Of Myth and Monster: A Phoenix Fiction Writers Anthology

by Hannah Heath, Kyle Robert Shultz, Beth Wangler

ARE YOU READY TO LEARN THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYTHS? ARE YOU READY TO SEE WHAT’S LURKING IN THE SHADOWS?

Noah’s friend, Caitlin DeWinter, is destined to find the Key of Etna, and she’s determined to meet her destiny sooner rather than later, even if there is a sphinx guarding it.

There’s a monstrosity lurking in the streets of Hestia’s polis. The magical pest control units haven’t seen anything like it before, and now people are beginning to die…

After ten years of war, Odysseus leaves the battlefields of Troy only to discover more enemies in the ether of space, including a great and terrible creature waiting to devour any ship that comes too near.

From alebrijes to unicorns to phoenixes, this collection of short stories is a menagerie of fantastical creatures and unforgettable adventures.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Anthologies, Science Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2020

Reviews

[R.M. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll post a full review closer to the release date, but this is the best PFW anthology yet! I loved every one of the stories. ^-^

FULL REVIEW
PFW is releasing another anthology, so you know I jumped on it. I'm super thankful to have gotten another of their ARCs, and this one is quite possibly my favorite yet. It's definitely their best anthology yet, and if they keep improving their quality at this rate I'm going to have to create a six-star rating or something. XD Anyway, into the actual review. (And here's the necessary disclaimer that even though I got an ARC I wasn't required to give a positive review and this is all my honest opinion.)

Mistakes Were Made

Everything about this story is fantastic. The tone of finals week at a space-fantasy-style university, the characters and their snark and values and just... character, the folklore-inspired worldbuilding, the voice of the prose... Oh, and did I mention that this one starts a trend of diverse characters with struggles and strengths and whatnot that aren't often portrayed in fiction? Because that's one of my favorite things about this anthology, as a whole. I love getting to see different types of people represented, and Of Myth and Monster does a fantastic job of that. Guillerma is diabetic, which is not only a fact of her character but plays deeply into the story as such things should. Hannah does an excellent job of this throughout all of her stories, and Mistakes Were Made is no exception.

This story is funny, too. It had me legitimately laughing out loud multiple times, and it was just so much fun to read. But the humor doesn't detract from its depth, as the relationship between the two main characters is explored and Mundo's motivation, in particular, is revealed.

Anyway, just a fantastic story all around.

The Boy Who Listened

In an effort to avoid repeating "Everything about this story is fantastic" at the beginning of each review... I'm just going to say now that they're all all-around fantastic and you should just mark the book's release date (this Saturday) on your calendar now and buy it as soon as it comes out and enjoy it and then come tell me so I can say I told you so and we can freak out about it together.

Did you mark the date? Awesome. Back to the review.

Magic academies are awesome. Greek mythology is awesome. Neurodivergent rep is awesome. Sphinxes are awesome. So, naturally, this story is also awesome. It's also written beautifully, as is pretty much always the case with Shultz's work, it's thoughtful, and the character voice is spot-on. And what I said about things like diabetes and neurodivergence being woven with the story, not just disconnected facts? That's true of this story, as well (and the others in the anthology, too). These authors understand those issues, understand character, and understand storytelling, which leads to a skill in telling stories that are incredibly effective in their purposes.

H.E.R.O.

Urban fantasy. Anxiety rep. More Greek mythology. Oh! And a pet phoenix! The worldbuilding in this one was really interesting, putting creative twists on Greek mythology. I really enjoyed the blend of ancient mythology and a sci-fi urban world. I also especially loved the conclusion of this story.

The Gods of Troy

This one blends Greek mythology with space-based sci-fi, and I liked the worldbuilding of the Titans. The story stays very true to its source material, while still putting an interesting spin on it. I liked it a lot.

The Unicorn Tamer

Andorians are adorable, the writing of this story is hilarious, and grumpy characters are super fun to read about. Probably my favorite moment in the story has to do with fuzzy copyright laws. XD (Which is a pun, come to think of it...) There's also a unicorn named Greg, another phoenix (because phoenixes are epic), and... an unexpected ending. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable.

Lamp of Silver

This story was an intriguing look at both a different kind of genie from most and a deep theme. Plus, pirates and others who live on the ocean are cool. I don't have as much to say about this one specifically, but it was well-done.

The Staff of Callewhyr

This story centers around a monk, which is super cool because I feel like we don't get enough scholars and religious folk as MCs in epic fantasy and I love reading about those aspects of a world. The Staff of Callewhyr did not disappoint. The world is fascinating, the characters in it both involved in it and deep in their own right, and the writing befitting of classic epic fantasy. I very much enjoyed reading this story, and I would love to read more about this world and these characters.

Aura

When I first read this story I described it as "sad and beautiful," and I stand by that description. Philbrick seems to have a knack for those types of stories. The characters and their relationships form the core of this story, and they're done extremely well. Philbrick does a good job of writing emotional stories, and that's exemplified in Aura.

EDIT:
The Eyes of the Barghest

Ahhhh! I was so afraid I'd do this. I forgot one! And not at all because it's forgettable. I loved The Eyes of the Barghest. It was deeply emotional and beautifully written. The atmosphere was stunning and fit the story perfectly. Everything from the characters' different reactions to grief, to the setting, to the Barghest itself, to the ultimate conclusion of the story was skillfully crafted and moving.

I think this isn't my most coherent review, which is a side-effect of waiting too long to write it and my just getting over a mental health dip, but hopefully I've communicated that Of Myth and Monster is amazing and you should definitely check it out and support these fantastic authors and read some awesome stories. ;)

[deborah o'carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mini reviews of all the stories in this delightful collection!

Mistakes Were Made (by Hannah Heath)

What a delightful rollick! XD This one was so much fun and just such a wacky, amusing adventure. I especially loved the voice of this one -- such character! -- and the strong cultural flavor was neat. It's probably one of the most unique short stories I've ever read. Such colorful sci-fi! Marvelous!

The Boy Who Listened (by Kyle Robert Shultz)

Full disclosure: I copyedited this short story, but my unbiased reader opinion is that it was a vibrant, fresh tale, with a fun take on the "chosen one" and "magical academy" tropes, as well as being full of heart and clever twists! And, of course, despite not being an Afterverse story, there's still a dash of signature Kyle Robert Shultz humor. ;)

H.E.R.O. (by Beth Wangler)

Thrilling with a side of precious! With a relatable heroine who is part of a team of agents, this was an intense story which also had moments of fun. I loooved Poof the little phoenix! Such a cute side character. ^_^ This one dealt with fear and bravery, and I loved the mix of mythology creatures and technology, the agent aspect, and the twist at the end!

The Gods of Troy (by E.B. Dawson)

What a unique blending of Odysseus and space! E.B. Dawson always delights in her tales, and this was no exception, although with a bittersweet aspect which of course comes with the retelling. I really liked Odysseus and how the black hole and mythology and war of Troy and ship in space worked so well together. Fascinating!

The Unicorn Tamer (by C. Scott Frank)

A very amusing story, very tongue-in-cheek, about a fluffy, bear-like hero who's rather grouchy but relatable. I loved the unicorn character! Almost the whole thing was wonderful and funny, although I confess that the ending horrified me. I guess I wasn't expecting that dark of humor! But for the most part it was such fun and I really enjoyed the writing style.

Lamp of Silver (by Grace Crandall)

That was intense and fascinating! I was utterly immersed in this pirate tale-within-a-tale. A nautical adventure penned with skill. I love pirate stories and this one was amazing! I don't want to give anything away, but the characters were fascinating and the twist on a genie was so unique. This was my first story from Grace Crandall and I definitely need to read more by her!

The Staff of Callewhyr (by Deck Matthews)

This was also my first taste of this author's writing, and wow, I'm definitely curious to explore more, especially if there's more in this world! This was a fascinating tale with a classic fantasy feel but its own original twists. The worldbuilding was so neat, the story edge-of-your-seat, and I found myself getting more and more curious about these characters, especially the secrets hinted at. A wonderful fantasy adventure!

Aura (by Nate Philbrick)

MY FEELS. *clutches heart* I'm pretty sure I forgot to breathe during this. Wow, wow, wow. This was SO unique and feelsy and I loved every second of it -- well, it toyed with my emotions and was a bit sad near the end, but it could have been worse and overall I loved it. WWII-era but with a unique mountainous setting and just the right thread of fantasy threaded throughout. The characters were amazing and I loved them so much. I CAN'T. IT WAS SO GOOD. It felt like Lloyd Alexander but more feelsy. I can't get over this one. I loved the journaled bits, too. I can't stop thinking about this one!

The Eyes of the Barghest (by J.E. Purrazzi)

This was so spooky and atmospheric -- pretty sure the snow made ME feel cold reading it! The Barghest was totally unexpected. Some of this was sadder than I liked, but I liked the story by the end with the oddly hopeful twist. And it was another one that totally sucked me in and made me forget I was reading. And kind of a Nordic flavor, which was cool!

OVERALL

All of these stories were just so good! These were all delightful stories by skilled authors and I definitely recommend checking the anthology out!

I received a free e-ARC of this anthology from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

(Review originally posted here: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...)

[Nate Philbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s about time I said a thing or two about this book. As a participating author, it’s easy for me to say how good it is, slap on a five-star review, and call it a day. But trust me...I’m not afraid to be objective in my reviews regardless of any personal involvement. Am I head-over-heels for every single story? No. There’s a wide variety of styles and tones here, and some match my personal tastes more than others. That’s just how anthologies work. Would I give each story five stars on its own merit? Probably not. I hand out five-star reviews less than I hand out my phone number. That being said, I’ve seen each and every author fight through adversity, personal challenges, schedule constraints, and more to make this anthology happen. I know each of them wrote a story with purpose and care. If nothing else, this anthology is a testament to the strength and perseverance of its authors.

So...five stars. Fight me.
Oh, and it’s just really fun to read, too.

Rather than talk about each individual story, it’s my privilege to highlight The Boy Who Listened, by Kyle R. Shultz. You’ve heard all about it by now. It’s got many beloved Shultzisms—magic creatures, disgruntled deities, etc., along with some serious Percy Potter vibes. But that’s just the surface.

The Boy Who Listened matters. Okay, all these stories matter, but you know what I mean. It makes you wonder. It makes you think. It makes you guess a little bit. Matter of fact, I almost sent Shultz a message after reading it because I had Questions. But...I decided not to. I think I realized that the questions were equally as valuable as their answers, and maybe the answers lost a little value of they were just handed over.

And maybe that’s the whole point of the story. Don’t jump to the questions. Just...listen to it.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure before we begin: I had the honor of contributing a story called "The Boy Who Listened" to this anthology. However, I'd like to also briefly share my thoughts on the other wonderful entries from my fellow Phoenix Fiction Authors.

Mistakes Were Made: Yet another very fun story from Hannah Heath with all the trademarks that make her fiction special--protagonists who break the usual molds, a deep and fascinating storyworld that blends elements of fantasy and sci-fi, and a gripping plot. There's something Pixar-like about how she manages to tell a very relatable and heartfelt story in a fresh, exciting world.

The Boy Who Listened: I wrote this. I hope you like it.

H.E.R.O.: I'm a fan of stories that revisit mythology and folklore in a science-fiction setting, and this tale did not disappoint. It reads like an action movie with plenty of clever analogues and allusions to Greek myth--plus, wonderful characterization, up to Beth Wangler's usual high standards.

The Gods of Troy: This story by E.B. Dawson adapts Greek myth into sci-fi as well, though it takes a very different approach, using space opera rather than the urban fantasy/cyberpunk elements of "H.E.R.O." The concept of The Odyssey in space was brilliantly conceived and explored in this entry. I would love to see this premise expanded into a full novel, but the story stands very well on its own.

The Unicorn Tamer: A comedic romp from C. Scott Frank that made me laugh out loud with its hilarious banter and wink-wink pop-culture references. Despite the very tongue-in-cheek tone of this story, there's actually a great deal of deep world-building in it. I didn't see the ending coming, but it fit well with the plot and characters, so it felt earned. Highly enjoyable.

Lamp of Silver: Grace Crandall is exceptionally skilled at the short story format, and this story is proof of that. I loved her creative take on the concept of genies, and the masterful way in which she wove a deep, resonant message into the plot.

The Staff of Callewhyr: A tale from the epic realm of Deck Matthews' excellent Riven Realm series (though no familiarity with those books is needed to enjoy this story). It balances well-written characters and a massive, intriguing story-world to create a riveting adventure.

Aura: I have to say, while many of the stories in this anthology were emotionally affecting, only one actually brought tears to my eyes--and that honor goes to this entry from Nate Philbrick. Aura is a hauntingly beautiful story that stayed with me long after I'd finished it.

The Eyes of the Barghest: J.E. Purrazzi brings her trademark skill with both character development and suspense/horror to this story. Deeply moving and thrilling at the same time, it kept me on the glued to the page throughout and delivered a highly satisfying ending.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/xJyOndBKc6M

What a great anthology!

I'm unsure of what to fully say as many of these stories were deeply moving, though one was quite humorous in a few places!

I guess I should start with saying that I came in with high expectations concerning this anthology. I DEEPLY enjoyed Strange Waters and I can say that these stories went above and beyond my said expectations! I'm only sad it took me a little longer to finish reading the anthology, but a few of these stories demanded I take time to stop and think about it.

One of those said stories was Lamp of Silver. I still do not know exactly why this story resonated with me, but it did. It sort of wrecked me, but in an emotionally good way! Maybe because the genie was nothing like I expected. Maybe because Yasser made decisions I was unprepared for. Either way, it might be safe to say this was my favorite. <3

It is a tough call though because WOW! The creativity and the way these stories leapt off the page was epic! I give major props to Phoenix Fiction Writers as I have not read so much diversity ever in my bookish "career"! It was amazing and my heart feels so enlightened and moved! Thank you PFW for going above and beyond and spotlighting characters who are not perfect.

Quite a few of the myths and/or monsters I was not familiar with, though I really enjoyed the twist in The Gods of Troy! That was epic! I was actually frustrated with myself that I could not remember as much of the original story as I wanted to appreciate this story even more, but it gave all the right vibes I remember from reading it (including an epic poem of sorts!).

Lastly, a few different stories really showed anxiety and/or fear in a way that encouraged me. I'm not usually fond of reading anxiety on the page (because I wrestle with my own anxiety too often then I prefer), but seeing some of these characters wrestle with it and then face their fears made me cry (especially when reading H.E.R.O.). It was amazing! Probably not the right word to use, but it is good to know one is not alone. <3

Overall, I highly recommend this anthology to readers of fantasy and science fiction! I feel there is something for everyone, especially if you enjoy reading non-spooky stories about myths and monsters. ;)

*(I received an ARC from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories was an absolute joy to read! The worlds and creatures so exotic, vivid, and ethereal, the themes heartfelt, passionate, and true - I loved discovering each and every one, seeing where the adventure would lead. So many stories had such excellent world building, I was sad I was reading only a short story and longed to have a novel or even a series of stories based within these fantastical countries! I was enthralled by the transcendent alebrije in “Mistakes Were Made”, I fell in love with the quirky Olympian world of Hippogriff Academy of Magic (move over Hogwarts!) in “The Boy Who Listened” (and I could 1000% relate to the reticent and observant Noah!), I was very moved by Hestia’s plight and her bravery in “H.E.R.O.”, I found the clever, science fiction twist on The Odyssey in “The Gods of Troy” to be absolutely genius, I laughed at the adorable Andorians in “Unicorn Tamer”, “The Lamp of Silver” was a thought provoking and powerful morality tale (one of my favorites of this book!), “The Staff of Callewhyr an absolutely fascinating fantasy adventure with unexpected and tantalizing twists, the story of “Aura” so tender and resonate it will leave tears in your eyes, and finally the otherworldly heartbreaking story of “The Eyes of the Barghest” which pricked my heart and haunted me long after I read it. There is so much within these stories, absolute treasures, as they showcase a whole variety of heroes who overcome - not the monsters without - but the “monsters” that lie within, showing ultimately how fear is the greatest monster of them all, and that when we push through whatever the form those fears take, there is hope, beauty, redemption, healing, and most of all - joy - on the other side.

Wonderful work from the Phoenix Fiction Writers! 👏👏👏

[Joseph Leskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pursuant to my discovery that the contents and structure of this anthology are at the uttermost degree of spiffing, I wish very much to let my distinct favor and accolade for the stories in this anthology to be known. For lack of better ideas, I give here a spattering of potentially paltry comments for each story. They are designed to be vague and somewhat unhelpful, such as is desirable for not spoiling anything.

This anthology starts with Mistakes Were Made, which explores two very different perspectives on life and involves friendship, running from chupacabras, college, and the management of blood sugar, all brought to life by Hannah Heath's skilled writing and marked ability to present a theme and develop a vivid character.

It continues with The Boy Who Listened. The story delves into the natural complexities surrounding chosen ones and difficulties in communication, with an emphasis, of course, on the value of listening. And the writing and story are both fantastic (it is by Kyle Robert Shultz, after all).

By this time, I was all like, "Wow, this isn't such a bad anthology."

Enter H.E.R.O. This is the first story I've read by Beth Wangler, so I was quite pleased to discover that it is a splendid work. Many points to the characterization and writing style, to put it bluntly. The struggle with fear, the setting, the little phoenix named Poof, the progression of events – what else could a person want on any random day of the week?

And onward the anthology goes with The Gods of Troy by E.B. Dawson. A backdrop of war, the apparent anger of titans, a space naiad working behind the scenes, and quite a bit more, actually. Quite a bit going on in it, if you ask me. Rather fascinating, too. Also, at this point we might as well just accept that good writing goes without saying in all these stories.

Ah, yes, and then we come to The Unicorn Tamer. Set in a glittery land of furry little creatures with characters who have knowledge that might qualify as just a bit meta, a unicorn named Greg, and a cosmic doom advancing, this is quite the short story. And then there's that ending ("Say what?" I just about said upon reading it). I think this is the first substantial bit of writing by C. Scott Frank that I've read, and I do believe it liked me well.

Lamp of Silver is next. Another story that introduced me to the remarkable prose of its author, in this case Grace Crandall. It involves an old man with a knife, investigation into the mental processes of pirates, a little twist on a popular concept, betrayal, quite an emphatic revelation, and hope. In my personal opinion, it was really good.

The Staff of Callewhyr firmly cemented a reference to Deck Matthews in my mental repository of noteworthy authors. I see here some very impressive high fantasy for a story so short. A scholar for a main character, an axe-wielding bodyguard, ancient mysteries to be discovered, and conflicts of trust and weapon to overcome. Very clearly, this story has a setting with history and quite possibly a fascinating future, and I find that simple knowledge most gratifying.

Now for Aura. An accurate verdict would declare this story brilliant in its writing and wonderfully rich in its characters and plot. And the ending – what is Nate Philbrick trying to do to his poor readers? Also, Aura is set in the Spanish Pyrenees, which, in my humble opinion, is somehow a really great fact. Aura has strong themes of selflessness, devotion, bravery, and the devastation of war. It's merit was in my mind so extensive that I just about had a chill or two.

At this point, I decided that this anthology was highly delightful and well-favored.

And we come to the final one, The Eyes of the Barghest. It's basically a perfect ending to the anthology, and no mistake about it. I quickly became majorly impressed with the writing of J. E. Purrazi. The characterization is stunning, the feel the writing gives you is stunning, I was wholly fond of the prose in general (it's kinda stunning), and the themes of grief, fear, strength, and hope are profoundly developed.

All in all, this anthology easily wrests from me a very definite commendation of some especially high degree. Marvelous is what it is. I may well have to read it again soon and all.

FTC Disclosure: I read me an ARC – one obtained somewhat by accident – but no sinister deeds took place, and this review is of my own composition and expresses my honest opinion.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I don't often read anthologies. Actually...this may be my first. This was a great start into my beginning of anthologies. I loved getting a taste from each other and sampling their writing style. The Unicorn Tamer may have been one of my favorites. :) I definitely recommend finding this and giving it a try. Perfect for fantasy/dark fantasy lovers. Has a good mix of that kinda scary fantasy and lighter more humorous stories.

[Katelyn Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistakes Were Made
Hannah Heath

This psychedelic adventure follows a Cs-get-degrees college student and her seemingly uptight best friend as they track down the alebrije that stole his homework. The tone is fun, but also painfully familiar to college students who have ever slid in an assignment just before it was due. I liked not only the fact that the hero of the adventure regularly trips over her own feet (c’est moi), but also that she had diabetes. Anyone can be a hero—even someone that wouldn’t have gone on the adventure she did without making mistakes first.

The Boy Who Listened
Kyle Robert Shultz

This one was so sweet, and I had tears in my eyes by the end. It focuses on the universal need to feel heard, not just talked to all the time. What would happen if we began to listen more and talk less?

H.E.R.O
Beth Wangler

Heartfelt is something that always characterizes Wangler’s work, and this one is no different. The protagonist would rather face an unknown monster than turn in her resignation from a job that terrifies her, which is something I didn’t know I needed until now. There’s always that catch—right before you do what scares you the most. Do you turn back, or face your fears and come out stronger?

The Gods of Troy
E.B. Dawson

This one reminded me a lot of Ahab! Odysseus is a strong leader with a loyal crew, willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his loved ones have a tomorrow. The ending kind of caught me by surprise, but I can’t wait for more!

The Unicorn Tamer
C. Scott Frank

The Unicorn Tamer had me chuckling more than once. From its tongue-in-cheek nod to copyright laws and Wub-Nub’s adorable grumpiness, it was a wacky story with a somewhat dark ending.

Lamp of Silver
Grace Crandall

This story had a surprisingly hopeful tone twined through it like a golden thread, even though for much of the story there was a character that constantly observed that death was a part of life. Yasser was a cold-blooded pirate, but when he was rescued and shown mercy, he began to realize that life could be more than what he’d made it until then. The prose was also especially gorgeous!

The Staff of Callewhyr
Deck Matthews

This was a fun fantasy adventure with a protagonist that reminded me a little of Matthias from the Redwall series. Renlyn’s scholarly personality played well off of Arnak’s grumpiness, and together they managed to fit what felt like an entire novel’s-worth of fantasy adventure in the space of a short story.

Aura
Nate Philbrick

I cried. It’s one of those stories that gives you that ache in your chest because you know that if you keep reading, the characters will break your heart. Aura is so palpably human that I can’t find words—I’m really at a loss of anything else to say. It reaches deep down inside of you and touches your soul.

Eyes of the Barghest
J.E. Purazzi

Eyes of the Barghest is a haunting story of grief, and learning to see the colors again after loved ones pass away. It’s written in an eerie, edge-of-your seat kind of way, but a twist ending gave it an ultimately hopeful tone.

—————————

I’ve been reading work by the authors of Phoenix Fiction for years now, and I have to say that I have never yet been disappointed. So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this anthology!

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

What exactly is in the water over there at Phoenix Fiction headquarters? Oh, wait, that was last year's anthology, and Strange Waters did not disappoint! But another year has come and gone, and another excellent collaboration has been created. Of Myth and Monster is a collection of emotionally driven stories that dig deep into thought-provoking topics and display the genuine quality of what indie authors can produce. As someone who's been reading primarily indie books for the last year, I can tell you I've read plenty of good, bad, and so-so books in that time. What I love about the PFW group is the depth and variety of their storytelling, and the enormous amount of passion poured into each author's work. These authors don't shy away from difficult topics, and their characters are well-rounded, relatable, and very realistic. Even when they're facing mythical creatures, they're sharing their frustrations about life, the unfairness of their situation, the failures they've experienced, and their darkest fears. I love those characters because I can see myself in them. I have loved, I have lost, I have been afraid, and I have faced my fears. Whether I triumphed or failed, I have shared their tears and laughter. Okay, so maybe I have never traveled the galaxy or wielded a magical staff, summoned a genie, been hunted by monsters, or had a temperamental pet phoenix, but I have suffered through finals week in college, lost loved ones to tragic circumstances, struggled with insecurities and setbacks, and experienced fear and loneliness. In these stories, there is a lot of hope shining through the dark situations; there are well-developed worlds and new places to explore. Yes, there are myths, and there are monsters, but most importantly, there are human characters who show us the way forward and how to pass on that hope so we can keep moving on our own journeys, knowing we are not alone.

Unless you are someone who looks a lot like a popular sentient woodland creature who takes pleasure in helping take down evil galactic regimes—then there is no hope for you. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, reading Of Myth and Monster can remedy that. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC copy of the book to read and write an honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting collection of stories! Even though I typically prefer novels over short stories, it was so fun to hop from one intriguing world to another in a small amount of time.
I think what impressed me most about this anthology was how different each story was from the others. There were hilarious moments and heartbreaking moments, and plenty of imagination throughout. Not every story stuck with me as much as others, but each one held my attention.
I won't go into detail about each story, but my favorites were:

(In no particular order)
The Boy Who Listened by Kyle Robert Shultz
Lamp of Silver by Grace Crandall
Aura by Nate Philbrick
The Eyes of the Barghest by J.E. Purrazzi

I'm looking forward to the next Phoenix Fiction Writers anthology!

[J.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fuller review of this anthology you can find it on my website: http://www.jillanepurrazzi.com/non-fi...

Where to even start with this book. I might be incredibly biased because I am a member of the Phoenix Fiction Writers, but I refuse to believe that these authors are anything but incredibly talented and creative. This anthology ranges all over the board with inspiration and theme, while flying to the heights of lighthearted comedy and delving into the depths of grief and facing one's own mortality.

So here is my review, with special emphasis on The Gods of Troy by E.B. Dawson.

Mistakes Were Made by Hannah Heath:
Hilarious. Packed with mischief. Hits you hard with emotion just when you are thrown off with the laughter.

The Boy Who Listened by Kyle Robert Shultz: A story with a lighthearted setting and an important message. A protagonist who speaks for himself without words.

H.E.R.O by Beth Wangler: I want to live here. Cute and cuddly and powerful. Keep a tissue nearby for the end.

The Gods of Troy by E.B. Dawson: Anyone who has read much of E.B. Dawson's writing knows that this story will be good, so I'm not saying anything new. But I'm going to stay it anyway.

Dawson has great skill at layering meaning behind adventure. A story might seem like nothing more than a fun ride, but each word Dawson puts on the page is like an everlasting gobstopper. If you just sit with it for a while, you will find richness and depth behind it.

Odysseus is a man we recognize in myth who already has a really relatable motivation, but Dawson brings that home. The very first sentences of this story make your heart ache with home-sickness right beside the war-weary hero.
He has been at the mercy of war and chaos and the "gods" of the planet called Troy for so long, all he wants is to set himself free of those oppressive forces and chart his own course. A course home.
She sets up her characters with such skill that we are, like the crew Odysseus leads, ready to follow anywhere. But this is just one aspect of the story.
Dawson is a lover of science fiction and classics, and she marries the two with perfect precision. Using gorgeous imagery, unconventional set pieces (like a wooden ship and metal armor and swords) she settles us into the echo of the Greek myth while shooting us right back into the stars again. The gods are, after all, only interdenominational beings who like to mess with humans a bit more than is good for them. And the galaxies, beautifully described, are enough to send your own heart sailing on solar sails.
But any reader of Dawson's knows she has a lot more to show her readers than just incredible characters and inventive settings. Her stories always have meaning, and in this short fiction you could pull apart the layers of meaning forever.
One of my favorite aspects of this stories is the way Dawson addresses when to stand your ground, and when to give it. Odysseus is a war hero. He knows how to pick his battles, and he knows what is worth sacrificing for. Watching him navigate those waters with patience for himself and the men around him, always considering other before himself, is inspiring in more than one way.
I have a lot to learn from this character.
I know this story is going to stand out, not only in the midst of this brilliant anthology, but among many science fiction short stories, for it's creativity, its beauty, and its gently imparted lessons.

The Unicorn Tamer by C. Scott Frank: Bulldozes the fourth wall. Takes you on a wild ride through philosophy and irony on the back of Greg. You will see.

Lamp of Silver by Grace Crandall. Creative, emotional, with a message that hits like a hammer and cuts like a cutlass. Pretty much perfect.

The Staff of Callewhyr by Deck Matthews: Fantasy condensed instead of cut short. Great characters, a deep world and cool creatures.

Aura: Historical meets fantastical. Hits hard and doesn't let up. Good luck not getting attached.

The Eyes of the Barghest: This one's mine so you tell me.

[Julia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I've been looking forward to this newest anthology from the Phoenix Fiction Writers since finishing the one they put out last year (2019).
I was fortunate enough to have an ARC copy show up in my inbox so I could read it early and I'm immensely thankful because I could hardly wait.

Here are my non-spoilery thoughts on the stories.

1. "Mistakes Were Made" by Hannah Heath
This story was lots of fun, featured colorful monsters and posed some very deep questions. And Guillerma is back with her friend Mundo! I really hope we see more stories featuring these two.

2. "The Boy Who Listened" by Kyle Robert Shultz
A beautiful, thoughtful tale full of myth and wonder. It really made me think and days later, I found the story coming up in my internal dialogue. I can't wait until others read this so I can talk about this story with them.

3. "H.E.R.O." by Beth Wangler
A cute, powerful story about love casting out fear. Unique world-building and characters with adorable mythical creatures.

4. "The Gods of Troy" by E.B. Dawson
So, I happened to read this at the same time that I'm studying Homer's "The Odyssey" in school. "Coincidence? I think not!" Ahem. Anyway. (Shoves movie references under the bed.) This story was brilliant! I mean, the Odyssey in space? Um. Yes! Also, I need more because this story ended too quickly for me.

5. "The Unicorn Tamer" by C.Scott Frank
This was the perfect blend of fantasy and the ridiculous. And that ending... *does a double take* This was very creative and fun.

6. "Lamp of Silver" by Grace Grandall
This was the first story I've read by Grace (because I'm woefully behind on everything. Don't judge.) and it was deep. Besides being a piratey story (which I love, by the way), it asked some very deep questions, some of which I'm still chewing on.

7. "The Staff of Callewhyr" by Deck Matthews
Unique world-building that felt the smallest bit like a video game, the name of which I can't recall. Very interesting story. Also, this was my first story I've gotten to read by Deck and I need to read more. Please and thank you. *stares at toppling tower of TBR books* Don't look at me like that!)

8. "Aura" by Nate Philbrick
Beautiful story with adventure and heart. Can I just hug this story? It's just so beautiful! There aren't words to describe it that don't sound cheap.

9. "The Eyes of the Barghest" by J.E. Purrazzi
Beautiful and haunting. Wonderful world-building and prose.

Now I have to wait until this group's next anthology. Or... I could read the other books they have available while I wait. Either way it's a win-win.

(I received an ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced at all by the tiny dragon sitting on my computer.)

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Myth and Monster, like all anthologies, is a mixed bag of styles and themes. For the most every story in here has something to do with a monster, a myth or a monster from myth.

Some of the stories are dark some are light and humorous and some fall in between. There are all kinds of myths and monsters represented, Greek, Roman, Celtic. The settings are equally varied from Pirates to a sci-fi retelling of Homer's Odyssey.

My favorite was "The Boy Who Listened," by Kyle Robert Shultz. It takes place at a magic school and has a very unique view point character.

*I was given a free copy of this book. The above review is my own honest opinion*

[Azelyn Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This story is my favorite. No, this one! No… Argh! I like them all!

I always get excited when the Phoenix Fiction Writers come out with something new, whether it be an anthology or a book by an individual author. The only problem is, they often come out with stuff so fast that I can’t keep up! Which means there’s plenty to read of course, and my TBR will never be sad.

Of the authors who are a part of PFW, I am most familiar with the works of Hannah Heath, Kyle Robert Shultz, and Nate Philbrick. Anthologies like this one keep introducing me to new authors with their wonderful stories. Last year, they came out with Strange Waters (5/5 stars), and this year, they recently released Of Myth and Monster.

“Mistakes Were Made” by Hannah Heath

The first story in the anthology features a fantasy adventure of a college student who accidentally loses her friend’s homework to a mythological creature. I particularly like how the story is a prequel to her series on Wattpad, So I Accidentally Killed the Chosen One . Readers get a glimpse at some of the characters before their main adventure begins.

Though I sometimes struggle to imagine the settings of Heath’s stories, I always enjoy the characters. Guillerma and Mundo make quite the contrast, and now I’m curious to see if Mundo will have a large role in the rest of the series as well.

Then there’s gems like this one that describes the stress of college finals perfectly:

“I pull myself together and scramble to my feet only to be jostled by a guy wrapped in what looks like coffee-stained bed sheets.
“‘No sleep, no time, gotta study,’ he mutters as he stumbles down the hallway, an art project tucked under one arm and VR goggles tucked beneath the other.”

Overall thoughts: funny and relatable



“The Boy Who Listened” by Kyle Robert Shultz

“I just can’t fully express them in a way that everyone else can understand. If I tried, I’d probably just make it harder for people to listen to me. So I keep those feelings inside, and people think that’s brave, but it’s not. Not always, at least. Sometimes I don’t want to be brave.”

Of all Shultz’s stories and books that I’ve read, this one is probably my favorite so far. While he typically writes humorous stories, this one is a little more series, and the themes were excellent! I actually found myself empathizing with the main character, Noah. At first, I thought he perceives things one way, but as the story went on, I realized it was much deeper. He just wants people to be able to understand him, even though he has difficulty communicating.

Then the Greek deities as teachers tied in with a magical academy provided a familiar basis for a fantasy story. I particularly like how Athena turns into a sleepy owl during the day and a librarian at night.

Overall thoughts: relatable and heartfelt



“H.E.R.O.” by Beth Wangler

“‘Fear devours,’ she could almost hear her mom saying. ‘Tell it you’re not on the menu and keep living.’”

The first sci-fi/fantasy story in the collection! This one jumps right into the action, providing a report about events before the beginning of the story, then gradually builds up the main action. Which is amazing!

I particularly like the way it intersperses reports and news clippings with the main narrative, which progresses rather quickly but not at a rushed pace. I particularly enjoyed how the story incorporates various fantasy species into a futuristic society, especially seeing a civilian minotaur on a train, a pygmy phoenix as a pet, and a siren on Hestia’s team.

The themes were excellent too, and I just love Hestia’s perspective. Though I’m curious to see how her life would play out afterward.

Overall thoughts: stunning



“The Gods of Troy” by E. B. Dawson

Yet another story that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements. Though this one actually takes place in space with the interdimensional gods of Troy determined to destroy Odysseus. An interesting approach on The Odyssey, what with the crew sailing a wooden ship through space and wielding swords. The story itself only covers the mouth of Scylla, though it hints at a later quest of destroying Hades. I’m curious to see how Dawson writes more of this fictional universe.

Overall thoughts: complex world-building



“The Unicorn Tamer” by C. Scott Frank

“Wub-Nub contemplated this. And then contemplated harder. After giving himself a very minor headache somewhere between his left eye and his right shoulder blade, he decided he should probably stop contemplating it before he inflicted permanent damage.”

I’ve never read anything by Frank before, but I heard he joined the Phoenix Fiction Writers not too long ago. This particular sci-fi-fantasy story hints at a certain story that shall-not-be-named but is pretty obvious from furry creatures that live on a moon and slightly resemble but are not Ewoks. At first, I found it a little annoying as I am not a fan of Star Wars nor Ewoks, but I ultimately liked the way Frank developed his world with a grumpy protagonist, Wub-Nub, the island he lives on, and the fantastical creatures there. There’s even a point where the characters break the fourth wall.

The only thing I can’t stand is the ending. HOW DARE IT END LIKE THAT!!! I’m still mad, thank you very much.

Overall thoughts: humorous yet infuriating



“Lamp of Silver” by Grace Crandall

“How could any life not be something to rejoice over? Another set of ears to share the sounds of the world with, another pair of eyes to drink in the light?”

This story is beautiful. The writing style simply drew me in, and the themes concerning life and death were excellent! Another story set aboard a ship, but this one takes a more traditional, sea-faring approach. Oh, yeah, and it’s about pirates. Yasser, the protagonist, first encounters magic on an island when he meets a not a genie but a memento, who is insistent on telling him an important fact of life.

Overall thoughts: meaningful



“The Staff of Callewhyr” by Deck Matthews

The story of Renlyn, a monk on a journey he didn’t ask for, with Arnak, a protector who lost his uncle. Or did he? From a tiresome ride on horseback to a boat ride across a subterranean lake, this fantasy story features complex characters as well as a complex world. At first, I was concerned that the ending would be too easy, and I wondered how Renlyn of all people would manage to get out a scrape, but Matthews sets up the story rather well. Like many of the other stories in the collection, the ending is complete but rather open ended, and I’m curious to read more about Renlyn and Arnak.

Overall thoughts: more intricate world-building



“Aura” by Nate Philbrick

“… the hillside settled into a palpable silence. Trees rose through the fog like the dark masts of a hundred ships lost at sea. The trail beneath our feet swiftly faded and vanished without a hint of what lay ahead.”

A story about loss, love, and loyalty. Oliver just wanted to study journalism when he got recruited for a war. Months later, he’s on a journey to help find a doctor who will heal Mónica of her tuberculosis. Not only does the story have great characters, but it also has a great setting. Up in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Oli and Món encounter a touch of magic and a group of orphans. This story almost made me cry. Seriously so heartbreaking and yet so, so good!

Overall thoughts: heartfelt



“The Eyes of the Barghest” by J. E. Purrazzi

The perfect conclusion to a collection of epic sci-fi-fantasy stories. This one is pure fantasy, though, and it’s set amid the snow-filled woods as Eyva and her sister Brit are heading to a fjord to escape the plague that has taken their family from them. This story had me shivering. It didn’t help that the AC in my house is on high. Then the whole mythical element of the barghest was so well-executed and heartbreaking.

Overall thoughts: memorable

I still don’t have a favorite among these stories. They’re all good!

[Janelle Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anthologies. I love that I can curl up with a good story and be through start to finish in thirty minutes. The Phoenix Fiction Writers do anthologies really well. They are a collection of spec-fic writers who write mostly clean stories (I'm a member, but did not participate in this anthology due to extenuating circumstances) and tackle themes that most authors shy away from. This anthology, as its name suggests, centers around myths and magical beasts. I've given short reviews below, in no particular order. This anthology also crosses age and gender gaps, so if you are a fan of many different types of spec-fic stories, and enjoy everything from YA to NA to middle grade, you'll enjoy this collection of tales.

The Boy Who Listened by Kyle Robert Schultz - A delightful tale of a nonverbal autistic boy (allllll the feeeeeeeels), and the power of really listening and true friendship. It challenges the reader to rethink labels and how we judge people based on what they have to offer a society that isn't tailored to them. 5/5 stars. Absolutely loved this one.

Mistakes Were Made by Hannah Heath - A fantasy based on Mexican folklore. A college girl finds her deadline quickly approaching for an assignment, but a pesky Chupacabra messes up her plans. With the help of a friend, she manages to make her deadline before her homework is eaten. 3/5 stars. This wasn't really to my tastes, and differs a lot from previous works by this author, who I usually love.

The Gods of Troy by EB Dawson - a fascinating take on the aftermath of the battle of Troy, except in space. It tackles the subject of the cost of pride. 4/5 stars. Really unique, and I wished it had been longer. I really hope the author dives more into this setting.

H.E.R.O. by Beth Wangler - a provocative story that challenges the reader to face their fear and see the brokenness that lies beneath suffering. A truly powerful look at the good that can come from stepping out of ones comfort zone to come to the aid of others that are in trouble. 5/5 stars. A phenomenal read, that really challenged me personally. One of my favorites in this anthology.

The Eyes of the Barghest by JE Purrazzi - a moving tale of two sisters and a monster, who isn't quite what it seems. It delves into processing grief in a powerful way. 5/5 stars, and another of my favorites in this anthology. It takes a hard look at how we view suffering in death, and how everyone processes grief differently.

The Unicorn Tamer by C. Scott Frank - a perplexing tale of cute furry creatures on a quest. I couldn't quite get a feel for this one, and skipped it after a few pages. 2/5 stars.

The Staff of Callewhyr by Deck Matthews - an academic is sent on a journey that was supposed to be simple, but turns into a fantastical adventure with a battered soldier who has a secret. It addresses the difference between true understanding and just having mere knowledge. 4/5 stars, and intriguing enough to make me want to read more by this author.

Lamp of Silver by Grace Crandall - a pirate is trapped and forced to listen to a the tale of an old man, and not is all as it seems. A genie who isn't a genie helps with the discovery that death is a truth that can't be ignored. 3.5/5 stars for creativity and uniqueness.

Aura by Nate Philbrick - complete with more adorableness that this author is known for, this story follows the tale of two young lovers - one with a gimp leg the other with tuberculosis - as they take on a dangerous mission to find a cure for their ailments. They encounter more than they expected. It touches on the price of true love and how the end doesn't always justify the means. 4/5 stars, with a touching ending and it has my favorite 'beast' out of this whole anthology.

*this review was originally published on Booknest.eu*

[Faye Fite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of unlikely friends? How about gruff heroes? Nerdy monks? Magic and an epic fantasy backdrop?

You're in luck! Deck Matthew's The Staff of Callewhyr has all of those things.

What I loved:
~ Renlyn. He's a very nerdy monk who just wants to study ancient mythology and isn't super keen on adventures. I love him.
~ Arnak. A stoic, gruff warrior with a secret? Yes, please!
~ The friendship. Renlyn and Arnak definitely don't have a lot in common, and yet they are somehow the perfect pair. Their growing respect for each other was super fun to read.
~ The worldbuilding. This is epic fantasy in all the best ways. Matthew's seamlessly conveys the history and customs of the world in a way that drives the plot and builds up the characters.
~ The themes. Both of these characters end up having to step outside of who they are and what they feel they are meant to do in their lives. It's beautiful.
~ The ending. No spoilers, but I loved the resolution to this story.

This is Deck Matthew's first appearance in a PFW anthology and let me tell you: I can't wait for him to be in more of these in the future! The way he weaves together characters, themes, and world-building is awesome. If you haven't read this story yet, drop everything and do so now.


Now, obviously Matthew's story isn't the only stellar work in this anthology. Here are some highlights:

~ Mistakes Were Made. Yeah, this is mine, so all I'll say is: It's funny. It's heartwarming. You'll like it.

~ The Boy Who Listened: This is a beautiful story featuring a neurodivergent main character. Through a fun adventure and great character interactions, it delves into the importance of understanding that just because somebody communicates differently doesn't mean they don't have something to say. 10/10, would sit quietly with Noah and go on the occasional adventure with Caitlin.

~ H.E.R.O: I LOVED this. Hestia's struggle against fear and her determination to protect those around her is so inspiring. It made me tear up. 10/10, would spend a chill day eating mochi with Hestia and attempting to pet Poof.

~ The Gods of Troy: Really cool, imaginative sci-fi retelling. I particularly loved Athena's dry humor and all the fun twists on the original tale. The ending speech was particularly awesome and moving. 10/10, would travel through space with Odysseus.

~ The Unicorn Tamer: What can I say? This story is hilarious and weird, just like I like them. There's a grumpy main character, 4th-wall breaking, nerd references, and a unicorn named Greg. 10/10, would go on grumpy adventures with Wub-Nub (but I would NOT eat breakfast with him).

~ Lamp of Silver: A powerful, imaginative story of greed, betrayal, redemption, and heart. I loved every single moment of this. The prose was stunning, and the resolution incredibly moving. 10/10, would listen to Yasser tell stories all day.

~ The Staff of Callewhyr: We already talked about this, but: 10/10, would study with Renlyn and accompany him and Arnak on adventures.

~ Aura: A beautiful story of love and healing set to the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Yup. This is historical fantasy at its finest. I loved the disability representation, and the twists and turns in the story are both stunning and heart-rending. 10/10, would wrap Oliver and Monica in bubblewrap to keep them safe.

~ The Eyes of The Barghest: Purrazzi managed to break my heart and heal it all at once. The prose is stunning, the world-building beautiful, and the themes hit hard. This story was the perfect end to a perfect anthology. 10/10, would hug Eyva and tell her I'm proud of her.

You all need to go read this anthology!

[E.B. Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Alebrije are the least profitable magical creatures in this corner of the galaxy. You can’t use their hide for boots like chupacabra, you can’t harness their duende like Chaneques, and you can’t squeeze heavy labor out of them like Quinametzin. Alebrije exist only to be pretty and way chido, which means most people are stupid enough to think they aren’t worth chasing after."

If you know anything about the Phoenix Fiction Writers, you ought to know that we think outside the box. This collection of stories about fantastic creatures is both incredibly fresh and familiar.

Hannah Heath kicks the anthology off with a Mexican inspired space opera that blends Mexican mythology and futuristic technology beautifully.

Guillerma and Mundo are college students in the throes of finals week (at a college that offers classes like "History of Pre-Classic Chosen Ones" and "Intro to Calaveras Studies.") Their philosophy of studying is very different. With enormous pressure from his family, Mundo feels his entire life hangs on getting an A+ in every single class, while Guillerma is more inclined to live in the moment. When Alebrijes are sighted nearby, Guillerma determines to go see them with or without Mundo, and ends up inadvertently dragging him into a hilarious adventure.

What I love about this story is the surprising amount of heart underneath the lighthearted shenanigans. Heath deftly makes you re-examine your own definition of what success means through these two contrasting characters. Their struggle to live up to their parents' expectations (or lack of expectations) and navigate the transition to adulthood is incredibly relatable, and their unusual friendship is heartwarming.

The chupacabras and alebrijes and fun technological elements are the icing on the cake! I would LOVE to see this world brought to life on the movie screen. It is full of color and culture, and Guillerma is so lovable and relatable with all her flaws.

It's the perfect introduction to this unique collection. I'll sum up my favorite parts of the other stories briefly:

The Boy Who Listened- Fun, imaginative, and achingly beautiful for anyone who has felt overlooked and unheard.

H.E.R.O.- Delightful worldbuilding, honest characterization, and a beautiful, beautiful conclusion.

The Unicorn Tamer- Wacky, bizarre, quaint, and original with an unexpected, yet thought-provoking conclusion. C. Scott Frank may be a philosophical assassin.

The Staff of Callewhyr- A quest set in a rich fantasy world takes an unexpected twist. I loved the exploration, wonder, and watching two men with seemingly nothing in common gain mutual respect for each other by the end.

The Lamp of Silver- A unique tale of betrayal with a hard-hitting theme of redemption. Also pirates. Need I say more?

Aura-A unique piece of historical fiction set against the backdrop of the Spanish civil war. I loved the subtle juxtaposition of selfish and selfless love, and the gentle theme of hope in the midst of darkness and chaos.

The Eyes of the Barghest-Beautiful. Haunting. Brilliantly executed. Purrazzi takes you on a journey which is incredibly personal to her. This story NEEDS to be illustrated or animated. It feels as ancient, as beautiful, and as universally relevant as your favorite folktale.

Love this anthology.

[C. Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a special piece of literature. I'm pretty biased because, well, as a member of PFW, I absolutely love everything these authors do. They're all unbelievably talented, and getting to read their work is always a treasure.

That said, here are a few standouts from Of Myth and Monster that I'll briefly touch on (and update as I have more thoughts).

- Mistakes Were Made, by Hannah Heath.

Fun. This piece was just bundles of fun. I loved the characters—Hannah crafted vibrant characters that were so fun to watch and be invested in their stories, not to mention the beautiful fantasyscape she draws you into right from the start.

- The Staff of Callewhyr, by Deck Matthews.

I love Deck's fantasy world. Everything about Varkas is so engaging and enthralling, it's easy to love. And with every new entry, I find myself clawing for even more. This little story is no different. Places and characters are familiar enough to fans, but not so familiar that new readers won't be drawn in. If you're a fantasy love, this is for you!

- H.E.R.O. by Beth Wangler.

I'm ashamed to say I haven't read nearly as much of Beth's work as I need to (I'm working on it!) and this story was a great reminder of exactly how much I need to catch up on. First, I'm always a sucker for good Urban Fantasy. I'm not sure why, but anytime there are fantastic mythological elements in an urban setting, I will just throw my wallet in your general direction and ask for all of it. ALL OF IT.

H.E.R.O. did not disappoint. From the outset you feel like there is just a sprawling world of vivid urban fantasy that you are stepping into—it's a lens into something special. Everything about this story, from the setting to the characters to the creatures, motivations, and magic—it all just feels right.

Hestia is a character that you love to love. She's charming and awkward and quirky and 1000% relatable. But it's the growth of her character and finding strength through weakness to save the day that won my heart. It would've been easy to lob a cliche character arc into the mix for Hestia, but Beth masterfully grows the character into a subtle boldness born of necessity that feels natural and true and right and good, and yes, there are absolutely emotions at the conclusion.

My allergies threatened to get the best of me toward the end there, but once I dried my eyes from that pesky *cough* pollen *cough* I finished strong and knew that this story would never not be special to me.

--

Don't stop there, reader. The rest of these stories weave incredible mythos through fantasy, sci-fi, and everywhere in between to tell stories that will engage you. Even if you're not typically an anthology reader—these stories will find a special place in your heart.

[Deck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel compelled to start with full disclosure: Of Myth and Monster is an anthology containing one of my own stories, “The Staff of Callewhyr.” As such, I must acknowledge that I may have a distinct bias. But, that’s all I’ll say about my own story because this anthology is fantastic.

The breadth of stories in this collection is truly remarkable, ranging from the comically self-aware to the intimately poignant.

Of particular interest is Grace Crandall’s delightful tale, “Lamp of Silver,” a tale of the high seas featuring everything you’d expect from a good pirate story: mutiny and betrayal, swashbuckling and danger. But Carndall brings a unique perspective to beloved tropes of the pirate story.

The story employs the age-old narrative technique of a framing narrative, opening and eventually ending with an unnamed narrator (presumably a pirate) trapped in the wreckage of his ship. He is found by an old man who proceeds to share his story with his captive audience. For me, the framing narrative works well, recalling stories like Heart of Darkness in a way that lends the story a sense of classicism.

Crandall plays off this literary device, perhaps drawing on further inspiration from Arabian Nights (another story with a framing narrative), by introducing a sort of pseudo-genie released from the titular silver lamp. Only is not really a genie at all, but a momento, a being whose purpose is “to tell whomever holds me the one thing that everyone knows, but never remembers.” The creature is fascinating in its own right, and Crandall does a remarkable job of rendering the momento in terms that are both unsettling and oddly sympathetic—thanks in large part to her use of language.

Some of the imagery in this story is almost lyrical in its quality. There are many examples, but the one that stuck with me the most came in the opening scene, when we get a description of our storyteller, whose “eyes are like a night with no moon.” For me, it’s a stunning image: stark in its simplicity, but rich with import and implication.

As with any short story, it’s difficult to delve too deeply without giving away key information around the plot. Suffice it to say that I genuinely enjoyed “Lamp of Silver” and all the other stories in this collection. If you enjoy short fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres, I highly recommend picking up Of Myth and Monster.

[Beth Wangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great honor to be one of the authors in this anthology—and I mean that in the truest sense of the word "honor." The passion, creativity, cleverness, and heart each author put into their entry is beautiful and inspiring. Every single story moved me in some way, whether it was to laughter, contemplation, or tears. By the end of reading the anthology, I found myself strengthened to hope and persevere despite how difficult life has been.

Of all of these stories, J.E. Purrazzi's "Eyes of the Barghest" has left the deepest mark on me. Purrazzi masterfully weaves an aura of gloom, despair, and fear that is usually too much for me but that this story needed. I was unfamiliar with the barghest mythology, but Purrazzi showed the absolute terror it inspired so well. The scenery was dazzlingly clear and cold, and I felt the grief of the characters.

The ending of "Eyes of the Barghest" is the reason I can't get it out of my mind, though. It was surprising, transformative, and healing in a way that I have rarely encountered. In a way that reminds me of C.S. Lewis's "Till We Have Faces."

This is a story that will leave you more human, and less broken, after you turn the last page. I'm not ashamed to admit that I sobbed at the end (though I won't reveal how long I cried for).

Go read this anthology. It is waiting to touch your heart (and maybe change your life).

"Don't dwell on what time has already stolen. Eternity awaits."

[Deborah Kelty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Review:
https://deborahkeltywriter.blogspot.com/2020/10/indie-book-review-of-myth-monster-by.html

[once_darkness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great and varied anthology from the Phoenix Fiction writers.

Mistakes Were Made:
If anyone is familiar with Hannah Heath’s previous space opera, it’s not a surprise to say this story is full of funny moments, snarky characters, and excellent worldbuilding. I enjoyed the seemingly unlikely friendship between Guillerma and Mundo and the exploration into their motivations, and maybe in a broader sense, the impetus for the reader to think about what has shaped and motivated them.

The Boy Who Listened:
Aside from being an amusing take on a magical academy and a chosen one, this story is a thoughtful look at how we treat others who are different, the assumptions that are sometimes made about them, and the kinds of narratives typically given to such characters in fiction. Definitely thought-provoking.


H.E.R.O.:
I loved this story about Hestia and her constant struggle with fear. The urban fantasy/Greek mythology worldbuilding was cool and the themes were lovely. I would love to see more of this world. As can be expected from Beth Wangler, the conclusion is heartwarming and there’s one of my favorite lines in the anthology.


The Gods of Troy:
This was an interesting reimagining of the Odyssey, complete with a cameo appearance from Homer. The translation of the gods and perils that Odysseus and his crew face was perfect for science fiction. The ending is both satisfying enough in its own right while piquing my curiosity for more of the story.


The Unicorn Tamer:
This story is humorous, with main character being a grumpy, fuzzy, definitely-not-a-creature-of-another-fandom being. The ending twist is something else and perfectly fitting to the story, with just the right amount of set up.


The Lamp of Silver:
Right away the narrator’s voice is gripping and remains so as we enter the story within the story. I loved the descriptive power of the language. I liked the creative take on a genie with an unexpected message, but classic, message.


The Staff of Callewhyr:
This story reads like epic fantasy, with the sense of a large world behind it. I liked the thread of the mysterious which kept me curious throughout the story. The monsters are unique and creepy and definitely not something you’d want to meet up with.


Aura:
It was unexpected but pretty cool for this story to have a historical setting (the Spanish Civil war). I enjoyed the mix of journal entries and action, which was used to great effect. As to be expected with Nate Philbrick, there is a mixture of beauty and heartbreak, where love is represented in both its power to destroy and to heal.


The Eyes of the Barghest:
This is a beautiful story about a woman dealing with the fear, painful memories, and change in perspective that can accompany loss. I liked the symbolism of the Barghest. I loved the message of hope that the story gave while it still acknowledged the reality of loss. And of course there is one of the most beautiful lines in this anthology.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Harig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome anthology from PFW. At least for me, this one was the most interesting because all of the creative monsters and retold myths. It was really neat seeing the different takes each author had on fantastic creatures. There's a pretty big emotional range in these stories, from ridiculous comedies to tearjerkers. And yet, they blend really well together, probably because these authors all know how to write stories with heart. Although I didn't connect with every single story in this anthology (hence the four stars, though it should be more like 4.5), I still had a lot of fun and came away with a lot of memories and things to think about. This is totally a book worth reading, and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Michael Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was a really interesting, in how all of these stories are separate, yet they link together very well. I really enjoyed reading this anthology, so I'll jump in to reviewing each story.

Mistakes Were Made
Hannah Heath did a fantastic job with this one. One word to describe it would be, comfortable. It just feels so pleasant to read, with the worldbuilding seeming to exist beyond what we were shown. While the focus of this is the characters, the worldbuilding is fascinating, and the plot is fun, too.

The Boy Who Listened
I liked this one, even if I felt like it went over my head at points. The worldbuilding isn't too complex, which works well for a short story. Kyle Robert Schultz did a good job with the characters, and it very solid.

H.E.R.O.
Beth Wangler did a good job with this one. My biggest qualm is that I never learned why the acronym was Hero--maybe I missed it. Hestia is a fun character to read about, and while her main emotion is fear, her character extends outside of that.

Gods of Troy
This was good, but it felt more like the first chapter of a novel than it felt like a short story. That's not to say it was bad--fan of science fiction and the Oddyssey will likely love it. I enjoyed it, although I felt it was very brief.

The Unicorn Tamer
I would have enjoyed this one more if I had considered it the half-time show to the anthology. It's very different, and while the characters are entertaining, I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't come in expecting anything serious about it.

The Lamp of Silver
A fun story with a deeper meaning. Grace Crandall does a good job incorporating multiple themes here, and the result is an entertaining tale. One issue, the nameless narrator seems a little bit clunky, but he only appears in a few scenes.

The Staff of Callewhyr
A very traditional fantasy piece which entertained me considerably. I enjoyed the dynamics between characters, and the plot was solid. The plot seems a little bit standard for fantasy, so the it's really the characters which bring it to life.

Aura
This one left me very emotional, but Nate Philbrick's stories always do. It's beautifully written, and each character feels brimming with purpose. The twists are really twisty, without going overkill. I can't get over how poignant each character is. This was a fantastic piece.

Eyes of the Barghest
This one was a good story to close the anthology. As I said, while each of these stories are separate, they really do seem united, and this one brings them together well. I enjoy the raw emotions presented here--it was an excellent story.

So, yeah, I really like reading this anthology. Hopefully Phoenix Fiction keeps them coming!

[Grace T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THESE STORIES SO MUCH

I know I loved the Strange Waters anthology BUT I THINK I LOVE THIS ONE MORE HOW DO THEY KEEP COMING OUT WITH BETTER AND BETTER STORIES

I cried multiple times (Wangler and Shultz for sure, though probably others--I'd have to look at the contents again to see) and I want to get this in hard-copy eventually.

[Alexis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection! I highly recommend supporting these bright and talented authors!