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True Loaf
A Short Story Inspired by Balkan Folklore
When a strange man puts in a strange request at the bakery where she works, Riley must go on a mini-adventure to find one unusual ingredient. Along the way, she realizes that things are not always what they seem.
A micro-story.
When a strange man puts in a strange request at the bakery where she works, Riley must go on a mini-adventure to find one unusual ingredient. Along the way, she realizes that things are not always what they seem.
A micro-story.
12 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Austen Johnson
6 books7 followersAusten Johnson is the pen name of L. Austen Johnson dedicated to short commercial fiction, including the Romancing the Holidays series and the folkloric short story “True Loaf.”
You can find out more about the author & subscribe to her newsletter at www.laustenjohnson.com
You can find out more about the author & subscribe to her newsletter at www.laustenjohnson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
August 1, 2021
Oh, I want more! True Loaf is inspired by Balkan Folklore and is a modern-day short story.
Riley works at a bakery when one day a strange man comes in with a special request. To make this bread she needs a particular ingredient from the forest at twilight. Spooky! I get the Hansel & Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood vibes. I have unanswered questions and it was over way too soon. Really enjoyed it!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my audio copy.
Riley works at a bakery when one day a strange man comes in with a special request. To make this bread she needs a particular ingredient from the forest at twilight. Spooky! I get the Hansel & Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood vibes. I have unanswered questions and it was over way too soon. Really enjoyed it!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my audio copy.
November 15, 2021
"True Loaf" by Austen Johnson is a modern-day short story inspired by Balkan Folklore.
A fancy dressed man enters the small bakery where Riley works and makes a strange request. After all, isn't this a bakery for special requests?
The man promises to pay Riley for her efforts so she decides to venture out in search of the special ingredient. She enters the cold woods all alone at twilight. Her phone stops working as darkness falls!
Riley sees a figure approaching...
This story has a slightly 'dark fairy-tale' atmospheric feel! Words that come to mind are enchanting, delightful and a bit creepy. A mere sixteen pages on the Kindle and sixteen minutes for the audiobook.
I read a free published e-copy from BookSirens and when it ended I enjoyed it but I definitely wanted another taste. I purchased the audiobook and listening to it left me doubly satisfied. The narrator, Penny Scott-Andrews was amazing and gave life and animation to the story! What an elevated experience!
I will plan to listen to all short reads via audiobook in the future because of the experience between these two formats!
For the Kindle version, be sure to read the 'Bonus Content' at the end. The author analyzes the folklore in True Loaf and shares the inspiration behind her short story. This bonus content is not available on the audiobook.
I have read most of this authors other short reads and I continue to be a fan of her writing. The cover design of 'True Loaf' is stunning!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy short reads and Folklore. 4.25 stars!
Thank you to BookSirens and L. Austen Johnson for a free digital copy of this book. It is my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
A fancy dressed man enters the small bakery where Riley works and makes a strange request. After all, isn't this a bakery for special requests?
The man promises to pay Riley for her efforts so she decides to venture out in search of the special ingredient. She enters the cold woods all alone at twilight. Her phone stops working as darkness falls!
Riley sees a figure approaching...
This story has a slightly 'dark fairy-tale' atmospheric feel! Words that come to mind are enchanting, delightful and a bit creepy. A mere sixteen pages on the Kindle and sixteen minutes for the audiobook.
I read a free published e-copy from BookSirens and when it ended I enjoyed it but I definitely wanted another taste. I purchased the audiobook and listening to it left me doubly satisfied. The narrator, Penny Scott-Andrews was amazing and gave life and animation to the story! What an elevated experience!
I will plan to listen to all short reads via audiobook in the future because of the experience between these two formats!
For the Kindle version, be sure to read the 'Bonus Content' at the end. The author analyzes the folklore in True Loaf and shares the inspiration behind her short story. This bonus content is not available on the audiobook.
I have read most of this authors other short reads and I continue to be a fan of her writing. The cover design of 'True Loaf' is stunning!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy short reads and Folklore. 4.25 stars!
Thank you to BookSirens and L. Austen Johnson for a free digital copy of this book. It is my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
August 21, 2021
This was such a cute short story. I listened to it with my five year old son and he enjoyed it just as much as I did. The story was about Riley who works at a bakery when one day a very strange man comes in with a request to make some Yarrow Bread 🥖. So she goes off to find the ingredients for the strange request and stumbles upon a world 🌎 she couldn’t imagine in her wildest dreams. Like most folklore it is short and sweet and it played with the idea that supernatural coexist with humans.
This is perfect for children because my son was able to stay immersed in the entire thing. If you have a 4-7 year old you know that most of their tv shows are no longer than 20 minute episode and they have plenty breaks in between.
I would recommend this to a friend and special thanks to NetGalley and the published for this advanced audiobook.
This is perfect for children because my son was able to stay immersed in the entire thing. If you have a 4-7 year old you know that most of their tv shows are no longer than 20 minute episode and they have plenty breaks in between.
I would recommend this to a friend and special thanks to NetGalley and the published for this advanced audiobook.
August 26, 2021
Read and reviewed in June 2021. But my review has disappeared from Goodreads! Hence this repost. I wonder how many other reviews of mine have disappeared this way without my notice. Has this happened to anyone?
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Imagine sitting on a roller coaster. At the start, it's slow going and you wait for it to get going. But once you've reached the peak point of the tracks, the real thrill begins and you never know how the little cart is going to swerve. Now imagine that this roller coaster has a very small-length track. You've got your slow start, your ride has begun to pick up pace, and just as you begin to enjoy the rush, it ends abruptly. You can't help feeling cheated, knowing that you wanted more. That's what happened to me with this story.
True Loaf is supposed to be inspired by Balkan folklore but as I have no idea what folktale it is derived from, I'll stick to what I read. Riley, who works in a bakery, once gets a strange request from an even stranger customer. To find the uncommon ingredient required to fulfill this order, she ventures into the forest at twilight. And that's where her mini-adventure begins.
Though the start was slow, I was hooked on to the story as it kept the momentum going very nicely. The action soon built up to a point where I was mesmerised by the ongoings. But I was totally caught unawares by the end! It was abrupt, it was unexpected, and it was disappointing. There's no proper conclusion, you'll not know what exactly created the situation and how it was resolved, there are many unexplained loopholes, and you end up none the wiser about the identity of the two fantastical characters. At its teeny length of 19 e-pages, I knew the story wouldn't have much space to draw detailed character sketches. But having absolutely no background for the two fantastical characters is frustrating. This would have been a wonderful story had it been even a few pages longer, with at least some bit of character detailing to help us understand the context better.
The author's note at the end seems to suggest that she wrote this story in an echo of traditional folklore structure. That made for really interesting reading and I felt like increasing my rating for the book by a star. But I won't, because my rating ought to be for the story and not the bonus content.
I received an ARC of the book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
********************************
Imagine sitting on a roller coaster. At the start, it's slow going and you wait for it to get going. But once you've reached the peak point of the tracks, the real thrill begins and you never know how the little cart is going to swerve. Now imagine that this roller coaster has a very small-length track. You've got your slow start, your ride has begun to pick up pace, and just as you begin to enjoy the rush, it ends abruptly. You can't help feeling cheated, knowing that you wanted more. That's what happened to me with this story.
True Loaf is supposed to be inspired by Balkan folklore but as I have no idea what folktale it is derived from, I'll stick to what I read. Riley, who works in a bakery, once gets a strange request from an even stranger customer. To find the uncommon ingredient required to fulfill this order, she ventures into the forest at twilight. And that's where her mini-adventure begins.
Though the start was slow, I was hooked on to the story as it kept the momentum going very nicely. The action soon built up to a point where I was mesmerised by the ongoings. But I was totally caught unawares by the end! It was abrupt, it was unexpected, and it was disappointing. There's no proper conclusion, you'll not know what exactly created the situation and how it was resolved, there are many unexplained loopholes, and you end up none the wiser about the identity of the two fantastical characters. At its teeny length of 19 e-pages, I knew the story wouldn't have much space to draw detailed character sketches. But having absolutely no background for the two fantastical characters is frustrating. This would have been a wonderful story had it been even a few pages longer, with at least some bit of character detailing to help us understand the context better.
The author's note at the end seems to suggest that she wrote this story in an echo of traditional folklore structure. That made for really interesting reading and I felt like increasing my rating for the book by a star. But I won't, because my rating ought to be for the story and not the bonus content.
I received an ARC of the book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
August 29, 2021
I received an audiobook ARC for an honest review.
I have never really read short stories but I've always wanted to do a quick read. This one felt more like an introduction to a long story. It wasn't immersive enough. The end was really abrupt and disappointing. Even throughout the story, I felt as if there were missing pieces all over. I couldn't really invest in the story so short. I don't think even a kid would really enjoy it.
Why I gave it three stars?
I gave it three stars because I felt that the story had potential and I'm secretly hoping and encouraging the author to complete the story. I want more. It is a good premise and plot for a great story. I want to know what the two strangers actually are. I want to know how Riley's character is. I expected more from the book than I got.
About the Bonus Content
I really liked the Bonus Content. It offered some explanations and hence my third star. But It would have been better if the same was stitched along with the story. It'd fill some loopholes and make the story a 3.5 star, assuming nothing more was added. If the author decides to publish a lengthy book based on this short story, a suggestion would be to add more background of the actual Balkan Folkore, for people who don't really know it. I would really enjoy that. And more characters of course. Maybe make it a Balkan retelling of Red Riding Hood? There's an idea.
Lastly, thank you author for the opportunity to read and review your prestigious book.
I have never really read short stories but I've always wanted to do a quick read. This one felt more like an introduction to a long story. It wasn't immersive enough. The end was really abrupt and disappointing. Even throughout the story, I felt as if there were missing pieces all over. I couldn't really invest in the story so short. I don't think even a kid would really enjoy it.
Why I gave it three stars?
I gave it three stars because I felt that the story had potential and I'm secretly hoping and encouraging the author to complete the story. I want more. It is a good premise and plot for a great story. I want to know what the two strangers actually are. I want to know how Riley's character is. I expected more from the book than I got.
About the Bonus Content
I really liked the Bonus Content. It offered some explanations and hence my third star. But It would have been better if the same was stitched along with the story. It'd fill some loopholes and make the story a 3.5 star, assuming nothing more was added. If the author decides to publish a lengthy book based on this short story, a suggestion would be to add more background of the actual Balkan Folkore, for people who don't really know it. I would really enjoy that. And more characters of course. Maybe make it a Balkan retelling of Red Riding Hood? There's an idea.
Lastly, thank you author for the opportunity to read and review your prestigious book.
Read
July 17, 2021First of all – I loved that cover! It gave me such warm autumn vibes, I just had to hear this story.
But, though undeniably whimsical and imaginative, I thought this story needed some more work on the point of everything, the moral of the story. If there even was something I should learn from it, I didn't get it.
I had problems getting to the bottom of the symbolism, even had to ask myself once or twice was what we saw really all we were getting. I sure needed more explanation, probably longer than the story itself was.
Who were these people? What was the deal with the mysterious ingredient (which, BTW, is not all that mysterious and special at all and is easily available all over Balkan)? And what's the deal with that ending?
I don't even know how to rate this story. It was short and sweet, great vibes, but - what did I just read?
Thank you to the #NetGalley and to the author and publisher for providing me with an audiobook version of True Loaf by L. Austen Johnson in exchange for an honest review.
But, though undeniably whimsical and imaginative, I thought this story needed some more work on the point of everything, the moral of the story. If there even was something I should learn from it, I didn't get it.
