Many Bloody Returns: Charlaine Harris (editor), Toni L.P. Kelner (editor)

from the book jacket:
"You're invited to a celebration of vampires by a baker's dozen of favorite authors. Sink your teeth into thirteen all-new, never-before-published stories, each one a fresh and unique take on the concept of what birthdays mean to the undead."

This anthology includes some of the best paranormal writers in the business, each featuring their superstar characters. Just a few examples: Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse, Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampires, Kelly Armstrong's Cassandra, and P.N. Elrod's Jack Fleming. Fans of these series will be quite pleased with the way these stories give even more insight into the characters found in these authors' particular worlds. That alone is worth the cover price.

Not to be outdone by these powerhouses are the inclusions of other wonderful authors such as Christopher Golden, Carolyn Haines, Jeanne C. Stein, and Tanya Huff. Bill Crider's "I was a Teenage Vampire" is not to be overlooked and since I'm not familiar with his writing style, I found it to be a real (and hilarious) gem. Toni L.P. Kelner's vampire sleuths in "How Stella Got Her Grave Back" is a great introduction to her works and I may find myself, err, digging up her Laura Fleming Southern mystery series just to see what else she has to offer.

Don't be fooled by the usual Dresden smartass attitude or the kooky, often hilarious, world of Sookie Stackhouse. Not all of these stories are fun and games. They range from humorous to dark, and everything in between. Christopher Golden's "The Mournful Cry of Owls" took me by surprise with its theme of a sixteen year old girl leaving home after finding she isn't exactly who -- or what -- she thought she was. The most original and fascinating of this anthology is Jeanne C. Stein's "The Witch and the Wicked." It is definitely not to be missed, and I'm surprised I haven't read anything by this talented author.

I have just one quibbling issue with this collection (or any anthology, for that matter.) Including so many short stories featuring characters already established in a series may leave the average reader bewildered. If I want an entire series on my to-be-read shelf, I have a wonderful library and I'm not afraid to use it. However, I'm a sucker for a new series especially if that author can totally blow me away in the span of just a few pages.

All in all, if you a fan of these authors, it is well worth the time. Such a long list of literary luminaries is hard to pass up and with a unique theme such as birthdays for the undead, it makes for a fine read. I do suggest reading them over a few days, or even weeks...that's a lot of birthday cake in one sitting!
--------------------------------
Publisher: Ace Hardcover (September 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0441015220
ISBN-13: 978-0441015221
Buy the Book