Summer Solstice Shenanigans

by Martha Carr, E.G. Bateman, Jamie Davis

On the shortest night of the year, fae come out to play, vampires don't have much time, and werewolves howl at a full moon.

The summer solstice brings out all the witches, demons, vampires, shifters, and supernatural creatures in a night of magic and mayhem. Some spells can only be cast or curses broken on this enchanted night. If you dare, follow the fae down a magical path but beware getting forever lost. There's trouble around every corner, and plenty of supernatural shenanigans.

This collection includes more than 20 urban fantasy stories of summer solstice shenanigans from new and international bestselling authors.

Featuring stories by:
Marie Andreas
R.C. Barnes
E.G. Bateman
Rebecca Bosevski
Martha Carr
G. Clatworthy
Jamie Davis & N.A. Grotepas
Fatima Fayez
DM Fike
Fiona Grey
Sudha Kuruganti
K.A. Last
L.A. McGinnis
Kendrai Meeks
C.B. Miller
Marianne Morea
Doug Parker
Chris Patt
Tim Rangow
Avril Sabine
Mason Sabre
Veronica Singer
Noah K. Sturdevant
Mel Todd
Cari Z.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

664 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2021

About the author

Okay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.

I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.

There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.

Thank you for checking out my stories!

Reviews

[Lily Mordaunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My overall rating for this anthology is 4.5 stars. I loved the variety in mythology and, even when there were multiple vampire stories, they never felt repetitive; each author had a unique take. In addition to the varied mythology, I loved the different settings. I think that, even if you don’t love every story, there’s something in here for everyone. Below, you’ll find the quick notes/summaries I wrote after each story. (It took me so long to write this review because I was dreading going through it all to check for spelling errors.)

Out of Luck E. G. Bateman
A mage learns the consequences of upsetting the fae-folk, while an ancient creature stalks the residents of a town that doesn’t exist.
I enjoyed this story. Especially when what I thought was going to be gruesome turned out not to be. I loved the girl power, honestly, the power of the whole town but particularly the role the pregnant woman played. I also loved the writing, author’s imagery was beautiful.
Loved dynamic of the town. Magic was cool. Enjoyed the incorporation of the fae.
***

Hunting for Trouble Fatima Fayez
A bounty hunter has to save the world before the night is over.
I loved Aisha. She was very matter-of-fact in her badassery. And, hopefully this isn’t the case just because it’s a short story, she didn’t make silly mistakes just to further the plot. I thought the magic was unique and the writing humorous. I definitely plan on reading more about Aisha in the future.
(Update: I read the first book in the series, and it did not disappoint.)
***

Solstice of Darkness Marie Andreas
The longer the day, the shorter the night. Evil comes into the daylight.
Opening on a gruesome, ritual murder, this story was far too dark for my current reading tastes. But nevertheless, it was still well-written with an interesting world, vivid-enough characters, and a twist I definitely did not see coming.
***

Solstice on the Slab Jamie Davis and N.A. Grotepas
Where Science Meets the Supernatural Dr. Cassidy “Cas” Cameron got called in to the morgue to fill in for a colleague on the shortest night of the year, Summer Solstice. Little does she know what awaits her on the slab is like nothing she’s ever seen before.
This story turned out to be a lot less morbid than I expected. Though the setting was morbid—the morgue where Dr. Cass works—I ended up being entertained by how the events all played out. And Cass’s ability to keep cool and scientific under pressure.
***

The Origin Story of Monsters Martha Carr
Truth of the beginning. Monsters are here.
4 stars. I thought it was interesting how this story spanned millennia (centuries?) It was fascinating having an origin story for the monsters and seeing how it then manifested in present-day. The banter between the cousins as they fought was also entertaining to read.
***

Deadman’s Anchor C. B. Miller
Trust is all that matters on the shortest night of the year.
despite this book starting off in the middle of fighting and carnage, I was drawn in immediately. I was constantly intrigued about who each person was, their backstory, how this world worked, the magic system. This is an author I would definitely check out again. I was left fascinated with all the players and hope that the short story was part of a bigger world.
***

Curse of the Veil R.C. Barnes
A vengeful arsonist targets three witches Two fearless kids One stubborn spirit DON’T KEEP DEATH WAITING
They’re black???!!!! This story was really interesting. I loved seeing black children with a starring role I’d be curious to learn more about them if there are more books.
***

Summer Solstice in Swindon G Clatworthy
When you work for the Magical Liaison Office, the Summer Solstice can be a giant party… or you can get dragged in to dealing with magic roundabouts and monsters.
Tarfangtula, that is a new one. Also interesting having a lynx shifter/werelynx. Liked that the police duty involves supernatural creatures, not just humanesqu beings with nifty gifts to fight. Character has tan skin. Entertaining humor. I’m intrigued by the world that the author created and wish the agent from this book had her own series. But I’m interested enough in the magic system and Darwfish language to give the main series a try.
***

Raven Cursed K. A.
Last Twelve souls, seven years, one curse. When Mara cursed her twelve brothers, turning them into ravens by day and vampires by night, dealing with the guilt wasn’t the hardest part. The only way she could save them was to pledge her silence for seven years. On the last night of the curse, Mara must use all her strength and willpower to keep her mouth shut. Not an easy feat when the witch goading her throws a handsome obstacle in her way. If Mara speaks, her brothers die. But if she doesn’t, she’ll have someone else’s blood on her hands. Can Mara make it through one more night of silence to break the curse and set her brothers free? Or will the shortest night of the year feel like her longest? Find out in this urban fantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Twelve Brothers.
From the First chapter I was intrigued. I’m not sure if this is the first of the stories in present-tense, but that stood out to me immediately. It didn’t feel repetitive as can sometimes happen. And I am so fascinated by Mara’s circumstances. It made me think of the little mermaid, with the imposed silence except it’s even harder than that, because Mara has to repeatedly choose silence for the sake of her brothers rather than having been cursed to it. The stakes feel different in this story. In the other stories there was tension, but as I read, I truly had no idea if Mara would break or not. I was entranced. By this story in a way that I haven’t yet been with the others. I was waiting, anxiously, to see if Mara would talk, and then the ultimatum her brothers had at the end… I hope there are more books in her world.
***

Blood and Bone Marianne Morea
Painful memories don’t ease back in. They kick the door open looking for a fight.
This story was a vampire mafia tale. I really enjoyed it and Trixie’s badassery. This is another story whose MC I’ll be interested in following into other, longer adventures. I thought it was fun but that the pacing wasn’t off per se, but I’d be interested in seeing this longer. On the one hand, I felt like the short story format lent itself perfectly to this story. But on the other, I do wish some storylines were more drawn out. 4 stars.
***

Call Forth The Wild Hunt Avril Sabine
Held for ransom, Alana remembers the stories her grandmother told her and calls on the Wild Hunt, shocked when they’re not only real, but answer her plea. It doesn’t take her long to wonder if it was a good idea to call them.
After the description, there was a note saying that this story was written in Australian English and I was immediately intrigued as I’ve read romance, but not fantasy set in Australia. I liked seeing the different facets to Alana’s character, especially the bits that surprised her. It was also interesting experiencing the wild hunt. Different authors write them differently, I also rarely see a character ride with them, so that was another fun aspect. It’s hard to imagine that the necklace was only wanted for monetary value, not magical with the wealth of mythology at Alana’s fingertips so I do wish the author had delved into that bit of significance a bit more. But I do understand why, in her predicament, Alana wasn’t dwelling on the details.
***

The Fire Crown Fiona Grey
When a phoenix loses control, will she discover more than fire concealed?
Oooh, a phoenix. And with Arabic names. Also the incorporation of more than just western mythology. (Normally, there might be one phoenix or something and then all werecreatures and Greek gods.)
I enjoyed and was intrigued by this story. I loved Halima’s propensity for sweets, her supportive friends and mysterious tech-averse mother. This story was definitely unique to me as I don’t often see phoenixes, the mythology, of mates and power jumps every 25 years also felt different. Another author I’d read more of.
***

Noodle Day Mel Todd
The summer solstice brought dragons and killed her mother; she’s going to return the favor.
East Asian MC. This anthology had already given me a good variety of romance-less fantasy, but it was particularly interesting to read here. Jin’s single-minded focus was awesome. Her reasoning made sense and her time line was well-depicted, I think especially when you consider that single-minded focus. Loved to see the dragons and the role/impact food can have. Another author I would continue to follow.
***

Averted Kendrai Meeks
All corporations are vampiric but not all vampires are corporate. The ones recruiting Sarrah Hatun are. Her interview was supposed to be a formality, but it leaves Sarrah asking herself a lot more questions than the beaten and bloody man sitting across the table ever could. Is she about to get an offer she can’t refuse, or are her prospects as dead as she’s about to be?

Another interesting take on vampires. I really want to know more about slayers and their powers. 3.5 stars.
***

Best Friends Never Sudha Kuruganti
Laya blames Mal for her family falling apart. Malcolm can’t forgive her for not trusting him when it mattered most. When they’re forced to work together, can they put aside their differences long enough to catch a mole?
It was awesome reading a book inspired by Indian mythology. I appreciated that, though Laya and Mal had their differences, they didn’t let it interfere with their job. I also enjoyed reading about their powers and those of one of their opponents and the artifacts. I enjoyed the author’s writing style though I did sometimes wish there was more detail/description. Another one I’d be interested in reading more about.

***

Meta-Magic Doug Parker
What if you couldn’t help but be the bigger picture? It’s the life of a detective to dig into a dead guy’s past, and Miller’s got a murderer to catch. Being an Empath helps, but when the chain of events twists in a new direction, can he get his head around the facts before another life is severed?
It was a little different reading a story set in Harisburg. I was intrigued by the power of storytelling in this book,And enjoyed the author’s writing style.Though I don’t know if I would seek out longer works. I might read more short stories though. 3 stars
***

Night Shift Chris Patt
Vampires created the perfect enforcer, until they made him the prey.
The story was pretty fascinating; the idea of the mayan calendar tying into the vampires as well as the rise and fall of other ancient nations being spurred on by vampires. The dynamics, Hierarchy, the role the wolf played, were all interesting as well. I think the story was also short enough that anyone as a bad guy would have served as an interesting twist.
***

River of Tears Tim Rangnow
While searching for missing children on a hot summer night, one man will either sink or swim.
I guessed who the creature was almost immediately, but that didn’t take away from the story. It was the first one I’d read that involved her as more than just passing mention. While the story was good and magic fascinating, I don’t know if I’d read more from the author right now. This hit the morbid territory that I haven’t been wanting to touch. Other stories in the anthology did too but this one hit a little too close to home with its lore.
***

Caged: A Supernatural Protection Agency Story Noah K. Sturdevant
When the Summer Solstice has become a purge night for Vampires, someone’s got to make a profit protecting the pointy toothed jerks.
This story managed to be light even while vampires were being mass melted. And the reveals at the end were great/unexpected. I might check something else out by this author.
***

The Gilded Nest Rebecca Bosevski
On the run from The Monarchy, on the hunt for a cure, Kara will do whatever it takes, even summoning all the power of the Dragon Fire. Because burning for the people you love is a pretty good way to go, right? Her father’s dead, her mother’s trapped in a book, and the Gilded Nest are about. to elect a new bloodline to the throne. Becoming a Dragon might not be such a bad idea after all.
This was a take on dragons that I had not read before.Honestly,I wish it were longer, or that it wasn’t a stand-alone short story. I want to know more.
***

Lucifer’s Daughter Mason Sabre
A demon walks into a bar…
While this story was interesting, the best parts were the reactions of those who could not see the demon in their midsts, and the demon ritual. I was less fond of the depth of detail about one of the spirits the MC saw. While I enjoyed the writing, probably won’t reading other works from the author if they deal heavily with the dead.
***

Spiders for Solstice Cari Z
The Black Cat Burglar has never failed a job, but nine lives might not be enough to survive a secret spider’s lair.
Good,interesting story. I’ve been excited for the people of color, but this one had a hint of f/f love which was exciting for a different reason. I enjoyed the twist, it didn’t feel forced. Also enjoyed watching the black cat burglar/Taylor use her bought and inherited gifts. I’m curious about her backstory. I’d read more from this author.
***

The Longest Day L.A. McGinnis
My first case… might just be my last.
This case was fun. And, even though Miranda was blackmailed into doing it, I do appreciate when she attempted to maintain control of the situation. I’m curious about the rest of her adventures. Also, I really wonder about that dog…
***

On a Hot Summer Night in Vegas Veronica Singer
When werewolves attack, who you gonna call?
This story was brutal. But I am fascinated by the alpha and her abilities. I’d read more.
***

Seeking Solstice DM Fike
Killing interdimensional monsters never sucks harder than on the shortest night of the year. Nature wizard Ina must hunt one last fiend to complete the summer solstice, when the boundaries between worlds is at its most porous. But after the monster escapes her carefully laid trap, it becomes the hunter.
I enjoy stories about elementals along with people fighting actual fantasy creatures, not just humanoid ones. This story was interesting and entertaining.

[Cari Z.]

I don't like to review my own work, but friends, there are so many other AMAZING urban fantasy stories in this anthology that if I did review it, it would genuinely be 5 stars, hands down.

[Gemma Clatworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the stories in this anthology! I don't normally review books I'm involved in but as there are 25 other amazing authors involved - you should check this out!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congrats to all the Author’s

What a great read.. chock full of stories different in their own right. I enjoyed reading these short stories.. there’s so many different adventures all wrapped in one book. 🤓

[Mabel Mumbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A selection of amazing stories that will keep you entertained and delighted transporting you to a selection of new worlds to fall in love with. Discover new favourite authors just in time for the big lazy hot summer reading holiday time. I know there are authors here I will now read their back catalogue of.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stories, some meh stories, and stories in between.

Out of Luck
An interesting story, but all the head-hopping was confusing and exhausting. 2 stars

Hunting for Trouble
An enjoyable story. I wonder what Aisha’s powers are, though, and if the portal opening was really stopped. 3 stars

Solstice of Darkness
Read a bit like “Lethal Weapon” with fae and the ending felt contrived. 3 stars

Solstice on the Slab
Loads of exposition about what the character likes and dislikes. Ugh. DNF

The Origin Story of Monsters
I read part one, full of head-hopping and unrealistic moves, but didn’t feel like continuing the crazy. DNF

Deadman’s Anchor
All fight, no story. 2 stars

Curse of the Veil
A good story, but too much head-hopping caused no emotional attachment to any character. 3 stars

Summer Solstice in Swindon
A good story with solid world-building and thrills. Too bad I had no idea what the main character’s name or gender was – difficult to focus on the story when you’re wondering if you’re dealing with a kick-ass female lynx or an alpha male and how the personal interactions with others should go (e.g. their superior being an arse cause it’s a woman or because it’s a lone-wolf type?). 3 stars

Raven Cursed
A good story. I do wonder how, exactly, she had cursed her brothers and why. 3 stars

Blood and Bone
A gritty vampire story where vampires act like the mob… and Fae blood is addictive. Good twists. 4 stars

Call forth the Wild Hunt
A good story. I enjoyed the portrayal of the Wild Hunt. And the main character had good growth. 5 stars

The Fire Crown
Interesting premise, but not gripping. DNF

Noodle Day
An eight-year-old protagonist in an urban fantasy short story? Not working for me despite the dragons. DNF

Averted
Eating a still-beating heart? Ah, no. DNF

Best Friends Never
The blurb failed to interest me. DNF

Meta-Magic
The blurb left me cold. DNF

Night Shift
A fun, thrilling vampire story. 5 stars

River of Tears
The blurb doesn’t intrigue. DNF

Caged
Clearly part of a series. Not interested to jump in without knowing anything else about the characters of world. DNF

The Gilded Nest
So much fun to read. Dragons! 5 stars

Lucifer’s Daughter
DNF based on title.

Spiders for Solstice
DNF based on title – I don’t like spiders.

The Longest Day
Blurb and title are generic. No excitement. DNF

On a Hot Summer Night in Vegas
The blurb sounded like a rip-off of Ghost Busters. DNF

Seeking Solstice
A fun and thrilling read. Loved the use of the elements and the dog. 5 stars

[Shana Pare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

My review doesn't break down to each story because I am sure that there are plenty of others will feel the need to lay out the plot of each one. However, I enjoyed reading the vast majority of the stories and found at least a dozen new authors to exp!ore. You can't knock that with a sharp stick ... or something like that!

[Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent anthology experience: some good, a few very good, some meh, a few clunkers. Some strong world-building in these shorts. Several annoying typos (homophones & homonyms); some stories need an experienced editor to finesse their plotlines & tropes.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

I found at least 4 new authors to read, so excited. This the first anthology where I didn't skip stories, I read every single one.
I got it because of Martha Carr, who is fantastic, but I continued reading for all the other authors.

[A.L. Tippett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Anthology
Wow! What a wicked collection of short stories, all centred around the Summer Solstice. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and have discovered a few new favourite authors. Can’t wait to read their other books!

[Pam Smith-Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories.

Many of the stories were teasers, several of them interesting enough to make me look up the authors to see what happens next to the characters.

[Wannabe Edna Mode · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish book. Stopped at 98%.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Anthology

I really enjoyed all the stories in this anthology. I bought it because it had a few of my authors in it and found several more that I will be looking into.