Collection of urban fantasy stories featuring strong female protagonists, some human and some not, pitted against the darkest of the dark. Their victories are sometimes pyrrhic, but each gain, keeps our mundane streets safe.
I found all of the stories eminently readable, with nicely varied examples of the theme of the anthology.
Some are improved by an acquaintance with the author’s universe, such as Rachel Caine’s Weather Wardens. Carol Nelson Douglas’ Monster Mash was frenetic yet hysterically funny. Lilith Saintcrow is an author I’ve heard lauded, but haven’t read – and will be. Her “Monsters” was atmospheric, complicated and moving. Another new-to-me writer, Rachel Vincent, has a nice take on the hunter-turned-hunted trope. I thought Jenna Black’s “Nine-tenths of the Law” was a perfect – and perfectly enjoyable - example of urban fantasy.
3.5 out of five.