All the Woods She Watches Over: Stories & Poetry

by Emily McCosh

"All the Woods She Watches Over" includes original and published short stories and poetry. Glimpses into loss and love, friendship and family, otherworldy magic, and magic roaming our own backyard.

A soldier of metal and wire meets another like herself, only a little more human. A child talks with Death on her apartment roof. A robot remembers nothing but the family he cares for. Faeries have eaten the planet, but this isn't the story about the end of the world. A witch plants lilies that know her well. An old woman knows the wolves that prowl the endless woods, and also the one that has come to visit...

"...heartwarming and heart-wrenching, beautiful and magical and strange, all-around spellbinding." - Natalia Leigh, author of Pistol Daisy

Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction

154 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2020

About the author

Emily McCosh is a graphic designer, writer of strange things, and daydreamer extraordinaire. She currently lives in California with her two parents, two dogs, one fish, one tree swing, and innumerable characters who need to learn some manners. Her fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Shimmer Magazine, Galaxy’s Edge, Flash Fiction Online, Nature: Futures, and elsewhere.

Find her online on her writing and bookish YouTube channel, website where she sometimes blogs, and Instagram full of sappy poetry.

YouTube: Emily McCosh
TikTok: emilymccosh
Instagram: emily_mccosh
Blog: oceansinthesky.com
Facebook & Twitter: @wordweaveremily

Reviews

[Deborah Davitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the title deceive you--there are robots in this metaphorical and wistful forest. And 'wistful' is the correct word to describe this collection. McCosh's style is light, even ephemeral, but every story and poem echoes with a kind of bittersweet sorrow. Even the happy endings land with a note of meditative yearning.

Every story takes as its primary theme the examination of human nature; every character, no matter how distant from humanity they might seem at first (a rust-covered robot; a robot installing synthetic skin in order to feel), is ultimately more human, more rich in depth and feeling, than the audience might be prepared for. And yet, because of McCosh's exquisitely light touch, none of the stories ever veer into the saccharine or the sappy. They land like butterfly wings in the mind and heart.

Read it, but read it slowly. Gradually. Let each story unfurl for you. You'll be rewarded.

I will note that I was provided a review copy of this book, because I'm acquainted with the author. But you'll note from my shelf that if I don't like a book, I simply don't review it, because life's too short. If I review it, it's an endorsement! :)

[Jessica C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written collection of short stories and poetry. It was definitely very different from anything I’ve ever read, and I’m not usually someone who reads sci-fi, but I really enjoyed these stories!

The characters were all very well developed, and the stories made me feel like I was being wrapped up in a soft, cozy blanket.

[Silas Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may not be all that privy to poetry or sci-fi, but the melding of those two genres and fantasy was enthralling. What I can tell you is that, to me, a sign of a good—no, excellent—writer is when they can make you feel something. If I wasn't smiling, I had tears in my eyes, and once or twice, it was both. My particular favorites in this collection were Robot Dreams, The Petals on Her Lips, and All the Woods She Watches Over. From the beginning, the writing drew me in, and the stories kept me in a firm hold.
I truly look forward to reading Emily's other works.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was stunning.
I was fortunate enough to be sent a signed copy of this from the author (thanks to TikTok), and I’d been gazing at it on my shelf for a while. I’m so glad I picked it up today. This year has been so rough, and I found these stories and poems to all have some healing in them. As someone who recently lost a loved one, I connected so deeply to many of the stories, especially the final one. Every part was beautiful. This will be one I go back and re-read often.

[Rachyl McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not typically a lover of mystical or new-agey type stories, but I swear, every time I thought Emily was going just a little too far with the magic or the robots with feelings, she managed to pull it together by the last few paragraphs. Her stories are actually better because of their short length, so I say, well done.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story collection

I enjoyed every second of this read. Each story and poem was breathtakingly immersive and unique. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bittersweet collection of short stories and poems, two of which now live in my head rent-free.

I very much enjoyed this anthology, but be prepared with perhaps a tissue or two as the majority will leave you with your heart aching.

[Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flow of this book was executed perfectly to keep the reader interested. It touched on subject of loss, love, family and the unknown that happens when the sun goes down. Highly recommend!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and bittersweet stories. The last story made me cry. But very good.

[Gerinda Kappert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written stories and poetry. It takes you into imaginative worlds. Before you know it you've reached the last page and wish it hadn't ended yet...

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories and poems are real and unique and sci-fi / fantasy with just a touch of amazing.

[Rockleese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the short stories -except for the last 2- but the poems weren't my thing.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY beautiful in such a whimsical but haunting way 🩵🩵🩵 I nearly cried TWICE