Strange Candy : Book Review

"Strange Candy" by Laurell K. Hamilton is a collection of short stories that takes readers on a supernatural journey with a unique twist. These tales explore the world of vampires, werewolves, and other mystical creatures, offering a fresh and exciting experience for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. What sets this collection apart is Hamilton's ability to create complex and relatable characters that draw readers in.

In "Strange Candy," Hamilton masterfully crafts characters that feel real and resonate with readers. Despite the supernatural elements, they are multi-dimensional and their emotions are relatable. This adds depth to the stories and allows readers to become fully invested in the outcomes. It's refreshing to see such well-developed characters in a collection of short stories.

Another highlight of this collection is the range of supernatural creatures featured. Hamilton introduces us to faeries with dangerous spells, werewolves seeking revenge, and other intriguing beings. Each story explores a different aspect of the supernatural world, keeping readers engaged and curious about what will happen next. It's a testament to Hamilton's skill at creating diverse and multi-dimensional paranormal creatures.

Hamilton's writing style is evocative and descriptive, bringing the supernatural settings to life. Whether it's a dark alleyway or a mystical forest, her vivid descriptions allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The world-building in "Strange Candy" is detailed and well-crafted, making it easy for readers to visualize the scenes and imagine themselves in the story.

Overall, "Strange Candy" is an enjoyable collection of stories that showcases Laurell K. Hamilton's talent for crafting captivating paranormal tales. With its well-developed characters, diverse supernatural creatures, and immersive world-building, this book is a treat for fans of urban fantasy and those seeking a break from Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Hamilton's engaging writing style keeps readers hooked until the very end, making it difficult to put the book down.

What are readers saying?

Strange Candy is a collection of short stories written by Laurell K. Hamilton, a popular author best known for her Anita Blake vampire hunter series. The book has received a range of reviews from readers, with opinions varying from admiration for the unique and imaginative stories to disappointment with the overall execution.

Many readers appreciated the diverse range of stories in Strange Candy, praising Hamilton's ability to explore different genres and writing styles. The collection includes tales featuring supernatural creatures, alternate histories, and even a humorous take on vampire romance. Readers found this diversity to be refreshing and enjoyed witnessing Hamilton's versatility as an author.

However, some reviewers felt that the execution of the stories fell short. They believed that many of the narratives lacked depth and were underdeveloped. Some stories were considered too brief to fully explore the plot and characters, leaving readers feeling unsatisfied. Others found certain stories confusing or nonsensical.

While Hamilton's writing style is often praised for its engaging and fast-paced nature in her Anita Blake series, some readers felt that the same could not be said for the stories in Strange Candy. They mentioned clunky dialogue, inconsistent pacing, and a lack of emotional depth, which resulted in a disconnect between readers and the characters' journeys.

Additionally, some readers were disappointed by the limited connection to Hamilton's larger body of work. They were expecting more ties to her established universes and characters, but found that Strange Candy only briefly nodded in that direction. These readers were hoping for a deeper expansion of the existing worlds and were left wanting more substance.

StrangeCandy BookReview UrbanFantasy