Lessons Learned

by James Agee Jr., Luke Griffith, Chris Manning

Four tales that prove sometimes lessons have to be learned the hard way.


My Ragnarok by James Agee Jr.

In a society that clings to their viking heritage, the position of soothsayer is revered by all. However for Arne, life as the soothsayer's apprentice is harsh and trying. Faced with two horrific decisions, one must be made. Will he brave Ragnarok or face a personal Ragnarok of his own?


Unhinged by Luke Griffith

After his Mother’s funeral, Jeremy struggles to maintain his inner well-being. Years of curiosity force him to investigate the unknown. Some secrets are best left unanswered.


Dragging My Demons by Chris Manning

Aidan has finally gotten his life on track—he’s healthy, has a decent job and lives in a nice apartment. Except he has one small problem: He's just murdered his father--an abusive tyrant who's recently come back into his life--and now he must bury the evidence. As he drags his father's body through an unearthly forest, he'll face sinister, supernatural forces while uncovering the truth behind his family’s past.


The Fairy Tale of Knights by Katie Johns

Where did the fairy tales come from? This exciting prequel to “The Frog Princess” follows the Astinian knight, Sir Ulric’s path to knighthood in the earliest days of the fairy tale lands. He is a young boy with his brother, Ivor, who live with magical beings but are eventually kidnapped and unknowingly raised to serve a wicked wizard bent on destroying their old home and all magical beings. This coming-of-age epic tells how they conquer the evil wizard, save their adopted family, and forge the way for the fairy tale knights.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2020

About the author

James Agee Jr. writes fictional stories that border on the unknown. When he isn’t reading a book, he is writing one. Stories surround him and he cannot help but write a few of them down. Occasionally, some of those stories turn into books. He firmly believes that words have power and that if you are reading then you are doing yourself a wonderful favor.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When four talented authors come together under one cover, readers have the pleasure of diverse writing styles, diverse tales and in the case of LESSONS LEARNED, a common theme.

MY RAGNAROK by James Agee Jr. tells a Viking’s tale of one young man who knows it was not his strengths, but his weaknesses that won him the position of soothsayer’s apprentice. Was it only to prove all of his shortcomings? Arne must face his own test of bravery… fascinating, sometimes brutal, a quick read that feels complete!

UNHINGED by Luke Griffith proves that sometimes curiosity can kill more than a cat and just maybe, there is a reason your parents tell you NOT to touch something. Short, eerie, a nice escape!

DRAGGING MY DEMONS by Chris Manning will take one young man into a dark forest of unnatural horrors that will uncover just how dysfunctional his family really was. Will he come out a changed man? You think your childhood was disturbing? Can you really leave the past behind you when you find out “the rest of the story?” Sinister, twisted and perfect for a campfire tale!

THE FAIRY TALE OF KNIGHTS by Katie Johns brings fantasy to life as the prequel to a tale about brave knights in a tale of redemption, magic and honor. Fantasy heroes come to life in this quick read that makes for a perfect background story to THE FROG PRINCESS!

I highly recommend this collection for the content, how well written and thought out each tale is and for how well they fit together under one cover! Looking to try a few new and worthy authors' works? This is the perfect opportunity!

I received a complimentary copy from James Agee Jr.! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Publisher: Treasure Ink Press (April 26, 2020)
Publication Date: April 26, 2020
Genre: Short Story Collection
Available from: Amazon
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[Stephi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of four short stories, all pertaining to the lessons learned from life.

My Ragnarok by James Agee Jr.
A short tale of a young apprentice who knows his weaknesses.
2.5 stars

Unhinged by Luke Griffith
I liked the ending of this, but it felt rather rushed.
1 star

Dragging My Demons by Chris Manning
My favorite short story in this collection. Twisted, dark, and fascinating.
3.5 stars

The Fairy Tale of Knights by Katie Johns
I liked this one because the writing style suited the content. It is written with simple, childlike prose which suits a fairytale, but not the thriller-esque short stories the other three were. However, the characters were all very one-dimensional (to be fair, characters in traditional fairy tales are typically rather flat).
2.25 stars

Overall, the premise of this anthology was intriguing, but the prose didn't always match the dark subject matter. Additionally, the stories could have been fleshed out more, as to prevent the characters from falling flat.

*A free copy of this book was provided through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*

[Sara Ring (inthelifeofsara) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories included in Lessons Learned were quick reads that covered complex topics including controlling your destiny, inner voice and the balance between weakness & uncertainty. Each story included a brief summary at the beginning, which I liked but I wish that there was a more clear connection or summary across the themes at the end. If you are looking for a short read with a mix of self-reflection, inner demons and darkness, I would give this book a try.

Note: I was provided a free copy of the book via Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.