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Petulant Shadows
Discover an enigmatic realm where the veil of the ordinary is lifted, beckoning you into a captivating world of curious and shadowy tales.
From the pen of an author celebrated for his wit, masterful storytelling and stimulating prose comes this third imaginative collection of short fiction and poetry, following Fajitas from Heaven and Lucky .
Petulant Shadows is an evocative tapestry that engages the mind and stirs the heart, inviting you to embrace the unexpected with grace and humor.
From the pen of an author celebrated for his wit, masterful storytelling and stimulating prose comes this third imaginative collection of short fiction and poetry, following Fajitas from Heaven and Lucky .
Petulant Shadows is an evocative tapestry that engages the mind and stirs the heart, inviting you to embrace the unexpected with grace and humor.
- GenresShort Stories
190 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2023
1 person is currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Gregory S. Williams
8 books113 followersI love discovering authors who have an engaging, unique or authentic voice. I also love a good recommendation of books that are fun, provocative, interesting or enrich my knowledge about historical events. This is why I'm on Goodreads - reading is an incredibly valuable use of time, particularly in this age of chaos and noise.
As an author, I've written two novels, two books of short stories and a memoir about running. Reviews are always welcomed!
FATAL INDEMNITY is a murder/mystery featuring an insurance investigator who stumbles across the murder of a homeless woman and finds himself in over his head (2012).
DOMINIC GRAVES is about brothers who grow into two different worlds following the loss of their parents; one taken in by a wealthy uncle, the other left to fend on his own. Thirty years later, they meet again following a new tragedy neither thought possible (2012).
DIRT AND INK: A RUNNER'S JOURNEY chronicles my training for the 2014 New York City Marathon, and is accompanied by a video posted on this site (2015).
FAJITAS FROM HEAVEN is a collection of short stories, memoirs and poetry (2015).
LUCKY is another collection of fun, pithy short stories (2020).
I am currently working on several new projects, including another short story collection and a historical novel set in the early part of the twentieth century.
As an author, I've written two novels, two books of short stories and a memoir about running. Reviews are always welcomed!
FATAL INDEMNITY is a murder/mystery featuring an insurance investigator who stumbles across the murder of a homeless woman and finds himself in over his head (2012).
DOMINIC GRAVES is about brothers who grow into two different worlds following the loss of their parents; one taken in by a wealthy uncle, the other left to fend on his own. Thirty years later, they meet again following a new tragedy neither thought possible (2012).
DIRT AND INK: A RUNNER'S JOURNEY chronicles my training for the 2014 New York City Marathon, and is accompanied by a video posted on this site (2015).
FAJITAS FROM HEAVEN is a collection of short stories, memoirs and poetry (2015).
LUCKY is another collection of fun, pithy short stories (2020).
I am currently working on several new projects, including another short story collection and a historical novel set in the early part of the twentieth century.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 7, 2023
Nicely done. This author writes very well, and has the art of the short story down. I look forward to his future work. Recommended.
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
I really appreciate the free copy for review!!
November 18, 2023
Beautiful collection of short stories and poems. One poem really stuck out to me and that was Did You Feel. It really felt like it was reflective of my personal experience of having to walk away from love in order to save myself. This poem will stay with me for the rest of my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
Petulant Shadows by Gregory S. Williams is a novel of poetry, short stories, thoughts, and vignettes.
Williams starts off strong with a short story of marriage and trauma, which leads us into a retelling of The Last Leaf by O. Henry. Although the twist here is that the story takes place during 2020, throughout the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a beautiful story of friendship, survival, and coming together even when you must stay apart. I must say my favorite story by far was The Review, if I was rating this story alone it would be 5 stars. Here we meet a lost young man, homeless and giving up on life. We learn of his difficult backstory and go on a journey through “his review.” This review is all of the major points in his life and what can be. This story is full of trauma, but also hope and forgiveness.
The main struggle I had as a reader is I struggled to find the dots that connected the collection together. It felt very jumbled. Some pieces were strong, but would be followed by a “thought” or a “vignette” that didn’t hold up to that same strength. This also made it very difficult to try to find an overarching theme.
What can be said regardless is that the writing in Petulant Shadows is fantastic. Williams knows how to write a beautifully descriptive tale and I look forward to checking out more of his work.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Williams starts off strong with a short story of marriage and trauma, which leads us into a retelling of The Last Leaf by O. Henry. Although the twist here is that the story takes place during 2020, throughout the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a beautiful story of friendship, survival, and coming together even when you must stay apart. I must say my favorite story by far was The Review, if I was rating this story alone it would be 5 stars. Here we meet a lost young man, homeless and giving up on life. We learn of his difficult backstory and go on a journey through “his review.” This review is all of the major points in his life and what can be. This story is full of trauma, but also hope and forgiveness.
The main struggle I had as a reader is I struggled to find the dots that connected the collection together. It felt very jumbled. Some pieces were strong, but would be followed by a “thought” or a “vignette” that didn’t hold up to that same strength. This also made it very difficult to try to find an overarching theme.
What can be said regardless is that the writing in Petulant Shadows is fantastic. Williams knows how to write a beautifully descriptive tale and I look forward to checking out more of his work.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
Ever wonder what it's like to dive into a world where the ordinary turns into a maze of extraordinary? Well, Petulant Shadows by Gregory S. Williams is like that secret portal you've been looking for! Seriously, this book's got stories that'll make your brain do a happy dance – like a guy getting swept into the sea by a selfie (how's that for an adventure?), or a love story that's a bit like that rom-com you never knew you needed. And let's not forget the dreamer who bumps into a camera crew while he's snoozing – talk about dreaming big! Williams' writing is like the ultimate rollercoaster of emotions, with heart and humor packed in every page. If you're up for a wild ride of imagination that'll leave you chuckling and maybe even scratching your head in awe, Petulant Shadows is your ticket to a world of words that'll light up your imagination. Go on, grab your copy and get ready to dive into the unexpected!
September 30, 2023
"There is power in storytelling, particularly in connecting more deeply with another soul, to help make sense of our world and remind us that we’re not alone."
Petulant Shadows by Gregory S. Williams is a diverse and imaginative compilation of short fiction and poetry, offering a wide spectrum of genres that captivate the reader's imagination. Williams weaves a tapestry of literary exploration, interspersed with beautifully crafted poetry that adds an extra layer of depth to the collection.
The collection showcases Williams' skill in creating an immersive experience for readers. Each story and poem contributes to the overall tapestry, creating a mosaic of emotions and reflections. It's evident that Williams has poured creativity and thought into each piece, providing a unique reading experience that spans a broad range of literary landscapes. The imaginative depth and the fusion of various genres speak to Williams' versatility as an author.
Petulant Shadows by Gregory S. Williams is a diverse and imaginative compilation of short fiction and poetry, offering a wide spectrum of genres that captivate the reader's imagination. Williams weaves a tapestry of literary exploration, interspersed with beautifully crafted poetry that adds an extra layer of depth to the collection.
The collection showcases Williams' skill in creating an immersive experience for readers. Each story and poem contributes to the overall tapestry, creating a mosaic of emotions and reflections. It's evident that Williams has poured creativity and thought into each piece, providing a unique reading experience that spans a broad range of literary landscapes. The imaginative depth and the fusion of various genres speak to Williams' versatility as an author.
November 2, 2023
The 19 short stories are:
- Sleeper
- Slay
- A Delicious Trouble
- Penumbra
- The Last Leaf (2020)
- Peculiar Shadows
- Osric, Unplugged
- The #Influencer
- Following In
- An Omelette, But With Feelings
- The Ache
- Buffering
- Did you feel
- The Float
- Do for me
- Neighbors and Pawns
- Maybe
- The Review
These are captivating short stories and poems that delve deep into human thoughts. The stories are dialogue-driven and written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. This is a personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. There is potential for the short stories to be expanded on, delving further into the characters over their interaction.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
- Sleeper
- Slay
- A Delicious Trouble
- Penumbra
- The Last Leaf (2020)
- Peculiar Shadows
- Osric, Unplugged
- The #Influencer
- Following In
- An Omelette, But With Feelings
- The Ache
- Buffering
- Did you feel
- The Float
- Do for me
- Neighbors and Pawns
- Maybe
- The Review
These are captivating short stories and poems that delve deep into human thoughts. The stories are dialogue-driven and written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. This is a personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. There is potential for the short stories to be expanded on, delving further into the characters over their interaction.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
November 20, 2023
This book is an entertaining compilation of short stories and poems that drew me in almost immediately.
In each piece of Petulant Shadows, the author challenges the mind with mystery and intrigue, as to what's next, and really seems to work the brain as each story unfolds, and also holds your attention with a lot of relatable character dialog. In between each short story is a highly thoughtful poem that serves as an appropriate break in between thoughts.
A very unique and thoughtful collection of perspectives and observations are woven throughout each vignette and poem that leaves the reader wondering what is actually fictional, and what was derived from the author's actual experience.
It left me wanting more and feeling better about my own shadows.
Great work!
In each piece of Petulant Shadows, the author challenges the mind with mystery and intrigue, as to what's next, and really seems to work the brain as each story unfolds, and also holds your attention with a lot of relatable character dialog. In between each short story is a highly thoughtful poem that serves as an appropriate break in between thoughts.
A very unique and thoughtful collection of perspectives and observations are woven throughout each vignette and poem that leaves the reader wondering what is actually fictional, and what was derived from the author's actual experience.
It left me wanting more and feeling better about my own shadows.
Great work!
September 7, 2023
Gregory S. Williams invites readers on a mesmerizing journey with his collection of short stories and poetry, Petulant Shadows. Through a diverse range of tales, Williams showcases his mastery of storytelling and his ability to weave intricate narratives that captivate the imagination. From a man trapped in the sea's depths to a dreamer encountering a camera crew, each story is a portal to a world where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. With a touch of wit, humor, and profound insight, Petulant Shadows is a compelling tapestry that ignites curiosity and emotions, leaving readers both pondering and entertained.
September 3, 2023
First, I want to thank NetGalley for this opportunity!
This book was simply a pleasure to read, and reflect on each text the author wrote. Everything was meticulously thought out, the rhymes, the way of presenting, the thin red line that linked all together.
I really loved it.
I don't have much to complain about, because everything is there. The writing, the emotions, the coherence, everything you need to be into it, is there.
This book was simply a pleasure to read, and reflect on each text the author wrote. Everything was meticulously thought out, the rhymes, the way of presenting, the thin red line that linked all together.
I really loved it.
I don't have much to complain about, because everything is there. The writing, the emotions, the coherence, everything you need to be into it, is there.
June 10, 2025
Every page of Petulant Shadows pulls you deeper into a world where the surreal dances with the deeply human. The author's wit, imagination, and poetic flair shine in every story. From floating prisons to forgotten names, each tale is a hauntingly beautiful reminder that reality is never as solid as it seems. A truly masterful and moving collection, thank you for gifting us this experience.
November 1, 2023
*I am voluntarily leaving this review after having received a free copy of this book.*
When the "veil of the ordinary" is lifted, the result is not so much enigmatic, as the summary promises. It's more just...confusing. Normally when I'm confused while reading, I assume it's because the material is going over my head--plenty of books are smarter than I am (or good at pretending to be smarter, at least.) I don't think that's the case with this one. I think the stories were just not well thought-out. And weirdly, the majority of them had an undercurrent of...not misogyny, but...you can tell that these stories were written by a man, is the best way I can think to put it. Even so, I did enjoy some parts of some of the stories, hence the 2 stars instead of 1.
When the "veil of the ordinary" is lifted, the result is not so much enigmatic, as the summary promises. It's more just...confusing. Normally when I'm confused while reading, I assume it's because the material is going over my head--plenty of books are smarter than I am (or good at pretending to be smarter, at least.) I don't think that's the case with this one. I think the stories were just not well thought-out. And weirdly, the majority of them had an undercurrent of...not misogyny, but...you can tell that these stories were written by a man, is the best way I can think to put it. Even so, I did enjoy some parts of some of the stories, hence the 2 stars instead of 1.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews