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Different, Not Damaged
Some call them disabilities, but for others they are Betrayed by mind or body, these people struggle to survive in a grim world that takes no pity on the weak. Yet they will discover that they are simply different, not damaged.
125 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2017
23 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Andy Peloquin
89 books1,289 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 21, 2024
4 badass stars for Strength and Courage!
This is my first book by Andy Peloquin and it will definitely NOT be my last.
It was recommended to me in the Indie Fantasy Addicts FB group, during my search for broken hero books and now I regret not knowing about it sooner. Because it was exceptional!
Why exactly you are asking?
I really don't know if I'll be able to properly explain.
But I'll give it my best shot so, let's get started
Different, Not Damaged is a collection of short stories taking place in the world of Voramis. A fantasy world that is surprisingly like our own in certain aspects and completely different in others. A cruel world where life is cheap, while blood and pain abound.
All the stories have something in common. Broken heroes. Disabled individuals suffering from different impairments or mental disorders. And their purpose is beautifully explained by the author himself in the foreword.
"That's the purpose of this collection of stories: to showcase physical, emotional, mental, and neurological disorders through a fantasy lens and bring them to light. By reading these short stories, you can understand more about what it means to live with these disabilities.
Everything in this book is real. Sure, the stories are fantastical (it's fantasy after all!), but the emotions, the feelings, the impairments and limitations are all based on the experiences of real life people. They've allowed me to use their stories to showcase what it means to live with disorders: our bodies, minds or psyches may not be the same as yours, but that only makes us different, not damaged."
In Strength and Courage we get to feel the anguish of a soldier fighting for courage in the face of fear.
In Paint a Black Picture we get to experience the frustration of a voiceless child painting visions of death.
The Goddess' Gift gives us the inner torment of a priestess divinely empowered to absorb others' pain
And At Any Cost will make you feel the guilt of a thief desperate to escape the burden of his memories
Two bonus stories are also included
A Life for a Life - where you will meet a killer with a deadly message plagued by a burden of guilt: the feared Hunter of Voramis. Here you will have to stop and wonder who the real bad guy is.
And The Path of Vengeance where a broken warrior-priest on a mission of vengeance will make you realize the futility of an obsession.
Each of the stories is grim, dark, bloody, heartbreaking and with a compelling message. And that is not all! It get's better!
Because of the particular way in which they are told, they are bound to leave a mark.
Andy Peloquin is a brilliant writer. His deep insight into human nature, as well as profound knowledge of disabilities are accompanied by a perfectly flowing prose and exquisitely gory scenes. Fully fleshed characters having to make downright brutal choices in different yet equally compelling situations, turn this little short story collection into a compelling read.
Especially due to the callousness of the world Andy describes, because it strongly resonates with the reality we all face.
Dark, bloody, grim and gritty, this is not a book for the faint of heart, It is one for those of us who are not afraid to look inside. It is a shout for humanity to be more humane! An eye-opener for those who have failed to see.
Different, not damaged. - take note, remember, accept and understand!
This author has my full respect and admiration for his brilliant way of making us see the darker side of human nature through the filter of kick-ass fantasy.
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
This is my first book by Andy Peloquin and it will definitely NOT be my last.
It was recommended to me in the Indie Fantasy Addicts FB group, during my search for broken hero books and now I regret not knowing about it sooner. Because it was exceptional!
Why exactly you are asking?
I really don't know if I'll be able to properly explain.
But I'll give it my best shot so, let's get started
Different, Not Damaged is a collection of short stories taking place in the world of Voramis. A fantasy world that is surprisingly like our own in certain aspects and completely different in others. A cruel world where life is cheap, while blood and pain abound.
All the stories have something in common. Broken heroes. Disabled individuals suffering from different impairments or mental disorders. And their purpose is beautifully explained by the author himself in the foreword.
"That's the purpose of this collection of stories: to showcase physical, emotional, mental, and neurological disorders through a fantasy lens and bring them to light. By reading these short stories, you can understand more about what it means to live with these disabilities.
Everything in this book is real. Sure, the stories are fantastical (it's fantasy after all!), but the emotions, the feelings, the impairments and limitations are all based on the experiences of real life people. They've allowed me to use their stories to showcase what it means to live with disorders: our bodies, minds or psyches may not be the same as yours, but that only makes us different, not damaged."
In Strength and Courage we get to feel the anguish of a soldier fighting for courage in the face of fear.
In Paint a Black Picture we get to experience the frustration of a voiceless child painting visions of death.
The Goddess' Gift gives us the inner torment of a priestess divinely empowered to absorb others' pain
And At Any Cost will make you feel the guilt of a thief desperate to escape the burden of his memories
Two bonus stories are also included
A Life for a Life - where you will meet a killer with a deadly message plagued by a burden of guilt: the feared Hunter of Voramis. Here you will have to stop and wonder who the real bad guy is.
And The Path of Vengeance where a broken warrior-priest on a mission of vengeance will make you realize the futility of an obsession.
Each of the stories is grim, dark, bloody, heartbreaking and with a compelling message. And that is not all! It get's better!
Because of the particular way in which they are told, they are bound to leave a mark.
Andy Peloquin is a brilliant writer. His deep insight into human nature, as well as profound knowledge of disabilities are accompanied by a perfectly flowing prose and exquisitely gory scenes. Fully fleshed characters having to make downright brutal choices in different yet equally compelling situations, turn this little short story collection into a compelling read.
Especially due to the callousness of the world Andy describes, because it strongly resonates with the reality we all face.
Dark, bloody, grim and gritty, this is not a book for the faint of heart, It is one for those of us who are not afraid to look inside. It is a shout for humanity to be more humane! An eye-opener for those who have failed to see.
Different, not damaged. - take note, remember, accept and understand!
This author has my full respect and admiration for his brilliant way of making us see the darker side of human nature through the filter of kick-ass fantasy.
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
March 22, 2024
5/5 Stars
Damaged Not Different features six short stories about strength in weakness. These slice of life stories showcase plenty of action, dark circumstances, morally grey characters, and emotional damage.
Each story follows different characters within Voramis, the world of the Darkblade series by the same author. While this is my first-time reading Andy Peloquin’s books, it won’t be the last.
I was surprised by how much care and thought went into each story. They effortlessly delve into characters vulnerabilities both physical and mental, pack in action, emotionally impactful scenes, and give voice to those suffering in silence.
The world itself felt gritty and added a sense of hopelessness to each story. For me, I found this emphasized the characters circumstances in a masterful way while covering themes of PTSD, vengeance, guilt, the impacts of inaction, sacrifice, and loss.
Keeping in mind all of this is packed into short stories, showcasing incredible skill with storytelling and character work.
I also listened to the audiobook alongside the physical book and the narration by David P. Dobrev was spot on.
Damaged Not Different is action packed and broke my heart. If you love grimdark fantasy tones with emotional damage and action, this is for you.
Damaged Not Different features six short stories about strength in weakness. These slice of life stories showcase plenty of action, dark circumstances, morally grey characters, and emotional damage.
Each story follows different characters within Voramis, the world of the Darkblade series by the same author. While this is my first-time reading Andy Peloquin’s books, it won’t be the last.
I was surprised by how much care and thought went into each story. They effortlessly delve into characters vulnerabilities both physical and mental, pack in action, emotionally impactful scenes, and give voice to those suffering in silence.
The world itself felt gritty and added a sense of hopelessness to each story. For me, I found this emphasized the characters circumstances in a masterful way while covering themes of PTSD, vengeance, guilt, the impacts of inaction, sacrifice, and loss.
Keeping in mind all of this is packed into short stories, showcasing incredible skill with storytelling and character work.
I also listened to the audiobook alongside the physical book and the narration by David P. Dobrev was spot on.
Damaged Not Different is action packed and broke my heart. If you love grimdark fantasy tones with emotional damage and action, this is for you.
October 24, 2024
I love the emphasis on mental illness and disability in these stories keeping with the character first focus. I think fantasy is an amazing genre to explore topics like this, and overall Andy has done a great job giving us a variety of stories.
