellent

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2017

I usually pick up an anthology if it has 1-2 authors I follow. This one had 4, and 1 I was interested in reading (Jane Yellowrock), so I considered it a good investment. I was not disappointed. The stories I read (Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Karen Chance, Charlaine Harris, and Faith Hunter) were, generally, very good. The weak point was the Charlaine Harris, which was very dark with a somewhat formal, detached style, appropriate to the story, but it didn't work for me. The Faith Hunter one was told from a supporting character point of view, but I knew from the first page I wanted to go seek out the rest of the series. The only problem I had was it seemed like they should deal with potions or drinking, and Jim Butcher's was the only one that did. Not a big deal, though.

9 people found this helpful

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Pat Turner

Uneven prose

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2019

This was not what I expected. I really wanted to like it more.

There are several stories in here by authors I really like. The Charlaine Harris has a twist ending that was unfortunately telegraphed. The Faith Hunter tale, the introduction to Jane Yellowrock, was good, but I read it not long ago in a single author anthology of hers. And the Jim Butcher story was only so-so.

As far as the other stories went, they mostly held my interest, but none stands out as above the rest.

If you like urban fantasy, this might be enjoyable, but I would counsel against it for anyone coming new to the category.

3 people found this helpful

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Andrea Hall-Cuccia

Excellent

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2017

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9 people found this helpful

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Gnomes Rule

An exceptional collection

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2010

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(Audio book format) - Fantastic!!! All in all, the majority of the stories earn a five star rating. None of the stories, for me, earned less then three and half stars. I was disappointed in the Harry Dresden book; it didn't seem to be as good as Jim Butcher's novels. The story lacked that something that give his stories that little extra punch.

Favorites? Vegas Odd by Karen Chance, narrated by Dina Pearlman. Fast pace, no more like break neck speed in the beginning. Than like other good stories, it slows down so you can catch your breath before it speeds up again. Anyone who has ever played a D&D War Mage will appreciate a terrific story about an often-maligned character build. Fantastic characters, great story and Dina Pearlman excellent narration. The story opens with a scene straight out of any well-made action movie.

Second Favorite? Signatures of the Dead by Faith Hunter and narrated by Karen Chapman. I haven't heard anything else narrated by Karen so I'm not familiar with her voice (accents) but I enjoyed her portrayal of the main character. Her southern accent was smooth and natural. The story was great, once again a wonderful mix of characters and action. (You see a theme developing?) I liked the Jane Yellowrock character but I hope the author will write a book featuring Molly Trueblood and her sisters.

My Third Favorite? Death Warmed Over by Rachel Caine and narrated by Gayle Hendrix. Action, tenderness, regrets, tension are some of the ways I would described this story. Again an excellent written story, performed by a talented voice actor. Any narrated who can make economics sound good is truly talented.

3 people found this helpful

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hardtohold

Strange brew

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021

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I really enjoy good short stories.Today finding time for a good book isn’t always easy to do.But a book with lots of short stories can be enjoyed in stages .Can finish one and come back later for another great tail

2 people found this helpful

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Scubanut

A good eclectic mix

Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2021

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The stories in this book are good examples of the quality story telling you expect from these fine authors. I plan to try to find more work from the two I wasn't familiar with and I enjoyed the stories from those I was already a fan of. Good reading!

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Kindle Customer

Mostly good

Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2021

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As with any anthology its a matter of taste. With the exception of two stories I thought alk of these were fantastic. The story of the rogue vampires in the cave was the best though. Certainly worth reading.

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MGBPLT

Collection

Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022

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Interested collection of stories. Similar in genre but different in content. Recommended reading for those who read and enjoy this genre.

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jackie arrington

what an amazing find

Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2020

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I love short stories I can sample a writers world and see if want to visit in a longer journey These were a dream since it contained known and unknowns so thatI could make choice without investing a huge amount for an unknown author

One person found this helpful

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Barb

These tales pulled me quickly into their worlds

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2021

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All the authors have written engaging stories and I couldn't put the book down . It took me two days but since I'm recovering from surgery I'm really pleased I bought this book!

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Dana

Make mine a double --- 4.5 stars out of 5

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2009

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You never quite know what you are going to get with an anthology. Strange Brew has nine stories involving witchcraft, potions, and the like that definitely doesn't disappoint. I was excited by the fact that I had heard of 7 out of the 9 authors and have read works by 5 of them. I had high hopes that, for once, weren't dashed. I liked EVERY single story in this anthology --- high marks for all the authors involved (mostly A's and perhaps one or two B/B+'s).

Briggs gives us a story of a witch, a werewolf, and the ties that bind: family & love. It may be set in the Mercy Thompson/Alpha & Omega universe, but this is the first time we've seen these characters up close. (I hope to see more of them.)

Harris also sets her story in her well-established Universe (Southern Vampire Chronicles) but using less established characters. Her story of revenge, Bacon, is made all the more delicious and satisfying if you're already familiar with the unlikely interspecies love story, Tacky, found in My Big Supernatural Wedding that precedes this one.

As far as I know, Caine's tale of love resurrected and Chance's action-packed account of espionage among the War Mage Corps are wholly original pieces. I could, of course, be wrong. Regardless, both stories were unique and hard to put down.

The rest of the authors give us stories within there respective series:
Butcher gives us a story involving Harry Dresden, tainted beer, and the Chicago Bulls. Elrod gives us a classic tale of double cross from her Jack Fleming/Vampire Files series.
Hunter's story introduces us to her new butt-kicking, vampire-slaying, heroine - Jane Yellowrock - whose very own book Skinwalker is available this month (7/09).
Kittredge gives us a story of a "glamour-ous" power play from her Nocturne City series that delivers my favorite line in the whole anthology. (I'll let you guess what it is!) And Maclaine's story left me wanting to read more of her Cin Craven series.

Whether new and original or borrowing from established settings or series, all the stories are easy to follow --- even if you are completely unfamiliar with the authors' works. Overall, this may be the best money I ever spent on an anthology. It delivers a fine sampling for anyone who is interested in reading some anecdotes in the realm of urban fantasy. Who knows, you may find some authors from whom you'd like to read more. I know I did.

---DEW---

40 people found this helpful

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jonnie hammon

Strange Brew

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2014

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As this is an anthology, and I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed, all of the writers who contributed to this book, it was a no-brainer, when I purchased it. I purchased it, expecting great stories, and that is exactly what I got. Anthologies are a way of trying new authors, at least that is the reason I bought so many. As I have said, these were not new authors to me, but I could not pass the chance of adding to my already extensive collection, of books by these very authors. I say 'Go For It', you will not regret it.

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