Inked

by Kate Simkins

This collection of stories and poems invites the reader to explore hidden worlds and unknown galaxies whilst finding space for thought-provoking reflection. These tales and poems show that what instinctively makes us human transcends time, place and genre and reveal that the most important truths, are universal.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

Reviews

[CHRIS CARTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across its pages, Simkins moves effortlessly between genres and forms, blending speculative elements with reflective prose and poetry. The stories feel expansive, sometimes cosmic, sometimes grounded, but always purposeful. Whether set in unfamiliar futures or abstract inner worlds, each piece carries an emotional truth that feels recognizably human.

There is a strong sense of cohesion throughout the collection, despite the variety of styles and settings. Themes of identity, connection, loss, curiosity, and resilience recur organically, giving the book a unified emotional spine. The writing is elegant without being inaccessible, and poetic without drifting into obscurity. Each piece leaves room for contemplation, encouraging the reader not just to consume the words, but to sit with them.

The poetry interwoven with the prose adds another layer of depth, often distilling complex ideas into precise, resonant moments. These poems act as pauses in the journey, quiet spaces where meaning settles and expands. Simkins has a gift for capturing universal truths in subtle ways, allowing emotion to surface naturally rather than forcing it onto the page.

What Inked ultimately achieves is a reminder that, regardless of time, place, or genre, the instincts that define humanity, love, fear, wonder, grief, hope, remain constant. This is a collection that rewards slow reading and reflection, offering something new with each return.

[Zayden Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inked was a fascinating and thought-provoking collection. I loved how the stories invited reflection and personal interpretation some were puzzling in the best way and stayed with me long after reading. Your writing and tone adapt beautifully to each piece, and together they say something universal about what it means to be human. Thank you for creating a collection that encourages readers to think, feel, and experience the stories in their own way.

[Elliott James Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm more of a poetry reader these days but I chose this recently as it's more of a collection of short stories.
I do really rather wish some of these short stories were longer or novellas however.
It's no wonder one of them, The Bench, has been made into a movie.
A talent for the future.
One to watch for sure.

[Matthew Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating collection of twisty, thought-provoking stories. While "The Bench" deserves all the praise and attention, the rest of the stories also offer unexpected insights. A great book for everyone who enjoys short stories.

[Suzanne Furness · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting collection of short stories and poems. Includes The Bench, an award winning and poignant story which was made into a short film. Perfect little book to dip in and out of.