There were a couple of stories that felt similar enough that I found myself wishing we had pivoted to an entirely new theme.
I also think I would have connected more with the stories if I had already read Peloquin’s novel work with Darkblade and Night Guild. I was entering a brand new fantasy world, and for me personally that is tough to do with short stories.
I really look forward to reading more of Andy’s work and expanding my knowledge of the world.
There were a couple of stories that felt similar enough that I found myself wishing we had pivoted to an entirely new theme.
I also think I would have connected more with the stories if I had already read Peloquin’s novel work with Darkblade and Night Guild. I was entering a brand new fantasy world, and for me personally that is tough to do with short stories.
I really look forward to reading more of Andy’s work and expanding my knowledge of the world.
October 21, 2017
Different but not damaged. We all have some kind of weakness that make us who we are; whether we accept it and soldier on or not is entirely up to us. Different doesn't necessarily mean bad and in Andy Peloquin's anthology of stories, his characters show us exactly just that - the differences in his characters are what makes them who they are.
Set in the fantastical world of Voramis, Different, Not Damaged tells individual stories of characters who has some kind of crippling factor to them - either in body or mind. Some characters were born that way while a few became that way. Each of the stories are heartbreaking yet inspiring and Andy's brilliant talent of transferring you into his world makes you understand his characters just a bit more.
Although each story is slightly different, there is a common element to them. If you've read any of Andy's Hunter or Thieves novels you'll find Different, Not Damaged a nod to those stories. Andy's words as usual are engaging and smart and transcend you back into the days of struggle, fight, and redemption. There is a young woman warrior who recovers from a devastating attack only to find out her plot for revenge was all for naught, and that the journey, rather than the act should have been her main focus all along. And then another story of how a healer can't escape her borrowed pain due to a faction from her past. So many unusual stories filled with personal growth and realizations.
Thank you, Andy for the ARC of Different, Not Damaged!
Set in the fantastical world of Voramis, Different, Not Damaged tells individual stories of characters who has some kind of crippling factor to them - either in body or mind. Some characters were born that way while a few became that way. Each of the stories are heartbreaking yet inspiring and Andy's brilliant talent of transferring you into his world makes you understand his characters just a bit more.
Although each story is slightly different, there is a common element to them. If you've read any of Andy's Hunter or Thieves novels you'll find Different, Not Damaged a nod to those stories. Andy's words as usual are engaging and smart and transcend you back into the days of struggle, fight, and redemption. There is a young woman warrior who recovers from a devastating attack only to find out her plot for revenge was all for naught, and that the journey, rather than the act should have been her main focus all along. And then another story of how a healer can't escape her borrowed pain due to a faction from her past. So many unusual stories filled with personal growth and realizations.
Thank you, Andy for the ARC of Different, Not Damaged!
October 27, 2017
This book is full of emotion. Some strong and dark, some just strong. But in all case's, each is deeply compelling.
I was given this book as a gift by the author. I am writing this review as my way of saying thank you.
Each story attempts to convey the thoughts and feelings of those who think differently. Showing how they see everything around them. The daily issues they face are depicted in these stories that are created in a fantasy world.
Each story has different origins but each has been written as if they are part of a place unlike our own; a place called Voramis. Each story builds itself around the country of Voramis, where life is far cheaper and those who are not the 'same' are more difficult to adjust to, in a society which doesn't take much notice of those who are, in effect, different.
At first I found these stories painful to read; at least the first few were. But gradually as I let the stories flow over me, I realised that they were extremely well written; each bringing me, via fantasy, into another way of seeing reality. Each story opening up avenues into worlds I had little experience of. Each story testing me in a way. Testing my ability to accept what was different but not damaged.
I found myself very deeply moved by each story in this book; each encounter with the different.
I wonder how these stories will affect you?
I was given this book as a gift by the author. I am writing this review as my way of saying thank you.
Each story attempts to convey the thoughts and feelings of those who think differently. Showing how they see everything around them. The daily issues they face are depicted in these stories that are created in a fantasy world.
Each story has different origins but each has been written as if they are part of a place unlike our own; a place called Voramis. Each story builds itself around the country of Voramis, where life is far cheaper and those who are not the 'same' are more difficult to adjust to, in a society which doesn't take much notice of those who are, in effect, different.
At first I found these stories painful to read; at least the first few were. But gradually as I let the stories flow over me, I realised that they were extremely well written; each bringing me, via fantasy, into another way of seeing reality. Each story opening up avenues into worlds I had little experience of. Each story testing me in a way. Testing my ability to accept what was different but not damaged.
I found myself very deeply moved by each story in this book; each encounter with the different.
I wonder how these stories will affect you?
October 2, 2017
Different, Not Damaged is a series of six stories set in the fictional world of Voramis. They're about people trying to overcome, or at least come to terms with, the hardships of their lives. Some make great sacrifices. Others learn lessons along the way. The first four are more like vignettes and the last two are a little fuller, more like prequels. All were very moving and worth the read.
For those who want to know: This one has graphic violence and gore.
For those who want to know: This one has graphic violence and gore.
February 2, 2018
Andy Peloquin explores the experiences of people with psychological, mental and emotional disorders through the lens of dark fantasy — how they live, and how they are impacted by their disabilities.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 16, 2023
Let me show you a little bit from the foreword, that pretty much sums up why I enjoyed this book:
Seeing different perspectives and trying on other people's shoes has always been a main hook for me, and a reason I love fantasy so much.
I adore books that let me experience other points of view, as well as those that represent my own wonky brain. Having anxiety and being on the spectrum myself, I don't just enjoy seeing people who are like me, but also learning about how the word looks, feels and seems to others.
"Different, not Damaged" delivered very well on that, and I loved the divers range of disorders handled in here. While there's some hope, it's dark fantasy, so don't expect it to be happy go lucky, though the cover might have suggested that already!
I refuse to give in to both the social and perceived self stigma of living with a mental disorder. I believe that my Asperger syndrome is an important part of what makes me who I am. I'm going to focus on the good and live with the bad.
That's the purpose of this collection of stories: to showcase physical, emotional, mental, and neurological disorders through a fantasy lens and bring them to light. By reading these short stories, you can understand more about what it means to live with these disabilities. Everything in this book is real. Sure, the stories are fantastical (it's fantasy, after all!), but the emotions, the feelings, the im- pairments and limitations are all based on the experiences of real life people. They've allowed me to use their stories to showcase what it means to live with disorders: our bodies, minds, or psyches may not be the same as you, but that only makes us different, not damaged.
Seeing different perspectives and trying on other people's shoes has always been a main hook for me, and a reason I love fantasy so much.
I adore books that let me experience other points of view, as well as those that represent my own wonky brain. Having anxiety and being on the spectrum myself, I don't just enjoy seeing people who are like me, but also learning about how the word looks, feels and seems to others.
"Different, not Damaged" delivered very well on that, and I loved the divers range of disorders handled in here. While there's some hope, it's dark fantasy, so don't expect it to be happy go lucky, though the cover might have suggested that already!
June 13, 2024
A collection of short stories, primarily focused on neurodivergent characters within a fantasy setting (Peloquin's world of Queen of the Night Guild and Darkblade). This is a fascinating concept and is something that is typically under-represented except in somewhat caricaturized ways. Peloquin approaches it with a pleasing amount realism, the conditions are dealt with in a sympathetic way and allow it to be used in the setting without feeling jarring. Knowing the world it is set in is probably helpful, but they do stand on their own as short stories. An interesting set of stories, dealing with an interesting theme
November 5, 2017
5 stars
Wow!!!
Such a wonderful idea for a book! At first I honestly thought it was a strange idea. However, after starting it I realized that this is truly a great read. As someone with disabilities, THIS book just makes sense.
All of the stories focus on a different disability but puts the characters in a dark fantasy setting. Set in the fantasy world of Voramis, each of the main characters are tragic heroes with super abilities. Each of these characters' abilities go with the disability they have. All of the characters have difficulties functioning for one reason or another in their harsh world. They overcome hardships and/or come to terms with their abilities/disabilities in their own ways. These stories bring to light different disabilities without over glorifying them or being demeaning.
All of the short stories in this book are well written and flow perfectly. The grammar and writing style is easy to follow and very well done. The characters are amazing and well developed. I think Andy Peloquin is my hero.
Wow!!!
Such a wonderful idea for a book! At first I honestly thought it was a strange idea. However, after starting it I realized that this is truly a great read. As someone with disabilities, THIS book just makes sense.
All of the stories focus on a different disability but puts the characters in a dark fantasy setting. Set in the fantasy world of Voramis, each of the main characters are tragic heroes with super abilities. Each of these characters' abilities go with the disability they have. All of the characters have difficulties functioning for one reason or another in their harsh world. They overcome hardships and/or come to terms with their abilities/disabilities in their own ways. These stories bring to light different disabilities without over glorifying them or being demeaning.
All of the short stories in this book are well written and flow perfectly. The grammar and writing style is easy to follow and very well done. The characters are amazing and well developed. I think Andy Peloquin is my hero.
July 24, 2019
Admito que leí este libro por razones absurdas. 1) Linda portada; 2) título interesante; 3) sinopsis intrigante: 4) FANTASÍA AL 100% Y TENGO MUCHAS GANAS DE LEER FANTASÍA. La verdad es que no tenía ni idea de lo que este libro era en realidad. ¿Y qué es? Es un conjunto de historias cortas de Andy Peloquin CON FANTASÍA que cuentan historias de personas con autismo o con algún tipo de discapacidad. WOW. ¿Acaso no es una manera genial de contar estas historias? ¡ME ENCANTA!
Parece que también se hace referencia a otros de los libros del autor en esta novela (los cuales yo ni sabía que existían), pero podés leer Different, Not Damaged sin haber leído nada de Peloquin. Fue una de esas lecturas que agarrás así al azar y, boom, te sacude de arriba a abajo.
Este libro es muy cortito y realmente me gustó. Fue una lectura sencilla pero disfruté mucho llegar a conocer estas historias y, por primera vez, leer un libro sobre este tema. PRECIOSO. Le di 3 estrellas porque, no sé, no siento que merezca más que eso, pero sin duda lo voy a ir recomendando por ahí porque estas historias son hermosas y sumamente IMPORTANTES. ¡Se los recomiendo! Si, algunas historias no son tan buenas y, es más, hay una que la dejé porque la estaba odiando, pero cada una tiene su pequeño granito de arena y afsygeufhjerklkrñ STORIES MATTER, PEOPLE !!!!
Parece que también se hace referencia a otros de los libros del autor en esta novela (los cuales yo ni sabía que existían), pero podés leer Different, Not Damaged sin haber leído nada de Peloquin. Fue una de esas lecturas que agarrás así al azar y, boom, te sacude de arriba a abajo.
Este libro es muy cortito y realmente me gustó. Fue una lectura sencilla pero disfruté mucho llegar a conocer estas historias y, por primera vez, leer un libro sobre este tema. PRECIOSO. Le di 3 estrellas porque, no sé, no siento que merezca más que eso, pero sin duda lo voy a ir recomendando por ahí porque estas historias son hermosas y sumamente IMPORTANTES. ¡Se los recomiendo! Si, algunas historias no son tan buenas y, es más, hay una que la dejé porque la estaba odiando, pero cada una tiene su pequeño granito de arena y afsygeufhjerklkrñ STORIES MATTER, PEOPLE !!!!
November 12, 2018
This set of short stories comes with an unusual premise: what if mental health issues, as we understand them today, came with a corresponding gift? I met the author at InDScribe in 2018, and was immediately intrigued by this concept.
Each story has a different plot, but all are set in author Andy Peloquin's fictional world of Voramis. Using dark fantasy, Peloquin gives us a different way to think about dementia, autism, empathy, and PTSD (among other things).
The characters are all well-drawn, three-dimensional people whom you could imagine as neighbors ... despite the fantastic setting. Peloquin deals with the mental and physical health issues of his characters in a way that is both sensitive and realistic.
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy.
Each story has a different plot, but all are set in author Andy Peloquin's fictional world of Voramis. Using dark fantasy, Peloquin gives us a different way to think about dementia, autism, empathy, and PTSD (among other things).
The characters are all well-drawn, three-dimensional people whom you could imagine as neighbors ... despite the fantastic setting. Peloquin deals with the mental and physical health issues of his characters in a way that is both sensitive and realistic.
Recommended for fans of dark fantasy.
October 5, 2018
Thank You, Andy Peloquin!!!
What an awesome way to raise awareness!!! I love,love, LOVE your title!!! Could identify with these characters. Several people in my huge extended family suffer with these, including Asperger's. Many in past generations didn't reach out for help, due to the stigma mental differences are given. That desperately still needs our help still. It's slightly better, but no where near what is needed. I lost my teenage daughter to bi-polar in 1996. Found out there were still many who believed she was burning in Hell or her death didn't count because "she chose it", told to me by another grieving mom who had miscarried her child, at a grief support group!!! Yes, I'm still angry.
Thanks for the recommendation of a book that incorporates RA with a super hero!!! I have RA and I'm off to read it now!
Have read all your books so far. I'm excited to see where it goes with the next series in 2019!!!
What an awesome way to raise awareness!!! I love,love, LOVE your title!!! Could identify with these characters. Several people in my huge extended family suffer with these, including Asperger's. Many in past generations didn't reach out for help, due to the stigma mental differences are given. That desperately still needs our help still. It's slightly better, but no where near what is needed. I lost my teenage daughter to bi-polar in 1996. Found out there were still many who believed she was burning in Hell or her death didn't count because "she chose it", told to me by another grieving mom who had miscarried her child, at a grief support group!!! Yes, I'm still angry.
Thanks for the recommendation of a book that incorporates RA with a super hero!!! I have RA and I'm off to read it now!
Have read all your books so far. I'm excited to see where it goes with the next series in 2019!!!
July 19, 2019
Different, Not Broken is enlightening and thought provoking. Each story gives insight to the struggles someone can endure within themselves. My emotions were all over the place which is exactly what I look for in a great book. This book has shown me a new way to look at the "gifted" and a avenue to experience their pain. It's been a few days since I finished and I still have chills as I recall each story. As a bonus (for me), there is a story about the Hunter with some great foreshadowing for the "Hero of Darkness" series.
April 25, 2025
This collection of short stories has been in my collection for a while, but as it goes, I finally sat down and read without the distraction of other books. These stories are powerful, thought provoking, and feature a world where power and might made right. Each of the main characters are impacted mentally, if not also physically, by what the world has done to them. To see the struggle, and the outcomes draws out strong emotions. This is not light reading, there is darkness, despair and tragedy. The human condition is not always fair.
August 27, 2018
Different, Not Damaged
Several short stories by Andy Peloquin, all with ties to the Dark Blade series. You will catch glimpses into that series in these short stories.
These are dark fantasies but a good read. Andy Peloquin is a fantastic writer and takes you on a trip to the darker side of life, the underbelly of society while showing us the humanity that exists even in this dark world.
Several short stories by Andy Peloquin, all with ties to the Dark Blade series. You will catch glimpses into that series in these short stories.
These are dark fantasies but a good read. Andy Peloquin is a fantastic writer and takes you on a trip to the darker side of life, the underbelly of society while showing us the humanity that exists even in this dark world.
June 26, 2024
A series of short stories where the main characters have to perservere through either
mental or physical blocks, disabilities, or traumas. I thoroughly enjoyed the GrimDark
realness of these issues within a fantasy setting and how these characters overcome
or succumb to their situation. Not every situation was the same and definitley not
a happily ever after. Thank you Andy for the refreshing perspective and I definitely
can't wait to read more works like this.
mental or physical blocks, disabilities, or traumas. I thoroughly enjoyed the GrimDark
realness of these issues within a fantasy setting and how these characters overcome
or succumb to their situation. Not every situation was the same and definitley not
a happily ever after. Thank you Andy for the refreshing perspective and I definitely
can't wait to read more works like this.
February 4, 2020
Unsung heroes
The truly gifted; be it physically or mentally challenged. This is about all they are and can do. What they suffer and cope with. There are stories within each story. The author portrayed them with heart and a knowledge of who they are. His perspective is inspired. He made them heroes .
The truly gifted; be it physically or mentally challenged. This is about all they are and can do. What they suffer and cope with. There are stories within each story. The author portrayed them with heart and a knowledge of who they are. His perspective is inspired. He made them heroes .
February 23, 2020
Liked that all stories were based in the same world. All of them combined built a bigger picture, a bigger world. Got me highly interested in reading more of the world built. Also nice to see how twisty they were, they felt like decent stories by themselves. Too often shorts leave you feeling unfinished, some of these did but in a good way.
July 20, 2020
4.8 stars for this anthology
Guess I didn't remember the prologue once I started reading. Guess that is normal for me to get absorbed right away and get sucked into the story. Once I came to, I realized there were other messages embedded. Looking forward to reading more from Andy Peloquin!
Guess I didn't remember the prologue once I started reading. Guess that is normal for me to get absorbed right away and get sucked into the story. Once I came to, I realized there were other messages embedded. Looking forward to reading more from Andy Peloquin!
April 19, 2024
An excellent collection of stories, written with empathy and poise.
I highly recommend checking out this collection of you appreciate dark fantasy with flawed characters and their internal struggles.
This was my first experience of the author's writing. I will definitely be adding this author to my reading list to check out more of his work.
I highly recommend checking out this collection of you appreciate dark fantasy with flawed characters and their internal struggles.
This was my first experience of the author's writing. I will definitely be adding this author to my reading list to check out more of his work.
April 21, 2024
This is a collection of short stories that are well written with memorable main characters that reside in the same place and time. There is quite a bit of violence in this fantasy world with a bit of paranormal blended into the narrative.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
October 1, 2025
I was deeply impressed by how disabilities were woven seamlessly into the dark fantasy setting—not as limitations, but as sources of strength, complexity, and humanity. Each story stands on its own, yet together they form a compelling mosaic of resilience and identity. The characters are unforgettable, the pacing tight, and the emotional beats hit hard.
July 17, 2019
Heartfelt and thought provoking. Yes these stories are fantasy but people do struggle daily with these difficulties.
Want to read
December 30, 2019Recommended by LauraDragonChild in a review of Riders of fire by Mueller, Eileen
November 18, 2024
These short stories teach us that even though people have disabilities, they are the same as us. Extremely powerful words.
March 7, 2022
This collection contains six stories, four of them centered around characters with mental conditions, and two extra ones (one with a physically disabled character).
This collection intrigued me, as I always enjoyed characters who are different. I knew it was dark fantasy, but it didn't bother me.
What bothered me was that the most profoundly different characters all died.
Sheesh. Is it so hard to envision a world in which disabled people would get to live another day?
I'm still giving it 4 star because overall it was a good read. The writing is solid, the worldbuilding good, and the insight into different characters' minds was deep and well done. I just wished the balance was different.
This collection intrigued me, as I always enjoyed characters who are different. I knew it was dark fantasy, but it didn't bother me.
What bothered me was that the most profoundly different characters all died.
Sheesh. Is it so hard to envision a world in which disabled people would get to live another day?
I'm still giving it 4 star because overall it was a good read. The writing is solid, the worldbuilding good, and the insight into different characters' minds was deep and well done. I just wished the balance was different.
October 13, 2024
This was my first Andy Peloquin book. And I'm saying first because this collection has definitely convinced me to read more.
"Different, Not Damaged" is an anthology of short stories set in the world of Voramis, which is apparently a world that's common to more than one of Andy's series. And all of these little stories depict the stories of those who are somehow different, whether due to disabilities, trauma or disorders, for example. Add to that the fact this is a very grim and fairly brutal dark fantasy world, and you end up with stories that hit hard and deep.
I loved the writing and storytelling here. Each story was compelling in its own way, thought-provoking and, often, heart-wrenching. In short, they were all really good.
This anthology is not for the faint of heart nor for those looking for something lighthearted that will make you feel warm and good inside. But if you're in the mood for something darker and grittier that will also hit you hard on an emotional level, I highly recommend giving this a go.
"Different, Not Damaged" is an anthology of short stories set in the world of Voramis, which is apparently a world that's common to more than one of Andy's series. And all of these little stories depict the stories of those who are somehow different, whether due to disabilities, trauma or disorders, for example. Add to that the fact this is a very grim and fairly brutal dark fantasy world, and you end up with stories that hit hard and deep.
I loved the writing and storytelling here. Each story was compelling in its own way, thought-provoking and, often, heart-wrenching. In short, they were all really good.
This anthology is not for the faint of heart nor for those looking for something lighthearted that will make you feel warm and good inside. But if you're in the mood for something darker and grittier that will also hit you hard on an emotional level, I highly recommend giving this a go.
July 9, 2019
Different, Not damaged -written by Andy Peloquin- is a collection of short stories that each try to convey the thoughts and emotions of a main character whom suffers from a disability. The stories take place in the grim and dark world of the Hunter and are emotional to read; but beautiful in their insight.
January 6, 2020
I chose this book because a friend of mine thought it was really great. I have worked with people who have different abilities for many years. I looked forward to reading a book which would bring forth these people in a positive light. I would say that this book fulfilled my hope about 75% of the way or maybe less. Some stories do show people who are different in a positive light. In the positive stories, the people were shown to overcome life's challenges with dignity. Some of these stories depicted the people with different abilities as victims in such a way that I was disappointed. Even so, even the victim stories made me pause to think. It is true that sometimes, these people do wind up being victims so perhaps those less positive stories were a representation of reality.
A great thing about this book is that each story took place within the same world. The culture of that world remained consistent between stories. Each character allowed me to see a different perspective of that world.
My friend warned me that I might not like this book because it has quite a lot of violence in it. She was correct that in some places, I found the violence disturbing. This would be important for some people to keep in mind.
I thought that the narration of the audio book done by David P. Dobrev was excellently done. His annunciation was clear. He brought life to the many different characters by using many different voices and accents.
Merged review:
I listened to this audio book because one of my friends who reviewed the book said it was great. This friend of mine has experience in the world of special needs people. Since I have been working with people who have various different challenges for over twenty years, I thought this book was worth looking at. I hoped to find a book which would contain stories where the people would be presented with their strengths in mind. I was partially disappointed.
I found that some of the people featured in these stories showed people with different abilities in a good light. These characters were people who overcame their challenges and even made their challenges into gifts.
Some of these stories showed the people as victims. These were the stories that I liked less. However, it is true that sometimes people who are different do become victims. Even the stories I liked less had good moral lessons to them and made me take some time to think.
Each story took place in the same world. The author, Andy Peloquin did an excellent job of letting each character featured in the stories show that world from a different perspective.
My friend warned me that I might not like this book due to the violence in it. It is true that the violence was in some places disturbing to me.
A great thing about this book is that each story took place within the same world. The culture of that world remained consistent between stories. Each character allowed me to see a different perspective of that world.
My friend warned me that I might not like this book because it has quite a lot of violence in it. She was correct that in some places, I found the violence disturbing. This would be important for some people to keep in mind.
I thought that the narration of the audio book done by David P. Dobrev was excellently done. His annunciation was clear. He brought life to the many different characters by using many different voices and accents.
Merged review:
I listened to this audio book because one of my friends who reviewed the book said it was great. This friend of mine has experience in the world of special needs people. Since I have been working with people who have various different challenges for over twenty years, I thought this book was worth looking at. I hoped to find a book which would contain stories where the people would be presented with their strengths in mind. I was partially disappointed.
I found that some of the people featured in these stories showed people with different abilities in a good light. These characters were people who overcame their challenges and even made their challenges into gifts.
Some of these stories showed the people as victims. These were the stories that I liked less. However, it is true that sometimes people who are different do become victims. Even the stories I liked less had good moral lessons to them and made me take some time to think.
Each story took place in the same world. The author, Andy Peloquin did an excellent job of letting each character featured in the stories show that world from a different perspective.
My friend warned me that I might not like this book due to the violence in it. It is true that the violence was in some places disturbing to me.
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