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Voices of the Future: Stories of Adventure & Imagination
Discover the next generation of storytellers …
The fourth edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of adventure and imagination in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these brief tales from rising young creatives.
Marielle “The Teddy Handbook”
Hannah “The Sisters of Starford Pointe”
Victoria “The Hungry Woods”
Lexi Jo “The First Adventure”
Joseph “What Lives Beneath the Skin”
A.A. “Sapling of the Sea”
Caleb E. “The Sword Rose”
Julia “Ghost in the Garden”
Marybeth “The River’s Lullaby”
Esther “Willow, Zillow, and Smith”
J.A. “Lost in the Library”
Kira “The Journal in the Attic”
Savanna “Every Second With You”
Sarina “The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane”
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. AuthorConservatory dot com
The fourth edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of adventure and imagination in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these brief tales from rising young creatives.
Marielle “The Teddy Handbook”
Hannah “The Sisters of Starford Pointe”
Victoria “The Hungry Woods”
Lexi Jo “The First Adventure”
Joseph “What Lives Beneath the Skin”
A.A. “Sapling of the Sea”
Caleb E. “The Sword Rose”
Julia “Ghost in the Garden”
Marybeth “The River’s Lullaby”
Esther “Willow, Zillow, and Smith”
J.A. “Lost in the Library”
Kira “The Journal in the Attic”
Savanna “Every Second With You”
Sarina “The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane”
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. AuthorConservatory dot com
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 1, 2024
This anthology was exactly what my heart needed. The stories really do live up to the title—some put a huge smile on my face and others *coughs at Ghost in the Garden* made me teary, but they all brought me joy. With how many stories there are in the book, I'm just going to focus on my personal favorites for this review—of which there will still be many 😂
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning - This one is a hug in a book. I'm a bit of a sucker for teddy bear stories—Pooh Bear, Corduroy, Paddington—and Teddy's simple innocence contrasted with his slight cynicism/fear of being hurt again stood out as really unique. His ending is precious. Plus there's Fred, the bed monster. I need more Fred in my life.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts - As a big sister, this one both resonated and made me cringe at things I know I've said before. The setting and story voice reminded me a bit of L.M. Montgomery; it's delightful.
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks - I laughed out loud so many times reading this—but also, Victoria, how dare you touch my heart with a cozy fantasy comedy story about a pie feud? Also, the prose and character voice are phenomenal.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink - I've been looking forward to this one for months, but it's still the scary story I didn't know I needed in my life 😂 Timmy and Milo are a hilarious, dynamic sibling duo and I absolutely loved the monster reveal. I never would have thought a horror story would be my chosen bedtime read out of all the pieces in this book, but I 100% will be rereading this one under the covers.
Sapling of the Sea by Ashleigh Rollins - Mermaids have been done again and again, but Ashleigh's mermaid world is unique and charming. I want to work in a mermaid greenhouse now...
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus - Ghost stories aren't usually my cup of tea, and then this one went and made me TEARY. The writing is never over-the-top and the tone is actually quite whimsical, but somehow the sum of all the little details and moments comes together in something that absolutely shattered my heart and put it back together again. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite in this anthology, but Ghost in the Garden might be it.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis - This reads like someone who's taken a lot of time to understand young teen boys, because Averic's entire emotional journey is real and raw and 100% the kinds of things a teenage boy would think. And it's powerful, even though Averic doesn't probably see it that way.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin - This one's every bit as delightful as the title suggests. It has a classic fairy tale feel, but it's not just the trappings; the emotional core and heart of a fairy tale is very much present as well. I also want shapeshifting potion, because it would be so very useful...
Every Second with You by Savanna Ammons - Contemporary romance isn't my usual stomping ground either, but this one was so sweet. Just a wholesome, healthy couple putting each other first and keeping their relationship alive—which the world always needs more of. And all the downtown Seattle details were so vivid!
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina White - Rich, atmospheric, and lyrical—this one transported me to 1920s London but I stayed for the characters. Elias, Nina, and Imelda worked their way down into my heart and they're going to stay there a while. Loved all of their journeys and the beauty they found in the middle of tragedy. What a perfect way to close out the collection.
And this is where I realize I covered almost every story in the book 😂 But I truly did enjoy them all, and I can't wait to watch these authors' careers blossom.
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning - This one is a hug in a book. I'm a bit of a sucker for teddy bear stories—Pooh Bear, Corduroy, Paddington—and Teddy's simple innocence contrasted with his slight cynicism/fear of being hurt again stood out as really unique. His ending is precious. Plus there's Fred, the bed monster. I need more Fred in my life.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts - As a big sister, this one both resonated and made me cringe at things I know I've said before. The setting and story voice reminded me a bit of L.M. Montgomery; it's delightful.
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks - I laughed out loud so many times reading this—but also, Victoria, how dare you touch my heart with a cozy fantasy comedy story about a pie feud? Also, the prose and character voice are phenomenal.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink - I've been looking forward to this one for months, but it's still the scary story I didn't know I needed in my life 😂 Timmy and Milo are a hilarious, dynamic sibling duo and I absolutely loved the monster reveal. I never would have thought a horror story would be my chosen bedtime read out of all the pieces in this book, but I 100% will be rereading this one under the covers.
Sapling of the Sea by Ashleigh Rollins - Mermaids have been done again and again, but Ashleigh's mermaid world is unique and charming. I want to work in a mermaid greenhouse now...
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus - Ghost stories aren't usually my cup of tea, and then this one went and made me TEARY. The writing is never over-the-top and the tone is actually quite whimsical, but somehow the sum of all the little details and moments comes together in something that absolutely shattered my heart and put it back together again. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite in this anthology, but Ghost in the Garden might be it.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis - This reads like someone who's taken a lot of time to understand young teen boys, because Averic's entire emotional journey is real and raw and 100% the kinds of things a teenage boy would think. And it's powerful, even though Averic doesn't probably see it that way.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin - This one's every bit as delightful as the title suggests. It has a classic fairy tale feel, but it's not just the trappings; the emotional core and heart of a fairy tale is very much present as well. I also want shapeshifting potion, because it would be so very useful...
Every Second with You by Savanna Ammons - Contemporary romance isn't my usual stomping ground either, but this one was so sweet. Just a wholesome, healthy couple putting each other first and keeping their relationship alive—which the world always needs more of. And all the downtown Seattle details were so vivid!
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina White - Rich, atmospheric, and lyrical—this one transported me to 1920s London but I stayed for the characters. Elias, Nina, and Imelda worked their way down into my heart and they're going to stay there a while. Loved all of their journeys and the beauty they found in the middle of tragedy. What a perfect way to close out the collection.
And this is where I realize I covered almost every story in the book 😂 But I truly did enjoy them all, and I can't wait to watch these authors' careers blossom.
November 18, 2024
After multiple read-throughs for everything from formatting to proofreading to making sure I was getting the genres right, I finally got a chance to read these stories on my own time, and they are fantastic. <3
Disclaimer: I did work on this collection but had no influence on the content; I was just behind-the-scenes on the publishing side.
Disclaimer: I did work on this collection but had no influence on the content; I was just behind-the-scenes on the publishing side.
December 30, 2024
Loved these short stories with their variety of memorable settings and earnest characters.
December 21, 2024
I struggle to read anthologies, being one of those readers who takes forever to get invested in characters. This collection in particular is generally made up of stories that are very plot-central, with conflicts grounded in the worldbuilding, so I could see this anthology being a good fit for those who are looking for a low-intensity read and want to flip through a variety of stories over time.
That said, as usual, this is a solid set of stories! Very proud of these authors and all the hard work they’ve put into refining their craft.
My personal favorites were What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink, The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King, The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren, and The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise.
Middle-grade horror—or horror in general—isn't really my thing, but What Lives Beneath the Skin is just the perfect balance of realism and subtle spookiness (with a killer twist, and no, that's not a pun). From the very first page, we're pulled into the setting, with thick walls, excessive latches to keep the night away, and the overwhelming, sickeningly sweet smell of peaches. The story utilizes fears I think most readers can understand or relate to at one point, from the unfamiliarity of spending the first few nights in a new house to the way holes in walls can be so uncanny in a very specific way. Overall, it's very brilliantly done, and the adorable sibling dynamics don't hurt.
I’m not a huge reader of medieval fantasy, but whenever I see one of Caleb E. King’s stories, they make me want to start reading more of the genre. The Sword Rose is no exception. Right off the bat, the setting and central conflict feel grounded and familiar, making it easy to connect with Pierce’s internal conflict as he’s torn between competing for the betterment of his family’s future and spending moments with them in the now. At its core, it’s a simple story, but the simplicity of it is ultimately what makes it all the more impactful. I also appreciated the insight we got into some of the side characters, such as Pierce’s father, in a way that didn’t feel overwhelming but still served to aid the overall theme. The ending only served to enhance the realism, how it concluded Pierce’s arc while still maintaining the bittersweet nature surrounding this story.
I have a soft spot for grief stories, and Kira Rosengren’s The Journal in the Attic fits that category perfectly. But with that also comes the concern that the healing journey will feel rushed and inauthentic due to the length of a short story. This wasn’t the case with The Journal in the Attic. It’s written from a gently encouraging perspective, one that empathizes with your grief but doesn’t allow it to hold you down. I also loved the writing, the way Rosengren pulls out little details that enhance the realism of the story—from our main character’s love of mashed potatoes, to the Redwoods trip (as a Cali resident this makes me so happy), to the way apple cider has to cool to reach a drinkable temperature. All of it was just perfection.
And of course I wasn’t surprised by Sarina Louise’s short story in the best possible way. She’s a highly skilled writer, and The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane wraps the theme of love and loss in gorgeous gorgeous prose, an atmospheric setting, and a cast of vivid characters. There were also so many small insights on being a creative and being able to craft beauty from pain and grief that were so timely. If you’re the kind of person to highlight beautiful lines, you will absolutely need to get your pens out for this one, because let me tell you: there will be plenty.
Those were just my personal favorites, indicative of my own personal reading tastes, but the fun thing about anthologies is that in reading them, you’ll find a set of your own to love. So if you generally enjoy middle-grade, fantasy, and plot-central stories (as a majority but not all of these stories are), I’d recommend giving this one a try!
That said, as usual, this is a solid set of stories! Very proud of these authors and all the hard work they’ve put into refining their craft.
My personal favorites were What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink, The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King, The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren, and The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise.
Middle-grade horror—or horror in general—isn't really my thing, but What Lives Beneath the Skin is just the perfect balance of realism and subtle spookiness (with a killer twist, and no, that's not a pun). From the very first page, we're pulled into the setting, with thick walls, excessive latches to keep the night away, and the overwhelming, sickeningly sweet smell of peaches. The story utilizes fears I think most readers can understand or relate to at one point, from the unfamiliarity of spending the first few nights in a new house to the way holes in walls can be so uncanny in a very specific way. Overall, it's very brilliantly done, and the adorable sibling dynamics don't hurt.
I’m not a huge reader of medieval fantasy, but whenever I see one of Caleb E. King’s stories, they make me want to start reading more of the genre. The Sword Rose is no exception. Right off the bat, the setting and central conflict feel grounded and familiar, making it easy to connect with Pierce’s internal conflict as he’s torn between competing for the betterment of his family’s future and spending moments with them in the now. At its core, it’s a simple story, but the simplicity of it is ultimately what makes it all the more impactful. I also appreciated the insight we got into some of the side characters, such as Pierce’s father, in a way that didn’t feel overwhelming but still served to aid the overall theme. The ending only served to enhance the realism, how it concluded Pierce’s arc while still maintaining the bittersweet nature surrounding this story.
I have a soft spot for grief stories, and Kira Rosengren’s The Journal in the Attic fits that category perfectly. But with that also comes the concern that the healing journey will feel rushed and inauthentic due to the length of a short story. This wasn’t the case with The Journal in the Attic. It’s written from a gently encouraging perspective, one that empathizes with your grief but doesn’t allow it to hold you down. I also loved the writing, the way Rosengren pulls out little details that enhance the realism of the story—from our main character’s love of mashed potatoes, to the Redwoods trip (as a Cali resident this makes me so happy), to the way apple cider has to cool to reach a drinkable temperature. All of it was just perfection.
And of course I wasn’t surprised by Sarina Louise’s short story in the best possible way. She’s a highly skilled writer, and The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane wraps the theme of love and loss in gorgeous gorgeous prose, an atmospheric setting, and a cast of vivid characters. There were also so many small insights on being a creative and being able to craft beauty from pain and grief that were so timely. If you’re the kind of person to highlight beautiful lines, you will absolutely need to get your pens out for this one, because let me tell you: there will be plenty.
Those were just my personal favorites, indicative of my own personal reading tastes, but the fun thing about anthologies is that in reading them, you’ll find a set of your own to love. So if you generally enjoy middle-grade, fantasy, and plot-central stories (as a majority but not all of these stories are), I’d recommend giving this one a try!
October 29, 2024
I mean… I can’t not love this book. 👀
November 17, 2024
overall thoughts:
I loved reading the 4th volume of Voices of the Future!
Some of the stories stood out to me more than others, but that's likely just personal preference (:
My top favorites were likely Marielle's 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 and Joseph's 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏
mini-reviews:
🧸The Teddy Handbook ● Marielle Henning
A very fun, well-written, and adorable story. 100% recommend to middle grade readers and I would totally love a full length novel in this setting.
⚓The Sisters of Starford Pointe ● Hannah Fouts
As an oldest sibling, this was quite a relatable story xD
🪲The Hungry Woods ● Victoria Shanks
Definite Wingfeather Saga vibes here!
🐶The First Adventure ● Lexi Jo Heuser
Fun superhero story with superpowered pets!
🏡What Lives Beneath the Skin ● Joseph Brink
Creepy yet somehow heartwarming. Siblings, great worldbuilding, and overall a very memorable story. I would totally read a full length novel set in this world.
🌿Sapling of the Sea ● A.A. Rollins
Neat worldbuilding and a really cool concept.
🗡️The Sword Rose ● Caleb E. King
Medieval fantasy isn't normally my thing, but this story really drew me in!
🕸Ghost in the Garden ● Julia Naus
Plot twists! Unreliable narrator! Creepy house!
🌊The River's Lullaby ● Marybeth Davis
Family stories are so sweet <3
🪄Willow, Zillow, and Smith ● Esther Pipkin
Siblings, magic, and a bookstore...
📚Lost in the Library ● J.A. Rose
Loved the magic system and library!!
📝The Journal in the Attic ● Kira Rosengren
Immaculate vibes and a sad but hopeful story <3
☀️Every Second With You ● Savanna Ammons
Romance isn't typically my genre, but this was so cute
🪶The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane ● Sarina Louise
Historical fantasy, family, and a sad but hopeful story
I loved reading the 4th volume of Voices of the Future!
Some of the stories stood out to me more than others, but that's likely just personal preference (:
My top favorites were likely Marielle's 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 and Joseph's 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏
mini-reviews:
🧸The Teddy Handbook ● Marielle Henning
A very fun, well-written, and adorable story. 100% recommend to middle grade readers and I would totally love a full length novel in this setting.
⚓The Sisters of Starford Pointe ● Hannah Fouts
As an oldest sibling, this was quite a relatable story xD
🪲The Hungry Woods ● Victoria Shanks
Definite Wingfeather Saga vibes here!
🐶The First Adventure ● Lexi Jo Heuser
Fun superhero story with superpowered pets!
🏡What Lives Beneath the Skin ● Joseph Brink
Creepy yet somehow heartwarming. Siblings, great worldbuilding, and overall a very memorable story. I would totally read a full length novel set in this world.
🌿Sapling of the Sea ● A.A. Rollins
Neat worldbuilding and a really cool concept.
🗡️The Sword Rose ● Caleb E. King
Medieval fantasy isn't normally my thing, but this story really drew me in!
🕸Ghost in the Garden ● Julia Naus
Plot twists! Unreliable narrator! Creepy house!
🌊The River's Lullaby ● Marybeth Davis
Family stories are so sweet <3
🪄Willow, Zillow, and Smith ● Esther Pipkin
Siblings, magic, and a bookstore...
📚Lost in the Library ● J.A. Rose
Loved the magic system and library!!
📝The Journal in the Attic ● Kira Rosengren
Immaculate vibes and a sad but hopeful story <3
☀️Every Second With You ● Savanna Ammons
Romance isn't typically my genre, but this was so cute
🪶The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane ● Sarina Louise
Historical fantasy, family, and a sad but hopeful story
December 5, 2024
Even as an Author Conservatory student, I wondered if this anthology could stand out. After all, we've done four now so won't we just level out at some point? And all the stories will be the same level of excellence and that will be that?
But the authors of Voices of the Future, Vol. 4 blew me away all over again. Numerous of my favorite short stories yet are included in this anthology, and I cannot recommend it more highly. Story by story...
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning | 10/10 stars
Oh my word, this one is so precious!! The voice and texture of the characters is stunning, and Teddy himself is so loveable! The entire story, I just wanted to snuggle him so hard. Adored this.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts | 6/10 stars
When it comes to personal reading taste, this one may not have been my cup of tea, but the growth over the story was strong and beautiful. I still recommend. <3
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks | 9/10 stars
This one had me ROLLING!! Masterfully captured the humor and earnestness of the upper elementary years. Loved the characters and rooted so hard for their success. Lovely!
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser | 7/10 stars
Such a fun world and I appreciated the concept so much. One of the ones that amused me the most, and perfect for readers who want their love of puppies and superheroes to collide.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink | 10/10 stars
I was immersed in the night, thrilled by the mild horror, and cheering for the character to grow in courage. The suspense and intrigue were shivering and the love between siblings melted me. I loved it so much!
Sapling of the Sea by A.A. Rollins | 7/10 stars
So cute!! The insecurity and doubt is so relatable to those upper elementary and lower middle school years, and it was such a light, fun read.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King | 8/10 stars
I adored the strong love the main character had for his family and how that pulled him through the story. I was so engaged in the sword-fighting and loved the lesson here.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus | 10/10 stars
Stunning! I'm still left wondering how Julia wrote something both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. You aren't prepared for how gorgeous this story is.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis | 7/10 stars
Such a sweet, yet challenging story. I'm so intrigued for where Averick is going next!
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin | 8/10 stars
This one was just so fun! The world and siblings are so cute, and I enjoyed the whole story deeply.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose | 8/10 stars
I got lost in the magic of the library, the mystery of the moths, and my love for the characters and want for them to succeed.
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren | 7/10 stars
Such a sweet story, and I appreciated the way the mom spoke such strong truth into her daughters life. It's a special bond.
Every Second With You by Savanna Ammons | 9/10 stars
I related with the main character more closely than I'd care to admit, but the story was so gorgeous!! And the end had me squealing and fulfilled all my romance fangirl tendancies!!
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise | 8/10
Sarina had my heart at daddy-daughter relationship and never let it go. Such a beautiful family story with just the right amount of heartache, magic, and healing. <3
But the authors of Voices of the Future, Vol. 4 blew me away all over again. Numerous of my favorite short stories yet are included in this anthology, and I cannot recommend it more highly. Story by story...
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning | 10/10 stars
Oh my word, this one is so precious!! The voice and texture of the characters is stunning, and Teddy himself is so loveable! The entire story, I just wanted to snuggle him so hard. Adored this.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts | 6/10 stars
When it comes to personal reading taste, this one may not have been my cup of tea, but the growth over the story was strong and beautiful. I still recommend. <3
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks | 9/10 stars
This one had me ROLLING!! Masterfully captured the humor and earnestness of the upper elementary years. Loved the characters and rooted so hard for their success. Lovely!
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser | 7/10 stars
Such a fun world and I appreciated the concept so much. One of the ones that amused me the most, and perfect for readers who want their love of puppies and superheroes to collide.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink | 10/10 stars
I was immersed in the night, thrilled by the mild horror, and cheering for the character to grow in courage. The suspense and intrigue were shivering and the love between siblings melted me. I loved it so much!
Sapling of the Sea by A.A. Rollins | 7/10 stars
So cute!! The insecurity and doubt is so relatable to those upper elementary and lower middle school years, and it was such a light, fun read.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King | 8/10 stars
I adored the strong love the main character had for his family and how that pulled him through the story. I was so engaged in the sword-fighting and loved the lesson here.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus | 10/10 stars
Stunning! I'm still left wondering how Julia wrote something both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. You aren't prepared for how gorgeous this story is.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis | 7/10 stars
Such a sweet, yet challenging story. I'm so intrigued for where Averick is going next!
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin | 8/10 stars
This one was just so fun! The world and siblings are so cute, and I enjoyed the whole story deeply.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose | 8/10 stars
I got lost in the magic of the library, the mystery of the moths, and my love for the characters and want for them to succeed.
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren | 7/10 stars
Such a sweet story, and I appreciated the way the mom spoke such strong truth into her daughters life. It's a special bond.
Every Second With You by Savanna Ammons | 9/10 stars
I related with the main character more closely than I'd care to admit, but the story was so gorgeous!! And the end had me squealing and fulfilled all my romance fangirl tendancies!!
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise | 8/10
Sarina had my heart at daddy-daughter relationship and never let it go. Such a beautiful family story with just the right amount of heartache, magic, and healing. <3
Read
March 24, 2025You're getting a mixed bag whenever you invest in an anthology. Some stories perfectly capture the concise, quick-fisted, succinctly concluded essence of a fully-arcing short story. Others miss.
After joining the Conservatory, I can't back down from my earlier stance (in my review of the second anthology) that I expected a little more from AC students. There are great stories in here, but there are also one or two I had to skim over to make it through.
Let's talk about the great stories, though. There were three particular standouts and one honorable mention.
