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Always Never, Rarely Sometimes
An aspiring magician who gets a sinister pleasure playing all kinds of tricks on those around him. Two strangers running into each after 20 years and wondering what they’ve missed. A long-suffering husband who decides it’s time he started making big decisions. An unhappy child at Christmas struggling to deal with his new surroundings before a wonderfully surprising encounter. All this and more within the seven stories of Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, where a wide range of characters are forced to challenge long-held beliefs and powerful memories, accompanied by a sprinkling of magic. Always Never, Rarely Sometimes is the third book from Alexander Raphael, following on from his short story The Summer of Madness and his set of conceptual short stories Illusions, Delusions. Cover design by Hope Nguyen.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2021
12 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Raphael
4 books10 followersHalf-Mexican, half-Welsh and growing up in London, Alex Raphael was surrounded by different influences and interests. But it was always books that spoke to him most and had the greatest impact.
He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alexander Raphael’s third book is Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, featuring original premises and distinctive characters with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue. Among others, meet a sinister magician with an array of pranks, a long-suffering husband finally becoming more decisive and a group of young guys intrigued by a pretty woman on another table.
Alexander Raphael’s latest offering is The Gameshow, about six disgraced celebrities who are unaware of just how much trouble they are in, having signed up for the most provocative of television shows. His satirical debut novel is a look at the constant decision-making needed by stars to remain popular and relevant, and just how desperate they can become when the wrong decisions are made.
You can find more information on his works here https://alexanderraphaelwriter.com/
He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alexander Raphael’s third book is Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, featuring original premises and distinctive characters with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue. Among others, meet a sinister magician with an array of pranks, a long-suffering husband finally becoming more decisive and a group of young guys intrigued by a pretty woman on another table.
Alexander Raphael’s latest offering is The Gameshow, about six disgraced celebrities who are unaware of just how much trouble they are in, having signed up for the most provocative of television shows. His satirical debut novel is a look at the constant decision-making needed by stars to remain popular and relevant, and just how desperate they can become when the wrong decisions are made.
You can find more information on his works here https://alexanderraphaelwriter.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 1, 2021
An engaging collection of short stories
This is a diverse collection of short stories covering a range of genres with a wide variety of characters and situations, meaning that every reader is certain to find their own favourite (and perhaps some characters to dislike - there are a few appallingly enthralling villains too!). Some of the stories are disturbing, some funny, some suspenseful and others heart-warming. There are a few unexpected twists as well. Truly something for everyone.
Recommended for those who enjoy short stories and are looking for a highly readable collection which provides true variety.
This is a diverse collection of short stories covering a range of genres with a wide variety of characters and situations, meaning that every reader is certain to find their own favourite (and perhaps some characters to dislike - there are a few appallingly enthralling villains too!). Some of the stories are disturbing, some funny, some suspenseful and others heart-warming. There are a few unexpected twists as well. Truly something for everyone.
Recommended for those who enjoy short stories and are looking for a highly readable collection which provides true variety.
August 10, 2021
With a story-telling style (and hints of magic) reminiscent of Ray Bradbury, and populated by darkly flat-affect characters straight out of Patricia Highsmith, this set of short stories is interesting, unusual and intriguingly compelling.
Each of the stories features a story spun around a main protagonist (and in one case, protagonists) who find themselves in a strange or unique situation, not always of their own making, that ends up revealing, in a slow-burn kind of way, a twist or a charming bit of irony.
My favorite, “Lies and Secrets”, is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek story about a man and a woman, each other’s first serious relationship at fifteen years old, meeting unexpectedly after twenty years. Without revealing the plot (no spoilers here), the author has fun with the social one-upmanship that makes us hide our vulnerabilities in ultimately self-defeating posturing.
Other stories include:
- The Prankster - a nasty prankster, who is warned that “people don’t like these silly little jokes. And they won’t like you if you do them”.
- Lucky/ Unlucky - an unlucky twin, who envies his brother as “it always felt that he was just six minutes cooler”.
- There/unthere - a solitary drinker, who may or may not care that “the world produces dots like him” and “just like that, it’s all gone. There, unthere, in one moment”.
A terrific read, I thoroughly enjoyed this little book and like the warning above, felt the ending came much too quickly (is that irony?)
A big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Each of the stories features a story spun around a main protagonist (and in one case, protagonists) who find themselves in a strange or unique situation, not always of their own making, that ends up revealing, in a slow-burn kind of way, a twist or a charming bit of irony.
My favorite, “Lies and Secrets”, is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek story about a man and a woman, each other’s first serious relationship at fifteen years old, meeting unexpectedly after twenty years. Without revealing the plot (no spoilers here), the author has fun with the social one-upmanship that makes us hide our vulnerabilities in ultimately self-defeating posturing.
Other stories include:
- The Prankster - a nasty prankster, who is warned that “people don’t like these silly little jokes. And they won’t like you if you do them”.
- Lucky/ Unlucky - an unlucky twin, who envies his brother as “it always felt that he was just six minutes cooler”.
- There/unthere - a solitary drinker, who may or may not care that “the world produces dots like him” and “just like that, it’s all gone. There, unthere, in one moment”.
A terrific read, I thoroughly enjoyed this little book and like the warning above, felt the ending came much too quickly (is that irony?)
A big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
August 10, 2021
This was a very interesting book of short stories. There are 7 short stories in total all very different to each other.
In The Prankster, Jimmy likes to play pranks on other people. Are they just pranks or cruel actions of someone trying to get a reaction out of others but ultimately the biggest prank is played on Jimmy himself. Lies and Secrets follows two people who dated but actually knew very little about each other. Lucky/Unlucky follows a second born twin and the issues he faces with his name. Could changing his name change his luck? The ending of this story was one I loved. There, Unthere follows Stefan who is drinking at a bar when he meets a mysterious old woman who seems to know a lot about him. This story definitely gives new meaning to the word karma. In The Beautiful Girl a lady in a coffee shop watches a group of men try to impress a young lady. Motive, Murder, Method follows a couple at the end of their marriage that ends in murder. This was fascinating reading. The final story The Magic of Christmas is a heartwarming story of a young boy who comes to Santa’s rescue. I loved this story and it definitely made me wish it was Christmas already.
This was definitely a book I thoroughly enjoyed. The stories were easy to read and did make me think about the stories, the characters and themes after I’d finished reading them.
I’d recommend this to anyone who likes to read short stories!
In The Prankster, Jimmy likes to play pranks on other people. Are they just pranks or cruel actions of someone trying to get a reaction out of others but ultimately the biggest prank is played on Jimmy himself. Lies and Secrets follows two people who dated but actually knew very little about each other. Lucky/Unlucky follows a second born twin and the issues he faces with his name. Could changing his name change his luck? The ending of this story was one I loved. There, Unthere follows Stefan who is drinking at a bar when he meets a mysterious old woman who seems to know a lot about him. This story definitely gives new meaning to the word karma. In The Beautiful Girl a lady in a coffee shop watches a group of men try to impress a young lady. Motive, Murder, Method follows a couple at the end of their marriage that ends in murder. This was fascinating reading. The final story The Magic of Christmas is a heartwarming story of a young boy who comes to Santa’s rescue. I loved this story and it definitely made me wish it was Christmas already.
This was definitely a book I thoroughly enjoyed. The stories were easy to read and did make me think about the stories, the characters and themes after I’d finished reading them.
I’d recommend this to anyone who likes to read short stories!
June 28, 2021
Raphael shares another collection of short stories with memorable characters and inventive plot lines. These tales lingered and made me wonder about the subjects and topics even after the stories were told. Enjoyable!
July 22, 2021
What a lovely collection of short stories.
From Christmas and Santa to revenge for a lost loved one these stories had it all.
Such a quick and easy read I really enjoyed it.
From Christmas and Santa to revenge for a lost loved one these stories had it all.
Such a quick and easy read I really enjoyed it.
June 19, 2021
I found this collection of short stories cleverly written and engaging. Raphael's ability to take seemingly normal scenarios and twist them into interesting examinations of human nature is refreshing and the bite sized chunks of fiction are easy enough to read but stay with you long after you're done. Good short stories are challenging to write but the author rises to the occasion nicely.
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June 14, 2021I was really looking forward to this and the mention of magic and characters in different situations.
Unfortunately, the first story did not grab me at all because I felt there was too much going on and I could not relate to the characters.
As I went through the book, I hoped to get immersed one or more of the stories, but that did not happen. I was interested in the beginnings of a few of the stories but then I could not keep that interest going because I felt the characters, and plots, fell flat and were not as engaging enough for me.
The writing was fast-paced, but too fast in some places.
I felt the style (for me) was overly wordy and there were word echoes (a repeated word close by in the same sentence) in more than one place which did not help with the originality of some ideas.
There just seemed to be a lot going on and I could not picture the characters or the settings, although some good word choices were made at times for the setting.
Thanks to Alexander Raphael and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Unfortunately, the first story did not grab me at all because I felt there was too much going on and I could not relate to the characters.
As I went through the book, I hoped to get immersed one or more of the stories, but that did not happen. I was interested in the beginnings of a few of the stories but then I could not keep that interest going because I felt the characters, and plots, fell flat and were not as engaging enough for me.
The writing was fast-paced, but too fast in some places.
I felt the style (for me) was overly wordy and there were word echoes (a repeated word close by in the same sentence) in more than one place which did not help with the originality of some ideas.
There just seemed to be a lot going on and I could not picture the characters or the settings, although some good word choices were made at times for the setting.
Thanks to Alexander Raphael and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
May 5, 2021
Alex Raphael’s latest collection of short stories is wonderful! It’s an eclectic mix — with mystery, an exploration of the what ifs in life, and a touch of the mystical, there is a story for many tastes. In several, the endings are left for the reader to decide the ‘what happens next’ and in one, especially, there is the satisfaction of karma or poetic justice. The final story, a delightful holiday tale, finishes the book with warmth and hope for the future of the main character, a young boy who has been faced with an upheaval in his life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest collection from a writer whose talent moves from genre to genre effortlessly. I highly recommend reading and enjoying for yourself!
August 10, 2021
Always Never, Rarely Somtimes by Alexander Raphael is a collection of seven short stories. Each story is unique, and each story was quite different. This anthology really showcases this author’s writing style.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite short story in this anthology. If forced, I think I would choose The Beautiful Girl, however, each story was so uniquely different, it is hard to pick.
If you enjoy short, well constructed stories with unique characters and perspectives, this would be the collection for you. Don’t miss out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite short story in this anthology. If forced, I think I would choose The Beautiful Girl, however, each story was so uniquely different, it is hard to pick.
If you enjoy short, well constructed stories with unique characters and perspectives, this would be the collection for you. Don’t miss out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
February 9, 2021
I love the style of wit expressed in this book. Alex Raphael can spin a yarn that I’m sure most of us can identify with. The anecdotal, philosophical, vivid, and often unusual style draws you in and before you know it you are nodding in agreement to the truths that emerge... Brilliant read!
September 15, 2021
This is a collection of short stories by one person,yet they vary in style and content so much they elegantly demonstrate the versatility of Alexander Raphael as a writer. Only seven stories, but each has a different tone and flavour, from the brash showman to the small boy working hard, the importance of names in someone’s life to the reunion of two people who were once important to each other. They are all more or less contemporary, and show the way that sometimes the domestic settings of coffee shops, bars and small towns can be enough for vibrant fiction. This is a short book and an entertaining one, as with commendable economy the author establishes the setting, often during the lively dialogue which he seems to revel in. The characters which he evidently enjoys creating are consistent and often surprising, but always intriguing. There are twists sometimes within the stories, but they are not essential to tell the story. There is sometimes a surreal theme, but all are within the range of experience; the human context is well developed. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this fascinating book.
The character of Jimmy Nirvana is a failed magician and disappointed showman, but has a talent and an appreciation of how to have an effect on people, not always for the better. In another story the question is “what to say next” after many years. The nature of luck and timing is a very real topic for some, as a man comes to know the power of a name and much more. There is a chilling element in a story set in an everyday pub, despite outward appearances. This is in direct contrast to a delightful story of innocence and attraction, appearances and contrivances. A smart and clever story of intense motive is an intriguing story of a marriage. The final tale features Christmas from a particular point of view and is a touching tale with a few surprises.
This is a lovely book of stories for reading and thought. They do not always go in the way that is expected, and are the stronger for that, but do not indulge in showy tricks. It is an entertaining collection which I recommend as an enjoyable read and well written treat.
The character of Jimmy Nirvana is a failed magician and disappointed showman, but has a talent and an appreciation of how to have an effect on people, not always for the better. In another story the question is “what to say next” after many years. The nature of luck and timing is a very real topic for some, as a man comes to know the power of a name and much more. There is a chilling element in a story set in an everyday pub, despite outward appearances. This is in direct contrast to a delightful story of innocence and attraction, appearances and contrivances. A smart and clever story of intense motive is an intriguing story of a marriage. The final tale features Christmas from a particular point of view and is a touching tale with a few surprises.
This is a lovely book of stories for reading and thought. They do not always go in the way that is expected, and are the stronger for that, but do not indulge in showy tricks. It is an entertaining collection which I recommend as an enjoyable read and well written treat.
November 15, 2021
With Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, Alexander Raphael proves to once again be the master of short stories. This collection dives deep into realistic characters and examines the truths that hide beneath the surface of them.
In many of these stories, Raphael shines a light on seemingly everyday people in difficult situations. Whether it’s a nice man who does a terrible thing, a criminal plagued by a crime from his past, or a middle-aged woman watching a beautiful girl fend off male suitors… these stories prove that Raphael isn’t afraid to explore difficult and ambitious topics. The humanity in these stories is incredibly poignant. The characters feel nuanced, real, and believably flawed. In one standout story, two former lovers run into each other after years and years and do what we all do when we run into a former lover… try to make both of their lives seem better than they actually are. It’s a painfully realistic story, and one that many readers will probably be able to see themselves in. The kicker is the way Raphael ends this story, but you’ll have to read for yourself to find out more!
Several stories feature great plot twists and haunting endings. With surprising final sentences, Raphael manages to paint entire stories in a brand new light. It’s a fascinating technique, and one that promises readers will ruminate on these stories long after they finish the collection.
Overall, there's truly something for everything in this collection. Some of the stories are thought provoking, some are bittersweet, some are a little scary, and some are darkly funny. With confident, engaging prose, Raphael takes readers on all kinds of journeys throughout his stories, but one thing is for sure, you're going to enjoy the ride.
This reader can't wait for what Alexander Raphael has up his sleeve for his next published work!
In many of these stories, Raphael shines a light on seemingly everyday people in difficult situations. Whether it’s a nice man who does a terrible thing, a criminal plagued by a crime from his past, or a middle-aged woman watching a beautiful girl fend off male suitors… these stories prove that Raphael isn’t afraid to explore difficult and ambitious topics. The humanity in these stories is incredibly poignant. The characters feel nuanced, real, and believably flawed. In one standout story, two former lovers run into each other after years and years and do what we all do when we run into a former lover… try to make both of their lives seem better than they actually are. It’s a painfully realistic story, and one that many readers will probably be able to see themselves in. The kicker is the way Raphael ends this story, but you’ll have to read for yourself to find out more!
Several stories feature great plot twists and haunting endings. With surprising final sentences, Raphael manages to paint entire stories in a brand new light. It’s a fascinating technique, and one that promises readers will ruminate on these stories long after they finish the collection.
Overall, there's truly something for everything in this collection. Some of the stories are thought provoking, some are bittersweet, some are a little scary, and some are darkly funny. With confident, engaging prose, Raphael takes readers on all kinds of journeys throughout his stories, but one thing is for sure, you're going to enjoy the ride.
This reader can't wait for what Alexander Raphael has up his sleeve for his next published work!
September 29, 2021
The book is a collection of short stories from a range of genres, and covers varied topics. Raphael’s eclectic endeavor is in equal parts humorous and quirky, suspense-filled and heartwarming, philosophical and disturbing – every story striking a chord and lingering long after it has been read. The beauty of the writing lies in how he gets the reader involved in the story, having you decide for yourself what each story means for you. A wonderful collection that perfectly displays Raphael’s range as a writer and his proficiency in short fiction.
September 19, 2021
A glimpse in the lives of very different people.
Seven short stories, of people very different from each other, in different places in their lives. Seven short stories to realize as a reader that we never know what happens behind the curtains, or just allowing us to be part of a short period in someone’s life. Stories that will surprise you, make you smile, give you hope, but also teaches you that sometimes Karma is a B*tch and that some things cannot go without consequences.
I have to admit, there were a few stories I preferred more compared to other ones. But not because the other ones weren’t written as good, but because I just like stories that end well, or stories that give you hope.
There were several characters I just didn’t like, and when you get to these stories, you’ll get me. But it also shows the reader that a book shouldn’t be always be about good people doing good stuff. Sometimes it has to be about the ‘villain’ not understanding when to stop, a button pushed too much and having to face the consequences of your actions. Each story has its charm, and even if the characters weren’t all my cup of tea, I enjoyed reading those too! There are however a few stories that were sweet, hopeful and heart – warming, even if the start wasn’t always that happy for these characters. The lives of some characters took a turn for the better and it just made me smile, seeing how one event can make it possible to change a whole life course.
I found it entertaining to see how apparently random chosen moments could give the reader a better insight of how people interact and what is going on in someone’s mind. The author managed to put so much in such short space yet never disappointed in leaving too many open endings or leaving the reader with many questions!
It was fund reading each story and somehow I left with a sense of wanting to read more and see what other stories this author would be able to pull out of his magic hat!
Seven short stories, of people very different from each other, in different places in their lives. Seven short stories to realize as a reader that we never know what happens behind the curtains, or just allowing us to be part of a short period in someone’s life. Stories that will surprise you, make you smile, give you hope, but also teaches you that sometimes Karma is a B*tch and that some things cannot go without consequences.
I have to admit, there were a few stories I preferred more compared to other ones. But not because the other ones weren’t written as good, but because I just like stories that end well, or stories that give you hope.
There were several characters I just didn’t like, and when you get to these stories, you’ll get me. But it also shows the reader that a book shouldn’t be always be about good people doing good stuff. Sometimes it has to be about the ‘villain’ not understanding when to stop, a button pushed too much and having to face the consequences of your actions. Each story has its charm, and even if the characters weren’t all my cup of tea, I enjoyed reading those too! There are however a few stories that were sweet, hopeful and heart – warming, even if the start wasn’t always that happy for these characters. The lives of some characters took a turn for the better and it just made me smile, seeing how one event can make it possible to change a whole life course.
I found it entertaining to see how apparently random chosen moments could give the reader a better insight of how people interact and what is going on in someone’s mind. The author managed to put so much in such short space yet never disappointed in leaving too many open endings or leaving the reader with many questions!
It was fund reading each story and somehow I left with a sense of wanting to read more and see what other stories this author would be able to pull out of his magic hat!
October 12, 2021
This is a short story collection that has 7 short stories with some very memorable main characters and covers a wide variety of subjects.
I enjoyed all the stories, but I want to share “Motive, Murder, Method” with you. This is a “nice guys finish last” story when Alfred the town dentist that everyone loves has a horrible wife that Alfred wants dead.
I also enjoyed the story “Lies and Secrets”. This short story included in the collection is about Jack and Anne who happen to run into each other in a coffee bar. They haven’t seen each other in 20 years. Their catch-up session is full of half truths on both parts. It’s a story of what could have been if appearances weren’t so important to both people.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
I enjoyed all the stories, but I want to share “Motive, Murder, Method” with you. This is a “nice guys finish last” story when Alfred the town dentist that everyone loves has a horrible wife that Alfred wants dead.
I also enjoyed the story “Lies and Secrets”. This short story included in the collection is about Jack and Anne who happen to run into each other in a coffee bar. They haven’t seen each other in 20 years. Their catch-up session is full of half truths on both parts. It’s a story of what could have been if appearances weren’t so important to both people.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
September 30, 2021
This is a diverse collection of short stories with a wide assortment of characters and scenarios. However, each is based around the theme of magic from a young man who enjoys pranks and magic tricks to a man with the unfortunate name of Harry Potter.
Even though each story is very short (there are seven in total in this small book) they are so well written that I quickly got immersed into each story line. Each story is very different. They can be creepy and thrilling, humourous and even heartfelt at times. There is something for everyone here and I would say I enjoyed them all.
Overall I found this collection enjoyable, engaging and memorable. I would definitely recommend this and I am eager to read more by this talented author.
Even though each story is very short (there are seven in total in this small book) they are so well written that I quickly got immersed into each story line. Each story is very different. They can be creepy and thrilling, humourous and even heartfelt at times. There is something for everyone here and I would say I enjoyed them all.
Overall I found this collection enjoyable, engaging and memorable. I would definitely recommend this and I am eager to read more by this talented author.
September 30, 2021
Ahhh I do love short stories ! Perfect for fitting in-between doing chores , this is a great collection of short stories.
There is a range of genres which I feel there is something that will suit everyone's reading likes , stories that will have you on the edge of your seat , stories that have twists and turns , stories that are funny , weird and disturbing. Are really great collection, there wasn't one short story that I didn't like. Although this can be a dip in dip out kind of book you find yourself wanting to go back too them more often ! I would definitely recommend this book for fans of short stories
There is a range of genres which I feel there is something that will suit everyone's reading likes , stories that will have you on the edge of your seat , stories that have twists and turns , stories that are funny , weird and disturbing. Are really great collection, there wasn't one short story that I didn't like. Although this can be a dip in dip out kind of book you find yourself wanting to go back too them more often ! I would definitely recommend this book for fans of short stories
November 23, 2025
These show human nature in a variety of forms. The prankster is a tense and somewhat frustrating adventure where you wait for karma to do it's thing! I'd be annoyed if I had to deal with someone that infuriating and Jimmy clearly has no conscience at all.
Lies and Secrets and That beautiful girl seem to offer up a traditional way of meeting people but shows how wrong things can go and how what you see isn't always what you get! People present themselves differently at times and I don't get it but it happens and it all seems very ridiculous and tiring to me. In these stories, the characters don't get what they want. If they were direct and honest then things might have worked out differently 🤔
Lucky/unlucky is quite sweet in the end. I think sometimes we might feel like life is dealing a bad hand but we never know what's around the corner.
There, unthere is a little quirky. I found it suspenseful as I was waiting for some gangster type shenanigans but it goes in a different direction. Almost as though guilt can manifest into some kind of poetic justice!!
Motive, murder, method was very me! I love crime stories and this builds you up to something that feels inevitable. You can sense it and can't see a way out for Alfred. He's trapped and he's powerless. Loved the ending to this as well as it just shows Alfred has now luck at all and it is another case of the inevitable happening when choosing a certain path to go down.
The last story fits perfectly with where we are now. Christmas is on its way and The Magic of Christmas is sad but heartwarming too. We don't know what others are going through and sometimes, as parents, we forget that our choices impact those around us. Johnny is a good kid but struggling to fit in. A little bit of magic brings him joy. This reminds me of Raymond Briggs ' books and the lessons they teach us around loss, friendship and family. A lovely story to end on 😊🎄
Lies and Secrets and That beautiful girl seem to offer up a traditional way of meeting people but shows how wrong things can go and how what you see isn't always what you get! People present themselves differently at times and I don't get it but it happens and it all seems very ridiculous and tiring to me. In these stories, the characters don't get what they want. If they were direct and honest then things might have worked out differently 🤔
Lucky/unlucky is quite sweet in the end. I think sometimes we might feel like life is dealing a bad hand but we never know what's around the corner.
There, unthere is a little quirky. I found it suspenseful as I was waiting for some gangster type shenanigans but it goes in a different direction. Almost as though guilt can manifest into some kind of poetic justice!!
Motive, murder, method was very me! I love crime stories and this builds you up to something that feels inevitable. You can sense it and can't see a way out for Alfred. He's trapped and he's powerless. Loved the ending to this as well as it just shows Alfred has now luck at all and it is another case of the inevitable happening when choosing a certain path to go down.
The last story fits perfectly with where we are now. Christmas is on its way and The Magic of Christmas is sad but heartwarming too. We don't know what others are going through and sometimes, as parents, we forget that our choices impact those around us. Johnny is a good kid but struggling to fit in. A little bit of magic brings him joy. This reminds me of Raymond Briggs ' books and the lessons they teach us around loss, friendship and family. A lovely story to end on 😊🎄
November 20, 2022
At the beginning I was a little
skeptical of this book. Even if I like to read short stories I am quite demanding with the books I read. Mostly because I tend to space out if there are too many descriptions in a little number of pages about the surroundings or if there's too much information about what's happening in the book. I also tend to feel unsatisfied if the story is "too short" because I have no expectations of a good plot.
However, this was one of the best books that I have ever read. It is a collection of short stories but it has some plot twists and they leave you laughing, crying, kind of scared or even angry... Or maybe the four of them at the same time.
If you want to read this you should always remember that it is a collection of different stories. So it is really short and fast to read. Maybe the only complaint that I have is because of the number of pages for certain stories. I needed more pages, I needed to know more from one or two stories that i loved.
In addition, the reader can relate to some of the characters. To me, each character acted like real humans, they felt real and that's a really difficult task to reach as a writer.
Finally, there are stories with some character that can make you laugh with just few words and other ones can make you get really mad because the way how they behave. But please, be patient because their stories are worth it. Always worth it.
Alexander is a good writer and magician because what he does with his characters is magical and I'll keep reading more of his writings.
skeptical of this book. Even if I like to read short stories I am quite demanding with the books I read. Mostly because I tend to space out if there are too many descriptions in a little number of pages about the surroundings or if there's too much information about what's happening in the book. I also tend to feel unsatisfied if the story is "too short" because I have no expectations of a good plot.
However, this was one of the best books that I have ever read. It is a collection of short stories but it has some plot twists and they leave you laughing, crying, kind of scared or even angry... Or maybe the four of them at the same time.
If you want to read this you should always remember that it is a collection of different stories. So it is really short and fast to read. Maybe the only complaint that I have is because of the number of pages for certain stories. I needed more pages, I needed to know more from one or two stories that i loved.
In addition, the reader can relate to some of the characters. To me, each character acted like real humans, they felt real and that's a really difficult task to reach as a writer.
Finally, there are stories with some character that can make you laugh with just few words and other ones can make you get really mad because the way how they behave. But please, be patient because their stories are worth it. Always worth it.
Alexander is a good writer and magician because what he does with his characters is magical and I'll keep reading more of his writings.
August 17, 2021
As you know I am a huge fan of short story collections, and this is a brilliant addition to my library.
Not only do you come across numerous different characters within the various stories but the author shows his range but writing many varied genres. The books moves effortlessly between stories of hope to murder mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and how the author kept me engaged throughout. This book is a perfect read and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Not only do you come across numerous different characters within the various stories but the author shows his range but writing many varied genres. The books moves effortlessly between stories of hope to murder mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and how the author kept me engaged throughout. This book is a perfect read and I highly recommend it to everyone.
December 8, 2022
Always Never, Rarely Sometimes by Alexander Raphael.
An aspiring magician who gets a sinister pleasure playing all kinds of tricks on those around him. Two strangers running into each after 20 years and wondering what they’ve missed. A long-suffering husband who decides it’s time he started making big decisions. An unhappy child at Christmas struggling to deal with his new surroundings before a wonderfully surprising encounter.
A good collection of short stories. 4*.
An aspiring magician who gets a sinister pleasure playing all kinds of tricks on those around him. Two strangers running into each after 20 years and wondering what they’ve missed. A long-suffering husband who decides it’s time he started making big decisions. An unhappy child at Christmas struggling to deal with his new surroundings before a wonderfully surprising encounter.
A good collection of short stories. 4*.
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this wide mix of stories. I really feel there's something for everyone. There are darker stories like The Prankster and Murder, Motive, Method and there are sweeter ones like The Magic of Christmas and Lucky/Unlucky. It would be hard to pick a favourite as they each had their own meaning, but I especially liked Lies and Secrets. It captured that awkward and humorous scene of running into an ex and being so desperate to impress them that you begin to embelish.
November 17, 2025
Always Never, Rarely Sometimes is a wonderful collection of short stories that really make you think. Each tale is unique, with characters facing unexpected challenges and uncovering hidden truths about themselves. I loved the mix of magic, emotion, and surprise—it keeps you hooked and makes every story memorable. Alexander Raphael has a knack for blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, and this collection is full of moments that stay with you long after reading.
August 7, 2025
This is a really great mix of stories as shown in the cover that has a symbol for each of them. My favourite is the opening story. It’s about this loner who loves magic and playing cruel practical jokes on people he knows as well as complete strangers. Even if you don’t like magic, you will still enjoy them all.
September 21, 2025
This collection has seven very different stories, all with an underlying theme about magic. Don't worry if you don't like it though, as you can enjoy them seperately. I wouldn't want to pick a favourite. The Prankster is the longest and most ambitious one, but the shorter ones still pack a lot in too so there'a a great mix.
July 22, 2022
I really liked the way that Alexander expresses the emotions of the characters,the personalities of the characters,and the magic of each of their worlds!.
It’s really entertaining to read each detail that he writes in the stories.
It’s really entertaining to read each detail that he writes in the stories.
December 4, 2022
I'm not a huge reader of short stories but I thought this would make a change as it's nice to have something short to read. This was quite a mix of subjects. Some of them I enjoyed some not so much. It also reminded me that I don't read short stories often because I want to know more!
December 14, 2022
I love this book! It is diverse and kept me wanting to read each tale. Sometimes you get a collection of tales and some are fab and some maybe not so good. This book has all as fab! Try it and you won’t be disappointed!
September 23, 2025
One moment I´m reading about a heartless prankster and his ingenius tricks, the next I´m fully invested in a former couple who run into each other after 20 years and all the honesty and dishonesty that it creates. Really liked all the stories. As soon as one finished I started another.
December 4, 2022
An engaging collection of short stories that covered a range of genres. I enjoyed them all!
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