Prom Nights from Hell
YA
http://www.harperteen.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=006125309X
4 stars
I am an unabashed YA fan, and when I saw that Kim Harrison wrote a story for this anthology, I had to get it. As with most anthologies, the stories were a mixed bag, but there was only one that I didn't care for as much as the others.
The Exterminator's Daughter by Meg Cabot
My second favorite story in this anthology. Mary is the daughter of a turned vampire, and makes her way as a vampire hunter. She is very protective when her friend dumps her long-time boyfriend and hooks up with someone very alluring and not quite human.
Mary's story is readable and wonderfully paced. Meg Cabot is a natural writer and I'd love to see more paranormal YA from her.
The Corsage by Lauren Myracle
Frankie and her friends go to a fortuneteller and end up getting a magical corsage. Frankie just wants her best friend to ask her to the prom, but she sets into motion terrible things instead.
This story is twisted and the most classical horror story of the lot, but I found it a bit unsatisfying in the end. The story has great technical merits, but it wasn't the right story for me.
Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison
Madisonis humiliated at her prom and impulsively takes off with a msterious boy and gets a great deal more than she bargained for, with life-long complications.
This story was a surprise. I did enjoy it, but it was quite different from what I expected. This story twisted in different ways fom Ms. Myracle's but the twist worked very well for me,
Kiss and Tell by Michelle Jaffe
Hands down, this is my favorite story in the anthology. I am new to Ms. Jaffe's work, and this story is enough to make me a fan.
Miranda is "special" in ways that make her stand out from the rest of her class. She manages to hide most of her abilities. One day, she meets up with Sibby, who is also much more than she appears. Miranda will have to use every one of her extra abilities to help Sibby.
The author's writing style and voice, the characters, the plotting, were all just great. I hope we'll see much more of Miranda and Sibby as well. The dialogue in particular was witty and snappy without being overly cutesy or trendy.
Hell on Earth by Stephenie Meyer
A prom is supposed to be a happy occassion, but for Gabe, misery surrounds him. Can that amazing looking girl be part of the problem or a solution?
A wonderful fresh voice in Ya, Stephenie Meyer delivers with this short story that packs a tremendous punch. I have been hearing about this author for quite some time and now I understand her appeal.
These stories are all bound by the prom theme, but it is so interesting to see where the various authors went with their entries. I have discovered some new authors and my fandom has been reaffirmed for others. Though I liked some stories more than others, none disappointed me.
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