Third Name's a Charm: Tales of Trios & Triple Threats

by Susan Stradiotto, Sky Sommers, Meadoe Hora

All good things come in threes.
Once upon a time, a group of authors accepted the challenge from a fairy tale name generator. Not just once or twice, but thrice! Volume three of these quirky stories is a collection stories featuring trios and triple threats.
In this clean YA anthology, follow the fates of three IVF-manufactured (oops, sorry, potion-begotten) triplet princesses, be enlisted as the third lucky bodyguard to stave off monsters, see if the third wand works wonders for an unlucky mage, try to discover the true name of a unicorn prince, discover why the magical artefacts come in threes and climb towers with thieves to step into abductions of well-known fairytale characters.
Don’t forget, with the rule of three, there are always exceptions. Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and maybe you’ll be thrice enchanted.
All proceeds donated to a charity in support of reading and literacy.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2024

About the author

Susan Stradiotto is passionate about the written word, whether it is in her own writing or her editing practice. She is a fan of well-told stories. Susan is always searching for unique voices and stories that tell a truth. As Neil Gaiman said in his master class, “Write the truest story you can.” She believes that is what makes a story sing.

Susan is an author of fantasy and romance and has professional editorial experience with genres such as romance, memoir, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction. She attended Capella University for her BS in Information Technology and the University of Chicago’s Graham School for her professional editing certification. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, a hoard of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and one Miniature Dachshund.

Instagram: @susanstradiotto or https://www.instagram.com/susanstradi...

Author website, worldbuilding blog, and book reviews: https://susanstradiotto.com

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanstradio...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanstradi...

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanstradiotto


Write-In-Progress
A serial novel based on George MacDonald’s 𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑠: 𝐴 𝐹𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛.

Reviews

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of stories which revisited some old friends I knew previously and met new friends along the way. These stories involved the number three whether it was three wishes, three tasks, three people or other combinations.

Each story was captivating and very well written. Those I knew before were a delight to “see” them again though one story found them in a precarious situation until her “ three treasures “were summoned by her desperate desire to save herself and her husband not knowing if they would appear because they didn’t have an item normally needed to summon them. However, they did and it was a satisfying ending I must say for the story!

Courage, belief in oneself and faith are evident in most of these stories and they would serve us well to remember that in our own lives as we go through our daily tasks.

I enjoyed these stories and these anthologies and urge you to get and read them. They all support great causes that need more support from people just like you and me. It would be nice if governments would step in and offer money and help without strings attached but that rarely happens so it’s up to us to try to help these organizations with what we can.

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this anthology and tell your friends and get them to read and tell their friends and speak the word. These stories are not to be missed and you’ll be helping a good cause at the same time!

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great collection of stories!

1. A Feather for a Kingdom by K.A. Last
"Not all battles need to be fought with a sword." A wonderful tale of seeing inner beauty.

2. Three Eyes of Ra by Elena Shelest
Egyptian archaeology in fantasy? Yes please! My two greatest loves.

3. The Sea Witch Book of Shadows by Kristin Harley
Definitely not what I was expecting, but this was a fun tale! I'd read an extended version.

4. The Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley
Loved the prince and princess in this story!

5. The Haunting of Neve Ravensblood by S Johnson
These glimpses into Neve's younger years really makes me want to read the series.

6. Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery
Such an original Rumpelstiltskin retelling! I loved it.

7. Forged Destiny by M.S. Weaver
I love this story so much and now all I want to do is reread the related stories in the previous anthologies l.

8. Lady of Forests and Seas by Astrid V.J.
"You are the heir, Johara. But more than that, you are my life. Your safety is everything." I loved seeing Johara again and I really hope her story is continued in another of Astrid's books.

9. To Catch a Thief by Sky Sommers
Fun continuation of Sommers' other books. I really need to read her Goddesses series.

10. Allie's Dream by Eurelia Winters
Quick, fun story about a trio of friends who have to stay the night in a haunted house

11. The Unicorn of Sovatia by N.D.T. Casale
Another quick story, but it was really interesting! I'd love an expansion.

12. Threads if the Battlefield by Meadoe Hora
This was so good! I don't think I've read a story about a Kere before.

13. Third Year's a Charm by Marie Reed
Hey that's me!

14. The Guardian of the Falling Rains by B. Luna Covello
Covello's descriptions are just perfect. Loved this.

15. Lavender Locks and the Three Trolls by Alex Stubblefield
Loved this addition to Stubblefield's What's in A Name stories!

16. Amira and the Healing Flower by Ashley Steffenson
I really want more from this world! It's so different from the others in this book.

17. At the Crossroads by Sarina Langer
"Don't let anyone take away who you are" This seriously almost made me cry. Such an important and powerful message. And hurray for more Jirina! I have a book to catch up on in this series before the next one comes out.

18. In the Wicked Wilds by Jo Holloway
The Cursed Globe stories have all been so fun and have a fantastic universe building. This was a great addition.

19. Some Gnarly Sea Monsters by Donna White
Such an original concept and so much packed into a short story---from sea monsters to famous ice cream.

20. The Gambit of Threes by Susan Stradiotto
I'm really interested to see where this and the other story I've read from this world lead.

[Elena Shelest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of fun short stories by various authors. Different subgenres of fantasy. You will be sure to find a handful of stories to your taste and discover new authors.

[Marie Sinadjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anthologies and short stories. Some days I just really like taking a book slow, reading a chapter (or in this case, a story) or two a day, in between work meetings or before going to bed. And this had such a fun concept!

It's well curated too, in that there's a cohesive magical/fairytale feel to the stories (aside from the theme of threes) even those that take place in contemporary settings.

I also loved seeing familiar names and authors I've come to love after discovering them in the Enchanted Forests anthology! Elena Shelest is one of my favorites, and I particularly enjoyed how different Three Eyes of Ra was from her other stories. (I hope she writes a full novel or novella for this!)

The best part? All of the anthology's proceeds are donated to a charity in support of reading and literacy. It's nice being able to support a good cause by reading.

[Elena Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this collection. All stories are different and unique, but they’re all wonderfully written and each one is interesting in its own way. So many different worlds to immerse yourself in!

I’ve read stories by some of these authors before, and was happy to discover new authors too. That’s one thing I love about anthologies!

[DJWman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delve into a world of enchantment and wonder with 'Third Name’s A Charm: Tales of Trios and Triple Threats.' This delightful collection features 20 fantasy stories penned by a roster of beloved authors, each offering a unique take on classic fairytales and modern twists alike. Whether you're drawn to fairytale retellings or crave a contemporary spin on fantasy, this anthology has something for everyone. What sets this anthology apart is its commitment to connecting readers with the authors behind each tale, providing valuable insight into their worlds and inviting readers to explore further. With a diverse range of subgenres and storytelling styles, 'Third Name’s A Charm' promises to captivate readers and introduce them to new literary treasures.

The first story, "A Feather for a Kingdom" by K. A. Last, immediately caught my attention as I am a fan of her Happily Ever After books. I was not disappointed; this tale is just as enchanting as her previous works. Through the journey of three princes tasked with finding treasures, Last beautifully conveys the message that true beauty lies within a person, rather than merely on the surface. The humility of the third prince, who accepts help from a friend, serves as a poignant reminder that kindness triumphs over arrogance. As the princes embark on their quest guided by mystical feathers, readers are treated to a heartwarming retelling that emphasises the importance of compassion, friendship and that it is what is on the inside that counts. This delightful story offers a refreshing take on the tradition of passing the torch to the next heir, infusing it with themes of love, care, and hope. With its well-paced narrative and uplifting message, "A Feather for a Kingdom" is a joy to read from beginning to end.

Another tale I was drawn to was "Threads of Gold" by Rebecca Fittery. The story begins where opening a bottle unleashes an angry fae who curses the protagonist, Ori, to speak only lies for three days. This unique curse sets the stage for a series of compelling events, as Ori grapples with the challenges of navigating her newfound role as queen while unable to speak the truth. Fittery masterfully explores the complexities of morality and the consequences of curses on individuals, weaving a tale that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Despite the constraints of her curse, Ori demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness as she navigates the intricacies of her situation, finding clever ways to convey her true intentions amidst a sea of falsehoods. The romance adds another layer of depth to the story, portraying a heartfelt and genuine connection between Ori and her beloved, Fintan. Despite the obstacles posed by Ori's curse, their bond shines through, underscoring the power of love to transcend adversity. I was particularly impressed by Fittery's adept pacing and narrative skill, which allowed for a richly developed story within the confines of a short tale. The twists and turns kept me engaged from start to finish, and I appreciated the fresh perspective Fittery brought to the Rumplestiltskin narrative. As someone new to Fittery's work, "Threads of Gold" left a lasting impression, and I eagerly anticipate delving into more of her stories in the future. Her ability to craft compelling characters and imaginative worlds speaks to her talent as a storyteller, and I look forward to experiencing more of her creative vision.

"Forged Destiny" by M.S. Weaver presents a captivating twist on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, offering readers a fresh perspective on the familiar narrative. Weaver skillfully reimagines the roles of the villain and victims, adding layers of complexity to the story and reshaping the motivations behind the curse.
The narrative delves into the consequences of the curse, highlighting the sacrifices made by the protagonists and the challenges they face in their quest to save the princess. The fusion of elements such as dragons, elves, and magic mirrors adds an enchanting dimension to the story, transporting readers to a vividly imagined world.
The narrative's blend of adventure, romance, and intrigue kept me engaged throughout, leaving me eager to explore more of Weaver's work. Overall, "Forged Destiny" is a compelling and imaginative retelling of Sleeping Beauty that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved fairy tale. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and vibrant world-building, this short story lays the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting series. I eagerly anticipate future installments and look forward to revisiting the related stories in previous anthologies.

In conclusion, 'Third Name’s A Charm' is a treasure trove of fantastical delights, offering a diverse array of stories that will enchant and enthrall readers of all ages. With its masterful storytelling, richly imagined worlds, and compelling characters, this anthology is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction. Prepare to be transported to realms beyond imagination and lose yourself in the magic of these captivating tales.

[Astrid V.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection with a little something for everyone. The great variety of stories is quite something, and nevertheless there's a strong fairytale vibe throughout. Some stories are more whimsical, others more focused on action; together, they offer bite-sized opportunities to escape reality for half an hour at a time. Perfect reading for a busy day.

And if that's not reason enough to get this charming anthology, then the fact all profits are being donated to support literacy ought to be the best incentive to give it a try.

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Good things come in threes."

"Here there be dragons."

Each of the stories in this book deals with sets of three: three days, three quests, or three beings. Ah - but such days! such quests! such beings!

Each of these lively, well-written stories treats the triplex well, setting up the scene, moving the plot along smoothly, and wrapping up nicely.

Here are three examples:

K A Last - "A Feather for a Kingdom"

Three princes, each with a feather to guide them, are to retrieve three items each to determine who will lead the kingdom when the time comes. How will that turn out?

Elena Shelest - "Three Eyes of Ra"

Professor Layla Hesham is sent on three quests to three separate museums by an unknown individual. Will she learn the identity and why she was sent on those specific quests?

Astrid V.J. - Lady of Forests and Seas

After telling the story of the interaction of three people (and supporting characters), the story ends with three questions.

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read, not only are the stories diverse and fun filled but also transportive. This YA collection is full of different sub-genres meaning there really is something for every lover of fantasy and fairytales. I thought A Feather for a Kingdom was really lovely and a nice start to the collection. The Three Eyes of Ra read like a cross between The Mummy and Indiana Jones (I need a whole book just like this now). Another stand out for me was Threads of Gold, such a great fairytale rewrite with curses and a few twists and turns! How the authors get so much into the short stories is a testament to their writing skills, you can see the imaginations and it’s all for a good cause too!

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 20 short stories, all different areas of fantasy, each one by one our favorite authors. There is going to be many that you love and classify as “your favorite”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I love the charity that proceeds support! I highly recommend you read and be ready to sit back, relax, and be entertained!

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Gambit of Threes (Seeker of the Arcane short) - Susan Stradiotto
We all get lost at one time or another as if a ship tossed about upon the seas…

Learn all the survival skills you can:
The negotiating of sales, the picking of locks, the spending of coin.
The choosing of crew, the matching of mates, the selecting of scams.
The deciding of destinations, the escape of enforcers, the finding of food.

[R.M. Krogman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for "Three Eyes of Ra" by Elena Shelest

As usual, Shelest packs a great amount of character and story into a small space! "Three Eyes of Ra" is a short story in the "Third Name's a Charm" anthology, and an enjoyable read although I wanted more! It sets up a bigger adventure that Shelest could easily keep going on, but can't do in the short story format alone, which is its biggest injustice.

This story features a main character that reminded me of Evie from "The Mummy" and features references to Egyptology (history being one of Shelest's strengths and passions). However, it is set in modern-day France with a mysterious Illuminati-type "somebody" dealing the cards. Check it out!

4.5/5 ⭐️

[Ashley Anne Steffenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a tapestry of genres and themes interwoven in this YA anthology, there is a story waiting to resonate with every reader, making it a truly inclusive experience. From fairytale & folklore retellings to unique world-building & dungeons & dragons vibes, you’ll be sure to find a story that resonates with you!

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good adventurous read with a captivating storyline! Filled with tension and survival. Loved how strong the fmc was as well.

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

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWS:
*A Feather for a Kingdom by K. A. Last
Beauty is not only about women's looks.
Many wise sayings by which we should all strive to live.

*Three Eyes of Ra by Elena Shelest
The dangers of “favors”.
Best to finish one’s coffee and croissant before tackling any task.

*The Sea Witch’s Book of Shadows by Kristin Harley
Is there truly a book heaven???

*The Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley
Choose your spouse wisely. True love and faithful partnerships need not be forced…

*The Haunting of Neve Ravensblood by Sophia-Rose Johnson
Avoid being haunted…and don’t ‘trust humans in the woods’.

*Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery
Faithfulness pays off.

*Forged Destiny by M.S. Weaver
Caught in the crossfire of hatred.

*To Catch a Thief by Sky Sommers
Be an adventurous rogue.

*Allie’s Dream by Eurelia Winters
Our dreams are worth the risks to obtain them.

*The Unicorn of Sovatia by N.D.T. Casale
‘A man’s love for a woman is a powerful thing’, so beware how much you give.

*Threads of the Battlefields by Meadoe Hora
Man’s battles are fought on many a ground, not only in fields or in sky.
If only we sought glory in improving lives rather than in taking them.

*Third Year’s A Charm by Marie Reed
Envy is such a poison…

*The Guardian of the Falling Rains by B. Luna Covello
Ethical bounty-hunting – who’d a thunk!

*Lavender Locks and the Three Trolls by Alex Stubblefield
Our quests and accomplishments are ours alone…it must be so in order for our potential to be fully realized.

*Amira and the Healing Flower (prequel to ‘Shadows of Washoden’) - by Ashley Steffenson
If only all cultures had a rite of passage that included survival trials, then we would learn so much about our surroundings and then perhaps to respect and protect them. If only…
‘A friend is not a true friend unless he protects his friend in his misfortune, in his absence, and in his death.’


***At the Crossroads (character introduced in “Chaos of Esta Anderson #3) - by Sarina Langer
‘Don’t let anyone take away who you are.’
Find your comfort zone and add your personal touches to it.

***In the Wicked Wilds by Jo Holloway
Don’t break a Trinity…ever.
Triangles are the most stable form - checks and balances as well as a look-out. 😊

***Some Gnarly Sea Monsters by Donna White
Pick a trio of homemade algae ice cream.

***Gambit of Threes (Seeker of the Arcane short) - Susan Stradiotto
We all get lost at one time or another as if a ship tossed about upon the seas…
Learn all the survival skills you can:
The negotiating of sales, the picking of locks, the spending of coin.
The choosing of crew, the matching of mates, the selecting of scams.
The deciding of destinations, the escape of enforcers, the finding of food.

[Rukshy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gambit of Three
This is a short novella that leaves you wanting more. Elara joins up with a group of bandits post the burning of her home, who try to run a con. I'm not sure that this story really adds to the whole plot, nor does it really advance the character of Elara. 3/5 stars.

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

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of Gambit Of Threes by Susan Stradiotto is part of Third Name's A Charm Anthology and is an extremely short tale giving a glimpse of just a few days in the life of Lara aka Elara Thornwood, who is part human part fae, after she joined with a small group of travellers after struggling all alone on the road, which turned out to be a dangerous place all alone after fleeing the only home she knew after her village was destroyed by Eladrin Fae.

Elara Thornwood goes by the alias Lara Wiseheart, after pushed away from her village of Aelwyn’s Reach, after an attack by the Eladrin Fae, who burnt down the village, killing many including her mother. Her own aunt blamed her for summoning the elemental fire magic that destroyed the village, but she only had power over water and can no longer access it at all. She struggled to survive on the roads by herself until she joined a small group of travellers, led by Cassian Marlowe aka Fox, negotiator Nico, muscle Bram, scout Elena and Ivy who seems to fix items for them to barter with. Ivy apparently has a Ternion Codex, which should be worth some serious coin, which is much needed before they move onto the next village or town, as they have no money for food even at the moment. Nico attempts to sell the Codex, but the bookseller in the market square doesn’t deal with such expensive books and they need to be wary of the enforcers, who look for criminals. Not that she knows they are doing anything illegal, but she will soon find out exactly what her small group of companions really do, as she gets on the wrong end of a deal made by Nico and has to run for her life. She wonders if she would be better off on her own again, but the group have cared for her and took her in, when she was all alone and struggling. She might not agree with how they bend the law in their favour, but being on the road alone is a dangerous matter, as she well knows. They will sail off to the west in the morning and maybe being on the seas will allow her water Arcane magic to resurface.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Catch a Thief, by Sky Sommers
Dry wit with sprinkles of slapstick, questionable choices, awkward but tender romance. A twist on Snow White that is very clear on being a twist. As with all her stories this is a continuation of the story of some characters and the introduction of others. Dragons, and towers, and magic? What’s not charming about that?

The Unicorn of Sovatia by N.D.T. Casale
Short, sweet, fantasy tale threaded with love and hope. Casale’s tales and stories are always worth stopping for a moment, even if you’re short on time.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this amazing collection of quirky tales, most with fairytale vibes. It's been a wonderful read with a whole range of different subgenres and tropes, which means there ought to be a little something for all tastes within the greater fantasy genre.

A Feather for a Kingdom by K.A. Last
A lovely story about the power of humility and the strength of kindness. It has beautiful fairytale vibes. A wonderful read and definitely perked my curiosity to read more from this author.

Three Eyes of Ra by Elena Shelest
This is a fun-filled Indiana Jones style archaeology adventure set in Paris, featuring mummies and clues to a mystery. As is usual with this author, it’s a page turner with a sweet side of romance. I’d like to note that this is alternative history, not fantasy.

The Sea Witch’s Book of Shadows
A charming, funny story about the magic of poetry and the power of belief. Although it’s low fantasy, I really, really enjoyed it, and the school setting and YA themes just added to the charm.

The Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley
Amazing fairytale story about an evil enchantress who tries to take over a kingdom, but who made one big miscalculation. I loved how the author brought in the theme of threes with three “impossible” tasks and three names for the enchantress. Definitely a wonderful read that totally hit the spot.

The Haunting of Neve Ravensblood by Sophia-Rose Johnson
This story is connected to the previous two anthologies in this series. It continues the trials of witch Guinevere, who prefers to go by the name Neve. She is still struggling at school with bullies who don’t know she can use magic, while at night she spends her time increasing her power. It looks like she’s headed straight for a vengeance-fuelled blood bath, but perhaps there’s a surprise in store for the next short story featuring Neve…

Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery
A brilliant Rumpelstiltzkin retelling. I absolutely adore how the author twisted the original tale into something completely different while still remaining true to all the elements of the original tale. All the hearts (and stars)for this one.

Forged Destiny by MS Weaver
Oh, I loved the hint of Sleeping Beauty and The Three Little Pigs in this story with wonderful fairytale vibes. The adventure is a total page turner, and I absolutely adore the dynamics of the characters. Such a wonderful read, definitely recommend.

To Catch a Thief by Sky Sommers
Another quirky tale set in Sommers’ dragon kingdom. It references Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, further fun winks to the world where fairytales come to life and change as they are told and retold in our world—quite the fun magic system. We also get a cute romance between Lottie and Gil, and their history is hilarious. Dragons like to fly off with their precious treasure, but Lottie objects to the abduction… definitely a funny story.

Allie’s Dream by Eurelia Winters
A cute story about a haunted inn and Allie’s wish to see it up and running despite the difficulty of a restless spirit.

The Unicorn of Sovatia by NDT Casale
Not really my cup of tea. The description of the unicorn was pretty, but I didn’t connect with the character as his wants, dreams, hopes, and fears didn’t really come across, and the plot was very simple.

Threads of the Battlefield by Meadoe Hora
An unexpectedly powerful story about the power of our determination to change our future. Vika is a reaper from Greek mythology, but she’s tired of collecting the souls from battlefields. With the help of the Fates, she embarks on a quest to find a new path. I really, really like this one.

Third Year’s A Charm by Marie Reed
A fun academy fantasy story about rivals becoming friends when teamwork is required. I love Callie’s adventures in this series, and the talking rabbit’s foot is so much fun!

The Guardian of the Falling Rains by B. Luna Covello
This is a really empowering portal fantasy, in which Cailin Rosepixie travels to the realm of the falling rains and has to face three tests. It’s an uplifting story with some interstellar magical creatures and a nice look at the importance of caring for the environment.

Lavender Locks and the Three Trolls by Alex Stubblefield
An action-packed fantasy adventure featuring a daring rescue from three monstrous trolls. The bickering between the trolls reminded me a lot of The Hobbit, while other elements of their personal “searches for perfection” definitely had Goldilocks and the Three Bears vibes, but where it was the trolls looking for “just right”. I also absolutely LOVE the idea of the Dusk Unicorn. Definitely a unique concept and a fun adventure.

Amira and the Healing Flower by Ashley Steffenson
I love the jungle setting and the very unusual culture created for this story. The panther people added a lot to make this story unique. It’s an entertaining adventure story with a strong message about helping others to strength bonds that will, in the long run, help us in return.

At the Crossroads by Sarina Langer
This is an empowering story about a woman reclaiming herself in the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It’s beautifully written and has just the right amount of dreaminess to the contemporary setting and three random, fated meetings with the maiden, the mother, and the crone, to provide a wonderful low fantasy vibe to the whole thing.
Of course, being as there's such a range, I enjoyed some tales more than others. Here are my thoughts on each one.

In the Wicked Wilds by Jo Holloway
Action-packed, funny, and with a side of romance, this one hits all the spots. What a wonderful story! And the worldbuilding is so unusual too. A page-turner if ever there was one.

Some Gnarly Sea Monsters by Donna White
A cute sea-monster adventure with a side of detectives and a mystery to solve. It felt a litt short. I think it would be more enjoyable as a novella, where the world building and characters have space to shine.

The Gambit of Threes by Susan Stradiotto
As expected from this author, we get an interesting fast-paced read with fabulous world building and a complex set of characters. The setting and the band of thieves reminded me a lot of the vibe of The Lies of Locke Lamora. It’s an entertaining read and I’d definitely love to have more experiences in this very intriguing world.

In conclusion, I can definitely say this anthology is worth getting. It's a wonderful read, perfect to have "reading snacks" between other activities.

[Tonya Cheton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Name's A Charm Book 3 A Feather for a Kingdom, Allie's Dream, Unicorn of Sovatia, To catch a Thief and At the Crossroads
What a journey I went on with majestic creatures, got a ride along with Greta and Eddie. I learn that people who doesn't like your style in clothes tell them to buy you some. Don't let anyone belittle you. Jirina got her confidence back after a little help from some friends. I really like this clean YA Anthology with various authors. I received a copy from the author and voluntarily decided to leave a review.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories is wonderful, taking your mind through many different thought patterns and wonderful creatures. I wonder if there is a way to continue to read on about these stories?...
Thank you to all of the participants in this collection. I, for one, appreciate you, and these great stories!
1- A Feather For A Kingdom
By: K.A. Last
What a Wonderful way to change the typical way of passing the torch to the next heir! To give the gift of love, care, and hope. I also loved how Abner did the proposal, of sorts.
2- Three Eyes of Ra
By: Elena Shelest
This is a great story to let your mind pay attention to the details, as some can be tricky.
3- The Sea Witch's Book of Shadows
By: Kristin Harley
This is a great switch-up with stories, and the part of having to place three spells to become a witch, and must be a witch to become a mermaid, was lovely!
4- The Magic of Trees
By: Serene Conneeley
I was taken aback with this story! The way it is woven with the leaves of the trees, and the meaning of them, was brilliant and kind.
5- The Haunting of Neve Ravensblood
By: Sophia-Rose Johnson
Guinevere (who prefers to be called Neve) is a very smart and good girl! She does what she is told, excels in many things. Then she is shamed by the other kids in school, as per many places and traditions, she is on the bottom end of that. She also hears ghosts... she can put up walls to block them out, but she has to do this, or they take over what is foremost in her mind. She gets to a point...
6- Threads of Gold
By: Rebecca Fittery
This is a wonderful story of curses and how they could badly effect a very good person! I do believe that Oralie (Ora) is very smart in how she is able to get her true meanings to Fintan, as all the words that come out of her mouth are lies and not what she is trying to say!
7- Forged Destiny
By: M.S. Weaver
This is a good story with alot of brickwork for the series, that makes it a bit hard to follow.
8- Lady of Forests and Seas
By: Astrid V.J.
This is a wonderous story! How I would love to be within that Forest!
9- To Catch a Thief
By: Sky Sommers
How strange that a girl had to be abducted 3 times to get it right! Or did he?
10- Allie's Dream
By: Eurelia Winters
This was a true daydream come true for Allie! Wanting to own her own Inn, she was granted the opportunity to spend one night in this Inn that is inhabitated by ghosts, and some have disappeared! If they live through the night, it is theres!
11- The Unicorn of Sovatia
By: N.D.T. Casale
This had a very unique item list needed, and how to obtain them.
12- Threads of the Battlefields
By: Meadoe Hora
I liked this stories take on the process for severing souls from bodies, and with that, the 'free will' of Vika as she did her job. For me, it brought a different kind of light to what a person perseaves as good or bad.
13- Third Year's A Charm
By: Marie Reed
What a great story about learning from each other when you are different from each other.
14- The Guardian of the Falling Rains
By: B. Luna Covello
How I would love to be a part of this story! It is so very calming.
15- Lavender Locks and the Three Trolls
By: Alex Stubblefield
Lavender really knows how to lead the Trolls around!
16- Amira and the Healing Flower
By: Ashley Steffenson
Wonderful story of healing powers and gratitude, as well as greatness & sacrifice!
17- At the Crossroads
By: Sarina Langer
Calming story of woman learning to just 'be' and to follow her own heart.
18- In the Wicked Wilds
By: Jo Holloway
Learning to learn as we grow.
19- Some Gnarly Sea Monsters
By: Donna White
Wonderful fantasy story that is based around the next generation Aliens who are sea creatures, and how they learn what they are.
20- The Gambit of Threes
By: Susan Stradiotto
Creatures of all kinds learning new ways, great story!

[Charley · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd names a charm is a delightful collection of 20 fantasy stories written by many of our favorite authors. Some in my favorite genre, fairytale retelling, and others with a modern twist to them. I like that at the end of each tale you see information on how to learn more about that author and some allow you to sign up to receive newsletters from those you enjoyed most. It is hard to believe you can pre-order this book for less than a dollar and you are donating to a charity that helps kids in reading. I loved just about all of the stories but will only give a brief synopsis on a few of them to encourage you to support this charity.

The first is titled "A Feather for a Kingdom" by K. A. Last. I was so excited to read this because I have all her Happily Ever After books and love them and this one is just as good. It teaches us that beauty is inside a person and not just on the outside. The 3 sons of a king are tasked with finding 3 treasures. The first and 2nd sons think highly of themselves but the third is very humble. Accepting help from a friend will help this son find the treasures that he deserves.

Another book I really enjoyed was the Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley. I have never read any of her books before but after reading this story I will definitely be buying more! A King and Queen had a wonderful life and marriage with two great children, Princess Eir, who creates beautiful clothes, and Prince Olvir who helps the people in the villages. As the queen lay dying she told the king to find another Queen from a large city. However the chief advisor finds a sophisticated queen and her daughter, Princess Sigridur, on a remote island and offers her a marriage proposal to the king. The king accepts Queen Valdis and she begins to help or rather dictate new laws. At times the queen will dismiss a soldier to go home and suddenly a tree will appear in the courtyard! Then the King's children also disappear. Queen Valdi's daughter leaves to marry Princess Eir's fiance, Prince Leifer, and the queen gives her two beautiful trees in a container. The prince thinks she is Eir and gives her cloth to create her clothes for the banquet and wedding. Unfortunately, Sigridur cannot sew at all! The story continues with forgiveness by Olvir to Sigridur, but it takes time for Eir to forgive. Will there be forgiveness? Will there be a happy ending? Read it to find out!

Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery
What happens if you open up a bottle accidently and instead of a genie granting you three wonderful wishes you get an angry fae that makes you tell lies for three days? Find out in Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery. A wonderful tale similar to Rumpelstiltskin. I enjoyed her story so much and loved that she involved the fae. You will too!
And check out Forged Destiny by M.S. Weaver, Dragons and Elves, magic mirrors and a Centipede, Oh My, a Sleeping Beauty retelling!

Then there is Lady of Forests and Seas by Astrid V.J. a Hans Christian Anderson, a retelling of The Tinderbox. An evil prince finally gets his comeuppance.

And to Catch a Thief by Sky Sommers, a humorous Rapunzel mixed with Snow White retelling involving a goddess, royalty and dragons!

I finished all 20 and there are many more wonderful stories in "Third Name's a Charm". Although I did receive an ARC copy these comments are my own and I strongly recommend buying the book. Enjoy!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and fun collection of short stories by different authors. There are modern stories, there are high fantasy set stories, fairy tale retellings. I enjoyed reading them all! They are all so easy to read and you have finished them before you even realize it!
A Feather for a kingdom is a retelling of The Feathers fairytale. A young Prince thinking he has no chance at the crown finds out that kindness will win every time.
Three Eyes of Ra is a modern tale of mystery set around the theme of finding ancient Egyptian artifacts. It sounds like it is part of a series, maybe more of these anthology books I have not read yet. It was a fun and fast paced adventure!
The Sea Witch and the Book of Shadows is about a teenager who doesn't fit in at school but is able to find her courage while remaining true to herself. She finds a book of magic spells and avoids the temptation to do dark magic as well.
The Magic of Trees is a story of an evil witch who entrances a king and takes over his kingdom. A trio of "step" siblings must then save the people from all being turned into trees - 2 of them included!
The Haunting of Neve Ravenblood is the story of a teenage girl who has lost her family but is on the way to becoming a very powerful witch. Unlike the previous stories, she is collecting the magic and wants to be the villain. It was a fun change from the previous stories.
Threads of Gold is a cute Rumpelstiltskin retelling. Ori is cursed to only speak lies for 3 days and is taken to be Queen. But she cannot tell the truth to her beloved who has followed her either! I really enjoyed this one and the twist it put on promising the first born child!
Forged Destiny is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with Fae and humans. A woman taken from her true love by a terrible king is being put in a magical sleep to meet her true love who is asleep as well. Their child is whisked away to be kept safe by humans but must escape the king's guards.
There are many more stories but I do not want to leave a review even longer than this. So, just sit back and enjoy this collection of stories!

[Bethany Aich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthologies are so much fun because there is something for everyone and you can take your time going through them. I like to read a story or two when I need a fiction fix and don’t have time for a novel. Below are some thoughts I jotted down on the stories I have read so far (one or two weren’t my cup of tea and I didn’t read them).

A Feather For a Kingdom by K. A. Last
Such a sweet story. I would not complain if it was fleshed put into a full book, but as anthologies are wonderful for their bite-sized stories, this is good too. : )

Three Eyes of Ra by Elena Shelest
I loved it, but wished it had an epilogue. It did have a couple of humorous lines in it which I appreciated. Has a bit of violence/kidnapping.

The Sea Witch Book of Shadows by Kristin Harley
This started out interestingly enough and I was looking forward to seeing where it was going but I didn’t appreciate a couple flippant uses of “God” and actually didn’t finish this story, opting instead to try the next one.

The Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley
Meh. It was a bit strange to me, though it had some interesting parts.

Threads of Gold by Rebecca Fittery
Oh, I loved this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. It was cute and unique and I am going to look up more by this author!

Forged Destiny by M. S. Weaver
I also loved this story, but I definitely need to know how it ends. (It did have a couple of things in it that made me question if everything by this author would be clean and I’m unsure about some things, but it was very interesting.) It’s a prequel to a couple of previously published stories, so I’ll be reading those next. ; )

While I received an early copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sky Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the authors in this set here! Writing stories for and compiling these charity anthologies to showcase multiple authors in one go is always fun because we get noobs and more experienced writers into a mishmash pot of different genres, writing styles and story lengths. Readers find new indie authors to watch out for and when all proceeds go to charity (Room To Read in this instance) - what's not to like, right?

Third Name's a Charm is 20 tales of trios, triplets and triple threats, but also three artefacts, attempts, chances, brothers, trolls - you name it, we got it. The idea was to focus on our interpretation (and favourites tropes) the rule of threes.

Here be mostly fantasy with an odd horror or modern story or Egyptian action-adventure and you get lots of retellings (1/3 of the set, actually):
1. Rumple retelling whitewashing the villain with a hilarious reason why anyone would admit to being able to spin gold int he first place - Threads of Gold by Becca Fittery
2. Sleeping Beauty & Snow White mashup - M.S. Weaver's Forged Destiny;
3. A loosely "based on" The Three Billy Goats - or so it seemed to me - Lavender Locks & the Three Trolls by Alex Stubblefield;
4. The Little Mermaid retelling - The Sea Witch's Book of Shadows by Kristin Harley
5. Based on Grimm’s Three Feathers (similar to the Frog Princess in the Russian variation of folk tales) - A Feather for a Kingdom by K.A. Last;
6. Again, loosely "Based on" the Juniper Tree, I'd say, minus the cannibalism and mutilation and not medieval German but with definite Nordic-Viking vibes - The Magic of Trees by Serene Conneeley;
and
7. A Rapunzel & Snow White mashup - my very own To Catch a Thief.

With large anthologies of 20 stories - the beauty of it is - you can start reading and if something is not your cuppa, you can skip to the next one.

We hope you enjoy reading as we most certainly enjoyed writing these tales.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the rule of three in fairytales, you'll love this collection of 20 short clean stories from varied genres by indie authors. All proceeds go to Room to Read charity in support of spreading literacy.

I loved the beat of this anthology - action stories up front, peppered with more mellow ones (or those in a very different genre from the general fairytaley vibe) in between; ending on a longer epic note.

My top 5 favourites are the ones I can still remember in detail after a month of reading. Some are odd ones out, but they stuck with me, which means these are the authors I'll be looking to read more in the future. (Funnily, all but 1 are new additions to the foray of authors in the series.). Here we go:

1. THREE EYES OF RA by Elena Shelest - I love how the author keeps experimenting with genres (it was dystopian in Twice Upon a Name) and this time it's The Mummy meets Da Vinci Code. Paris, baby.
2. THREADS OF GOLD by Rebecca Fittery - a fabulous Rumple retelling where the reason why the girl ends up spinning gold for the king is because she's cursed to tell lies by a grumpy fairy. A different spin on a beloved tale. The getting around telling lies had me chuckling more than once.
3. THREADS OF THE BATTLEFIELDS by Meadoe Hora - Vika is a kere (a Greek death spirit, something like a Valkyrie) who chooses to help a young girl and ends up finding another calling - I don't usually like gory battle scenes of death, but had to be done in the spirit of the character and it is done beautifully, with all the achy regretful rollercoaster feels;
4. THE MAGIC OF TREES by Serene Conneeley - the tale of 2 siblings enchanted to be trees by their power-hungry stepmother seemed somehow familiar from 1001 Nights tales, but this one has a Nordic spin on it (names, islands, kings), which I loved. The storytelling is more of that of traditional fairytales, which I also enjoyed.
5. THE SEA WITHC'S BOOK OF SHADOWS by Kristin Harley - an unusual take on Andersen's The Little Mermaid, where the Disney version is taught at schools as the truth. Gasp. Aimed perhaps for a little younger YA and set in high school, but a sweet tale nevertheless.

The other stories were just as fab - find my tuppence of running commentary below. But don't take my word for it, get the set and decide for yourself - so, in order of appearance in the set:

- A Feather for a Kingdom by K. A. Last - a feathery version of the Grimm’s Three Feathers (which I know from Russian skazka of Princess Frog) of 3 brothers shooting arrows to find brides, following the tradition of 2 awful and 1 nice brother and 1 girl to save the kingdom;
- The Haunting of Neve Ravensblood by S. Johnson - a chilling horror of a motherless teen dealing with bullying and amassing magical powers to show them all. Loved the graveyard scene. Very Wednesday vibes.
- Forged Destiny by M.S. Weaver - a prequel to the story in the previous set of Twice Upon a Name, which is a mashup of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty but with dragons! Loved the dwarves, hope to read more about them as they deserve their own book and kingdom.
- Lady of Forests and Seas by Astrid V.J. - a continuation of the author's Johara's Choice where the scorned gropey prince gets his comeuppance;
- To Catch a Thief by Sky Sommers - a humorous mashup of Rapunzel & Snow White with many-headed dragons;
- Allie’s Dream by Eurelia Winters - a haunted house acquisition for 3 friends, a whole new spin on The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Is; things we do to acquire property;
- The Unicorn of Sovatia by N.D.T. Casale - sweet and middle grade with unicorns, revenge, coming of age and into powers and, of course, acceptance and redemption;
- Third Year’s A Charm by Marie Reed - a rivals to friends in an academy setting - a lovely coming of age for the character from the previous sets in the series continuing on her way to her dream job;
- The Guardian of the Falling Rains by B. Luna Covello - the hunt is on for the chimera who has to find her powers as guardian of the forest;
- Lavender Locks and the Three Trolls by Alex Stubblefield - after she dispatched a cannibalistic witch, Leonna's (from previous sets) continues her journey to discover her magic and runs into trolls holding a unicorn hostage - I did love the trolls, very grumpy & hangry that lot;
- Amira and the Healing Flower by Ashley Steffenson - if you like Black Panther the movie, you'll love the plight for freedom and unity of these shifters;
- At the Crossroads by Sarina Langer - a more modern tale of casting off things and people that hinder, not support us and about finding your place in the world;
- In the Wicked Wilds by Jo Holloway - an action-adventure with Jurassic Park vibes and a dash of humour;
- Some Gnarly Sea Monsters by Donna White - who knew aliens already live on Earth, in my beloved Caribbean and have tentacles and fierce family ties?
- The Gambit of Threes by Susan Stradiotto - lock picking magical artefact forgers and a band of misfits as found family.

Recommended for lovers of clean retold and new fairytales and fantasy stories of any age, really.

[Jeanne Catalano · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these stories had such a unique spin. Literally starting off with a feather for kingdom by K.A. Last. had such an underlying meaning that it's what's inside that counts and really shows the unfortunate side of human nature. But asking ending. Another favorite is the unicorn if sovatia by n.d.t. casale. It's crazy what we do for love but the kind hearted are always rewarded. Also showed that the right kind of love is what we need that is returned. Plus I love unicorns. My third favorite is Amira and the healing flower by Ashley steffenson. Sometimes we are quick to judge wrongly but in the face of danger we find our true strength and I loved the characters were humanoid panthers.

There are so many other amazing stories. You can jump around you can read right through. Each author has their own spin and I love reading fairy tales.
What is

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady of Forests and Seas by Astrid VJ - expanded ending to The Tinderbox retelling

As Johara takes her wedding tour through the sultanate there are reports of Kurtar attacking. She knows it's Prince Mirza taking revenge for her rejection of him. While trying to get to Sinir Fort they are ambushed and taken hostage. Johara must decide what kind of ruler she is to be as she faces her tormentor and the magic her blood now commands.

A sequel piece to Johara's Choice and would recommend reading that novel before this story. This gives a follow up after the ending of the book with some good parts mixed in with the brutal. The burden of choices, how they shape perception, and how one moves forward are central to this story. It was nice seeing the prince get his punishment but the path that led there was bathed in blood.

[Emma Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've met many of these authors through bookish communities on Instagram, and I've enjoyed following their writing progress and short stories. In this collection, I especially liked "The Three Eyes of Ra" by Elena Shelest. I've read and enjoyed her short stories in various collections, as well as her novel The Seven Lives of Grace. "The Three Eyes of Ra" is a fast-paced mystery with a dash of romance and an Indiana Jones-esque vibe. It has quite a different feel from Shelest's more lyrical historical fantasies (although I've really liked those, too!). I loved the Parisian setting and the whirlwind effect of trying to piece together clues along with the young professor, Layla. I think it could be expanded into a fun novel or novella!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good anthology and this one grabbed me hook line and sinker. Short stories written by some fantastic authors, this magical set is just what you need to escape on a cold rainy day. Princes, princesses, mermaids, dragons, action and adventure, their journeys are exciting and thrilling and come in threes, a magical number or so I’m told! With fairytale mash ups, magical artifacts, daring escapes and wonderful world building, this enthralling anthology was definitely well worth a read!