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Doll Seed: Stories
A dazzling debut collection of speculative short fiction.
If you’re a fan of Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz or Kelly Link you’ll enjoy this debut short story collection by Michele Tracy Berger. Playful and provocative, these speculative stories cover a wide territory including sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, weird, horror and magical realism.
The stories span horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, but are always grounded in very real characters and beautifully rendered, distinctive communities. Often thematically centered on the lives of women and girls, especially women of color and their experiences of vulnerability and outsider status, these stories are often playful and always provocative.
Fifteen stories invite you to get comfortable in the dark, to consider freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and safety. Marisol, an aspiring jewelry artist is haunted by a fast-food icon. Chevella, a self-aware doll, finds herself in 1950s America playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Lindsay, a Black girl in 1970s America “wins” an extraterrestrial in a national contest only to find her family’s life upended. Chelsea and Jessa, two sisters, fight about what a strange child means for their family. A meat grinder appears in a magical forest and chaos ensues. All this and more.
If you’re a fan of Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz or Kelly Link you’ll enjoy this debut short story collection by Michele Tracy Berger. Playful and provocative, these speculative stories cover a wide territory including sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, weird, horror and magical realism.
The stories span horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, but are always grounded in very real characters and beautifully rendered, distinctive communities. Often thematically centered on the lives of women and girls, especially women of color and their experiences of vulnerability and outsider status, these stories are often playful and always provocative.
Fifteen stories invite you to get comfortable in the dark, to consider freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and safety. Marisol, an aspiring jewelry artist is haunted by a fast-food icon. Chevella, a self-aware doll, finds herself in 1950s America playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Lindsay, a Black girl in 1970s America “wins” an extraterrestrial in a national contest only to find her family’s life upended. Chelsea and Jessa, two sisters, fight about what a strange child means for their family. A meat grinder appears in a magical forest and chaos ensues. All this and more.
- GenresShort StoriesHorror
296 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
4 people are currently reading
3074 people want to read
About the author
Michele Tracy Berger
24 books45 followersMichele Tracy Berger is a professor, an award-winning creative writer, creativity coach and a pug-lover.
Her main love is writing science fiction though she also is known to write poetry and creative nonfiction, too.
Her origin story:
At the age of six, Michele’s mother turned a walk-in closet into creative space just for her daughter. That closet became a portal and gateway to self-expression. Michele pretended that Will Robinson, a character on the television show Lost in Space was her brother and that she fought alongside Lindsay Wagner who played The Bionic Woman. And, she went on many other adventures. From that age on, Michele never doubted the power of the imagination.
Her publications:
Her fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in Apex Magazine, SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire, Concrete Dreams: Witches, Warriors and Wise Women, Afromyth: A Fantasy Collection Volume 2, Stories We Tell After Midnight #2, Nevermore; UnCommon Origins: A Collection of Gods, Monsters, Nature and Science, Flying South: A Literary Journal; 100 Word Story; Thing Magazine; Blood and Bourbon, and FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction.
Her nonfiction writing and poetry have appeared in The Chapel Hill News, The Wild Word Magazine, Glint Literary Journal, Oracle: Fine Arts Review, Trivia: Voices of Feminism, The Feminist Wire, Ms. Magazine, Carolina Woman Magazine, Western North Carolina Woman, A Letter to My Mom (Crown Press), Luminescent Threads: Connections to Octavia Butler (Twelfth Planet Press) and various zines.
She is the 2019 winner of the Carl Brandon Kindred Award from the Carl Brandon Society for her story "Doll Seed" published in FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction.
In 2020, her science fiction novella, "Reenu-You" about a mysterious virus transmitted through a hair care product billed as a natural hair relaxer, was published by Falstaff Books. Much of her work explores psychological horror, especially through issues of race and gender.
She is immediate past President of the board of the North Carolina Writers’ Network (NCWN) and immediate past President of the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association.
Her debut short story collection, "Doll Seed" from Aunt Lute Books will be published Oct 1, 2024.
The stories span horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, but are always grounded in very real characters and beautifully rendered, distinctive communities. Often thematically centered on the lives of women and girls, especially women of color and their experiences of vulnerability and outsider status, these stories are often playful and always provocative.
Fifteen stories invite you to get comfortable in the dark, to consider freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and safety. Marisol, an aspiring jewelry artist is haunted by a fast-food icon. Chevella, a self-aware doll, finds herself in 1950s America playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Lindsay, a Black girl in 1970s America “wins” an extraterrestrial in a national contest only to find her family's life upended. Chelsea and Jessa, two sisters, fight about what a strange child means for their family. A meat grinder appears in a magical forest and chaos ensues. All this and more.
Her main love is writing science fiction though she also is known to write poetry and creative nonfiction, too.
Her origin story:
At the age of six, Michele’s mother turned a walk-in closet into creative space just for her daughter. That closet became a portal and gateway to self-expression. Michele pretended that Will Robinson, a character on the television show Lost in Space was her brother and that she fought alongside Lindsay Wagner who played The Bionic Woman. And, she went on many other adventures. From that age on, Michele never doubted the power of the imagination.
Her publications:
Her fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in Apex Magazine, SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire, Concrete Dreams: Witches, Warriors and Wise Women, Afromyth: A Fantasy Collection Volume 2, Stories We Tell After Midnight #2, Nevermore; UnCommon Origins: A Collection of Gods, Monsters, Nature and Science, Flying South: A Literary Journal; 100 Word Story; Thing Magazine; Blood and Bourbon, and FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction.
Her nonfiction writing and poetry have appeared in The Chapel Hill News, The Wild Word Magazine, Glint Literary Journal, Oracle: Fine Arts Review, Trivia: Voices of Feminism, The Feminist Wire, Ms. Magazine, Carolina Woman Magazine, Western North Carolina Woman, A Letter to My Mom (Crown Press), Luminescent Threads: Connections to Octavia Butler (Twelfth Planet Press) and various zines.
She is the 2019 winner of the Carl Brandon Kindred Award from the Carl Brandon Society for her story "Doll Seed" published in FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction.
In 2020, her science fiction novella, "Reenu-You" about a mysterious virus transmitted through a hair care product billed as a natural hair relaxer, was published by Falstaff Books. Much of her work explores psychological horror, especially through issues of race and gender.
She is immediate past President of the board of the North Carolina Writers’ Network (NCWN) and immediate past President of the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association.
Her debut short story collection, "Doll Seed" from Aunt Lute Books will be published Oct 1, 2024.
The stories span horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, but are always grounded in very real characters and beautifully rendered, distinctive communities. Often thematically centered on the lives of women and girls, especially women of color and their experiences of vulnerability and outsider status, these stories are often playful and always provocative.
Fifteen stories invite you to get comfortable in the dark, to consider freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and safety. Marisol, an aspiring jewelry artist is haunted by a fast-food icon. Chevella, a self-aware doll, finds herself in 1950s America playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Lindsay, a Black girl in 1970s America “wins” an extraterrestrial in a national contest only to find her family's life upended. Chelsea and Jessa, two sisters, fight about what a strange child means for their family. A meat grinder appears in a magical forest and chaos ensues. All this and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 8, 2025
For some time now I am exploring more and more horror and also those of more diverse backgrounds. So I really wanted to love the stories in "Doll Seed" by Michele Tracy Berger.
But after the first good story I got more and more exhausted and realized about 50% in what my problem was: the horror is always based on girls or women being nasty towards each other. Unfortunately after a lot experience of my own with this narrative it's not something I wish to read.
So I'm terribly sorry to say that I dnf'd this collection about the halfway mark.
But after the first good story I got more and more exhausted and realized about 50% in what my problem was: the horror is always based on girls or women being nasty towards each other. Unfortunately after a lot experience of my own with this narrative it's not something I wish to read.
So I'm terribly sorry to say that I dnf'd this collection about the halfway mark.
January 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Aunt Lute Books for the ARC.
Overall, I really enjoyed the collection. Favorites are Nussia, Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent, The Wishing Well Off Fordham Road, And They Will Rise From the Oceans, and Cemetary Sisters. The shorter pieces were hit-or-miss for me, but I liked the mix of short stories and more poetic pieces.
Overall, I really enjoyed the collection. Favorites are Nussia, Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent, The Wishing Well Off Fordham Road, And They Will Rise From the Oceans, and Cemetary Sisters. The shorter pieces were hit-or-miss for me, but I liked the mix of short stories and more poetic pieces.
September 24, 2024
• Nussia- 3.5
• Urban Wendy- 2
• Etta. Zara, and the First Serpent- 2.5
• Family Line- 2
• Doll Seed- 3.5
• The Curl of Emma Jean- 3
• The Wishing Well off Fordham Road- 3.5
• Grinding Disney- 1
• What the Slots Hold- 2
• The Lineup- 1
• Miss Black Little Hill of 1965- 3
• The Invisible Son- 3
• New Employee Orientation Guide for Snatch Day- 3
• And They Will Rise From the Oceans- 4
• Cemetery Sisters- 4
• Urban Wendy- 2
• Etta. Zara, and the First Serpent- 2.5
• Family Line- 2
• Doll Seed- 3.5
• The Curl of Emma Jean- 3
• The Wishing Well off Fordham Road- 3.5
• Grinding Disney- 1
• What the Slots Hold- 2
• The Lineup- 1
• Miss Black Little Hill of 1965- 3
• The Invisible Son- 3
• New Employee Orientation Guide for Snatch Day- 3
• And They Will Rise From the Oceans- 4
• Cemetery Sisters- 4
February 4, 2025
In this collection of short fiction, most of the stories verge into some type of horror by the end, even if they start out with the trappings of another genre. The opening story sets this up well. In "Nussia", a Black family wins the honor of hosting the first alien child to visit Earth not long after first contact. The inventive developments lead to a much darker ending than I expected, preparing me for the rest of the collection.
A number of the stories involve the invoking of spirits, demons, and ghosts, but Berger imagines a range of situations within this repeated theme. "Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent", set during the Harlem Renaissance, is surprisingly about Zora Neale Hurston summoning a spirit so she can access lost stories. In "Family Line", which packs some real emotional power into a few pages, the demon is connected to a family legend going back to the days of slavery. Certain elements from both of these reappear in the tensely escalating "And They Will Rise From the Oceans". The ghosts of the "Cemetery Sisters" are friendly at first, but of course the truth is more complicated, with several creative elements that combine into a satisfying whole.
While the stories are largely speculative, some stay in the real world and focus on the horror of how people treat each other, as in "Miss Black Little Hill of 1965" and "The Invisible Son". Not all of the stories worked equally well for me, but even some I didn't enjoy overall tended to build to a strong conclusion, demonstrating Berger's gift at the difficult skill of writing endings.
A number of the stories involve the invoking of spirits, demons, and ghosts, but Berger imagines a range of situations within this repeated theme. "Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent", set during the Harlem Renaissance, is surprisingly about Zora Neale Hurston summoning a spirit so she can access lost stories. In "Family Line", which packs some real emotional power into a few pages, the demon is connected to a family legend going back to the days of slavery. Certain elements from both of these reappear in the tensely escalating "And They Will Rise From the Oceans". The ghosts of the "Cemetery Sisters" are friendly at first, but of course the truth is more complicated, with several creative elements that combine into a satisfying whole.
While the stories are largely speculative, some stay in the real world and focus on the horror of how people treat each other, as in "Miss Black Little Hill of 1965" and "The Invisible Son". Not all of the stories worked equally well for me, but even some I didn't enjoy overall tended to build to a strong conclusion, demonstrating Berger's gift at the difficult skill of writing endings.
July 19, 2024
2.4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Aunt Lute Books for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
While I didn't absolutely hate this book, I didn't like it very much either. One major complaint I have is that many of the stories seemed intent on pitting two girls against each other. Like I thought we as a society had moved past the one-dimensional mean girl trope 😭. There were a few stories in the middle that were very short and seemed to be there just to take up space and provide needless shock value. In all, I didn't see many themes explored beyond the surface-level, and it seemed like many of the ambiguous endings were put in simply because there wasn't a clear resolution to the story. In terms of character, I can't fault the book too much because the medium of a short story necessitates somewhat sparse detail. However, most of the protagonists were just kind of annoying and I couldn't get behind their paper-thin motivations. Plot-wise, a majority of the stories had decent progression, but as mentioned earlier, failed to wrap up conclusively (or even just in a way that doesn't feel like a cop-out). The story I liked most was Wishing Well with an honorable mention given to Etta.
Nussia
- 3/5 stars- it kind of went all over the place and then didn't wrap up super cohesively. Also the stuff about her father like what 😭😭. Theme-wise, I thought it was okay, but plot-wise some of it felt convoluted and aimless.
Urban Wendy
- 3.5/5 stars- Lol that was lowkey kinda fun. A bit short though. With an ambiguous ending.
Etta
- 4/5 stars- I liked this one!! It was fun and the main character actually made sense. I liked the plot progression and the ending. It felt like everyone got what's was coming to them.
Family Line
- 2/5 stars- The characters were actually insane lol. Love that for them but it didn't feel realistic. The buildup of tension from the very beginning was good though.
Doll Seed
- 3.5/5 stars- This poor doll 😭😭. I thought this would be scarier than it was but it was really just quite sad.
The Curl
- 3/5 stars- The author did a good job of making both characters at least somewhat sympathetic, like I felt bad for Chelsea. Jessa was kind of whiny and annoying though.
Wishing Well
- 4.5/5 stars- Absolutely my favorite in the whole anthology. The story of Deena made me feel so incredibly sad and then happy and everything wrapped up nicely.
Grinding Disney
- 0/5 stars- What the actual frick. No. Just no.
Slots Hold
- 1/5 stars- I don't get it. What was the point?
The Lineup
- 1/5 stars- Is there supposed to be a meaning atp??? It feels like these tiny paragraphs (because they're not stories, they're just paragraphs) were written to take up space.
Miss Black
- 4/5 stars- Lowkey a vibe. I would be down if it were to happen to me. Or maybe that's just a sign that I read too much wish-fulfillment lol
Invisible Son
- 3/5 stars- This poor kid. I liked the framing device. Although I wish that last *object* was foreshadowed a bit more
Employee Guide
- 3.5/5 stars- It was wholesome. I quite liked this one. The inclusion of the billy goats was a cute touch
And They Will Rise
- 2.5/5 stars- Well it was a story. I suppose I just don't really like stories about super naïve heroines. Like I don't buy her motivations and why she stayed with him for as long as she did.
Cemetery Sisters
- 3/5 stars- It was okay. I didn't hate it but didn't love it. The ending was nice I guess. It's sort of a cop-out though.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aunt Lute Books for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
While I didn't absolutely hate this book, I didn't like it very much either. One major complaint I have is that many of the stories seemed intent on pitting two girls against each other. Like I thought we as a society had moved past the one-dimensional mean girl trope 😭. There were a few stories in the middle that were very short and seemed to be there just to take up space and provide needless shock value. In all, I didn't see many themes explored beyond the surface-level, and it seemed like many of the ambiguous endings were put in simply because there wasn't a clear resolution to the story. In terms of character, I can't fault the book too much because the medium of a short story necessitates somewhat sparse detail. However, most of the protagonists were just kind of annoying and I couldn't get behind their paper-thin motivations. Plot-wise, a majority of the stories had decent progression, but as mentioned earlier, failed to wrap up conclusively (or even just in a way that doesn't feel like a cop-out). The story I liked most was Wishing Well with an honorable mention given to Etta.
Nussia
- 3/5 stars- it kind of went all over the place and then didn't wrap up super cohesively. Also the stuff about her father like what 😭😭. Theme-wise, I thought it was okay, but plot-wise some of it felt convoluted and aimless.
Urban Wendy
- 3.5/5 stars- Lol that was lowkey kinda fun. A bit short though. With an ambiguous ending.
Etta
- 4/5 stars- I liked this one!! It was fun and the main character actually made sense. I liked the plot progression and the ending. It felt like everyone got what's was coming to them.
Family Line
- 2/5 stars- The characters were actually insane lol. Love that for them but it didn't feel realistic. The buildup of tension from the very beginning was good though.
Doll Seed
- 3.5/5 stars- This poor doll 😭😭. I thought this would be scarier than it was but it was really just quite sad.
The Curl
- 3/5 stars- The author did a good job of making both characters at least somewhat sympathetic, like I felt bad for Chelsea. Jessa was kind of whiny and annoying though.
Wishing Well
- 4.5/5 stars- Absolutely my favorite in the whole anthology. The story of Deena made me feel so incredibly sad and then happy and everything wrapped up nicely.
Grinding Disney
- 0/5 stars- What the actual frick. No. Just no.
Slots Hold
- 1/5 stars- I don't get it. What was the point?
The Lineup
- 1/5 stars- Is there supposed to be a meaning atp??? It feels like these tiny paragraphs (because they're not stories, they're just paragraphs) were written to take up space.
Miss Black
- 4/5 stars- Lowkey a vibe. I would be down if it were to happen to me. Or maybe that's just a sign that I read too much wish-fulfillment lol
Invisible Son
- 3/5 stars- This poor kid. I liked the framing device. Although I wish that last *object* was foreshadowed a bit more
Employee Guide
- 3.5/5 stars- It was wholesome. I quite liked this one. The inclusion of the billy goats was a cute touch
And They Will Rise
- 2.5/5 stars- Well it was a story. I suppose I just don't really like stories about super naïve heroines. Like I don't buy her motivations and why she stayed with him for as long as she did.
Cemetery Sisters
- 3/5 stars- It was okay. I didn't hate it but didn't love it. The ending was nice I guess. It's sort of a cop-out though.
October 1, 2024
Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger is a genre bending short story collection that is the perfect mix of spooky and heart-wrenching. Within each of these stories, Berger builds dynamic characters that have clear motivations, from a young girl looking for a best friend, to a doll looking for her perfect home. Berger builds tension in each story, using horror and sci-fi elements to bring the characters’ desires or fears forward. The magic and horror intensified the emotion for me—creating multiple layers to the tension.
September 29, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from netgalley in exchange for a review.
A short story collection with some sci fi and fantasy elements, but mostly horror focused short stories often dealing with topics of race and gender and the intersection thereof. While many of the stories have quite interesting bones, the meat was often lacking due to length and not enough development, which unfortunately is the reason for my low rating. I enjoyed many aspects that were presented in this horror collection, from the criticism of a patriarchal and sexist society and the way this story tackled racism. Many of the stories left me saddened for the characters, knowing that their struggles are still much too prevalent in todays’ society. I also liked the variety of horror presented here, as from folk horror to alien horror to very interesting looks at spiritualist horror as well as the human horrors all is present. However, some of the stories are so short I grew mainly confused at their inclusion and wish they had been removed to allow the other stories more room to breathe. The ideas are certainly often very interesting and even though the way the ideas were put down on paper didn’t always work for me, I still had an interesting time and I do think I want to check out more work by the author, particularly if she ever writes a longer piece in the horror genre as I believe that given some space to breathe and grow her stories could be a lot more interesting.
My favorite stories were Urban Wendy (for its interesting take on Urban Legends), Etta, Zora and the First Serpent (for its intriguing characters and the combination of spiritualism with the human monsters), The Curl of Emma Jean (for its look into a messy family story and the way it presents two deeply unlikeable characters), And They Will Rise From the Oceans (a story about a summoner feeling compelled to open a door to right a historical wrong, but maybe falling for the whispers of something much darker) & Cemetery Sisters (a young woman encounters two ghosts during her work at the graveyard, but soon finds herself in… grave danger… :P) and here underneath you can find the various short stories with some thoughts and the trigger warnings that apply:
Nussia: A little girl is part of the first family chosen to host an Alien on Earth. But will her excited dreams of a best friend become a reality when the Alien arrives? And how will racism and xenophobia influence their newfound status as not just the first family to host an Alien, but the first Black family? Very interesting writing style and my heart breaks for Lindsay, but it was a bit too long to fully keep my attention. tw: racism, drugs, forced institutionalization
*FAV* Urban Wendy: A former Wendy’s employee finds herself haunted by a little redheaded girl who wants her to return to her old job. Interesting and quite scary, which I really enjoyed. tw: attempted sexual assault, physical violence
*FAV* Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent: A fascinating look into Harlem, the life of a dancing girl and seances. I really liked the characters presented here and enjoyed the creeping dread that filled these pages as Etta first encounters human monsters and soon finds herself in even more danger as she turns to inhuman ones for help. tw: sexual assault, underage sex work, racism, past csa
Family Line: A sixteen year old boy visits his cousins in North Carolina and soon gets drawn into a dark ritual, interesting, but a bit too short for me to really enjoy it, tw: slavery, human sacrifice
Doll Seed: A doll in a toy store comes alive and soon faces convoluted social structures that the other dolls have made up, heartbreaking in its exploration of racism both from the other dolls and from humans, but I wish this story had dived a bit deeper into this world of living toys that it created. tw: n slur, anti-black racist language, suicide
*FAV* The Curl of Emma Jean: two sisters await their father’s inheritance when the heritage of one sister’s kid becomes a topic of contention, interesting character study of two siblings and I enjoyed the dread that built even though not a lot happened in the story, tw: past drug addiction, messy supernatural sex of dubious consent involving (dream) animals, torture, anti black racism, ableism
The Wishing Well Off Fordham Road: A small neighborhood suddenly sports its own wishing well, but our protagonist is not sure she can really trust the creature, interesting concept, but I could have done without the ableist language in it, heartbreaking exploration of a lost woman’s thoughts and feelings, but I would have liked a deeper exploration of wishes gone wrong, since the topic was brought up, tw ableist language against little people (unexamined), sexual assault, body horror, death
Grinding Disney: A very short gorey story about exactly what the title promises, intriguing concept, but I would have liked more exploration of the why, tw murder, gore
What the Slots Hold: A Greek goddess revenge on casinos, okay, but again, very short and so not interesting enough
The Lineup: A very short story about a neighborhood bully who performs a dangerous stunt, feels underexplored due to being so short
Miss Black Little Hill of 1965: A young wife’s dreams are shattered when her husband introduces her to his day job, okay, but again, too short, tw: threats of murder
The Invisible Son: A son and dad drug-selling duo and the night that changes their routine, the story is okay, but not exploring a particularly interesting idea, tw: drugs, murder
New Employee Orientation Guide for Snatch Day: A troll bridge senior home employee guide provides a yearly event for its elderly residents to remind them of the good old days of human snatching, a very intriguing idea and I enjoy the writing style
*FAV* And They Will Rise from the Oceans: A Black spiritualist becomes obsessed with water demons and drags himself, his spouse and his congregation ever further into their depths after a recent trip to Africa, I really enjoyed the way this story interwove Black history with spiritualist ideals as well as the yearning love of a woman for her spouse and the horror of dealing with beings you don’t fully understand, very well written and interesting tw: slavery, mass murder
*FAV* Cemetery Sisters: A young woman stuck in a small town that separated from the rest of the world after an outbreak of disease finds herself hearing voices just like her mother, unsettling and with fascinating worldbuilding this combines post-apocalypse with hauntings and works as a really, really great ending of the anthology. tw: ableism, murder
A short story collection with some sci fi and fantasy elements, but mostly horror focused short stories often dealing with topics of race and gender and the intersection thereof. While many of the stories have quite interesting bones, the meat was often lacking due to length and not enough development, which unfortunately is the reason for my low rating. I enjoyed many aspects that were presented in this horror collection, from the criticism of a patriarchal and sexist society and the way this story tackled racism. Many of the stories left me saddened for the characters, knowing that their struggles are still much too prevalent in todays’ society. I also liked the variety of horror presented here, as from folk horror to alien horror to very interesting looks at spiritualist horror as well as the human horrors all is present. However, some of the stories are so short I grew mainly confused at their inclusion and wish they had been removed to allow the other stories more room to breathe. The ideas are certainly often very interesting and even though the way the ideas were put down on paper didn’t always work for me, I still had an interesting time and I do think I want to check out more work by the author, particularly if she ever writes a longer piece in the horror genre as I believe that given some space to breathe and grow her stories could be a lot more interesting.
My favorite stories were Urban Wendy (for its interesting take on Urban Legends), Etta, Zora and the First Serpent (for its intriguing characters and the combination of spiritualism with the human monsters), The Curl of Emma Jean (for its look into a messy family story and the way it presents two deeply unlikeable characters), And They Will Rise From the Oceans (a story about a summoner feeling compelled to open a door to right a historical wrong, but maybe falling for the whispers of something much darker) & Cemetery Sisters (a young woman encounters two ghosts during her work at the graveyard, but soon finds herself in… grave danger… :P) and here underneath you can find the various short stories with some thoughts and the trigger warnings that apply:
Nussia: A little girl is part of the first family chosen to host an Alien on Earth. But will her excited dreams of a best friend become a reality when the Alien arrives? And how will racism and xenophobia influence their newfound status as not just the first family to host an Alien, but the first Black family? Very interesting writing style and my heart breaks for Lindsay, but it was a bit too long to fully keep my attention. tw: racism, drugs, forced institutionalization
*FAV* Urban Wendy: A former Wendy’s employee finds herself haunted by a little redheaded girl who wants her to return to her old job. Interesting and quite scary, which I really enjoyed. tw: attempted sexual assault, physical violence
*FAV* Etta, Zora, and the First Serpent: A fascinating look into Harlem, the life of a dancing girl and seances. I really liked the characters presented here and enjoyed the creeping dread that filled these pages as Etta first encounters human monsters and soon finds herself in even more danger as she turns to inhuman ones for help. tw: sexual assault, underage sex work, racism, past csa
Family Line: A sixteen year old boy visits his cousins in North Carolina and soon gets drawn into a dark ritual, interesting, but a bit too short for me to really enjoy it, tw: slavery, human sacrifice
Doll Seed: A doll in a toy store comes alive and soon faces convoluted social structures that the other dolls have made up, heartbreaking in its exploration of racism both from the other dolls and from humans, but I wish this story had dived a bit deeper into this world of living toys that it created. tw: n slur, anti-black racist language, suicide
*FAV* The Curl of Emma Jean: two sisters await their father’s inheritance when the heritage of one sister’s kid becomes a topic of contention, interesting character study of two siblings and I enjoyed the dread that built even though not a lot happened in the story, tw: past drug addiction, messy supernatural sex of dubious consent involving (dream) animals, torture, anti black racism, ableism
The Wishing Well Off Fordham Road: A small neighborhood suddenly sports its own wishing well, but our protagonist is not sure she can really trust the creature, interesting concept, but I could have done without the ableist language in it, heartbreaking exploration of a lost woman’s thoughts and feelings, but I would have liked a deeper exploration of wishes gone wrong, since the topic was brought up, tw ableist language against little people (unexamined), sexual assault, body horror, death
Grinding Disney: A very short gorey story about exactly what the title promises, intriguing concept, but I would have liked more exploration of the why, tw murder, gore
What the Slots Hold: A Greek goddess revenge on casinos, okay, but again, very short and so not interesting enough
The Lineup: A very short story about a neighborhood bully who performs a dangerous stunt, feels underexplored due to being so short
Miss Black Little Hill of 1965: A young wife’s dreams are shattered when her husband introduces her to his day job, okay, but again, too short, tw: threats of murder
The Invisible Son: A son and dad drug-selling duo and the night that changes their routine, the story is okay, but not exploring a particularly interesting idea, tw: drugs, murder
New Employee Orientation Guide for Snatch Day: A troll bridge senior home employee guide provides a yearly event for its elderly residents to remind them of the good old days of human snatching, a very intriguing idea and I enjoy the writing style
*FAV* And They Will Rise from the Oceans: A Black spiritualist becomes obsessed with water demons and drags himself, his spouse and his congregation ever further into their depths after a recent trip to Africa, I really enjoyed the way this story interwove Black history with spiritualist ideals as well as the yearning love of a woman for her spouse and the horror of dealing with beings you don’t fully understand, very well written and interesting tw: slavery, mass murder
*FAV* Cemetery Sisters: A young woman stuck in a small town that separated from the rest of the world after an outbreak of disease finds herself hearing voices just like her mother, unsettling and with fascinating worldbuilding this combines post-apocalypse with hauntings and works as a really, really great ending of the anthology. tw: ableism, murder
September 18, 2024
ARC!!! While the themes of race were prominent, they sometimes felt forced or overly emphasized as the horror element. It would have been more impactful if the stories explored the deeper struggles of Black people/people of color in a more nuanced way, rather than focusing on disgust for the characters’ race.
The collection could benefit from delving deeper into the experiences of its characters beyond their racial identity, allowing the horror elements to shine independently.
The collection could benefit from delving deeper into the experiences of its characters beyond their racial identity, allowing the horror elements to shine independently.
August 23, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger is a speculative anthology spanning horror, sci-fi, magical realism, and fantasy with a focus on Black American characters and moments in American history. With a variety of characters, first, second, and third-POV, and stories that feel like an episode of Black Mirror, there’s something in here for every speculative fan.
My favorite of all the stories was the titular Doll Seed. Chevella is a Black doll in a sea of white dolls that belittle her, sabotage her efforts to find a little girl of her own, and act in increasingly racist behavior. When Chevella does find someone, she ends up part of the famous racial bias Doll Test and subjected to constantly being told she is dirty and unworthy of love when compared to her white counterpart. This eventually leads to her developing an ant-Black bias and choosing a white girl for her next chance at a new home. This story was powerful and didn’t shy away from the constant racist behavior that Black people face, from the overt to the covert.
My second favorite was Nussia, a story about Lindsey, a young girl in the 1970s who writes an essay that wins her family the chance to host an alien. The decision is steeped in controversy as the public questions why a Black family was chosen and several white families even try to convince Nussia and the government to pick them instead. Lindsey focuses more on the chance to learn about an alien culture and to finally have a new friend, but Nussia isn’t interested in being friends.
There’s a lot of creepy atmosphere in several stories and Michele Tracy Berger knows how to withhold information so we’re left guessing but not confused. Lindsey felt like a realistic fourteen year old girl who is looking for a friend and my heart broke for her as Nussia got meaner and meaner. The story with the Faunus was a very interesting potential eco-horror or something similar to Pan’s Labyrinth and I would love a full length story of this idea.
Content warning for depictions of racism, alcoholism, and emotional abuse
I would recommend this to fans of Black mirror and readers of short stories looking for speculative historical stories tackling anti-Black racism
Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger is a speculative anthology spanning horror, sci-fi, magical realism, and fantasy with a focus on Black American characters and moments in American history. With a variety of characters, first, second, and third-POV, and stories that feel like an episode of Black Mirror, there’s something in here for every speculative fan.
My favorite of all the stories was the titular Doll Seed. Chevella is a Black doll in a sea of white dolls that belittle her, sabotage her efforts to find a little girl of her own, and act in increasingly racist behavior. When Chevella does find someone, she ends up part of the famous racial bias Doll Test and subjected to constantly being told she is dirty and unworthy of love when compared to her white counterpart. This eventually leads to her developing an ant-Black bias and choosing a white girl for her next chance at a new home. This story was powerful and didn’t shy away from the constant racist behavior that Black people face, from the overt to the covert.
My second favorite was Nussia, a story about Lindsey, a young girl in the 1970s who writes an essay that wins her family the chance to host an alien. The decision is steeped in controversy as the public questions why a Black family was chosen and several white families even try to convince Nussia and the government to pick them instead. Lindsey focuses more on the chance to learn about an alien culture and to finally have a new friend, but Nussia isn’t interested in being friends.
There’s a lot of creepy atmosphere in several stories and Michele Tracy Berger knows how to withhold information so we’re left guessing but not confused. Lindsey felt like a realistic fourteen year old girl who is looking for a friend and my heart broke for her as Nussia got meaner and meaner. The story with the Faunus was a very interesting potential eco-horror or something similar to Pan’s Labyrinth and I would love a full length story of this idea.
