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Chosen: A Fantasy Collection
Four fantasy authors. Four complete novelettes. All new content.
A bard with the power to bring his tales to life. A Victorian-era protectoress of the Lost Ways to Faerieland. A Korean War vet who becomes Mallworld Gatekeeper after dragons attack. A vision walker who is forced into a portal to another world to save her queen.
Four new stories. Four chances to escape to another world.
A bard with the power to bring his tales to life. A Victorian-era protectoress of the Lost Ways to Faerieland. A Korean War vet who becomes Mallworld Gatekeeper after dragons attack. A vision walker who is forced into a portal to another world to save her queen.
Four new stories. Four chances to escape to another world.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published January 31, 2018
14 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Quillinan
36 books71 followersKylie writes about women who defy society’s expectations. Her novels are for readers who like fantasy with a basis in history or mythology. Her interests include Dr Who, jellyfish and cocktails. She needs to get fit before the zombies come. You can find her online at kyliequillinan.com.
SWAN – the epilogue to the Tales of Silver Downs series – is available exclusively to her mailing list subscribers. Sign up at kyliequillinan.com.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kylie Quillinan
1. I studied Ancient Greek at university because I wanted to read Homer in his own language.
2. I’m fascinated by miniatures and tiny things, and am building my own dollhouse.
3. I studied to be a journalist because I thought that would provide a more reliable income than writing. I hated it because I wasn’t telling my own stories, only repeating what somebody else had already said.
4. If I wasn’t a writer, I would have been a marine biologist except that I get very, very sea sick. I’m also claustrophobic under water so that was never going to work out.
5. I never ever look into a mirror in a dark room.
SWAN – the epilogue to the Tales of Silver Downs series – is available exclusively to her mailing list subscribers. Sign up at kyliequillinan.com.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kylie Quillinan
1. I studied Ancient Greek at university because I wanted to read Homer in his own language.
2. I’m fascinated by miniatures and tiny things, and am building my own dollhouse.
3. I studied to be a journalist because I thought that would provide a more reliable income than writing. I hated it because I wasn’t telling my own stories, only repeating what somebody else had already said.
4. If I wasn’t a writer, I would have been a marine biologist except that I get very, very sea sick. I’m also claustrophobic under water so that was never going to work out.
5. I never ever look into a mirror in a dark room.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 13, 2018
An amazing way to get lost in another world,for a short time. Four fabulous stories to keep your interest by some pretty amazing authors. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
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January 31, 2018Kylie Quillinan, who wrote the introduction for Chosen: A Fantasy Collection said it was originally considered a genre sampler to make people aware of fantasy sub-genres they hadn't tried. The expectation was that readers might find a new favorite. I consider this a good attitude for authors participating in an anthology to take. This means that I'm not expected to like every story. I received this book from the publisher for review via Book Funnel.
The contributions that I liked most had protagonists that I identified with. It wasn't a matter of sub-genre. I felt that these were character driven stories. I really related to Agata and Fionn in Kylie Quillinan's fantasy romance, "Bard". I also identified with Arabella in Alesha Escobar's historical fantasy, "Lady of the Lost Ways".
So I felt engaged by half the content of this anthology which is a very good percentage. I recommend Chosen: A Fantasy Collection to other fantasy readers.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
The contributions that I liked most had protagonists that I identified with. It wasn't a matter of sub-genre. I felt that these were character driven stories. I really related to Agata and Fionn in Kylie Quillinan's fantasy romance, "Bard". I also identified with Arabella in Alesha Escobar's historical fantasy, "Lady of the Lost Ways".
So I felt engaged by half the content of this anthology which is a very good percentage. I recommend Chosen: A Fantasy Collection to other fantasy readers.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
January 29, 2018
Bard by Kylie Quillinan - The seventh son is a bard who has the power to make his stories come to
life. Is this a blessing or a curse? This is a good, interesting story with a
possiblity of being a series.
Lady of the Lost Ways by Alesha Escobar - A protector of the ways to faerieland. Protect the
innocent and keep the faeries in their world. Good, need more stories in
this world.
The Last Apple by Devorah Fox - Seek safety in a mall when dragons attack. Different story about
how to survive.
Vision Walker by Bokerah Brumley - A dream walker protecting her Queen and world from enemies
that hide in dreams. Interesting, can be a good series.
life. Is this a blessing or a curse? This is a good, interesting story with a
possiblity of being a series.
Lady of the Lost Ways by Alesha Escobar - A protector of the ways to faerieland. Protect the
innocent and keep the faeries in their world. Good, need more stories in
this world.
The Last Apple by Devorah Fox - Seek safety in a mall when dragons attack. Different story about
how to survive.
Vision Walker by Bokerah Brumley - A dream walker protecting her Queen and world from enemies
that hide in dreams. Interesting, can be a good series.
January 31, 2018
I loved this collection so much! As my reviews show I am most of a romance reader. But when I heard about this collection it intrigued me. So I thought I would try something out of my norm. And I am so glad that I did! These are 4 unique short stories from 4 new to me authors. Each story is very different from the other. But they are all really good. I was surprised at how involved I became in each story. And when each one ended I was upset. I wanted more. So I will definitely be checking out other titles from these authors.
I highly recommend this collection to fantasy fans. I see what you all love now! And I also recommend to non-fantasy fans. I thought I was like you. But this collection is a great introduction to the genre & it's sub-genres. I guarantee everyone will love it.
I highly recommend this collection to fantasy fans. I see what you all love now! And I also recommend to non-fantasy fans. I thought I was like you. But this collection is a great introduction to the genre & it's sub-genres. I guarantee everyone will love it.
January 30, 2018
Each story in this collection is so unique, like nothing I’ve read before. There's a wide range of different styles and stories to chose from here; from sweet, to silly, to downright strange. Four quick little stories that added up to a wonderful way to get lost for an afternoon. This was a group of authors that’s largely new to me, but I will be seeking out more of their work to read.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
January 31, 2018
These were an excellent assortment of Fantasy Novelletes. They all had me wanting to read more. My favourite was the 1st book about A bard that can bring his tales to life but he isn't sure it works. It was exciting straight away, it didn't take ages to get to the good parts. I loved that!
January 31, 2018
Four stories by 4 different authors. I enjoyed the different styles of writing as well as the stories themselves. Great book to read if you love fantasy and magic!
January 31, 2018
Really good book four stories from four great authors. Each one a different genres. That gives you a taste of each ones writing.
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January 25, 2018Four great stories. They were each unique. I love to read stories that can just pull you into the world. With these stories I got totally emerged into them. I love books where my imagination goes wild. I would recommend them as a great fantasy read.
January 23, 2018
I loved this anthology. All the stories were well written and got me totally involved. I couldn't put it down. I was totally transported. A really well put together collection of fantasy stories. There is something here for everyone of just about any age to get rapt in.
January 24, 2018
A well written anthology of unique fantasy stories by four different authors. Very enjoyable reads that I would highly recommend to friends and family.
January 22, 2018
Each story was unique. I enjoyed each on of them differently. I would love to read more from each of the authors. Very nice collection!
February 1, 2018
My favorite of these four stories was Vision Walker by Bokerah Brumley. Wow wow wow! I loved it! Mori is a Vision Walker for Queen Rilu. That means it’s her job to keep dangerous creatures who wander in nightmares away from her queen. It’s a portal fantasy with a historic element. It was original and exciting, and I loved the different dream worlds.
I liked Bard by Kylie Quillinan, a historic tale. It’s about a young man who can bring his tales to life and a young woman who needs to either find herself a husband or be married off to the man her father has chosen for her. I started out really liking this story, it was intriguing, but then it sort of sagged. I was disappointed in the ending; it wasn’t very romantic.
Alesha Escobar’s Lady of the Lost Ways is an historical fantasy set in Victorian London. This story started out confusing. Things could have been explained a little better. And the fact that it turned out to be about a serial killer disappointed me. I don’t really like stories about serial killers. But this story was well written and suspenseful. So, on the whole, it was OK.
Another OK story: The Last Apple by Devorah Fox. Survivors gather in a mall after dragons have attacked. Zalman is one of the survivors and he tries to do what he can. The fantasy element was minimal; there are dragons but the story isn’t about them. I didn’t really like this story, but I also didn’t dislike it. I sort of liked the ending; it was beautiful in a weird way.
I liked Bard by Kylie Quillinan, a historic tale. It’s about a young man who can bring his tales to life and a young woman who needs to either find herself a husband or be married off to the man her father has chosen for her. I started out really liking this story, it was intriguing, but then it sort of sagged. I was disappointed in the ending; it wasn’t very romantic.
Alesha Escobar’s Lady of the Lost Ways is an historical fantasy set in Victorian London. This story started out confusing. Things could have been explained a little better. And the fact that it turned out to be about a serial killer disappointed me. I don’t really like stories about serial killers. But this story was well written and suspenseful. So, on the whole, it was OK.
Another OK story: The Last Apple by Devorah Fox. Survivors gather in a mall after dragons have attacked. Zalman is one of the survivors and he tries to do what he can. The fantasy element was minimal; there are dragons but the story isn’t about them. I didn’t really like this story, but I also didn’t dislike it. I sort of liked the ending; it was beautiful in a weird way.
April 15, 2018
I enjoyed the idea behind these stories, though I felt the execution could have generally been better.
Bard starts when Agata is sent to Silver Downs to marry one of the sons by the end of summer. There are seven sons; all of them have different talents. Youngest son Fionn is in love with her and therefore sets out to show that he's a good husband. It ends when he inadvertently .
This was an interesting story; I felt that the execution could have been better. For a story supposedly revolving around Agata, she has a surprising non-presence in this. There could have been more development on the various relationships. It also felt a little like a set-up for a sequel.
Lady of Lost Ways is a fae-inspired novelette; it felt a little underdeveloped.
The Last Apple is a great post-apocalyptic story where dragons are unexpectedly discovered. The ending is great.
Vision Walker felt like it could have been interesting - though there's too little explained of the world. Again, another story that might have been better if it was longer.
Bard starts when Agata is sent to Silver Downs to marry one of the sons by the end of summer. There are seven sons; all of them have different talents. Youngest son Fionn is in love with her and therefore sets out to show that he's a good husband. It ends when he inadvertently .
This was an interesting story; I felt that the execution could have been better. For a story supposedly revolving around Agata, she has a surprising non-presence in this. There could have been more development on the various relationships. It also felt a little like a set-up for a sequel.
Lady of Lost Ways is a fae-inspired novelette; it felt a little underdeveloped.
The Last Apple is a great post-apocalyptic story where dragons are unexpectedly discovered. The ending is great.
Vision Walker felt like it could have been interesting - though there's too little explained of the world. Again, another story that might have been better if it was longer.
February 3, 2018
For the person who likes fantasy and wants to discover a little sample of all the different sub-genres of fantasy, Chosen, is the collection to try. I really liked Bard by Kylie Quillinan (a prequel to her series Tales of Silver Downs) and Vision Walker by Bokerah Brumley. Bard is a historical fantasy with a soft romance and Vision Walker has an interesting premise of a group of people that can wander in dreams and manipulate them. I’m usually a huge post-apocalyptic fan, but I really couldn’t get into The Last Apple by Devorah Fox. I liked how Lady of the Lost Ways, by Alesha Escobar, progressed, but it took until the end for me to catch interest. I am interested in finding out if there is a continuation of that story.
Overall, I would recommend this collection. I don’t think any of the stories were too adult, so teens could probably read this too.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
Overall, I would recommend this collection. I don’t think any of the stories were too adult, so teens could probably read this too.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
January 31, 2018
This book houses a fantasy collection of short stories by their respective authors. These four short stories are really meant for the reader to discover and explore each of the works of these authors and the different genres they write. Each tale is unique and different taking the reader on four separate journeys.
I usually find that short stories are a very unsatisfying read as there is not much intrigue nor detail and no depth to the characters and storyline. Each tale reads so fast mostly with no substance.
So how does the reader rate the book...... one star for each tale or 3 stars for the best. I have chosen 3 stars for the story Bard by Kylie Quillinan a light easy read of the French version of a fairytale.
The book was gifted by the Author for an honest review.
I usually find that short stories are a very unsatisfying read as there is not much intrigue nor detail and no depth to the characters and storyline. Each tale reads so fast mostly with no substance.
So how does the reader rate the book...... one star for each tale or 3 stars for the best. I have chosen 3 stars for the story Bard by Kylie Quillinan a light easy read of the French version of a fairytale.
The book was gifted by the Author for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
A great collection of stories which will keep you hooked up to the last minute. They will take you out of the place you 're in and transport you elsewhere to find a new adventure
February 12, 2018
Excellent collection of fantasy by excellent authors!
February 22, 2018
Very enjoyable book
September 8, 2019
Chosen is a collection of four very unconventional short fantasies from different writers. The stories were very well written with no distracting errors in grammar or spelling as one might find in most indie books that are offered freely on the internet. In fact, the stories were written in every case by successful authors who have previously published, which is evident in the quality of each story.
As I previously mentioned, these are quite unusual stories that are not run of the mill. The first is a mesmerizing fairy tale that ends with a surprise ending; at least I didn't see it coming, or if I did, was still a bit disturbed. The second story is a different spin on the history of White Chapel for those who are familiar with Jack the Ripper. The third is a highly unusual story of a siege in a modern setting, which I won't divulge for fear of revealing this very unusual dystopian setting. And the fourth, in some ways, brings back memories of the old Star Trek pilot called "The Cage," (later aired as "The Menagerie") as the reader who is familiar with Star Trek will see when this unusual story of dreams is completed.
In any case, each of these stories spins a very original twist on familiar ideas, but makes them such that you can't help but sit back and enjoy the tale as it is related. Highly recommended for those who enjoy well written and unique stories.
As I previously mentioned, these are quite unusual stories that are not run of the mill. The first is a mesmerizing fairy tale that ends with a surprise ending; at least I didn't see it coming, or if I did, was still a bit disturbed. The second story is a different spin on the history of White Chapel for those who are familiar with Jack the Ripper. The third is a highly unusual story of a siege in a modern setting, which I won't divulge for fear of revealing this very unusual dystopian setting. And the fourth, in some ways, brings back memories of the old Star Trek pilot called "The Cage," (later aired as "The Menagerie") as the reader who is familiar with Star Trek will see when this unusual story of dreams is completed.
In any case, each of these stories spins a very original twist on familiar ideas, but makes them such that you can't help but sit back and enjoy the tale as it is related. Highly recommended for those who enjoy well written and unique stories.
April 8, 2018
Wonderful Stories
I liked the variety of stories that were fantastic. They were all interesting and left me wanting more, which is a good thing. This book is well worth reading because it is journeying through fantastic worlds.
I liked the variety of stories that were fantastic. They were all interesting and left me wanting more, which is a good thing. This book is well worth reading because it is journeying through fantastic worlds.
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January 31, 2018I'll let readers comment about my story, but I was enthralled by the contributions from the other authors. Each one transported me to a different place, a different time, and I didn't want to leave.
February 2, 2018
Four intriguing stories, each one short enough to be read in a single sitting. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews