What do you think?
Rate this book
Voices of The Future: Stories of Family and Fearlessness
Discover the next generation of storytellers…This inaugural edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of family and fearlessness in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through tales of hope and belonging from rising young creatives.
Olivia G. Booms “A Book Dragon’s Story”
Jenny Chasteen “People of the Rain”
Rachel Elizabeth “Fairies in the Garden”
Hope Jian “Shattered Echoes”
Cara Peregrino “The Penny Dragon”
Madigan Thompson “Obsidian Wings”
Abi Lyn Voss “The Little Tire Shop”
Valari Westeren “Symbiosis”
Amie Woleslagle “Colors of Grief”
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. The Author Conservatory
Olivia G. Booms “A Book Dragon’s Story”
Jenny Chasteen “People of the Rain”
Rachel Elizabeth “Fairies in the Garden”
Hope Jian “Shattered Echoes”
Cara Peregrino “The Penny Dragon”
Madigan Thompson “Obsidian Wings”
Abi Lyn Voss “The Little Tire Shop”
Valari Westeren “Symbiosis”
Amie Woleslagle “Colors of Grief”
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. The Author Conservatory
311 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2023
20 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 10, 2023
I'm not the largest fan of anthologies, or even fantasy (which is what most of the stories are) but I gave it a chance. I know that each and every author worked so hard on their stories and I wish them the best success in their future Author careers. If you are looking for a collection of short stories to read on a rainy afternoon, pick up this book!
May 31, 2024
I know this is going to sound incredibly biased and scripted, but: I loved this collection.
Ironically enough, though, I was hesitant going into this. Although I love the conservatory and my classmates, I was worried that I would have trouble connecting to the stories due to their short nature and the fact that a majority of them are at varying levels of fantasy. Not to mention reading this requires transitioning between multiple worlds, characters, and situations. I was worried that all those factors would hinder my enjoyment.
However, I was, as usual, wrong. And honestly, I couldn't be happier.
There is truly something for everyone within this anthology. There are bookkeeper dragons, rain allegories, voices from portals, magical tire shops, heart-wrenching dementia rep, flower garden fairies, mysterious winged creatures, killer apocalyptic trees, and cozy cafes weighted with significance, but underneath the surface there are themes that are bound to resonate with anyone regardless of their preferred genres. Themes of comparison, trust, letting go, familial healing, everyday magic, loving others, belonging, hope for the future, and learning to grieve. While I struggled to keep up with some of the more plot-focused stories as they moved quickly, I was still so impressed by the heart and beauty behind each one. Each story carries its own unique flavor and aesthetic, yet is still cohesive to the anthology as a whole.
As for my personal favorites? The Little Tire Shop felt like a warm hug and an ode to the significance of seemingly unimportant items, I was in constant amazement of how Cara Peregrino pulled off a gentle and realistic take on dementia in The Penny Dragon, I was pulled into the world and the struggles of the partly-human main character of Obsidian Wings, the survival aspect of Symbiosis and the sibling relationships re-ignited my love for apocalyptic stories, and the prose of Colors of Grief is literal writer goals (Amie, if you see this, I am in love with your writing style).
So, overall, if you've been on the fence about this—I highly recommend just giving it a try. You may find a favorite story (or two, or three), even (or especially) if they're outside the genre you typically read. Just as I did. :)
Ironically enough, though, I was hesitant going into this. Although I love the conservatory and my classmates, I was worried that I would have trouble connecting to the stories due to their short nature and the fact that a majority of them are at varying levels of fantasy. Not to mention reading this requires transitioning between multiple worlds, characters, and situations. I was worried that all those factors would hinder my enjoyment.
However, I was, as usual, wrong. And honestly, I couldn't be happier.
There is truly something for everyone within this anthology. There are bookkeeper dragons, rain allegories, voices from portals, magical tire shops, heart-wrenching dementia rep, flower garden fairies, mysterious winged creatures, killer apocalyptic trees, and cozy cafes weighted with significance, but underneath the surface there are themes that are bound to resonate with anyone regardless of their preferred genres. Themes of comparison, trust, letting go, familial healing, everyday magic, loving others, belonging, hope for the future, and learning to grieve. While I struggled to keep up with some of the more plot-focused stories as they moved quickly, I was still so impressed by the heart and beauty behind each one. Each story carries its own unique flavor and aesthetic, yet is still cohesive to the anthology as a whole.
As for my personal favorites? The Little Tire Shop felt like a warm hug and an ode to the significance of seemingly unimportant items, I was in constant amazement of how Cara Peregrino pulled off a gentle and realistic take on dementia in The Penny Dragon, I was pulled into the world and the struggles of the partly-human main character of Obsidian Wings, the survival aspect of Symbiosis and the sibling relationships re-ignited my love for apocalyptic stories, and the prose of Colors of Grief is literal writer goals (Amie, if you see this, I am in love with your writing style).
So, overall, if you've been on the fence about this—I highly recommend just giving it a try. You may find a favorite story (or two, or three), even (or especially) if they're outside the genre you typically read. Just as I did. :)
December 5, 2023
Look out world: there are new authors who are entering the scene and they are coming in with a BANG!
With the Author Conservatory mentoring hundreds of up-and-coming authors in ground-breaking and fast-tracking methods, I've been telling friends and family that there will be some incredibly stunning, solid, and just genuinely amazing books that you'll see in the wild in the not-too-distant future. And this book, featuring nine of my amazing classmates in the Conservatory, is proof that my prediction is on track. These are stories that will move you deep in your soul. They'll make you feel things you may never have felt before with a short story, wow you with their poetry-worthy prose, and mystify you with the intricate worlds and character arcs woven together. Don't underestimate the fact that just because these stories are short, doesn't mean they won't leave an impact. Each story left me with an incredibly distinct emotion, and with the end of each one I entered the next one with anticipation, drinking in the powerful themes and truths embedded inside.
In short: WOW.
I want to take a moment and briefly highlight each story, because I've seen glimpses behind the scenes of how much work is put in to each and every one, and they all deserve their own little mini review...
A Book Dragon's Story by Olivia G. Booms: This was the PERFECT story to kick off the anthology, y’all. This is a tribute and love-story to all who adore books and are book dragons themselves. Such a sweet tale that I will be eagerly giving my little sister to read when my copy of this book arrives. <3
People Of The Rain by Jenny Chasteen: This was a hopeful tale with a plucky, down-to-earth main character who you just can't help but root for. The world was so vibrant, and the truths deeply woven in are most definitely thought-provoking and discussion-worthy.
Shattered Echoes by Hope Jian: Goodness, this story had me in its grips. A unique take on a portal fantasy, and one that I wanted to spend a whole book's length in this world with these characters. The twist was a surprising one but packed a powerful punch and drove the message home in an incredibly tangible way.
The Little Tire Shop by Abi Lynn Voss: This story was so cute and sweet. 😍 I loved the soft fantasy vibes, and this story just had an aesthetic all its own. It has a surprisingly wide and well-developed cast of characters for a short story, who felt like people you would meet at your local tire shop (or would hope to meet 😉).
The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino: First of all, can I just say I want to know what happens next?! 😂 This story felt like it could've taken up the space of one four times its size (in a good way of course 😉). As someone who's slowly watching the effects of dementia in a loved one, this story hit home in a way that probably wouldn't have otherwise. 😅 However, the depiction of the main character's dementia was handled and written in a very tasteful and thoughtful way. I do wish there were more to the ending, as it felt almost interrupted, but was overall a lovely story.
Fairies In The Garden by Rachel Elizabeth: This story is easily another one I will gladly give to my little sister because I know she'll adore it just as much as me. It's hard not to read this story and smile. The voice of this main character is so vivid, so humorous, and yet so earnest. Added to the lovely theme of redemption and forgiveness, this is readily one of my favorites in this collection. <3
Obsidian Wings by Madigan Thompson: I have a confession to make: when I first started reading this story, I was a bit taken aback by it (it's a tad bit hard to go from reading about dancing fairies to a half-dragon creature that's feared by most mankind 😅). But after reading a few pages in, I was hooked. Cor is an incredibly fascinating and sympathetic main character, I honestly want a whole book of her exploring who she is more and what it means to be Cor. This is a wonderful story of acceptance despite appearances and putting yourself out there despite possible ridicule or even consequences.
Symbiosis by Valari Westeren: The world in this story is one that feels like a refreshing take on dystopian mixed with some fantasy elements. It has about as many twists and turns as a tree's roots, twists that you never saw coming and leave you with your mouth open, eyes glued to the page as you have to know exactly what happens next.
The Colors Of Grief by Amie Woleslagle: This story hits different than your average short story. It beautifully paints a picture of dealing with grief and the painful emotions and sensations that come with it. It's an incredibly moving story that explores what life is like after we've lost someone we love. I do also have to say that there is one misuse of the Lord's name in this story, which I was a bit disappointed about.
If you're on the fence about buying this book, this is your sign to buy it now. 😉 These are 9 gripping tales of magic, life, truth, and more. You won't regret it.
Oh yeah, and don't forget to have a few tissues nearby while you read... you're gonna need them. 😉
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book and am a student myself in the Author Conservatory (however I have done my best to give an honest review here).
With the Author Conservatory mentoring hundreds of up-and-coming authors in ground-breaking and fast-tracking methods, I've been telling friends and family that there will be some incredibly stunning, solid, and just genuinely amazing books that you'll see in the wild in the not-too-distant future. And this book, featuring nine of my amazing classmates in the Conservatory, is proof that my prediction is on track. These are stories that will move you deep in your soul. They'll make you feel things you may never have felt before with a short story, wow you with their poetry-worthy prose, and mystify you with the intricate worlds and character arcs woven together. Don't underestimate the fact that just because these stories are short, doesn't mean they won't leave an impact. Each story left me with an incredibly distinct emotion, and with the end of each one I entered the next one with anticipation, drinking in the powerful themes and truths embedded inside.
In short: WOW.
I want to take a moment and briefly highlight each story, because I've seen glimpses behind the scenes of how much work is put in to each and every one, and they all deserve their own little mini review...
A Book Dragon's Story by Olivia G. Booms: This was the PERFECT story to kick off the anthology, y’all. This is a tribute and love-story to all who adore books and are book dragons themselves. Such a sweet tale that I will be eagerly giving my little sister to read when my copy of this book arrives. <3
People Of The Rain by Jenny Chasteen: This was a hopeful tale with a plucky, down-to-earth main character who you just can't help but root for. The world was so vibrant, and the truths deeply woven in are most definitely thought-provoking and discussion-worthy.
Shattered Echoes by Hope Jian: Goodness, this story had me in its grips. A unique take on a portal fantasy, and one that I wanted to spend a whole book's length in this world with these characters. The twist was a surprising one but packed a powerful punch and drove the message home in an incredibly tangible way.
The Little Tire Shop by Abi Lynn Voss: This story was so cute and sweet. 😍 I loved the soft fantasy vibes, and this story just had an aesthetic all its own. It has a surprisingly wide and well-developed cast of characters for a short story, who felt like people you would meet at your local tire shop (or would hope to meet 😉).
The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino: First of all, can I just say I want to know what happens next?! 😂 This story felt like it could've taken up the space of one four times its size (in a good way of course 😉). As someone who's slowly watching the effects of dementia in a loved one, this story hit home in a way that probably wouldn't have otherwise. 😅 However, the depiction of the main character's dementia was handled and written in a very tasteful and thoughtful way. I do wish there were more to the ending, as it felt almost interrupted, but was overall a lovely story.
Fairies In The Garden by Rachel Elizabeth: This story is easily another one I will gladly give to my little sister because I know she'll adore it just as much as me. It's hard not to read this story and smile. The voice of this main character is so vivid, so humorous, and yet so earnest. Added to the lovely theme of redemption and forgiveness, this is readily one of my favorites in this collection. <3
Obsidian Wings by Madigan Thompson: I have a confession to make: when I first started reading this story, I was a bit taken aback by it (it's a tad bit hard to go from reading about dancing fairies to a half-dragon creature that's feared by most mankind 😅). But after reading a few pages in, I was hooked. Cor is an incredibly fascinating and sympathetic main character, I honestly want a whole book of her exploring who she is more and what it means to be Cor. This is a wonderful story of acceptance despite appearances and putting yourself out there despite possible ridicule or even consequences.
Symbiosis by Valari Westeren: The world in this story is one that feels like a refreshing take on dystopian mixed with some fantasy elements. It has about as many twists and turns as a tree's roots, twists that you never saw coming and leave you with your mouth open, eyes glued to the page as you have to know exactly what happens next.
The Colors Of Grief by Amie Woleslagle: This story hits different than your average short story. It beautifully paints a picture of dealing with grief and the painful emotions and sensations that come with it. It's an incredibly moving story that explores what life is like after we've lost someone we love. I do also have to say that there is one misuse of the Lord's name in this story, which I was a bit disappointed about.
If you're on the fence about buying this book, this is your sign to buy it now. 😉 These are 9 gripping tales of magic, life, truth, and more. You won't regret it.
Oh yeah, and don't forget to have a few tissues nearby while you read... you're gonna need them. 😉
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book and am a student myself in the Author Conservatory (however I have done my best to give an honest review here).
December 6, 2023
"Words spoken in love are the most marvelous stories in the world."
What a wonderful collection of stories from brilliantly talented, rising young writers. You're in for a treat with each and every story...they're filled with twists, magic and maybe a few tears for the reader. While each short story in this book is unique (with a wide and creative range of characters, settings, and aesthetics), "family and fearlessness" are fantastic words of choice to sum up this anthology.
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to The Author Conservatory! I highly recommend purchasing a copy, as well as having a beautiful paperback with these amazing stories inside, you'll also be supporting a beautiful cause to help young writers chase their dreams.
What a wonderful collection of stories from brilliantly talented, rising young writers. You're in for a treat with each and every story...they're filled with twists, magic and maybe a few tears for the reader. While each short story in this book is unique (with a wide and creative range of characters, settings, and aesthetics), "family and fearlessness" are fantastic words of choice to sum up this anthology.
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to The Author Conservatory! I highly recommend purchasing a copy, as well as having a beautiful paperback with these amazing stories inside, you'll also be supporting a beautiful cause to help young writers chase their dreams.
March 9, 2024
Touching collection of short stories that showcases each author's unique voice and heart with several standout moments. So excited to see where each of these rising storytellers will go in their writing journeys!
January 2, 2024
Please excuse the long review because each of these stories is uniquely amazing, and so are these authors, and I have to talk about it. I can't wait to read their full-length books someday.
A BOOK DRAGON’S STORY: Bookmark is an adorable and relatable protagonist, and the worldbuilding drew me in right away. I just love the imagery of a dragon curled up on a stack of books with a steaming cup of tea. But here, the emphasis on the mother-daughter relationship is what shines through.
PEOPLE OF THE RAIN: I can relate with Moriyah’s internal struggles, and the world within the story feels very visceral. If anything, I almost wish I could see this as a novel, as the worldbuilding is so epic. It feels like there is so much depth to be explored. But I did love the allegory. <3
SHATTERED ECHOES: This one hit harder than I anticipated, with relatable characters and a sharp, emotionally grounded twist. The author did a beautiful job using the gripping sci-fi aspect of this story as a symbol for grief and moving forward.
THE LITTLE TIRE SHOP: Tender, authentic themes of family and belonging, plus the unique whimsy of a magical mechanic shop. Beautifully done. I adored the aesthetic of VW beetles and cassette tapes and spray paint. (And Ace is the BEST.)
THE PENNY DRAGON: Masterful. Benca’s is a fascinating perspective to read from—she's full of personality and backstory, yet is in the process of losing herself. The slower buildup gives insights into backstory that helps the reader put the pieces together. While I would've loved more penny dragon content, the ending still frames the story with (I feel) the right amount of whimsy and open-endedness.
FAIRIES IN THE GARDEN: Cheers for the older character representation we’re getting! Mr. Sanders is a perfectly grumpy old curmudgeon with (secretly) a heart of gold, but it never feels cliché. His character is wonderfully developed, and this story feels so delicately sunshine-y and full of hope.
OBSIDIAN WINGS: I love the character voice and how the characters developed even within the shortness of the story. I do have mixed feelings about the ending, which almost felt a tiny bit unrealistic? But at the same time, it is gratifying to see Cor find her home, and the themes of love and belonging are beautiful.
SYMBIOSIS: I’m not usually one for dystopian stories, but I really enjoyed the themes here. I don't fully understand all of the worldbuilding (especially the Gorgon), but the sentient trees are such an intriguing premise and that twist hit hard. The family dynamic is the highlight of this one!
COLORS OF GRIEF: One of my favorites. This story reads as beautifully as a poem and as achingly raw as a journal entry, showing the importance of the 'little' things. It’s simple and complex, sharp and insightful, and it doesn't shy away from pain—or hope. Grief is real, but it's not the end.
A few favorite quotes:
A Book Dragon's Story
Shattered Echoes
The Penny Dragon
Symbiosis
Colors of Grief
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
A BOOK DRAGON’S STORY: Bookmark is an adorable and relatable protagonist, and the worldbuilding drew me in right away. I just love the imagery of a dragon curled up on a stack of books with a steaming cup of tea. But here, the emphasis on the mother-daughter relationship is what shines through.
PEOPLE OF THE RAIN: I can relate with Moriyah’s internal struggles, and the world within the story feels very visceral. If anything, I almost wish I could see this as a novel, as the worldbuilding is so epic. It feels like there is so much depth to be explored. But I did love the allegory. <3
SHATTERED ECHOES: This one hit harder than I anticipated, with relatable characters and a sharp, emotionally grounded twist. The author did a beautiful job using the gripping sci-fi aspect of this story as a symbol for grief and moving forward.
THE LITTLE TIRE SHOP: Tender, authentic themes of family and belonging, plus the unique whimsy of a magical mechanic shop. Beautifully done. I adored the aesthetic of VW beetles and cassette tapes and spray paint. (And Ace is the BEST.)
THE PENNY DRAGON: Masterful. Benca’s is a fascinating perspective to read from—she's full of personality and backstory, yet is in the process of losing herself. The slower buildup gives insights into backstory that helps the reader put the pieces together. While I would've loved more penny dragon content, the ending still frames the story with (I feel) the right amount of whimsy and open-endedness.
FAIRIES IN THE GARDEN: Cheers for the older character representation we’re getting! Mr. Sanders is a perfectly grumpy old curmudgeon with (secretly) a heart of gold, but it never feels cliché. His character is wonderfully developed, and this story feels so delicately sunshine-y and full of hope.
OBSIDIAN WINGS: I love the character voice and how the characters developed even within the shortness of the story. I do have mixed feelings about the ending, which almost felt a tiny bit unrealistic? But at the same time, it is gratifying to see Cor find her home, and the themes of love and belonging are beautiful.
SYMBIOSIS: I’m not usually one for dystopian stories, but I really enjoyed the themes here. I don't fully understand all of the worldbuilding (especially the Gorgon), but the sentient trees are such an intriguing premise and that twist hit hard. The family dynamic is the highlight of this one!
COLORS OF GRIEF: One of my favorites. This story reads as beautifully as a poem and as achingly raw as a journal entry, showing the importance of the 'little' things. It’s simple and complex, sharp and insightful, and it doesn't shy away from pain—or hope. Grief is real, but it's not the end.
A few favorite quotes:
A Book Dragon's Story
Words spoken in love are the most marvelous stories in the world.
Shattered Echoes
To live will hurt.
The Penny Dragon
Is it truly possible for a person to go from being one flesh to a hundred broken pieces of what’s left? How do we go on?
Symbiosis
Those who can see monsters are the real superheroes, because they know what needs to be beaten.
Colors of Grief
Maybe that’s what a true friend is, a person who knows you well enough to predict your future and loves you hard enough to be a part of that future, regardless of the good and bad.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
DISCLAIMER: While I received an ARC of this book, that did not influence my review. These are my honest thoughts of the stories.
I really enjoyed the Voice of the Future anthology. It was such a unique anthology. Every author had a different story even though they were all given the same theme: family.
- The Bookdragon’s Story by Olivia G. Booms
I loved this story because it was a light read. It’s one of those stories that would be a great bedtime story. It’s one of those stories that you read when you need something lighthearted yet not boring. I especially loved the concept of writing by hand. In a digital age, the fact that you can write by hand is often forgotten, and I loved how Booms incorporated this concept.
- People of the Rain by Jenny Chasteen
This story was fantastic. The storyline was an incredibly unique on something that, while not common, is not exactly rare: a drought. I especially loved the concept of the eagle and thought Chasteen did an especially clever job on this biblical allegory.
- Shattered Echoes by Hope Jian
This story was heart-wrenching. I felt for Cole during this story. I knew something sad was going to happen, but I did not expect the ending. Jian tore at my heart-strings, and I believe this story would make an excellent novel.
- The Little Tire Shop by Abi Lynn Voss
This story was amazing! I am someone who has a hobby different than my family. So I really connected with Quinn. Voss tugged at my heartstrings with this story.
- The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino
Every person has a favorite story and least favorite. While this story wasn’t bad, it wasn’t my favorite. I understand that Benca has dementia, but I had a harder time following the story. Thinking about that, I realize Peregrino did a good job with character voice because Benca has dementia. I loved the last line of the story, but it confused me as well because it didn’t feel built up to.
- Fairies in the Garden by Rachel Elizabeth
This story was beautiful. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but the truth of the fairies was amazing. That’s all I’ll say—go read this one for yourself. Elizabeth did such a good job with the ending.
- Obsidian Wings by Madigan Thompson
Wow. This story was just wow. I loved it! Cor was such a sweet character, and I felt for her. And the ending was wonderful, so complete and beautiful. I want to read more stories by Thompson!
- Symbiosis by Valari Westeren
This was the story I was most excited about. Westeren did a coaching call with me once, and since then I’ve followed her writing. This story did not fail to disappoint! I think this story would make a great novel. In fact, I hope she turns it into a novel because there are so many questions I want answered!
- Colors of Grief by Amie Woleslagle
This story was heart wrenching on a number of levels. Alenore was such a relatable character, and I cannot believe that Woleslagle portrayed grief so realistically.
Overall, this collection was amazing and worth a read!
I really enjoyed the Voice of the Future anthology. It was such a unique anthology. Every author had a different story even though they were all given the same theme: family.
- The Bookdragon’s Story by Olivia G. Booms
I loved this story because it was a light read. It’s one of those stories that would be a great bedtime story. It’s one of those stories that you read when you need something lighthearted yet not boring. I especially loved the concept of writing by hand. In a digital age, the fact that you can write by hand is often forgotten, and I loved how Booms incorporated this concept.
- People of the Rain by Jenny Chasteen
This story was fantastic. The storyline was an incredibly unique on something that, while not common, is not exactly rare: a drought. I especially loved the concept of the eagle and thought Chasteen did an especially clever job on this biblical allegory.
- Shattered Echoes by Hope Jian
This story was heart-wrenching. I felt for Cole during this story. I knew something sad was going to happen, but I did not expect the ending. Jian tore at my heart-strings, and I believe this story would make an excellent novel.
- The Little Tire Shop by Abi Lynn Voss
This story was amazing! I am someone who has a hobby different than my family. So I really connected with Quinn. Voss tugged at my heartstrings with this story.
- The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino
Every person has a favorite story and least favorite. While this story wasn’t bad, it wasn’t my favorite. I understand that Benca has dementia, but I had a harder time following the story. Thinking about that, I realize Peregrino did a good job with character voice because Benca has dementia. I loved the last line of the story, but it confused me as well because it didn’t feel built up to.
- Fairies in the Garden by Rachel Elizabeth
This story was beautiful. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but the truth of the fairies was amazing. That’s all I’ll say—go read this one for yourself. Elizabeth did such a good job with the ending.
- Obsidian Wings by Madigan Thompson
Wow. This story was just wow. I loved it! Cor was such a sweet character, and I felt for her. And the ending was wonderful, so complete and beautiful. I want to read more stories by Thompson!
- Symbiosis by Valari Westeren
This was the story I was most excited about. Westeren did a coaching call with me once, and since then I’ve followed her writing. This story did not fail to disappoint! I think this story would make a great novel. In fact, I hope she turns it into a novel because there are so many questions I want answered!
- Colors of Grief by Amie Woleslagle
This story was heart wrenching on a number of levels. Alenore was such a relatable character, and I cannot believe that Woleslagle portrayed grief so realistically.
Overall, this collection was amazing and worth a read!
October 23, 2024
While I certainly liked some stories much better than others, this anthology was, all in all, outstanding. Inside, there is a tale for everyone and I felt that each was a peek into the author's heart.
I feel that with short stories, most of what you get from them isn't initial. True, up front these pieces had dragons, portals, and fairies, but they also had deep themes of family relationships and the light that always shines through the darkness hiding beneath.
I only have one negative note and that is that the last story used the Lord's name in vain.
In closing, I would definitely recommend this anthology and am so excited to see where God takes these authors next! I did receive an early copy of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own.
I feel that with short stories, most of what you get from them isn't initial. True, up front these pieces had dragons, portals, and fairies, but they also had deep themes of family relationships and the light that always shines through the darkness hiding beneath.
I only have one negative note and that is that the last story used the Lord's name in vain.
In closing, I would definitely recommend this anthology and am so excited to see where God takes these authors next! I did receive an early copy of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 2024
Hi, I wrote one of the stories in this book & worked pretty hard on it so I guess I’ll give myself some gold stars.
December 10, 2023
So, so good! I binged read most of this in two days and loved every minute of it. <3
(Here it is, the promised full review:)
I don't usually read short story anthologies, and this one completely blew me away. The main thing these stories all have in common is heart, so much heart. Each story is touching in its own way.
Since I could rave about these stories for probably hours, I'll try to keep it brief and try to say just one favorite thing about each story.
Olivia G. Booms “A Book Dragon’s Story” - The setting was so unique, and I adored the bookish references!
Jenny Chasteen “People of the Rain” - Cloud castles!!! Also, this story touched on the theme of sovereign will, which was mind-blowing for me to see in a fantasy short story!
Rachel Elizabeth “Fairies in the Garden” - I did not expect to like the grouchy main character at first, but he intrigued me so much I was pulled in until I sympathized and related with him. Such a sweet story of healing. <3
Hope Jian “Shattered Echoes” - Epic first line, immediately pulled me in and then left me crying at the end. 3
Cara Peregrino “The Penny Dragon” - Breathtaking setting and prose, and fascinating main character. Also, anyone else have lingering questions afterwards about the tea??
Madigan Thompson “Obsidian Wings” - Another one that destroyed me emotionally, but in the best way. The ending is so sweet and satisfying!
Abi Lyn Voss “The Little Tire Shop” - Such a unique concept and distinct aesthetic! And of course, heartwarming.
Valari Westeren “Symbiosis” - THE TWIST!!! I gasped out loud. I'm still thinking about it days later. I didn't know a story about evil trees is what I needed in my life, but apparently it is.
Amie Woleslagle “Colors of Grief” - The fascinating prose drew me in and made me feel like I was listening to a secret. The whole story was vivid, alive feeling. You can tell the author also write poetry.
I can't recommend this book enough. If you like good writing - just read it. And these are definitely authors you want to watch.
They're going places already and I'm beyond proud of them all. <3
(Here it is, the promised full review:)
I don't usually read short story anthologies, and this one completely blew me away. The main thing these stories all have in common is heart, so much heart. Each story is touching in its own way.
Since I could rave about these stories for probably hours, I'll try to keep it brief and try to say just one favorite thing about each story.
Olivia G. Booms “A Book Dragon’s Story” - The setting was so unique, and I adored the bookish references!
Jenny Chasteen “People of the Rain” - Cloud castles!!! Also, this story touched on the theme of sovereign will, which was mind-blowing for me to see in a fantasy short story!
Rachel Elizabeth “Fairies in the Garden” - I did not expect to like the grouchy main character at first, but he intrigued me so much I was pulled in until I sympathized and related with him. Such a sweet story of healing. <3
Hope Jian “Shattered Echoes” - Epic first line, immediately pulled me in and then left me crying at the end. 3
Cara Peregrino “The Penny Dragon” - Breathtaking setting and prose, and fascinating main character. Also, anyone else have lingering questions afterwards about the tea??
Madigan Thompson “Obsidian Wings” - Another one that destroyed me emotionally, but in the best way. The ending is so sweet and satisfying!
Abi Lyn Voss “The Little Tire Shop” - Such a unique concept and distinct aesthetic! And of course, heartwarming.
Valari Westeren “Symbiosis” - THE TWIST!!! I gasped out loud. I'm still thinking about it days later. I didn't know a story about evil trees is what I needed in my life, but apparently it is.
Amie Woleslagle “Colors of Grief” - The fascinating prose drew me in and made me feel like I was listening to a secret. The whole story was vivid, alive feeling. You can tell the author also write poetry.
I can't recommend this book enough. If you like good writing - just read it. And these are definitely authors you want to watch.
They're going places already and I'm beyond proud of them all. <3
December 5, 2023
I'll give my thoughts on each story, and then my final thoughts on the collection!
Olivia G. Booms | A Book Dragon’s Story
Such a sweet start to the anthology!! I love the themes the story deals with, and the idea of book dragons completely enchant me. Bookmark, our main character (or rather, dragon 😝) is such a dear 🤎
Jenny Chasteen | People of the Rain
Not my favourite in the collection, but it is an amazing Biblical allegory. The world-building was amazing, especially since there wasn’t a lot of page space to cover it all. I love the idea of cities in the clouds filled with rain people 💧
Hope Jian | Shattered Echoes
This is not my usual genre, but the main character wormed his way into my heart very quickly. The ending was not what I expected at all, and I mean that in a good way!
Abi Lyn Voss | The Little Tire Shop
I may be biased, but this story is my favourite!! It felt so grounded in reality, yet not set in this world at all. I really related with Quinn, and the prose felt absolutely magical!
Cara Peregrino | The Penny Dragon
This one was so well written! The main character has dementia, and the author nailed the character voice!!
Also, I adore the idea of a penny dragon 😍
Rachel Elizabeth | Fairies in the Garden
Ahh, this one was so beautiful!! I loved Mr. Sanders a lot! And I could just imagine those sassy fairies. I loved watching the Tinkerbell movies when I was little, and this was very reminiscent of that 💛
Madigan Thompson | Obsidian Wings
I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy this story when I started it, but boy was I wrong. It brought me to tears by the end 😭
Valari Westeren | Symbiosis
This one was way out of my genre too, but I adored the themes it dealt with. And the sibling relationship between Damien and Addison was super realistic!
Amie Woleslagle | Colors of Grief
This one broke my heart and then patched it back together. This story was very thought-provoking, and the emotions were expertly handled. It was truly the perfect way to end the anthology!
💙
These young authors truly are the voices of our future! Five out of five stars!!
Olivia G. Booms | A Book Dragon’s Story
Such a sweet start to the anthology!! I love the themes the story deals with, and the idea of book dragons completely enchant me. Bookmark, our main character (or rather, dragon 😝) is such a dear 🤎
Jenny Chasteen | People of the Rain
Not my favourite in the collection, but it is an amazing Biblical allegory. The world-building was amazing, especially since there wasn’t a lot of page space to cover it all. I love the idea of cities in the clouds filled with rain people 💧
Hope Jian | Shattered Echoes
This is not my usual genre, but the main character wormed his way into my heart very quickly. The ending was not what I expected at all, and I mean that in a good way!
Abi Lyn Voss | The Little Tire Shop
I may be biased, but this story is my favourite!! It felt so grounded in reality, yet not set in this world at all. I really related with Quinn, and the prose felt absolutely magical!
Cara Peregrino | The Penny Dragon
This one was so well written! The main character has dementia, and the author nailed the character voice!!
Also, I adore the idea of a penny dragon 😍
Rachel Elizabeth | Fairies in the Garden
Ahh, this one was so beautiful!! I loved Mr. Sanders a lot! And I could just imagine those sassy fairies. I loved watching the Tinkerbell movies when I was little, and this was very reminiscent of that 💛
Madigan Thompson | Obsidian Wings
I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy this story when I started it, but boy was I wrong. It brought me to tears by the end 😭
Valari Westeren | Symbiosis
This one was way out of my genre too, but I adored the themes it dealt with. And the sibling relationship between Damien and Addison was super realistic!
Amie Woleslagle | Colors of Grief
This one broke my heart and then patched it back together. This story was very thought-provoking, and the emotions were expertly handled. It was truly the perfect way to end the anthology!
💙
These young authors truly are the voices of our future! Five out of five stars!!
March 10, 2024
(Individual reviews below)
The thread of family throughout this anthology was amazing. Each story is full of heart and hope, and I can’t wait to see what longer stories these authors send out into the world in the years to come. (I’d probably recommend you not read all the stories in a row, though, just because the back-to-back new characters can be a bit overwhelming.)
A BOOK DRAGON’S STORY — This story is so delightful from beginning to end. I was so caught up in the wonder of the setting that I let the deeper themes sneak up on me, and they did so beautifully. Such a wonderful combination of whimsical fantasy and heart-aching characters, all spun into a beautiful song of hope.
PEOPLE OF THE RAIN — The writing style is magnetic, and each of the scenes is vivid and infused with color. The contrasts the author draws are breath-taking, and her themes of forgiveness, trust, and hope are so beautiful.
SHATTERED ECHOES — The family dynamics in this story are so wonderful, and even though I found myself wanting to shake the main character throughout the story, he still felt very relateable. The final theme and plot twist were amazing.
THE PENNY DRAGON - I was so fascinated by this one. You can tell from page one that the author has both a deep love and a long experience with dementia patients, and the combination of the care-worn and the curious was amazing. It somehow feels both magical and a little bit like coming home.
THE LITTLE TIRE SHOP — Every sentence is soaked with the atmosphere, to the point where you can smell the car oil and hear the spray paint right next to the main character. Each character felt realistic—gritty and soft all at once, with hopes and dreams and long stories they could tell. (The relationship between the main character and her older brother was my favorite by far.) Love this story so much.
FAIRIES IN THE GARDEN — This story combines the light, airy elements of fairies and sugar and flowers with the darker sides of loving something too much to do what’s right for it and of owning up to your own mistakes, and it combines them beautifully. It’s lovely.
OSBIDIAN WINGS — Heart-breakingly sweet and dark all at the same time. . . the main character’s faltering narration endeared me almost from page one, and the unique view she gives us of the travelers is amazing. And the ending is gorgeous, which always helps.
SYBOSIS — This one reads with with such an urgency (the whole “the-end-of-the-world-is-in-six-hours” might be part of it), and you can’t help but root for Adison and Damien even as they don’t always hold it together (though really, at the end of the world, I’m guessing most people would be a tad touchy). The scene about the terrerium was wonderfully sweet.
COLORS OF GRIEF — This story was so raw, and you could tell it was written from a place of both deep pain and hints of healing. The writing style manages to be both lyrical and vivid at the same time—never giving you a sweeping view of the scene but always bringing the little details (and colors) to life.
The thread of family throughout this anthology was amazing. Each story is full of heart and hope, and I can’t wait to see what longer stories these authors send out into the world in the years to come. (I’d probably recommend you not read all the stories in a row, though, just because the back-to-back new characters can be a bit overwhelming.)
A BOOK DRAGON’S STORY — This story is so delightful from beginning to end. I was so caught up in the wonder of the setting that I let the deeper themes sneak up on me, and they did so beautifully. Such a wonderful combination of whimsical fantasy and heart-aching characters, all spun into a beautiful song of hope.
PEOPLE OF THE RAIN — The writing style is magnetic, and each of the scenes is vivid and infused with color. The contrasts the author draws are breath-taking, and her themes of forgiveness, trust, and hope are so beautiful.
SHATTERED ECHOES — The family dynamics in this story are so wonderful, and even though I found myself wanting to shake the main character throughout the story, he still felt very relateable. The final theme and plot twist were amazing.
THE PENNY DRAGON - I was so fascinated by this one. You can tell from page one that the author has both a deep love and a long experience with dementia patients, and the combination of the care-worn and the curious was amazing. It somehow feels both magical and a little bit like coming home.
THE LITTLE TIRE SHOP — Every sentence is soaked with the atmosphere, to the point where you can smell the car oil and hear the spray paint right next to the main character. Each character felt realistic—gritty and soft all at once, with hopes and dreams and long stories they could tell. (The relationship between the main character and her older brother was my favorite by far.) Love this story so much.
FAIRIES IN THE GARDEN — This story combines the light, airy elements of fairies and sugar and flowers with the darker sides of loving something too much to do what’s right for it and of owning up to your own mistakes, and it combines them beautifully. It’s lovely.
OSBIDIAN WINGS — Heart-breakingly sweet and dark all at the same time. . . the main character’s faltering narration endeared me almost from page one, and the unique view she gives us of the travelers is amazing. And the ending is gorgeous, which always helps.
SYBOSIS — This one reads with with such an urgency (the whole “the-end-of-the-world-is-in-six-hours” might be part of it), and you can’t help but root for Adison and Damien even as they don’t always hold it together (though really, at the end of the world, I’m guessing most people would be a tad touchy). The scene about the terrerium was wonderfully sweet.
COLORS OF GRIEF — This story was so raw, and you could tell it was written from a place of both deep pain and hints of healing. The writing style manages to be both lyrical and vivid at the same time—never giving you a sweeping view of the scene but always bringing the little details (and colors) to life.
December 5, 2023
So far, I've only read two of the short stories, but those two short stories have been amazing! I will update this review as I finish the rest of the pieces :)
A Book Dragon's Story by Olivia G. Booms - This was hands down some of the best cozy fantasy world building I've ever been transported into! The word choice, the names, all the whimsical details of this story were so delightful, especially as a writer and book worm myself! Though I would have been satisfied with the imagery and world building alone, the deeper layer of theme made the story perfect for anyone struggling with comparison, especially as a creative. Paired with a mug of milk tea and the playlist Olivia provided, reading A Book Dragons Story was definitely one of the most atmospheric and immersive reading experiences to date!
The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino - "Is it possible for a person to go from one flesh to a hundred broken pieces of what’s left? How do we go on?"
This short story brought me very, very close to crying. I do NOT say that lightly or flippantly. Seriously. How can a piece so short nearly bring you to tears?? There is something deeply moving in the quiet, sparse, and melancholic prose of this story. The European setting and all the small and subtle things - like word choice - created a gentle environment for the story to grow. And what a story it was. The failing, sad, and happy memories. The grief of aging and life changing around you. We need more stories that foster compassion for the elderly, and this one did just that for me. In summary, I am now eagerly waiting for all and everything that Cara Peregrino writes. The fact that she writes Middle Grade (my favorite age category) makes me so hopeful and excited for the world of children's literature <3
A Book Dragon's Story by Olivia G. Booms - This was hands down some of the best cozy fantasy world building I've ever been transported into! The word choice, the names, all the whimsical details of this story were so delightful, especially as a writer and book worm myself! Though I would have been satisfied with the imagery and world building alone, the deeper layer of theme made the story perfect for anyone struggling with comparison, especially as a creative. Paired with a mug of milk tea and the playlist Olivia provided, reading A Book Dragons Story was definitely one of the most atmospheric and immersive reading experiences to date!
The Penny Dragon by Cara Peregrino - "Is it possible for a person to go from one flesh to a hundred broken pieces of what’s left? How do we go on?"
This short story brought me very, very close to crying. I do NOT say that lightly or flippantly. Seriously. How can a piece so short nearly bring you to tears?? There is something deeply moving in the quiet, sparse, and melancholic prose of this story. The European setting and all the small and subtle things - like word choice - created a gentle environment for the story to grow. And what a story it was. The failing, sad, and happy memories. The grief of aging and life changing around you. We need more stories that foster compassion for the elderly, and this one did just that for me. In summary, I am now eagerly waiting for all and everything that Cara Peregrino writes. The fact that she writes Middle Grade (my favorite age category) makes me so hopeful and excited for the world of children's literature <3
Read
November 22, 2023Ahhh, I LOVE these stories!! They are so beautiful, and heartfelt. I didn't laugh much, but I was often smiling, and a couple of them brought me to tears.
A Book Dragon's story was so adorable, and I definitely feel those times when writing... just doesn't work. And when family doesn't care, but loves you anyways. I'm now wanting to call these dragons "Bookwyrms" because I think it would go perfectly with Bookmark and her kind.
People of the Rain was intriguing. I'd never thought of having a people who live in the clouds. But I love the truths in it--that we can't control the things that choose to help us. That we can't control God, who gave everything for us, not needing salvation Himself, and yet holds onto us and helps us even when we refuse to listen to Him.
I'm not generally the hugest fan of things with portals and stuff like that, but I loved the theme in Shattered Echoes of letting go. It's hard to let go of things, but they can hurt us more than they ever helped us if we don't, and this story puts that in a very tangible light.
The Little Tire Shop was super cute! It's definitely painful and annoying when you're the only one who seems not to have a certain talent when you're expected to. But finding other ways to bless people is super awesome!
I loved The Penny Dragon! Dealing with not being enough is tough, but it was so sweet to see the lady and the girl and the dragon together.
Fairies in the Garden was a fun one, but also a sweet and gentle one. This one got me a bit teary-eyed for sure, but I loved seeing the lost be found.
Obsidian Wings was my favorite! I loved watching Cor be brave enough to step out and help, and then finally be accepted by the ones she thought would never accept her. Drewlin was cute, but honestly... I think Gaddspin was my favorite character. There may have been a few accompanying tears with this one too.
Symbiosis was intriguing! I loved stories with siblings, and the dog in there was super cute too!
Colors of Grief was honestly really sad, but also really sweet. The idea of living in the present, but doing it for someone, rather than holding on to the past because you're afraid of losing your last memory is something that's really good to learn.
A Book Dragon's story was so adorable, and I definitely feel those times when writing... just doesn't work. And when family doesn't care, but loves you anyways. I'm now wanting to call these dragons "Bookwyrms" because I think it would go perfectly with Bookmark and her kind.
People of the Rain was intriguing. I'd never thought of having a people who live in the clouds. But I love the truths in it--that we can't control the things that choose to help us. That we can't control God, who gave everything for us, not needing salvation Himself, and yet holds onto us and helps us even when we refuse to listen to Him.
I'm not generally the hugest fan of things with portals and stuff like that, but I loved the theme in Shattered Echoes of letting go. It's hard to let go of things, but they can hurt us more than they ever helped us if we don't, and this story puts that in a very tangible light.
The Little Tire Shop was super cute! It's definitely painful and annoying when you're the only one who seems not to have a certain talent when you're expected to. But finding other ways to bless people is super awesome!
I loved The Penny Dragon! Dealing with not being enough is tough, but it was so sweet to see the lady and the girl and the dragon together.
Fairies in the Garden was a fun one, but also a sweet and gentle one. This one got me a bit teary-eyed for sure, but I loved seeing the lost be found.
Obsidian Wings was my favorite! I loved watching Cor be brave enough to step out and help, and then finally be accepted by the ones she thought would never accept her. Drewlin was cute, but honestly... I think Gaddspin was my favorite character. There may have been a few accompanying tears with this one too.
Symbiosis was intriguing! I loved stories with siblings, and the dog in there was super cute too!
Colors of Grief was honestly really sad, but also really sweet. The idea of living in the present, but doing it for someone, rather than holding on to the past because you're afraid of losing your last memory is something that's really good to learn.
December 6, 2023
Before I dive in, I will note that I am a student of the Author Conservatory and that I was given an ARC, but these are my honest thoughts.
I adored all the stories in this book. Each story is unique, but all of them touched my heart. Each story pulled on my heartstrings, some made me angry with a character, others sad, and some happy. All of them had beautiful lessons that weren't preachy.
A Book Dragon's Story: This one combined two of my favorite things, books/libraries and dragons. Such a cute story about a mother and daughter's relationship.
People of the Rain: A beautiful tale of learning to submit to authority. I loved the allegory in this story.
Shattered Echoes: This one had me nearly in tears over the character's struggle and the ending twist was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The Little Tire Shop: Yet again I was just about crying over the character's growth. The character feeling like an oddball made me feel right at home.
The Penny Dragon: Another emotional story as you slowly start to realize what the character can't. The ending was a great reminder though that the underdogs can show us some of the most beautiful things.
Fairies in the Garden: This story reminded me of the beauty of perspective. It also brought me back to being a little girl and wanting to read about fairies.
Obsidian Wings: I can't seem to get this story out of my head. The concept itself is really interesting, but the turmoil within the character is what makes my mind keep returning to it.
Symbiosis: This one is in my favorite genre and did not disappoint, in fact it surprised me. The twist in this one had me baffled for a minute, but was also a beautiful reminder (that I won't share cause spoilers).
Colors of Grief: I haven't grieved someone in a while, but this brought me back to when I had and felt like healing all over again. It also serves as a great reminder that you have no idea what someone else is going through.
I adored all the stories in this book. Each story is unique, but all of them touched my heart. Each story pulled on my heartstrings, some made me angry with a character, others sad, and some happy. All of them had beautiful lessons that weren't preachy.
A Book Dragon's Story: This one combined two of my favorite things, books/libraries and dragons. Such a cute story about a mother and daughter's relationship.
People of the Rain: A beautiful tale of learning to submit to authority. I loved the allegory in this story.
Shattered Echoes: This one had me nearly in tears over the character's struggle and the ending twist was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The Little Tire Shop: Yet again I was just about crying over the character's growth. The character feeling like an oddball made me feel right at home.
The Penny Dragon: Another emotional story as you slowly start to realize what the character can't. The ending was a great reminder though that the underdogs can show us some of the most beautiful things.
Fairies in the Garden: This story reminded me of the beauty of perspective. It also brought me back to being a little girl and wanting to read about fairies.
Obsidian Wings: I can't seem to get this story out of my head. The concept itself is really interesting, but the turmoil within the character is what makes my mind keep returning to it.
Symbiosis: This one is in my favorite genre and did not disappoint, in fact it surprised me. The twist in this one had me baffled for a minute, but was also a beautiful reminder (that I won't share cause spoilers).
Colors of Grief: I haven't grieved someone in a while, but this brought me back to when I had and felt like healing all over again. It also serves as a great reminder that you have no idea what someone else is going through.
December 3, 2023
What an honor it’s been to read these stories!
A Book Dragon’s Story - A beautiful, heartwarming tale set in a cozy library. I didn’t expect to cry, but this sweet story touched my heart until the very end. Olivia knows how to write uplifting stories that tackle hard themes in a way that leaves you feeling hopeful.
People of the Rain - Absolutely loved this allegorical fantasy story. The world building was immersive and everything tied together nicely at the end. This was a wonderful story about letting go and trusting God with your plans.
Shattered Echoes - This was a hopeful, yet heavy story about dealing with grief. Hope wrote a beautiful ending to a heartbreaking story of loss. I didn’t see the twist coming at all!
The Little Tire Shop - Abi’s prose is gorgeous! Her story was perfectly cozy and transported me to a different world. Her character’s are well-developed and unique.
The Penny Dragon - Prose that draws me into the story and a unique character voice. So many important themes were touched on in this sweet story. I loved it! It’s safe to say I cried.
Fairies in the Garden - I’m a sucker for good father-daughter dynamics so it’s safe to say I loved this story. The banter between the MC and the fairy made me chuckle, reminding me of Tinker Bell’s sass.
Obsidian Wings - This story was told from a unique POV that enveloped me in the setting and worldbuilding. The main character is instantly sympathetic and the pacing never drags.
Symbiosis - That. Plot. Twist. I am in shambles where did that come from? This was such an interesting apocalyptic world and I loved the sibling relationships!
Colors of Grief - Such a deep, thought-provoking story of grief and learning to heal. The POV kept me grounded all the way through and the prose was beautiful.
A Book Dragon’s Story - A beautiful, heartwarming tale set in a cozy library. I didn’t expect to cry, but this sweet story touched my heart until the very end. Olivia knows how to write uplifting stories that tackle hard themes in a way that leaves you feeling hopeful.
People of the Rain - Absolutely loved this allegorical fantasy story. The world building was immersive and everything tied together nicely at the end. This was a wonderful story about letting go and trusting God with your plans.
Shattered Echoes - This was a hopeful, yet heavy story about dealing with grief. Hope wrote a beautiful ending to a heartbreaking story of loss. I didn’t see the twist coming at all!
The Little Tire Shop - Abi’s prose is gorgeous! Her story was perfectly cozy and transported me to a different world. Her character’s are well-developed and unique.
The Penny Dragon - Prose that draws me into the story and a unique character voice. So many important themes were touched on in this sweet story. I loved it! It’s safe to say I cried.
Fairies in the Garden - I’m a sucker for good father-daughter dynamics so it’s safe to say I loved this story. The banter between the MC and the fairy made me chuckle, reminding me of Tinker Bell’s sass.
Obsidian Wings - This story was told from a unique POV that enveloped me in the setting and worldbuilding. The main character is instantly sympathetic and the pacing never drags.
Symbiosis - That. Plot. Twist. I am in shambles where did that come from? This was such an interesting apocalyptic world and I loved the sibling relationships!
Colors of Grief - Such a deep, thought-provoking story of grief and learning to heal. The POV kept me grounded all the way through and the prose was beautiful.
December 3, 2023
While short story is not my favorite form of storytelling by far, I did enjoy this anthology overall! Penny Dragon and Colors of Grief will especially stay with me forever (I may have wept over the latter...truly wept), but all of the stories had their strengths and beautiful hearts <3
Want to read
November 5, 2023If it's from the Conservatory, I'm pretty sure it's going to be good ;)
November 25, 2024
PHENOMENAL!
The next literary generation lies in good hands if this is what these young authors are writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and the quality of each piece blew me out of the park. I cannot wait to read more from these authors as they share their gifts with the world.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
The next literary generation lies in good hands if this is what these young authors are writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and the quality of each piece blew me out of the park. I cannot wait to read more from these authors as they share their gifts with the world.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
December 9, 2023
this is such an absolutely wonderful anthology! i am so thankful to these authors for pouring so much into these stories. i really admire you guys <3
A Book Dragon's Story
Olivia G. Booms
*sobs* book dragons...*hugs books* i'm so happy this story exists <3 heartwarming, gentle, and so very meaningful. fantastical and darling, yet so raw and honest. everything about writing especially made me feel less alone in all the messiness. the prose is so delightful and lovely with a touch of vintage and whimsy. Bookmark is such a dear and I just want to give her sweet, feathery, bookish self a hug. there is just so much heart in this sweet tale <3 cozy as a cup of tea in a library and so very relatable and sincere.
The People of the Rain
Jenny Chasteen
a unique story, flowing and refreshing as the rain. as someone who has always adored the rain, i love the idea of rain people and cloud cities. i could practically smell the fresh scent of rain on dry earth while reading this. Moriyah was a determined and selfless character, who cared deeply about her family. i did feel that a couple of her choices were a bit jarringly wrong, but her growth was excellent. the creative and gentle allegory was lovely.
Shattered Echoes
Hope Jian
this was a really good story, but it is just so not my genre lol. i really liked how the story ended, that was very creative and unexpected, but it fit perfectly. i was quite confused about the portals, why they were there, and where they led. this was a really nice and different take on letting go.
The Little Tire Shop
Abi Lyn Voss
this story!!! i don’t think i have ever read about a more lifelike family. Quinn is so relatable and just <3 I love how she decorated her overalls, like that is so cuuuuteeee. Ace though <3 and the vibessssssss *heart eyes* like the whole story is just so darling and perfect and please read it.
The Penny Dragon
Cara Peregrino
i…wow. the character voice is p e r f e c t i o n!! oh my goodness, the living memories, hazy reality, fantastical creatures, and the sorrowful undertone of growing old. all of it <3 i was so delightfully confused, guessing and wondering, so very immersed in the story from the first sentence of lovely prose. i just love Benca so so much.
Fairies in the Garden
Rachel Elizabeth
i loved fairies so much when i was a little girl. i still cherish all the little memories of making fairy houses and i often find crudely stitched tiny garments and random drawings of pixies. all that to say, i really loved fairies (and i still do!) this story is so nostalgic! it is such a darling story about an old man trying to lure fairies to his garden, so they will give back the daughter they took from him thirty years ago. absolutely amazing! Mr. Sanders was the perfect blend of grouchy old man, overprotective father, and fairy catcher (he also has a sweet tooth!)
Obsidian Wings
Madigan Thompson
what a sweet story! Cor’s bravery and sweetness were so endearing. i love the idea of a dragon-girl guiding travelers over a mountain, unseen. all the characters are so wonderfully crafted!
Symbiosis
Valari Westerson
this is such an interesting and creative story! the plants were so fascinating. the characters, family dynamic, and worldbuilding are all excellent! the whole setting was wonderfully done.
Colors of Grief
Amie Woleslagle
absolutely heart wrenching. this story is so full of little details that make it so so very real. i definitely teared up. Alenor's grief and struggles were so tangible and not romanticized, which is so important. the prose is pure perfection!!! the only thing that could have made it better (in my opinion <3) would be more faith. I think the only way to find true healing is in God and that could have helped make Alenor’s decision to let go a little less sudden. these are just my thoughts, this story is still so very lovely <3
thank you so very much to the authors for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely anthology! these are my honest thoughts <3
A Book Dragon's Story
Olivia G. Booms
*sobs* book dragons...*hugs books* i'm so happy this story exists <3 heartwarming, gentle, and so very meaningful. fantastical and darling, yet so raw and honest. everything about writing especially made me feel less alone in all the messiness. the prose is so delightful and lovely with a touch of vintage and whimsy. Bookmark is such a dear and I just want to give her sweet, feathery, bookish self a hug. there is just so much heart in this sweet tale <3 cozy as a cup of tea in a library and so very relatable and sincere.
The People of the Rain
Jenny Chasteen
a unique story, flowing and refreshing as the rain. as someone who has always adored the rain, i love the idea of rain people and cloud cities. i could practically smell the fresh scent of rain on dry earth while reading this. Moriyah was a determined and selfless character, who cared deeply about her family. i did feel that a couple of her choices were a bit jarringly wrong, but her growth was excellent. the creative and gentle allegory was lovely.
Shattered Echoes
Hope Jian
this was a really good story, but it is just so not my genre lol. i really liked how the story ended, that was very creative and unexpected, but it fit perfectly. i was quite confused about the portals, why they were there, and where they led. this was a really nice and different take on letting go.
The Little Tire Shop
Abi Lyn Voss
this story!!! i don’t think i have ever read about a more lifelike family. Quinn is so relatable and just <3 I love how she decorated her overalls, like that is so cuuuuteeee. Ace though <3 and the vibessssssss *heart eyes* like the whole story is just so darling and perfect and please read it.
The Penny Dragon
Cara Peregrino
i…wow. the character voice is p e r f e c t i o n!! oh my goodness, the living memories, hazy reality, fantastical creatures, and the sorrowful undertone of growing old. all of it <3 i was so delightfully confused, guessing and wondering, so very immersed in the story from the first sentence of lovely prose. i just love Benca so so much.
Fairies in the Garden
Rachel Elizabeth
i loved fairies so much when i was a little girl. i still cherish all the little memories of making fairy houses and i often find crudely stitched tiny garments and random drawings of pixies. all that to say, i really loved fairies (and i still do!) this story is so nostalgic! it is such a darling story about an old man trying to lure fairies to his garden, so they will give back the daughter they took from him thirty years ago. absolutely amazing! Mr. Sanders was the perfect blend of grouchy old man, overprotective father, and fairy catcher (he also has a sweet tooth!)
Obsidian Wings
Madigan Thompson
what a sweet story! Cor’s bravery and sweetness were so endearing. i love the idea of a dragon-girl guiding travelers over a mountain, unseen. all the characters are so wonderfully crafted!
Symbiosis
Valari Westerson
this is such an interesting and creative story! the plants were so fascinating. the characters, family dynamic, and worldbuilding are all excellent! the whole setting was wonderfully done.
Colors of Grief
Amie Woleslagle
absolutely heart wrenching. this story is so full of little details that make it so so very real. i definitely teared up. Alenor's grief and struggles were so tangible and not romanticized, which is so important. the prose is pure perfection!!! the only thing that could have made it better (in my opinion <3) would be more faith. I think the only way to find true healing is in God and that could have helped make Alenor’s decision to let go a little less sudden. these are just my thoughts, this story is still so very lovely <3
thank you so very much to the authors for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely anthology! these are my honest thoughts <3
December 5, 2023
A beautiful collection of stories from rising young creatives. Each of them has their own tone and voice, but they all have the same high-quality prose and story execution. And while each story focuses on family, they are from the perspectives of characters, kids and teens to elderly adults.
A quick summary/impressions from each story:
A Book Dragon’s Story - Disability rep and dragons who live in libraries? Sign me up. This story is a beautiful representation of unconditional acceptance and love. Bookmark’s voice is vibrant, and the setting and world feel just like a fairytale you would read when you were young.
People of the Rain - A striking setting and plucky heroine who is trying her best to save her family and town from a drought. I love the themes found in this story, and the worldbuilding is phenomenal. I would love to meet one of the Rain People and explore their home.
Fairies in the Garden - I absolutely adore the combination of grumpy old man and fairies. Mr. Sanders, despite being fairly crotchety, is loveable in his own way. The entire story is warm and fuzzy but touches on real themes and the power of just being there for your loved ones.
Shattered Echoes - A perfect story for all the science fiction lovers out there. The portal aspect is a very intriguing piece of worldbuilding that kept me reading. And family relationships abound in this intense and action-packed story.
The Little Tire Shop - A beautiful coming-of-age story about the importance of different gifts. Quinn represents that awkward time we all go through when we are trying to find our place in the world. Coupled with a fun and vibrant family around her and relatable sibling dynamics, this is a story for the whole family to enjoy.
The Penny Dragon - A salty old lady with tons of stories is trying to figure out what creature is hanging out in her house. I adore the way that the character’s dementia is portrayed. It’s done respectfully and in a way that does not muddle the plot of the story too much. And seeing all the characters around her who care for her in her declining health is beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Obsidian Wings - For any of my high fantasy lovers, this story is definitely for you. Cor, a human-like creature with wings sits in the trees above a mountain pass and helps humans on their way to new lands. Cor’s voice is fun and unique, and the themes of found family are beautiful. I also love the way the setting and lore are threaded through without being dumped on the reader.
Symbiosis - I’m not one for apocalyptic stories, but this one was fun. I love the worldbuilding (plants overtaking the world, sounds cool enough xD). And Adison and Damien are adorable.
The Colors of Grief - The one thing I noted about this story was the distinct character voice. It fits right in with popular YA contemporary narrators while still maintaining its own feel. The portal of grief and loss is also beautifully done. Despite not having experienced a loss like that yet, I felt as though I understood the pain that Alenore was experiencing.
All in all, I loved this anthology. If you are looking for stories to share with the family, or even just for yourself, this is a book you won’t want to miss. There is something for everyone.
A quick summary/impressions from each story:
A Book Dragon’s Story - Disability rep and dragons who live in libraries? Sign me up. This story is a beautiful representation of unconditional acceptance and love. Bookmark’s voice is vibrant, and the setting and world feel just like a fairytale you would read when you were young.
People of the Rain - A striking setting and plucky heroine who is trying her best to save her family and town from a drought. I love the themes found in this story, and the worldbuilding is phenomenal. I would love to meet one of the Rain People and explore their home.
Fairies in the Garden - I absolutely adore the combination of grumpy old man and fairies. Mr. Sanders, despite being fairly crotchety, is loveable in his own way. The entire story is warm and fuzzy but touches on real themes and the power of just being there for your loved ones.
Shattered Echoes - A perfect story for all the science fiction lovers out there. The portal aspect is a very intriguing piece of worldbuilding that kept me reading. And family relationships abound in this intense and action-packed story.
The Little Tire Shop - A beautiful coming-of-age story about the importance of different gifts. Quinn represents that awkward time we all go through when we are trying to find our place in the world. Coupled with a fun and vibrant family around her and relatable sibling dynamics, this is a story for the whole family to enjoy.
The Penny Dragon - A salty old lady with tons of stories is trying to figure out what creature is hanging out in her house. I adore the way that the character’s dementia is portrayed. It’s done respectfully and in a way that does not muddle the plot of the story too much. And seeing all the characters around her who care for her in her declining health is beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Obsidian Wings - For any of my high fantasy lovers, this story is definitely for you. Cor, a human-like creature with wings sits in the trees above a mountain pass and helps humans on their way to new lands. Cor’s voice is fun and unique, and the themes of found family are beautiful. I also love the way the setting and lore are threaded through without being dumped on the reader.
Symbiosis - I’m not one for apocalyptic stories, but this one was fun. I love the worldbuilding (plants overtaking the world, sounds cool enough xD). And Adison and Damien are adorable.
The Colors of Grief - The one thing I noted about this story was the distinct character voice. It fits right in with popular YA contemporary narrators while still maintaining its own feel. The portal of grief and loss is also beautifully done. Despite not having experienced a loss like that yet, I felt as though I understood the pain that Alenore was experiencing.
All in all, I loved this anthology. If you are looking for stories to share with the family, or even just for yourself, this is a book you won’t want to miss. There is something for everyone.
December 7, 2023
Note: I received an eARC for free from the publisher. This did not influence my review in any substantial way.
5/5 stars
I believe there is something in this anthology for everyone. From cozy stories about dragon librarians to heart-wrenching tales of loss to fantastical adventures in the clouds, you’ll find something to love.
These up-and-coming authors knocked it out of the park!
5/5 stars
I believe there is something in this anthology for everyone. From cozy stories about dragon librarians to heart-wrenching tales of loss to fantastical adventures in the clouds, you’ll find something to love.
These up-and-coming authors knocked it out of the park!
December 28, 2023
First, to each and every one of the nine authors in this anthology, I just want you to know how proud I am of you <3 You guys have worked incredibly hard on these beautiful stories and I'm honored to see the finished results.
A Book Dragon's Story
This was such a cute opener for the anthology. The prose and puns made me smile and want to explore the world more deeply. Bookmark's frustration was so relatable and I loved the emotional punch of the relationship dynamics and misunderstandings. A good look at the lies we tell ourselves and the voices we believe.
People of the Rain
I loved the immersive rainy vibe of the Sky Cloud. Great descriptions and the tangible culture of Moriyah's people felt earthy, grounded, and ancient. The contrast between the two cultures is clear and very well done. I also greatly enjoyed the ending. Jenny brought everything together to leave an endearing impression--impressive for so few words. Moriyah's growth and realization--her understanding--left a powerful moment to be considered in our own lives, and again, Jenny pulls it off superbly.
Shattered Echoes
This story gripped me from the first paragraphs. More than any other story in the anthology, the tension in this one was fantastic. Page turning, engaging, and intriguing twist on the portal fantasy. I couldn't put this one down. Great characters all around, but I particularly enjoyed the older brother and the brotherly dynamics. Great stakes, heartfelt, and beautiful touch with themes of grief, loss, and moving on.
Little Tire Shop
This little ball of sunshine was truly delightful in every sense of the word. The descriptions. Ugh, I swear Abi's words are like the vivid acrylic paints on a crisp white canvas. She really stirs your heart and tickles your mind's eye with the most down-to-earth aesthetic. It's all too easy to slip into the shoes of her characters and abandon the world around you. This precious little story struck a chord deep in my broken heart and made me cry. The family bond, the hope, and the hardship are all so tangibly evident. Seeing the car mechanics and the stick and cassette made me feel like a kid again. Abi pulls strong on the nostalgia. If I could step into any story for a day, I'd love to be an Oliver surrounded by so much nobility, love, creativity, and tradition.
Penny Dragon
This story provided the most unique perspective of the anthology--and honestly, of most other stories out there in general. Cara weaves her story with such a clever, deft hand. It isn't easy to do what she's done here: cluing the reader in very clearly to a truth that the POV character entirely misses while still staying firmly in the character's head. I've personally been in Nushka's position before so I particularly related to a surprising amount of this story. Every furrowed brow, air of disappointment, and "yes" rang on a deep level for me. And the beautiful touches of their culture drew me in; the delicate descriptions give just enough to flood the imagination. My only qualm with this one was that the ending felt rather abrupt and left me with too many questions. But it was a stunning look at a very difficult situation colored in a beautiful world.
Fairies in the Garden
Okay. This one caught me a little by surprise, but it really shouldn't have. It exudes Rachel in the most delightful way. She portrayed fairies in every way I always imagined them to be, the way they ought to be, and it made my little girl heart flutter. I enjoyed the beauty of the garden itself--it really felt like a fairy garden. And the MC's sweet tooth was fun, too. The story is whimsy tethered in deep emotion. It was easy to feel for and sympathize with Mr. Sanders (also, bruh! Take your medicine! I was so terrified he was going to have a heart attack and die right in front of us). There are nice touches of description, just enough to give us a good dense of Mr. Sanders's life, his perspective, his pain--both physically and emotionally. I very much admired how he wrestled with his limitations and had to overcome and sometimes give in to them. Made me respect him even more and it gave the character a realism we often miss by making them so perfect in stories. The neat twist with the fairies was cute and I'll just say I'm glad the guilt Mr. Sanders' faced was properly addressed. Sweet, fun, magical story.
Obsidian Wings
This one immediately drew my curiosity. I wanted to know what was going on. The prose and POV were ethereal and almost haunting. Absolutely engaging. It was a little hard to follow in some places. The world was neat, but it also felt like it would have benefited from more explanation. The meat of the story had heart and I loved the guard! He was my favorite character. This one gave me Maleficent vibes and I totally dug it.
Symbiosis
This one was such a page-turner! Valari established such a solid world in so few words. She drenches us in a world that's so easy to imagine with such skill. I've always admired her ability to do this, but it's particularly strong here. She knows what questions to answer and which ones to let us make our own guesses for. The big sister goes in desperate search for little bro and has to protect him is such a vibe. I can 100% relate, but that twist it got me! That was the twistiest of all the stories here and it was fabulous. I also really loved the treehouse elements and the ending.
The Color of Grief
This story felt like it wafted off the page. The depiction of grief is beautiful and fragile and real. I struggled to feel grounded in the beginning, but once I got my bearings, it was just beautiful to see the little details, the light touches here and there that brought the character through the glimpse of the story. I particularly enjoyed her best friend. A gloomy little story that points softly toward hope.
All in all, a heartfelt little collection of short stories by some very skilled and hard-working authors.
A Book Dragon's Story
This was such a cute opener for the anthology. The prose and puns made me smile and want to explore the world more deeply. Bookmark's frustration was so relatable and I loved the emotional punch of the relationship dynamics and misunderstandings. A good look at the lies we tell ourselves and the voices we believe.
People of the Rain
I loved the immersive rainy vibe of the Sky Cloud. Great descriptions and the tangible culture of Moriyah's people felt earthy, grounded, and ancient. The contrast between the two cultures is clear and very well done. I also greatly enjoyed the ending. Jenny brought everything together to leave an endearing impression--impressive for so few words. Moriyah's growth and realization--her understanding--left a powerful moment to be considered in our own lives, and again, Jenny pulls it off superbly.
Shattered Echoes
This story gripped me from the first paragraphs. More than any other story in the anthology, the tension in this one was fantastic. Page turning, engaging, and intriguing twist on the portal fantasy. I couldn't put this one down. Great characters all around, but I particularly enjoyed the older brother and the brotherly dynamics. Great stakes, heartfelt, and beautiful touch with themes of grief, loss, and moving on.
Little Tire Shop
This little ball of sunshine was truly delightful in every sense of the word. The descriptions. Ugh, I swear Abi's words are like the vivid acrylic paints on a crisp white canvas. She really stirs your heart and tickles your mind's eye with the most down-to-earth aesthetic. It's all too easy to slip into the shoes of her characters and abandon the world around you. This precious little story struck a chord deep in my broken heart and made me cry. The family bond, the hope, and the hardship are all so tangibly evident. Seeing the car mechanics and the stick and cassette made me feel like a kid again. Abi pulls strong on the nostalgia. If I could step into any story for a day, I'd love to be an Oliver surrounded by so much nobility, love, creativity, and tradition.
Penny Dragon
This story provided the most unique perspective of the anthology--and honestly, of most other stories out there in general. Cara weaves her story with such a clever, deft hand. It isn't easy to do what she's done here: cluing the reader in very clearly to a truth that the POV character entirely misses while still staying firmly in the character's head. I've personally been in Nushka's position before so I particularly related to a surprising amount of this story. Every furrowed brow, air of disappointment, and "yes" rang on a deep level for me. And the beautiful touches of their culture drew me in; the delicate descriptions give just enough to flood the imagination. My only qualm with this one was that the ending felt rather abrupt and left me with too many questions. But it was a stunning look at a very difficult situation colored in a beautiful world.
Fairies in the Garden
Okay. This one caught me a little by surprise, but it really shouldn't have. It exudes Rachel in the most delightful way. She portrayed fairies in every way I always imagined them to be, the way they ought to be, and it made my little girl heart flutter. I enjoyed the beauty of the garden itself--it really felt like a fairy garden. And the MC's sweet tooth was fun, too. The story is whimsy tethered in deep emotion. It was easy to feel for and sympathize with Mr. Sanders (also, bruh! Take your medicine! I was so terrified he was going to have a heart attack and die right in front of us). There are nice touches of description, just enough to give us a good dense of Mr. Sanders's life, his perspective, his pain--both physically and emotionally. I very much admired how he wrestled with his limitations and had to overcome and sometimes give in to them. Made me respect him even more and it gave the character a realism we often miss by making them so perfect in stories. The neat twist with the fairies was cute and I'll just say I'm glad the guilt Mr. Sanders' faced was properly addressed. Sweet, fun, magical story.
Obsidian Wings
This one immediately drew my curiosity. I wanted to know what was going on. The prose and POV were ethereal and almost haunting. Absolutely engaging. It was a little hard to follow in some places. The world was neat, but it also felt like it would have benefited from more explanation. The meat of the story had heart and I loved the guard! He was my favorite character. This one gave me Maleficent vibes and I totally dug it.
Symbiosis
This one was such a page-turner! Valari established such a solid world in so few words. She drenches us in a world that's so easy to imagine with such skill. I've always admired her ability to do this, but it's particularly strong here. She knows what questions to answer and which ones to let us make our own guesses for. The big sister goes in desperate search for little bro and has to protect him is such a vibe. I can 100% relate, but that twist it got me! That was the twistiest of all the stories here and it was fabulous. I also really loved the treehouse elements and the ending.
The Color of Grief
This story felt like it wafted off the page. The depiction of grief is beautiful and fragile and real. I struggled to feel grounded in the beginning, but once I got my bearings, it was just beautiful to see the little details, the light touches here and there that brought the character through the glimpse of the story. I particularly enjoyed her best friend. A gloomy little story that points softly toward hope.
All in all, a heartfelt little collection of short stories by some very skilled and hard-working authors.
February 25, 2025
I liked all of these stories quite a lot, but my four favorite were...
1. Shattered Echoes
I liked the characters and I liked that it was told from the pov of a guy. And I like that the writer put in just enough details about the portal magic that it felt coherent instead of dumping a bucket of useless information on you.
2. The Little Tire Shop
I just love Ace. I would totally read a novel about the tire shop.
3. Obsidian Wings
Cor makes me happy, and again, I would read a full length novel about these characters.
4. The Penny Dragon
My grandma has dementia, and I liked reading through the prospective of someone like her. Watching Annie when her grandmother didn't know who she was felt painful, but good. Having been around my grandma a little, it felt like this portrayal of dementia was accurate. The flashes of coherency and reason, and then back to confusion, and having idea who all these people are.
1. Shattered Echoes
I liked the characters and I liked that it was told from the pov of a guy. And I like that the writer put in just enough details about the portal magic that it felt coherent instead of dumping a bucket of useless information on you.
2. The Little Tire Shop
I just love Ace. I would totally read a novel about the tire shop.
3. Obsidian Wings
Cor makes me happy, and again, I would read a full length novel about these characters.
4. The Penny Dragon
My grandma has dementia, and I liked reading through the prospective of someone like her. Watching Annie when her grandmother didn't know who she was felt painful, but good. Having been around my grandma a little, it felt like this portrayal of dementia was accurate. The flashes of coherency and reason, and then back to confusion, and having idea who all these people are.
Read
December 4, 2023*I received an ARC, and I am friends with the authors
A Book Dragon's Story | Olivia G. Booms
"Words spoken in love are the most marvelous stories in the world."
This was a great opening to the anthology. A cozy, light story about a bookdragon who wants to be an author. My favourite part of this story was the worldbuilding of the library - I would love to go to a library build around the story tree and read all the stories on its leaves.
The italic narration at the beginning of the scenes did pull me out of the story a little big, though the stylistic decision did make sense by the end of the story. I also liked the twist with Dewey - it took me a bit to catch on, but when I did, it made everything prior make sense (as the best twists go).
People of the Rain | Jenny Chasteen
"Whether the sacrifices indicated worship or friendship, no one remembered."
I think this was my favourite story. I was immediately pulled into the prose and the characterization of Moriyah unfolded really naturally and beautifully. I adore the allegory - it opened all the discussions I was hoping it would and I love the commentary that arose out of it. It's not a common angle to an allegory, I think, and I really appreciated it.
I do think Moriyah's discussions with the council felt a bit rushed, but that's understandable in a short story.
The story could be considered predictable, but I found it familiar and beautiful. Very well done.
Shattered Echoes | Hope Jian
I loved the opening of this one - I was immediately intrigued and pulled in. The physical tells of emotion all throughout were very well done and evocative. There's so much symbolism to unpack in this story - I think I will be rereading this one.
I really appreciated how the actual consequences of Cole's weaknesses were presented, and how heavy they were. I love the twist; it was a huge "ohhh" moment. This story was really well-written.
The Little Tire Shop | Abi Lyn Voss
This one was enchanting. The atmosphere/aesthetic was vivid and the building of emotions felt very real, though I did find it difficult to orient myself inside the story at first. The writing of this whole story felt masterful, like the author knew exactly what she was doing with every line.
I loved the resolution of the family gathering around the shop, and what it meant for Quinn to fix the car. The ending line was perfect.
The Penny Dragon | Cara Peregrino
I was so immediately intrigued and hooked by the opening of this one. I loved the choice of main character and how that was handled throughout. It's such an unusual perspective and really hard to pull off - I was impressed.
I loved the colours in the prose, and the orchestration of emotion throughout. I was surprised by the ending at first, but the more I think about it, the more the choice makes sense. All throughout, the author wasn't afraid to leave things unsaid and trust the reader to understand, which is a skill I envy and appreciate.
Fairies in the Garden | Rachel Sullivan
I've always loved fairies, so I was very excited for this one going in. The twist on the worldbuilding of the fairies was really well done - it reminded me a bit of Peter Pan. The ending was perfect.
The action/movements of the characters was very smooth and well-written, which is a small thing but one I appreciate. I thought the choice of main character was super interesting, and I loved exploring his perspective on the fairies.
Now I need a garden full of fairies.
Obsidian Wings | Madigan Thompson
"Laughter, the humans call it. Such a strange noise. So close to their sobs and cries."
From the first line, I was hooked on the prose. This is another of the stories in this anthology where the writing felt so masterful and under control. I loved getting to know Cor and seeing through her eyes - the way she interprets and understands the world is so fascinating.
I loved how Cor connected with Gaddspin by also being a protector. It's a short story, which is not very much page space to change a character's mind convincingly without it feeling rushed, but it was very well done here. The ending was beautiful - I love the last line. This story competes with People of the Rain for my favourite.
Symbiosis | Valari Westeren
"A new kind of symbiosis where hope and reality didn't have to be enemies."
This was a great example of making world-ending stakes super personal, which is one of my favourite things to talk about in writing craft. I loved the contrast between the siblings' perspectives. The building of emotions was so good and I loved the symbolism of the memories. The twist made me go "ohh..." - it was super good and punchy. The theme is one of my favourites, a theme that is very close to my heart, and I loved how it was discussed here.
Colours of Grief | Amie Woleslagle
This one was really interesting. The characterization was vivid and I love the subtle use of colour to create mood. The narration and the breadcrumb trail of secrets the main character was dropping made me so curious to keep reading, and impatient in a good way - which is a hard line to walk. The emotions were intense and really pulled me in. The only thing is I am still a little unclear (it's possible I was reading fast and missed it) about the significance of the nail polish and why it was such a central beat to the story, but this did not detract from the story.
I love the twist and the reveal of the real medium of the story. The ending was beautiful - and also a beautiful way to end the anthology.
--
I loved reading this, and I'm so excited for further anthologies the Conservatory releases. So proud of these authors (yes, they are my friends), and the excellence that's portrayed here. I wish you guys all the best.
A Book Dragon's Story | Olivia G. Booms
"Words spoken in love are the most marvelous stories in the world."
This was a great opening to the anthology. A cozy, light story about a bookdragon who wants to be an author. My favourite part of this story was the worldbuilding of the library - I would love to go to a library build around the story tree and read all the stories on its leaves.
The italic narration at the beginning of the scenes did pull me out of the story a little big, though the stylistic decision did make sense by the end of the story. I also liked the twist with Dewey - it took me a bit to catch on, but when I did, it made everything prior make sense (as the best twists go).
People of the Rain | Jenny Chasteen
"Whether the sacrifices indicated worship or friendship, no one remembered."
I think this was my favourite story. I was immediately pulled into the prose and the characterization of Moriyah unfolded really naturally and beautifully. I adore the allegory - it opened all the discussions I was hoping it would and I love the commentary that arose out of it. It's not a common angle to an allegory, I think, and I really appreciated it.
I do think Moriyah's discussions with the council felt a bit rushed, but that's understandable in a short story.
The story could be considered predictable, but I found it familiar and beautiful. Very well done.
Shattered Echoes | Hope Jian
I loved the opening of this one - I was immediately intrigued and pulled in. The physical tells of emotion all throughout were very well done and evocative. There's so much symbolism to unpack in this story - I think I will be rereading this one.
I really appreciated how the actual consequences of Cole's weaknesses were presented, and how heavy they were. I love the twist; it was a huge "ohhh" moment. This story was really well-written.
The Little Tire Shop | Abi Lyn Voss
This one was enchanting. The atmosphere/aesthetic was vivid and the building of emotions felt very real, though I did find it difficult to orient myself inside the story at first. The writing of this whole story felt masterful, like the author knew exactly what she was doing with every line.
I loved the resolution of the family gathering around the shop, and what it meant for Quinn to fix the car. The ending line was perfect.
The Penny Dragon | Cara Peregrino
I was so immediately intrigued and hooked by the opening of this one. I loved the choice of main character and how that was handled throughout. It's such an unusual perspective and really hard to pull off - I was impressed.
I loved the colours in the prose, and the orchestration of emotion throughout. I was surprised by the ending at first, but the more I think about it, the more the choice makes sense. All throughout, the author wasn't afraid to leave things unsaid and trust the reader to understand, which is a skill I envy and appreciate.
Fairies in the Garden | Rachel Sullivan
I've always loved fairies, so I was very excited for this one going in. The twist on the worldbuilding of the fairies was really well done - it reminded me a bit of Peter Pan. The ending was perfect.
The action/movements of the characters was very smooth and well-written, which is a small thing but one I appreciate. I thought the choice of main character was super interesting, and I loved exploring his perspective on the fairies.
Now I need a garden full of fairies.
Obsidian Wings | Madigan Thompson
"Laughter, the humans call it. Such a strange noise. So close to their sobs and cries."
From the first line, I was hooked on the prose. This is another of the stories in this anthology where the writing felt so masterful and under control. I loved getting to know Cor and seeing through her eyes - the way she interprets and understands the world is so fascinating.
I loved how Cor connected with Gaddspin by also being a protector. It's a short story, which is not very much page space to change a character's mind convincingly without it feeling rushed, but it was very well done here. The ending was beautiful - I love the last line. This story competes with People of the Rain for my favourite.
Symbiosis | Valari Westeren
"A new kind of symbiosis where hope and reality didn't have to be enemies."
This was a great example of making world-ending stakes super personal, which is one of my favourite things to talk about in writing craft. I loved the contrast between the siblings' perspectives. The building of emotions was so good and I loved the symbolism of the memories. The twist made me go "ohh..." - it was super good and punchy. The theme is one of my favourites, a theme that is very close to my heart, and I loved how it was discussed here.
Colours of Grief | Amie Woleslagle
This one was really interesting. The characterization was vivid and I love the subtle use of colour to create mood. The narration and the breadcrumb trail of secrets the main character was dropping made me so curious to keep reading, and impatient in a good way - which is a hard line to walk. The emotions were intense and really pulled me in. The only thing is I am still a little unclear (it's possible I was reading fast and missed it) about the significance of the nail polish and why it was such a central beat to the story, but this did not detract from the story.
I love the twist and the reveal of the real medium of the story. The ending was beautiful - and also a beautiful way to end the anthology.
--
I loved reading this, and I'm so excited for further anthologies the Conservatory releases. So proud of these authors (yes, they are my friends), and the excellence that's portrayed here. I wish you guys all the best.
December 13, 2023
3/5
I usually do not read anthologies and fantasy, but decided to give this a try since it was from the Author Conservatory.
And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this anthology! I will admit, that some of the stories had abrupt endings and in some stories, the plot felt incomplete.
However, these were all incredibly sweet and lovely! I will say that my three favourite stories were "Shattered Echoes", "The Penny Dragon", and "Colors of Grief". These three stories had beautiful prose and weaved the beauty of love and life into them, and I fell in love with the characters.
Overall, this is a lovely anthology with beautiful stories about family and love!
Note: While I received a complimentary e-arc of this book, that did not influence my review. These are my honest thoughts!
I usually do not read anthologies and fantasy, but decided to give this a try since it was from the Author Conservatory.
And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this anthology! I will admit, that some of the stories had abrupt endings and in some stories, the plot felt incomplete.
However, these were all incredibly sweet and lovely! I will say that my three favourite stories were "Shattered Echoes", "The Penny Dragon", and "Colors of Grief". These three stories had beautiful prose and weaved the beauty of love and life into them, and I fell in love with the characters.
Overall, this is a lovely anthology with beautiful stories about family and love!
Note: While I received a complimentary e-arc of this book, that did not influence my review. These are my honest thoughts!
December 18, 2024
I know I'm a little late to the party with this, but I loved this anthology. I want to thank all the authors involved for crafting an engaging collection that has kept me entertained for the better part of a year.
What follows are my ratings of the individual stories.
A Book Dragon's Story: This one was very much a five out of five, and no I'm not biased because the author and I are both autistic. As someone who has struggled with creative insecurity, I found myself able to relate strongly to Bookmark. I'm looking forward to seeing what Olivia Blooms releases next.
People of the Rain: I loved Jenny Chasteen's work here. This is a very original story with themes of trust and patience. I'd knock a star for this one because of the stubborn female protag, but the author manages to craft a compelling repentance arc.
Shattered Echos: This. This was awesome. Hope Jian is definitely a name to watch for the future. This story touches on themes of letting go and not being enslaved to the past. Grab tissues for this one, people. You will need them. (This from someone who never cries over fiction).
The Little Tire Shop: I loved the vibes of this story. The aesthetic was wonderful and the themes of accepting who you are and what makes you unique are very well incorporated. Took me a while to understand how the magic works, but besides that a wonderful tale. Abbi Lynn Voss is talented, and I would happily read a full novel by her.
The Penny Dragon: Another story that I thought was really relatable, especially as dementia is sadly common among the older members of my family. Definitely a five out of five and out of all the authors, Cara Perigrino is one I would love to meet in really life.
Fairies in the Garden: This one is another tear-jerker, just warning you all now. A powerful warning of how important it is to treasure our family and not drive away the people we care about. This was a wonderfully sweet and redemptive story, with all the feels and perfect banter between the leads.
Obsidian Wings: This was a favorite of mine. Not as emotional as others in the collection, but a good read all the same. This was the first read I read, and it definitely lifted my spirits when I needed it.
Symbiosis: I will admit, I'm still not sure what to think of this one. It was weird in a good way.
The Colors of Grief: Ok. If you've ignored my warnings about tissues before, heed them now. This was a good story, though provided a bit of tonal whiplash after the other magical realism stories.
On the whole, while I liked some stories better than others, this entire collection is a must-read, and it was fascinating to see so many masterful spins on the theme of family and courage.
Note: While I think that all these aspiring authoresses are wonderful people the three I would love to meet in person besides Cara, would be Olivia Blooms, Abbi Lynn Voss, and Madiagan Thompson, roughly in that order.
What follows are my ratings of the individual stories.
A Book Dragon's Story: This one was very much a five out of five, and no I'm not biased because the author and I are both autistic. As someone who has struggled with creative insecurity, I found myself able to relate strongly to Bookmark. I'm looking forward to seeing what Olivia Blooms releases next.
People of the Rain: I loved Jenny Chasteen's work here. This is a very original story with themes of trust and patience. I'd knock a star for this one because of the stubborn female protag, but the author manages to craft a compelling repentance arc.
Shattered Echos: This. This was awesome. Hope Jian is definitely a name to watch for the future. This story touches on themes of letting go and not being enslaved to the past. Grab tissues for this one, people. You will need them. (This from someone who never cries over fiction).
The Little Tire Shop: I loved the vibes of this story. The aesthetic was wonderful and the themes of accepting who you are and what makes you unique are very well incorporated. Took me a while to understand how the magic works, but besides that a wonderful tale. Abbi Lynn Voss is talented, and I would happily read a full novel by her.
The Penny Dragon: Another story that I thought was really relatable, especially as dementia is sadly common among the older members of my family. Definitely a five out of five and out of all the authors, Cara Perigrino is one I would love to meet in really life.
Fairies in the Garden: This one is another tear-jerker, just warning you all now. A powerful warning of how important it is to treasure our family and not drive away the people we care about. This was a wonderfully sweet and redemptive story, with all the feels and perfect banter between the leads.
Obsidian Wings: This was a favorite of mine. Not as emotional as others in the collection, but a good read all the same. This was the first read I read, and it definitely lifted my spirits when I needed it.
Symbiosis: I will admit, I'm still not sure what to think of this one. It was weird in a good way.
The Colors of Grief: Ok. If you've ignored my warnings about tissues before, heed them now. This was a good story, though provided a bit of tonal whiplash after the other magical realism stories.
On the whole, while I liked some stories better than others, this entire collection is a must-read, and it was fascinating to see so many masterful spins on the theme of family and courage.
Note: While I think that all these aspiring authoresses are wonderful people the three I would love to meet in person besides Cara, would be Olivia Blooms, Abbi Lynn Voss, and Madiagan Thompson, roughly in that order.
December 5, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this anthology. Each story was unique, yet they were all united by strong family themes.
A Book Dragon's Story–I adored this story. Bookmark was such a sweet and sympathetic character, and the world building was beautifully executed. This is the perfect story to read with a cup of tea on a rainy day, sweet, cozy, and beautiful.
People of the Rain–The world building in this story was stunning, and the prose flowed beautifully. Moriyah was so easy to cheer for. Her love for her family and determination to protect them really resonated. I do not typically love allegory, but this story pulled it off perfectly.
Shattered Echoes–It took me the whole story to figure out how it would end, and I love it when the end of a story surprises me. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what choice Cole would make, and when it came, it fit perfectly into what had come before.
The Little Tire Shop–I loved the smallness of this story. It is about a family and their magical tire shop. The characters are ordinary people living a mostly ordinary life, captured in a magical way. The aesthetic was so strong! I felt like I was there; I could picture every scene clearly.
The Penny Dragon–I think this was my favorite story in the collection. The story is told from the perspective of a woman with dementia. I loved Benca and her voice was written with such sympathy and care. I also adored the setting, the penny dragon itself, and Benca’s grand-daughter.
Fairies in the Garden–This is a fairy story about a crusty old man. I loved it! I adored the garden and fairy vibes. Reading this story made my day. I love fairy stories and this captured all the elements I love most in a uniquely beautiful way with a crusty twist.
Obsidian Wings–Cor, a dragon girl, was such a fascinating character. I was drawn in by her quiet courage, guiding strangers to safety through the mountains. I loved watching her face her fear to help the humans bring new life into the world. The themes of family were so strong and beautiful.
Symbiosis–I did not expect this story, and it surprised me in the best way. It was unique and full of emotion. A story about a dystopian/post-apocalyptic world about to end, and two siblings haunted by the truth of their past, it stood out from the earlier stories which were all set in fantasy worlds.
Colors of Grief–This is a story of deep grief and the beginning of life after the death of a loved one. The only contemporary story in the collection, this story stood out in many ways. The prose was truly stunning, and the emotion was deep and raw.
Overall this collection is amazing, and I would highly recommend it.
A Book Dragon's Story–I adored this story. Bookmark was such a sweet and sympathetic character, and the world building was beautifully executed. This is the perfect story to read with a cup of tea on a rainy day, sweet, cozy, and beautiful.
People of the Rain–The world building in this story was stunning, and the prose flowed beautifully. Moriyah was so easy to cheer for. Her love for her family and determination to protect them really resonated. I do not typically love allegory, but this story pulled it off perfectly.
Shattered Echoes–It took me the whole story to figure out how it would end, and I love it when the end of a story surprises me. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what choice Cole would make, and when it came, it fit perfectly into what had come before.
The Little Tire Shop–I loved the smallness of this story. It is about a family and their magical tire shop. The characters are ordinary people living a mostly ordinary life, captured in a magical way. The aesthetic was so strong! I felt like I was there; I could picture every scene clearly.
The Penny Dragon–I think this was my favorite story in the collection. The story is told from the perspective of a woman with dementia. I loved Benca and her voice was written with such sympathy and care. I also adored the setting, the penny dragon itself, and Benca’s grand-daughter.
Fairies in the Garden–This is a fairy story about a crusty old man. I loved it! I adored the garden and fairy vibes. Reading this story made my day. I love fairy stories and this captured all the elements I love most in a uniquely beautiful way with a crusty twist.
Obsidian Wings–Cor, a dragon girl, was such a fascinating character. I was drawn in by her quiet courage, guiding strangers to safety through the mountains. I loved watching her face her fear to help the humans bring new life into the world. The themes of family were so strong and beautiful.
Symbiosis–I did not expect this story, and it surprised me in the best way. It was unique and full of emotion. A story about a dystopian/post-apocalyptic world about to end, and two siblings haunted by the truth of their past, it stood out from the earlier stories which were all set in fantasy worlds.
Colors of Grief–This is a story of deep grief and the beginning of life after the death of a loved one. The only contemporary story in the collection, this story stood out in many ways. The prose was truly stunning, and the emotion was deep and raw.
Overall this collection is amazing, and I would highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews