Janxx and Eliseo Daisani are two of the most interesting Old Race characters in Murphy's Negotiator series. One a dragon and one a vampire, they are not good guys, being cagey tricksters and criminals caught in a centuries long rivalry. But this rivalry has evolved into friendship, an intimacy that binds them together, so that even as they compete against one another, they can't really live without each other. Each of them is as likely to do they right thing for wicked reasons as they are to do evil deeds for good reasons. Ultimately, they are just a lot of fun.

This collection of stories brings Janxx and Eliseo to the forefront by weaving together a series of stories in chronological order, and filling in some of the bast stories from the trilogy. Many of them are told from the point of view of other characters, mostly women who either serve as the focus of their rivalry, most especially Baba Yaga's Daughter, who is also a key part of these stories. Though the women tend to be the "prize" that both Eliseo and Janxx hope to win, it should not be thought that these women are merely objects to be obtained. They have their own stories and their own strengths and don't fall for Janxx and Eliseo's games.

The writing is consistently good, though as with most short story collections, there were some I liked more than others. Most of them I thoroughly enjoyed. "The Knight's Tale," about how Rebecca Knight met Eliseo Daisani and was presented with an offer that could change her life, was by far my favorite. There was a bitter sweet tone to it that I adored, and the ending was lovely.

As to whether you need to read the Negotiator trilogy before reading these stories, I'd say it was kind of a toss up. I think reading the trilogy first might add to one's enjoyment, but the collection progresses to reveal a nearly complete story, almost a novel in its own right. So, I think you could read this collection and still enjoy it. ( )

A series of interconnected stories in the world, but not the time, of the Negotiator. Beginning in old world Russia with a bet involving the daughter of the book's title and sweeping through world events such as the Chicago Fire and Woodstock, Murphy follows Baba Yaga's daughters, vampire Enrico Daisani and the dragonlord Janx. As the blurb says, the stories, told in various styles and voices, flesh the world out and answer some questions of background. They'll also whet your appetite for more. What they didn't do, at least for me, is encourage any close rapport with any of the characters. ( )