What Lives Beneath the Skin - Joseph Brink
I started exploring Middle Grade horror back in December and I've had a fun time with it. It's quickly becoming a favorite genre so I was excited to see it featured in the anthology, especially considering some of the stigma attached to horror.
My blurb:
When 12-year-old Timmy's parents go on a date night and charge him with babysitting his little sister, Milo, he expects the worst. His previous experience babysitting ended in disaster, and the eerie, quirky old house they just moved into creeps him out—especially at night.
This house holds secrets, and despite Milo's innocent optimism, Timmy doesn't feel safe. Something's off, and he'd rather not find out what...
Realistic children's horror at its best is when it takes the funny, freaky elements of our strange world and packs them into a fast-paced, simultaneously charming & chilling thriller. That's what Brink (I know these authors but Ima call them by their last name anyway 😉) does here.
Magical realism in horror is great too, but there's only so much believability to it. We read horror to feel spooked, and when the story is something that can happen to any one of us whenever... that's scary.
I wouldn't exactly call this story terrifying (it's for kids anyway), but Brink portrays human anxiety and a child's fear expertly. The references were also great. I look forward to what he publishes in the future.
The Sword Rose - Caleb E. King
When I first started writing books, medieval fiction was everything to me. Sword fights, political tension, battle strategies, the weapons and how they complement the warrior's personality, and so on.
But I couldn't justify the violence. Why was I getting such a kick out of having people kill each other? There's a place for war—defending your people, preventing greater injustices—but I can't chastise violence in the real world and then gleefully have the heroes in my stories kill a hundred men like NPCs.
What King does is impressive to me. He gives us the thrill of the fight within the boundaries of morality, writing both a very fun and thought-provoking story.
In my own words, here's what it's about:
After years of practicing the skill of sword, Pierce Doryu finally registers for Coltonham's highly anticipated Annual Sports Tournament. Pierce has long awaited a chance at competing, and now he's competent enough to pose a threat to the other competitors.
The hope of escaping farm life is of course tempting, but Pierce's main aim is the prize money. His sick mother is near death and medical expenses have put the family under financial strain. Competing could be the key to providing for his family, especially during a time of grief, but when the tournament coincides with what might be his mother's last birthday celebration, Pierce must choose one or the other.
Many medieval fiction stories I’ve come across tend to be stiff and trope-heavy. King’s portrayal of an everyday man attempting to balance career and whispers of success with a family that needs his love felt so real.
The Sword Rose does not sacrifice good storytelling for some kind of forceful message. The weighty questions flow well with the character’s arc and are both natural to the story’s setting and applicable to us readers.
The Journal in the Attic - Kira Rosengren
I’m wondering if a different title would be more fitting for this one. Bear with me.
Rosengren’s story felt raw and genuinely human. After reading the first couple of pages, I was sure I wouldn’t be lied to here the way plenty of modern realism stories do, with larger-than-life characters, magical romances, and sugary optimism.
Here’s how I’d describe the premise:
It’s Thanksgiving season, the second one since Adanaya’s grandma, Mary, passed away. As they visit extended family for the holiday, Adanaya observes everyone around her acting as though nothing’s wrong, as though no one’s missing from conversations.
Adanaya, who was very close to her grandmother, can’t shake the memories, good or bad. Sweet memories of Grandma Mary reading her novels aloud, sickening memories of Grandma Mary in bed, ill, hardly recognizable from the spunky mentor she once was.
Seemingly alone, Adanaya carries the burden of Grandma Mary’s unfulfilled dreams of travel and adventure. She feels it would be a betrayal to achieve them herself. How can she cope with burdens like these?
This story beautifully captures grief and the isolation it often leads us to. It would be stilting to call Adanaya a well-rounded character, instead of, well- a human in fiction.
Maybe it’s just me, but the current title seems like it’d fit a Middle Grade or mystery or magical story. Yes, there’s a journal in an attic, both a story element and symbolism for legacy, but the title vibes don’t feel in sync with the story’s heart.
I think of titles like All the Bright Places, Hold Still, and Letters To The Lost—three YA books that deal with loss and grief. It’s the bittersweet ache, the simple phrase, that makes these titles so perfect for setting the tone of the story.
I’m rambling now, but I hope I made sense? Good story, title ain’t do it justice.
Honorable Mention: Ghost in the Garden - Julia Naus
This story is... interesting. I can’t write a blurb, because honestly I was kinda lost most of the time (but I’m sure you can find one in another review).
I guess I’d call it YA magical realism, heavy on the magical, maybe more medieval? It was hard to pin down the setting, at least in terms of the historical period, but the location’s descriptions were vivid and fantastic.
It’s sort of about a girl in a Beauty-and-the-Beast-type mansion (where the furniture talks and moves) trying to find and defeat the ghosts who’ve been wrecking everything. A girl who’s gone unnoticed in her own family, and can’t understand why.
The directions it took were a little misleading, and I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but THAT ENDING. Good lord, it shook me. That ending was insane.
---
I enjoyed most of the stories in this anthology, and if you’re looking for dynamic storytelling and to support the next generation of great writers, definitely check it out for yourself!
After joining the Conservatory, I can't back down from my earlier stance (in my review of the second anthology) that I expected a little more from AC students. There are great stories in here, but there are also one or two I had to skim over to make it through.
Let's talk about the great stories, though. There were three particular standouts and one honorable mention.
What Lives Beneath the Skin - Joseph Brink
I started exploring Middle Grade horror back in December and I've had a fun time with it. It's quickly becoming a favorite genre so I was excited to see it featured in the anthology, especially considering some of the stigma attached to horror.
My blurb:
When 12-year-old Timmy's parents go on a date night and charge him with babysitting his little sister, Milo, he expects the worst. His previous experience babysitting ended in disaster, and the eerie, quirky old house they just moved into creeps him out—especially at night.
This house holds secrets, and despite Milo's innocent optimism, Timmy doesn't feel safe. Something's off, and he'd rather not find out what...
Realistic children's horror at its best is when it takes the funny, freaky elements of our strange world and packs them into a fast-paced, simultaneously charming & chilling thriller. That's what Brink (I know these authors but Ima call them by their last name anyway 😉) does here.
Magical realism in horror is great too, but there's only so much believability to it. We read horror to feel spooked, and when the story is something that can happen to any one of us whenever... that's scary.
I wouldn't exactly call this story terrifying (it's for kids anyway), but Brink portrays human anxiety and a child's fear expertly. The references were also great. I look forward to what he publishes in the future.
The Sword Rose - Caleb E. King
When I first started writing books, medieval fiction was everything to me. Sword fights, political tension, battle strategies, the weapons and how they complement the warrior's personality, and so on.
But I couldn't justify the violence. Why was I getting such a kick out of having people kill each other? There's a place for war—defending your people, preventing greater injustices—but I can't chastise violence in the real world and then gleefully have the heroes in my stories kill a hundred men like NPCs.
What King does is impressive to me. He gives us the thrill of the fight within the boundaries of morality, writing both a very fun and thought-provoking story.
In my own words, here's what it's about:
After years of practicing the skill of sword, Pierce Doryu finally registers for Coltonham's highly anticipated Annual Sports Tournament. Pierce has long awaited a chance at competing, and now he's competent enough to pose a threat to the other competitors.
The hope of escaping farm life is of course tempting, but Pierce's main aim is the prize money. His sick mother is near death and medical expenses have put the family under financial strain. Competing could be the key to providing for his family, especially during a time of grief, but when the tournament coincides with what might be his mother's last birthday celebration, Pierce must choose one or the other.
Many medieval fiction stories I’ve come across tend to be stiff and trope-heavy. King’s portrayal of an everyday man attempting to balance career and whispers of success with a family that needs his love felt so real.
The Sword Rose does not sacrifice good storytelling for some kind of forceful message. The weighty questions flow well with the character’s arc and are both natural to the story’s setting and applicable to us readers.
The Journal in the Attic - Kira Rosengren
I’m wondering if a different title would be more fitting for this one. Bear with me.
Rosengren’s story felt raw and genuinely human. After reading the first couple of pages, I was sure I wouldn’t be lied to here the way plenty of modern realism stories do, with larger-than-life characters, magical romances, and sugary optimism.
Here’s how I’d describe the premise:
It’s Thanksgiving season, the second one since Adanaya’s grandma, Mary, passed away. As they visit extended family for the holiday, Adanaya observes everyone around her acting as though nothing’s wrong, as though no one’s missing from conversations.
Adanaya, who was very close to her grandmother, can’t shake the memories, good or bad. Sweet memories of Grandma Mary reading her novels aloud, sickening memories of Grandma Mary in bed, ill, hardly recognizable from the spunky mentor she once was.
Seemingly alone, Adanaya carries the burden of Grandma Mary’s unfulfilled dreams of travel and adventure. She feels it would be a betrayal to achieve them herself. How can she cope with burdens like these?
This story beautifully captures grief and the isolation it often leads us to. It would be stilting to call Adanaya a well-rounded character, instead of, well- a human in fiction.
Maybe it’s just me, but the current title seems like it’d fit a Middle Grade or mystery or magical story. Yes, there’s a journal in an attic, both a story element and symbolism for legacy, but the title vibes don’t feel in sync with the story’s heart.
I think of titles like All the Bright Places, Hold Still, and Letters To The Lost—three YA books that deal with loss and grief. It’s the bittersweet ache, the simple phrase, that makes these titles so perfect for setting the tone of the story.
I’m rambling now, but I hope I made sense? Good story, title ain’t do it justice.
Honorable Mention: Ghost in the Garden - Julia Naus
This story is... interesting. I can’t write a blurb, because honestly I was kinda lost most of the time (but I’m sure you can find one in another review).
I guess I’d call it YA magical realism, heavy on the magical, maybe more medieval? It was hard to pin down the setting, at least in terms of the historical period, but the location’s descriptions were vivid and fantastic.
It’s sort of about a girl in a Beauty-and-the-Beast-type mansion (where the furniture talks and moves) trying to find and defeat the ghosts who’ve been wrecking everything. A girl who’s gone unnoticed in her own family, and can’t understand why.
The directions it took were a little misleading, and I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but THAT ENDING. Good lord, it shook me. That ending was insane.
---
I enjoyed most of the stories in this anthology, and if you’re looking for dynamic storytelling and to support the next generation of great writers, definitely check it out for yourself!
December 23, 2024
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks:
This story was super cute, and I absolutely loved the whimsical prose. The worldbuilding was also super cool.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink:
I never thought I'd be saying this about anything remotely horror, but this story was so sweet! I loved Timmy's relationship with his sister and since I knew quite a bit of this story's plot beforehand (not sorry for snooping through old brainstorming posts XD), I loved watching each small reveal.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus:
JULIA. You made me cry. How could you. This story...*shakes head* It was so sweet and sad, and the foreshadowing was magnificent.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis:
This one went by a lot faster than some of the others, but I really enjoyed it! Marybeth, I need to read your novel now to FiNd OuT wHaT hApPeNs...
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin
Okay, first, the name. XD I think this story has my favorite title in the series. There's something so fun and satisfying about it...
And the characters were so fun too! I loved Mr. Tatterval. He was awesome.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose:
I related very hard to the protagonist of this story, and who doesn't love a magic library? Like seriously, it was almost creepy at some points...so cool. XD I loved Shasta, and the themes were so good. (And I just want to kick one of those moths...)
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Lousie:
This story was so sad and sweet, and I loved it SO much. It makes one want become a poet. XD
FRTC
This story was super cute, and I absolutely loved the whimsical prose. The worldbuilding was also super cool.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink:
I never thought I'd be saying this about anything remotely horror, but this story was so sweet! I loved Timmy's relationship with his sister and since I knew quite a bit of this story's plot beforehand (not sorry for snooping through old brainstorming posts XD), I loved watching each small reveal.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus:
JULIA. You made me cry. How could you. This story...*shakes head* It was so sweet and sad, and the foreshadowing was magnificent.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis:
This one went by a lot faster than some of the others, but I really enjoyed it! Marybeth, I need to read your novel now to FiNd OuT wHaT hApPeNs...
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin
Okay, first, the name. XD I think this story has my favorite title in the series. There's something so fun and satisfying about it...
And the characters were so fun too! I loved Mr. Tatterval. He was awesome.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose:
I related very hard to the protagonist of this story, and who doesn't love a magic library? Like seriously, it was almost creepy at some points...so cool. XD I loved Shasta, and the themes were so good. (And I just want to kick one of those moths...)
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Lousie:
This story was so sad and sweet, and I loved it SO much. It makes one want become a poet. XD
FRTC
December 13, 2024
Every evening before bed, I wrap myself in a blanket with a cup of tea and read one or two stories from this book. I enjoy the warm and fuzzies that these stories give me. A great way to end my day.
Thank you to all the writers for allowing me to share in your creative adventures. It takes a gifted person to create vivid scenes with words; to place characters in those scenes and bring them to life. These authors all managed to do that well.
A successful story for me is one that is well written in terms of grammar and syntax, but also where I miss the friends I have made in the story once the story is done - something each of these writers managed to achieve. A definitely gifted bunch of authors. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting the people and creatures in future stories that come out of their wildy inventive imaginations.
Thank you to all the writers for allowing me to share in your creative adventures. It takes a gifted person to create vivid scenes with words; to place characters in those scenes and bring them to life. These authors all managed to do that well.
A successful story for me is one that is well written in terms of grammar and syntax, but also where I miss the friends I have made in the story once the story is done - something each of these writers managed to achieve. A definitely gifted bunch of authors. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting the people and creatures in future stories that come out of their wildy inventive imaginations.
Read
January 4, 2025Review for: The Teddy Handbook
Marielle’s story is just the tale for those with healing hearts or need the nostalgia of their favorite Winnie the Pooh stories.
Teddy’s adventure of sneaking downstairs past a curious poodle with the help of a new friend to find a missing child was filled with such warmth and comfort! I could feel both radiating from each page as one important reminder stayed throughout the story (and had me tearing up): It takes courage to love again, but that hurt won’t heal if you don’t face your fears and try.
It’s a sweet story that I am so thankful to have on my bookshelf and will definitely be recommending to anyone who asks!
I received a digital ARC copy. This review contains my honest thoughts. Thank you to the author for this copy!
Marielle’s story is just the tale for those with healing hearts or need the nostalgia of their favorite Winnie the Pooh stories.
Teddy’s adventure of sneaking downstairs past a curious poodle with the help of a new friend to find a missing child was filled with such warmth and comfort! I could feel both radiating from each page as one important reminder stayed throughout the story (and had me tearing up): It takes courage to love again, but that hurt won’t heal if you don’t face your fears and try.
It’s a sweet story that I am so thankful to have on my bookshelf and will definitely be recommending to anyone who asks!
I received a digital ARC copy. This review contains my honest thoughts. Thank you to the author for this copy!
January 31, 2025
I just finished reading this and here are my reviews for the different stories!! This Anthology had a wide variety of stories in here, and I appreciated the differences!
The Teddy Bear Handbook, By Marielle Henning 🧸🐻
okay this story was just cuteeeee!!! like a teddy bear trying to find his forever girl and a monster under the bed?!! also the toy story vibes are soo here!!!
A favorite quote:
"A teddy, first and foremost, is made for love."
The Sisters of Starford pointe, By Hannah Fouts 💡🌊
this story is about two sisters who have to operate a lighthouse, and learn to work together, while helping their uncle from a storm while he is out at sea
The Hungry Woods By, Victoria Shanks🌳🥧
this story is about a pie feud and found family, oh and a man eating forest.
The First Adventure By, Lexi Jo Heuser 🐶🦹♀️
Superhero's and puppy sidekicks! This story is about a young girl, who wants nothing more then for her father to retire from his superhero role and move to a ranch. But when her sidekick pup- Peanut Butter- almost gets kidnapped, Harley starts investigating a string of sidekick kidnappings...
What Lives Beneath the Skin By, Joseph Brink 🫢
Soooo, I haven't really read many ( if any) scary stories before! And this short story was a good introduction into the genre!
This story is about a Twelve year old brother trying to babysit his younger sister in their strange, old house that they just moved into. oh and there may or may not be something living inside there walls... dun dun dun
A favorite quote:
" Who knew that night could hold such beauty? What is this strange world, containing nights full of such terror and courage? Full of stars and fireflies and sweet sisters and creatures as strange and deadly as the one who we have trapped in our cellar?"
Sapling of The Sea By, A.A Rollins 🧜🪴
This story is about a merboy who loves plants and is faced with accepting who he is and has the opportunity to save his communities primary source of power
The Sword Rose By, Caleb E. King 🌹⚔️
This story is about Pierce, who has always dreamed of participating in the annual sword-fighting tournament. When the tournament falls on his sick mothers birthday, he has to decide what his priorities are.
A Favorite Quote:
"But if I forever plan for next year, it will never come."
Ghost in the Garden By, Julia Naus 👻🌸
this was actually the first story I read and it MADE ME TEARY!!!! Y'all the twist at the end, did not see that coming...
this story is about Moon who is determined to get rid of the ghost that is destroying her home.
A favorite quote:
"When no one else waned me, I could still dance with the flowers."
The River's Lullaby By, Marybeth Davis 💧🎶
Averic is determined to save his father after he was captured, even though attempting such a rescue will certainly fail. He believes that only his father can keep his family together and now that his mother has delivered his baby sister early... Averic knows he wont be able to save his father, he is running from his family's pain.
Willow, Zillow and Smith By, Esther Pipkin ✨🧝
full of magic and whimsy this story is about three siblings trying to save an elf child and their 'magic free' 😉 bookshop after magic is banned.
A favorite quote:
" Because the last thing we want to do is find ourselves in jail, again."
Lost in the Library By, J.A. Rose📔🦋
Reagan and her brother want desperately to help make their little sisters dreams come true, but when Reagan gets lost inside a magical library can she prove to the library and herself, that she has what it takes to win a writing competition after failing a writing class...
The Journal in the Attic By, Kira Rosengren 📙👵🏻
This story was full of emotion. <3
its thanksgiving, and Adanaya is dealing with the death of her grandmother and her unmet dreams of traveling to see the Redwoods with her.
A favorite quote:
"A lot of things are left unfinished when someone passes away... No one knows the exact day they are going to be with God. You can't plan around that. There's always going to be something left unfinished."
Every Second with You By, Savanna Ammons ☂️🚲
okay, this story was just cuteeeee
When Cerise receives a riddle from her long distance boyfriend, she sets out on a journey where she has to decide weather to embrace the spontaneity or return to her normal schedule.
A favorite quote:
"Tomorrow, she could finish her work. But today, she would choose spontaneity."
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane By, Sarina Louise 🦋✒️
y'all this story.... <33333
When Elias's daughter asks for a poem for her birthday, he sets out on a journey through London. the only problem? he doesn't write poems anymore, not after his wife passed away and the poems only brought memories back to life that cause him pain and sadness.
A favorite quote:
"There's inspiration all around you, if you just look for it."
The Teddy Bear Handbook, By Marielle Henning 🧸🐻
okay this story was just cuteeeee!!! like a teddy bear trying to find his forever girl and a monster under the bed?!! also the toy story vibes are soo here!!!
A favorite quote:
"A teddy, first and foremost, is made for love."
The Sisters of Starford pointe, By Hannah Fouts 💡🌊
this story is about two sisters who have to operate a lighthouse, and learn to work together, while helping their uncle from a storm while he is out at sea
The Hungry Woods By, Victoria Shanks🌳🥧
this story is about a pie feud and found family, oh and a man eating forest.
The First Adventure By, Lexi Jo Heuser 🐶🦹♀️
Superhero's and puppy sidekicks! This story is about a young girl, who wants nothing more then for her father to retire from his superhero role and move to a ranch. But when her sidekick pup- Peanut Butter- almost gets kidnapped, Harley starts investigating a string of sidekick kidnappings...
What Lives Beneath the Skin By, Joseph Brink 🫢
Soooo, I haven't really read many ( if any) scary stories before! And this short story was a good introduction into the genre!
This story is about a Twelve year old brother trying to babysit his younger sister in their strange, old house that they just moved into. oh and there may or may not be something living inside there walls... dun dun dun
A favorite quote:
" Who knew that night could hold such beauty? What is this strange world, containing nights full of such terror and courage? Full of stars and fireflies and sweet sisters and creatures as strange and deadly as the one who we have trapped in our cellar?"
Sapling of The Sea By, A.A Rollins 🧜🪴
This story is about a merboy who loves plants and is faced with accepting who he is and has the opportunity to save his communities primary source of power
The Sword Rose By, Caleb E. King 🌹⚔️
This story is about Pierce, who has always dreamed of participating in the annual sword-fighting tournament. When the tournament falls on his sick mothers birthday, he has to decide what his priorities are.
A Favorite Quote:
"But if I forever plan for next year, it will never come."
Ghost in the Garden By, Julia Naus 👻🌸
this was actually the first story I read and it MADE ME TEARY!!!! Y'all the twist at the end, did not see that coming...
this story is about Moon who is determined to get rid of the ghost that is destroying her home.
A favorite quote:
"When no one else waned me, I could still dance with the flowers."
The River's Lullaby By, Marybeth Davis 💧🎶
Averic is determined to save his father after he was captured, even though attempting such a rescue will certainly fail. He believes that only his father can keep his family together and now that his mother has delivered his baby sister early... Averic knows he wont be able to save his father, he is running from his family's pain.
Willow, Zillow and Smith By, Esther Pipkin ✨🧝
full of magic and whimsy this story is about three siblings trying to save an elf child and their 'magic free' 😉 bookshop after magic is banned.
A favorite quote:
" Because the last thing we want to do is find ourselves in jail, again."
Lost in the Library By, J.A. Rose📔🦋
Reagan and her brother want desperately to help make their little sisters dreams come true, but when Reagan gets lost inside a magical library can she prove to the library and herself, that she has what it takes to win a writing competition after failing a writing class...
The Journal in the Attic By, Kira Rosengren 📙👵🏻
This story was full of emotion. <3
its thanksgiving, and Adanaya is dealing with the death of her grandmother and her unmet dreams of traveling to see the Redwoods with her.
A favorite quote:
"A lot of things are left unfinished when someone passes away... No one knows the exact day they are going to be with God. You can't plan around that. There's always going to be something left unfinished."
Every Second with You By, Savanna Ammons ☂️🚲
okay, this story was just cuteeeee
When Cerise receives a riddle from her long distance boyfriend, she sets out on a journey where she has to decide weather to embrace the spontaneity or return to her normal schedule.
A favorite quote:
"Tomorrow, she could finish her work. But today, she would choose spontaneity."
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane By, Sarina Louise 🦋✒️
y'all this story.... <33333
When Elias's daughter asks for a poem for her birthday, he sets out on a journey through London. the only problem? he doesn't write poems anymore, not after his wife passed away and the poems only brought memories back to life that cause him pain and sadness.
A favorite quote:
"There's inspiration all around you, if you just look for it."
December 4, 2024
Just finished “The Sisters of Starford Pointe” by Hannah Fouts. Truly incredible.
Hannah is such a masterful author. The use of imagery made you feel like you were there. & I absolutely loved Teddy🧸.
There is such a pure innocence in her writing, whilst still tackling big feelings & problems. Great for young readers. My only wish was that it was a whole book… I need to know more about the sisters of Starford Pointe! 💜
Hannah is such a masterful author. The use of imagery made you feel like you were there. & I absolutely loved Teddy🧸.
There is such a pure innocence in her writing, whilst still tackling big feelings & problems. Great for young readers. My only wish was that it was a whole book… I need to know more about the sisters of Starford Pointe! 💜
December 16, 2024
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'd hoped to get this done earlier but, such is life.
This collection of stories drew me right in. The first two made me cry, and the third one had me entertained. Not all of them gripped me, I will admit, but that is likely just due to my indifference towards certain genres. I can't say I love mermaid or superhero stories, for example. But some of them did surprise me.
The Hungry Woods scared me by its title, but the narrative style made me enjoy it far more than I expected. Even the scary "horror" one ended up feeling cozy (though I don't recommend reading it at night if you're at all sensitive to monsters in the house). I loved the ones that told about the magic of words and stories.
There are so many different styles and genres, I really do think there is something for everybody here. From the aforementioned mermaids and superheroes, to regular kids doing regular things but in a meaningful way. There's a teddy bear, multiple writers, sibling relationships, grief, and a little bit of romance. Oh, and trees with teeth. Don't think about that one too hard.
Honestly, my least favourite part of the anthology was the list of accomplishments after each author's bio. My guess would be that since this is a school publishing their graduates, they wish to show off how well everyone did as a way to advertise. I just can't be bothered to care about how big someone's email list is or how many conferences they went to. It drew me out of the "mood" for the stories and I kinda just skimmed through them.
The stories themselves all held my attention, even the ones that weren't my favourites. I rounded up to four stars because I know there will be some I enjoy reading over again.
This collection of stories drew me right in. The first two made me cry, and the third one had me entertained. Not all of them gripped me, I will admit, but that is likely just due to my indifference towards certain genres. I can't say I love mermaid or superhero stories, for example. But some of them did surprise me.
The Hungry Woods scared me by its title, but the narrative style made me enjoy it far more than I expected. Even the scary "horror" one ended up feeling cozy (though I don't recommend reading it at night if you're at all sensitive to monsters in the house). I loved the ones that told about the magic of words and stories.
There are so many different styles and genres, I really do think there is something for everybody here. From the aforementioned mermaids and superheroes, to regular kids doing regular things but in a meaningful way. There's a teddy bear, multiple writers, sibling relationships, grief, and a little bit of romance. Oh, and trees with teeth. Don't think about that one too hard.
Honestly, my least favourite part of the anthology was the list of accomplishments after each author's bio. My guess would be that since this is a school publishing their graduates, they wish to show off how well everyone did as a way to advertise. I just can't be bothered to care about how big someone's email list is or how many conferences they went to. It drew me out of the "mood" for the stories and I kinda just skimmed through them.
The stories themselves all held my attention, even the ones that weren't my favourites. I rounded up to four stars because I know there will be some I enjoy reading over again.
November 29, 2024
I loved this short story! I have been excited to read Jo's addition to Voice of the Future for a long time and it was very worth the read!
It was a great blend of scary/gripping moments with a subtly, yet impactful lesson, teaching both the reader and the character the importance and hope for confronting childhood fears.
I highly recommend this read!
It was a great blend of scary/gripping moments with a subtly, yet impactful lesson, teaching both the reader and the character the importance and hope for confronting childhood fears.
I highly recommend this read!
February 17, 2025
VotF: Stories of Adventure & Imagination fits a variety of tastes.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Voices of the Future: Stories of Adventure & Imagination Vol. 4 is an anthology with a variety of stories in the MG, YA, and Adult genres. Story settings also range from a fantasy worlds to historical, to contemporary.
But I'd still encourage reading them all even if you have a specific preference. I favor YA, but I still enjoyed stories that landed in the MG or Adult age range.
Of the collection, these were my favorite stories:
- THE TEDDY HANDBOOK by Marielle Henning
The Teddy Handbook was a sweet, charming, and wholesome story. The author did a wonderful job with the characters' voices, the humorous bits, and the heart of this tale.
- THE HUNGRY WOODSS by Victoria Shanks
I was surprised by this one - in a good way. It was so fun and quirky, and a pleasure to read! If you're looking for something just FUN, this is it.
- GHOST IN THE GARDEN by Julia Naus
This one was good. I felt the author did well in creating the setting and the overall "vibes." I also felt this one had one the most notable twists!
- THE POET WHO LIVED ON PICKPOCKET LANE by Sarina Louise
This was such a sweet and gentle story that dealt with grief. It was wonderfully written, I enjoyed the setting, and while I was surprised by the element of magic (I shouldn't have XD), it was done well. Magic systems can be really hard to execute in short stories, but it wasn't overcomplicated and fairly easy to follow along.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Voices of the Future: Stories of Adventure & Imagination Vol. 4 is an anthology with a variety of stories in the MG, YA, and Adult genres. Story settings also range from a fantasy worlds to historical, to contemporary.
But I'd still encourage reading them all even if you have a specific preference. I favor YA, but I still enjoyed stories that landed in the MG or Adult age range.
Of the collection, these were my favorite stories:
- THE TEDDY HANDBOOK by Marielle Henning
The Teddy Handbook was a sweet, charming, and wholesome story. The author did a wonderful job with the characters' voices, the humorous bits, and the heart of this tale.
- THE HUNGRY WOODSS by Victoria Shanks
I was surprised by this one - in a good way. It was so fun and quirky, and a pleasure to read! If you're looking for something just FUN, this is it.
- GHOST IN THE GARDEN by Julia Naus
This one was good. I felt the author did well in creating the setting and the overall "vibes." I also felt this one had one the most notable twists!
- THE POET WHO LIVED ON PICKPOCKET LANE by Sarina Louise
This was such a sweet and gentle story that dealt with grief. It was wonderfully written, I enjoyed the setting, and while I was surprised by the element of magic (I shouldn't have XD), it was done well. Magic systems can be really hard to execute in short stories, but it wasn't overcomplicated and fairly easy to follow along.
November 15, 2024
I received an advance copy from my Grandson, Caleb King, for the purpose of reviewing. I have only had a chance to read Caleb's contribution. "The Sword Rose" is a charming story with positive, family content. Thanks Caleb! I plan to read the rest of the book as I have the time. If the rest of the content is as enjoyable as Caleb's I know I will enjoy them all.
November 14, 2024
I read Caleb E. King's short story "The Sword Rose" (starting on page 165) and it was great! Perfect for anyone who loves swords, fantasy, and difficult decisions. Had an intriguing twist that really made me reflect, and I like that in a good story (frustrating though it may be). Highly recommend.
March 4, 2025
Ahhhh OK I'm so excited for this collection! I'll be reviewing each story individually as I read because it's important to give every one of these young authors the honor and attention they deserve.
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning (01.11.2025)
Woah, OK, I see we're starting off strong. This was so cute! What wonderful writing and SUCH a great concept! This story was emotional, sweet, nostalgic, and so much fun... kinda like the vibe of a *good* Pixar movie. I think my only complaint is how short it was, as the ending (which was adorable, don't get me wrong) felt a little sudden. But I suppose that's what you get when it comes to short stories. I will absolutely be looking into Marielle Henning's future works.
This story got me so excited for the rest of the collection. What a great introduction to this anthology!
The Sisters of Starford Point by Hannah Fouts (01.12.2025)
This was cute! Loved the setting—it was very immersive—and the writing was well-done. This was a sweet story with lots of detail, relatable/likable characters, and good plot!
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks (01.13.2025)
Oh my goodness I cannot stop smiling!! This was just delightful. The entire time I read this story, I was just imagining reading it to my kids one day.
The writing was so incredibly enchanting, and the world was so immersive. I felt immediately transported into the Hollow and would have honestly been content to spend a whole novel there. I love nonsensical, humorous whimsy and this had exactly that—the style reminded me of Kelly Barnhill's The Ogress and the Orphans . I will 1000% be looking for Shanks' future works.
I'll say it one last time because it's true: This was delightful!
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser (01.13.2025)
This one was admittedly not my favorite. The writing was good and the story was well-executed, but this is just not a genre that I would read outside of an anthology like this. Still very well-done, just not my taste.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink (01.14.2025)
This story had an impeccable atmosphere, great descriptions, and an appropriately creepy premise. However, something didn't click for me... perhaps the identity of the "monster," maybe it just wasn't my kind of spooky, or perhaps I, being a 20-year-old woman, am just not the target audience. Regardless, I loved the sibling bond and the sweetness of the ending. A very appropriate scary story for middle-grade readers.
Sapling of the Sea by A.A. Rollins (1.22.2025)
I have such mixed feelings about his one. While I loved the setting, concepts, and basic plot, the execution was, to me, missing something. I feel like some resolutions came out of the blue for conflicts I didn't know were... well, conflicts. Some of the descriptions and exposition were confusing, and I wasn't always able to picture what was going on. Overall, the story was good but I still felt like it needed another round of content edits.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King (1.27.2025)
Somehow, I forgot to write down a review for this one when I read it. However, I remember only positive things about it. The writing was wonderful. There were multiple times that I highlighted sentences or marked paragraphs solely because I found the writing style to be so satisfying. And I do remember loving this story too—a great message and something I myself am still learning. I always love stories about the importance of the present moment and prioritizing time with loved ones. This had exactly that. Wonderful.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus (2.03.2025)
This was just wonderful. I have been thinking about this one since I read it. I am a HUGE fan of M Night Shyamalan's older movies. Unbreakable, Signs, The Village... I'm a sucker for them all. While this story was fairly predictable, its resemblance to the genre and writing I love so much made ME love this story. It was eerie, romantic, sand, and incredibly immersive. Will absolutely be reading more by Naus in the future!
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis (3.02.2025)
This one was not my favorite. It was incredibly short and I just felt like I knew what was going to happen next at every point of the story. The message and writing itself were good, I just didn't love the plot.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin (3.02.2025)
I really liked this one! I felt like the time just flew by reading it and I had fun with the wacky characters. While the ending did feel a little bit convenient, I enjoyed myself overall.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose (3.02.2025)
OK, I LOVED this one. The sheer magic (pun intended & totally pre-planned) of this story and the setting itself was immersive, enchanting, and even a little bit eerie at points—it even gave me chills. I want to know everything about the magic and the workings of this world, these characters, and that library.
This was one of the longest stories in this anthology, but I still wish it was longer. So, SO good!
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren (3.03.2025)
Well, I must say first that I am the very definition of a biased reader when it comes to this story. My sister wrote this, and knowing her so well means knowing all of the heart that went into this story, as well as the experiences, losses, and family dynamics that she drew from to write it.
Regardless, I can still say that I loved this story. It's a lot different than the other stories in this anthology since it's not fantasy or magical realism in any way, but it's absolutely lovely. I was immediately immersed into the story and setting. Everything was so vividly described, I felt like I was actually there.
[cue Miraculous Ladybug movie soundtrack]
I'm proud of you Kira!! Your love for stories and writing is evident in this piece. I can't wait to see all the amazing, magnificent stories you write in the future. I love you!
Every Second With You by Savannah Ammons (3.04.2025)
This was SO GOOD. I am a sucker for a good romance and this one was just utterly adorable. I loved the setting—it reminded me of a 90's Meg Ryan film 100%. It was just captivating—I didn't look up from the book once during this story, and I completely lost track of time. 10/10. Will be reading Ammons' publications in the future.
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise (3.04.2025)
Well, if I were in a more emotional state right now (that is, shark week), this would have made me sob.
This story was so beautiful. I loved the element of magical realism that we see later in the story, and the poem that Elias wrote actually did make me want to cry. The ending in particular had me captivated. This is one of my favorites for writing style, just behind The Hungry Woods. 12/10. I adored this.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, this was a wonderful anthology. Every one of these young authors is so talented. You'll catch me recommending most of these stories in the future, and thinking about them often.
That being said, it's hard to rate an anthology like this because while some of the stories are five stars, they would not all be rated that way. For that reason, I'm going to give this anthology 4 stars, with the understanding that some of them would be getting more or less depending on the story.
I'm so proud of every one of these young authors and the hard work they put into this anthology!
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning (01.11.2025)
Woah, OK, I see we're starting off strong. This was so cute! What wonderful writing and SUCH a great concept! This story was emotional, sweet, nostalgic, and so much fun... kinda like the vibe of a *good* Pixar movie. I think my only complaint is how short it was, as the ending (which was adorable, don't get me wrong) felt a little sudden. But I suppose that's what you get when it comes to short stories. I will absolutely be looking into Marielle Henning's future works.
This story got me so excited for the rest of the collection. What a great introduction to this anthology!
The Sisters of Starford Point by Hannah Fouts (01.12.2025)
This was cute! Loved the setting—it was very immersive—and the writing was well-done. This was a sweet story with lots of detail, relatable/likable characters, and good plot!
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks (01.13.2025)
Oh my goodness I cannot stop smiling!! This was just delightful. The entire time I read this story, I was just imagining reading it to my kids one day.
"...Little miss Floraleen thought it all very funny and thought gangly Peter looked rather like a spider himself.
Peter, meanwhile, thought her blue eyes put the sky to shame...."
The writing was so incredibly enchanting, and the world was so immersive. I felt immediately transported into the Hollow and would have honestly been content to spend a whole novel there. I love nonsensical, humorous whimsy and this had exactly that—the style reminded me of Kelly Barnhill's The Ogress and the Orphans . I will 1000% be looking for Shanks' future works.
I'll say it one last time because it's true: This was delightful!
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser (01.13.2025)
This one was admittedly not my favorite. The writing was good and the story was well-executed, but this is just not a genre that I would read outside of an anthology like this. Still very well-done, just not my taste.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink (01.14.2025)
This story had an impeccable atmosphere, great descriptions, and an appropriately creepy premise. However, something didn't click for me... perhaps the identity of the "monster," maybe it just wasn't my kind of spooky, or perhaps I, being a 20-year-old woman, am just not the target audience. Regardless, I loved the sibling bond and the sweetness of the ending. A very appropriate scary story for middle-grade readers.
Sapling of the Sea by A.A. Rollins (1.22.2025)
I have such mixed feelings about his one. While I loved the setting, concepts, and basic plot, the execution was, to me, missing something. I feel like some resolutions came out of the blue for conflicts I didn't know were... well, conflicts. Some of the descriptions and exposition were confusing, and I wasn't always able to picture what was going on. Overall, the story was good but I still felt like it needed another round of content edits.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King (1.27.2025)
Somehow, I forgot to write down a review for this one when I read it. However, I remember only positive things about it. The writing was wonderful. There were multiple times that I highlighted sentences or marked paragraphs solely because I found the writing style to be so satisfying. And I do remember loving this story too—a great message and something I myself am still learning. I always love stories about the importance of the present moment and prioritizing time with loved ones. This had exactly that. Wonderful.
Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus (2.03.2025)
This was just wonderful. I have been thinking about this one since I read it. I am a HUGE fan of M Night Shyamalan's older movies. Unbreakable, Signs, The Village... I'm a sucker for them all. While this story was fairly predictable, its resemblance to the genre and writing I love so much made ME love this story. It was eerie, romantic, sand, and incredibly immersive. Will absolutely be reading more by Naus in the future!
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis (3.02.2025)
This one was not my favorite. It was incredibly short and I just felt like I knew what was going to happen next at every point of the story. The message and writing itself were good, I just didn't love the plot.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin (3.02.2025)
I really liked this one! I felt like the time just flew by reading it and I had fun with the wacky characters. While the ending did feel a little bit convenient, I enjoyed myself overall.
Lost in the Library by J.A. Rose (3.02.2025)
OK, I LOVED this one. The sheer magic (pun intended & totally pre-planned) of this story and the setting itself was immersive, enchanting, and even a little bit eerie at points—it even gave me chills. I want to know everything about the magic and the workings of this world, these characters, and that library.
"Is it not worth living just for this one moment of beauty? Is it not even more so to live for the next and the one after that? To push through my countless blunders and heedless mistakes for a moment's peace ... If a moment like this awaits beyond the great chasm of darkness that I face, may I suffer through a thousand such futile efforts."
This was one of the longest stories in this anthology, but I still wish it was longer. So, SO good!
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren (3.03.2025)
Well, I must say first that I am the very definition of a biased reader when it comes to this story. My sister wrote this, and knowing her so well means knowing all of the heart that went into this story, as well as the experiences, losses, and family dynamics that she drew from to write it.
Regardless, I can still say that I loved this story. It's a lot different than the other stories in this anthology since it's not fantasy or magical realism in any way, but it's absolutely lovely. I was immediately immersed into the story and setting. Everything was so vividly described, I felt like I was actually there.
"'I'm not—I'm not strong enough.'
'I'll come with you.' She takes my hand in hers. 'That way we can be stronger together.'"
[cue Miraculous Ladybug movie soundtrack]
I'm proud of you Kira!! Your love for stories and writing is evident in this piece. I can't wait to see all the amazing, magnificent stories you write in the future. I love you!
Every Second With You by Savannah Ammons (3.04.2025)
This was SO GOOD. I am a sucker for a good romance and this one was just utterly adorable. I loved the setting—it reminded me of a 90's Meg Ryan film 100%. It was just captivating—I didn't look up from the book once during this story, and I completely lost track of time. 10/10. Will be reading Ammons' publications in the future.
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise (3.04.2025)
Well, if I were in a more emotional state right now (that is, shark week), this would have made me sob.
"You think with your head too much .... Your beautiful mind is so... loud."
This story was so beautiful. I loved the element of magical realism that we see later in the story, and the poem that Elias wrote actually did make me want to cry. The ending in particular had me captivated. This is one of my favorites for writing style, just behind The Hungry Woods. 12/10. I adored this.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, this was a wonderful anthology. Every one of these young authors is so talented. You'll catch me recommending most of these stories in the future, and thinking about them often.
That being said, it's hard to rate an anthology like this because while some of the stories are five stars, they would not all be rated that way. For that reason, I'm going to give this anthology 4 stars, with the understanding that some of them would be getting more or less depending on the story.
I'm so proud of every one of these young authors and the hard work they put into this anthology!
March 11, 2025
I... am not a massive fan of short stories, because of the amount of effort it takes to pick up each one. However, as I progressed through these stories, I found my heart being touched--even healed. Because apparently, length does not affect the truth that stories are powerful.
The Teddy Handbook - 4 stars
When I started this story I was simply intrigued, and enjoying Marielle’s writing style and Teddy’s thoughts, and laughing more than once. But as the story progressed, I realized that this was a story about loving despite the risk of rejection… my heart melted. I was not expecting to see something I struggle with in a teddy, but I’m here for it <3
The Sisters of Starford Pointe - 3.5 stars
There were about two seconds as I started reading this story where I wondered if I would enjoy it, and then I realized the stakes for Olivia, and couldn’t put it down. Even though I knew she needed to let Norah help her, I understood her reasoning as a big sister so much… and felt her pain when she failed.
The Hungry Woods - 3.5 stars
I was hooked from the first sentence. In an incredible mash-up of fairytales and nursery rhymes, hilarious commentary, and heartwarming themes, this story had me laughing and rooting for the characters, and wondering how someone could possibly come up with a world of weeping ice moonbugs and pie feuds.
The First Adventure - 4 stars
For two paragraphs I was wondering why I was reading a story about a dog. But then–superpowered pets. Need I say more? It hasn’t been my favorite story so far, but I loved the element of superpowered pets and the MCs struggle to do the brave thing over the easy thing.
What Lives Beneath The Skin - 4 stars
I don’t often read horror, but the beauty captured despite the terror of this story was beautiful, along with the brother’s love for his sister. It also has what is probably my favorite quote in the book so far– “What is this strange world, containing nights full of such terror and courage,
full of stars and fireflies and sweet sisters and creatures as strange and deadly as the one we have trapped in our cellar?”
Sapling of the Sea - 4 stars
Oh… this one was sweet. First off, I loved the ocean setting–and the thought that had gone into what it would be like to live under the sea. (The detail about making a waterless environment for welding was so fun). But more than that, the story of your gifts being important, coupled with plants and the gentle compassion of the main character, made reading the story feel like stepping into a hug.
The Sword Rose - 3.5 stars
This story was not comfortable. From the start, I knew where it was going to go… and it always hurts to watch someone give up their dreams–even temporarily. But sometimes, the hard choice is the best choice, and I appreciated the theme that sometimes, being with family is the most important thing.
The Ghost in the Garden - 5 stars
Oh my… I’m scared to breathe lest I shatter the silence this story caused. Hands down, it’s my favorite so far. From the delicate beauty of the setting to the masterful storytelling… this story was good and reminded me exactly why short stories still have power. Because it wasn’t just a well written story. It was a story that took the beauty and power of the words and used it to touch a theme very real and very personal… a story about saying goodbye.
The River’s Lullaby - 4 stars
I’m not sure what it was about this story that had me hooked from the start and almost oblivious to how fast I was reading… maybe it was the fact that I’d read other stuff by the author and so already knew I enjoyed her writing, or maybe it was because I felt for Averic’s pain. But I loved this story. I loved Averic, I loved his mentor figure–and I loved that there was a baby.
“Nadya was wrinkly, red, and so loud his head throbbed.
She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.” I’m not sure how this story had me laughing amidst the pain… but it did.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith - 3.5 stars
Aww this was such a sweet story… I loved the unique setting and all the characters felt so unique, and Rosie was so cute!!!! It was the perfect balance of engaging, unique, and relatable–even if it had magic and elves XD
Lost in the Library - 4.5 stars
I was not expecting this story to make me almost cry. I wasn’t expecting anything from this story, past the little spark of interest when I saw it was about writing. But as I started reading… I felt the magic draw me into the story just as it drew Reagan in. A magical library, stories, a girl who fears failing with her writing… it felt so real, because although I don’t live in a world with magical libraries, I live in a world where some books fail, and sometimes we pour our heart into a story and it feels like it doesn’t work. But this story reminded me that our stories are powerful and our words do matter, and that while failing hurts, you also cannot succeed unless you try.
Journal in the Attic - 4 stars
Someone had mentioned this story ahead of time, so I was looking forward to it. Naively, perhaps, because no story about grief is going to be easy to read. Alright, I didn’t enjoy every single aspect of the style, but that didn’t matter when the story began to poke at my heart. The plot beats were perfectly timed to hit hard, and the story did not shy away from the hard, cold, reality of grief. Because grief isn’t easy, or neat. As Naya’s mom said, “A lot of things are left unfinished when someone passes away … no one knows the exact day they are going to be with God. You can’t plan around that. There’s always going to be something left unfinished.” And that hurts. But despite that, hope and healing were still woven in.
Every Second With You - 4 stars
I really liked this… it was cute, sweet, and although I guessed the ending rather early in, it was still enjoyable to watch the main character follow the clues and wrestle with being spontaneous and taking time away from work. I must also say–I’ve never been as grabbed by a pitch as this author’s one for a retelling of Secret Garden. Someone please tell me it’s going to be written one day.
The Poet on Pickpocket Lane - 4.5 stars
I love this story, because it was raw and beautiful and did not shy away from the pain of grief. I felt pulled into the character’s lives from the start, engaged by the way their vivid personalities spilled across the page, and enticed by the exploration of the pain of grief. And the ending rewarded me, because it did not end with a false promise of happily ever afters. It ended with an acknowledgement of pain, but a representation of hope despite it. “Perhaps to heal was not to live without grief. Perhaps to heal was to learn how to live alongside grief.”
The Teddy Handbook - 4 stars
When I started this story I was simply intrigued, and enjoying Marielle’s writing style and Teddy’s thoughts, and laughing more than once. But as the story progressed, I realized that this was a story about loving despite the risk of rejection… my heart melted. I was not expecting to see something I struggle with in a teddy, but I’m here for it <3
The Sisters of Starford Pointe - 3.5 stars
There were about two seconds as I started reading this story where I wondered if I would enjoy it, and then I realized the stakes for Olivia, and couldn’t put it down. Even though I knew she needed to let Norah help her, I understood her reasoning as a big sister so much… and felt her pain when she failed.
The Hungry Woods - 3.5 stars
I was hooked from the first sentence. In an incredible mash-up of fairytales and nursery rhymes, hilarious commentary, and heartwarming themes, this story had me laughing and rooting for the characters, and wondering how someone could possibly come up with a world of weeping ice moonbugs and pie feuds.
The First Adventure - 4 stars
For two paragraphs I was wondering why I was reading a story about a dog. But then–superpowered pets. Need I say more? It hasn’t been my favorite story so far, but I loved the element of superpowered pets and the MCs struggle to do the brave thing over the easy thing.
What Lives Beneath The Skin - 4 stars
I don’t often read horror, but the beauty captured despite the terror of this story was beautiful, along with the brother’s love for his sister. It also has what is probably my favorite quote in the book so far– “What is this strange world, containing nights full of such terror and courage,
full of stars and fireflies and sweet sisters and creatures as strange and deadly as the one we have trapped in our cellar?”
Sapling of the Sea - 4 stars
Oh… this one was sweet. First off, I loved the ocean setting–and the thought that had gone into what it would be like to live under the sea. (The detail about making a waterless environment for welding was so fun). But more than that, the story of your gifts being important, coupled with plants and the gentle compassion of the main character, made reading the story feel like stepping into a hug.
The Sword Rose - 3.5 stars
This story was not comfortable. From the start, I knew where it was going to go… and it always hurts to watch someone give up their dreams–even temporarily. But sometimes, the hard choice is the best choice, and I appreciated the theme that sometimes, being with family is the most important thing.
The Ghost in the Garden - 5 stars
Oh my… I’m scared to breathe lest I shatter the silence this story caused. Hands down, it’s my favorite so far. From the delicate beauty of the setting to the masterful storytelling… this story was good and reminded me exactly why short stories still have power. Because it wasn’t just a well written story. It was a story that took the beauty and power of the words and used it to touch a theme very real and very personal… a story about saying goodbye.
The River’s Lullaby - 4 stars
I’m not sure what it was about this story that had me hooked from the start and almost oblivious to how fast I was reading… maybe it was the fact that I’d read other stuff by the author and so already knew I enjoyed her writing, or maybe it was because I felt for Averic’s pain. But I loved this story. I loved Averic, I loved his mentor figure–and I loved that there was a baby.
“Nadya was wrinkly, red, and so loud his head throbbed.
She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.” I’m not sure how this story had me laughing amidst the pain… but it did.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith - 3.5 stars
Aww this was such a sweet story… I loved the unique setting and all the characters felt so unique, and Rosie was so cute!!!! It was the perfect balance of engaging, unique, and relatable–even if it had magic and elves XD
Lost in the Library - 4.5 stars
I was not expecting this story to make me almost cry. I wasn’t expecting anything from this story, past the little spark of interest when I saw it was about writing. But as I started reading… I felt the magic draw me into the story just as it drew Reagan in. A magical library, stories, a girl who fears failing with her writing… it felt so real, because although I don’t live in a world with magical libraries, I live in a world where some books fail, and sometimes we pour our heart into a story and it feels like it doesn’t work. But this story reminded me that our stories are powerful and our words do matter, and that while failing hurts, you also cannot succeed unless you try.
Journal in the Attic - 4 stars
Someone had mentioned this story ahead of time, so I was looking forward to it. Naively, perhaps, because no story about grief is going to be easy to read. Alright, I didn’t enjoy every single aspect of the style, but that didn’t matter when the story began to poke at my heart. The plot beats were perfectly timed to hit hard, and the story did not shy away from the hard, cold, reality of grief. Because grief isn’t easy, or neat. As Naya’s mom said, “A lot of things are left unfinished when someone passes away … no one knows the exact day they are going to be with God. You can’t plan around that. There’s always going to be something left unfinished.” And that hurts. But despite that, hope and healing were still woven in.
Every Second With You - 4 stars
I really liked this… it was cute, sweet, and although I guessed the ending rather early in, it was still enjoyable to watch the main character follow the clues and wrestle with being spontaneous and taking time away from work. I must also say–I’ve never been as grabbed by a pitch as this author’s one for a retelling of Secret Garden. Someone please tell me it’s going to be written one day.
The Poet on Pickpocket Lane - 4.5 stars
I love this story, because it was raw and beautiful and did not shy away from the pain of grief. I felt pulled into the character’s lives from the start, engaged by the way their vivid personalities spilled across the page, and enticed by the exploration of the pain of grief. And the ending rewarded me, because it did not end with a false promise of happily ever afters. It ended with an acknowledgement of pain, but a representation of hope despite it. “Perhaps to heal was not to live without grief. Perhaps to heal was to learn how to live alongside grief.”
May 30, 2025
A short story collection about adventure and imagination sure to suck you in and leave you spellbound. I loved getting to read all these stories from Christian writers with a dream of writing good books. I love how there were multiple genres and age groups (my favorite was the middle grade stories)!
I’m excited to see what these young authors do in the future!
My favorite of the stories:
- The Hungry Woods
- The poet who lived at Pickpocket Lane
- Sapling of the sea
- What lies beneath the skin
- Lost in the library
- The sword rose
.
The teddy handbook
★ ★ ★
A Toy Story like story. I think it needed more context and explanation in parts of the story. That being said, Fred was awesome!
The sisters of Starford Pointe
★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a wonderful story! I loved the sisters together, the lighthouse setting, and how the girls grow up in this story!
The Hungry Woods
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a beautiful and whimsical story! Victoria has such a beautiful and unique writing style that instantly pulled me in and had me at the edge of my seat. The characters were delightful, the pies interesting, and the woods dark and whimsical. I loved that there was adoption in this story! That instantly makes this my favorite (along with the beautiful story)!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The first adventure
★ ★ ★ ★
Such a good superhero story! The characters were all so fun. I love all the superpowers and taking animals! I think kids will love this story!
What lies beneath the skin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A wonderful scary kids story with twists and turns sure to be a favorite for kids who like good scary stories! I loved the book references!
Funny story, I was reading this story alone outside in the evening. I was fully immersed in the story that I didn’t even notice when my dad came outside. He called my name for dinner and gave me a jump scare, lol. I was fully into this story!
Sapling of the sea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What a lovely story! I love the underwater setting, the mermaids, the plants, and all the characters! This is such a wonderful story I think is perfect for children/MG! I would love even a whole book from this world!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The sword rose
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a wonderful tale of family love and tournaments (like The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson or A Knights Tale). What are your values? What is important to you? I thought this story answered those questions nicely in a wonderful story about a young man choosing to fight to provide for his family’s future or be present with them now.
Ghost in the garden
★ ★
A ghost girl story. While I liked the house and how it reminded me of the enchanted home in Encanto, I’m not one for liking ghost or haunted house stories. I’m just not the target audience.
The River’s Lullaby
★ ★ ★ ★
This was a really good story! I love the setting and the resolution at the end! I can see readers really loving the characters and relating to Averic as he struggles to know what to do. Does he stay with his likely dying mother and newborn sister or does he venture across the river to save his captured father? I think this would also be perfect for MG readers.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith
★ ★
Not sure I like all the magic elements. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good fantasy story with magic but this one felt confusing about the message regarding magic.
I will say that I do love little Rosie the elf! So cute!
Lost in the library
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A story of a magical library and a girl and her brother looking for a wish to write a story! What a lovely story! I absolutely loved the magic library with talking books, moths, twisting trees as bookshelves, and a wish to write a story to make a sibling’s dreams come true!
The journal in the attic
★ ★ ★ ★
*cries*
Having lost a very close grandparent, this hit close to home. A beautiful story of grief and healing that is emotional to read.
If you’ve gone through a hard loss of a loved one this may be triggering to read.
Every second with you
★★★
Really cute story of priorities and love!
The poet who lived in pickpocket lane
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a beautiful, magical, and heartbreaking story of loss and the magic of words! I loved the magical realism elements where writing poetry is really magic. Where you can feel and see the words come to life. How it can bring joy or pain to those who read. The concept was amazing! Honestly, I would love to read a whole novel about something like this!
I’m excited to see what these young authors do in the future!
My favorite of the stories:
- The Hungry Woods
- The poet who lived at Pickpocket Lane
- Sapling of the sea
- What lies beneath the skin
- Lost in the library
- The sword rose
.
The teddy handbook
★ ★ ★
A Toy Story like story. I think it needed more context and explanation in parts of the story. That being said, Fred was awesome!
The sisters of Starford Pointe
★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a wonderful story! I loved the sisters together, the lighthouse setting, and how the girls grow up in this story!
The Hungry Woods
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a beautiful and whimsical story! Victoria has such a beautiful and unique writing style that instantly pulled me in and had me at the edge of my seat. The characters were delightful, the pies interesting, and the woods dark and whimsical. I loved that there was adoption in this story! That instantly makes this my favorite (along with the beautiful story)!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The first adventure
★ ★ ★ ★
Such a good superhero story! The characters were all so fun. I love all the superpowers and taking animals! I think kids will love this story!
What lies beneath the skin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A wonderful scary kids story with twists and turns sure to be a favorite for kids who like good scary stories! I loved the book references!
Funny story, I was reading this story alone outside in the evening. I was fully immersed in the story that I didn’t even notice when my dad came outside. He called my name for dinner and gave me a jump scare, lol. I was fully into this story!
Sapling of the sea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What a lovely story! I love the underwater setting, the mermaids, the plants, and all the characters! This is such a wonderful story I think is perfect for children/MG! I would love even a whole book from this world!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The sword rose
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a wonderful tale of family love and tournaments (like The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson or A Knights Tale). What are your values? What is important to you? I thought this story answered those questions nicely in a wonderful story about a young man choosing to fight to provide for his family’s future or be present with them now.
Ghost in the garden
★ ★
A ghost girl story. While I liked the house and how it reminded me of the enchanted home in Encanto, I’m not one for liking ghost or haunted house stories. I’m just not the target audience.
The River’s Lullaby
★ ★ ★ ★
This was a really good story! I love the setting and the resolution at the end! I can see readers really loving the characters and relating to Averic as he struggles to know what to do. Does he stay with his likely dying mother and newborn sister or does he venture across the river to save his captured father? I think this would also be perfect for MG readers.
Willow, Zillow, and Smith
★ ★
Not sure I like all the magic elements. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good fantasy story with magic but this one felt confusing about the message regarding magic.
I will say that I do love little Rosie the elf! So cute!
Lost in the library
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A story of a magical library and a girl and her brother looking for a wish to write a story! What a lovely story! I absolutely loved the magic library with talking books, moths, twisting trees as bookshelves, and a wish to write a story to make a sibling’s dreams come true!
The journal in the attic
★ ★ ★ ★
*cries*
Having lost a very close grandparent, this hit close to home. A beautiful story of grief and healing that is emotional to read.
If you’ve gone through a hard loss of a loved one this may be triggering to read.
Every second with you
★★★
Really cute story of priorities and love!
The poet who lived in pickpocket lane
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was such a beautiful, magical, and heartbreaking story of loss and the magic of words! I loved the magical realism elements where writing poetry is really magic. Where you can feel and see the words come to life. How it can bring joy or pain to those who read. The concept was amazing! Honestly, I would love to read a whole novel about something like this!
December 19, 2024
reviewing as I go!
The Poet on Pickpocket Lane: A lovely, atmospheric, softly bittersweet story <3
The Poet on Pickpocket Lane: A lovely, atmospheric, softly bittersweet story <3
Read
November 22, 2025dnf
November 13, 2024
A truly beautiful collection of stories of various styles, themes, and tones. I thoroughly enjoyed the Adult Fiction section in particular. My favorite story was The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise White! I love poetry, historical fiction, and my dear friend Sarina, so this short story had it all.
*I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2025
I do love how each of these Anthologies are unique, you will never read the same type of story twice in these anthologies. This one was very world building and fantasy focused.
My favorite stories were The Sword Rose, What Lives Beneath the Skin (So delightfully creepy), and The Journal In The Attic.
My favorite stories were The Sword Rose, What Lives Beneath the Skin (So delightfully creepy), and The Journal In The Attic.
March 13, 2025
Excellent book with exceptional story writing. The short story "What Lives Beneath the Skin" by Joseph Brink had me on the edge of my seat. I would highly recommend this book.
December 30, 2024
"What Lives Beneath the Skin" by Joseph Brink:
This short story was phenomenal! Joseph captivates the readers of this suspensefully scary adventure and makes you want to keep turning each page. Mixed in are rich themes of the beauty of creation and of love between a brother and sister. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense of the story, and at the same time I was moved by Timmy and Milo's love for each other, as well as by the vivid descriptions of the glory of the outdoors at night. You won't want to put this story down!
This short story was phenomenal! Joseph captivates the readers of this suspensefully scary adventure and makes you want to keep turning each page. Mixed in are rich themes of the beauty of creation and of love between a brother and sister. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense of the story, and at the same time I was moved by Timmy and Milo's love for each other, as well as by the vivid descriptions of the glory of the outdoors at night. You won't want to put this story down!
January 31, 2025
I was going to try to pick a favorite story in this anthology, but they’re all so good that I can’t. All of these authors are amazing at their craft and their writing styles are so distinct. So of course I decided to review all 14 stories.
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning
This story reminded me of Toy Story, but better. The characters are wonderful, the setting is so well described, I loved it.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts
As the oldest of six children, I related to the sibling dynamic between the main character and her sister. It also opened my eyes to some of the things that I've done as an older sister 😅
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks
The writing of the short story gave off Lemony Snicket vibes and I'm here for it! I laughed a few times and was touched all within just a few pages.
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser
Middle grade contemporary superhero stories are nowhere near the usual genre that I read. Even with that, I really liked The First Adventure! I recommend this story ESPECIALLY if it's not your usual genre.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink
I adore middle grade horror and this story was the perfect representation of it. It was so scary and the way the light shone through at the end was just amazing.
Sapling of the Sea by A. A. Rollins
I don't usually like stories about mer-people, and that being said, I still liked this! It was very wholesome, which is something you don't see as often in books anymore.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King
I am someone who LOVES books set in medieval times. They always remind me of the fantasy genre. Particularly when they involve swords. I like swords. And when there's a bittersweet undertone to them, like this.
The Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus
I won’t spoil this one, but the whole premise of Moon’s (the main character) journey has always fascinated me. It was such a beautiful story.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis
As said with The Sword Rose, I love stories set in medieval-esque times. This one was the same, I loved it!
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin
Again, the sibling dynamic was amazing here, and I fantasy aspect was perfect. I'll say it yet again, I loved it.
Lost in the Library by J. A. Rose
The main character of Lost in the Library is a writer who doesn't think her writing is good enough. I'm sure that any writer can or could relate to that at one point their lives, myself included. It also had a very whimsical feel to it.
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren
Stories about grieving always touch my heart no matter how briefly. I *almost* cried while reading this one, but I was in front of other people and had to stay calm. I will admit, it was quite hard.
Every Second with You by Savanna Ammons
Contemporary romance also isn't something I would normally pick up, but there were mystery elements to this, and they drew me into the treasure hunt that they were.
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise
Historical stories are always fun to read, and Sarina's had the aspect of grief woven into it. Needless to say this one was just as wonderful as the others.
The Teddy Handbook by Marielle Henning
This story reminded me of Toy Story, but better. The characters are wonderful, the setting is so well described, I loved it.
The Sisters of Starford Pointe by Hannah Fouts
As the oldest of six children, I related to the sibling dynamic between the main character and her sister. It also opened my eyes to some of the things that I've done as an older sister 😅
The Hungry Woods by Victoria Shanks
The writing of the short story gave off Lemony Snicket vibes and I'm here for it! I laughed a few times and was touched all within just a few pages.
The First Adventure by Lexi Jo Heuser
Middle grade contemporary superhero stories are nowhere near the usual genre that I read. Even with that, I really liked The First Adventure! I recommend this story ESPECIALLY if it's not your usual genre.
What Lives Beneath the Skin by Joseph Brink
I adore middle grade horror and this story was the perfect representation of it. It was so scary and the way the light shone through at the end was just amazing.
Sapling of the Sea by A. A. Rollins
I don't usually like stories about mer-people, and that being said, I still liked this! It was very wholesome, which is something you don't see as often in books anymore.
The Sword Rose by Caleb E. King
I am someone who LOVES books set in medieval times. They always remind me of the fantasy genre. Particularly when they involve swords. I like swords. And when there's a bittersweet undertone to them, like this.
The Ghost in the Garden by Julia Naus
I won’t spoil this one, but the whole premise of Moon’s (the main character) journey has always fascinated me. It was such a beautiful story.
The River's Lullaby by Marybeth Davis
As said with The Sword Rose, I love stories set in medieval-esque times. This one was the same, I loved it!
Willow, Zillow, and Smith by Esther Pipkin
Again, the sibling dynamic was amazing here, and I fantasy aspect was perfect. I'll say it yet again, I loved it.
Lost in the Library by J. A. Rose
The main character of Lost in the Library is a writer who doesn't think her writing is good enough. I'm sure that any writer can or could relate to that at one point their lives, myself included. It also had a very whimsical feel to it.
The Journal in the Attic by Kira Rosengren
Stories about grieving always touch my heart no matter how briefly. I *almost* cried while reading this one, but I was in front of other people and had to stay calm. I will admit, it was quite hard.
Every Second with You by Savanna Ammons
Contemporary romance also isn't something I would normally pick up, but there were mystery elements to this, and they drew me into the treasure hunt that they were.
The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise
Historical stories are always fun to read, and Sarina's had the aspect of grief woven into it. Needless to say this one was just as wonderful as the others.
January 8, 2025
This anthology of work from up-and-coming authors across middle grade, YA, and adult genres was incredibly inspiring to read. Each story was unique in concept, but all were incredible in their own right. Be prepared to shed a few tears from time to time, but in such good ways! I’m excited to follow these authors’ paths and read more from many of them in the future.
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