1st Book Review (a two for one)

I just finished Mysteria Lane, an anthology that is a kind of sequel to Mysteria.  Both by MaryJanice Davidson (of Betsy the Vampire Queen fame), Susan Grant, Gena Showalter, and P.C. Cast (part of the House of Night series writer mother/daughter duo of P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast).  I have to say I liked Mysteria a little better than Mysteria Lane.  Anthologies are tricky for me.  I generally only read them if I recognize and like more than one of the authors or if I know that one of the stories is part of a series that I am currently following.  I think the former is what drove me to pick up and read Mysteria.  Also the premise behind these two anthologies centers around characters in the town of Mysteria.  So it almost like reading a collection of assorted short stories with the same general setting to tie it together as opposed to an anthology that just has a loose them to bind them. 

Like: "Here are some stories about vampires."  Thanks, that was super-vague and I am completely not interested. 

Mysteria and Mysteria Lane have an interesting gimmick with the commonality of setting though.  I would definitely read both of them.  I found that I liked the majority of the stories in both.  And the great thing about anthologies is if you don't like one story, just skip to the next.  You don't have to give up on the whole book.  The one big disappointment I had with Mysteria Lane was Davidson's story.  Lame-o. 

I'm sure there are some book review purists that don't think it is possible to review a book without reading every word... but I am of the mind that there are so many books I want to read, why spend time on one I don't?  Unless I'm getting paid to review...(just holla atta girl if you need a reviewer!)