Wolf's Path

by Joyce Chng

A stunning, comprehensive collection of short stories, poetry, recollections, and drawings, by writer Joyce Chng.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Poetry

260 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Joyce Chng (also spelled Ch’ng) lives in Singapore. They write science fiction and fantasy as well as YA and MG. Their short stories have appeared in The Apex Book of World SF II, The Future Fire and Multispecies Cities. Dragon Dancer (Lantana Publishing) is Joyce’s first picture book, celebrating dragon dancing and Lunar New Year; it was followed by Oyster Girl (Pepper Dog Press), a tribute to their grandmother and the hawker heritage in Singapore. For YA readers, Fire Heart is a fantasy book about swords and coming-of-age. They also write books for adults as J. Chng and urban fantasy as J. Damask. You can find Joyce at their website, or on X and Bluesky at @jolantru.

Reviews

[Jaxson Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an underrated author and short story collection! Some stories were a bit hard to follow, which I find is common with sci-fi/fantasy short story collections, but others were so strong and enticing that overall the read was very worthwhile and I would highly recommend!

[Rachel Ashera Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection tracks the author's writing over three phases, from their early experimentation to more recent work written during pandemic, and it's all absolutely wonderful. Tracing themes of the monstrous and the animal, dystopia and history, the body and queerness, it's a love letter to Singapore and a fresh, exciting take on genre fiction.

[Lanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first requested this from NetGalley, I had never heard of Joyce Chng, and full disclosure it was the cover that attracted me. But it was also the cover that solidified for me after reading maybe a few sentences of th3 synopsis that there was simply now way this would be bad. That was the understatement of the decade. This book will have a place of prominence on my shelves for the rest of my existence. Chng's stories felt so deeply personal to her that at times, I felt like I had stumbled upon their open diary and felt guilty for continuing to read. And yet, there were so many times when it felt like Chng had written the story specifically for me. They somehow knew something about myself. I just didn't know, and this was their way of telling me.

This was simply the greatest collection of short stories I have ever read. A collection I know I will reread hundreds of times over in my lifetime when I need them to encourage me. Quite honestly, I can not thank them enough for sharing their stories with us.

As always, thanks to NetGalley and Atthis Arts for the eArc!

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic short stories and poetry collection. I didn't know what to expect, but the stories immediately caught my attention and did a great job conveying a variety of themes through the exploration of sci fi and fantasy. The representation of queer characters and gender fluidity was so well done.
I don't know what else to add - it's a collection you'll want to dive into without more details and let yourself be taken by the human stories.

**Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. This was in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

[Radwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was simply gorgeous!!!

a new favorite book just before the end of the year is what i needed. this is my first read by this author, and i really thank netgalley for this chance read that i didn't expect a lot from!

this was a collection of short stories and poetry, and I connected more to the short stories: a collection of sci fi\fantasy tales infused with culture, mythology and deep connections and relationships. really recommend it for scifi\fantasy readers!

[Dale Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an Advanced Review. The publisher provided a free electronic copy in exchange for an unbiased review.Introduction

"Wolf's Path: A Stunning, Comprehensive Collection" by Joyce Chng is not just a book; it's an anthology that spans multiple forms of creative expression. Known for her nuanced explorations of Southeast Asian cultures within speculative fiction, Chng delivers a diverse tapestry of short stories, poetry, personal recollections, and artwork. This review will explore the various components of this collection, assessing how they come together to create a rich, multifaceted narrative experience.

Summary
Short Stories:
Chng's short stories in "Wolf's Path" are a testament to her skill in blending cultural elements with fantasy and science fiction. These tales often revolve around themes of identity, transformation, and the intersection of the mythical with the mundane. Notable for their settings in a culturally rich Singapore, these stories explore the lives of characters who navigate dual worlds—one of humanity and another of the supernatural or scientific marvels. Each story stands alone but contributes to a larger conversation about belonging and the search for self in a world that's both ancient and futuristic.

Poetry:
The poetry in "Wolf's Path" is evocative and layered, often reflecting on the same themes as the stories but through a more intimate, lyrical lens. Chng's poetry captures the essence of transformation, the beauty of nature, and the pain of displacement or cultural erasure. Her words weave together English with elements of other languages, providing a rhythm and cadence that echo the multicultural backdrop of her narratives.

Recollections:
The personal essays or recollections offer a glimpse into Chng's life, her inspirations, and her journey as a writer. These pieces are poignant, sometimes humorous, and always insightful, providing context to her creative works. They bridge the gap between the author and the reader, making the entire collection feel like a shared journey rather than just a one-sided narrative.

Artwork:
Chng's drawings complement the textual content beautifully. The artwork, ranging from sketches to more detailed pieces, captures the essence of the stories or poems they accompany. The visual elements add another layer of storytelling, encapsulating moods, characters, or scenes in a way that words alone cannot.

Themes and Cohesion:
"Wolf's Path" is woven with threads of identity, cultural heritage, the supernatural, and environmental concerns. The collection doesn't just tell stories; it invites readers to ponder the complexities of living in a multicultural, rapidly changing world, where the past and future collide.

Conclusion
"Wolf's Path" by Joyce Chng is an impressive, holistic work of art that celebrates the diversity of storytelling. It's a testament to Chng's versatility as a creator who can engage with her audience through multiple mediums. This collection does more than entertain; it educates, provokes thought, and invites introspection about our place in the world and our connection to nature, culture, and each other.

Rating Breakdown
Short Stories: 4.5/5 - Engaging, with rich cultural contexts and imaginative speculative elements.
Poetry: 4/5 - Beautifully crafted, though some might find the blend of languages challenging.
Recollections: 4.5/5 - Insightful, personal, adding depth and relatability to the author's work.
Artwork: 4/5 - Enhances the narrative, though the quality can vary due to the nature of sketches versus more detailed illustrations.
Overall Cohesion: 4.5/5 - The collection is remarkably cohesive, each part complementing the others to create a unified artistic statement.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 - A compelling anthology that showcases Joyce Chng's multifaceted talents.

"Wolf's Path" is recommended for anyone seeking a deep dive into speculative fiction with a strong cultural voice, poetry that resonates on a personal level, and a visual treat that complements the written word. It's a must-read for fans of culturally rich, genre-bending narratives.

[Vania Vela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf's Path by Joyce Chng is a vibrant and heartfelt anthology. Blending short stories, poetry, personal reflections, and artwork, this collection feels like stepping into a world where culture, mythology, and identity collide in unexpected ways.

At its heart, the book explores themes of transformation, identity, and the overlap between the everyday and the mythical. Chng’s poetry is especially striking, capturing moments of change, the beauty of nature, and the pain of losing pieces of one's cultural identity.

What makes this collection stand out is how personal it feels. Through essays and reflections, Chng shares glimpses of their life and creative journey. These moments are sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, but always insightful. They give the stories and poems a richer context, helping readers connect with the author on a more intimate level.

The artwork is another highlight, adding layers to the stories and poems. Whether through simple sketches or detailed illustrations, the visuals feel like extensions of the text, pulling you deeper into the world Chng has created. They’re not just extras—they’re an essential part of the experience.

Wolf’s Path asks navigates a world where cultures mix, clash, and evolve. It’s a celebration of Southeast Asian heritage while also exploring the challenges of living in a changing, multicultural world.

This collection is thought-provoking and emotional without feeling overly heavy. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to return to, discovering something new each time. Joyce Chng has created something truly special—a beautifully woven blend of words and art that invites readers to see the world through their eyes.

[Clara Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straddling worlds and writing as an act of rebellion resonate across the three eras of Joyce Chng’s work displayed in this collection. The textures of their lived experience reweave Chinese, Malay, and Singaporean traditions with a queer sensibility and a very personal connection to the natural world. The nonbinary and invisible disability representation especially spoke to me, as did multiple stories showcasing nonhuman perspectives or transformations. Two of my favorites were “Treacle Blood” (depicting the sometimes high cost of creating, alongside a vivid memory of discovering spun sugar) and “The Year is 2115” (featuring a sinister but hopeful future, centered on Singapore).

[Kristiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for a review.

Compiled to celebrate Chng’s 50th birthday, Wolf’s Path charts their development as a writer.

This collection of short stories is not a genre I would typically choose - Science Fiction Fantasy - but I enjoyed Chng’s storytelling and how their writing blended Singaporean culture with dystopian, apocalyptic, and futuristic landscapes.

The immersion was often broken, however, by poor editing of the writing itself. There were several spelling errors or misused vocabulary, alongside incorrect expressions and syntax which lacked fluidity and ease. Unfortunately this happened with almost every story, which is a shame but also a surprise considering the work has been published prior to this compilation.

So while I’d recommend Chng’s storytelling, I don’t think I’d recommend this collection of short stories as it currently stands.