by Mary Anne Barker

Details on how to win a copy of Night Shift at the end of this review along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to support KRL and indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

Night Shift is comprised of four short stories by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin and Milla Vane. All of the stories are paranormal and most are in modern-to-futuristic settings, with the exception of the medieval feel delivered by the last one.

Nalini Singh’s “Secrets at Midnight” is set in her Pys-Changelings world. Bastian is a leopard changeling with the Dark River Pack. But he has a problem: he’s caught the scent of his mate but subsequently lost it. This is the sweetest of the four stories, about finding family and a place to belong.

Ilona Andrew’s “Magic Steals” is the second short story about Jim and Dali, part of the Kate Daniels series world situated in Atlanta. Dali is a were-tiger; Jim is a shapeshifter and a were-jaguar. Dali is asked to help find someone’s grandma and Jim goes along to help.

Lisa Shearin’s “Lucky Charms” takes place in New York. Makenna is a seer and can see through “glamours” to perceive the real essence of different beings. She’s paired with Ian to track down five leprechauns out for a bachelor’s party. This is an enjoyable story despite the time spent on setting up the world.

The fourth short story, Milla Vane’s “The Beast of Blackmoor,” has a medieval-like setting. Kavik is the Beast of Blackmoor; Mala is supposed to tame the beast.

Altogether, this is an enjoyable bunch of stories. Some of the fun of short stories is that it’s a great way to find new authors!

To enter to win a copy of Night Shift, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Shift,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 28, 2015. U.S. residents only.

Check out more fantasy/horror book and TV reviews in our Fantasy and Fangs section.

Use this link to purchase Night Shift & a portion will go to KRL & an indie bookstore:

Night Shift

Mary Anne Barker works at the Reedley Library. She loves books, TV and movies.