March 19, 2012
Marr fills in some of the gaps between installments of her Wicked Lovely series with this collection of short stories, most previously published in anthologies or online. While the majority of the stories feature fan favorites (such as Niall, Irial, Seth, Keenan, or Donia), vampires, selkies, and shapeshifters also have a chance to shine. All 11 offerings showcase Marr's trademark blend of paranormal romance, folklore, and dark fantasy, with characters placed in complex situations and forced to make hard choices for the sake of love and fulfillment. From vignettes such as "Flesh for Comfort" to novellas like "Old Habits," Marr plays with emotions, mixing desire and danger, focusing on characters' transformative moments with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller. In "Transition," a teen suffering from romantic ennui enters into an undead love triangle after killing a vampire's mate; in "Winter's Kiss," a princess falls in love with an ice bear. Simple but lyrical language, resourceful female protagonists, and a mixed bag of supernatural delights should hold an allure for fans and newcomers alike. Ages 13âup. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writer's House.