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Volume 0
Volume 0: Issue Two
We've always loved short stories.
We see many great ones in our literary pursuits, and we want to share them will you. So we brought our book passion to short fiction, and carefully gathered seven intense stories across 150 pages, all in one premium soft cover collection. Introducing Volume 0. Our first issue sold out, so we're back with Issue Two!
Darker. Edgier. Strange-er.
We like our stories intense, offbeat, and fun in a slightly naughty way. So expect bad behavior, adult themes, a little magic and a bit of menace. You might not like all of these stories. Some might even make you a bit uncomfortable. But we certainly don't think you'll be bored.
We see many great ones in our literary pursuits, and we want to share them will you. So we brought our book passion to short fiction, and carefully gathered seven intense stories across 150 pages, all in one premium soft cover collection. Introducing Volume 0. Our first issue sold out, so we're back with Issue Two!
Darker. Edgier. Strange-er.
We like our stories intense, offbeat, and fun in a slightly naughty way. So expect bad behavior, adult themes, a little magic and a bit of menace. You might not like all of these stories. Some might even make you a bit uncomfortable. But we certainly don't think you'll be bored.
150 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 18, 2024
This was WAY better than the first one. Enjoyed almost every story.
Breakdown:
Five Cherry Skittles: 4 Stars
Exit Strategy: 4 Stars
Inheritance: 4 Stars
Ricky: 2 Stars
Garth: 4.5 Stars
Hannahs: 3.5 Stars
The Malumbra: 3 stars
Breakdown:
Five Cherry Skittles: 4 Stars
Exit Strategy: 4 Stars
Inheritance: 4 Stars
Ricky: 2 Stars
Garth: 4.5 Stars
Hannahs: 3.5 Stars
The Malumbra: 3 stars
July 10, 2024
Another Volume in BOTM's new series - Volume 0.
This one, again, had 7 stories. These were longer stories, though, and this version was 150 pages. It's better made - more like a paperback - and the cover is less stiff. The last one I had arrived damaged, the inner book was so stiff it completely ripped the top covering off before I even read it.
Now, the stories.
It's an interesting set -and I like that they were longer. There definitely 2 stand out stories - one by Lisa Unger (who I love!) - and I would have loved for them to be full length novels.
The others, a few were good and a few were duds for me. Another mixed set but I think I liked these more than the last. I definitely liked the quality of book better.
It makes me hopeful. I'd get a 3rd one - especially now that the price was slightly lowered as well. This one, over the first one, felt worth the price and time reading to enjoy these short stories. I'm looking forward to Issue 3!
This one, again, had 7 stories. These were longer stories, though, and this version was 150 pages. It's better made - more like a paperback - and the cover is less stiff. The last one I had arrived damaged, the inner book was so stiff it completely ripped the top covering off before I even read it.
Now, the stories.
It's an interesting set -and I like that they were longer. There definitely 2 stand out stories - one by Lisa Unger (who I love!) - and I would have loved for them to be full length novels.
The others, a few were good and a few were duds for me. Another mixed set but I think I liked these more than the last. I definitely liked the quality of book better.
It makes me hopeful. I'd get a 3rd one - especially now that the price was slightly lowered as well. This one, over the first one, felt worth the price and time reading to enjoy these short stories. I'm looking forward to Issue 3!
July 13, 2024
I am giving this 4 stars out of 5 because I didn't like the last two stories. "Hannah's " & " The malumbra"
I did like that BOTM lowered the price to $8.99
I also loved the first 5 stories! They were 5 star quality
I will definitely be ordering the next issue of "Volume 0"
I did like that BOTM lowered the price to $8.99
I also loved the first 5 stories! They were 5 star quality
I will definitely be ordering the next issue of "Volume 0"
November 23, 2024
These technically have no order but yet I feel as if I’m reading them backwards. That maybe the best were first and this collection is accumulating forgotten prompts, unbuildable ideas, or a writing exercise/warmup that are never to be visited again. OR maybe I am just not a fan of short stories.
I found these stories more feeling oriented as if trying to trigger the reader, they had a different disturbing feature to them that I hadn’t expected. Can’t say I had a favorite but these are an interesting collection for sure.
I found these stories more feeling oriented as if trying to trigger the reader, they had a different disturbing feature to them that I hadn’t expected. Can’t say I had a favorite but these are an interesting collection for sure.
August 8, 2024
I did not find these stories nearly as appealing as the first installment, but I still enjoy a collection like this so of course I will keep buying these.
There were a few in here that were great and the rest were just okay. Where as in the first one I found almost every story to be top notch.
Five Cherry Skittles by Marian Crotty is fantastic with a great ending
Ricky by Whitney Collin’s. Short but punchy
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger. The story itself was fine, but the ending made it great
There were a few in here that were great and the rest were just okay. Where as in the first one I found almost every story to be top notch.
Five Cherry Skittles by Marian Crotty is fantastic with a great ending
Ricky by Whitney Collin’s. Short but punchy
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger. The story itself was fine, but the ending made it great
July 22, 2024
Second short story collection I’ve read! Favs of this bunch were Exit Strategy and Garth - SO interesting.
July 30, 2024
Rounding down a little. It was entertaining, but not in my top list when it comes to short story collections.
July 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this format! Didn’t read the first volume, but decided to have a go with the second. Some of the stories were a miss for me, but I enjoyed Inheritance and Malumbra. Not sure it was worth the price, but still fun.
July 27, 2024
2.5 stars
This was better than Issue 1 but not enough that I’ll be reading any more editions, should they be created.
This was better than Issue 1 but not enough that I’ll be reading any more editions, should they be created.
December 27, 2024
The way I loved and hated this book all at the same time. It was weird and gross and sad and interesting but I was kind of her for it. Its a collection of short stories that in my opinion make absolutely no sense but are weirdly good. I will be reading all of the issues of this book.
July 17, 2024
I’m so grateful to be included in this magazine with such great company. I love nothing more than a “short, strange, sexy”story, and that’s certainly what we have here! Sharp little snippets of literature to get you thinking…and maybe even gasping. Thanks so much for reading. I know most of these authors, myself included, have full-length novels or story collections. Consider checking them out if our stories spoke to you. “Ricky” is actually the title story of RICKY & OTHER LOVE STORIES, for those of you who enjoy dark, romantic tales. 🖤🙏🏼
March 19, 2025
I disliked the first BOTM short story collection so much you really have to wonder why I’d bother with this one. I did check to make sure these were all entirely different authors so that is encouraging.
Five Cherry Skittles by Marian Crotty
⭐️⭐️2 stars
This brought back the same rage I experienced in the first book. Let’s normalize raising our standards and not staying in toxic relationships.
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
Okayyyyy finally something interesting!! This was a really interesting, thought provoking concept and I actually was surprised in the end.
Inheritance by Quan Berry
⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars
This is one of those short stories that should really be much longer. There wasn’t enough time to fully understand what all was going on.
Ricky by Whitney Collins
⭐️1 stars
It’s gunna be a no from me.
Garth by Kate Brody
⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars
Interesting look into female friendships but I feel like I needed more from this.
Hannahs by Kevin Maloney
⭐️1 star
Am I too dumb for these? Literally what’s the point.
The Malumbra by John Richards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
I would like a whole book on this one. Very interesting concept.
Overall this collection was a hair better than the last one. Unfortunately, I have bought a lot more of these collections because I like the way they look. Hopefully they’ll keep getting better.
Five Cherry Skittles by Marian Crotty
⭐️⭐️2 stars
This brought back the same rage I experienced in the first book. Let’s normalize raising our standards and not staying in toxic relationships.
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
Okayyyyy finally something interesting!! This was a really interesting, thought provoking concept and I actually was surprised in the end.
Inheritance by Quan Berry
⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars
This is one of those short stories that should really be much longer. There wasn’t enough time to fully understand what all was going on.
Ricky by Whitney Collins
⭐️1 stars
It’s gunna be a no from me.
Garth by Kate Brody
⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars
Interesting look into female friendships but I feel like I needed more from this.
Hannahs by Kevin Maloney
⭐️1 star
Am I too dumb for these? Literally what’s the point.
The Malumbra by John Richards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
I would like a whole book on this one. Very interesting concept.
Overall this collection was a hair better than the last one. Unfortunately, I have bought a lot more of these collections because I like the way they look. Hopefully they’ll keep getting better.
September 11, 2024
I enjoyed this volume’s stories significantly more than the first volume and I am very excited to dig into the third volume.
Five Cherry Skittles - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A story about young love and confusing rejection. Easily relatable.
Exit Strategy - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A favorite in this series. Youthful decisions. Time running out. If you could choose your death, would you?
Inheritance - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Another favorite in this series. Living in a future where resources are few. Very interesting and possible concept.
Ricky - ⭐️ - Did not enjoy.
Garth - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A surprising twist at the end that actually lowered my liking to this story. Still entertaining and possibly a story that is more relatable than some of the others.
Hannahs - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I really enjoyed this one. Sad, but an honest story of love and what was.
The Malumbra - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Another favorite in this series. Wow. I could have read so much more of this story. A very imaginative and unique story of a possession, with a little twist.
Five Cherry Skittles - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A story about young love and confusing rejection. Easily relatable.
Exit Strategy - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A favorite in this series. Youthful decisions. Time running out. If you could choose your death, would you?
Inheritance - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Another favorite in this series. Living in a future where resources are few. Very interesting and possible concept.
Ricky - ⭐️ - Did not enjoy.
Garth - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A surprising twist at the end that actually lowered my liking to this story. Still entertaining and possibly a story that is more relatable than some of the others.
Hannahs - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I really enjoyed this one. Sad, but an honest story of love and what was.
The Malumbra - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Another favorite in this series. Wow. I could have read so much more of this story. A very imaginative and unique story of a possession, with a little twist.
July 31, 2024
I liked this much better than issue 1. The stories were more evenly paced so I didn't get bogged down in a long one, and they were all attention grabbing in some way.
Inheritance is near future dystopian where water is rationed. I really liked this concept.
The Malumbra is sci-fi thriller, with a great monster.
Exit Strategy is about the arrogance of youth and how that can come back to bite you in old age.
Garth has an unhinged woman trying to get back in the girl group she fell out of in college, she's just unhinged enough to make you cringe.
Ricky, Hannahs, and Five Cherry Skittles are all about messy short term relationships, and while not my favorite none of them weighed down this collection.
That's all the stories from my favorite to least.
Inheritance is near future dystopian where water is rationed. I really liked this concept.
The Malumbra is sci-fi thriller, with a great monster.
Exit Strategy is about the arrogance of youth and how that can come back to bite you in old age.
Garth has an unhinged woman trying to get back in the girl group she fell out of in college, she's just unhinged enough to make you cringe.
Ricky, Hannahs, and Five Cherry Skittles are all about messy short term relationships, and while not my favorite none of them weighed down this collection.
That's all the stories from my favorite to least.
September 9, 2024
Oh, to be in a world where short fiction exists and is given a platform next to novels!! I’m so happy BOTM is offering more short fiction collections. I thought this was a nice mix, in length especially. I think I preferred the speculative fiction elements a bit better than the romances.
There is a common theme of unhealthy attachments running through this issue. I think having a short essay from the editors about the selection of the stories would be a nice add in future editions. But absent that, I’ll let that sit with me.
“Five Cherry Skittles” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Exit Strategy” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Inheritance” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Ricky” - ⭐️⭐️ (wanted the main character to grow more within the story)
“Garth” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (love how unhinged this lady is!)
“Hannahs” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“The Malumbra” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my favorite, great closer
There is a common theme of unhealthy attachments running through this issue. I think having a short essay from the editors about the selection of the stories would be a nice add in future editions. But absent that, I’ll let that sit with me.
“Five Cherry Skittles” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Exit Strategy” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Inheritance” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Ricky” - ⭐️⭐️ (wanted the main character to grow more within the story)
“Garth” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (love how unhinged this lady is!)
“Hannahs” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“The Malumbra” - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my favorite, great closer
September 25, 2024
Five Cherry Skittles by Marian Crotty: 4/5 Stars
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger: 4/5 Stars
Inheritance by Quan Barry: 3/5 Stars
Ricky by Whitney Collins: 2/5 Stars
Garth by Kate Brody: 3/5 Stars
Hannahs by Kevin Maloney: 2/5 Stars
The Malumbra by John Richard’s: 3/5 Stars
I’m not usually a short story collection type of person. But I actually quite enjoyed this. I averaged my rating of every story and ended up with a 3 star overall. I definitely enjoyed some stories more than others. And I wish at least two of them would be made into full length novels. Or at least longer novellas. I know this collection probably isn’t for everyone, but I’d recommend trying it out if you can get your hands on it.
Exit Strategy by Lisa Unger: 4/5 Stars
Inheritance by Quan Barry: 3/5 Stars
Ricky by Whitney Collins: 2/5 Stars
Garth by Kate Brody: 3/5 Stars
Hannahs by Kevin Maloney: 2/5 Stars
The Malumbra by John Richard’s: 3/5 Stars
I’m not usually a short story collection type of person. But I actually quite enjoyed this. I averaged my rating of every story and ended up with a 3 star overall. I definitely enjoyed some stories more than others. And I wish at least two of them would be made into full length novels. Or at least longer novellas. I know this collection probably isn’t for everyone, but I’d recommend trying it out if you can get your hands on it.
August 18, 2024
Liked this one better than the first one!! Way more sci-fi/true crime/spookiness.
My faves were Exit Strategy (gave Black Mirror vibes), Inheritance (Mad Max/Divergent/Hunger Games), and the Malumbra (Silence of the Lambs/Longlegs/Stranger Things set in the future I think?)
Five Cherry Skittles was good but not very rememberable. Ricky, Garth, and Hannahs just made me not rlly like the main characters. Like just throw away your lives and any sense of morals I guess?
My faves were Exit Strategy (gave Black Mirror vibes), Inheritance (Mad Max/Divergent/Hunger Games), and the Malumbra (Silence of the Lambs/Longlegs/Stranger Things set in the future I think?)
Five Cherry Skittles was good but not very rememberable. Ricky, Garth, and Hannahs just made me not rlly like the main characters. Like just throw away your lives and any sense of morals I guess?
September 8, 2024
7 short stories. Seven different authors.
It's like they have ideas for a story, but not enough to actually write a book .
Love story. Murder mystery, sci-fi, sex scene. Mean girls, mental health, area 51.
All 29 pages or less. One of them, only 4 pages.
I think it's a collection of failed attempts at novel outlines.
Wasn't impressed with any of them.
I got this short story collection from B.O.T.M. I have another one arriving any day. Won't be in a hurry to read that one either.
It's like they have ideas for a story, but not enough to actually write a book .
Love story. Murder mystery, sci-fi, sex scene. Mean girls, mental health, area 51.
All 29 pages or less. One of them, only 4 pages.
I think it's a collection of failed attempts at novel outlines.
Wasn't impressed with any of them.
I got this short story collection from B.O.T.M. I have another one arriving any day. Won't be in a hurry to read that one either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
This collection of short stories reminded me of why I love reading collections of short stories 🤩 Some were more successful than others, but as a whole, this was a great read. Inheritance was definitely my favorite: a future with a water-backed currency and a gold-backed currency is wild. I loved it.
1. Five Cherry Skittles: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 Exit Strategy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Inheritance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Ricky: ⭐️⭐️.5
5. Garth: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Hannahs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. The Malumbra: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
1. Five Cherry Skittles: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 Exit Strategy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Inheritance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Ricky: ⭐️⭐️.5
5. Garth: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Hannahs: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. The Malumbra: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 21, 2024
The authors that have been included in the two volumes of these short stories have fantastic ideas and strong writing (with the occasional exception). I don’t read short stories often but this has reminded me how enjoyable it can be to step inside a bite-sized plot for a bit
September 10, 2024
Astoundingly better than the first publication in the series!
Exit Strategy and Inheritance were heartbreaking and thought-provoking in their analysis of youthful waste. Garth and Hannahs were solidly enjoyable and uncomfortable simultaneously. The Malumbra was superb and I want a whole book series about it!
Out of them all, Five Cherry Skittles and Ricky were the two I didn’t love as much. There was nothing inherently wrong with either but I didn’t connect like I did with the others.
Exit Strategy and Inheritance were heartbreaking and thought-provoking in their analysis of youthful waste. Garth and Hannahs were solidly enjoyable and uncomfortable simultaneously. The Malumbra was superb and I want a whole book series about it!
Out of them all, Five Cherry Skittles and Ricky were the two I didn’t love as much. There was nothing inherently wrong with either but I didn’t connect like I did with the others.
July 16, 2024
i would’ve given it 2 but some of these stories are so bizarre i’m still thinking about them. so job well done?
July 21, 2024
Of the 2 volumes, this one was my favorite!
August 6, 2024
I enjoyed this second edition of Volume 0 much better than the first. I thought the stories were more entertaining. It’s nice to read a collection of short stories every once in a while.
August 6, 2024
Definitely better than the first volume! 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Five Cherry Skittles- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exit Strategy- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Inheritance- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ricky- ⭐️⭐️
Garth- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hannahs- ⭐️⭐️
The Malumbra- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five Cherry Skittles- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exit Strategy- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Inheritance- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ricky- ⭐️⭐️
Garth- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hannahs- ⭐️⭐️
The Malumbra- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 14, 2024
another mixed-bag, but undoubtedly surpasses the first issue. garth is my favorite out of the bunch; love a horrible main character who doesn't realize how fucked up they are!
August 28, 2024
3.5/5!!
I really enjoyed Exit Strategy, Inheritance, Five Cherry Skittles, Ricky, and Garth!
I really enjoyed Exit Strategy, Inheritance, Five Cherry Skittles, Ricky, and Garth!
September 1, 2024
BOFTM exclusive short stories were nice to read throughout the week.
November 18, 2024
My favorite was Inheritance by Quan Barry. It's a dystopian story about a world where everyone pays for things with not only money but also from their allotment of water units. Each person only has so many per lifetime. Some choose to take matters into their own hands and throw a rager to go out with a bang and experience things they haven't in their lifetime like swimming in a pool.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews