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To Wonder and Starshine
Longlisted for the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) Award for Best Collection
From Nebula and BSFA Award finalist Jendia Gammon, To Wonder and Starshine is a charming collection of tales from fairylands to alternate realms, from Appalachia to deep space, and points in between.
Following her multi-award-nominated The Shadow A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry (written as J. Dianne Dotson), Gammon showcases fantasy and science fiction stories within this book. Themes include whimsy, love, grief, beauty, exploration, and friendship, whether between people, animals, robots, aliens, or fairies. This is Jendia Gammon’s homage to all the wonder tales that have shaped her life, whether real or imagined.
Within this collection, Gammon spins tales of a future, autumnal Appalachia with “The Dewdrop Bot and the Honey Fae.” Seaside memories glimmer with supernatural visitors in “A Swirl of Leaves and Sand” and “Upon the Gloaming Hour.” Robots, whether cantankerous or charming, make appearances in several stories, such as “Starry Eyes and Fireflies.” There are flashes of alternate cities, woodland enchantment, deep space adventures, and a little bit of homespun magic throughout.
From Nebula and BSFA Award finalist Jendia Gammon, To Wonder and Starshine is a charming collection of tales from fairylands to alternate realms, from Appalachia to deep space, and points in between.
Following her multi-award-nominated The Shadow A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry (written as J. Dianne Dotson), Gammon showcases fantasy and science fiction stories within this book. Themes include whimsy, love, grief, beauty, exploration, and friendship, whether between people, animals, robots, aliens, or fairies. This is Jendia Gammon’s homage to all the wonder tales that have shaped her life, whether real or imagined.
Within this collection, Gammon spins tales of a future, autumnal Appalachia with “The Dewdrop Bot and the Honey Fae.” Seaside memories glimmer with supernatural visitors in “A Swirl of Leaves and Sand” and “Upon the Gloaming Hour.” Robots, whether cantankerous or charming, make appearances in several stories, such as “Starry Eyes and Fireflies.” There are flashes of alternate cities, woodland enchantment, deep space adventures, and a little bit of homespun magic throughout.
- GenresShort Stories
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Jendia Gammon
30 books39 followersJendia Gammon is a Nebula and BSFA Awards finalist author of fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels and short stories. She is also CEO of Roaring Spring Productions, LLC and Editor-in-Chief of its publishing imprint, Stars and Sabers Publishing. She has also written under the pen name J. Dianne Dotson. Born in Southern Appalachia, Jendia now lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Jendia conducts workshops and participates in panels on creative writing for conventions around the world. She holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jendia is also a science writer and an artist.
Jendia conducts workshops and participates in panels on creative writing for conventions around the world. She holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jendia is also a science writer and an artist.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 12, 2025
Another quality collection from Jendia. Although Shadow Galaxy (the previous volume) contained a selection of stories more appealing to me, this is still a uniquely personal collection of stories that focus simply on the art of daydreaming and the joy of wonder at the world around us. And one that has stories suitable even for a younger audience. One lovely quote especially stands out:
“..fog that hung in the valley like a scarf knitted from raindrops”
Wonderful!
The first few stories focus on fairies and nature, but we move onto robots and technology as they progress. Friendship is covered, as is loneliness. Grief, the loss of family and the healing power of art is prominent in multiple stories showing how deep the author has perhaps plumbed to make many of these stories a more personal reflection. Despite that, there is nothing sad here; everything is uplifting and sparkles with brightness and colour. That’s value enough in this world right now, especially with many authors seemingly competing in who can be the most bleak.
Stand out stories for me:
- In the Wood of Frost and Shadow
- Copper
- The Theseus Stone
- Watercolours at the Edge
Recommended for bringing a lighter mood in a darkening time.
“..fog that hung in the valley like a scarf knitted from raindrops”
Wonderful!
The first few stories focus on fairies and nature, but we move onto robots and technology as they progress. Friendship is covered, as is loneliness. Grief, the loss of family and the healing power of art is prominent in multiple stories showing how deep the author has perhaps plumbed to make many of these stories a more personal reflection. Despite that, there is nothing sad here; everything is uplifting and sparkles with brightness and colour. That’s value enough in this world right now, especially with many authors seemingly competing in who can be the most bleak.
Stand out stories for me:
- In the Wood of Frost and Shadow
- Copper
- The Theseus Stone
- Watercolours at the Edge
Recommended for bringing a lighter mood in a darkening time.
July 28, 2025
This charming book is an invitation to step into a world of wonder. In the acknowledgments at the end, Gammon writes, “You have permission to daydream.” For me, that permission didn’t stop at daydreams—it carried into the night. The stories are magical, bite-sized tidbits, perfect for a nightly bedtime read. Whether it's about a fairy, a cat, or a dewdrop bot, each tale invites you to drift deeper into your imagination. They're creative, fresh, and fun. You can read the whole book in one sitting or stretch it out, like I did, and enjoy the stories night after night until the next book arrives.
December 31, 2025
This book is a splash of colour in a grey world.
I was honoured to receive an AR copy of this gem of a book, and it came across my plate at the perfect moment.
Gammon brings you through space, time, and different realms in this perfect sci-fi fantasy short story anthology. There’s such a wonderful sense of hope, positivity, and a reminder to dream and explore.
Every new story transports you to a vivid new world, each one offering ideas to reflect on, and dynamic characters to fall in love with.
I was honoured to receive an AR copy of this gem of a book, and it came across my plate at the perfect moment.
Gammon brings you through space, time, and different realms in this perfect sci-fi fantasy short story anthology. There’s such a wonderful sense of hope, positivity, and a reminder to dream and explore.
Every new story transports you to a vivid new world, each one offering ideas to reflect on, and dynamic characters to fall in love with.
August 15, 2025
Lyrical and lovely, this collection has a fairy tale vibe, featuring enchantments, magical creatures, otherworldly planets, and much more. Reading this book is like wandering through a rainbow or taking a flight through the Northern Lights. Pure magic!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews