Short Trips to the "Otherworld"

[Christine L]

LED ASTRAY by Kelley Armstrong.

This collection of short stories give us a glimpse into what goes on around us that we cannot see … or if we accidentally get a glimpse … choose to dismiss.  Kelley Armstrong doesn’t simply write stories – she creates other worlds.  Worlds inhabited by Fae, Vampires, Werewolves and all sorts of "Otherworld" beings.  Worlds that exist within the one we mere humans inhabit.  Her beings walk among us going about their lives as we go about ours. 

Ms. Armstrong gives her readers a nice mix of stories in “Led Astray”.  Most work as stand-alone but many are definitely geared towards fans of her various series books, both YA and Adult.  I’ve stated in past reviews and have to repeat here that I am always impressed with Ms. Armstrong’s ability to change her narrative voice smoothly between her YA and Adult books and short stories.

Among my favorites in the “stand-alone” stories were; “A Haunted House of Her Own” in which Tanya always wanted to own a haunted Inn.  Her dream is finally about to be realized but the “haunting” was not quite what she had anticipated. And, “The Door” through which, in turn, first daddy and then mommy leave only to return with bags and bags full of gifts and food.  But why were she and her sister forbidden to go through the door too?  What could possibly be outside their little house?

The stories that tie in to books include settings and characters from Ms. Armstrong’s popular series including Otherworld, Cainesville and Darkest Powers.

I was telling a friend about this book, explaining that I enjoyed all the stories, granted some more than others, but feared that some readers not familiar with Ms. Armstrong’s books might feel a little lost in some of them.  Many of these short stories fleshed out some peripheral characters from the books or gave some interesting background and history to main characters.  My friend summed it up very well when he said, (used with permission) “So, it’s a love letter to her constant readers.”

That it is!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from her website)

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.

* I received this ebook at no charge via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *