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Voices of the Future: Stories of Strength & Sacrifice
Discover the next generation of storytellers …
The seventh edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of strength and sacrifice in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these brief tales from rising young creatives.
Colin Escaping Limbo
Naomi Becoming a Dragon Knight
Sophia Isander's Arrow
Hannah Rosie Returns
A'riana Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus
Kenzie Flowers, From Me
HannahGrace Nowhere Girl
Allie The Eve of New Beginnings
Elisabeth A. Reach For the Stars
Lydia The One That Got Away
Micaiah Chasing Clocks
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.com
Colin Escaping Limbo
Naomi Becoming a Dragon Knight
Sophia Isander's Arrow
Hannah Rosie Returns
A'riana Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus
Kenzie Flowers, From Me
HannahGrace Nowhere Girl
Allie The Eve of New Beginnings
Elisabeth A. Reach For the Stars
Lydia The One That Got Away
Micaiah Chasing Clocks
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.com
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 20, 2025
These stories were just what I needed in the middle of a hectic season. Despite being tired and low on brain cells, every time I picked up the book planning to just read one story, I found myself thinking "okay, but just one more..." This is one of the most comforting anthologies in the VoTF series so far in my opinion, which was just delightful.
A few of my favorites:
- Isander's Arrow by Sophia Jones was so charming—it's a middle-grade fantasy adventure that felt like it could be a Pixar short. I desperately need a short film with banana dragons, please.
- Rosie Returns by Hannah Bellinghausen was just the reminder I needed to embrace my inner child. Rosie is a hilarious imaginary friend and little Ben is adorable.
- Flowers, From Me by Kenzie May is so vivid—Daisy's quiet love of flowers brought beautiful texture and meaning into her small world, and her friendship with Jace made me smile.
- The Eve of New Beginnings by Allie Hostetler brings the reader into a gathering of friends that feels real and vibrant, even in a tiny number of pages. The snow angel scene put a big grin on my face!
- Reach for the Stars by Elisabeth Douglas is an ode to JOY—to doing what makes you and the people you love happy, even if it's not flashy or "cool". Which was so sweet to read.
- The One that Got Away by Lydia Smith is a reimagining of the story of Zacchaeus—biblical fiction is so tough to pull off without being cloying or wooden, and this story is neither of those things. It's beautiful and sincere and SO FUNNY. I loved Smith's vision of Zacchaeus as the town grump who needs to be reminded that he is loved.
- Chasing Clocks by Micaiah Keough—bring your tissues for this one, y'all. Keough pulls off the bitter, messy, tender emotions of family love stumbling its way through grief in a beautiful way. This was a knockout.
Overall this anthology felt like a hug; these authors have a gift for seeing and noticing the goodness in the world, and they've done such a lovely job. I can't wait to read their novels one day!
A few of my favorites:
- Isander's Arrow by Sophia Jones was so charming—it's a middle-grade fantasy adventure that felt like it could be a Pixar short. I desperately need a short film with banana dragons, please.
- Rosie Returns by Hannah Bellinghausen was just the reminder I needed to embrace my inner child. Rosie is a hilarious imaginary friend and little Ben is adorable.
- Flowers, From Me by Kenzie May is so vivid—Daisy's quiet love of flowers brought beautiful texture and meaning into her small world, and her friendship with Jace made me smile.
- The Eve of New Beginnings by Allie Hostetler brings the reader into a gathering of friends that feels real and vibrant, even in a tiny number of pages. The snow angel scene put a big grin on my face!
- Reach for the Stars by Elisabeth Douglas is an ode to JOY—to doing what makes you and the people you love happy, even if it's not flashy or "cool". Which was so sweet to read.
- The One that Got Away by Lydia Smith is a reimagining of the story of Zacchaeus—biblical fiction is so tough to pull off without being cloying or wooden, and this story is neither of those things. It's beautiful and sincere and SO FUNNY. I loved Smith's vision of Zacchaeus as the town grump who needs to be reminded that he is loved.
- Chasing Clocks by Micaiah Keough—bring your tissues for this one, y'all. Keough pulls off the bitter, messy, tender emotions of family love stumbling its way through grief in a beautiful way. This was a knockout.
Overall this anthology felt like a hug; these authors have a gift for seeing and noticing the goodness in the world, and they've done such a lovely job. I can't wait to read their novels one day!
September 30, 2025
With a diverse spread of genres and age groups, I did find myself gravitating more towards the latter half of the book as a matter of personal taste alone. Here are my favorite stories in the order they appear in the collection ❤️
💐 Flowers, From Me by Kenzie May
The grounded, descriptive voice pulled me in right away and introduced me to a main character whose struggles I could see my own in. Daisy’s journey is raw and relatable, showing the subtle heartaches that can arise from the small, everyday things of life, and how all of that can eventually create such a deep loneliness. The flower meanings wove a lovely whimsy into Daisy and Jace’s blossoming friendship, later deepening into symbols of character growth. I really appreciated how Jace wasn’t this perfect, charismatic guy existing solely to aid in the main character’s journey (manic pixie dream boy, if you will). Instead, they were both completely human and adorable in that humanness. Awkward and clumsy and imperfect, but trying, even if there’s a fair share of tripping along the way. From Daisy’s nervous hiccuping habit to Jace’s failed attempts at math (#relate), their dynamic was both sweet and utterly real. This is absolutely a comfort story for me.
💫 Reach for the Stars by Elisabeth Douglas
This was such an important reminder to go back to the reason we make art in the first place; not simply for validation or to fit into a mold. As a creative myself, I loved this truth that the mere act of creating is valuable in itself, even when our society insists that tangible results and success are the only parts of the process worth celebrating. Karina’s relationship with her dad was so sweet, and refreshing, too—we need to see more healthy, supportive parents in books. And I cracked up at Kenzie’s introduction scene: her character added such a dose of fun to this world of street graffiti and fire escapes, dashed hopes and murky skies where the stars seem farther out of reach than ever. Karina’s sweet, close-knit family is one of the highlights of this story.
🐑 The One That Got Away by Lydia Smith
With effortless, natural pacing and a perspective that brings Zacchaeus’ story to life with both humor and compassion, Smith has encapsulated the truth of the God who loves us in our frail, sinful, and yes, often ridiculous states. I was particularly moved by the verses of Psalm 23 throughout the narrative, framed by the innocent recitations of children and transporting Zacchaeus back to a time when he was just as young and reciting those same passages in the temple. That context added even more meaning and heartache to his status as an outcast, then, later, mirrored his tentative, childlike hope—that the Christ everyone was speaking of might somehow accept him. By the time I reached the last lines, I was left with the same kind of tears as Zacchaeus: tears of joy and relief at finally being seen. This is a favorite I’ll return to time and time again.
🕰️ Chasing Clocks by Micaiah Keough
This story’s fresh, convincing voice had me fully intrigued and fully comfortable immersing myself in Reuben’s journey, where finding a golden pocket watch for one little brother’s birthday might just be his redemption, and where a moving, emotional undercurrent of grief runs through this impulsive adventure with never a dull moment. Reuben’s character and world came to life with mesmerizing vibrance. I loved his understated compassion, his tendency to act now and apologize later, and his desperate desire to fill the aching gap in his family. Somehow, Keough made the story feel so much bigger than its sixteen pages, and it simultaneously wrapped up the anthology perfectly and left me wishing there was more. Incredibly done.
💐 Flowers, From Me by Kenzie May
The grounded, descriptive voice pulled me in right away and introduced me to a main character whose struggles I could see my own in. Daisy’s journey is raw and relatable, showing the subtle heartaches that can arise from the small, everyday things of life, and how all of that can eventually create such a deep loneliness. The flower meanings wove a lovely whimsy into Daisy and Jace’s blossoming friendship, later deepening into symbols of character growth. I really appreciated how Jace wasn’t this perfect, charismatic guy existing solely to aid in the main character’s journey (manic pixie dream boy, if you will). Instead, they were both completely human and adorable in that humanness. Awkward and clumsy and imperfect, but trying, even if there’s a fair share of tripping along the way. From Daisy’s nervous hiccuping habit to Jace’s failed attempts at math (#relate), their dynamic was both sweet and utterly real. This is absolutely a comfort story for me.
💫 Reach for the Stars by Elisabeth Douglas
This was such an important reminder to go back to the reason we make art in the first place; not simply for validation or to fit into a mold. As a creative myself, I loved this truth that the mere act of creating is valuable in itself, even when our society insists that tangible results and success are the only parts of the process worth celebrating. Karina’s relationship with her dad was so sweet, and refreshing, too—we need to see more healthy, supportive parents in books. And I cracked up at Kenzie’s introduction scene: her character added such a dose of fun to this world of street graffiti and fire escapes, dashed hopes and murky skies where the stars seem farther out of reach than ever. Karina’s sweet, close-knit family is one of the highlights of this story.
🐑 The One That Got Away by Lydia Smith
With effortless, natural pacing and a perspective that brings Zacchaeus’ story to life with both humor and compassion, Smith has encapsulated the truth of the God who loves us in our frail, sinful, and yes, often ridiculous states. I was particularly moved by the verses of Psalm 23 throughout the narrative, framed by the innocent recitations of children and transporting Zacchaeus back to a time when he was just as young and reciting those same passages in the temple. That context added even more meaning and heartache to his status as an outcast, then, later, mirrored his tentative, childlike hope—that the Christ everyone was speaking of might somehow accept him. By the time I reached the last lines, I was left with the same kind of tears as Zacchaeus: tears of joy and relief at finally being seen. This is a favorite I’ll return to time and time again.
🕰️ Chasing Clocks by Micaiah Keough
This story’s fresh, convincing voice had me fully intrigued and fully comfortable immersing myself in Reuben’s journey, where finding a golden pocket watch for one little brother’s birthday might just be his redemption, and where a moving, emotional undercurrent of grief runs through this impulsive adventure with never a dull moment. Reuben’s character and world came to life with mesmerizing vibrance. I loved his understated compassion, his tendency to act now and apologize later, and his desperate desire to fill the aching gap in his family. Somehow, Keough made the story feel so much bigger than its sixteen pages, and it simultaneously wrapped up the anthology perfectly and left me wishing there was more. Incredibly done.
November 6, 2025
So I must first give the disclaimer that I haven’t read all of the stories in here! I started out just planning to read Lydia Smith’s, as I joined her launch team after having enjoyed reading another of her biblical fiction short stories. Then after I finished that one, I was intrigued by the opening of the other story in the historical fiction section, so I read that one, too! Here are my reviews for both of these stories!
“The One That Got Away” by Lydia Smith was a very well-written work of biblical fiction about Zacchaeus. I loved the author’s word choices, how she developed the character of Zacchaeus, the bits of humor sprinkled throughout, and the story’s theme! It made me freshly ponder just how wonderful it would have been to be Zacchaeus there in that sycamore tree and to actually hear Jesus call you out by name–and know that He knows you! And then, of course, I remembered that He does the same to each of us! We may not see Him in the flesh like Zacchaeus did, but if we open our hearts, we can hear Him calling to us, just like he did, and know that Jesus knows us, too.
“Chasing Clocks” by Micaiah Keough was another very well-written story! I felt it could have been the beginning of a much longer story, but it also felt complete as it is. I immediately knew we were in England when I started reading. I loved the author’s use of British words and phrases! Several I recognized as being terms they use in the Narnia books, which was fun! (There are a couple of uses of “bloody,” which some might consider a swear word, just so you know.) While it never says what year the story is set in, I got the impression it was the early 1900s. I enjoy stories about brothers and liked the theme of brotherly love in this story!
I look forward to reading more by these talented young writers and would definitely be interested in reading a full-length novel by either of these authors!
“The One That Got Away” by Lydia Smith was a very well-written work of biblical fiction about Zacchaeus. I loved the author’s word choices, how she developed the character of Zacchaeus, the bits of humor sprinkled throughout, and the story’s theme! It made me freshly ponder just how wonderful it would have been to be Zacchaeus there in that sycamore tree and to actually hear Jesus call you out by name–and know that He knows you! And then, of course, I remembered that He does the same to each of us! We may not see Him in the flesh like Zacchaeus did, but if we open our hearts, we can hear Him calling to us, just like he did, and know that Jesus knows us, too.
“Chasing Clocks” by Micaiah Keough was another very well-written story! I felt it could have been the beginning of a much longer story, but it also felt complete as it is. I immediately knew we were in England when I started reading. I loved the author’s use of British words and phrases! Several I recognized as being terms they use in the Narnia books, which was fun! (There are a couple of uses of “bloody,” which some might consider a swear word, just so you know.) While it never says what year the story is set in, I got the impression it was the early 1900s. I enjoy stories about brothers and liked the theme of brotherly love in this story!
I look forward to reading more by these talented young writers and would definitely be interested in reading a full-length novel by either of these authors!
October 8, 2025
This collection is brimming with beauty, delight, character, and talent-- such wonderful ideas and storytelling from authors well worth following into their future careers. The variety of genres, target ages, and moods should give any kind of reader something to enjoy. While you can't go wrong opening to a random story, here are a few I especially recommend:
"Isander's Arrow" by Sophia Jones is both adventurous and endearing, simple on the surface but memorable for its powerful image of learning to be brave. I loved the two main characters and their relationship, and the vividness of the fantasy worldbuilding was truly impressive for a short story.
"Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus" by A'riana Sophia wasn't one of the stories I first bought this anthology for, but I had to read it the minute I flipped through and saw it was set in my beloved Pacific Northwest. The vivid setting didn't disappoint, and the story was a delightful love letter to words and an inspiring tale of courage and adventure all at the same time.
"Flowers, From Me" by Kenzie May is just one of the sweetest and most uplifting stories ever. The charming concept, the message of friendship, and the way the main character processes the world in terms of flowers and their meanings are all executed with such beauty and thoughtfulness.
"The One That Got Away" by Lydia Smith is a tiny masterpiece of Biblical fiction done well. It's deeply beautiful and emotionally sensitive, but funny and adorable at the same time. I finished it with a powerful sense of Jesus' love and utter differentness from everything else in the world.
"Isander's Arrow" by Sophia Jones is both adventurous and endearing, simple on the surface but memorable for its powerful image of learning to be brave. I loved the two main characters and their relationship, and the vividness of the fantasy worldbuilding was truly impressive for a short story.
"Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus" by A'riana Sophia wasn't one of the stories I first bought this anthology for, but I had to read it the minute I flipped through and saw it was set in my beloved Pacific Northwest. The vivid setting didn't disappoint, and the story was a delightful love letter to words and an inspiring tale of courage and adventure all at the same time.
"Flowers, From Me" by Kenzie May is just one of the sweetest and most uplifting stories ever. The charming concept, the message of friendship, and the way the main character processes the world in terms of flowers and their meanings are all executed with such beauty and thoughtfulness.
"The One That Got Away" by Lydia Smith is a tiny masterpiece of Biblical fiction done well. It's deeply beautiful and emotionally sensitive, but funny and adorable at the same time. I finished it with a powerful sense of Jesus' love and utter differentness from everything else in the world.
September 2, 2025
(disclaimer: I was sent this early to get an honest review...)
(Also, pardon my misspellings.)
So, here's the deal. I have never read an anthology. Ever. That's right, kinda lame. So ofc I had no idea what this would entail. But when I say that the stories included in this anthology were amazing, like over-the-top amazing, I mean it. I think personally my favourite section of this anthology was the contemporary. And because i read a lot of contemporary, (I only just got into it recently), but rather because every single story in that section stuck with me, not only because they are all things im interested in, (the languge of flowers, big words, writing, and fashion design), but becuase like all the stories in this antholgy they were full of stength and sacrifice. So if you're saying to yourself, "Hey, I wanna read a collection of stories about strength and sacrifice, and just plain awesome heart-warming stories," then I highly recommend ordering a copy of this anthology. Like now. Go do it, you won't regret it.
(Also, pardon my misspellings.)
So, here's the deal. I have never read an anthology. Ever. That's right, kinda lame. So ofc I had no idea what this would entail. But when I say that the stories included in this anthology were amazing, like over-the-top amazing, I mean it. I think personally my favourite section of this anthology was the contemporary. And because i read a lot of contemporary, (I only just got into it recently), but rather because every single story in that section stuck with me, not only because they are all things im interested in, (the languge of flowers, big words, writing, and fashion design), but becuase like all the stories in this antholgy they were full of stength and sacrifice. So if you're saying to yourself, "Hey, I wanna read a collection of stories about strength and sacrifice, and just plain awesome heart-warming stories," then I highly recommend ordering a copy of this anthology. Like now. Go do it, you won't regret it.
September 30, 2025
Oh my goodness, this is such a beautiful collection of stories. The Voices of the Future collections always impress me with just how much heart and depth these authors are able to pack into such a small space, and Volume 7 was no exception. I picked it up multiple times intending to read just one story, and ended up reading two or three because I just couldn't put it down.
All the stories in this collection are amazing, but I'll highlight a few personal favorites in the order they're included. Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus was such a fun, unique one. I loved all the vocabulary! The One that Got Away was another personal favorite--I loved how Lydia brought Zacchaeus's character to life. I also really enjoyed Chasing Clocks--such a strong, fun character voice and so much depth and heart to this story.
Overall, this is another amazing collection of stories and I'm so excited to see what each of these authors write next!
All the stories in this collection are amazing, but I'll highlight a few personal favorites in the order they're included. Two Sesquipedalians on the Greyhound Bus was such a fun, unique one. I loved all the vocabulary! The One that Got Away was another personal favorite--I loved how Lydia brought Zacchaeus's character to life. I also really enjoyed Chasing Clocks--such a strong, fun character voice and so much depth and heart to this story.
Overall, this is another amazing collection of stories and I'm so excited to see what each of these authors write next!
September 19, 2025
While most of these stories were not the stories I naturally gravitate toward, I adored the Fantasy section of this anthology. My top two favorite stories were Naomi Johns' "Becoming a Dragon Knight" (I LOVE the shapeshifting aspect of this story and the family dynamics!) and Sophia Jones's "Isander's Arrow" (the courage arc was wonderful!).
Favorite Quote:
“’You risk the currents pulling you in the wrong direction and not knowing it until you’re below the clods again. But if you can calculate it correctly, and work with the wind, it can carry you much faster and farther than if you were on your own.’
My thoughts travel faster than the current can carry me, as I contemplate the meaning behind his words. They don’t just apply to flying.” ~ Naomi Johns' "Becoming a Dragon Knight"
Favorite Quote:
“’You risk the currents pulling you in the wrong direction and not knowing it until you’re below the clods again. But if you can calculate it correctly, and work with the wind, it can carry you much faster and farther than if you were on your own.’
My thoughts travel faster than the current can carry me, as I contemplate the meaning behind his words. They don’t just apply to flying.” ~ Naomi Johns' "Becoming a Dragon Knight"
September 8, 2025
I've loved every Voices of the Future anthology since Volume One, and Strength & Sacrifice is yet another amazing collection by the Author Conservatory! I think this volume is the first one with a science fiction story (Escaping Limbo by Colin Horst, which I very much enjoyed) and that was exciting. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for great short fiction!
November 5, 2025
Really enjoyed this collection of short stories by eleven different authors, including Chasing Clocks by my friend Micaiah Keough! Micaiah is so gifted and talented, and I loved her writing and the brotherhood dynamic!
I loved how there were multiple different genres I got to read in this collection!
I loved how there were multiple different genres I got to read in this collection!
February 10, 2026
--- "Escaping Limbo" by Colin Horst -----
Thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced sci-fi story. Colin's got a fun, snappy way of writing and his characters are immediately very likable.
I'm excited to read the rest of the collection soon!
Thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced sci-fi story. Colin's got a fun, snappy way of writing and his characters are immediately very likable.
I'm excited to read the rest of the collection soon!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews