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Visions of Grandeur and Other Stories
A forgotten widow who can change the future must choose between two terrible options.
An idealistic guard has to destroy his reputation to stop a murderer.
A plucky shapeshifter has to save a man he accidentally incriminated.
These are the god-blessed of Morshan.
And they’re about to learn how supernatural powers can be both a blessing and a curse.
Living morally was easy when their lives were normal.
But now that they’re gifted, they carry additional responsibilities–and face impossible dilemmas.
How far are they willing to go to save lives?
And whose visions of grandeur will turn into fruitless dreams?
Medieval superheroes face a variety of heart-breaking dilemmas in this illustrated short story collection.
An idealistic guard has to destroy his reputation to stop a murderer.
A plucky shapeshifter has to save a man he accidentally incriminated.
These are the god-blessed of Morshan.
And they’re about to learn how supernatural powers can be both a blessing and a curse.
Living morally was easy when their lives were normal.
But now that they’re gifted, they carry additional responsibilities–and face impossible dilemmas.
How far are they willing to go to save lives?
And whose visions of grandeur will turn into fruitless dreams?
Medieval superheroes face a variety of heart-breaking dilemmas in this illustrated short story collection.
155 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2023
4 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Josiah DeGraaf
2 books430 followersJosiah DeGraaf is a literature nerd who loves epic fantasy stories with imaginative worlds and authentic characters. He loves crafting fantastical stories about characters who face the same dilemmas we do when we try to do the right thing.
He works as the program director of the Young Writer’s Workshop and as a staff writer for Lorehaven.
Outside of work and writing, he enjoys engaging in lively intellectual discussions, playing board games, hiking to gorgeous overlooks, and hanging out with his eight younger siblings. He lives in a small river town just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He works as the program director of the Young Writer’s Workshop and as a staff writer for Lorehaven.
Outside of work and writing, he enjoys engaging in lively intellectual discussions, playing board games, hiking to gorgeous overlooks, and hanging out with his eight younger siblings. He lives in a small river town just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 6, 2024
I'm blown away—this collection is brilliant. Let me explain.
If you know me, you probably know I'm a hopeless critic. Perfection is my standard, and even though no one can reach it, this mystifying Promise of Quality hangs over my head as I judge a book by its cover, then by its title, then its first sentence, its prose, its characters, etc.
Sadly, the state of many books makes critique tempting and even easy. Because indie books specifically don't have a company overseeing the process from drafting to publishing, their stereotype of unprofessionalism is often aggravated.
Another issue arises from the undaunted support of the friends or followers (the influenced and familiarized) in the form of—let's say—misleading ravings.
Fortunately, I'm not like other girls.
I'm quirky and different so it's okay if I shame readers for giving high praise to books by people they're fans of and then give holier-than-thou high praise to a book by someone I'm a fan of. 😜 🥰
I don't know where I'm going with this anymore.
I guess my point was that I understand your potential skepticism of such an enthusiastic review, and I have a reason for why I loved this book so much.
Let me explain, again.
I've met the author in person and I've talked with him once or twice, but I'm a big fan of Story Embers and I was a member of YWW for several years. I've read many of his articles and recorded lessons on craft, marketing, faith-in-fiction, etc, but I don't think I have ever read any actual story by him.
What in part makes this a satisfying read is seeing the loads of information and perspective he's provided being put into his own work.
Each story takes place in the same world, where a medieval land in a Golden Age is suddenly marred by the lordly intrusion of thirteen gods who give random people distinct powers. The land falls apart as the "god-blessed" give or take and mixed motives draw proud lines between this city and that.
Some stories feature a god-blessed isolated or shamed because of their powers, but several following characters in a grand overarching plot between god-blessed trying to do something good for a city under great threats.
While many are interconnected, each story is made profound by a weighty theme, a question with no easy answer that's forced upon the realistic and genuinely engaging characters. Some will break under the weight and disappoint while others will make the noble choice amid the ashes of what could have been an easier life for them.
I could not walk away from this collection cheery and indifferent, because the questions they faced are meant for the reader too, and I'm left with the heavy thought, "What would I do?"
If you know me, you probably know I'm a hopeless critic. Perfection is my standard, and even though no one can reach it, this mystifying Promise of Quality hangs over my head as I judge a book by its cover, then by its title, then its first sentence, its prose, its characters, etc.
Sadly, the state of many books makes critique tempting and even easy. Because indie books specifically don't have a company overseeing the process from drafting to publishing, their stereotype of unprofessionalism is often aggravated.
Another issue arises from the undaunted support of the friends or followers (the influenced and familiarized) in the form of—let's say—misleading ravings.
Fortunately, I'm not like other girls.
I'm quirky and different so it's okay if I shame readers for giving high praise to books by people they're fans of and then give holier-than-thou high praise to a book by someone I'm a fan of. 😜 🥰
I don't know where I'm going with this anymore.
I guess my point was that I understand your potential skepticism of such an enthusiastic review, and I have a reason for why I loved this book so much.
Let me explain, again.
I've met the author in person and I've talked with him once or twice, but I'm a big fan of Story Embers and I was a member of YWW for several years. I've read many of his articles and recorded lessons on craft, marketing, faith-in-fiction, etc, but I don't think I have ever read any actual story by him.
What in part makes this a satisfying read is seeing the loads of information and perspective he's provided being put into his own work.
Each story takes place in the same world, where a medieval land in a Golden Age is suddenly marred by the lordly intrusion of thirteen gods who give random people distinct powers. The land falls apart as the "god-blessed" give or take and mixed motives draw proud lines between this city and that.
Some stories feature a god-blessed isolated or shamed because of their powers, but several following characters in a grand overarching plot between god-blessed trying to do something good for a city under great threats.
While many are interconnected, each story is made profound by a weighty theme, a question with no easy answer that's forced upon the realistic and genuinely engaging characters. Some will break under the weight and disappoint while others will make the noble choice amid the ashes of what could have been an easier life for them.
I could not walk away from this collection cheery and indifferent, because the questions they faced are meant for the reader too, and I'm left with the heavy thought, "What would I do?"
December 24, 2025
2.75 stars.
Look...I'm trying not to be too harsh here, but maybe this one should have stayed inside the pages of a Google doc.
Because this is a collection of short stories, you don't stay in one place for very long before moving on to the next story. But many of the stories made no sense to me and most did not interconnect with each other. The 3 stars is for the moral dilemmas within each story, and the main reason I will still continue to read DeGraaf's books as they come out.
Look...I'm trying not to be too harsh here, but maybe this one should have stayed inside the pages of a Google doc.
Because this is a collection of short stories, you don't stay in one place for very long before moving on to the next story. But many of the stories made no sense to me and most did not interconnect with each other. The 3 stars is for the moral dilemmas within each story, and the main reason I will still continue to read DeGraaf's books as they come out.
August 25, 2024
With great power comes great responsibility, but how does one deal with that? Read this collection and find out how these powers both challenge and reveal the many facets of human character.
June 25, 2024
I admit, I love beautiful cover art.
But Visions of Grandeur has become a short story standard for me.
The first story (A Heritic's Sacrifice) sucked me in (hey, it's a shapeshifter) and ended in a heart-wrenching twist that made me wonder-- would I make the right decision in this scenario?
The anthology invites us to meet a cast of engaging, unique characters who don't have things easy in life.
Thirteen unpredictable, apathetic gods rule (or more accurately, neglect) the land of Morshan. Although the characters find hope and victory, I question-- what ultimate hope is there in Morshan?
I suggest pre-reading the anthology before letting young children read it, because of the difficult topics presented (for example: should one kill an innocent person to save hundreds of lives?).
I made the mistake of reading the entire anthology in a day (but was it really a mistake?). I look forward too see what else the author Degraaf writes.
For those who search for engaging, impactful fantasy stories that don't skim the hard parts of life, I highly reccomend Visions of Grandeur.
But Visions of Grandeur has become a short story standard for me.
The first story (A Heritic's Sacrifice) sucked me in (hey, it's a shapeshifter) and ended in a heart-wrenching twist that made me wonder-- would I make the right decision in this scenario?
The anthology invites us to meet a cast of engaging, unique characters who don't have things easy in life.
Thirteen unpredictable, apathetic gods rule (or more accurately, neglect) the land of Morshan. Although the characters find hope and victory, I question-- what ultimate hope is there in Morshan?
I suggest pre-reading the anthology before letting young children read it, because of the difficult topics presented (for example: should one kill an innocent person to save hundreds of lives?).
I made the mistake of reading the entire anthology in a day (but was it really a mistake?). I look forward too see what else the author Degraaf writes.
For those who search for engaging, impactful fantasy stories that don't skim the hard parts of life, I highly reccomend Visions of Grandeur.
November 7, 2025
Goodness.
These were... hard short stories! I loved the idea of superheroes and villians in a medieval-like world... but I was not expecting so many moral dilemmas these characters would face.
Each of these stories nearly broke my heart. Especially their cliff-hanging endings!
But at least two of them felt a hopeful .
Overall, I have to give the author props for writing such compelling stories of real, true heroes (and possibly villains) making decisions both good and awful that would change their lives... and their world forever.
These were... hard short stories! I loved the idea of superheroes and villians in a medieval-like world... but I was not expecting so many moral dilemmas these characters would face.
Each of these stories nearly broke my heart. Especially their cliff-hanging endings!
But at least two of them felt a hopeful .
Overall, I have to give the author props for writing such compelling stories of real, true heroes (and possibly villains) making decisions both good and awful that would change their lives... and their world forever.
August 28, 2024
3.5 stars
This collection got its higher rating mostly for its worldbuilding and one or two of the characters. I appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish with a world in which heroes are hard to come by, but it came across as lacking the ultimate redemption in many of the stories. I'd be interested to see this world more deeply explored in a novel, where there's space to draw out a more complete arc.
This collection got its higher rating mostly for its worldbuilding and one or two of the characters. I appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish with a world in which heroes are hard to come by, but it came across as lacking the ultimate redemption in many of the stories. I'd be interested to see this world more deeply explored in a novel, where there's space to draw out a more complete arc.
November 7, 2024
The first time I read this series, I disliked several of these stories, or at least parts of them. They made me uncomfortable. But now I like that these stories challenged me, even if I didn't like how they made me feel. Stories like these are important.
At the time of first reading this, I was confused and maybe slightly offended by a fellow Christian writing a story about multiple gods. But as I've grown, the idea now really intrigues me. Even if they aren't physical statues or made-up personalities attached to certain concepts, aren't we all following our own demanding little gods in hopes of happiness? The twelve gods of Morshan represent this idea in a unique way. Adolsin represents where everything true and good and holy can be found.
A Heretic’s Sacrifice
Emiel is such a fun character! I love his cocky personality. The way he twists his logic so he can live with himself is absolutely fascinating. I want to know more about him! Does he let his choice destroy him or change him?? My goodness, I really hope Mr. Degraaf continues this boy's story.
The first time I read this story, I loved the character but hated the ending. It made me wonder what I would do in that situation, and I didn't like my answer. I didn't like the hard questions. But asking those questions and challenging our answers make us grow. I'm thankful for how this story impacted me.
There's one error here where I think a couple of words are missing from a sentence, but otherwise I think the quality is very good.
Fractured Masks
Grimweld reminds me of my younger self. So very concerned about what others think of him! I hope Sian can draw him out of that suffocating shell. I want to read more about him, too!
This is another story that I disliked when I first read it. But I believe it taught me the price of caring too much about others' opinions and now I like it very much.
To Whom the Future Belongs
This was one of my favorites when I first read these stories. Probably at the time, it was because Serena was the first female MC, haha. And because she made the right choice. But now, I love it because Serena questioned Adolsin and she wanted to do things her way…but eventually didn't. It's a powerful example of faith and doing the right thing.
The First God-Blessed
This one is probably my second least favorite. The characterization and prose aren't as good as the rest, and the dilemma felt a bit rushed. This one had the most information in so little space. While fascinating, I think it was too much. Clare was also rather violent, which made it hard to sympathize with her. I also don't like that this one didn't have and couldn't have had a happy ending, but that's kind of a superficial reason.
Visions of Grandeur
This one is my favorite. I love Sian and her determination to do right. I love her smarts and compassion and...well, everything. How she uses her power and how others' minds are portrayed is really interesting! And the mystery and mind-twisting mental battles were so fun to read!
A Wish Fulfilled
This one was fascinating! Damian’s power being twisted was genius! I'm just disappointed that he decided to always believe the worst of people. The POV switch was a bit annoying but didn't take me out of the story too much.
Council of One
Sindar’s journey to becoming more independent and assertive was an encouraging read.
I liked the dynamic between him and Grimweld. Both afraid of people's opinions but in different ways.
He's another character I want to see more of.
The Turning of Christof Walker
Ick. I really did not like this guy. I hope he has a positive character arc in Mr. Degraaf 's future stories because he really can't get much worse. I'm glad he was...persuaded to be more humble, but that was kind of gruesome. One thing that was confusing was that none of the thoughts were italicized, so it was hard to tell the difference between narration and direct thoughts.
In the Shadows of the God-Blessed
I really liked Kristin’s character arc. She still has a long way to go with several things, but her empathy towards Tobias made me like her way better by the end. And I'm glad we got a whole story from a person who wasn't god-blessed. It was interesting to see the perspectives of normal people in an overturned world.
Also, I don't like Tera, but her story intrigues me.
Overview:
What I liked:
The world building and characters were all very complex and layered, like a real world with real people. Mr. Degraaf explored several interesting possibilities for how the god-blessed used their powers, as individuals and in groups, and he did it very well.
The illustrations! I agree with Mr. Degraaf, more adult fiction should have illustrations. You know, more fiction in general should have illustrations.
The prose was simple, but still good. I think there could have been more descriptions, but what descriptions there were didn't fall flat.
What I didn't like:
There were a few errors in the stories, which I pointed out in the individual story reviews. Some parts were a bit violent for my taste.
Some of the stories were soooo short!! I need more!
It's a bit harder to review a collection of short stories than it is a whole novel, because the settings, characters, vibes and themes are so varied. But overall, this was very intriguing, complex and unique. I can't wait to see more of Morshan in the future!
At the time of first reading this, I was confused and maybe slightly offended by a fellow Christian writing a story about multiple gods. But as I've grown, the idea now really intrigues me. Even if they aren't physical statues or made-up personalities attached to certain concepts, aren't we all following our own demanding little gods in hopes of happiness? The twelve gods of Morshan represent this idea in a unique way. Adolsin represents where everything true and good and holy can be found.
A Heretic’s Sacrifice
Emiel is such a fun character! I love his cocky personality. The way he twists his logic so he can live with himself is absolutely fascinating. I want to know more about him! Does he let his choice destroy him or change him?? My goodness, I really hope Mr. Degraaf continues this boy's story.
The first time I read this story, I loved the character but hated the ending. It made me wonder what I would do in that situation, and I didn't like my answer. I didn't like the hard questions. But asking those questions and challenging our answers make us grow. I'm thankful for how this story impacted me.
There's one error here where I think a couple of words are missing from a sentence, but otherwise I think the quality is very good.
Fractured Masks
Grimweld reminds me of my younger self. So very concerned about what others think of him! I hope Sian can draw him out of that suffocating shell. I want to read more about him, too!
This is another story that I disliked when I first read it. But I believe it taught me the price of caring too much about others' opinions and now I like it very much.
To Whom the Future Belongs
This was one of my favorites when I first read these stories. Probably at the time, it was because Serena was the first female MC, haha. And because she made the right choice. But now, I love it because Serena questioned Adolsin and she wanted to do things her way…but eventually didn't. It's a powerful example of faith and doing the right thing.
The First God-Blessed
This one is probably my second least favorite. The characterization and prose aren't as good as the rest, and the dilemma felt a bit rushed. This one had the most information in so little space. While fascinating, I think it was too much. Clare was also rather violent, which made it hard to sympathize with her. I also don't like that this one didn't have and couldn't have had a happy ending, but that's kind of a superficial reason.
Visions of Grandeur
This one is my favorite. I love Sian and her determination to do right. I love her smarts and compassion and...well, everything. How she uses her power and how others' minds are portrayed is really interesting! And the mystery and mind-twisting mental battles were so fun to read!
A Wish Fulfilled
This one was fascinating! Damian’s power being twisted was genius! I'm just disappointed that he decided to always believe the worst of people. The POV switch was a bit annoying but didn't take me out of the story too much.
Council of One
Sindar’s journey to becoming more independent and assertive was an encouraging read.
I liked the dynamic between him and Grimweld. Both afraid of people's opinions but in different ways.
He's another character I want to see more of.
The Turning of Christof Walker
Ick. I really did not like this guy. I hope he has a positive character arc in Mr. Degraaf 's future stories because he really can't get much worse. I'm glad he was...persuaded to be more humble, but that was kind of gruesome. One thing that was confusing was that none of the thoughts were italicized, so it was hard to tell the difference between narration and direct thoughts.
In the Shadows of the God-Blessed
I really liked Kristin’s character arc. She still has a long way to go with several things, but her empathy towards Tobias made me like her way better by the end. And I'm glad we got a whole story from a person who wasn't god-blessed. It was interesting to see the perspectives of normal people in an overturned world.
Also, I don't like Tera, but her story intrigues me.
Overview:
What I liked:
The world building and characters were all very complex and layered, like a real world with real people. Mr. Degraaf explored several interesting possibilities for how the god-blessed used their powers, as individuals and in groups, and he did it very well.
The illustrations! I agree with Mr. Degraaf, more adult fiction should have illustrations. You know, more fiction in general should have illustrations.
The prose was simple, but still good. I think there could have been more descriptions, but what descriptions there were didn't fall flat.
What I didn't like:
There were a few errors in the stories, which I pointed out in the individual story reviews. Some parts were a bit violent for my taste.
Some of the stories were soooo short!! I need more!
It's a bit harder to review a collection of short stories than it is a whole novel, because the settings, characters, vibes and themes are so varied. But overall, this was very intriguing, complex and unique. I can't wait to see more of Morshan in the future!
November 15, 2025
Highly compelling characters, moral dilemmas, and world-building. My favorite kind of stories!
July 17, 2024
So this is a collection of some of the most original short stories I have read in a long time. Mr. DeGraaf said on his website that he wants stories that show the difficulties of being heroic. Well, he delivers, and the result makes for visceral edge of the seat reading. This fact carries over into other aspects of the collection. We can relate to the characters, we empathize with their struggles to do the right thing even when it would be easier not to. The stories provide an accurate representation of what it would be like to receive power and struggle how to use it in an unselfish way. Other positives would be the intriguing world building and the seamless integration of the gods and their blessings with a setting that has well-structured medieval verisimilitude.
I have only two negatives with this collection. Understand that this is nitpicking what is otherwise technically impressive work. First would be chronology. Several stories have recurring characters, and while there are some indicators in the stories themselves, my mind wants a better sense of when each story takes place and clearer chronology. There seemed to be a sense of the world progressively becoming more chaotic and untamed the farther one went into the collection, and I would have loved for this theme of cultural instability to be developed more. My other negative (which is not really a negative now that I think about it) would be I want more, especially concerning a certain character from the story "Fractured Masks" This is personal preference and Mr. DeGraaf has expressed a desire to write more in this setting. All I'm saying is that with some of the more compelling characters in this collection, a decent sized short story or two does not seem to be enough to fully flesh them out. (Josiah if you are reading this I want to know how Grimweld's story ends.) Anyway nitpicking aside this is a wonderful collection that I would recommend to any lover of epic fantasy.
I have only two negatives with this collection. Understand that this is nitpicking what is otherwise technically impressive work. First would be chronology. Several stories have recurring characters, and while there are some indicators in the stories themselves, my mind wants a better sense of when each story takes place and clearer chronology. There seemed to be a sense of the world progressively becoming more chaotic and untamed the farther one went into the collection, and I would have loved for this theme of cultural instability to be developed more. My other negative (which is not really a negative now that I think about it) would be I want more, especially concerning a certain character from the story "Fractured Masks" This is personal preference and Mr. DeGraaf has expressed a desire to write more in this setting. All I'm saying is that with some of the more compelling characters in this collection, a decent sized short story or two does not seem to be enough to fully flesh them out. (Josiah if you are reading this I want to know how Grimweld's story ends.) Anyway nitpicking aside this is a wonderful collection that I would recommend to any lover of epic fantasy.
November 18, 2024
Visions of Grandeur by Josiah DeGraaf: a collection of short stories featuring medieval worldbuilding, magical superhero-like powers, and deep moral questions.
After several weeks of non-fiction, this long-awaited read was the perfect palate cleanser -- perfect because within the first few paragraphs of the prologue (I love fantasy prologues), I knew it was exactly the type of fantasy I love to read. I felt like I was coming home.
What I loved:
- the magical powers (with rules and limitations) that reminded me of J. J. Fischer's Nightingale Trilogy.
- each MC had a different voice, not easy to do in such a varied collection. Emiel and Clare were my favorites.
- the moral questions that made me not just think but ponder. Each short story involves a question, a character change, or a dilemma of some sort -- not always answered but always with a clear theme from a Christian worldview, reminiscent of the questions woven throughout Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
- the worldbuilding, including another of my happy places, medieval culture. (Maybe just me, but I got some Asian culture/geography vibes too.) The religious culture also won me with its thorough but believable system of gods (including a god different from the 12) that made me think of The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner.
- THE ILLUSTRATIONS. What a treat to turn the page (or press the button, whatever) and soak in a gorgeous work of art featuring a scene from the story. One of my favorite parts of this collection.
The best part? This collection is FREE. Check out Josiah DeGraaf's website to get your own copy.
Josiah DeGraaf, thank you for writing and sharing this collection. This is the kind of creative, thorough, and thought-provoking work that does honor to the genre of Christian fantasy. Please write more soon -- you have successfully whetted my appetite for more of Morshan and this intriguing cast of god-blessed.
After several weeks of non-fiction, this long-awaited read was the perfect palate cleanser -- perfect because within the first few paragraphs of the prologue (I love fantasy prologues), I knew it was exactly the type of fantasy I love to read. I felt like I was coming home.
What I loved:
- the magical powers (with rules and limitations) that reminded me of J. J. Fischer's Nightingale Trilogy.
- each MC had a different voice, not easy to do in such a varied collection. Emiel and Clare were my favorites.
- the moral questions that made me not just think but ponder. Each short story involves a question, a character change, or a dilemma of some sort -- not always answered but always with a clear theme from a Christian worldview, reminiscent of the questions woven throughout Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
- the worldbuilding, including another of my happy places, medieval culture. (Maybe just me, but I got some Asian culture/geography vibes too.) The religious culture also won me with its thorough but believable system of gods (including a god different from the 12) that made me think of The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner.
- THE ILLUSTRATIONS. What a treat to turn the page (or press the button, whatever) and soak in a gorgeous work of art featuring a scene from the story. One of my favorite parts of this collection.
The best part? This collection is FREE. Check out Josiah DeGraaf's website to get your own copy.
Josiah DeGraaf, thank you for writing and sharing this collection. This is the kind of creative, thorough, and thought-provoking work that does honor to the genre of Christian fantasy. Please write more soon -- you have successfully whetted my appetite for more of Morshan and this intriguing cast of god-blessed.
October 16, 2024
4.5 stars
Okay, typically I'm not a short story person. In fact, these are some of the only ones I've read, which made it difficult to know what to rate it, because in one way, it wasn't like my favourite novels with cry-over characters and plots you stay with for hundreds of pages, but on the other hand, I loved it.
These short stories deal with real-life human struggles in a fictional world called Morshan (I hope that's how you spell it) and how different people respond realistically to trial and struggle in situations where there is not always one right answer. The stories are (I would say) fifteen to twenty pages long each, all set in generally the same area, with some characters overlapping from story to story but each having a different main POV.
Josiah DeGraaf does not shy away from portrayals of a broken world and accurate flawed characters, which makes the book both relatable and gives it a very in-depth feeling. However, even as he addresses tribulations, there is still glimpses of hope and joy in the stories.
Another of the reasons I liked this book was that the writing was incredible. Josiah has a great style that is lyrical and poetic in some cases, and witty and action-packed in others. I loved the quick dialogue between a few of the characters and the way they spoke, and I enjoyed how each perspective had different ways of viewing the world and the characters around them.
So that's a short review, but it sums up what I was trying to say. Loved this book! :)
Okay, typically I'm not a short story person. In fact, these are some of the only ones I've read, which made it difficult to know what to rate it, because in one way, it wasn't like my favourite novels with cry-over characters and plots you stay with for hundreds of pages, but on the other hand, I loved it.
These short stories deal with real-life human struggles in a fictional world called Morshan (I hope that's how you spell it) and how different people respond realistically to trial and struggle in situations where there is not always one right answer. The stories are (I would say) fifteen to twenty pages long each, all set in generally the same area, with some characters overlapping from story to story but each having a different main POV.
Josiah DeGraaf does not shy away from portrayals of a broken world and accurate flawed characters, which makes the book both relatable and gives it a very in-depth feeling. However, even as he addresses tribulations, there is still glimpses of hope and joy in the stories.
Another of the reasons I liked this book was that the writing was incredible. Josiah has a great style that is lyrical and poetic in some cases, and witty and action-packed in others. I loved the quick dialogue between a few of the characters and the way they spoke, and I enjoyed how each perspective had different ways of viewing the world and the characters around them.
So that's a short review, but it sums up what I was trying to say. Loved this book! :)
June 25, 2024
Yay it is on Goodreads so I can actually say something about it XD
To be clear, I haven't read all the stories in this collection. But the ones I have read have been amazing. Short stories should be powerful, and every single one that I read in this collection is. They are stellar examples of what a short story should be.
Believe me, when you subscribe to Josiah's email list and receive this book, it will be just as good as any book you buy off of amazon (including that stunning cover). I really enjoyed Josiah's writing style, and I'm so looking forward to when he releases his first novel!
(To be clear, for my fellow Christians, this doesn't quite fall into the realm of clear cut Christian fantasy. I think it's more like mythology, and definitely different from what I usually read. But I still enjoyed it.)
To be clear, I haven't read all the stories in this collection. But the ones I have read have been amazing. Short stories should be powerful, and every single one that I read in this collection is. They are stellar examples of what a short story should be.
Believe me, when you subscribe to Josiah's email list and receive this book, it will be just as good as any book you buy off of amazon (including that stunning cover). I really enjoyed Josiah's writing style, and I'm so looking forward to when he releases his first novel!
(To be clear, for my fellow Christians, this doesn't quite fall into the realm of clear cut Christian fantasy. I think it's more like mythology, and definitely different from what I usually read. But I still enjoyed it.)
June 25, 2024
Moral dilemmas and unique super powers. Can it get better?
I picked up this collection because I admire Josiah Degraaf. But I finished because the good characters in difficult situations captured my attention. Their choices make you think, and that means this book is right up my ally.
I don't usually read short stories, but these were well-written and I enjoyed jumping between characters. There were fun tie-ins between the chapters, and the hint at the end that leads back to the beginning was a spectacular way to finish the collection!
The relatable characters and intriguing magic system will draw you in if you aren't interested in moral dilemmas. As for me, I found it to be a wonderful mix! If Josiah doesn't start writing about this world again soon he'll be hearing from me... 😋
I picked up this collection because I admire Josiah Degraaf. But I finished because the good characters in difficult situations captured my attention. Their choices make you think, and that means this book is right up my ally.
I don't usually read short stories, but these were well-written and I enjoyed jumping between characters. There were fun tie-ins between the chapters, and the hint at the end that leads back to the beginning was a spectacular way to finish the collection!
The relatable characters and intriguing magic system will draw you in if you aren't interested in moral dilemmas. As for me, I found it to be a wonderful mix! If Josiah doesn't start writing about this world again soon he'll be hearing from me... 😋
June 28, 2024
The concept of multiple gods in a story written by a Christian author is a leery thought, but this anthology was very well done. Thought provoking, weighty, pithy, I took this in bite-sized pieces reading a chapter every weekend or so to mull it over; like eating something rich and flavorful, it's satisfactory to take it slow, like two chapters in a row would be rushing it. Very enjoyable. Had laugh out loud moments, suspenseful parts, and I can't recall if there were some tears shed but it was very moving. And I love the last chapter he ended it with, bringing the fiction into real world application.
September 13, 2025
I like this world, but because this is a collection of stories, it makes falling in love with the characters extremely hard. Some of the characters repeatedly pop up throughout the story, but it certainly did not feel unified. I like to feel that I understood the characters, and I did not feel that way with this book. The characters were so cool! I wanted more, but it was cut short because it wasn't their story. It's free through his email list, so I shouldn't bash on it too much. It is objectively goo,d but not my cup of tea when it comes to story arc. I would love to read more in this world, though!
June 26, 2024
To put it simply, I'm looking forward to the full-length story!
The idea of superheroes facing impossible problems, time after time, is such a great use of the genre. And Josiah is aiming to publish a novel in this world, I think, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his writing.
Enough of superheroes with perfect moral compasses, and simplistic good-versus-evil challenges for overpowered characters to knock out. I'm looking forward to reading (and writing) more complex superhero dilemmas.
The idea of superheroes facing impossible problems, time after time, is such a great use of the genre. And Josiah is aiming to publish a novel in this world, I think, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his writing.
Enough of superheroes with perfect moral compasses, and simplistic good-versus-evil challenges for overpowered characters to knock out. I'm looking forward to reading (and writing) more complex superhero dilemmas.
June 28, 2024
Engaging and exciting, this thoughtfully written anthology of short stories is certainly worth reading. Each story has a personable hero/heroine; DeGraaf has done a great job in creating dynamic, believable characters who attempt to solve conflicts in very human ways. The author incorporated Christian values in a superb way without being preachy, and real problems are discussed without trying to be "edgy," as one reviewer mistakenly wrote. My only complaint it that the writing style tends to be rather simplistic. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the fantastic world of Morshan.
March 21, 2025
It took me a long time to actually start reading this book, but once I did... it ended far too quickly.
This is a book that makes you think. From the very first story, it makes you ask, "If I were there... would I do the right thing?" I could feel the tension with the characters. Sometimes the right thing was clear, but incredibly difficult. Other times it wasn't so clear-cut.
I enjoyed some of the stories a little more than others and found one a bit confusing, but overall, this is such an excellent collection of stories. I'm even more excited now for the author's upcoming book!
This is a book that makes you think. From the very first story, it makes you ask, "If I were there... would I do the right thing?" I could feel the tension with the characters. Sometimes the right thing was clear, but incredibly difficult. Other times it wasn't so clear-cut.
I enjoyed some of the stories a little more than others and found one a bit confusing, but overall, this is such an excellent collection of stories. I'm even more excited now for the author's upcoming book!
June 26, 2024
This was a book I found difficult to put down. I am passionate about complex character arcs and in-depth worldbuilding, and this book had both. Although I felt that each story gave me only a brief glimpse into the world and the characters, each story gave me a sense of satisfaction and made me sigh thoughfully when I turned the final page. I did find some of the moral dilemmas to be overly forced, however, and my interest in them slowly wore off as the book progressed.
June 27, 2024
While some of these stories felt edgy for the sake of edginess (darkness, violence, profanity, etc.), others were brutally honest and profound looks at human nature. "A Heritic's Sacrifice" was probably my favorite and continues to bounce around in my thoughts long after reading.
July 5, 2025
This short story collection was amazing! I have been trying to find something that would inspire me to write again for a long time now, and this collection of thrilling stories did just that! So, thank you, and great work!
June 25, 2024
This collection journeys through the labyrinth of human nature, and raises better questions than are initially asked. For seekers of adventure and truth, the world of Morshan is for you.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed this series of characters as they face various trials and decisions. A good read.
June 27, 2024
This book was a perfect mix of characters you can root for and bittersweet stories of the struggle of light and dark. 10/10 would recommend, but only if you can handle heartbreak.
July 8, 2024
amazing worldbuilding. i’m hooked. can’t wait for the book to come out!
July 20, 2024
It is an enjoyable collection of short stories set in Morshan.
February 18, 2025
I'm hoping Josiah DeGraaf writes a novel set in this world. It's fascinating!
December 17, 2025
This short-story collection is an incredible read! Once you pick it up, you'll never be able to put it down!
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed the plotting and most of the stories were interesting. Some of them came across a little melodramatic. Some of the “hard questions” were a little force fed.
My only tiff—I’m just not impressed when Christian authors try to be edgy by adding a lot of violence, moral grayness or unredeemed characters. Not that any of those things don’t exist or have a place in literature…they do, and need to be tackled by Christian authors. But I can tell when it’s played for edginess.
My only tiff—I’m just not impressed when Christian authors try to be edgy by adding a lot of violence, moral grayness or unredeemed characters. Not that any of those things don’t exist or have a place in literature…they do, and need to be tackled by Christian authors. But I can tell when it’s played for edginess.
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