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Offerings of Undesirables
Offerings of Undesirables is a collection of five short stories, varying in genres, but most relatable to horror, sci-fi, and dystopian themes. Fast-paced and entertaining, Offerings of Undesirables is perfect for readers who enjoy weird stories that are thought-provoking, but definitely not complicated.
Mark.
The top priority of Neritidae: Keep the tank clean. The tank must be clean at all times for the enjoyment of Mark and of Mark’s People.
Hunting Bugles.
When you go off into the wilderness, you are not the smartest nor the strongest.
The Forgotten Book of Alexandria.
The library is burning, and I have been tasked with the duty of rewriting everything that was lost in the flames. Once I write it down, it leaves my memory forever, but they have been hunting me for centuries.
Seeking Refuge in Oblivion.
At the end of all wars, human curiosity is ultimately what destroys mankind.
Antirrhinum.
Famous for their nutrient rich soil, Fiona’s Flora is known worldwide. To top it off, inheriting a mansion on a Tuesday with a massive garden in the back can only lead to better things.
Mark.
The top priority of Neritidae: Keep the tank clean. The tank must be clean at all times for the enjoyment of Mark and of Mark’s People.
Hunting Bugles.
When you go off into the wilderness, you are not the smartest nor the strongest.
The Forgotten Book of Alexandria.
The library is burning, and I have been tasked with the duty of rewriting everything that was lost in the flames. Once I write it down, it leaves my memory forever, but they have been hunting me for centuries.
Seeking Refuge in Oblivion.
At the end of all wars, human curiosity is ultimately what destroys mankind.
Antirrhinum.
Famous for their nutrient rich soil, Fiona’s Flora is known worldwide. To top it off, inheriting a mansion on a Tuesday with a massive garden in the back can only lead to better things.
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2025
About the author
Amanda Cole
8 books21 followersAmanda lives in North Carolina with her beloved husband, Chris, and their goofy Leopard Gecko, Mr. Toes. When Amanda is not writing, she is gardening, playing video games, or maintaining her collections of many things.
Amanda's favorite book genres are fantasy, suspense/thriller, and horror.
Books by the author:
Drake the Sea Dragon and the Plastic Planet
Tales from Diamisha: The Dark Wizard
Super Spectacular Snakes!!
Offerings of Undesirables
Till Death Do Us Part: a dystopian sci-fi fantasy
Amanda's favorite book genres are fantasy, suspense/thriller, and horror.
Books by the author:
Drake the Sea Dragon and the Plastic Planet
Tales from Diamisha: The Dark Wizard
Super Spectacular Snakes!!
Offerings of Undesirables
Till Death Do Us Part: a dystopian sci-fi fantasy
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 25, 2025
Offerings of Undesirables is a mind-boggling, heart-racing, genre-mashing collection of five incredible short stories. Let's break them down a bit:
The first story, simply titled "Mark", is a fantastic introduction to the author's creativity. I won't give anything away because "Mark" is the kind of story people need to go into blind, but WOW! You're immediately pulled in, and the tone and personality of the narrator will keep you turning pages.
The next story, "Hunting Bugles", had me stressing! I knew going into this ARC that some of the stories would be creepy/horror-y...but MAN. I blazed through that story with sweaty palms. What could possibly go wrong on a hunting trip that's been having sightings of a strange animal?
"The Forgotten Book of Alexandria" is next up, and this one has a unique sci-fi/fantastical spin. This story is packed with action and mystery.
"Seeking Refuge in Oblivion" was wiiiiiiiild! I needed more of it! I think it's the shortest of all the stories, but it still packs a punch. There was a part in there where I went: 👀👀👀 because of how unsettling it was. This story serves as a reminder that sometimes letting the ocean keep its secrets is the best decision for humanity.
Finally, "Antirrhinum" was a fun and creepy story to leave off with. Some mystery, lots of secrets, and a delightfully dark twisty-twist of an ending!
Amanda Cole, BRAVO. Your mind is wonderful!
The first story, simply titled "Mark", is a fantastic introduction to the author's creativity. I won't give anything away because "Mark" is the kind of story people need to go into blind, but WOW! You're immediately pulled in, and the tone and personality of the narrator will keep you turning pages.
The next story, "Hunting Bugles", had me stressing! I knew going into this ARC that some of the stories would be creepy/horror-y...but MAN. I blazed through that story with sweaty palms. What could possibly go wrong on a hunting trip that's been having sightings of a strange animal?
"The Forgotten Book of Alexandria" is next up, and this one has a unique sci-fi/fantastical spin. This story is packed with action and mystery.
"Seeking Refuge in Oblivion" was wiiiiiiiild! I needed more of it! I think it's the shortest of all the stories, but it still packs a punch. There was a part in there where I went: 👀👀👀 because of how unsettling it was. This story serves as a reminder that sometimes letting the ocean keep its secrets is the best decision for humanity.
Finally, "Antirrhinum" was a fun and creepy story to leave off with. Some mystery, lots of secrets, and a delightfully dark twisty-twist of an ending!
Amanda Cole, BRAVO. Your mind is wonderful!
October 25, 2025
Amanda Cole has shown her mind is an interesting place with these short stories and I am not only here for it, I want MORE. These stories took my own mind places I wasn't prepared for...but I'm not mad at it. I cannot wait to get more friends to read Offerings of Undesirables so I can talk through each story. I will be following this author and devouring everything else she puts out!
October 25, 2025
These stories were very spooky and perfect for a quick read before bed or starting your day!
October 23, 2025
Hey thanks for ARC!
It’s difficult to choose the best story of them but forest one made me gasping for breath 😶🌫️
These stories are perfect length before sleep or while drinking afternoon coffee :)
Can’t wait to read more
It’s difficult to choose the best story of them but forest one made me gasping for breath 😶🌫️
These stories are perfect length before sleep or while drinking afternoon coffee :)
Can’t wait to read more
November 20, 2025
Short stories that are so good! The Forgotten Book of Alexandria is my favorite. I work in a library so of course. It's a unique take on books and knowledge and I can't say more. The other 4 stories are alo amazing, Mark and the tank just had me looking at my pet turtle sometimes while she swims aruond.
November 6, 2025
I received the ARC for Offerings of Undesirables and was very exited to read this collection.
A collection of five unique short stories, ranging in themes of horror, dystopia, and sci-fi. Each story is captivating and evokes fear, curiosity, dread, and leaves you stunned and intrigued.
"Mark" takes you through a journey of witnessing that not all is as it seems in a family, solely through the point of view of an aquarium snail, and its naivety leads to an unreliable narrator. "Hunting Bugles" shows that you should not mess with animals much, much bigger than you during hunting season, or else you might become the hunted. "The Forgotten Book of Alexandria" is a time transcending race against time to revive lost information while never really understanding why you were the one cursed to this job. "Seeking Refuge in Oblivion" cautions what happens when humans get a little too curious, and that some depths are to be kept hidden for the safety of the world. "Antirrhinum" reveals a dark secret in a blooming gardening business, with familiar ties found and tested, threatening to snap under the stress.
I absolutely loved each story, but my favorite of the group is probably "The Forgotten Book of Alexandria". Such unique ideas were invoked, with absolutely beautiful writing that let you see everything clearly and feel the emotions even stronger.
This collection is a perfect Fall read, great to get your heart racing as you curl up in the dark with candles and coffee to comfort you. I highly recommend getting this book if any of what I wrote intrigues you!
A collection of five unique short stories, ranging in themes of horror, dystopia, and sci-fi. Each story is captivating and evokes fear, curiosity, dread, and leaves you stunned and intrigued.
"Mark" takes you through a journey of witnessing that not all is as it seems in a family, solely through the point of view of an aquarium snail, and its naivety leads to an unreliable narrator. "Hunting Bugles" shows that you should not mess with animals much, much bigger than you during hunting season, or else you might become the hunted. "The Forgotten Book of Alexandria" is a time transcending race against time to revive lost information while never really understanding why you were the one cursed to this job. "Seeking Refuge in Oblivion" cautions what happens when humans get a little too curious, and that some depths are to be kept hidden for the safety of the world. "Antirrhinum" reveals a dark secret in a blooming gardening business, with familiar ties found and tested, threatening to snap under the stress.
I absolutely loved each story, but my favorite of the group is probably "The Forgotten Book of Alexandria". Such unique ideas were invoked, with absolutely beautiful writing that let you see everything clearly and feel the emotions even stronger.
This collection is a perfect Fall read, great to get your heart racing as you curl up in the dark with candles and coffee to comfort you. I highly recommend getting this book if any of what I wrote intrigues you!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews