Fantasy from the edge of the Black Forest
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Two of these stories made me cry, and with smaller word counts that’s a mark of the penmanship, the writing is superb. I loved the mix of Fantasy, Dystopia, SciFi, and tragedies. I was seriously blown away by the quality of the writing and variety of ideas. There are a couple of stories that feel similar, but they’re placed together so they compliment each other perfectly. I’ll definitely be reading more from the author.
Plagued by Rebecca R. Pierce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved it. I read a lot of short stories (flash fiction too) and this got my New Year’s reading off to the perfect start. The pace felt just right and I loved the descriptive style (the details were in the perfect spots to reveal a rich world without distracting from the plot). Personally, I felt it ended right where it should. It’s isn’t a cliffhanger, it feels “resolved” to an extent, but leaves enough undone for you to carry on the story for yourself. Five stars for thoroughly enjoyable read.
Fido and Fendi by Adaline Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having not read for a few nights, I fancied something light to read and once I started, I couldn’t stop! Fido and Fendi is funny, heart-warming, and who doesn’t like dogs?
Erin Summers is a thoroughly loveable character and I found myself rooting for her more or less off the bat. I adored the “small town” feel with gossipy neighbours and town politics, and Erin’s transformation away from “city girl” felt natural and provided a few giggles along the way.
I normally go for grittier reads and I’ve never read a “cozy mystery” before, but I’ll certainly will again, after this show-stopper!
Once Upon A Fabulous Time… by R.M. Gauthier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love short stories and the chance for ten in one edition was too good to pass up! Not only have I read new stories in this edition from authors I already adore but I’ve found new ones to love as well.
There’s a wonderful variety in this edition from the cleverly written Mr. Wizardo to the Sass-filled story of Sweet Distraction. Having different authors for each story really highlighted, for me, the variety of “voices” to each story and showcased what to expect in their other works too. I’ve picked up a few new reads from this. I’ve also devoured more of Lyra Shanti’s work which made me happy beyond belief (see my reviews of Shiva XIV for the full fan-girl experience)
My stand-out story in this collection has to be Where Darkness Lies by Joanne van Leerdam, filled with poetic beauty, pathos, love, and loyalty. It’s a story I’ll read again and again.
All the Nothing We’ve Done: A Short Story by Christina McMullen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent exercise in re-framing, I loved the different perspectives it offered on the main character’s life and choices. The balance of the seriousness of final judgment and humour in the same situation was perfect. It was short and sweet, with a sprinkling of sass. It’s also one that I know I’ll be reading again because I enjoyed it so much.
Plagued by Rebecca R. Pierce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved it. I read a lot of short stories (flash fiction too) and this got my New Year’s reading off to the perfect start. The pace felt just right and I loved the descriptive style (the details were in the perfect spots to reveal a rich world without distracting from the plot). Personally, I felt it ended right where it should. It’s isn’t a cliffhanger, it feels “resolved” to an extent, but leaves enough undone for you to carry on the story for yourself. Five stars for thoroughly enjoyable read.
The Veil of Truth by Lyra Shanti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved Shiva XIV from beginning to end and I’m happy to say that The Veil of Truth didn’t let me down either. The story has so much action, but it doesn’t feel rushed or crammed in, the pace is perfect. The main characters see brilliantly written, emotional growth and I have to admit I’m feeling a real bond with Pei. He’s so sweet and naive at times, but again, the action forces him to grow the steely temperament that was just emerging in the first book.
Whilst I had an inkling as to the ending, in terms of a general feeling that it would happen at some point, I’ll admit that I was taken by surprise nonetheless. In fact, the ending had me so hooked that I’ll be sitting on my hands until the next book.
Shiva XIV by Lyra Shanti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t wait to read the second book! The mythology of the universe in which this is set is superbly crafted, weaving together the very ancient with the distant future. This in itself sits perfectly with the themes of duality/unity that are central to the book.
What I loved most about this read though was that both my head and heart were overjoyed with it. It was thought provoking in the themes it deals with, and heart warming in the love it depicts.
I can’t recommend it enough, the plot is brilliantly realised and the writing is fantastic.
Bolded Hearts by Jane Jago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply beautiful. I normally buy a book based on the blurb, this time I went by a combination of the cover and the intriguing description. Three words. “A love story” is the perfect distillation of this tale. It is wonderfully imagined examination of love, I don’t want to give too much away but it gave me much to think about in terms of the concept.
The world building is rich and detailed, the pace was just right, yep I loved it! I’m off to add some more of the author’s work to my Goodreads “Want to Read” list.
New Horizons by Joanne Van Leerdam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A stellar collection of short stories, each one with a different take on the theme. As well as shorts, there’s some flash fiction/micro fiction in the collection which I loved. The stories don’t necessarily end all neatly wrapped up and that’s something else that I enjoyed. As for my favourite, it was “Rube”. There was a lot to think about under the surface (a trait with most of the stories, I found). Is he just a “bad seed” or is there something more to things? The way he re-writes his personal history was equally fascinating. “Lucy” was also a favourite.
The danger with collections of short stories is that there will be offerings you don’t enjoy, I am thrilled to say this wasn’t the case here. I enjoyed every minute of this read!
India Emerald 