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Glimpses of Time and Magic: A Historical Fantasy Anthology
We know the stories from history we've heard since childhood, but what if, behind the tales, there were magical secrets desperate to be revealed?
Pompeii was a tragedy the world will never forget, but what really caused the volcanic eruption that ended it all? Why was the great sword Excalibur really destroyed? The rolling hills of Victorian England seem peaceful enough, but what secrets really lurk there?
And would it surprise you that there are darker secrets in Ancient Rome than people ever dreamed? If the Great Fog of London isn't what it seems? You think you know Harry Houdini, but do you know the man behind all the tricks?
And what if the mystery of Roanaoke runs deeper than you could ever imagine? Could Ireland's potato famine really be caused by a mage gone mad? What if a ghost ship off the coast of England was more than a phantom?
If you like fantasy and history, then you'll love this collection of nine fantastical stories. Buy Glimpses of Time and Magic now to find out what secrets really lurk behind the stories we've all been told.
All proceeds are being donated to Feed My Starving Children.
Pompeii was a tragedy the world will never forget, but what really caused the volcanic eruption that ended it all? Why was the great sword Excalibur really destroyed? The rolling hills of Victorian England seem peaceful enough, but what secrets really lurk there?
And would it surprise you that there are darker secrets in Ancient Rome than people ever dreamed? If the Great Fog of London isn't what it seems? You think you know Harry Houdini, but do you know the man behind all the tricks?
And what if the mystery of Roanaoke runs deeper than you could ever imagine? Could Ireland's potato famine really be caused by a mage gone mad? What if a ghost ship off the coast of England was more than a phantom?
If you like fantasy and history, then you'll love this collection of nine fantastical stories. Buy Glimpses of Time and Magic now to find out what secrets really lurk behind the stories we've all been told.
All proceeds are being donated to Feed My Starving Children.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Paiement
28 books135 followersAriel Paiement is a speculative fiction author and reader. As an author, her favorite thing to do is to blend elements of science fiction, romance, and real world history into her writing to create rich worlds with their own lore and an immersive experience for readers that is reminiscent of the vast worldbuilding of early fantasy authors like Tolkien or modern fantasy authors like Brandon Sanderson. As a reader, she enjoys lots of styles and genres, though fantasy and science fiction are her favorites.
To find her updates, books, and writing tips, visit her Amazon page at amazon.com/author/arielpaiement or her blog at arielpaiement.com, or sign up for her newsletter at https://arielpaiementauthor.eo.page/f... to receive exclusive subscriber content.
You can find Ariel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well as via email at arielpaiement@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out if you want to connect! Just be sure you introduce yourself so she knows your email's not spam.
She also writes under the pen name Atlas Rose, writing philosophical fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction, and Thea Lockheart writing contemporary and historical romance. You can find those works here: amazon.com/author/atlas_rose_author or read some of her work on her blogs at atlasroseauthor.com and thealockheartauthor.com.
To find her updates, books, and writing tips, visit her Amazon page at amazon.com/author/arielpaiement or her blog at arielpaiement.com, or sign up for her newsletter at https://arielpaiementauthor.eo.page/f... to receive exclusive subscriber content.
You can find Ariel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well as via email at arielpaiement@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out if you want to connect! Just be sure you introduce yourself so she knows your email's not spam.
She also writes under the pen name Atlas Rose, writing philosophical fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction, and Thea Lockheart writing contemporary and historical romance. You can find those works here: amazon.com/author/atlas_rose_author or read some of her work on her blogs at atlasroseauthor.com and thealockheartauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 2, 2020
This anthology of fantasy stories is historical because the stories take place in different time periods.
There are nine stories and that means there is something for everyone. "Maiden of Embers" explains the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. I have always loved the story of Pompeii. "Excal'byr" explains the beginnings of Excalibur. "In Leap of Faith a woman, wounded in the heart by a man trusts no man. It isn't until she meets a stranger and takes a leap of faith into another world that she learns about true love. In "Rise of an Empire" we see the final battle before Rome falls. Then we travel with the remaining soldiers as they travel north to try to re-establish their empire. "Misted Love" was one of my favorites. It is the classic tale of a woman of high breeding falling in love with a man of a lower station in life. When her family's finances take a downward turn her father makes a decision to save his own wealth. He will sell his daughter to the one man she detests. This story pretty much explains the fog of England. I won't say too much because I don't want to give anything away. "Paradoxeffair" is one that felt familiar but fresh at the same time. We have a young man who has run off to join the circus only to learn it isn't what he thought. No one can leave the circus until their contract is up and only if other conditions are met. Most of the people of this circus are true "freaks or have natural magic". The magician has magic that was taught and yet it was enhanced by this special circus run by an evil mermaid. One of my favorites was "The Heart of the Phoenix King". This is the retelling of the disappearance of the people of Roanoke. Let's just say it is full of betrayal and revenge. "The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh" is written by an author I am very familiar with. Kandi J. Wyatt often writes stories of Dragons and other worlds. I was extremely pleased to find something completely different and refreshing. In a small village a mage takes on an apprentice. The apprentice has always wanted to use his power for good. But, what happens when his master decides to use his magic and his apprentice's magic to get rich? What is the line between right and wrong, good and evil? Maybe your tastes run more toward the time period of Pirates. In "The Heart of the Coast" a young boy whose father was responsible for the death of Blackbeard finds that his father despises him. When given the opportunity to run away to sea he does, promising his one remaining brother he will see him again. But Blackbeard's curse may have more to do with how his life changes than he ever understood.
I have truly found some new authors to check out. I have always loved anthologies because you get to sample different author's work as well as have stories with a common theme. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book.
There are nine stories and that means there is something for everyone. "Maiden of Embers" explains the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. I have always loved the story of Pompeii. "Excal'byr" explains the beginnings of Excalibur. "In Leap of Faith a woman, wounded in the heart by a man trusts no man. It isn't until she meets a stranger and takes a leap of faith into another world that she learns about true love. In "Rise of an Empire" we see the final battle before Rome falls. Then we travel with the remaining soldiers as they travel north to try to re-establish their empire. "Misted Love" was one of my favorites. It is the classic tale of a woman of high breeding falling in love with a man of a lower station in life. When her family's finances take a downward turn her father makes a decision to save his own wealth. He will sell his daughter to the one man she detests. This story pretty much explains the fog of England. I won't say too much because I don't want to give anything away. "Paradoxeffair" is one that felt familiar but fresh at the same time. We have a young man who has run off to join the circus only to learn it isn't what he thought. No one can leave the circus until their contract is up and only if other conditions are met. Most of the people of this circus are true "freaks or have natural magic". The magician has magic that was taught and yet it was enhanced by this special circus run by an evil mermaid. One of my favorites was "The Heart of the Phoenix King". This is the retelling of the disappearance of the people of Roanoke. Let's just say it is full of betrayal and revenge. "The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh" is written by an author I am very familiar with. Kandi J. Wyatt often writes stories of Dragons and other worlds. I was extremely pleased to find something completely different and refreshing. In a small village a mage takes on an apprentice. The apprentice has always wanted to use his power for good. But, what happens when his master decides to use his magic and his apprentice's magic to get rich? What is the line between right and wrong, good and evil? Maybe your tastes run more toward the time period of Pirates. In "The Heart of the Coast" a young boy whose father was responsible for the death of Blackbeard finds that his father despises him. When given the opportunity to run away to sea he does, promising his one remaining brother he will see him again. But Blackbeard's curse may have more to do with how his life changes than he ever understood.
I have truly found some new authors to check out. I have always loved anthologies because you get to sample different author's work as well as have stories with a common theme. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book.
July 8, 2020
I am going to say that I had pretty specific expectations for, Glimpses of Time and Magic: A Historical Fantasy Anthology.
I expected it to be short stories firmly planted in real history, with some fantasy explanation for historical events. Two of these were like that. What really destroyed Pompeii, what really happened at Roanoke. Three of them took place in very generic, "historic, England" with no time frames other than, everyone rides horses. One had historical character Harry Houdini enslaved to a Fae carnival. (This one was very good.)
My favorite was probably, The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh, by Kandi J Wyatt. I loved the way she captured the magical feeling of Ireland and made the profession of Mage feel like a totally normal job for someone to have. The Character arc of the protagonist was also engaging felt like a novel.
Like most Anthologies, Glimpses or Time and Magic, is a mixed bag. And it's best to temper your expectations, as you never get exactly what you expect.
*I was given an electronic copy of this anthology, from the future. It was transported to me so that I may read it and have a review ready by the time it released. My opinion is my own and is provided willing and honestly. Well, as honest as you can be, when a book comes to you from the future, and you know you have already reviewed it, but you don't know what you wrote, until you sit down to write it. Time travel is confusing.*
I expected it to be short stories firmly planted in real history, with some fantasy explanation for historical events. Two of these were like that. What really destroyed Pompeii, what really happened at Roanoke. Three of them took place in very generic, "historic, England" with no time frames other than, everyone rides horses. One had historical character Harry Houdini enslaved to a Fae carnival. (This one was very good.)
My favorite was probably, The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh, by Kandi J Wyatt. I loved the way she captured the magical feeling of Ireland and made the profession of Mage feel like a totally normal job for someone to have. The Character arc of the protagonist was also engaging felt like a novel.
Like most Anthologies, Glimpses or Time and Magic, is a mixed bag. And it's best to temper your expectations, as you never get exactly what you expect.
*I was given an electronic copy of this anthology, from the future. It was transported to me so that I may read it and have a review ready by the time it released. My opinion is my own and is provided willing and honestly. Well, as honest as you can be, when a book comes to you from the future, and you know you have already reviewed it, but you don't know what you wrote, until you sit down to write it. Time travel is confusing.*
August 12, 2020
Delightful stories and the discovery of new authors. I enjoyed this anthology and the variety of talent within it.
September 28, 2021
I love stories that revolve around historical events and drift through time and envelop magic to explain their occurrences. This book takes the tragedy of Pompeii and divides it into nine tales to explain and magic an explanation. This was such an intriguing concept and I really enjoyed it.
August 16, 2022
What I love about anthologies is how you can check out new authors without getting too invested (both time and money). I was quite disappointed by the first few stories, but as the anthology progresses, they become better and better and I absolutely loved the last two in the collection.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this book is not for you. Yes, each story us set in a period from the past, but the authors don't pay attention to key considerations that are important to making historical fiction enjoyable. Historical fiction is getting into the social mores of that time and showcasing what that meant for characters' lives. Many authors in this collection superimposed modern ideas and ways of thinking on their characters, or forgot that telling time in minutes is the result of industrialisation and the invention of the clock. I'll admit, these faux pas were irritating.
Otherwise, the paranormal elements were mostly fun and from half-way through, the stories became engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the roman story, Misted Love, Paradoxeffair and the story about the Phoenix King and totally loved the last two about the magician's apprentice and Blackbeard.
I received a review copy of this book and am giving my honest opinion of it.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this book is not for you. Yes, each story us set in a period from the past, but the authors don't pay attention to key considerations that are important to making historical fiction enjoyable. Historical fiction is getting into the social mores of that time and showcasing what that meant for characters' lives. Many authors in this collection superimposed modern ideas and ways of thinking on their characters, or forgot that telling time in minutes is the result of industrialisation and the invention of the clock. I'll admit, these faux pas were irritating.
Otherwise, the paranormal elements were mostly fun and from half-way through, the stories became engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the roman story, Misted Love, Paradoxeffair and the story about the Phoenix King and totally loved the last two about the magician's apprentice and Blackbeard.
I received a review copy of this book and am giving my honest opinion of it.
July 28, 2020
This book is a collection of short stories.
Fairy tales, minstrel songs, and tall tales reflect history. They, in some way, preserve the rich history or incidences of the past.
Fairy tales
• Need a bad guy or villain.
• Need a fair young maiden or someone is needing help.
• Need a hero or heroine.
• The stories don’t always end well.
• The story might teach a life lesson.
The authors in the collection deal well with history from tales of the gods and goddesses, Excaliber, the potato famine, Pompeii, the early disappearance of American settlers, the demise of Rome, and establishing England. They are using witches, gods, goddesses, warlocks, dragons, pirates, ghosts, and other creatures of fairy tale lore interacting with ordinary people.
There is a good possibility that these writers are the standard setters for modern fairy tales. And yes, I did like some stories more than others. Then again, I like different genres.
I received a free ARC copy of this marvelous book.
Fairy tales, minstrel songs, and tall tales reflect history. They, in some way, preserve the rich history or incidences of the past.
Fairy tales
• Need a bad guy or villain.
• Need a fair young maiden or someone is needing help.
• Need a hero or heroine.
• The stories don’t always end well.
• The story might teach a life lesson.
The authors in the collection deal well with history from tales of the gods and goddesses, Excaliber, the potato famine, Pompeii, the early disappearance of American settlers, the demise of Rome, and establishing England. They are using witches, gods, goddesses, warlocks, dragons, pirates, ghosts, and other creatures of fairy tale lore interacting with ordinary people.
There is a good possibility that these writers are the standard setters for modern fairy tales. And yes, I did like some stories more than others. Then again, I like different genres.
I received a free ARC copy of this marvelous book.
August 2, 2020
A potpourri of historical fantasy tales.
THERE'S PLENTY in this anthology to appeal to readers of historical fantasy fiction: from Alicia Scarborough's 'Misted Love', where two young lovers face unexpected danger in London's mysterious fog; pirates and ghosts in Sara Zagorski's 'The Heart of the Coast; to Joshua Reid's 'Rise of an Empire' set amidst the turmoil and bloodshed of the fall of ancient Rome; and several other short stories.
I enjoyed the variety of tales and diversity of pacing in this anthology. If you love historical fantasy fiction then you're bound to find something to please you here.
THERE'S PLENTY in this anthology to appeal to readers of historical fantasy fiction: from Alicia Scarborough's 'Misted Love', where two young lovers face unexpected danger in London's mysterious fog; pirates and ghosts in Sara Zagorski's 'The Heart of the Coast; to Joshua Reid's 'Rise of an Empire' set amidst the turmoil and bloodshed of the fall of ancient Rome; and several other short stories.
I enjoyed the variety of tales and diversity of pacing in this anthology. If you love historical fantasy fiction then you're bound to find something to please you here.
August 1, 2020
Eclectic mix of stories based on historical events
This book was interesting. The stories were diverse and suprising. They also took on quite a fantastical edge, which wasn’t what I was expecting, but of which I was glad to have. I enjoyed dabbling in a range of sub genres and exploring new authors. This is a great anthology for those of us who like to read shorter stories with a satisfying end.
This book was interesting. The stories were diverse and suprising. They also took on quite a fantastical edge, which wasn’t what I was expecting, but of which I was glad to have. I enjoyed dabbling in a range of sub genres and exploring new authors. This is a great anthology for those of us who like to read shorter stories with a satisfying end.
August 17, 2020
Compilation of short stories about various parts of history and time. Great use of imagination for some of these stories. Each has a great storyline and lots of magic. Really liked this. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 5, 2021
I liked the prospect of this book and the blurb is well made and it definitly got my atention. The first story was ok and I managed to read it until the end but other stories were not so lucky. They didn't resonate with me .
February 23, 2021
An amazing fantasy collection to keep you intrigued and make your day happier. Totally awesome.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews