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Unlocked
I walk down a long, dark corridor filled with doors. Clutched in my hand is a ring of keys of various sizes and shapes and colors. Each key will open a door, some leading to new worlds, others hiding secrets better left forgotten, and still more holding dreams to be shared.
At the end of the hall stands a wooden chest with a golden latch. I fumble through my keys and insert one after another until the lock clicks softly. The lid feels heavy in my hand as I push it open.
Something wrapped in a cloth lays in the bottom of the chest. Carefully opening the cloth, I find a book. Is it a book of stories or a guide to my key ring? Why is the book locked away? Is it precious or might it be dangerous?
In golden letters, one word is engraved across the leather cover: Unlocked
At the end of the hall stands a wooden chest with a golden latch. I fumble through my keys and insert one after another until the lock clicks softly. The lid feels heavy in my hand as I push it open.
Something wrapped in a cloth lays in the bottom of the chest. Carefully opening the cloth, I find a book. Is it a book of stories or a guide to my key ring? Why is the book locked away? Is it precious or might it be dangerous?
In golden letters, one word is engraved across the leather cover: Unlocked
236 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Wendy S. Swore
8 books174 followersWendy S Swore farms on the Sho-Ban reservation where her corn maze and pumpkin patch is home to her five kids, two dogs, two geese, seven peacocks, eleven ducks, nineteen cats, and two hundred thirty seven chickens. She farms in the summers, writes in the winters, and would rather chew her leg off than eat something spicy.
Rep'd by Stacey Glick, Member SCBWI, Her debut novel, A Monster Like Me, comes out in March 2019.
Rep'd by Stacey Glick, Member SCBWI, Her debut novel, A Monster Like Me, comes out in March 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 28, 2010
Okay, first let me explain my involvement with this project and then I'll get into my review. I watched these writers bust their asses on this project, from conception to publication. I offered my input when they were ironing out some kinks and witnessed their kickass marketing and enthusiasm. If every writer went into projects as this group of authors did, the number of exceptional books on the shelvs would skyrocket.
Now, my rating. I couldn't give this anthology five stars. Actually, my first rating after reading the finished product was a 3-3.5 star rating. A few stories were less than spectacular in my opinion. I was impressed with more than half of them, but in a few the writer in me noticed passive voice, telling, and weak characterization. But then....
My daughter, who is the target audience for Unlocked, asked if she could read it. I said sure. It took me about three or four days to get through Unlocked, Courtney read it in a day. She couldn't put it down. I asked her opinion of the stories, and she picked out one or two that she didn't like because they didn't have enough action. But, she still loved it. She raved about Symbiote, Unlocking William, The Bookseller, and Shoshanna. Those are her favorites, but she laughed through Crop Circles and thought The Key to a Good Education was 'interesting'. What does that have to do with anything? This book is written for a YA audience and the writers hit their target dead on.
So, I reflected on my own initial reaction and realized that I was a little biased. Various factors influenced my 3 star intention. I'd seen various drafts, and knew the authors among other things.
To be fair, this book is a four star book, five stars in my daughter's opinion. I recommend this for all readers. It's worth picking up and you will find a collection of stories that are both creative and memorable.
Now, my rating. I couldn't give this anthology five stars. Actually, my first rating after reading the finished product was a 3-3.5 star rating. A few stories were less than spectacular in my opinion. I was impressed with more than half of them, but in a few the writer in me noticed passive voice, telling, and weak characterization. But then....
My daughter, who is the target audience for Unlocked, asked if she could read it. I said sure. It took me about three or four days to get through Unlocked, Courtney read it in a day. She couldn't put it down. I asked her opinion of the stories, and she picked out one or two that she didn't like because they didn't have enough action. But, she still loved it. She raved about Symbiote, Unlocking William, The Bookseller, and Shoshanna. Those are her favorites, but she laughed through Crop Circles and thought The Key to a Good Education was 'interesting'. What does that have to do with anything? This book is written for a YA audience and the writers hit their target dead on.
So, I reflected on my own initial reaction and realized that I was a little biased. Various factors influenced my 3 star intention. I'd seen various drafts, and knew the authors among other things.
To be fair, this book is a four star book, five stars in my daughter's opinion. I recommend this for all readers. It's worth picking up and you will find a collection of stories that are both creative and memorable.
October 2, 2010
I wavered between rating this anthology four or five stars. As with most anthologies, it is uneven. I liked some stories better than others. At the end of the day, I went with the higher rating because my preferences were based more on genre than writing style; I tend not to read YA urban fantasy, for example (with a few notable exceptions like Charles de Lint).
My favorites were Assassin's Keeper and Crop Circles, but all of them were well-done, using the "key" theme in different and sometimes unexpected ways.
My favorites were Assassin's Keeper and Crop Circles, but all of them were well-done, using the "key" theme in different and sometimes unexpected ways.
October 14, 2010
I won a copy of this book and I gave it five stars because the stories are excellent. I have read McCaffrey and LeGuin's short stories and these are equally engaging. Sure I liked some stories better than others but that's what personal taste is all about. I found that I wanted two of the stories to be full length, so the 5 star rating. Thanks for the fun read- I did it in one straight shot.
January 17, 2011
It is basically a book with a bunch of awesome short stories about keys. Some of the stories were pleasant, some were most exhilarating, and some were just plain creepy. Other then the stories gave great sparks of imagination and where good time consumers there isn’t much one can say about this book. I loved the all of them really, even the one with the husband and wife (even though it wasn’t YA the rest were). All of them had a similar message (well most of them): The key to knowledge is books :P Not a bad message at all! I liked that it is something you can take a break from and comeback to. If you need creative juices flowing this is a book that will do the job!
Something I noted about most of the stories was the emphasis on the importance of reading, books, or education. Most of them were young adult, there was only one that I wasn’t sure if it would be considered young adult.
It would be incredibly boring if I typed up wins and fails for every story so I decided to highlight a few of the stories that really fed my overactive imagination.
Symbiote- About a female cyborg who escapes slavery with in a company with the help of a mysterious boy. She loves and watches the stars.
Where they belong- A boy and a girl and their destiny. They stumble upon a magical world beyond the auditorium at their school. They then have to choose, stay or go?
The bookseller- A young girl inherits a bookstore and all the dark secrets kept within it too. Now she must defeat the evil within.
Something I noted about most of the stories was the emphasis on the importance of reading, books, or education. Most of them were young adult, there was only one that I wasn’t sure if it would be considered young adult.
It would be incredibly boring if I typed up wins and fails for every story so I decided to highlight a few of the stories that really fed my overactive imagination.
Symbiote- About a female cyborg who escapes slavery with in a company with the help of a mysterious boy. She loves and watches the stars.
Where they belong- A boy and a girl and their destiny. They stumble upon a magical world beyond the auditorium at their school. They then have to choose, stay or go?
The bookseller- A young girl inherits a bookstore and all the dark secrets kept within it too. Now she must defeat the evil within.
April 18, 2011
This is a great demonstration of how very different genres, styles of writing and approaches to similar topics can work together, share a common thread and entertain the reader -- and also teach or remind them that an open mind, the thirst for knowledge and the freedom to be oneself are the most important things in life.
I greatly enjoyed reading all of the stories, even though some were very different from what I normally read. They were all well told -- sorry, shown ;) -- and had something unique about them that made them memorable.
As personal tastes go (can't do much about it), I also have my favorites. I particularly liked "Unlocking William" by Jeanne Voelker and "The Key to a Good Education" by Gwendolyn McIntyre.
"Unlocking William" was down-to-the-ground realistic, and I have known quite a few of Billiam's kind, who are above-average smart and only need some encouragement, the right "key" to unlock their potential and turn their lives around. This storry really struck a chord.
"The Key to a Good Education" was very philosophical and deep, despite the [really good] tension and pace, a combination which is not easy to achieve in short fiction.
Well done to all of the authors! Your hard work and determination is well appreciated! Keep going!
I greatly enjoyed reading all of the stories, even though some were very different from what I normally read. They were all well told -- sorry, shown ;) -- and had something unique about them that made them memorable.
As personal tastes go (can't do much about it), I also have my favorites. I particularly liked "Unlocking William" by Jeanne Voelker and "The Key to a Good Education" by Gwendolyn McIntyre.
"Unlocking William" was down-to-the-ground realistic, and I have known quite a few of Billiam's kind, who are above-average smart and only need some encouragement, the right "key" to unlock their potential and turn their lives around. This storry really struck a chord.
"The Key to a Good Education" was very philosophical and deep, despite the [really good] tension and pace, a combination which is not easy to achieve in short fiction.
Well done to all of the authors! Your hard work and determination is well appreciated! Keep going!
December 7, 2011
I stumbled across this book and was immediately caught by the concept. All these short stories involve a key, and have all been written by authors I have never heard of. All of them have managed to deliver something that is definitely worth the read.
I planned to read one story a day, but some of these gave me sleeping issues and made me reluctant to continue. I am glad to have persevered, though, because enjoyed I the last few stories more than the others. This isn't the kind of book that I would normally read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I planned to read one story a day, but some of these gave me sleeping issues and made me reluctant to continue. I am glad to have persevered, though, because enjoyed I the last few stories more than the others. This isn't the kind of book that I would normally read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
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December 20, 201010 stories. 9 authors. A key to tie them all together.
Assassin's Keeper by Jaimey Grant
Sable kills to rid the world of the corrupted nobles of old London. Her keeper's job is to clean up her messes. I wished this story would go on forever. I'd love to see what happens next.
My favorite quote: "Sable hated it when a killing went too smoothly. It was like thumbing one’s nose at the devil, taunting him to do his worst."
Crop Circles by Wendy Swore
A teenage boy working on his uncle's farm finds himself harvesting tourists rather than wheat when crop circles are found in the wheat field. What I liked best about this story is Wendy's strong, unique voice. She had me smiling from the first line.
My favorite quote: I glanced at the half dozen holes that dotted the field, like the ground opened up and swallowed the wheat whole. John Deere or otherwise, no combine on earth could fix this. “I don’t see how. The wheat’s ruined.”
“We ain’t going to harvest the wheat. See, the key is how you spin it.
Symbiote by Rita Webb *yeah, that's me*
Cyborg RW1211 dreams of freedom, but dreaming is against the rules. She spends her days pretending to be a good little slave girl and her nights staring at the stars and arguing with voices only she can hear.
My favorite quote:
“I have dreams.”
“Running through your stored images during stasis isn't dreaming. You're such a child.”
“Children are alive, so I must be alive too.”
Ran out of time. Will add more later...
Assassin's Keeper by Jaimey Grant
Sable kills to rid the world of the corrupted nobles of old London. Her keeper's job is to clean up her messes. I wished this story would go on forever. I'd love to see what happens next.
My favorite quote: "Sable hated it when a killing went too smoothly. It was like thumbing one’s nose at the devil, taunting him to do his worst."
Crop Circles by Wendy Swore
A teenage boy working on his uncle's farm finds himself harvesting tourists rather than wheat when crop circles are found in the wheat field. What I liked best about this story is Wendy's strong, unique voice. She had me smiling from the first line.
My favorite quote: I glanced at the half dozen holes that dotted the field, like the ground opened up and swallowed the wheat whole. John Deere or otherwise, no combine on earth could fix this. “I don’t see how. The wheat’s ruined.”
“We ain’t going to harvest the wheat. See, the key is how you spin it.
Symbiote by Rita Webb *yeah, that's me*
Cyborg RW1211 dreams of freedom, but dreaming is against the rules. She spends her days pretending to be a good little slave girl and her nights staring at the stars and arguing with voices only she can hear.
My favorite quote:
“I have dreams.”
“Running through your stored images during stasis isn't dreaming. You're such a child.”
“Children are alive, so I must be alive too.”
Ran out of time. Will add more later...
August 28, 2011
An interesting anthology of short stories all containing a connection to a ¨key¨! Although I enjoyed some stories and writing styles more than others, I did enjoy the different interpretations of the key motif. My favorite stories - and ones I think I would use with students - were ¨Crop Circles¨, ¨Symbiote¨, ¨Survival¨, and ¨Shoshanna¨.
In a secondary classroom, it would be fun to use these stories in collaborative reading and writing projects. Small groups could each be assigned a different story (based on reading ability and preferences) and then present to the whole class that would include of course how the idea of a ¨key¨ was used. Each group could then work together to write their own ¨key¨ short story.
I appreciated the brief author bios at the back of the book and was super pleased to see that one of my favorite stories, ¨Shoshanna¨, was written by a high school student. Great motivation for other aspiring young authors!
I downloaded the free PDF (awesome!), but I also won a paperback copy of the book from the related Goodreads group.
In a secondary classroom, it would be fun to use these stories in collaborative reading and writing projects. Small groups could each be assigned a different story (based on reading ability and preferences) and then present to the whole class that would include of course how the idea of a ¨key¨ was used. Each group could then work together to write their own ¨key¨ short story.
I appreciated the brief author bios at the back of the book and was super pleased to see that one of my favorite stories, ¨Shoshanna¨, was written by a high school student. Great motivation for other aspiring young authors!
I downloaded the free PDF (awesome!), but I also won a paperback copy of the book from the related Goodreads group.
September 27, 2010
My feelings about this book vary just as the stories in this book vary. There were some stories I really liked, some I didn't like so well and some that were just okay. Such a mixed bag of ideas here. It's my understanding that this book is labeled as YA, which is such a broad age range. (15-25) For the most part, I agree.
Assassin's Keeper was the first story in the book and honestly, the most shocking. I didn't like it and I would never recommend it as reading material for younger readers. (18+, I would say.) This book was completely opposite most of the other books written. I'm glad I chose to keep reading instead of assuming all the stories were like this one. Most of the others I enjoyed reading.
My favorites were Symbiote, Shoshana and A Key to a Good Education. These were stories where I wanted to know more, to have the rest of the story.
Crop Circles and Unlocking William were the most innocent reads, and would be appropriate for younger readers.
My review and ratings guide will be posted soon at http://www.theliteratemother.org
Assassin's Keeper was the first story in the book and honestly, the most shocking. I didn't like it and I would never recommend it as reading material for younger readers. (18+, I would say.) This book was completely opposite most of the other books written. I'm glad I chose to keep reading instead of assuming all the stories were like this one. Most of the others I enjoyed reading.
My favorites were Symbiote, Shoshana and A Key to a Good Education. These were stories where I wanted to know more, to have the rest of the story.
Crop Circles and Unlocking William were the most innocent reads, and would be appropriate for younger readers.
My review and ratings guide will be posted soon at http://www.theliteratemother.org
November 1, 2010
The assasin's keeper kept me on my toes all the time. It was awesome. I liked how it included the pain and sorrow of love.
Crop Circles was amazing. It made me laugh until I sounded like a dying car engine.
The Symboite was kinda weird but very exciting science fiction.
Where they belong was a weird story through and through.
Survival was better than the last one but not by much.
Unlocking william was about everyday like stuff.
Shoshanna was brilliant and awesome.
The Key to a Good education was good and sad at the same moment.
The book seller was a little confusing here and there.
Her father's eyes will probably give me nighmares the rest of my life. ;p
I really liked the book overall it had good variety of all my favorite stuff. The cover is awesome too. I can't wait to read another like this!
Crop Circles was amazing. It made me laugh until I sounded like a dying car engine.
The Symboite was kinda weird but very exciting science fiction.
Where they belong was a weird story through and through.
Survival was better than the last one but not by much.
Unlocking william was about everyday like stuff.
Shoshanna was brilliant and awesome.
The Key to a Good education was good and sad at the same moment.
The book seller was a little confusing here and there.
Her father's eyes will probably give me nighmares the rest of my life. ;p
I really liked the book overall it had good variety of all my favorite stuff. The cover is awesome too. I can't wait to read another like this!
September 7, 2010
Never review your own work... even if... No! Make that 'especially' if you don't want to be accused of having multiple personality disorder.
Besides... what do you say? I love my own writing? The best short story I've ever written?
Sounds silly, Yes?
Inside this anthology you'll find a collection of stories by a group of very talented writers, some of whom are already published, who are busy perfecting their craft.
We hope you'll enjoy reading the stories as much as we did creating them for your entertainment and enlightenment.
...and a special thanks to authors Rita Webb and Wendy Swore for their hard work as anthology editors and organisers of the promotional pages and resources.
Gwendolyn McIntyre
Friday, The 13th of August, 2010
Besides... what do you say? I love my own writing? The best short story I've ever written?
Sounds silly, Yes?
Inside this anthology you'll find a collection of stories by a group of very talented writers, some of whom are already published, who are busy perfecting their craft.
We hope you'll enjoy reading the stories as much as we did creating them for your entertainment and enlightenment.
...and a special thanks to authors Rita Webb and Wendy Swore for their hard work as anthology editors and organisers of the promotional pages and resources.
Gwendolyn McIntyre
Friday, The 13th of August, 2010
July 14, 2012
Most of the stories were great considering they were so short and free. I have to say those the last first story, the first story, and the one about the alori were by far my favorites. All the others were cute and I was happy to read them to pass the time. However, when one my favorite 3 ended I was left a bit saddened.. looking for a small epilogue just to have one more page on each. Especially the first story....why oh why did you end so?! I won't lie two of the stories weren't my preferred writing style, while good they couldn't capture me as I wasn't the intended audience. It happens during this large of a mash up of authors. Still worth the 4 out of 5 though :)
Alas, I will give nothing away! go read it for yourself ^_^
Alas, I will give nothing away! go read it for yourself ^_^
Want to read
August 17, 2010Paige Ray has a story in this book! Ayee! I must read it!
January 6, 2011
Ten stories vary greatly from each other in genre and style of writing. Like with many anthologies I had my favorites and the ones that were obviously not "my cup of tea." Since the stories were not too long and it was obvious that all authors invested themselves and took great care and mastery to craft their pieces, I did not mind the ones I did not care for and enjoyed myself with the ones I clicked with. It was a great way for me to sample several new authors at once and to see if I wanted to be on a lookout for more books by them. I am happy to say that at least two, Wendy Swore and Rita J. Webb, caught my attention and I will be checking to see what they may come up with in the near future. I thought that Rita J. Webb's "Symbiote" was spectacular and had a novel potential. In fact, it is my hope that the author will one day expand it into a novel. I will be first to buy.
I think the collection is well put together. I loved the "key" thread connecting all the stories. Because the genres vary so wildly from fantasy, to si-fi, to mystery, it will be easy for most readers to find an author they can connect with.
Anthology is always a bit of an adventure, like putting a hand into a bag of prizes and hoping to get something you are familiar with and love, but also hoping for an unknown wild prize you never would have thought you could like. Here you get to keep all the prizes and, hopefully, discover a few new authors you may want to learn more about.
I think the collection is well put together. I loved the "key" thread connecting all the stories. Because the genres vary so wildly from fantasy, to si-fi, to mystery, it will be easy for most readers to find an author they can connect with.
Anthology is always a bit of an adventure, like putting a hand into a bag of prizes and hoping to get something you are familiar with and love, but also hoping for an unknown wild prize you never would have thought you could like. Here you get to keep all the prizes and, hopefully, discover a few new authors you may want to learn more about.
Read
July 28, 2010Available August 13th, 2010, my short story, Crop Circles, is part of this FREE download. This collection of short stories is appropriate for YA readers but entertaining enough for adults too.
Humor, Regency, Fantasy, Horror,Coming of Age... Each of the 10 stories offers it's own spin on the key theme that binds them all. Check it out!
Humor, Regency, Fantasy, Horror,Coming of Age... Each of the 10 stories offers it's own spin on the key theme that binds them all. Check it out!
November 13, 2010
I was really excited to start this book, and and so glad to say I really enjoyed it. All of these stories kept the book fast paced, and I was really eager to begin each new section. Although I liked the seperate stories, it seemed that they could have had a bit more detail. In the end though, Unlocked was a book I'm glad I read - Thank you Rita J. Webb!
Read
March 1, 2021I was really hoping that this book of short stories would be good, and they were really just ok...some of them much better than others. Frankly about half of them were really not interesting to me at all. Overall 2 to 2 1/2 stars, a few of the stories a 3. Also, it's a bit odd that so many of the authors "reviewed" and "rated" their own stories here...
September 2, 2010
I have a story in this book, so I can't rightly review it. I do want to say, however, that the authors who participated are extremely talented. I respect them very much, and I think we've pulled together a solid and entertaining anthology.
July 17, 2011
My favourite were "Crop Circles", "Symbiote", "Survival", and "Unlocking William" because I liked both the plots and the sense of completion they had. Overall I liked reading this collection of stories and I would be very glad if the stories where later developed into full-length novels.
November 9, 2010
it was great! all of the stories were well writen and i really liked it.
Read
October 29, 2010This book was pretty amazing i loved pretty much all the parts!! iff i had to read a book for my whole life, i would pick this one!!
January 5, 2012
Very uneven selection, and the ebook was dreadfully in need of editing. However, some of the stories were quite memorable. My favorites were Unlocking William, The Assassin's Keeper, and Symbiote.
November 29, 2012
A few short stories centered around 'keys'.
My favorites:
* Where They Belong
* Symbiote
* Shoshanna
* The Bookseller
My favorites:
* Where They Belong
* Symbiote
* Shoshanna
* The Bookseller
February 6, 2011
"Unlocked" is the combined effort of various authors, and it is apparent in the book itself. The book is an amalgamation of emotions, it ranges from the inspiring to the grotesque and creepy - but all of the stories are actually quite interesting. Although not all stories may be likable by one person, the fact that this book offers so many unique stories, in so many unique voices, that all tie into a single theme makes this book well worth the read. It offers variety, it offers imagination, it offers inspiration and above all, it offers an excellent morale, that there's a "key" to it all - but I leave YOU to find out for yourself what that key is! An enjoyable read.
November 15, 2010
I won this book through the Goodreads First-Reads giveaway program so, a big "Thank You" to Goodreads and the publisher for this book.
I went back and forth rating this one either 3 or 4 stars. I thought Symbiote was great and could make a really good full novel. A couple of the other stories were almost too short though. I know that they're short stories but they were so short I had a hard time feeling vested in the them.
All in all though, Unlocked is a good collection of short stories and a very quick read. I think the younger kids would really like this one.
I went back and forth rating this one either 3 or 4 stars. I thought Symbiote was great and could make a really good full novel. A couple of the other stories were almost too short though. I know that they're short stories but they were so short I had a hard time feeling vested in the them.
All in all though, Unlocked is a good collection of short stories and a very quick read. I think the younger kids would really like this one.
May 29, 2011
free e-book and by one of my favorites <3 it!
August 3, 2013
Ten short stories, focusing on the word 'Key'; direct or indirect meaning. I think it was the cover that caught my attention, but reading the stories then… I liked only like half of them.
Well, first, when I was like halfway through, I already thought about writing a bad review because it just wasn't that great. But I think the last three stories saved it from getting only 2 stars. Those really grabbed me and I was eager to find out how they ended.
For other stories, though, I wondered what the 'Key' element was.
Overall, an okay read to pass the time.
Well, first, when I was like halfway through, I already thought about writing a bad review because it just wasn't that great. But I think the last three stories saved it from getting only 2 stars. Those really grabbed me and I was eager to find out how they ended.
For other stories, though, I wondered what the 'Key' element was.
Overall, an okay read to pass the time.
books-i-wrote-or-contributed-to
September 12, 2010I won't rate this since I have two stories in this anthology and I don't feel right rating it. It would throw off the average rating since I am clearly a biased reader. That said, in my opinion, each of these stories has something to offer the reader. I recommend it and the best part, it's free!
Download at www.unlockedproject.com
Download at www.unlockedproject.com
December 25, 2013
A real piece of art, though I loved some short stories better than others, especially the two last ones. I didn't enjoy number one but I gotta say the ideas of another world and all the keys included was pretty original. All in all, loved the collection
November 3, 2015
It's all about key. Ada 10 cerpen dalam buku ini. Saya suka Assassin's Keeper karya Jaimey Grant dengan ending yang tragis dramatis, walau sudah bisa diduga. Karakter Sable sangat kuat. Cerita lainnya juga bagus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews