Instigate: Sci fi and fantasy story collection

by Claudia Blood

A collection of science fiction and fantasy stories.

Embark on a journey of the mind with this extraordinary collection of fantasy and sci-fi short stories.

Meet heroes and villains, creatures and beings, in worlds beyond your wildest imagination.

Each story will transport you into a new world, where anything is possible, and every adventure is unforgettable. Whether you're a fan of wizards, spaceships, dragons, or time travel, you'll find something to love in this collection. Let your imagination soar with this spellbinding compilation of otherworldly adventures.

Some stories were previously available to my newsletter subscribers or in other anthologies.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

About the author

In spite of a busy life wrapped around a military husband, two young children, a dog, bunnies, and a day job, Claudia Blood manages to pen cozy, urban, and science fantasies.

My upcoming books:
A Christmas Tail, Horizon Echo, and Scale of the Dragon

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mix of short science fiction and fantasy stories, some only a page or two, others longer. Each was inspired by an idea for a story, which acted as prompts to create a story, using each clue given. Some set in a future that is far different to the present. There is a little bit of something for everyone, with a wide variety of different characters to pick. A compilation of short stories to wet your whistle and often leaving you wondering what might happen next. Some stranger than others, such as a strange recording device to figure out if dogs have a voice you can understand to ones connected to parts of series by the author. Another includes dragons, flying monkeys, pirates and a young witch facing a witchery competition, all to save her family. Lots of fun, some scary tales and others that are just a bit of fun. Lots of variety which should leave everyone having something they like. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating science fiction and fantasy collection

This is a collection of fifteen short stories. Six of the stories are science fiction and nine are fantasy. My favorite science fiction stories were Fine Print and Ring in the New. My favorite fantasy tales were Gargoyle and Bridge of Retribution.

What I find interesting about this collection is that the author lists the writing prompt and/or inspiration she used to come up with each story. I thought it was fascinating the direction she took with each story based on the prompt. She went in directions I didn’t anticipate. I think genre authors will like this feature too especially if they use writing prompts to help shape their stories.

I recommend this collection for readers and writers of science fiction and fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Touch of Imagination . . .

The 15 stories are a mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and some romance. The author says she used a “prompt” website to generate the basic idea of the story. That website is no longer in existence, but she includes the prompt in each story if it was still available to her. That way we can see how see interprets the prompt and what she comes up with. It fascinates me because imagining what I would write then seeing her interpretation, I knew a dozen other writers would all come up with something different! It’s a wonderful way to stimulate your mind and imagination. Whether you're a fan of wizards, spaceships, dragons, or time travel, there is something of interest to be found here. We only get a chapter’s glimpse, but you will be amazed at what the author was able to accomplish!

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of Booksprout for a fair and honest review.

Overview: Can a person be a fan of science-fiction and fantasy novels? Ms. Blood seems to think so. This is a collection of her short stories with the prompts that she drew from--when possible. How do they line up? Let's find out.

Dislikes: There were a couple of time traveling tales. They can really work the mind into a knot if you aren't careful.

Likes: The fantasy stories were a lot of fun. We got dragons, magic, and creepy paintings. Oh, gargoyles and witches.

I liked Mabel. Her story was all about what can happen to those who want to keep up with the newest technology.

And the father who wanted to save his son, was good, as long as you don't think too hard on it.

Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like speculative fiction short stories, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.

[LatinAmericas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I´ve had the chance to read this author before. It was a fantasy novel, and I enjoyed it. Now I read an interesting anthology that has made me desire following Claudia Blood since now.

I really like her writing styie and, although I prefer fantasy than scific, I´ve enjoyed both genres.

Nice and interesting collection of stories. I thing everybody should give a read to this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silindile · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great book I would loved to see more of the stories instead of just a small part. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bunch of short stories in a number of different styles. Some dystopian some fantasty some science.

All very well written and mostly clean ( some dark) good afternoon read. Or read one here and there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.