Content warning for depictions of racism, alcoholism, and emotional abuse
I would recommend this to fans of Black mirror and readers of short stories looking for speculative historical stories tackling anti-Black racism
June 27, 2024
Doll Seed: Stories by Michele Tracy Berger
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 6 August 2024
In this collection, Berger invites readers into a world where the boundaries of reality are pushed and prodded. Each of the fifteen stories is a journey into the unknown, exploring themes of freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and the quest for safety.
Enter the world of Marisol, a budding jeweller haunted by a fast-food icon that refuses to fade from memory. Follow the journey of Chevella, a self-aware doll navigating 1950s America, unexpectedly thrust into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Experience the life of Lindsay, a young Black girl in 1970s America, whose family's existence takes a surreal twist when she "wins" an extraterrestrial in a national competition. Feel the tension between sisters Chelsea and Jessa as they confront the implications of a mysterious child who disrupts their family dynamic. And witness the pandemonium unleashed when a magical forest becomes host to a meat grinder, triggering unforeseen and extraordinary consequences.
What sets Berger's collection apart is her ability to craft memorable female characters of colour who confront both physical and psychic challenges with grace and resilience. Her prose is infused with exquisite tenderness, drawing readers into worlds where the fantastic and the familiar intertwine seamlessly.
For those who crave imaginative storytelling that pushes boundaries and explores the complexities of identity and existence, Michele Tracy Berger's debut is a beacon. It celebrates diversity, challenges conventions, and promises an unforgettable journey through realms where imagination knows no bounds.
If you're a fan of authors like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, or Kelly Link, Michele Tracy Berger's debut short story collection is a must-read. Bursting with creativity and depth, these speculative tales span across genres including sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, weird fiction, horror, and magical realism.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aunt Lute Books, and the author, Michele Tracy Berger, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 6 August 2024
In this collection, Berger invites readers into a world where the boundaries of reality are pushed and prodded. Each of the fifteen stories is a journey into the unknown, exploring themes of freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and the quest for safety.
Enter the world of Marisol, a budding jeweller haunted by a fast-food icon that refuses to fade from memory. Follow the journey of Chevella, a self-aware doll navigating 1950s America, unexpectedly thrust into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Experience the life of Lindsay, a young Black girl in 1970s America, whose family's existence takes a surreal twist when she "wins" an extraterrestrial in a national competition. Feel the tension between sisters Chelsea and Jessa as they confront the implications of a mysterious child who disrupts their family dynamic. And witness the pandemonium unleashed when a magical forest becomes host to a meat grinder, triggering unforeseen and extraordinary consequences.
What sets Berger's collection apart is her ability to craft memorable female characters of colour who confront both physical and psychic challenges with grace and resilience. Her prose is infused with exquisite tenderness, drawing readers into worlds where the fantastic and the familiar intertwine seamlessly.
For those who crave imaginative storytelling that pushes boundaries and explores the complexities of identity and existence, Michele Tracy Berger's debut is a beacon. It celebrates diversity, challenges conventions, and promises an unforgettable journey through realms where imagination knows no bounds.
If you're a fan of authors like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, or Kelly Link, Michele Tracy Berger's debut short story collection is a must-read. Bursting with creativity and depth, these speculative tales span across genres including sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, weird fiction, horror, and magical realism.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aunt Lute Books, and the author, Michele Tracy Berger, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
August 31, 2024
I think this collection had some good ideas, but the execution wasn’t there for me. A fair few of these stories could have been scrapped and that would have made room for more development in the ones with promise. The stories all felt undercooked and lacked tension and there was so much girl on girl crime here. I didn’t love it.
Nussia 3/5
This was decent. There was a lot going on and it could have been more concise, but the ending lacked some punch.
Urban Wendy 2.5/5
This was very ok.
Etta 3/5
I quite liked this one, I wasn’t sure where it was going at first but it ended up being quite interesting.
Family Line 2/5
This one needed more depth I think. It was unhinged but I don’t feel like the tension built well enough for me to appreciate just how insane this was.
Doll Seed 4/5
I really liked this one. It was pretty sad but actually had a lot to say.
The Curl 3/5
Another ok one. Jessa was really annoying…but actually so was Chelsea lol.
Wishing Well 3.5/5
Still a bit meh about the ending but this was weird and interesting enough.
Grinding Disney 1/5
So I’m gonna assume there’s a deeper message in this that nods toward beauty standards and lack of representation for black children growing up on Disney pre 2000s…but also this was a hot mess. It was missing a lot.
What the Slots Hold 1/5
…what. This one felt like when you have the most random dream and have to write it down as soon as you wake up to make sure you don’t forget it. Though this one really could have done with being forgotten.
The Line Up 1/5
See above.
Miss Black 3/5
It does feel like the further I get in this collection, the less attention to detail there is.
The Invisible Son 1/5
I just feel like this was severely undercooked. There was no real build up to the ending so it just felt like reading a diary entry.
New Employee 1/5
…I don’t get it. It was boring.
And They Will Rise 1/5
I found Isabella annoying. Also wasn’t convinced of anyone’s motives and the ending felt abrupt.
Cemetery Sisters 2/5
The story itself was fine but I found this a bit cringe.
Nussia 3/5
This was decent. There was a lot going on and it could have been more concise, but the ending lacked some punch.
Urban Wendy 2.5/5
This was very ok.
Etta 3/5
I quite liked this one, I wasn’t sure where it was going at first but it ended up being quite interesting.
Family Line 2/5
This one needed more depth I think. It was unhinged but I don’t feel like the tension built well enough for me to appreciate just how insane this was.
Doll Seed 4/5
I really liked this one. It was pretty sad but actually had a lot to say.
The Curl 3/5
Another ok one. Jessa was really annoying…but actually so was Chelsea lol.
Wishing Well 3.5/5
Still a bit meh about the ending but this was weird and interesting enough.
Grinding Disney 1/5
So I’m gonna assume there’s a deeper message in this that nods toward beauty standards and lack of representation for black children growing up on Disney pre 2000s…but also this was a hot mess. It was missing a lot.
What the Slots Hold 1/5
…what. This one felt like when you have the most random dream and have to write it down as soon as you wake up to make sure you don’t forget it. Though this one really could have done with being forgotten.
The Line Up 1/5
See above.
Miss Black 3/5
It does feel like the further I get in this collection, the less attention to detail there is.
The Invisible Son 1/5
I just feel like this was severely undercooked. There was no real build up to the ending so it just felt like reading a diary entry.
New Employee 1/5
…I don’t get it. It was boring.
And They Will Rise 1/5
I found Isabella annoying. Also wasn’t convinced of anyone’s motives and the ending felt abrupt.
Cemetery Sisters 2/5
The story itself was fine but I found this a bit cringe.
September 8, 2024
Rating
★★★★
3.9 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing the ARC.
Michele Tracy Berger’s Doll Seed is a debut short story collection that explores a broad spectrum of speculative fiction, blending horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and magical.
The stories stand out by focusing on Black American experiences and women’s lives, often highlighting themes of vulnerability, racial inequality, and survival in both historical and futuristic settings.
Fans of Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Kelly Link will likely appreciate Berger’s fresh and thoughtful take on speculative fiction.
Pros:
Variety in Genre: The collection covers multiple genres, from the supernatural and creepy to sci-fi and magical realism. This keeps readers on their toes as we never know might come next. This also showcases Berger’s range as a writer, capable of delving into variety of topics and create believable worlds.
Thematic Depth: Many of the stories tackle social and racial issues, including racism, classism, and exclusion. This thematic focus provides the collection with a strong foundation and depth, making it more than just speculative fiction for entertainment.
Memorable Standouts: Doll Seed and Wishing Well emerge as the most impactful stories, both thematically and narratively, standing out for their character development and powerful resolutions.
Cons:
Ambiguous Endings: Several stories, such as Nussia and Urban Wendy, end on a deliberately unclear note. While ambiguity can add intrigue, it often feels like a cop-out here, where conclusions lack a sense of closure, leaving readers unsatisfied.
Pacing Issues: A few stories feel rushed, particularly the very short ones (The Lineup, Slots Hold), which seem like brief vignettes rather than fully fleshed-out stories.
Conclusion
Doll Seed is an ambitious collection that shines brightest when it leans into its speculative elements to explore deeper social issues. While some stories have poor execution or rely on tropes that undermine their impact, Berger’s
★★★★
3.9 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing the ARC.
Michele Tracy Berger’s Doll Seed is a debut short story collection that explores a broad spectrum of speculative fiction, blending horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and magical.
The stories stand out by focusing on Black American experiences and women’s lives, often highlighting themes of vulnerability, racial inequality, and survival in both historical and futuristic settings.
Fans of Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Kelly Link will likely appreciate Berger’s fresh and thoughtful take on speculative fiction.
Pros:
Variety in Genre: The collection covers multiple genres, from the supernatural and creepy to sci-fi and magical realism. This keeps readers on their toes as we never know might come next. This also showcases Berger’s range as a writer, capable of delving into variety of topics and create believable worlds.
Thematic Depth: Many of the stories tackle social and racial issues, including racism, classism, and exclusion. This thematic focus provides the collection with a strong foundation and depth, making it more than just speculative fiction for entertainment.
Memorable Standouts: Doll Seed and Wishing Well emerge as the most impactful stories, both thematically and narratively, standing out for their character development and powerful resolutions.
Cons:
Ambiguous Endings: Several stories, such as Nussia and Urban Wendy, end on a deliberately unclear note. While ambiguity can add intrigue, it often feels like a cop-out here, where conclusions lack a sense of closure, leaving readers unsatisfied.
Pacing Issues: A few stories feel rushed, particularly the very short ones (The Lineup, Slots Hold), which seem like brief vignettes rather than fully fleshed-out stories.
Conclusion
Doll Seed is an ambitious collection that shines brightest when it leans into its speculative elements to explore deeper social issues. While some stories have poor execution or rely on tropes that undermine their impact, Berger’s
September 23, 2025
Berger’s Doll Seed is a collection of short stories with psychological / speculative horror themes. They are woven through with unsettling ideas about such things as ethical concerns regarding technology, or questions surrounding identity. These aren't stories full of splatterpunk, full of gore, pagely death, and jump scares like the cheesy B flicks of the ‘70s-’90s. The horror is subtle, easing in and taking residence before you realize it.
One thing that really spoke to me is how Berger has woven in the complexities of generational trauma. How it is passed down, what it's like growing up within it, and sometimes, how the chains can be broken. This struggle is visceral for me. I'm processing my own generational trauma ‘gifts’, and working to break them. Acknowledgement is half the battle though, toch? Within these tantalizing tales, the characters’ trauma inevitably becomes yoked to the preternatural and supernatural occurrences.
As with any collection of short stories, Doll Seed has stories you are sure to love, and others you skim over, eager for the next. One thing is certain- each of these stories is sure to prompt the grey matter into action, and give you ideas/ concepts to mull over. Some of my faves include: Etta, Zora, The Wishing Well, and Cemetery Sisters. Not too long after reading this, I came across an article that referenced the historical Zora! I love book synchronicity.
Recommended for those who enjoy psychological or speculative horror, quick read horror, or thought-provoking tales of terror.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Aunt Lute Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One thing that really spoke to me is how Berger has woven in the complexities of generational trauma. How it is passed down, what it's like growing up within it, and sometimes, how the chains can be broken. This struggle is visceral for me. I'm processing my own generational trauma ‘gifts’, and working to break them. Acknowledgement is half the battle though, toch? Within these tantalizing tales, the characters’ trauma inevitably becomes yoked to the preternatural and supernatural occurrences.
As with any collection of short stories, Doll Seed has stories you are sure to love, and others you skim over, eager for the next. One thing is certain- each of these stories is sure to prompt the grey matter into action, and give you ideas/ concepts to mull over. Some of my faves include: Etta, Zora, The Wishing Well, and Cemetery Sisters. Not too long after reading this, I came across an article that referenced the historical Zora! I love book synchronicity.
Recommended for those who enjoy psychological or speculative horror, quick read horror, or thought-provoking tales of terror.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Aunt Lute Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 17, 2025
Doll Seed: Stories was my introduction to speculative short fiction, horror and magical realism. I'm not typically drawn to these kinds of texts, but decided to give it a try. Generally speaking I enjoyed the stories, especially Nussia, Doll Seed and The Wishing Well off Fordham Road. As a novice in the horror genre, the stories gave me just enough anxiety and shock value. I often had to put the book down to gather myself before engaging the next story. Doll Seed took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn't prepared for, which maybe exactly what the typical reader of this style likes. I appreciated its foundation in history, as it opened my eyes to the possibilities of creative writing. Also, as a Black woman born in the early 70's, I enjoyed Berger's cultural & nostalgic references.
For new readers to the genre bending Doll Seed, Berger's text is a great entry point.
For new readers to the genre bending Doll Seed, Berger's text is a great entry point.
November 20, 2024
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started Doll Seed but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed how subtle the stories were and complex at the same time. I didn't connect with every story but I can appreciate the attempt and unique messages each story had.
The cover is unique and interesting but appears more juvenile than I would normally go for.
I would read more from the author especially a full novel. I'm interested to see more from her.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michele Tracy Berger and Aunt Lute Books for the opportunity to read Doll Seed. I have written this review voluntarily.
The cover is unique and interesting but appears more juvenile than I would normally go for.
I would read more from the author especially a full novel. I'm interested to see more from her.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michele Tracy Berger and Aunt Lute Books for the opportunity to read Doll Seed. I have written this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2024
Thank you to the author & NetGalley for an arc!
3.5⭐️ Doll Seed is a collection of highly creative stories told across multiple genres, with a focus on race & gender. The stories were all interesting, but my favorites were Urban Wendy, The Family Line, Miss Black, and Employee Guide. Short stories are difficult to write, and this collection was very well done. I will keep an eye out for future works by this author!
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy short story collections that lean into fantasy or sci-fi.
3.5⭐️ Doll Seed is a collection of highly creative stories told across multiple genres, with a focus on race & gender. The stories were all interesting, but my favorites were Urban Wendy, The Family Line, Miss Black, and Employee Guide. Short stories are difficult to write, and this collection was very well done. I will keep an eye out for future works by this author!
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy short story collections that lean into fantasy or sci-fi.
September 15, 2024
The stories in Doll Seed were wonderfully weird and delightfully evocative. I really liked the elements of magic in each story; each one was an artifact- a small, lost piece from another world. I thought the strongest piece was the titular story- which was haunting and lovely the whole way through. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Michele Tracy Berger. Thanks to Aunt Lute Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 24, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars
Doll Seed was so odd in such a good way. The shorter stories didn't seem to hit as good as the longer ones though. As a big fan of aliens, my favorite has to be "Nussia". Such an interesting collection. There were some odd pacing issues but sometimes it added to the weirdness of the stories. Speculative fiction is weird like that. Doll Seed is a book that I'm going to think about a lot actually.
3.5 stars
Doll Seed was so odd in such a good way. The shorter stories didn't seem to hit as good as the longer ones though. As a big fan of aliens, my favorite has to be "Nussia". Such an interesting collection. There were some odd pacing issues but sometimes it added to the weirdness of the stories. Speculative fiction is weird like that. Doll Seed is a book that I'm going to think about a lot actually.
November 27, 2024
A magical realism short story collection with a feminist approach really seems so perfect for me. It was pretty good but I think some of the stories could’ve been better. Doll Seed was my favorite of the stories but some of the other ones I didn’t really care about. But I also have never heard anyone talk about this book and I feel like it should definitely be included on all of those weird girl book recommendation slideshows on TikTok.
June 30, 2025
Doll Seed is a haunting blend of domestic life and uncanny horror, rooted in the everyday but twisted just enough to unsettle.
Doll Seed isn’t about gore or grand scares—it’s about what we tuck away, the small terrors of intimacy, and the strange companions we invite into our lives. If you like your horror reflective, slowly blooming from grief and memory, this one will stick. Keep the dolls in sight—and the doors locked.
Doll Seed isn’t about gore or grand scares—it’s about what we tuck away, the small terrors of intimacy, and the strange companions we invite into our lives. If you like your horror reflective, slowly blooming from grief and memory, this one will stick. Keep the dolls in sight—and the doors locked.
October 13, 2024
A fabulous collection of short stories!
I loved how varied the stories and unique the characters were. I wanted my own alien house guest (even with the possible consequences!) and I’d love to invite spirits in to help me in life. I got to live this vicariously through this collection.
I loved this collection and recommend it 100%!
I loved how varied the stories and unique the characters were. I wanted my own alien house guest (even with the possible consequences!) and I’d love to invite spirits in to help me in life. I got to live this vicariously through this collection.
I loved this collection and recommend it 100%!
October 16, 2024
Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger is an evocative collection of short stories that deftly intertwines elements of horror and psychological insight. Each tale explores themes of identity, motherhood, and the uncanny, leaving readers with a haunting sense of wonder and unease. Berger’s rich prose and vivid imagination make this collection a thought-provoking journey that lingers long after reading.
November 19, 2024
The collection of stories in this book was something else and the sci-fi/supernatural mashup was genius. Each story brought its own brand of excitement and intrigue. I kind of am interested in exploring more of this author's creations - they're officially on my radar!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 15, 2025
I was excited to read this one. I've always found dolls a bit creepy. I was hopeful for this story. This book features several smaller short stories.
Some of these stories are better than others but overall they seemed better suited to a younger audience. I'd give this a 3.5 stars because the book was pretty good just not for me personally.
Some of these stories are better than others but overall they seemed better suited to a younger audience. I'd give this a 3.5 stars because the book was pretty good just not for me personally.
December 6, 2025
I loved these bizarre stories spanning genres (speculative, sci-fi, modern fairy tales, and light horror) and generations, from the 1920s to an unknown future. With most of the protagonists being Black, this collection also addresses racism and the struggles of the Civil Rights movement in inventive, satirical, and poignant ways. Creepy, funny, and an absolute original.
October 30, 2025
A collection of short stories about unusual circumstances such as a family getting ready to host an alien, or the Wendy’s logo following an ex-employee. I found the stories entertaining and thought provoking. It was a perfect read just before Halloween!
July 27, 2024
The short story collection kicks off strong with Nussia. I found myself captivated, eagerly devouring this initial offering. However, as the collection progresses, it becomes somewhat uneven.
Nevertheless, this collection could prove excellent for readers interested in exploring speculative fiction!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Aunt Lute Books for providing the ARC!
Nevertheless, this collection could prove excellent for readers interested in exploring speculative fiction!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Aunt Lute Books for providing the ARC!
September 7, 2024
I’ve always loved short stories and these remind me of two of my favorites - Kurt Vonnegut (if he’d done horror) and Shirley Jackson (if she had done science fiction).
November 2, 2024
Interesting short story set that has some very varying strengths in each story. 3.5 stars rounded up. tysm for thea rc.
August 20, 2025
Nussia and Doll Seed were my faves from this collection. The former gives Octavia Butler vibes and the latter is an interesting take on the Clark Doll Experiment from the doll's perspective.
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