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Grimoire: A Grim Oak Press Anthology For Dragonsteel Nexus 2025
A magical collection of ten short stories by an amazing list of contributors—all of whom will be in attendance at Brandon Sanderson's Dragonsteel Nexus 2025!
310 pages, Hardcover
Published December 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Speakman
31 books729 followersShawn Speakman grew up in the beautiful wilds of Washington State near a volcano and surrounded by old-growth forests filled with magic. After moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, he befriended New York Times best-selling fantasy author Terry Brooks and became his webmaster, leading to an enchanted life surrounded by words.
He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years and now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for several authors, and is a freelance writer for Random House.
He also contributed the annotations for The Annotated Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, published in 2012.
Shawn is a cancer survivor, knows angel fire east, and lives in Seattle, Washington.
He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years and now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for several authors, and is a freelance writer for Random House.
He also contributed the annotations for The Annotated Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, published in 2012.
Shawn is a cancer survivor, knows angel fire east, and lives in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 24, 2025
Yes, I am one of the authors.
No, I don't usually get to reading the full anthology before it is released.
This time, I did!
There are some really delightful stories here. I particularly love the range of styles and worlds represented. You might go from reading the complete story of a man's life, followed by a single moment in another's. Epic battles and quiet monasteries. Classic fantasy settings, urban, sci-fi, worlds inspired by China, Ancient Mesopotamia, and Tibet.
I could never choose a favorite, but I'll say one thing for each story.
Sliver of Hope by Ryan Cahill
- I loved the contrast between brutality and the desire to be honorable.
The Deal is Struck by JA Andrews
- I fell in love with a wooden cart. Yes, you heard that right.
Wasted Potential by Matt Dinniman
- I loved how well the balance between humor and heart was handled.
Anamnesis by Zack Argyle
- A+, greatest story ever written.
Children of Ash by Michael Michel
- Loved the complexity and vividness of the world in such a short story.
A Broken Hallelujah by Peter Orullian
- Music has always had a piece of my soul, and this story gave me everything I wanted.
Unity by Christopher Paolini
- The perfect introduction to the Fractalverse.
The Loudest, Smallest Dragon Son by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
- Loved how much heart there was in such a little creature. A real underdogdragon story.
A Knightess of Van by Christopher Ruocchio
- So much intrigue! Felt like the prologue to a novel I desperately want to read.
A Kiss Between Water and Woot by Shawn Speakman
- Loved the fairytale vibes with more adult themes.
No, I don't usually get to reading the full anthology before it is released.
This time, I did!
There are some really delightful stories here. I particularly love the range of styles and worlds represented. You might go from reading the complete story of a man's life, followed by a single moment in another's. Epic battles and quiet monasteries. Classic fantasy settings, urban, sci-fi, worlds inspired by China, Ancient Mesopotamia, and Tibet.
I could never choose a favorite, but I'll say one thing for each story.
Sliver of Hope by Ryan Cahill
- I loved the contrast between brutality and the desire to be honorable.
The Deal is Struck by JA Andrews
- I fell in love with a wooden cart. Yes, you heard that right.
Wasted Potential by Matt Dinniman
- I loved how well the balance between humor and heart was handled.
Anamnesis by Zack Argyle
- A+, greatest story ever written.
Children of Ash by Michael Michel
- Loved the complexity and vividness of the world in such a short story.
A Broken Hallelujah by Peter Orullian
- Music has always had a piece of my soul, and this story gave me everything I wanted.
Unity by Christopher Paolini
- The perfect introduction to the Fractalverse.
The Loudest, Smallest Dragon Son by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
- Loved how much heart there was in such a little creature. A real under
A Knightess of Van by Christopher Ruocchio
- So much intrigue! Felt like the prologue to a novel I desperately want to read.
A Kiss Between Water and Woot by Shawn Speakman
- Loved the fairytale vibes with more adult themes.
December 7, 2025
So far I have read:
Ryan Cahill - Sliver of Hope
Michael Michel - Children of Ash.
Both I have enjoyed and will update as I read more.
Sliver of Hope: This took me about half way to really get into because I have not read any of Ryan's prior books or stories connected to this. However I really enjoyed his writing and admire the themes in this. The "sliver" of goodness that is shown from the mother/fmc hit home for me. I already wanted to read his books but now it is confirmed that I will be.
Children of Ash: I adore Michael's writing and this story was just so good. What a fresh take with children being turned into dragons and slowly losing their humanity. It was so unique and I would love to see more from this world.
Ryan Cahill - Sliver of Hope
Michael Michel - Children of Ash.
Both I have enjoyed and will update as I read more.
Sliver of Hope: This took me about half way to really get into because I have not read any of Ryan's prior books or stories connected to this. However I really enjoyed his writing and admire the themes in this. The "sliver" of goodness that is shown from the mother/fmc hit home for me. I already wanted to read his books but now it is confirmed that I will be.
Children of Ash: I adore Michael's writing and this story was just so good. What a fresh take with children being turned into dragons and slowly losing their humanity. It was so unique and I would love to see more from this world.
December 8, 2025
Wow.
For those who don't know, I have been struggling with the worst reading slump all year and I think this one may have just cured me. Or at the very least, gotten me on the road to recovery.
A special shoutout to Michael Michel, one of the extremely talented authors featured in this anthology for sending an early copy along for me to read.
Thank you.
Let me begin by saying each one of these stories is so unique. I don't want to give too much away, but the authors have done an exemplary job of painting
For those who don't know, I have been struggling with the worst reading slump all year and I think this one may have just cured me. Or at the very least, gotten me on the road to recovery.
A special shoutout to Michael Michel, one of the extremely talented authors featured in this anthology for sending an early copy along for me to read.
Thank you.
Let me begin by saying each one of these stories is so unique. I don't want to give too much away, but the authors have done an exemplary job of painting
December 8, 2025
First of all, I am genuinely honored to have been given the chance to read this ARC. It is also the first anthology I have picked up, at least I think it is, and I have really enjoyed every story I have gotten through so far.
Here is a little dive into the ones I have finished!
Sliver of Hope by Ryan Cahill
I know this ties into some of his existing worlds, but even without having read those yet, I was fully pulled in. The whole struggle between what you are meant to do and what you want to do, choosing what is right even when it hurts, and making decisions for the sake of the future, it was genuinely inspiring.
Wasted Potential by Matt Dinnamin
This one was interesting in the best way. I could definitely see the same humor I loved in Dungeon Crawler Carl. The ending felt a little abrupt or unexpected, but maybe that is intentional and we will get more one day? Who knows, but I am intrigued.
Children of Ash by Michael Michel
I loved this one! The writing, the emotion, the weight of the story, all of it hit hard. The ending broke my heart in that bittersweet way. It is such a strong example of how people and friendships evolve, and sometimes, unfortunately, dissolve. I cannot wait to explore more of his work!
The Loudest, Strongest Dragon Son by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
This was adorable! It really captured how sometimes the smallest voices end up making the biggest impact. It is a sweet reminder to never underestimate someone or what they are capable of.
Here is a little dive into the ones I have finished!
Sliver of Hope by Ryan Cahill
I know this ties into some of his existing worlds, but even without having read those yet, I was fully pulled in. The whole struggle between what you are meant to do and what you want to do, choosing what is right even when it hurts, and making decisions for the sake of the future, it was genuinely inspiring.
Wasted Potential by Matt Dinnamin
This one was interesting in the best way. I could definitely see the same humor I loved in Dungeon Crawler Carl. The ending felt a little abrupt or unexpected, but maybe that is intentional and we will get more one day? Who knows, but I am intrigued.
Children of Ash by Michael Michel
I loved this one! The writing, the emotion, the weight of the story, all of it hit hard. The ending broke my heart in that bittersweet way. It is such a strong example of how people and friendships evolve, and sometimes, unfortunately, dissolve. I cannot wait to explore more of his work!
The Loudest, Strongest Dragon Son by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
This was adorable! It really captured how sometimes the smallest voices end up making the biggest impact. It is a sweet reminder to never underestimate someone or what they are capable of.
December 23, 2025
4.5 stars really, but for a short story collection that is good
The book contains 10 stories with a seriously impressive list of contributors, including Christopher Ruocchio, Christopher Paolini and Ryn Cahill
I don't intend to review all of the stories, I will say that I really enjoyed 9 of the 10 stories to a greater or lesser degree, but I would like to call out my 3 favourite stories, and even the 1 that didn't work for me was very well written
The Deal is Struck by JA Andrew - a lovely story about a merchant who you think is going to be the hero, but there's an interesting twist in the tale
Unity by Christopher Paolini - I wasn't aware that Christopher Paolini has written Sci-Fi but after reading this short story, a mystery set on a space station with definite Babylon 5 or Enemy Mine vibes, I will be looking out for more
Children of Ash by Micheal Michel - This is an interesting tale, with a Mesoamerican feel but also containing a very interesting protagonists viewpoint
The book contains 10 stories with a seriously impressive list of contributors, including Christopher Ruocchio, Christopher Paolini and Ryn Cahill
I don't intend to review all of the stories, I will say that I really enjoyed 9 of the 10 stories to a greater or lesser degree, but I would like to call out my 3 favourite stories, and even the 1 that didn't work for me was very well written
The Deal is Struck by JA Andrew - a lovely story about a merchant who you think is going to be the hero, but there's an interesting twist in the tale
Unity by Christopher Paolini - I wasn't aware that Christopher Paolini has written Sci-Fi but after reading this short story, a mystery set on a space station with definite Babylon 5 or Enemy Mine vibes, I will be looking out for more
Children of Ash by Micheal Michel - This is an interesting tale, with a Mesoamerican feel but also containing a very interesting protagonists viewpoint
December 5, 2025
A delightful collection of critters and fantastic worlds crafted with care and attention.
I would happily read full novels set in all of these worlds(and it appears that will happen for a few)
The world building and characters are all so well done and fully realized despite the short format. Before I was even done I already purchased a previous years edition I was so pleased.
Easy 5/5
I would happily read full novels set in all of these worlds(and it appears that will happen for a few)
The world building and characters are all so well done and fully realized despite the short format. Before I was even done I already purchased a previous years edition I was so pleased.
Easy 5/5
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews