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Still Standing
Hollow Hills presents Still Standing, an anthology of short stories and poetry about empowerment and healing. We asked for tales that would make our readers think, tug on their heartstrings, or make them gasp aloud and our authors certainly achieved that. They involve bullying, harassment, or ill-treatment by others in some form or fashion. However dark the stories may get, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and the protagonist will show that they will not yield to hate, that they will not be kept down on their knees forever. We hope that our bit of fiction will show that no one has to give in to such treatment. We have been knocked down but in the end, we are still standing. The royalties from this anthology will go to Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization helping those in crisis.
Savage Beatings: An elf braves ridicule and abuse as a sacrifice for his homeland and people.
We Called It Azimov: A group of scientists come together to create a machine unlike any other. One scientist uses this modern marvel to satisfy her desire for revenge.
The Brave Blacksmith: The legendary Blacksmith must fight his own demons while confronting real enemies to save a sorceress from a dire situation.
Buccaneer's Beginning: A young elf wants to be a sea captain like her father, but her mother insists she become a mage. She clings to her dreams despite the ridicule and pressure of others.
The Living Tree: An inspirational poem about life itself.
Savage Beatings: An elf braves ridicule and abuse as a sacrifice for his homeland and people.
We Called It Azimov: A group of scientists come together to create a machine unlike any other. One scientist uses this modern marvel to satisfy her desire for revenge.
The Brave Blacksmith: The legendary Blacksmith must fight his own demons while confronting real enemies to save a sorceress from a dire situation.
Buccaneer's Beginning: A young elf wants to be a sea captain like her father, but her mother insists she become a mage. She clings to her dreams despite the ridicule and pressure of others.
The Living Tree: An inspirational poem about life itself.
184 pages, ebook
Published December 14, 2018
2 people want to read
About the author
Marie Krepps
23 books66 followersI live in small town North Carolina and I enjoy writing adult novels of varying genres including fantasy romance.
Music is a huge part of my life. It inspires me to write and there is always a song in my head and in my heart. Dreams also influence my work tremendously.
Find my book playlists on Spotify: THIS REALM CALLED EARTH.
Find my published works on my website.
Music is a huge part of my life. It inspires me to write and there is always a song in my head and in my heart. Dreams also influence my work tremendously.
Find my book playlists on Spotify: THIS REALM CALLED EARTH.
Find my published works on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Read
October 29, 2018While I promised I wouldn't grade or review this book because my name is on it, I will say briefly that every author who appeared in this anthology deserved their places. My favorite story in this collection is "The Brave Blacksmith" by Marie Krepps due to its realistic portrayal of substance abuse, PTSD, and of course, bullying. Be sure to pick up a copy of this book when it comes out.
December 13, 2018
This anthology was an intriguing read!
Because these stories are centered around different forms of bullying, there are dark aspects to them, but hope and strength are right there, too, fighting for their places in the hearts and minds of the characters. The additions of adventure, fantasy, and hinted-at romance make for a pretty well-rounded project!
There’s talk of magic, pirates, mystical creatures, and robots, but the characters are very real at their cores: they have suffered losses, been tormented by peers and elders, and had to make great sacrifices, all while trying to hang on to who they are and what they stand for. These are real-life struggles spun into enchanting tales; this collection of stories is not strictly fiction by any means, and I think it achieves its goal of inspiring courage and optimism in people who are in such shadowed places.
Although each work was entertaining in its own way, my favorite was the final story, “The Brave Blacksmith.” Some of the others offered great cliffhangers, but this one actually had me groaning out loud. I wanted more Blacksmith and Mara! I also really enjoyed the opening poem “The Living Tree”—it was beautiful.
All in all, I give this anthology four solid stars! Its premise of taking a stand against bullying is something that is very important to me. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read some unique, decently quick tales about hope in the midst of darkness.
However, be warned that these seem to only be beginnings! You’ll be itching to read more about the characters’ journeys and the worlds they live in!
Because these stories are centered around different forms of bullying, there are dark aspects to them, but hope and strength are right there, too, fighting for their places in the hearts and minds of the characters. The additions of adventure, fantasy, and hinted-at romance make for a pretty well-rounded project!
There’s talk of magic, pirates, mystical creatures, and robots, but the characters are very real at their cores: they have suffered losses, been tormented by peers and elders, and had to make great sacrifices, all while trying to hang on to who they are and what they stand for. These are real-life struggles spun into enchanting tales; this collection of stories is not strictly fiction by any means, and I think it achieves its goal of inspiring courage and optimism in people who are in such shadowed places.
Although each work was entertaining in its own way, my favorite was the final story, “The Brave Blacksmith.” Some of the others offered great cliffhangers, but this one actually had me groaning out loud. I wanted more Blacksmith and Mara! I also really enjoyed the opening poem “The Living Tree”—it was beautiful.
All in all, I give this anthology four solid stars! Its premise of taking a stand against bullying is something that is very important to me. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read some unique, decently quick tales about hope in the midst of darkness.
However, be warned that these seem to only be beginnings! You’ll be itching to read more about the characters’ journeys and the worlds they live in!
Read
December 12, 2018Really liked these short stories, nice variation between them all. It kept you on your toes. You didn’t know what to expect. Each story, made the worlds built feel so much bigger. So well done on that guys. You had a bit of everything, sci-fi, fantasy, poetry and a little thriller.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Publisher. Does not affect my review)
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Publisher. Does not affect my review)
December 14, 2018
A grand collection
The premise for this collection "Still Standing" is about survivors, not just survival. I enjoyed reading each story by a different author, and the stories were indeed following the theme of the collection. Each story brings unique characters and gives a great depth to each short story. I liked each one, and recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading more by these authors, whether it be more short stories or something full-length.
The premise for this collection "Still Standing" is about survivors, not just survival. I enjoyed reading each story by a different author, and the stories were indeed following the theme of the collection. Each story brings unique characters and gives a great depth to each short story. I liked each one, and recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading more by these authors, whether it be more short stories or something full-length.
November 16, 2020
Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews