Kindling: Stories

by Kathleen Jennings

A fabulous debut of folk tales and fantasies by an award winning author and illustrator.
Small fires start in the hearts of Kathleen Jennings’s characters and irresistibly spread to those around them. Journeys are taken, debts repaid, disguises put on, and lessons offered — although not often learned — in these fantastic tales. Jennings's confident voice lulls readers into stepping off the known paths to find "Undine Love,” “The Heart of Owl Abbas,” and further unexpected places and people.

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy, Fiction

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2024

About the author

Kathleen Jennings is an illustrator and writer based in Brisbane, Australia. As an illustrator, she has been shortlisted three times for the World Fantasy Awards, once for the Hugos, and once for the Locus Awards, as well as winning a number of Ditmars. As a writer, she has won two Ditmars and been shortlisted for the Eugie Foster Memorial Award and for several Aurealis Awards.

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall thoughts:

I immensely enjoyed this collection of strange, dark fantasy.

Most of the stories left me wanting more of the world they belonged to, and I would happily read novels featuring many of these characters.

There is a heaviness to this collection that will have me contemplating for a while, I think.

Each story is unique and unusual, with twisted fantasy themes that take you to unexpected places. I particularly enjoyed A Hedge of Yellow Roses and Not To Be Taken but on the whole this was a really brilliant collection.

There's a pretty consistent respect for birds - particularly owls - that threaded everything together really nicely, but there's also a love of storytelling that really spoke to me.

This was a delight to read, and I imagine fantasy lovers looking for something a little different will appreciate this collection. Highly recommend it.

See below for my individual review for each story.

***

The Heart of Owl Abbas: ⭐⭐⭐

The story was really confusing to me but I loved the language and the writing. I followed the gist without quite comprehending the details, and it was quite a beautiful story. It just really confused me. I'm still not sure if I was reading about birds, people, or something entirely other.

Skull and Hyssop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved this one! It was rather steampunk which is not my favourite genre but I really enjoyed this story. There was a rich world here that was only briefly visited so I'd happily read more of it.

The characters were also a lot of fun.

An early fave.

Ella and the Flame: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A beautiful, moving story. It was equal parts lovely and horrific, and I loved the sisterhood of it.

Not to Be Taken: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Damn this was crazy! I loved the way it kept turning about, and I had no idea how this was going to end.

The bird theme is definitely strong throughout the book, and this story in particular makes them heroic.

I could easily have read this as a full length story.

A Hedge of Yellow Roses: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A real standout for me. I loved the fantasy element here and particularly the way it was turned around. There was such a beautiful story here amongst the roses and birds.

Fave so far.

The Tangled Streets: ⭐⭐⭐

Not too sure about this one, as it had me quite lost at the start. Eventually I fell into the flow of it, but I desperately wanted more information than I got.

It was still a beautiful story but a little too unsatisfying.

The Present Only Toucheth Thee: ⭐⭐⭐

Strange and short. Another one with an idea I'd love further exploration of. I like the twined souls over time but I wanted more to sink my teeth into.

On Pepper Creek: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was great fun and very reminiscent of Flyaway. I loved the lurking shadows and the unseen threat of it all. Another favourite.

Annie Coal: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another fave - Annie heads out on an adventure to save her grandma and secrets are revealed along the way.

There was a lot of subtlety to this, and it was another one where it feels like so much of another world is lurking just behind this story. I wanted to know more of this land and the creatures of it.

Undine Love: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wasn't too sure about this one. I really enjoyed the telling of it, but it felt unsatisfying to me. And yet??? It was bizarre, but there was a tragic romance vibe to the whole thing as well that really sucked me in. I felt things.

Kindling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'm a big fan of storytelling, so I loved this. Subtle with such a satisfying, creepy darkness lurking over it. It was a cool concept and I again wanted more.


The Splendour Falls: ⭐⭐⭐

God, this one just made me depressed. A man obsessed with a woman gets more than he bargained for. It felt quite soul-crushing, but I also felt there was a truth behind it all that made it more horrific.

[Jessica]

Charming stories that reminded me of E. Nesbit and Kelly Link, if that makes sense. The aggressive style of the cover was honestly a bit off-putting to me at first, but it grew on me.

*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most short stories collection, many people are going to find this collection hit and miss. One thing that cannot be denied however, is Jennings ability and skill with language. Her prose is rich and lush. It reminds one of Carter and Byatt. The stand out story is "A Hedge of Yellow Roses". This is an elegant retelling of Sleeping Beauty that touches on passages of times, problems with curses, gender roles, and letting go. It is closely followed by "On Tangled Streets" which is inspired by a rather famous Greek myth but yet points to the problems and issues that can exist in cities and how we see people that come from the wrong side. "On Pepper Creek" also stands out because of the use of Old World vs New World travel and a boggart. The stories are dark and tread that fine line between dark fantasy and horror (though whether or not there is truly a line is simply a matter of taste).

[Boxofdelights · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowery language can be charming or tiresome, depending on the reader as much as the story. The language of "The Heart of Owl Abbas", the first story in this book, was too flowery for me, but I skipped it and enjoyed most of the other stories.

"The Tangled Streets" was confusing but intriguing as a stand-alone. If it is part of a larger work, I would like to read that.

"Undine Love" was my favorite.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This debut collection of twelve short stories is by Kathleen Jennings who—according to her bio—has won the British Fantasy and Ditmar awards for her writing. These stories fit into the genres of fantasy, folklore, and fairy tale. The quality of these stories is uneven: I almost gave up after the first story The Heart of Owl Abbas when I became overwhelmed by her over-descriptive/thesaurus driven prose. I did eventually give up and moved onto her second story, Skull and Hyssop, which was much more enjoyable.

Fantasy is not a genre I usually read, so I am not sure if I am the right person to review this book. I like a good story, but was disappointed in the overall quality of those in this anthology.

I would like to thank LibraryThing and Small Beer Press for the opportunity to read and review this collection.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flyaway was FANTASTIC, and I cannot wait to read this collection of short stories.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindling: Stories is a collection of wonderful tales, as in “wonder” “full.” Kathleen Jennings’ fables and folklore are filled with magical birds, a bogart, undines. Brave young women and men who persist when all seems lost, and come to indeterminate endings.

Jennings’ words create illusions within the stories; long ago and far away entrances the reader with mysterious paths, briar enclosures, forests of dread. Her lyrical, rich prose hits the perfect balance of description and narrative.

The sea here was nothing like Angel had described . . . . What Annie saw was huger than despair, big enough to hold every lost thing. Purple and green, it wrinkled and shifted like a cow twitching its hide to shake off flies. . . . Annie worked her way down it, pressing close to the cliff, down and down through the roar of the waves, until she stumbled into thick sand. It sank whispering beneath her boots and slipped silkily in through the holes in the leather.

Clearly, Jennings is a consummate writer. These stories have been previously published, like the highly regarded “Undine Love” and “The Heart of Owl Abbas.” Flyaway, her first novel, is a 2021 World Fantasy Award finalist and a 2020 Crawford Award finalist. Give yourself a real treat and walk within her enchantments.

I received a copy of this book from Small Beer Press. This is an honest review.

[B.P. Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Kindling is a diverse and sometimes dark collection of literary and folk-tale influenced fantasies, birds and sinister motives common motifs, it’s entertaining and beautifully written – it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy it if you like thoughtful storytelling.
My only caveat is a positive – several of the tales read like the beginnings of novels. Turning the page, only to find the characters I’m now engaged with, in a premise I buy, have reached the end of the story, leaves me wishing I could continue on in their journey - particularly Skull and Hyssop, and Ella and the Flame. Each tale will take you to places you’ve never been before, with characters who all have their own stories to tell.
While Jennings is an established illustrator and artist, she’s still a rising force as a writer. She’s been shortlisted in many major competitions. She’s also had some very solid mentoring, which she respectfully name-checks in her acknowledgement. Kelly Link, a writer I rate highly, worked with her on one of the stories; Angela Slatter and Ellen Datlow, among others, are also thanked. Jennings is, in other words, someone working hard and earning collaboration from the writing tribe. I’ll definitely have to check out her debut novel, Flyaway, published in 2020.
Congratulations to the author on a wonderful collection.

[Dan Trefethen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Jennings is shaping up to be quite a good fantasy writer, in addition to being an acclaimed book illustrator. This short story collection follows her impressive fiction debut in 2020 with the 'Australian gothic' novella 'Flyaway', featuring a deliciously unreliable narrator.

In this collection, stories mostly involve interactions between humans and the supernatural – strange elements that aren't apparent to most people. The protagonists are sometimes protectors of their communities, sometimes simply puzzled by the turn of events and having to figure it out.

Jennings' language is often luscious, with careful descriptions of objects and surroundings that provide the tone to the story. The initial story, 'The Heart of Owl Abbas', showcases this language best. It might be a bit overwrought for some, but shows the commitment Jennings has to painting with words.

In the acknowledgements Jennings credits her publisher Kelly Link of Small Beer Press with helping her craft a story, and one can see the influence Link has had on her prose. The prose is not quite “Linkian” (Linklike?), but might be moving in that direction. Angela Slatter has also been a big influence, as has C.S.E. Cooney, so any fans of those writers might want to take a look at Kathleen Jennings.

[Joy Pixley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stories! Each a gem in its own way, although my favorites are the fairy tales. Jennings displays a range of styles, all done masterfully, all with her own clever, gorgeous, interesting voice.

One warning, of sorts: I had a hard time getting into the first story. I think she put that one first because it's the most ambitious and odd, showing off her stuff. And it is! But that also makes it trickier to settle into and get a good handle on. So if you're feeling confused by the first story or just not that into it, I'd suggest skipping to the second or third, which are more approachable, and get a better sense of her voice before going back to that one.

[Scooby2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any collection of short stories, you will find yourself liking some more than others. I enjoyed Jennings take on these fables and folk tales. There are some darker than others, which I enjoyed, I think there will be something for everyone to enjoy in this collection.

I give this book 4 stars.

This review is based on a copy I won from LibraryThing for an honest review.

[Kit]

first two stories are fabulous, from that point on it's a slow downward trajectory. never quite achieves the heights of "heart of owl abbas" or "skull and hyssop" again, with the possible exception of "undine love." that said, it's one of if not the only books i've read to which a catherynne valente comparison wouldn't feel disingenuous. if you enjoy valente, you'll enjoy this.

[Gronk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of short stories. The good are great. The not so good are bogged down by over flowery language. Jennings is masterful at crafting rich environments with beautiful prose and other-worldliness. When it doesn't get in the way of the story the result is mesmerizing. When it gets in the way of the story the result is soporific. An uneven work hence the middle grade.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious collection of dark and twisty tales. My favourites were Skull and Hyssop, a steampunk airship adventure that was so vivid and compelling I wanted a whole novel, and Undine Love, an unexpectedly touching paranormal detective story.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastical stories to savor...I usually gulp short story collections down briskly, but these stories I read no more than two a day, because they were so rich that my mind wanted to linger on them...

[EJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Kathleen Jennings's strengths as an author lie primarily in coming up with sharp, unsettling fantasy concepts and drawing them out in vivid detail. The short story is perhaps the ideal length for this - Jennings's novella Flyaway was atmospheric and had striking moments, but the meandering plot left something to be desired.

The stories in this collection often revolve around women who are determined to get what they want at all costs. Many of them draw on fairy tales and folklore, but Jennings manages to find unusual twists that keep the stories fresh. "A Hedge of Yellow Roses" is a take on Sleeping Beauty that features an eternally-young noblewoman gone half-feral in her hundred or more years without human contact, and "Undine Love" mines the Princess and the Frog for a surprising amount of horror and tragedy (though it is also frequently funny). Despite their well-worn origins, none of these stories feel tired or predictable, which is impressive. Other standouts include "Skull and Hyssop", an adventure/mystery with some memorable bits of sailing-related fantasy worldbuilding, and "Not to Be Taken", a portrait of a morally ambiguous woman who gets in over her head with a dangerous man and must come up with a scheme to escape his clutches.

As is usually true of short story collections, not all of the stories are winners, and it's unfortunate that in this case that includes both the opening story (the dense and perhaps overly ornate "Heart of Owl Abbas") and the title story (the eminently forgettable "Kindling"). But on balance, there's more good than bad here, and I would recommend the collection to fans of dark fantasy that leans towards the literary.