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Locks & Keys: A Fantasy Anthology
Will a persecuted witch give the kingdom's heir what he deserves? Does the squad of plucky rebels find a way out of an infiltration gone wrong? How can a street urchin survive in the shadow of a infamous gang? Can a thief brave the belly of the beast in search of a treasure that will never be hers? How sinister can a bond be between an orphan and her mother?
Pirates raid a fishing island in the sky. A sickly girl pushes past the threshold for Demonsnight. An apprentice gloomsinger comes face to face with what he fears most. With her life on the line, a cook prepares one last dish. A demon girl flies to the city of humans, begging them to change.
Ten unique fantasy stories by ten different authors. Dragons, sky pirates, and even samurai inhabit these pages. Locks, keys, and secrets loom over all.
Pirates raid a fishing island in the sky. A sickly girl pushes past the threshold for Demonsnight. An apprentice gloomsinger comes face to face with what he fears most. With her life on the line, a cook prepares one last dish. A demon girl flies to the city of humans, begging them to change.
Ten unique fantasy stories by ten different authors. Dragons, sky pirates, and even samurai inhabit these pages. Locks, keys, and secrets loom over all.
320 pages, ebook
Published October 28, 2025
7 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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October 27, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
I’ve made it no secret that the key to my heart is fantasy with a good dose of mystery and intrigue, and that is exactly what The Secret Scribes offer in spades in Locks & Keys. Conjured up by ten of the most imaginative minds in the indie fantasy space, this short story anthology dives deep to the dark core of what we hide, protect, sacrifice, or risk everything to uncover. It’s like you get to unlock a new hidden door in each unique story, with some leading to wonder, others to heartache, and a few to the most delicious dread. Short but (bitter)sweet, what more could you ask for?!
Now, I am usually drawn to anthologies when they feature stories by some of my favourite authors, but in the case of Locks & Keys 8 out of the 10 authors were completely new to me. And you know what, I absolutely loved exploring new voices and worlds through these short stories, and I think the variety hidden within these pages is exactly what makes this anthology so strong and exciting. One moment you’re soaring through the skies with pirates raiding a floating fishing village, and the next you’re in a kitchen cooking up a last, desperate meal. From cursed treasure hunts and doomed heists to witches, demons, dragons, street gangs, and even samurai, there’s truly no shortage of chills and thrills packed into these pages.
Each of these uniquely talented authors was able to fully capture my imagination within just a few pages, and I would argue that the common thread binding Locks & Keys together is not just the theme of secrets, locks, and keys, but even more so the fact that these authors all prove that skilled storytellers don’t require hundreds of pages to deliver one hell of a memorable tale. No matter how wild and fantastical the tale, each of these adventures has a very strong emotional core, which is exactly what kept me grounded throughout this absolute whirlwind of a collection.
To me, there truly isn’t a weak link in Locks & Keys, but naturally there were a few stories that resonated the most with me and left an exceptionally big impression. The opening story “A Three-Knock Problem” by R.A. Sandpiper (who was already a trusted fave of mine) really grabbed me from the first page and had a big “OH SHIT” twist that just hurt oh so good. Then the satirical heist fantasy “Rebels Without A Clue” by Sean O’Boyle was the story that I probably had the most fun with, and I can’t wait to devour more stories with his strong and witty authorial voice. And to round out the top three, we’ve got an action-packed tale full of sky pirates, fearsome animal companions, and lots of complicated family dynamics in “Cold Mutiny” by Tom Bookbeard, who just started his author career off with an absolute bang with this short story.
Needless to say, I had an absolute blast with Locks & Keys, and my TBR is currently crying from all the new books that got added as I discovered new authors to fall in love with here. No matter what vibe or flavour of fantasy you usually prefer, this collection of imaginative short stories will satisfy cravings you didn’t even know you had all while leaving you desperate for more in the best way possible.
Contributing authors: R.A. Sandpiper, Sean O’Boyle, L.M. Douglas, G.J. Terral, Bella Dunn, Tom Bookbeard, R.E. Sanders, Bill Adams, Dave Lawson & Alex Scheuerman.
Thank you to the Secret Scribes for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Locks & Keys is scheduled for release on 28 October, 2025.
I’ve made it no secret that the key to my heart is fantasy with a good dose of mystery and intrigue, and that is exactly what The Secret Scribes offer in spades in Locks & Keys. Conjured up by ten of the most imaginative minds in the indie fantasy space, this short story anthology dives deep to the dark core of what we hide, protect, sacrifice, or risk everything to uncover. It’s like you get to unlock a new hidden door in each unique story, with some leading to wonder, others to heartache, and a few to the most delicious dread. Short but (bitter)sweet, what more could you ask for?!
Now, I am usually drawn to anthologies when they feature stories by some of my favourite authors, but in the case of Locks & Keys 8 out of the 10 authors were completely new to me. And you know what, I absolutely loved exploring new voices and worlds through these short stories, and I think the variety hidden within these pages is exactly what makes this anthology so strong and exciting. One moment you’re soaring through the skies with pirates raiding a floating fishing village, and the next you’re in a kitchen cooking up a last, desperate meal. From cursed treasure hunts and doomed heists to witches, demons, dragons, street gangs, and even samurai, there’s truly no shortage of chills and thrills packed into these pages.
Each of these uniquely talented authors was able to fully capture my imagination within just a few pages, and I would argue that the common thread binding Locks & Keys together is not just the theme of secrets, locks, and keys, but even more so the fact that these authors all prove that skilled storytellers don’t require hundreds of pages to deliver one hell of a memorable tale. No matter how wild and fantastical the tale, each of these adventures has a very strong emotional core, which is exactly what kept me grounded throughout this absolute whirlwind of a collection.
To me, there truly isn’t a weak link in Locks & Keys, but naturally there were a few stories that resonated the most with me and left an exceptionally big impression. The opening story “A Three-Knock Problem” by R.A. Sandpiper (who was already a trusted fave of mine) really grabbed me from the first page and had a big “OH SHIT” twist that just hurt oh so good. Then the satirical heist fantasy “Rebels Without A Clue” by Sean O’Boyle was the story that I probably had the most fun with, and I can’t wait to devour more stories with his strong and witty authorial voice. And to round out the top three, we’ve got an action-packed tale full of sky pirates, fearsome animal companions, and lots of complicated family dynamics in “Cold Mutiny” by Tom Bookbeard, who just started his author career off with an absolute bang with this short story.
Needless to say, I had an absolute blast with Locks & Keys, and my TBR is currently crying from all the new books that got added as I discovered new authors to fall in love with here. No matter what vibe or flavour of fantasy you usually prefer, this collection of imaginative short stories will satisfy cravings you didn’t even know you had all while leaving you desperate for more in the best way possible.
Contributing authors: R.A. Sandpiper, Sean O’Boyle, L.M. Douglas, G.J. Terral, Bella Dunn, Tom Bookbeard, R.E. Sanders, Bill Adams, Dave Lawson & Alex Scheuerman.
Thank you to the Secret Scribes for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Locks & Keys is scheduled for release on 28 October, 2025.
September 15, 2025
What an incredible group of stories! Thank you to the group of authors for allowing me to read and review this book prior to its release date. These are my honest thoughts. My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR.
I love a good anthology and this one by the Secret Scribes is top tier. Every author is a heavy hitter in the indie space, creating these snippets of their fantasy world for us to enjoy. Many of the authors I know and love and I was pleasantly surprised to discover a few new voices! In such short lengths, we are treated to world building, characters to both love and hate, and stories that will stay with us.
One thing is clear, the writing is terrific and each story made me want more.
I love a good anthology and this one by the Secret Scribes is top tier. Every author is a heavy hitter in the indie space, creating these snippets of their fantasy world for us to enjoy. Many of the authors I know and love and I was pleasantly surprised to discover a few new voices! In such short lengths, we are treated to world building, characters to both love and hate, and stories that will stay with us.
One thing is clear, the writing is terrific and each story made me want more.
October 20, 2025
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the authors in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, murder, poison, torture, death, child death, death of parent, animal harm/death, fire/fire injury, bullying, grief, mention of pregnancy, alcohol
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I’ve been following a couple of the authors that make up the Secret Scribes Fantasy Collective for some time now and have been intrigued by their books too and if you feel the same then checking out this anthology is a great way to sample something from each of them!
This is honestly a superb collection of short stories bringing various fantasy sub genres together and I really liked how every author had such a unique take on the theme of Locks & Keys!
Sandpiper’s A Three Knock Problem is the first story and the writing pulls you in right away. I was instantly absorbed by the characters and wanted to know more about the wider world. The story as a whole had the feel of a fable to it and there is a fantastic twist to the tale that is emotionally devastating in the best way.
O’Boyle’s Rebels Without a Clue is a wonderfully chaotic heist type story about seeking retribution and I found myself both chuckling and facepalming at the characters’ antics. I really liked how the theme of liberation was incorporated into this one!
Douglas’ Raven’s Rise is a brutal villain(?) origin/backstory with a classic epic fantasy feel that gives you a small glimpse into a much wider and super intriguing story and world. I think the bleakness and the short time frame meant I didn't warm to the MC enough for the emotional fallout to hit but all the little details and plot threads left behind have made me curious to check out more.
Terral’s A Simple Snatch is delightfully atmospheric in its setting and I loved all the lore that is introduced. I’ve always been a fan of adventure quest storylines and this one was really fun!
Dunn’s The Winter Witch kept me hooked in by the likeable main character and the personal mystery she finds herself chasing. The theme of finding your place/belonging had me thinking it was all going a certain way and then the ending gut punches you. It was brilliant!
Bookbeard’s Cold Mutiny is another anguishing story, multi pov with a wider cast and some really interesting worldbuilding and lore! It has some well written fight scenes, really gets your emotions and I liked the set up for the continuation of the story!
Sanders' Beyond the Closing Door is a story of betrayal, one where you see the ending coming from a mile away and while I didn’t connect with the characters as strongly as I had hoped to it was still heart-breaking.
Adams’ Drakesong is another adventurous tale that I really enjoyed! It gave me How to Train Your Dragon vibes but was super unique with all the wider worldbuilding details and I would definitely read any follow up story!
Lawson’s Cadreigh’s Penance was a story as heart-warming as the meal that was served in it. The main character was enjoyable to follow and again if this is part of a larger story I’d definitely read more!
Scheuermann’s You’re the Key is another one with a fable type feel to it and I loved the main character. I do think there was a lot that went on within the short time frame so it felt a little rushed but it was enjoyable all the same.
All in all I genuinely think there is something for everyone in this little collection! And I’m looking forward to checking out more from all of the authors hopefully soon!
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the authors in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, murder, poison, torture, death, child death, death of parent, animal harm/death, fire/fire injury, bullying, grief, mention of pregnancy, alcohol
--
I’ve been following a couple of the authors that make up the Secret Scribes Fantasy Collective for some time now and have been intrigued by their books too and if you feel the same then checking out this anthology is a great way to sample something from each of them!
This is honestly a superb collection of short stories bringing various fantasy sub genres together and I really liked how every author had such a unique take on the theme of Locks & Keys!
Sandpiper’s A Three Knock Problem is the first story and the writing pulls you in right away. I was instantly absorbed by the characters and wanted to know more about the wider world. The story as a whole had the feel of a fable to it and there is a fantastic twist to the tale that is emotionally devastating in the best way.
O’Boyle’s Rebels Without a Clue is a wonderfully chaotic heist type story about seeking retribution and I found myself both chuckling and facepalming at the characters’ antics. I really liked how the theme of liberation was incorporated into this one!
Douglas’ Raven’s Rise is a brutal villain(?) origin/backstory with a classic epic fantasy feel that gives you a small glimpse into a much wider and super intriguing story and world. I think the bleakness and the short time frame meant I didn't warm to the MC enough for the emotional fallout to hit but all the little details and plot threads left behind have made me curious to check out more.
Terral’s A Simple Snatch is delightfully atmospheric in its setting and I loved all the lore that is introduced. I’ve always been a fan of adventure quest storylines and this one was really fun!
Dunn’s The Winter Witch kept me hooked in by the likeable main character and the personal mystery she finds herself chasing. The theme of finding your place/belonging had me thinking it was all going a certain way and then the ending gut punches you. It was brilliant!
Bookbeard’s Cold Mutiny is another anguishing story, multi pov with a wider cast and some really interesting worldbuilding and lore! It has some well written fight scenes, really gets your emotions and I liked the set up for the continuation of the story!
Sanders' Beyond the Closing Door is a story of betrayal, one where you see the ending coming from a mile away and while I didn’t connect with the characters as strongly as I had hoped to it was still heart-breaking.
Adams’ Drakesong is another adventurous tale that I really enjoyed! It gave me How to Train Your Dragon vibes but was super unique with all the wider worldbuilding details and I would definitely read any follow up story!
Lawson’s Cadreigh’s Penance was a story as heart-warming as the meal that was served in it. The main character was enjoyable to follow and again if this is part of a larger story I’d definitely read more!
Scheuermann’s You’re the Key is another one with a fable type feel to it and I loved the main character. I do think there was a lot that went on within the short time frame so it felt a little rushed but it was enjoyable all the same.
All in all I genuinely think there is something for everyone in this little collection! And I’m looking forward to checking out more from all of the authors hopefully soon!
September 15, 2025
I've really enjoyed reading this anthology, especially since it introduced me to several authors l've not read before.
What a great way to bring new readers to these authors!
The premise behind the title is that each story within touches on themes of locks and or keys. How they're represented is as creative as each of the stories themselves. I found myself at one point being astonished that l'd read 125 pages in what seemed to be a very brief span of time.
The characters within the pages are as varied as can be.
Witches, a rag tag band of rebels, interesting backstories about familiar main characters, thieves, and villainous sky pirates, to name but a few.
One that had me laughing as I read it, is Rebels Without A Clue by Seán O'Boyle. I'm familiar with his other books, and was so pleased to see his here amongst his peers.
His rapier wit, the humor he adds effortlessly to his characters, was wonderfully present. But, as is his way, there's a bit of melancholy and real depth that weaves its way into the tone and events that unfurl. This got me right in the feels!
L. M. Douglas' offering is a deliciously tragic backstory about one of the main characters in her Chronicles Of The Endless War books. Kywren has been a favorite of mine. He's a character who at first glance seems to be a rake and bit of an ass. But a taste of what made him who he is was all we got previously. Here in his own story, Raven's Rise, we learn how he was shaped. It broke my heart more than once, and gave me a fresh perspective about him. Abandoned and left to fend for himself, we see what he endured to stay alive. And how he unquestionably is a protector.
One thing I really enjoyed was how each author interpreted ‘Locks And Keys’ to mean to them. There were some with more literal interpretations, one of which, Beyond The Closing Door, by R. A. Sanders, in which a door is closed and a lock engaged. It’s a rather sad and gruesome tale about love, betrayal, and remorse, and the regret of putting faith in a scoundrel.
If you like dragons, and a completely different interpretation of locks and keys, look no further than Bill Adams’ story, Drakesong. Where one’s voice controls the wind and passage through dense and deadly mist, and apparently resonates with other creatures, whether to repel or attract. I’ll leave it up my to you to find out where a young man’s song leads.
Dave Lawson brings the porridge in his tale called ‘Cadreigh’s Penance’ in which a cook is called to prepare a meal to stave off execution, after she apparently insulted a rude visiting dignitary. The adjudicators will settle for nothing less than perfection. But this requires accessing a recipe that’s been locked away for years…
Tom Bookbeard’s A Cold Mutiny brings us pirates whose ships glide through the sky rather than cresting waves, and the captain and crew bring death, no matter the choice being offered to those who eke out an existence on the icy surface below. Fierce, tragic, with some hope and the potential for vengeance await you, dear reader.
The Winter With by Bella Dunn gives us a contemporary fiction, with the FMC being a social worker. But her rather tedious day to day existence gets turned on its head by a strange twist of fate, and a revelation, which shakes her foundations. The lovely Irish names alone have me a smile. The unlocking of who and what Dierdre truly is was a path I was engrossed to follow.
A Simple Snatch by G. J. Terral has us following along with a thief named Sharr, whose escapade in a hidden chamber beneath a cathedral brings her face to scaled face with more than she bargained for. A seemingly simple contract from a wealthy client is in reality a rather more involved heist than she bargained for.
We wrap up with Alex Scheuermann’s You’re The Key. See how this anthology concludes with a Key??? Nice touch, Alex! In his tale, humans are viewed by the denizens of the mountains, the Nobari, as being filthy, corrupting the world they inhabit, and spreading like a disease across what was once a pristine valley, full of life.
One brave “ambassador” leaves the safety of the mountain and her Nobari people to treat with the leader of this horde of humans. She has a chance encounter when she arrives, and this leads to a series of events which are infused with the glaring dichotomy of those with power, and those who serve the whims of their masters.
The themes weave through in subtle and not so subtle ways, each as unique as their author, and kept me engrossed throughout. I was finished reading far too quickly, and I’d love to know if there are more in depth novels to come from them! Read this, because it’s a gem, and utterly delightful!!
What a great way to bring new readers to these authors!
The premise behind the title is that each story within touches on themes of locks and or keys. How they're represented is as creative as each of the stories themselves. I found myself at one point being astonished that l'd read 125 pages in what seemed to be a very brief span of time.
The characters within the pages are as varied as can be.
Witches, a rag tag band of rebels, interesting backstories about familiar main characters, thieves, and villainous sky pirates, to name but a few.
One that had me laughing as I read it, is Rebels Without A Clue by Seán O'Boyle. I'm familiar with his other books, and was so pleased to see his here amongst his peers.
His rapier wit, the humor he adds effortlessly to his characters, was wonderfully present. But, as is his way, there's a bit of melancholy and real depth that weaves its way into the tone and events that unfurl. This got me right in the feels!
L. M. Douglas' offering is a deliciously tragic backstory about one of the main characters in her Chronicles Of The Endless War books. Kywren has been a favorite of mine. He's a character who at first glance seems to be a rake and bit of an ass. But a taste of what made him who he is was all we got previously. Here in his own story, Raven's Rise, we learn how he was shaped. It broke my heart more than once, and gave me a fresh perspective about him. Abandoned and left to fend for himself, we see what he endured to stay alive. And how he unquestionably is a protector.
One thing I really enjoyed was how each author interpreted ‘Locks And Keys’ to mean to them. There were some with more literal interpretations, one of which, Beyond The Closing Door, by R. A. Sanders, in which a door is closed and a lock engaged. It’s a rather sad and gruesome tale about love, betrayal, and remorse, and the regret of putting faith in a scoundrel.
If you like dragons, and a completely different interpretation of locks and keys, look no further than Bill Adams’ story, Drakesong. Where one’s voice controls the wind and passage through dense and deadly mist, and apparently resonates with other creatures, whether to repel or attract. I’ll leave it up my to you to find out where a young man’s song leads.
Dave Lawson brings the porridge in his tale called ‘Cadreigh’s Penance’ in which a cook is called to prepare a meal to stave off execution, after she apparently insulted a rude visiting dignitary. The adjudicators will settle for nothing less than perfection. But this requires accessing a recipe that’s been locked away for years…
Tom Bookbeard’s A Cold Mutiny brings us pirates whose ships glide through the sky rather than cresting waves, and the captain and crew bring death, no matter the choice being offered to those who eke out an existence on the icy surface below. Fierce, tragic, with some hope and the potential for vengeance await you, dear reader.
The Winter With by Bella Dunn gives us a contemporary fiction, with the FMC being a social worker. But her rather tedious day to day existence gets turned on its head by a strange twist of fate, and a revelation, which shakes her foundations. The lovely Irish names alone have me a smile. The unlocking of who and what Dierdre truly is was a path I was engrossed to follow.
A Simple Snatch by G. J. Terral has us following along with a thief named Sharr, whose escapade in a hidden chamber beneath a cathedral brings her face to scaled face with more than she bargained for. A seemingly simple contract from a wealthy client is in reality a rather more involved heist than she bargained for.
We wrap up with Alex Scheuermann’s You’re The Key. See how this anthology concludes with a Key??? Nice touch, Alex! In his tale, humans are viewed by the denizens of the mountains, the Nobari, as being filthy, corrupting the world they inhabit, and spreading like a disease across what was once a pristine valley, full of life.
One brave “ambassador” leaves the safety of the mountain and her Nobari people to treat with the leader of this horde of humans. She has a chance encounter when she arrives, and this leads to a series of events which are infused with the glaring dichotomy of those with power, and those who serve the whims of their masters.
The themes weave through in subtle and not so subtle ways, each as unique as their author, and kept me engrossed throughout. I was finished reading far too quickly, and I’d love to know if there are more in depth novels to come from them! Read this, because it’s a gem, and utterly delightful!!
September 13, 2025
Thank you to all the The Secret Scribes for the ARC. It was a refreshing change of pace to read shorter stories from various authors and I loved how different each story was. I never knew what to expect from the new story and some of them truly surprised me! This is a great collection and I appreciate that the stories are written with the author’s native spelling. This is also a great way to get to know each author’s writing style a bit more!
These stories were the highlights for me:
- A Three-Knock Problem by R.A. Sandpiper
- Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas
- The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn (my favourite)
- Cadreigh’s Penance by Dave Lawson
These stories were the highlights for me:
- A Three-Knock Problem by R.A. Sandpiper
- Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas
- The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn (my favourite)
- Cadreigh’s Penance by Dave Lawson
September 16, 2025
Locks & Keys Arc Review
I was thinking to make a small review section on each stories. But because they are stories, everything feels like a spoiler.
Every indie authors here has its own unique stories to show. Some from the world they have already created, and some new. You will find some of my favorite authors on this book, and many I haven't read yet. Which I definitely will be reading after this.
Every story where such a wonder to read, and was excited for every new one to show up.
This was the perfect read to take one story every day. And can't wait to see what more the authors will be writing.
If you don't have this on your TBR, then you are missing out on something big.
I was thinking to make a small review section on each stories. But because they are stories, everything feels like a spoiler.
Every indie authors here has its own unique stories to show. Some from the world they have already created, and some new. You will find some of my favorite authors on this book, and many I haven't read yet. Which I definitely will be reading after this.
Every story where such a wonder to read, and was excited for every new one to show up.
This was the perfect read to take one story every day. And can't wait to see what more the authors will be writing.
If you don't have this on your TBR, then you are missing out on something big.
August 24, 2025
A truly beautiful collection of short stories. Thank you to the Secret Scribes for allowing me to read this as an e-ARC.
This anthology is very well written, all of the stories are at least a 3.5 stars but the stand outs for me are:
- Cold Mutiny by Tom Bookbeard (5-stars)
- Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas (5-stars)
- A three-knock problem by R.A. Sandpiper (4.5 stars)
Raven’s Rise in particular was giving Oliver Twist / Lost Boys vibes but in a gruelling and unforgiving setting.
If you’re a fantasy lover, and want to be transported to world after world of magic, mythos, and murder then grab this anthology with both hands!
This anthology is very well written, all of the stories are at least a 3.5 stars but the stand outs for me are:
- Cold Mutiny by Tom Bookbeard (5-stars)
- Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas (5-stars)
- A three-knock problem by R.A. Sandpiper (4.5 stars)
Raven’s Rise in particular was giving Oliver Twist / Lost Boys vibes but in a gruelling and unforgiving setting.
If you’re a fantasy lover, and want to be transported to world after world of magic, mythos, and murder then grab this anthology with both hands!
October 29, 2025
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S LOCKS & KEYS' BLURB?
These authors are part of a group that calls themselves The Secret Scribes—and you should check them out.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME
Sometimes when it comes to collections like this, I write a paragraph or two about each story. I'm not going to do that this time, because 1-1.5 of these stories didn't do much for me, and I really don't want to say anything negative about the stories, nor do I want to say something tepid (which is really what I'd go for). Because even with those stories, there was something about the writing that made me want to root for the authors.
But I want to say some specific things—so I'm going to focus on just a couple of the stories.
"Rebels Without a Clue" by Seán O'Boyle
I was feeling pretty positive about the collection from the first story, but this sealed the deal for me—there was no way I wasn't going to like the anthology. There's some great satire where the revolutionaries are so caught up in notions of equality that they can't do anything. There are...um, nope, can't say that. Hilarious and bleak. And the ending was just fantastic. I own both of O'Boyle's books, but just haven't gotten to them yet—that's changing really soon.
"Cold Mutiny" by Tom Bookbeard
Okay, Bookbeard has been tantalizing me and you readers the last two Julys by talking about his book about Space Pirates. Well, this short story gives us an idea what that novel could be like. And, yeah, I'm ready for it.
"Drakesong" by Bill Adams
I admit that at the beginning of this story, I chalked it up to "interesting, but whatever..." But before it was over, I'd moved into "interesting, and wow!" I don't know how to talk about it without ruining the whole thing, so I'll just say give this one a chance, you'll be glad you did. (and most of you won't need that encouragement anyway)
"You're the Key" by Alex Scheuermann
It'd be easy to say that this collection saved the best for last (although the competition is stiff). Scheuermann takes you for a ride—the world is stunning, beautiful, and broken, the characters are truly flawed (or worse), the plot takes directions you won't see coming—and somehow, there's a little bit of hope in the midst of a lot of darkness.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT LOCKS & KEYS?
I had to force myself to stop there—if only because I kept reading bits and/or pages from those stories, and I was on the verge of re-reading the whole book again. And I just don't have time for that.
Okay, one more quick thing—if all you know about Dave Lawson comes from the covers to his novels (which puts you in the same boat as me), you won't expect his story to be what it is.
This is a strong collection—while I won't say they're all winners, none of them are losers. Not only are these stories solidly entertaining reads on their own—or as a whole—they're great advertisements for the other stories/books by the individual authors.
I've built a shopping list while reading this—and I expect you will, too. And if you don't? Well, you'll have had a good time anyway. This is one you want to nab, folks.
Disclaimer: I requested (because I was curious) and received an ARC of this book from the Scribes. The opinions expressed are my own, and are freely given.
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WHAT'S LOCKS & KEYS' BLURB?
Will a persecuted witch give the kingdom’s heir what he deserves? Does the squad of plucky rebels find a way out of an infiltration gone wrong? How can a street urchin survive in the shadow of an infamous gang? Can a thief brave the belly of the beast in search of a treasure that will never be hers? How sinister can a bond be between an orphan and her mother?
Pirates raid a fishing island in the sky. A sickly girl pushes past the threshold for Demonsnight. An apprentice gloomsinger comes face to face with what he fears most. With her life on the line, a cook prepares one last dish. A demon girl flies to the city of humans, begging them to change.
Ten unique fantasy stories by ten different authors. Dragons, sky pirates, and even samurai inhabit these pages. Locks, keys, and secrets loom over all.
These authors are part of a group that calls themselves The Secret Scribes—and you should check them out.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME
Sometimes when it comes to collections like this, I write a paragraph or two about each story. I'm not going to do that this time, because 1-1.5 of these stories didn't do much for me, and I really don't want to say anything negative about the stories, nor do I want to say something tepid (which is really what I'd go for). Because even with those stories, there was something about the writing that made me want to root for the authors.
But I want to say some specific things—so I'm going to focus on just a couple of the stories.
"Rebels Without a Clue" by Seán O'Boyle
I was feeling pretty positive about the collection from the first story, but this sealed the deal for me—there was no way I wasn't going to like the anthology. There's some great satire where the revolutionaries are so caught up in notions of equality that they can't do anything. There are...um, nope, can't say that. Hilarious and bleak. And the ending was just fantastic. I own both of O'Boyle's books, but just haven't gotten to them yet—that's changing really soon.
"Cold Mutiny" by Tom Bookbeard
Okay, Bookbeard has been tantalizing me and you readers the last two Julys by talking about his book about Space Pirates. Well, this short story gives us an idea what that novel could be like. And, yeah, I'm ready for it.
"Drakesong" by Bill Adams
I admit that at the beginning of this story, I chalked it up to "interesting, but whatever..." But before it was over, I'd moved into "interesting, and wow!" I don't know how to talk about it without ruining the whole thing, so I'll just say give this one a chance, you'll be glad you did. (and most of you won't need that encouragement anyway)
"You're the Key" by Alex Scheuermann
It'd be easy to say that this collection saved the best for last (although the competition is stiff). Scheuermann takes you for a ride—the world is stunning, beautiful, and broken, the characters are truly flawed (or worse), the plot takes directions you won't see coming—and somehow, there's a little bit of hope in the midst of a lot of darkness.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT LOCKS & KEYS?
I had to force myself to stop there—if only because I kept reading bits and/or pages from those stories, and I was on the verge of re-reading the whole book again. And I just don't have time for that.
Okay, one more quick thing—if all you know about Dave Lawson comes from the covers to his novels (which puts you in the same boat as me), you won't expect his story to be what it is.
This is a strong collection—while I won't say they're all winners, none of them are losers. Not only are these stories solidly entertaining reads on their own—or as a whole—they're great advertisements for the other stories/books by the individual authors.
I've built a shopping list while reading this—and I expect you will, too. And if you don't? Well, you'll have had a good time anyway. This is one you want to nab, folks.
Disclaimer: I requested (because I was curious) and received an ARC of this book from the Scribes. The opinions expressed are my own, and are freely given.
September 15, 2025
I applied for this anthology mainly because I saw Rachel was a part of it, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the other stories too.
A Three-Knock Problem by R.A. Sandpiper
As always, Rachel’s work left me speechless (in the best way). My only regret? The story was only 20 pages long... I needed more! cries in agony
Rebels Without a Clue by Seán O’Boyle
This was unexpectedly fun. I cracked up at a few moments and genuinely couldn’t predict what would happen next.
Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas
I really felt for Kywren. His story was one of strength and determination, and it stuck with me.
A Simple Snatch by G.J. Terral
Short, straightforward, and well done.
The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn
I was a little distracted at first, but once I got into it, the story pulled me in. The ending wrecked me. Honestly, why do authors enjoy reader despair so much?
Cold Mutiny by Tom Bookbeard
Snow settings aren’t usually my thing, so I struggled a bit, but by the end it turned out better than I expected and had real potential for more.
Beyond the Closing Door by R.E. Sanders
This one was brutal (in a good way). I couldn’t understand why she kept trusting Mahaen after being deceived twice, but the ending… let’s just say hats off (and maybe a sarcastic salute).
Drakesong by Bill Adams
A simple and heart-touching story, though I didn’t connect with it as strongly as some of the others.
Cardeigh’s Penance by Dave Lawson
Really enjoyed this one — the ending was unexpected, and I’m glad it turned out the way it did.
You’re the Key by Alex Scheuermann
The final story closed things out with an open ending, which I actually appreciated.
Overall, I didn’t know what to expect going in, but this anthology delivered a wide mix of stories: some hopeful, some heartbreaking, and some left open to interpretation. I liked the balance of thieves, liberators, and morally grey characters. Each one offered something to take away, and I genuinely enjoyed almost all of them. I’ll definitely be looking up more work from these authors.
A Three-Knock Problem by R.A. Sandpiper
As always, Rachel’s work left me speechless (in the best way). My only regret? The story was only 20 pages long... I needed more! cries in agony
Rebels Without a Clue by Seán O’Boyle
This was unexpectedly fun. I cracked up at a few moments and genuinely couldn’t predict what would happen next.
Raven’s Rise by L.M. Douglas
I really felt for Kywren. His story was one of strength and determination, and it stuck with me.
A Simple Snatch by G.J. Terral
Short, straightforward, and well done.
The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn
I was a little distracted at first, but once I got into it, the story pulled me in. The ending wrecked me. Honestly, why do authors enjoy reader despair so much?
Cold Mutiny by Tom Bookbeard
Snow settings aren’t usually my thing, so I struggled a bit, but by the end it turned out better than I expected and had real potential for more.
Beyond the Closing Door by R.E. Sanders
This one was brutal (in a good way). I couldn’t understand why she kept trusting Mahaen after being deceived twice, but the ending… let’s just say hats off (and maybe a sarcastic salute).
Drakesong by Bill Adams
A simple and heart-touching story, though I didn’t connect with it as strongly as some of the others.
Cardeigh’s Penance by Dave Lawson
Really enjoyed this one — the ending was unexpected, and I’m glad it turned out the way it did.
You’re the Key by Alex Scheuermann
The final story closed things out with an open ending, which I actually appreciated.
Overall, I didn’t know what to expect going in, but this anthology delivered a wide mix of stories: some hopeful, some heartbreaking, and some left open to interpretation. I liked the balance of thieves, liberators, and morally grey characters. Each one offered something to take away, and I genuinely enjoyed almost all of them. I’ll definitely be looking up more work from these authors.
September 26, 2025
thank you to the authors for letting me read the arc of their anthology of short stories!!!
what i liked the most about this is that every story is written by a different person, and so the writing, the worlds, and the storylines are all different. I liked some stories better than others, mostly because the fantasy worlds were easier to understand/better introduced. for a few stories, I would've liked trigger warnings since they were either very violent or abuse related.
maybe it's because I read the ebook version, but it was sometimes hard to follow when the story changed in time or place because of the formatting. overall, I really liked this anthology. it was mysterious, funny, cozy, and/or thought-provoking !
what i liked the most about this is that every story is written by a different person, and so the writing, the worlds, and the storylines are all different. I liked some stories better than others, mostly because the fantasy worlds were easier to understand/better introduced. for a few stories, I would've liked trigger warnings since they were either very violent or abuse related.
maybe it's because I read the ebook version, but it was sometimes hard to follow when the story changed in time or place because of the formatting. overall, I really liked this anthology. it was mysterious, funny, cozy, and/or thought-provoking !
August 29, 2025
Thank you for the arc of this anthology.
It’s unusual for me to read short story collections, so this was a refreshing change of pace. I really enjoyed being able to dip in for half an hour and come away having finished a complete story.
The standout pieces for me were:
• A Three Knock Problem
• The Winter Witch
• Cadreigh’s Penance
All of the stories were engaging, and I loved the variety of fantasy sub genres.
This anthology is a great way to open yourself up to new authors and get an idea of their writing style without diving in to a whole novel.
It’s unusual for me to read short story collections, so this was a refreshing change of pace. I really enjoyed being able to dip in for half an hour and come away having finished a complete story.
The standout pieces for me were:
• A Three Knock Problem
• The Winter Witch
• Cadreigh’s Penance
All of the stories were engaging, and I loved the variety of fantasy sub genres.
This anthology is a great way to open yourself up to new authors and get an idea of their writing style without diving in to a whole novel.
September 19, 2025
Thank you to the secret scribes for sending me an e-arc of this book.
This book is a collection of short stories by multiple authors. Now, as someone who reads books ranging from 500-1000 pages, having smaller stories was a refreshing experience and a first for me. The only downside to it was that I was left wanting another 600 pages to follow these characters and their journeys.
My favourite short stories from this book were A three-knock problem and Ravens rise. I would definitely recommend reading this book to help get out of a reading slump or to help break up between your large fantasy books.
This book is a collection of short stories by multiple authors. Now, as someone who reads books ranging from 500-1000 pages, having smaller stories was a refreshing experience and a first for me. The only downside to it was that I was left wanting another 600 pages to follow these characters and their journeys.
My favourite short stories from this book were A three-knock problem and Ravens rise. I would definitely recommend reading this book to help get out of a reading slump or to help break up between your large fantasy books.
September 29, 2025
Lucky enough to have gotten my hands on an ARC.
Before starting Locks and Keys I had read 3 of the 10 authors but now I have several more of them on my TBR - I need more!
Short stories can be tricky, but these were all well written and entertaining (in a dark and sad way, most of the time). It's locks and keys yes, but also secrets and lives shaped by the most brutal conditions. Sometimes mysterious and sometimes sad.
I loved so many of the stories, I did not think I would enjoy them all. But the story that I keep thinking about after finishing earlier today is Beyond the closing door by R.E. Sanders. I'm sad and hurt and I feel betrayed. Amazing.
My favorite character has to be Kywren from Raven's Rise by L.M. Douglas. How can ~ 20 pages make me care SO MUCH about someone? What a life.
Before starting Locks and Keys I had read 3 of the 10 authors but now I have several more of them on my TBR - I need more!
Short stories can be tricky, but these were all well written and entertaining (in a dark and sad way, most of the time). It's locks and keys yes, but also secrets and lives shaped by the most brutal conditions. Sometimes mysterious and sometimes sad.
I loved so many of the stories, I did not think I would enjoy them all. But the story that I keep thinking about after finishing earlier today is Beyond the closing door by R.E. Sanders. I'm sad and hurt and I feel betrayed. Amazing.
My favorite character has to be Kywren from Raven's Rise by L.M. Douglas. How can ~ 20 pages make me care SO MUCH about someone? What a life.
October 10, 2025
Thanks first for the opportunity to read an arc of this. This book or well collection of short stories was a really nice read. I only knew one of the writers before reading this but it's nice to be able to read several different stories by several different writers that have all come together to create this book of short stories. I loved each story and it was cool discovering different writing styles.
September 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the different stories. I've definitely found a few new authors I will be checking out. I thoroughly enjoyed every one of the stories but my favourite was A three knock problem and Raven's Rise.
Would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy and jumping from one world to another.
The only problem I found because it was short stories was when I got to the end I was just wanting more of most of the stories 😂
Would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy and jumping from one world to another.
The only problem I found because it was short stories was when I got to the end I was just wanting more of most of the stories 😂
October 3, 2025
Thank you for selecting me as an ARC reader. I never read an anthology.
It was very refreshing reading 10 different short stories. All of them are very different from each other, which made it intriguing to keep reading.
Personally I struggled with one story because it was not my vibe, but all others were great.
Definitely recommend reading this collection by The Secret Scribes!
It was very refreshing reading 10 different short stories. All of them are very different from each other, which made it intriguing to keep reading.
Personally I struggled with one story because it was not my vibe, but all others were great.
Definitely recommend reading this collection by The Secret Scribes!
October 30, 2025
I loved the writing style of all of the writers
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the short story format
Each book was unique and intriguing
I was shocked by how invested I was in the characters and the ability to tell a narrative in such a short space of time
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the short story format
Each book was unique and intriguing
I was shocked by how invested I was in the characters and the ability to tell a narrative in such a short space of time
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed most of the short stories written by the authors. The book gave me the feel of a children’s story book though without most obvious lessons. I enjoyed the many perspective and different stories which piqued my curiosity into the ending of each one making me long for a slightly longer version of each to better get to know the characters. I definitely felt for some of the endings.
October 24, 2025
Firstly, thanks to The Secret Scribe for the E-ARC for this one in return for an honest review.
Short story collections are always an odd one to review/talk about, as by nature not every tale will land the same for the reader,and I have only read a handful of collections previously (mainly horror) However, I think I can safely say that this is my favorite collection I have read in terms of a consistent level of quality and enjoyment throughout, with no story dipping below a 3.5
Tales range from urban fantasy involving a magical bloodline inheritance with a (very) good twist, to a fairytale esque story involving a witch, a dragon and royal succession, to a revolutionary tale that at time read like a Monty Python sketch, and everything in-between, all tied up with a theming around secrets, Locks and Keys.
I already have books from a number of the authors in here, and this has made me more excited to get to the ones I have, and like any collaborative short story collection, this is a phenomenal way to potentially discover new authors to you.
This is an easy recommend for fans of fantasy, and I guarantee that you will discover some amazing worlds in here
Short story collections are always an odd one to review/talk about, as by nature not every tale will land the same for the reader,and I have only read a handful of collections previously (mainly horror) However, I think I can safely say that this is my favorite collection I have read in terms of a consistent level of quality and enjoyment throughout, with no story dipping below a 3.5
Tales range from urban fantasy involving a magical bloodline inheritance with a (very) good twist, to a fairytale esque story involving a witch, a dragon and royal succession, to a revolutionary tale that at time read like a Monty Python sketch, and everything in-between, all tied up with a theming around secrets, Locks and Keys.
I already have books from a number of the authors in here, and this has made me more excited to get to the ones I have, and like any collaborative short story collection, this is a phenomenal way to potentially discover new authors to you.
This is an easy recommend for fans of fantasy, and I guarantee that you will discover some amazing worlds in here
October 9, 2025
Big thank you to the Secret Scribes Society for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for the purposes of review. Receiving ARCs is always so exciting and puts the biggest smile on my face.
Overall, big range in quality/enjoyment of the 10 stories in this anthology. I gave each individual story a star rating (see below) and the average for the whole collection is 2.8 ⭐. One seemingly collective problem I had with quite a few of the stories is they felt more like opening chapters to a novel rather than a collected or contained short story that had a full arc and an actual beginning and end. Also quite often I found the supposed theme of the anthology in various stories to be lacking or very tenuous. Also many of the stories had typos or grammar errors or could have used one more edit or set of eyes. One story couldn't decide how to spell its' protagonist's own name and it kept changing!
My favourite 5 star story was The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn and my next favourite 4.5 star story was Rebels Without a Clue by Sean O'Boyle. I definitely want to read some more works by Bella Dunn, and I have already read Sean's other two novels (which I loved!)
A Three-Knock Problem - 2.5 ⭐
Rebels Without a Clue - 4.5⭐
Raven's Rise - 1⭐
A Simple Snatch - 3⭐
The Winter Witch - 5⭐
Cold Mutiny - 2.5 ⭐
Beyond the Closing Door - 1⭐
Drakesong - 2.5 ⭐
Cadreigh's Penance - 3.5 ⭐
You're The Key - 2.5 ⭐
Overall, big range in quality/enjoyment of the 10 stories in this anthology. I gave each individual story a star rating (see below) and the average for the whole collection is 2.8 ⭐. One seemingly collective problem I had with quite a few of the stories is they felt more like opening chapters to a novel rather than a collected or contained short story that had a full arc and an actual beginning and end. Also quite often I found the supposed theme of the anthology in various stories to be lacking or very tenuous. Also many of the stories had typos or grammar errors or could have used one more edit or set of eyes. One story couldn't decide how to spell its' protagonist's own name and it kept changing!
My favourite 5 star story was The Winter Witch by Bella Dunn and my next favourite 4.5 star story was Rebels Without a Clue by Sean O'Boyle. I definitely want to read some more works by Bella Dunn, and I have already read Sean's other two novels (which I loved!)
A Three-Knock Problem - 2.5 ⭐
Rebels Without a Clue - 4.5⭐
Raven's Rise - 1⭐
A Simple Snatch - 3⭐
The Winter Witch - 5⭐
Cold Mutiny - 2.5 ⭐
Beyond the Closing Door - 1⭐
Drakesong - 2.5 ⭐
Cadreigh's Penance - 3.5 ⭐
You're The Key - 2.5 ⭐
October 14, 2025
4.5 stars
What an awesome anthology of stories from the Secret Scribes! There is something for everyone in this collection, from dragons to samurai, witches to pirates, this truly is an outstanding collection of stories. The only issue I have is that in the case of every single one, I want/need more! Stand out stories from this collection for me were the absolutely brilliant 'Rebels without a clue' by Séan O'Boyle, which was witty, clever and had be literally laughing out loud and 'A Three-Knock Problem' by R. A. Sandpiper, what an opening story to truly grab you and pull you in! But that said, none of the stories would have rated below 4 stars for me! I cant wait to add some of these authors other works to my TBR because if this anthology is to go by then there is some absolute treats out there waiting for me to get stuck in!
Thanks so much to the secret scribes for the ARC of this book!
What an awesome anthology of stories from the Secret Scribes! There is something for everyone in this collection, from dragons to samurai, witches to pirates, this truly is an outstanding collection of stories. The only issue I have is that in the case of every single one, I want/need more! Stand out stories from this collection for me were the absolutely brilliant 'Rebels without a clue' by Séan O'Boyle, which was witty, clever and had be literally laughing out loud and 'A Three-Knock Problem' by R. A. Sandpiper, what an opening story to truly grab you and pull you in! But that said, none of the stories would have rated below 4 stars for me! I cant wait to add some of these authors other works to my TBR because if this anthology is to go by then there is some absolute treats out there waiting for me to get stuck in!
Thanks so much to the secret scribes for the ARC of this book!
November 2, 2025
Fun, mysterious, and perfect for reading on crisp autumn days, Locks & Keys is a quick, fun read. I loved the range in styles, from grimdark to low fantasy, and hopeless battles to sneaky thieves to a cook who’s way in over her head.
September 29, 2025
I was accepted as a arc reader but thoughts are my own.
some of the stories I LOVED however a few I just couldn't get into at all which is a shame because the concept of this is such a good thing.
some of the stories I LOVED however a few I just couldn't get into at all which is a shame because the concept of this is such a good thing.
October 1, 2025
Is it not interesting how different we think, even when fiven the exact same word?
The theme for this book is 'locks and keys', and all authors have created their own incredible stories.
The secret scribes have done amazingly with this one.
The collection is funny, adventurous, and serious. We have potions, lost family, and languages of old, all pulling us in.
This book is sprinkled with magic and gobbledygook, whatever that means. I hope it is not bad, I have not Googled it yet.😂
🔹️
"You’re the key."
🔹️
The theme for this book is 'locks and keys', and all authors have created their own incredible stories.
The secret scribes have done amazingly with this one.
The collection is funny, adventurous, and serious. We have potions, lost family, and languages of old, all pulling us in.
This book is sprinkled with magic and gobbledygook, whatever that means. I hope it is not bad, I have not Googled it yet.😂
🔹️
"You’re the key."
🔹️
October 2, 2025
I loved the idea that every author had their time to shine and each of their stories were just incredible to read and experience. Every storyline have different vibes and have unique themes from almost every aspect of fantasy realms. I really enjoyed it and thank goodness, I have signed up and requested for this! 💗
Thank you to amazing @alexscheuermannauthor for allowing me to read an early copy and to all the talented authors for giving your readers the opportunity to enter such fantastic imaginative settings of yours. This definitely gave me little glimpses of what I could expect from your stories and, of course... I'm starting to have my favourites! 🫶
Aaaa, to more wonderful fantasy worlds to explore! Recommended! ✨️
Thank you to amazing @alexscheuermannauthor for allowing me to read an early copy and to all the talented authors for giving your readers the opportunity to enter such fantastic imaginative settings of yours. This definitely gave me little glimpses of what I could expect from your stories and, of course... I'm starting to have my favourites! 🫶
Aaaa, to more wonderful fantasy worlds to explore! Recommended! ✨️
October 28, 2025
Locks & Keys is a fantasy anthology by The Secret Scribes, a collective of Indie authors from around the globe. While I was familiar with the works of some of the Scribes, others were new to me and I would have to say this collection is an excellent taster menu - you get a good feeling for the author's style and whether they will be a good fit for you as a reader from the stories, and I now have moved some of their other books higher up my TBR mountain.
The anthology is made up of ten stories and features everything from witches to thieves, sky pirates to inept rebels and the tone varies from the laugh out loud Rebels Without a Clue by Sean O'Boyle to the disturbing Winter Witch by Bella Dunn and the almost painfully hopeful final tale, You're The Key by Alex Scheuermann, a tale that brought a lump to my throat and made me even more excited to read more of his work.
The theme of locks and keys runs throughout, providing a central point which inspired the authors in very different ways, some writing about physical locks while others approached it from a more psychological viewpoint, and I found it really interesting to see where the author's imaginations took them. I also want to briefly mention the stunning cover which was illustrated by one of the Scribes, and captures the stories within beautifully.
It is rare to find an anthology where so many of the stories were so good, but I knew I was in safe hands and the Scribes did not disappoint, as well as the stories already mentioned another real highlight was Raven's Rise by L.M. Douglas, I could not believe how much I came to care about a character in just a few short pages, and I was really impressed by how drawn into the world I was by her writing. Cadreigh's Penance by Dave Lawson was an interesting glimpse of different side of a culture seen in his fantasy series, demonstrating that as well as being a taster for new readers some of these stories will have extra appeal for those already familiar with the author.
With a wonderful mix of action, humour and emotion there really is something for everyone in this collection.
I read an ARC courtesy of the authors, all opinions are my own .
The anthology is made up of ten stories and features everything from witches to thieves, sky pirates to inept rebels and the tone varies from the laugh out loud Rebels Without a Clue by Sean O'Boyle to the disturbing Winter Witch by Bella Dunn and the almost painfully hopeful final tale, You're The Key by Alex Scheuermann, a tale that brought a lump to my throat and made me even more excited to read more of his work.
The theme of locks and keys runs throughout, providing a central point which inspired the authors in very different ways, some writing about physical locks while others approached it from a more psychological viewpoint, and I found it really interesting to see where the author's imaginations took them. I also want to briefly mention the stunning cover which was illustrated by one of the Scribes, and captures the stories within beautifully.
It is rare to find an anthology where so many of the stories were so good, but I knew I was in safe hands and the Scribes did not disappoint, as well as the stories already mentioned another real highlight was Raven's Rise by L.M. Douglas, I could not believe how much I came to care about a character in just a few short pages, and I was really impressed by how drawn into the world I was by her writing. Cadreigh's Penance by Dave Lawson was an interesting glimpse of different side of a culture seen in his fantasy series, demonstrating that as well as being a taster for new readers some of these stories will have extra appeal for those already familiar with the author.
With a wonderful mix of action, humour and emotion there really is something for everyone in this collection.
I read an ARC courtesy of the authors, all opinions are my own .
September 14, 2025
Locks & Keys is one of those pretty books you can just recommend to anyone. There's just a lot of everything, for every taste!
It's a thematic anthology, and it delivers much and varied enjoyment throughout its 250 pages.
In a sense, this anthology feels like unlocking old memories, of the time we were kids and grabbed whatever was at hand to read.
In this book I got to meet old favorites of mine, like GJ Terral, Dave Lawson and Rob Sanders, among others and also allowed me to discover great new others, like Bella Dunn, R. A. Sandpiper or Tom Bookbeard.
The stories all talk about locks and keys, literal and figuratively. And they all have very interesting twists and turns, which I will never reveal in a review. Not even mentioning which of them I think are the best.
These stories serve as perfect examples of what you can get with their books. I now know I want to read Bella's and Tom's works. They left me wanting more.
I rambled enough to say that you should really grab this book and enjoy the many different and diverse trips these amazing authors are proposing to us.
It's a thematic anthology, and it delivers much and varied enjoyment throughout its 250 pages.
In a sense, this anthology feels like unlocking old memories, of the time we were kids and grabbed whatever was at hand to read.
In this book I got to meet old favorites of mine, like GJ Terral, Dave Lawson and Rob Sanders, among others and also allowed me to discover great new others, like Bella Dunn, R. A. Sandpiper or Tom Bookbeard.
The stories all talk about locks and keys, literal and figuratively. And they all have very interesting twists and turns, which I will never reveal in a review. Not even mentioning which of them I think are the best.
These stories serve as perfect examples of what you can get with their books. I now know I want to read Bella's and Tom's works. They left me wanting more.
I rambled enough to say that you should really grab this book and enjoy the many different and diverse trips these amazing authors are proposing to us.
September 30, 2025
I was selected as an ARC reader, and luckily I'm a short story boy.
I liked all of the stories in here, and thought the thematic elements that made the anthology united was a fun one. It may be hard to see that at first, but if you read the stories as intended, it was a lot of fun to see the way all of them worked off one another. I was lucky enough to interview Bill and Alex very early on, and the way Alex constructed the story structure reminded me of a musical setlist; full of peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows, but everything segued so naturally it was a lot of fun.
Not to be glossed over is the fantastic cover art by LN Bayen; it always amazes me when people can be great writers and great artists, especially when I myself can't draw a stick figure without messing up.
The Secret Scribes remain my favorite indie collective; each of the brings a KEY piece to the recipe that make this book and LOCK for favorite anthology for me.
Keep crushing it everyone!
I liked all of the stories in here, and thought the thematic elements that made the anthology united was a fun one. It may be hard to see that at first, but if you read the stories as intended, it was a lot of fun to see the way all of them worked off one another. I was lucky enough to interview Bill and Alex very early on, and the way Alex constructed the story structure reminded me of a musical setlist; full of peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows, but everything segued so naturally it was a lot of fun.
Not to be glossed over is the fantastic cover art by LN Bayen; it always amazes me when people can be great writers and great artists, especially when I myself can't draw a stick figure without messing up.
The Secret Scribes remain my favorite indie collective; each of the brings a KEY piece to the recipe that make this book and LOCK for favorite anthology for me.
Keep crushing it everyone!
September 24, 2025
Was selected as an arc reader for this story and unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it at all. I’m not really a short story girly, and this book is consisted of 10 small stories ranging around 30-50 pages each.
I got the impression that the stories were meant to be based around the concept of locks and keys, but didn’t really see that relation throughout. I only managed to read the first three chapters (first three short stories) before sadly having to DNF it.
I didn’t understand what was happening majority of the time, and when I started to grasp the idea of what the story was about it was finished🤣 I wouldn’t recommend if short stories aren’t your thing.
The writing and story concepts weren’t bad, it was good and if made into a longer book I would probably read.
I got the impression that the stories were meant to be based around the concept of locks and keys, but didn’t really see that relation throughout. I only managed to read the first three chapters (first three short stories) before sadly having to DNF it.
I didn’t understand what was happening majority of the time, and when I started to grasp the idea of what the story was about it was finished🤣 I wouldn’t recommend if short stories aren’t your thing.
The writing and story concepts weren’t bad, it was good and if made into a longer book I would probably read.
September 4, 2025
I absolutely loved all the stories in this anthology. Each one is vastly different, like stepping into a brand-new adventure every time. My personal favorites were A Three-Knock Problem, Rebels Without A Clue, and The Winter Witch. Each of these left me wanting to know more about their worlds and characters.
It was a lot of fun being able to experience the range of stories and voices from all the authors. I’d happily recommend this anthology to anyone who loves short stories and fantasy.
It was a lot of fun being able to experience the range of stories and voices from all the authors. I’d happily recommend this anthology to anyone who loves short stories and fantasy.
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