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Otherworld Stories #1
Men of the Otherworld
As a curious child, Clayton didn’t resist the bite–he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child werewolf was more than he could manage–until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this volume, featuring three of the most intriguing members of the American Pack–a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything, and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. As Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts, but to navigate Pack politics–including showing his brutal arch nemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is…
369 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2009
187 people are currently reading
9479 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
293 books33.6k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 726 reviews
March 31, 2022
Infusion - Meet Malcolm. He's an A-S-S. This one is about Jeremy's mysterious heritage.
Savage - Boy version of Clayton is only slightly less entertaining than Adult Clay. Whether he's screaming during car rides, causing Jeremy to swerve into other lanes of traffic, or taking Antonio's dares to jump out of a tree or down an elevator shaft, Clayton is hilarious.
Seeing him as a child also helped me understand better what it meant that he was closer to a wolf instinct-wise than a human.
Beyond that, this story offers insight into Pack dynamic and foreshadows future events.
I liked it.
Ascension - Pack life from Clay age 10ish-20ish, when Jeremy took over the pack and all the details that led up to that point.
Kitsunegari - Jeremy and Jaime short where Jeremy finally finds out about his "other" heritage.
Savage - Boy version of Clayton is only slightly less entertaining than Adult Clay. Whether he's screaming during car rides, causing Jeremy to swerve into other lanes of traffic, or taking Antonio's dares to jump out of a tree or down an elevator shaft, Clayton is hilarious.
Seeing him as a child also helped me understand better what it meant that he was closer to a wolf instinct-wise than a human.
Beyond that, this story offers insight into Pack dynamic and foreshadows future events.
I liked it.
Ascension - Pack life from Clay age 10ish-20ish, when Jeremy took over the pack and all the details that led up to that point.
Kitsunegari - Jeremy and Jaime short where Jeremy finally finds out about his "other" heritage.
April 27, 2025
“He obviously needed more practice, but no matter how often I abandoned him out there, his sense of direction never seemed to improve.”
Kelley Armstrong has a large number of anthologies for her long-running Otherworld series. This opened the side stories, but instead of being about different men of the Otherworld like the title suggests, it is exclusively about the werewolf pack, and unlike other short story collections, the points of view do not alter much.
Malcolm leads the opener story to reveal how Jeremy came to be, but after that it's all through Clay's point of view until the final chapter. Each "story" is merely broken up into different events of occurrence, all in order. The final story switches to Jeremy's point of view for good reason. (details on that below)
If you're a Clay or Jeremy fan, you'll find this fascinating. That's the point. It's a lot of background material on why they both are who they are and how they are. Want to see for yourself the stories Jeremy later tells Elena in Stolen about the troubles of raising Clay? Right here in full color (funny) detail. While there are some funny scenes, it's mainly a dark, serious book.
After Jeremy comes into the world, Clay is shown very young and bitten to open his stories. Following that we see his progression, how he is discovered, the ample patience Jeremy employs to win his trust, their slow trail to Stonehaven, the incredible bond between the two, Clay aging and experiencing life, and finally the battles of ascension and alpha wars.
The only story besides the opener that isn't led by Clay is the final story, Kitsunegari, where Jeremy finds out a new clue about his past. It is the only one set in 'current times.' Jaime and he are together and have been awhile, so it was interesting to finally see in his head what he thinks of her and the relationship. I loved the couple over the series and wish the author had given the bonding more credit. It makes sense to end the anthology this way because we're making a circle back to the beginning again. This isn't just Clay's book - it's for Clay AND Jeremy.
I found out more about Jeremy and deeper into his psyche. I get Clay a bit more. Above that, Malcolm as the big bogeymen is brought further into light. We see we owe a lot of Jeremy's grandfather, who has a short stint. The two characters in Frost are introduced here as young father and son before they hide tail and run for the hills. Some of the animosity with future rival pack members begins here when the boys are young. Much is explained that clears a few mysteries up.
If you're a fan of the series, this is an absolute must-have.
Kelley Armstrong has a large number of anthologies for her long-running Otherworld series. This opened the side stories, but instead of being about different men of the Otherworld like the title suggests, it is exclusively about the werewolf pack, and unlike other short story collections, the points of view do not alter much.
Malcolm leads the opener story to reveal how Jeremy came to be, but after that it's all through Clay's point of view until the final chapter. Each "story" is merely broken up into different events of occurrence, all in order. The final story switches to Jeremy's point of view for good reason. (details on that below)
If you're a Clay or Jeremy fan, you'll find this fascinating. That's the point. It's a lot of background material on why they both are who they are and how they are. Want to see for yourself the stories Jeremy later tells Elena in Stolen about the troubles of raising Clay? Right here in full color (funny) detail. While there are some funny scenes, it's mainly a dark, serious book.
After Jeremy comes into the world, Clay is shown very young and bitten to open his stories. Following that we see his progression, how he is discovered, the ample patience Jeremy employs to win his trust, their slow trail to Stonehaven, the incredible bond between the two, Clay aging and experiencing life, and finally the battles of ascension and alpha wars.
The only story besides the opener that isn't led by Clay is the final story, Kitsunegari, where Jeremy finds out a new clue about his past. It is the only one set in 'current times.' Jaime and he are together and have been awhile, so it was interesting to finally see in his head what he thinks of her and the relationship. I loved the couple over the series and wish the author had given the bonding more credit. It makes sense to end the anthology this way because we're making a circle back to the beginning again. This isn't just Clay's book - it's for Clay AND Jeremy.
I found out more about Jeremy and deeper into his psyche. I get Clay a bit more. Above that, Malcolm as the big bogeymen is brought further into light. We see we owe a lot of Jeremy's grandfather, who has a short stint. The two characters in Frost are introduced here as young father and son before they hide tail and run for the hills. Some of the animosity with future rival pack members begins here when the boys are young. Much is explained that clears a few mysteries up.
If you're a fan of the series, this is an absolute must-have.
September 12, 2020
I literally cannot get enough of Clay and Jeremy. This book is jammed packed with them both. Oh, my heart couldn't hardly stand reading about young Clay and his survival struggles as a young wolf. Expect Clayton fan art soon. I think this was some of Kelley Armstrong's best writing, how she showed the world through a young Clay's eyes. Clay is my favorite character in her books if you hadn't noticed. Seconded by Jeremy. I do love Elena, but I love these two the most of all.
Reading Jeremy's backstory with his terrible, awful father, and the difficult life he had trying to navigate around a father who hated him because he was different, and trying to follow his grandfather's stipulations. Jeremy and Clay were the real family, in my opinion. I do love the fact that Jeremy and Clay have Antonio and Nick and the other pack, to a lesser extent as well.
While I am a cat person, I adore wolves. I love reading books about wolf characters. It's such poetic writing, and it shows the brutal, but beautiful natural world at its most elemental. The manner in which Armstrong writes her werewolf dynamics is very real world and brutal, and shows the ugliness of human nature through the lens of werewolf fiction. The idea of a human having a wolf nature is so intriguing to me, I continually gravitate back to these books.
One of the smartest things that Armstrong did was to keep Elena out of this book. I say that because in the overall story, it's more about Elena, and you don't get a sense of Clayton having a world or life without Elena. While it's obvious that she is so centered in his life, this book shows who and what Clayton is, intrinsically. His extreme loyalty, and how pragmatic but elemental he is in what he feels and does. It was such a pleasure to read about young Clayton and how he grew up into the amazing man that he is. Is Clay perfect, nope. But is he a perfectly fantastic character? Yes. Definitely in my top ten of all time favorite characters in literature. Jeremy might not make the top ten, but he definitely makes the top thirty or forty.
I think I read this audiobook faster than I've ever read one, or if I have, there are few that I've read this quickly. I was so captivated with it. I decided to read No Humans Involved next, just for more Jeremy time.
Reading Jeremy's backstory with his terrible, awful father, and the difficult life he had trying to navigate around a father who hated him because he was different, and trying to follow his grandfather's stipulations. Jeremy and Clay were the real family, in my opinion. I do love the fact that Jeremy and Clay have Antonio and Nick and the other pack, to a lesser extent as well.
While I am a cat person, I adore wolves. I love reading books about wolf characters. It's such poetic writing, and it shows the brutal, but beautiful natural world at its most elemental. The manner in which Armstrong writes her werewolf dynamics is very real world and brutal, and shows the ugliness of human nature through the lens of werewolf fiction. The idea of a human having a wolf nature is so intriguing to me, I continually gravitate back to these books.
One of the smartest things that Armstrong did was to keep Elena out of this book. I say that because in the overall story, it's more about Elena, and you don't get a sense of Clayton having a world or life without Elena. While it's obvious that she is so centered in his life, this book shows who and what Clayton is, intrinsically. His extreme loyalty, and how pragmatic but elemental he is in what he feels and does. It was such a pleasure to read about young Clayton and how he grew up into the amazing man that he is. Is Clay perfect, nope. But is he a perfectly fantastic character? Yes. Definitely in my top ten of all time favorite characters in literature. Jeremy might not make the top ten, but he definitely makes the top thirty or forty.
I think I read this audiobook faster than I've ever read one, or if I have, there are few that I've read this quickly. I was so captivated with it. I decided to read No Humans Involved next, just for more Jeremy time.
August 3, 2010
Okay, so I only read the first three stories surrounding Jeremy's birth and Clay's childhood. I started on the fourth which was Jeremy WITH A WOMAN! But since I never read past StolenI couldn't deal with a) the spoilers and b) the fact that Jeremy was getting it on... with anybody...ever.
As with most anything Armstrong writes, these stories were well written and intriguing with great characters and complicated relationships. The story provided greater insight into Clay and Jeremy's relationship and the emergence of the latter day pack. Clay's narration was also incredibly hilarious in a dry, witty way that I adored.
Okay, so spoiler: Clay is a bit of a psychopath. I know. Big spoiler, eh? But I think he REALLY shows it this time and any pretenses of normality that we may imagine when reading about Clay from Elena's perspective in Bitten and Stolen quickly disolve while reading Clay talk about himself. Maybe she humanizes him - not in her narration but their relationship might give him a link to humananity and emotions that he wouldn't otherwise have, or maybe it just affects his behaviour. All I can say is that I found myself strangely not bothered by Clay's actions in this book. Maybe because he wasn't, or maybe because I, too, am a psychopath.
Only my collection of severed and dry skulls could tell me but we're not currently on speaking terms since I stopped brushing their teeth with colgate and switched to another brand. Picky bastards.
As with most anything Armstrong writes, these stories were well written and intriguing with great characters and complicated relationships. The story provided greater insight into Clay and Jeremy's relationship and the emergence of the latter day pack. Clay's narration was also incredibly hilarious in a dry, witty way that I adored.
Okay, so spoiler: Clay is a bit of a psychopath. I know. Big spoiler, eh? But I think he REALLY shows it this time and any pretenses of normality that we may imagine when reading about Clay from Elena's perspective in Bitten and Stolen quickly disolve while reading Clay talk about himself. Maybe she humanizes him - not in her narration but their relationship might give him a link to humananity and emotions that he wouldn't otherwise have, or maybe it just affects his behaviour. All I can say is that I found myself strangely not bothered by Clay's actions in this book. Maybe because he wasn't, or maybe because I, too, am a psychopath.
Only my collection of severed and dry skulls could tell me but we're not currently on speaking terms since I stopped brushing their teeth with colgate and switched to another brand. Picky bastards.
March 11, 2010
This anthology is a treat for the fans of Clayton, Jeremy and the Pack. Although the title implies that the stories are about all kinds of Otherworld men, they are about werewolves exclusively.
What I like the most about this anthology is that it gives an insight into Jeremy Danvers' past. Although the majority of this collection is written in Clay's POV, this book is about Jeremy more than anyone else.
"Infusion" tells us how Jeremy was conceived and from whom he inherited his slanted eyes and astute 6th sense.
Next 2 longer novellas "Savage" and "Ascension" narrated by Clayton could have been merged into one. They cover Clay's past, his "taming" by Jeremy, his introduction to the Pack and society in general, and his school years. While focused on Clay, they give us a great sense of Jeremy - his kindness and loneliness, his complicated relationship with his always disapproving father, and finally, his ascent to Alpha status. These stories really show Jeremy in a new light, I loved getting to know him better.
The final, never before published, short story "Kitsunegari" is told from Jeremy's POV and narrates his first encounter with the supernatural women of his mother's kin. Set after "No Humans Involved" (which I haven't yet read), it also touches upon Jeremy's relationship with Jaime Vegas (a necromancer introduced in "Industrial Magic") and it really made be thirst for their story. I'll try to get to it as soon as I can.
Overall, "Men of the Otherworld" is a great collection for fans. I don't think these stories have an ability to attract new readers to the series, but they fill in a lot of blanks about Clay's and Jeremy's past and the Pack politics that many existing fans will enjoy.
What I like the most about this anthology is that it gives an insight into Jeremy Danvers' past. Although the majority of this collection is written in Clay's POV, this book is about Jeremy more than anyone else.
"Infusion" tells us how Jeremy was conceived and from whom he inherited his slanted eyes and astute 6th sense.
Next 2 longer novellas "Savage" and "Ascension" narrated by Clayton could have been merged into one. They cover Clay's past, his "taming" by Jeremy, his introduction to the Pack and society in general, and his school years. While focused on Clay, they give us a great sense of Jeremy - his kindness and loneliness, his complicated relationship with his always disapproving father, and finally, his ascent to Alpha status. These stories really show Jeremy in a new light, I loved getting to know him better.
The final, never before published, short story "Kitsunegari" is told from Jeremy's POV and narrates his first encounter with the supernatural women of his mother's kin. Set after "No Humans Involved" (which I haven't yet read), it also touches upon Jeremy's relationship with Jaime Vegas (a necromancer introduced in "Industrial Magic") and it really made be thirst for their story. I'll try to get to it as soon as I can.
Overall, "Men of the Otherworld" is a great collection for fans. I don't think these stories have an ability to attract new readers to the series, but they fill in a lot of blanks about Clay's and Jeremy's past and the Pack politics that many existing fans will enjoy.
April 7, 2021
3.5 ☆ rounded up
Men of the Otherworld is an anthology with four stories about the Danvers werewolves who have played significant roles in Bitten #1, Stolen #2, Broken #6, No Humans Involved #7, and Frostbitten #10. You don't have to be familiar with the Otherworld series in order to enjoy this anthology. And in many respects, I think it would be better to read the first three short stories, which all precede Bitten.
"Infusion: 1946" introduces Malcolm Danvers and relates the circumstances of his son Jeremy's birth.
"Savage: 1967" is written in Clayton's POV as he recounts how he asked for the gift of being a werewolf and then how Jeremy sufficiently tamed the feral wolf cub to rescue him from a premature death.
"Ascension: 1972" is again from Clayton's perspective from age 10 through his early college years, ending once Jeremy becomes the alpha of the Pack.
"Kitsunegari: 2007" is narrated by Jeremy and takes place after No Humans Involved during a weekend visit with his girlfriend Jaime Vega. This story sheds some light on Jeremy's mother's origin and abilities.
Who needed an external villain when there was a character like Malcolm, who would undoubtedly have been imprisoned as a convicted murderer if he had been a straight-up human? But he was a werewolf, who long desired the position of alpha and the impunity to act freely as his aggressions dictated. He was a constant threat in both Jeremy and Clay's lives until Jeremy became alpha.
Jeremy has always been painted from Elena's perspective as an unflappable alpha with mysterious motives. I liked him because I had been given no reason to dislike him. Through these stories, his concern and diligent care for his Pack's welfare were made evident. This is especially notable given what a terrible father Jeremy had in Malcolm. In Jeremy's initial interactions with little werewolf Clay, I have to acknowledge Jeremy as a master of operant conditioning.
Clay was an incredibly precocious scrap who developed a devoted loyalty to his protector. I really liked how his character is more animal than human after living as a wolf in the Louisiana bayous during his formative years. His antics during his feral days of acclimatization to human society were hilarious.
#1 Bitten 3.5 ☆
#2 Stolen 3.5 ☆
#6 Broken 3.5 ☆
#7 No Humans Involved 3.5 ☆
#10 Frostbitten 4 ☆
Tales of the Otherworld #2 3.5 ☆
Otherworld Nights #3 3.5 ☆
Men of the Otherworld is an anthology with four stories about the Danvers werewolves who have played significant roles in Bitten #1, Stolen #2, Broken #6, No Humans Involved #7, and Frostbitten #10. You don't have to be familiar with the Otherworld series in order to enjoy this anthology. And in many respects, I think it would be better to read the first three short stories, which all precede Bitten.
"Infusion: 1946" introduces Malcolm Danvers and relates the circumstances of his son Jeremy's birth.
"Savage: 1967" is written in Clayton's POV as he recounts how he asked for the gift of being a werewolf and then how Jeremy sufficiently tamed the feral wolf cub to rescue him from a premature death.
"Ascension: 1972" is again from Clayton's perspective from age 10 through his early college years, ending once Jeremy becomes the alpha of the Pack.
"Kitsunegari: 2007" is narrated by Jeremy and takes place after No Humans Involved during a weekend visit with his girlfriend Jaime Vega. This story sheds some light on Jeremy's mother's origin and abilities.
Who needed an external villain when there was a character like Malcolm, who would undoubtedly have been imprisoned as a convicted murderer if he had been a straight-up human? But he was a werewolf, who long desired the position of alpha and the impunity to act freely as his aggressions dictated. He was a constant threat in both Jeremy and Clay's lives until Jeremy became alpha.
"Oh, don't worry, brat," Malcolm whispered. "No, I won't hurt you. ... I know a better way. Rid myself of a growing inconvenience and get a little payback in the bargain."
Malcolm tucked the knife into his pocket and sauntered out, as Jeremy raced in.
What I forgot, though, was that it wasn't me Malcolm wanted to hurt. I was nothing to him. Nothing but a new tool in a campaign he'd been waging for years.
Jeremy has always been painted from Elena's perspective as an unflappable alpha with mysterious motives. I liked him because I had been given no reason to dislike him. Through these stories, his concern and diligent care for his Pack's welfare were made evident. This is especially notable given what a terrible father Jeremy had in Malcolm. In Jeremy's initial interactions with little werewolf Clay, I have to acknowledge Jeremy as a master of operant conditioning.
And so I let myself be domesticated. In the end, like any stray, I was conquered by the promise of continued food and shelter. Trust would take longer.
Clay was an incredibly precocious scrap who developed a devoted loyalty to his protector. I really liked how his character is more animal than human after living as a wolf in the Louisiana bayous during his formative years. His antics during his feral days of acclimatization to human society were hilarious.
Behind me, the bag tumbled away in the breeze. Tipping it into its side, I thrust my head inside, hoping to find the missing food. There was nothing there...
I pulled back. The bag stuck behind my ears. I shook myself. It stayed on. I tried backing away from it and tripped, tumbling head over ass to the ground. It was then that I heard it. Laughter.
I caught the bag under my paw and yanked my head out. [Jeremy] stood there, arms crossed over his chest, trying to stop himself from laughing and falling miserably. I glared at him, salvaged my last sheds of dignity and stalked off into the woods.
The next day he brought extra food, so I decided, after much contemplation, to forgive him.
#1 Bitten 3.5 ☆
#2 Stolen 3.5 ☆
#6 Broken 3.5 ☆
#7 No Humans Involved 3.5 ☆
#10 Frostbitten 4 ☆
Tales of the Otherworld #2 3.5 ☆
Otherworld Nights #3 3.5 ☆
April 30, 2010
I absolutely adore Armstrong’s werewolf lore. Unlike Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld, the men of the Pack can carry a story all on their own. Not a drop of smut or estrogen in sight, still I was riveted.
Having fallen in love with the Pack in Bitten, I pretty much read any mention of them I can get my mitts on. I don’t know what it is, but Armstrong dazzles and delights with her wolfy men. They are clearly humanized while retaining the very essence of being a wolf. Their human form and wolf form are so intricately linked that I scarcely notice when they segway into wolf perspective.
Being that Clay is my all time favorite Armstrong character, I was set to love him here, but I wasn’t prepared to love him more. Little Clay is simply adorable, not to mention unintetionally hilarious. Despite his noticeable differences as an adult, being anti-social and all, it wasn’t until reading Men of the Otherworld that I understood how truly set apart he is. The same applies to Jeremy, though, I have to say, my opinion of him changed, for the better and for the worse. Prior to this book, I saw Jeremy as a sensitive, but still very Alpha male. Now I know that Jeremy’s Alpha status only exists due to Clay’s unwavering admiration and dedication and his best-friendship with Antonio. Had it not been for them, Jeremy would have been long since dead, at the hands of his own father no less. Even so, Jeremy is undeniably resourceful, intelligent and empathetic. I was hard pressed not to be in aww of anyone who would take on such a troublesome child as Clay at so early and age and to potential detriment to one’s self. Jeremy is a beacon of moral light, and it was enlightening to see him through Clay’s eyes.
The Pack’s history is nothing short of enthralling. I feel as though I know these characters inside out and love them all the more for it. I hope that Armstrong returns to their world again, and quickly.
Having fallen in love with the Pack in Bitten, I pretty much read any mention of them I can get my mitts on. I don’t know what it is, but Armstrong dazzles and delights with her wolfy men. They are clearly humanized while retaining the very essence of being a wolf. Their human form and wolf form are so intricately linked that I scarcely notice when they segway into wolf perspective.
Being that Clay is my all time favorite Armstrong character, I was set to love him here, but I wasn’t prepared to love him more. Little Clay is simply adorable, not to mention unintetionally hilarious. Despite his noticeable differences as an adult, being anti-social and all, it wasn’t until reading Men of the Otherworld that I understood how truly set apart he is. The same applies to Jeremy, though, I have to say, my opinion of him changed, for the better and for the worse. Prior to this book, I saw Jeremy as a sensitive, but still very Alpha male. Now I know that Jeremy’s Alpha status only exists due to Clay’s unwavering admiration and dedication and his best-friendship with Antonio. Had it not been for them, Jeremy would have been long since dead, at the hands of his own father no less. Even so, Jeremy is undeniably resourceful, intelligent and empathetic. I was hard pressed not to be in aww of anyone who would take on such a troublesome child as Clay at so early and age and to potential detriment to one’s self. Jeremy is a beacon of moral light, and it was enlightening to see him through Clay’s eyes.
The Pack’s history is nothing short of enthralling. I feel as though I know these characters inside out and love them all the more for it. I hope that Armstrong returns to their world again, and quickly.
January 31, 2009
I ended up staying up WAY too late just to finish "Men of the Otherworld" by Kelley Armstrong. It was worth every bleary-eyed, short-tempered moment I spent at work today! This is mostly Clayton's story. There is a bit about Jeremy, but the focus is on Clayton. For everyone who's ever wondered about Clayton's past...you must go RIGHT NOW, TODAY and pick up this book. Armstrong has done a fantastic job of making snarly, anti-social Clayton real; and the story of how he got the way he is will have you grinning, sniffling, and laughing out loud--sometimes all at the same time. The story runs from Jeremy's birth, which is fascinating all on its own, up until just before Clayton and Elena's story begins. And the end of the book is (I'm pretty sure) a build-up for an upcoming story about Jeremy and Jaime having to do with the unusual circumstances of Jeremy's birth. I can't wait.
February 11, 2025
Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld universe is one of my favourite places to return. The main series had me hooked, and the countless short stories that provide extras are a delight to return to. Each of the short story collections helps to expand the universe in wonderful ways, offering little extras that help the world to develop even more.
Men of the Otherworld is a collection that focuses on providing little extras about the male leads. While not vital to the overall understanding of the world, the stories are worth the read for anyone desperate for those extra elements that keep you hooked. Without a doubt, this is a collection worth reading if you want to remain immersed in the world.
Individual ratings:
Infusion: Three stars.
Savage: Four stars.
Ascension: Four stars.
Kitsunegari: Three stars.
Men of the Otherworld is a collection that focuses on providing little extras about the male leads. While not vital to the overall understanding of the world, the stories are worth the read for anyone desperate for those extra elements that keep you hooked. Without a doubt, this is a collection worth reading if you want to remain immersed in the world.
Individual ratings:
Infusion: Three stars.
Savage: Four stars.
Ascension: Four stars.
Kitsunegari: Three stars.
June 30, 2019
I really liked this, it wasn't at all what I thought it would be and I'm not sure why anyone would mark this as romance, it's not. It is a well developed story, love getting Clay's perspective on all that is happening, in his youth and otherness, not always understanding what is happening or why, but completely loyal and...having a pretty easy black and white view of things. His relationship with Jeremy was amazing. I liked several other characters and some I would like to murder slowly
Will continue this series. Very unique.
Will continue this series. Very unique.
June 22, 2009
Kelley Armstrong's Men of the Otherworld is made up largely of stories previously offered for free on her website, and while I miss being able to point people at them as a free scoop of bad-ass, I'm so happy to have them in print form that I really don't care. I love this book like burning, fire, and pie.
January 24, 2019
It has been no secret that I LOVE Clay so this book was a huge bonus for me.
To get to see how he was changed, how he survived, how Jeremy finds him. Then all the learning he had to do it was really freaking awesome and to be in his POV was so interesting to me.
I am so thankful I am doing these side stories they make the series that much more for me at least.
I really liked the narration for this book. I liked how you could tell who was the speaker.
To get to see how he was changed, how he survived, how Jeremy finds him. Then all the learning he had to do it was really freaking awesome and to be in his POV was so interesting to me.
I am so thankful I am doing these side stories they make the series that much more for me at least.
I really liked the narration for this book. I liked how you could tell who was the speaker.
June 21, 2011
Men of the Otherworld is one of the two collections of short stories that Kelley Armstrong wrote as gifts to her fans. And they are, indeed, exciting for those of us who have followed the series and fallen in love with her characters. All but one of these stories are prequels, set before the main novels. But I wouldn't necessarily tell someone new to the series to read them first. The stories come first chronologically, but I think you'd have a better appreciation for them at least after Stolen. (And the last story in the mix takes place after No Humans Involved.) You don't have to read these stories to keep up with the series, but they are fantastic and fans really won't want to miss them.
"Infusion" - narrator: Malcolm - This is the story of Jeremy's conception. We've known from the beginning that he is different and special. This gives us a little insight into why. We meet his Japanese mother and learn that she approached Malcolm on purpose, to infuse his werewolf blood into her own supernatural bloodline. This is also our first look at Malcolm and we get an idea of what a jerk he is... although the true breadth of that isn't seen until later stories.
"Savage" - narrator: Clay - This is the meatiest story in the bunch. Here Clay tells us the story of how he became a werewolf and how Jeremy took him into the Pack. We see firsthand the events that turn Clay into the man we know... why he cares so little for human conventions, why he is so loyal to Jeremy, and even how he became friends with Nick. We get the oft-mentioned "guinea pig" story and see the events that turned Clay and Daniel into enemies... a pivotal development that lays the foundation for Bitten. The story also gives insight into Jeremy and his early relationships with both his father and the other members of the Pack. It's definitely a switch from the reverence the other wolves hold for him now. This is a great story and it's worth getting the book, even for this novella alone.
"Ascension" - narrator: Clay - This story feels almost like an extension of the one before. It picks up with Clay at 11 years old and shows, through his perspective, Jeremy's rise to pack Alpha. It's a process that spans more than a decade. In that time, we see how Clay becomes the Pack enforcer; how he gained the reputation as a psychotic killer; even what's in those pictures of his dirty-work that we've heard reference to. The story shows how the Pack has come to be in its current form and why its numbers have dwindled... and most importantly, how Malcolm was finally defeated. Really good stuff.
"Kitsunegari" - narrator: Jeremy - In "Infusion," we learned that Jeremy came from a line of supernatural women, but it's in this story, we finally find out what they were. Jeremy is with Jamie, attending one of her shows, when he is lured away by an Asian woman. She tries to seduce him, but with no luck. Jeremy is able to eventually determine that she is one of an ancient race of fox-shifter deities and they want Jeremy to help them repopulate, since he is descended from the worshippers infused with their powers. This was probably the least thrilling of the four stories, though I did like the little bit of backstory Jeremy gives about how and when he started falling for Jamie.
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories... and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the collection to any Otherworld fan. 5 stars.
"Infusion" - narrator: Malcolm - This is the story of Jeremy's conception. We've known from the beginning that he is different and special. This gives us a little insight into why. We meet his Japanese mother and learn that she approached Malcolm on purpose, to infuse his werewolf blood into her own supernatural bloodline. This is also our first look at Malcolm and we get an idea of what a jerk he is... although the true breadth of that isn't seen until later stories.
"Savage" - narrator: Clay - This is the meatiest story in the bunch. Here Clay tells us the story of how he became a werewolf and how Jeremy took him into the Pack. We see firsthand the events that turn Clay into the man we know... why he cares so little for human conventions, why he is so loyal to Jeremy, and even how he became friends with Nick. We get the oft-mentioned "guinea pig" story and see the events that turned Clay and Daniel into enemies... a pivotal development that lays the foundation for Bitten. The story also gives insight into Jeremy and his early relationships with both his father and the other members of the Pack. It's definitely a switch from the reverence the other wolves hold for him now. This is a great story and it's worth getting the book, even for this novella alone.
"Ascension" - narrator: Clay - This story feels almost like an extension of the one before. It picks up with Clay at 11 years old and shows, through his perspective, Jeremy's rise to pack Alpha. It's a process that spans more than a decade. In that time, we see how Clay becomes the Pack enforcer; how he gained the reputation as a psychotic killer; even what's in those pictures of his dirty-work that we've heard reference to. The story shows how the Pack has come to be in its current form and why its numbers have dwindled... and most importantly, how Malcolm was finally defeated. Really good stuff.
"Kitsunegari" - narrator: Jeremy - In "Infusion," we learned that Jeremy came from a line of supernatural women, but it's in this story, we finally find out what they were. Jeremy is with Jamie, attending one of her shows, when he is lured away by an Asian woman. She tries to seduce him, but with no luck. Jeremy is able to eventually determine that she is one of an ancient race of fox-shifter deities and they want Jeremy to help them repopulate, since he is descended from the worshippers infused with their powers. This was probably the least thrilling of the four stories, though I did like the little bit of backstory Jeremy gives about how and when he started falling for Jamie.
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories... and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the collection to any Otherworld fan. 5 stars.
April 11, 2009
I liked the older stories of Clayton's childhood. They read like the early books in her Otherworld series, which I enjoyed much more than her newer books. In keeping with this trend, I didn't like the newest story very much.
This book includes:
Infusion - a short story, written from Malcom's point of view, telling how Jeremy was conceived. Begins in 1946.
Savage - a novella, beginning in 1967, written from Clay's point of view, that begins when he becomes a werewolf and covers his childhood.
Ascension - a novella, beginning in 1972, written from Clay's point of view, that covers his young adulthood up to the point where Jeremy becomes the Alpha.
Kitsunegari - a new short story about Jeremy and Jaime, written from Jeremy's point of view
This book includes:
Infusion - a short story, written from Malcom's point of view, telling how Jeremy was conceived. Begins in 1946.
Savage - a novella, beginning in 1967, written from Clay's point of view, that begins when he becomes a werewolf and covers his childhood.
Ascension - a novella, beginning in 1972, written from Clay's point of view, that covers his young adulthood up to the point where Jeremy becomes the Alpha.
Kitsunegari - a new short story about Jeremy and Jaime, written from Jeremy's point of view
January 27, 2020
4.25 stars
Highly enjoyable short story collection that spanned from Jeremy's conception and lineage to how Clay became Clay.
More in-depth knowledge of Jeremy's father Malcolm and the structure of the pack prior to Jeremy becoming the Alpha.
Highly enjoyable short story collection that spanned from Jeremy's conception and lineage to how Clay became Clay.
More in-depth knowledge of Jeremy's father Malcolm and the structure of the pack prior to Jeremy becoming the Alpha.
May 30, 2021
This book serves mostly as a prequel to the series in relation to the pack, more particularly about Jeremy's origins and relations with Clayton joining the pack and cementing their relationships.
May 1, 2022
This is a collection of short stories about events in the life of Clay and Jeremy (well, the lion's share is Clay's story).
The subject matter was not always palatable-these werewolves inhabit a very violent and unforgiving world and seeing it from young Clay's eyes highlighted that fact even more, but it was fascinating. That's all I have. I was enthralled from beginning to end.
Also, even more than Clay, I love Jeremy to bits, without reservation.
The subject matter was not always palatable-these werewolves inhabit a very violent and unforgiving world and seeing it from young Clay's eyes highlighted that fact even more, but it was fascinating. That's all I have. I was enthralled from beginning to end.
Also, even more than Clay, I love Jeremy to bits, without reservation.
September 4, 2012
I loved this! So glad Kelley wrote stories from the guys' POV even if this particular book contained just the wolves' stories. It gave so much insight into Jeremy and Clay and I just loved it.
We got to see the circumstances of Jeremy's birth from the POV of his douchebag father, Malcolm and just why it is he never could accept Jeremy as his soon.
We got to see how Clay got bitten and how Jeremy found and raised him and how Jeremy became Alpha and how the Pack became so small from Clay's POV. I really loved that story. It explained so much of how/why Clay is as an adult. I honestly loved it. In some ways, Clay comes off as a psycho, but his worldview is really simplistic. He understands right and wrong. He understands the need to pass for human. But his motivations behind things and his way of doing those things come off as so psycho, but really, he does them ultimately to protect the Pack and Jeremy especially. I just completely enjoyed reading that.
Then we get a short story of Jeremy finally discovering just what it is that makes him able to "sense" things and makes him so different from other werewolves. We know from Malcolm's story that Jeremy's mother was into some freaky shit, but now we finally learn why. I'm glad for it and hopefully now that he knows, Jeremy won't continue to feel that he lacks something as a werewolf.
This was just so awesome.
We got to see the circumstances of Jeremy's birth from the POV of his douchebag father, Malcolm and just why it is he never could accept Jeremy as his soon.
We got to see how Clay got bitten and how Jeremy found and raised him and how Jeremy became Alpha and how the Pack became so small from Clay's POV. I really loved that story. It explained so much of how/why Clay is as an adult. I honestly loved it. In some ways, Clay comes off as a psycho, but his worldview is really simplistic. He understands right and wrong. He understands the need to pass for human. But his motivations behind things and his way of doing those things come off as so psycho, but really, he does them ultimately to protect the Pack and Jeremy especially. I just completely enjoyed reading that.
Then we get a short story of Jeremy finally discovering just what it is that makes him able to "sense" things and makes him so different from other werewolves. We know from Malcolm's story that Jeremy's mother was into some freaky shit, but now we finally learn why. I'm glad for it and hopefully now that he knows, Jeremy won't continue to feel that he lacks something as a werewolf.
This was just so awesome.
October 30, 2010
gerat back stories and love the peaks into characters
August 27, 2016
DNF . . . Didn't get through chapter one; I didn’t care for the plot.
February 20, 2019
***** 4.5 Stars *****
The novellas dig deeper into Jeremy and Clayton.
** Jeremy's true identity and upbringing had strengthen him as a leader. Jeremy may not be strong, but he is strategic.
** Clayton did not have a happy upbringing; however, he meets Jeremy, who changes his life. He now has a home and a "normal" life as a human and pack werewolf. He has a temper, yet a cleverness that brings out the protective side of him that benefits the pack.
** The fourth novella I did find to be interesting but could not find connection to the 1st and 2nd book in the Otherwolrd series. I'm assuming that as I read further into the series, I will find connections that link to the fox maidens, twins, and Jaime :)
I am giving this book a 4.5 star for this reason. The first 3 novellas smoothly transition to the next phase of Jeremy/Clayton life. The fourth novella seem a little out of place and jump to far to the future.
The novellas dig deeper into Jeremy and Clayton.
** Jeremy's true identity and upbringing had strengthen him as a leader. Jeremy may not be strong, but he is strategic.
** Clayton did not have a happy upbringing; however, he meets Jeremy, who changes his life. He now has a home and a "normal" life as a human and pack werewolf. He has a temper, yet a cleverness that brings out the protective side of him that benefits the pack.
** The fourth novella I did find to be interesting but could not find connection to the 1st and 2nd book in the Otherwolrd series. I'm assuming that as I read further into the series, I will find connections that link to the fox maidens, twins, and Jaime :)
I am giving this book a 4.5 star for this reason. The first 3 novellas smoothly transition to the next phase of Jeremy/Clayton life. The fourth novella seem a little out of place and jump to far to the future.
June 12, 2020
I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong. I know if I see her name and I decided to read a book of hers that I'm going to at least like it a lot.
The book starts with the birth of Dominic's son, Antonio, and then Dominic basically taunting Malcolm for his lack of being able to have a child (up to that point). Malcolm ends up getting a woman pregnant but nothing out of love for either a child nor the woman.
Next thing I know there's a little animal-like child who is 6 years old and he asks to be bitten. We then get the story of Clayton, a 6 year old found by and taken under the wings of Jeremy. Jeremy takes little Clayton home to Stonehaven, and Jeremy begins to teach Clay things a child needs to know: how to read, how to talk, how to play with others, and so forth.
Imagine being born a were-child, being unloved for years, then suddenly trying to do everything right. Clayton tries to please Jeremy in every way, but that's not going to happen for any of us. I truly loved the building of the relationship between Clay and Jeremy. Theirs is a touching story , but it's also dark and full of battles. There's much talk about "alpha" males and competition for best fighter, best sire, and other things.
I might be partial to Kelley Armstrong's writing, but I loved this and I highly recommend it.
The book starts with the birth of Dominic's son, Antonio, and then Dominic basically taunting Malcolm for his lack of being able to have a child (up to that point). Malcolm ends up getting a woman pregnant but nothing out of love for either a child nor the woman.
Next thing I know there's a little animal-like child who is 6 years old and he asks to be bitten. We then get the story of Clayton, a 6 year old found by and taken under the wings of Jeremy. Jeremy takes little Clayton home to Stonehaven, and Jeremy begins to teach Clay things a child needs to know: how to read, how to talk, how to play with others, and so forth.
Imagine being born a were-child, being unloved for years, then suddenly trying to do everything right. Clayton tries to please Jeremy in every way, but that's not going to happen for any of us. I truly loved the building of the relationship between Clay and Jeremy. Theirs is a touching story , but it's also dark and full of battles. There's much talk about "alpha" males and competition for best fighter, best sire, and other things.
I might be partial to Kelley Armstrong's writing, but I loved this and I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2012
This is a treasure for every fan of the werewolf pack and must read for everyone who at least likes Clay.
First, there is a short story about Jeremy's birth hence about Malcolm as well. The man had remained a complete mystery until this book and to see bits of his mind was exciting as hell. He's a polar opposite of Jeremy and he has done some horrible things to his son, but he's not a villain and so far he has been only seen from the perspective of people who are not his biggest fans. This alone makes the story worth reading.
Then there is a long story about Clay. Despite being in many Otherworld books, Clay has only been seen from other people's eyes and only after his meeting Elena. And although his past has been mentioned a couple of times, it had once again been from someone else's perspective. So this story is a treasure. It is a peek inside Clay's wolfish mind. Finally, his actions, motives and decisions are a little bit clearer. He doesn't see the world the way humans do. Yes, his mind is human, but his instincts are not. He gets that some things must be done in certain way, but he doesn't understand why and he doesn't want to. And then there's his devotion to Jeremy. After so many books it has finally become clear why Clay's inner wolf accepts Jeremy as his alpha, why his human mind regards him as a father and why he is ready to give anything to protect this man. The pack hasn't alway been the family Elena was welcomed into. Clay has seen a very different one. Became a part of it. Helped changing it. Shaped it together with Jeremy and Antonio. Then there's also Nick. I think every Clay fan has at least once wished to see how this friendship came to be. Well, here's your chance to find out. This story will make you laugh, cry and smile. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's fantastic.
And finally, there is a short story about Jeremy. After being relentlessly teased with Jeremy/Jaime bits in the first six books, I was rewarded with a mind-blowing No Humans Involved. But despite the book being too good for words and utterly satisfying, it apparently wasn't enough. Once the aftershock of finishing a great, very much anticipated book had worn off, I craved more. I still do. But at least I have this story, which shows the long awaited relationship of one determined redhead and one dense alpha from a different perspective. And what an interesting perspective it is! C'mon, the man doesn't really talk about his feelings and he only has one book to show his love. He never even really had a chance to explain why the heck it took him so long to find his way to Jaime's awaiting arms. How can his point of view not be amazing? Of course, Kitsunegari is not just a collection of Jeremy's mushy thoughts. It's Armstrong, guys. So naturally, there is action, magic, sex, demons and happy endings. Go read it. Now. And spread Jeremy/Jaime love.
First, there is a short story about Jeremy's birth hence about Malcolm as well. The man had remained a complete mystery until this book and to see bits of his mind was exciting as hell. He's a polar opposite of Jeremy and he has done some horrible things to his son, but he's not a villain and so far he has been only seen from the perspective of people who are not his biggest fans. This alone makes the story worth reading.
Then there is a long story about Clay. Despite being in many Otherworld books, Clay has only been seen from other people's eyes and only after his meeting Elena. And although his past has been mentioned a couple of times, it had once again been from someone else's perspective. So this story is a treasure. It is a peek inside Clay's wolfish mind. Finally, his actions, motives and decisions are a little bit clearer. He doesn't see the world the way humans do. Yes, his mind is human, but his instincts are not. He gets that some things must be done in certain way, but he doesn't understand why and he doesn't want to. And then there's his devotion to Jeremy. After so many books it has finally become clear why Clay's inner wolf accepts Jeremy as his alpha, why his human mind regards him as a father and why he is ready to give anything to protect this man. The pack hasn't alway been the family Elena was welcomed into. Clay has seen a very different one. Became a part of it. Helped changing it. Shaped it together with Jeremy and Antonio. Then there's also Nick. I think every Clay fan has at least once wished to see how this friendship came to be. Well, here's your chance to find out. This story will make you laugh, cry and smile. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's fantastic.
And finally, there is a short story about Jeremy. After being relentlessly teased with Jeremy/Jaime bits in the first six books, I was rewarded with a mind-blowing No Humans Involved. But despite the book being too good for words and utterly satisfying, it apparently wasn't enough. Once the aftershock of finishing a great, very much anticipated book had worn off, I craved more. I still do. But at least I have this story, which shows the long awaited relationship of one determined redhead and one dense alpha from a different perspective. And what an interesting perspective it is! C'mon, the man doesn't really talk about his feelings and he only has one book to show his love. He never even really had a chance to explain why the heck it took him so long to find his way to Jaime's awaiting arms. How can his point of view not be amazing? Of course, Kitsunegari is not just a collection of Jeremy's mushy thoughts. It's Armstrong, guys. So naturally, there is action, magic, sex, demons and happy endings. Go read it. Now. And spread Jeremy/Jaime love.
May 24, 2009
Okay, I am a HUGE fan of Kelley Armstrong. She is the only authour I've come across so far who can make me totally love her werewolves. I'm not a werewolf fan, really, but hers are irresistable, and the reason THIS particular book is rated a wee bit higher than the others (despite the fact that it's actually two short stories and two novellas) is because the novellas in question feature one of my favourite characters of all literature: Clayton Danvers. Yeah, yeah, yeah, there are a million female fans of the genre and the authour between the ages of 23 and 38 who would say exactly the same - although I bet the older ones prefer Jeremy, to be honest - but I really like him. I can't figure out what it is. And it's NOT just because he's good-looking. That would be silly. I can't SEE him. (*coughEdwardStupidCullencough*) No, it's just because of the way he speaks, his bluntness, his honesty, and the fact that there are a lot of very good reasons NOT to like him. His interestingness (yeah, I know...) manages to stick all the bad stuff down. So yep, good book.
October 29, 2009
This is collection of short stories that Kelley Armstrong first published for free on her website.
The first one is about Jeremy's birth and it gave quite a few insights into why his relationship ith his father was never good!
The second and longest part (most of the book actually) is about clayton. From his transformation into a werewolf at a very young age to Jeremy's rise as alpha. It really helps understand Clayton better. Explains why he is so protective of his pack and more specifically of Jeremy.
And the final story is more in the present but explains even more about Jeremy's background.
I really really enjoyed reading about Clay's growing up. It makes him a little more real than just what we usually get from Elena's point of view. Clayton is just a complex carachter that he really needed to be seen as more than Elena's mate. And Armstrong pulls it off quite extraordinarly.
Once again, she delivers a very intense read that makes you want more.
The first one is about Jeremy's birth and it gave quite a few insights into why his relationship ith his father was never good!
The second and longest part (most of the book actually) is about clayton. From his transformation into a werewolf at a very young age to Jeremy's rise as alpha. It really helps understand Clayton better. Explains why he is so protective of his pack and more specifically of Jeremy.
And the final story is more in the present but explains even more about Jeremy's background.
I really really enjoyed reading about Clay's growing up. It makes him a little more real than just what we usually get from Elena's point of view. Clayton is just a complex carachter that he really needed to be seen as more than Elena's mate. And Armstrong pulls it off quite extraordinarly.
Once again, she delivers a very intense read that makes you want more.
December 11, 2013
Such a great collection of short stories, from Malcolm and how Jeremy was conceived and born, to Clay, from when he first met Jeremy to being around 11, then his teen aged years, and then Jeremy's being part Japanese fox, and yeah, great collection of short stories to novellas!
*First read January 1st 2011*
I loved the beginning of this!!! Clay as a child, it was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY FUNNY!!!!!! There were parts that were sad, like his pain, and what he had to do to build his rep, but he did them in a way that caused less pain, and that made me think better of him for it. And J. (since I can't spell his name) I liked how he finally found out about his origins!
*First read January 1st 2011*
I loved the beginning of this!!! Clay as a child, it was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY FUNNY!!!!!! There were parts that were sad, like his pain, and what he had to do to build his rep, but he did them in a way that caused less pain, and that made me think better of him for it. And J. (since I can't spell his name) I liked how he finally found out about his origins!
January 20, 2009
This is a collection of 4 short stories about the men of the Otherworld. More specifically, they are short stories about Jeremy and Clay. Two, Savage and Ascension, had been on Armstrong's website until she decided that the interest was strong enough to publish. Except for the last story which should provide fodder for a future novel, these are all back story. We learn about Jeremy's birth, Clay's arrival in the pack, Jeremy's ascension to Alpha and lastly, more about his mother's people. The reader of the audio was terrific. Knowing Jeremy's past only makes him more interesting.
September 26, 2012
This book contains three related stories about Kelly Armstrong's characters. The first and third were three star, but the middle story (most of the book), was amazing. It chronicled the life of a werewolf as he grows from boy/animal to college student. What makes it interesting is the elaborate way Kelly works through the implications of his werewolf nature.
December 31, 2016
This is a book I would have loved to have read when Clay, Jeremy, Elena and Jaime were the focus of the series. Now after 13 books it's sort of meaningless but excellent nonetheless. I absolutely loved seeing Clayton's formative years and his growing into maturity and poor Jeremy, if I could kill that asshole Malcolm, I would.
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