I had problems getting to the bottom of the symbolism, even had to ask myself once or twice was what we saw really all we were getting. I sure needed more explanation, probably longer than the story itself was.
Who were these people? What was the deal with the mysterious ingredient (which, BTW, is not all that mysterious and special at all and is easily available all over Balkan)? And what's the deal with that ending?
I don't even know how to rate this story. It was short and sweet, great vibes, but - what did I just read?
Thank you to the #NetGalley and to the author and publisher for providing me with an audiobook version of True Loaf by L. Austen Johnson in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
True Loaf is a very short Balkan Folklore story by Lauren Johnson, Narrated by Penny Scott-Andrews with a beautiful cover.
Riley is a bakery in a small village. One day a stranger made a request for a loaf of bread made with a special ingredient found in the woods. She seeks help in wood from a man and bargains with him. The next day, she bakes the bread and waiting for the two new mysterious customers.
"You lost?
Lost?! I prefer to think I'm just not find."
That was an interesting short story with such a wonderful Narrator. I liked it and wish for longer.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of True Loaf by Lauren Johnson.
Riley is a bakery in a small village. One day a stranger made a request for a loaf of bread made with a special ingredient found in the woods. She seeks help in wood from a man and bargains with him. The next day, she bakes the bread and waiting for the two new mysterious customers.
"You lost?
Lost?! I prefer to think I'm just not find."
That was an interesting short story with such a wonderful Narrator. I liked it and wish for longer.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of True Loaf by Lauren Johnson.
August 3, 2021
TW: Creepy scenes for children, intimidating male presence, use of a mild swear word
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book: When a strange man puts in a strange request at the bakery where she works, Riley must go on a mini-adventure to find one unusual ingredient. Along the way, she realizes that things are not always what they seem.
Release Date: October 1st, 2019
Genre: Folklore
Pages: 10
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What I Liked:
• I'm a HUGE fan of folklore
• Love a story inspired by folklore
What I Didn't Like:
• Didn't understand the urgency of needing the yarrow tea.
Overall Thoughts: Cute short story! I mean who hasn't worked in retail or the food industry and had that one jerk that comes in and just has to have what he wants. Well in steps our jerk. A rude demands she goes and gets an yarrow tea from the woods so that she can make this bread. I liked where the story was going and I just thought for such a short story it kept me intrigued. My only issue with this book is; why did he need the yarrow tea for the bread? Was he going to change into a monster if he didn't have the one he needed? I felt like that was a little bit unanswered for how short the story was.
Final Thoughts: loved the story and was a nice little refresher of a story. Of course I'm a big fan of folklore tales.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book: When a strange man puts in a strange request at the bakery where she works, Riley must go on a mini-adventure to find one unusual ingredient. Along the way, she realizes that things are not always what they seem.
Release Date: October 1st, 2019
Genre: Folklore
Pages: 10
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What I Liked:
• I'm a HUGE fan of folklore
• Love a story inspired by folklore
What I Didn't Like:
• Didn't understand the urgency of needing the yarrow tea.
Overall Thoughts: Cute short story! I mean who hasn't worked in retail or the food industry and had that one jerk that comes in and just has to have what he wants. Well in steps our jerk. A rude demands she goes and gets an yarrow tea from the woods so that she can make this bread. I liked where the story was going and I just thought for such a short story it kept me intrigued. My only issue with this book is; why did he need the yarrow tea for the bread? Was he going to change into a monster if he didn't have the one he needed? I felt like that was a little bit unanswered for how short the story was.
Final Thoughts: loved the story and was a nice little refresher of a story. Of course I'm a big fan of folklore tales.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2021
This is a very short book but I enjoyed listening to it a lot. It was very engaging. The story itself is magical. I love folklore and this one did a great job at giving that vibe of fairytale/folklore in a story. It features Riley who went on a mini-adventure due to a request of a mysterious man who showed up in the bakery where she works. I will never get tired of reading stories that feature a plot where humans and magic coexist, and I'm glad I requested this book. I think the writing is not limited to a younger audiences so this book is perfect for all ages.
July 14, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Lore and Lyre, and IBPA for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
First of all, I love the cover of this audiobook! It’s what got my attention, and I’m glad it did because I LOVE this! This was such a captivating short story. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook and thought the narration was good! I would listen to more audiobooks with this narrator.
In this short story, an unusual customer comes into the bakery Riley works at, and submits a special request. Riley must then go out to try to find the special ingredient to complete the customer's order.
Overall, this was a fun audiobook! Even though it was short, the plot made it feel like the story was longer. This didn’t feel like a fifteen minute story, which I really liked. I felt like I could continue listening to more. I highly recommend this audiobook if you’re looking for a quick listen or even a quick read if you get the book!
Rating: 5/5
First of all, I love the cover of this audiobook! It’s what got my attention, and I’m glad it did because I LOVE this! This was such a captivating short story. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook and thought the narration was good! I would listen to more audiobooks with this narrator.
In this short story, an unusual customer comes into the bakery Riley works at, and submits a special request. Riley must then go out to try to find the special ingredient to complete the customer's order.
Overall, this was a fun audiobook! Even though it was short, the plot made it feel like the story was longer. This didn’t feel like a fifteen minute story, which I really liked. I felt like I could continue listening to more. I highly recommend this audiobook if you’re looking for a quick listen or even a quick read if you get the book!
February 14, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Lore and Lyre, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun short story. I really enjoyed it. It kind of reminded me of Little Red Riding Hood. It was extremely short, but a fun listen. I would recommend it. There isn't much more I can say about it without retelling the whole story.
Four stars.
This was a fun short story. I really enjoyed it. It kind of reminded me of Little Red Riding Hood. It was extremely short, but a fun listen. I would recommend it. There isn't much more I can say about it without retelling the whole story.
Four stars.
January 12, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. True Loaf was truly short. Shorter than any novella I've ever read and I was surprised with what actually happened throughout it. In it, you will meet Riley who is asked by a stranger to make something with a certain ingredient. Strange. I know.
So, of course, she does want any normal person does when a strange request happens.. she goes along with it. Riley doesn't ask like ANY questions about it either. Just goes out to the forest, near twilight, to search for this damn ingredient. Along the way she ends up meeting another stranger who tells her where to find her for a price: he wants whatever she makes as well.
At this point, I have a feeling on how this is going to go down but I'm still shocked that zero questions are asked. ZERO. In the end, there was some drama and I think a marriage? Not sure but I would totally take a full book of this in a heartbeat. Novellas are the death of me.
Wow. True Loaf was truly short. Shorter than any novella I've ever read and I was surprised with what actually happened throughout it. In it, you will meet Riley who is asked by a stranger to make something with a certain ingredient. Strange. I know.
So, of course, she does want any normal person does when a strange request happens.. she goes along with it. Riley doesn't ask like ANY questions about it either. Just goes out to the forest, near twilight, to search for this damn ingredient. Along the way she ends up meeting another stranger who tells her where to find her for a price: he wants whatever she makes as well.
At this point, I have a feeling on how this is going to go down but I'm still shocked that zero questions are asked. ZERO. In the end, there was some drama and I think a marriage? Not sure but I would totally take a full book of this in a heartbeat. Novellas are the death of me.
July 20, 2021
If you want to satisfy your itch for a fantasy, magic and intrigue then this is your book- look no further!
True Loaf gives you a quick literary hit; it being very short in length but no less enjoyable for it. It can be read (or listened to if you are an audiobook listener) in very little time and is a great little listen if you’re after a rapid but well formed little story.
Riley, who works at a bakery, gets somewhat of an odd request from a customer and works to comply and goes in search of this obscure recipe ingredient. What unfurls from there you’ll have to discover for yourself, but it’s bound to be something that is not expected!
Thank you to the author and publishers via NetGalley for this audiobook, in return for my honest thoughts and review.
True Loaf gives you a quick literary hit; it being very short in length but no less enjoyable for it. It can be read (or listened to if you are an audiobook listener) in very little time and is a great little listen if you’re after a rapid but well formed little story.
Riley, who works at a bakery, gets somewhat of an odd request from a customer and works to comply and goes in search of this obscure recipe ingredient. What unfurls from there you’ll have to discover for yourself, but it’s bound to be something that is not expected!
Thank you to the author and publishers via NetGalley for this audiobook, in return for my honest thoughts and review.
August 20, 2021
3.25 stars.
This is a very short, whimsical little story involving a bakery, two mysterious strangers, and a magical forest. I enjoyed the magical realism elements but I do wish a few things had been more flushed out and the ending could've used some elaboration.
Also, I'm obsessed with the cover.
This is a very short, whimsical little story involving a bakery, two mysterious strangers, and a magical forest. I enjoyed the magical realism elements but I do wish a few things had been more flushed out and the ending could've used some elaboration.
Also, I'm obsessed with the cover.
August 9, 2021
True Loaf is a modern fairytale short story inspired by the Balkan Folklore.
I didn't like it per se. It was OK, but I want more! It's too short to be judged. And I'll definitely read a long version of it.
I received this audio-book via NetGalley in exchange of a review.
I didn't like it per se. It was OK, but I want more! It's too short to be judged. And I'll definitely read a long version of it.
I received this audio-book via NetGalley in exchange of a review.
September 2, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for having this audiobook under the read now option! This was my first free audiobook in exchange for a review.
There's the customer is always right, and then there's this tale, in which a dodgy, creepy customer tells the protagonist to go find an obscure herb and bake it into bread at her bakery.
I was here for the Balkan folklore inspiration, but found myself disappointed. A lot of fairytales can be broken down into a few sentences, yes, but this, despite having a bit more length than that, felt incomplete. I didn't see a moral, or find the girl protagonist particularly full of agency or anything, little in the way of explanation as to who the men were (I think it was alluded they were fae or something).
The narrator had a strange tone of voice; her kind of creaky, nasal British accent simultaneously lent the story a whimsical fairytale feel, and grinded on my nerves. For a ten-minute listen, it was fine though.
The author is planting a tree for every audiobook sold, so that's some awesome incentive to check this very short adventure out.
There's the customer is always right, and then there's this tale, in which a dodgy, creepy customer tells the protagonist to go find an obscure herb and bake it into bread at her bakery.
I was here for the Balkan folklore inspiration, but found myself disappointed. A lot of fairytales can be broken down into a few sentences, yes, but this, despite having a bit more length than that, felt incomplete. I didn't see a moral, or find the girl protagonist particularly full of agency or anything, little in the way of explanation as to who the men were (I think it was alluded they were fae or something).
The narrator had a strange tone of voice; her kind of creaky, nasal British accent simultaneously lent the story a whimsical fairytale feel, and grinded on my nerves. For a ten-minute listen, it was fine though.
The author is planting a tree for every audiobook sold, so that's some awesome incentive to check this very short adventure out.
January 14, 2021
3 delicious, mysterious, baked stars!
This story was quite short so I can't say too much without giving it all away, but Riley works in a bakery and gets a strange request from a traveler. Though they only usually grant unusual requests to locals, she decides to fulfill his order.
This was a fun story that felt like a retelling, but upon further research it looks like its just a fairytale with influence from the Balkan, which is pretty cool! I could totally imagine this being told as a children's story through the years like a real fairytale. A story told orally through generations. Which means the author got it just right in tone!
I know its a short story, but I really wanted a bit more. My big downfall here was that the resolution felt like a coincidence and not purposeful, but I think it was meant to be purposeful. And I think we needed to know a bit more about the twins world, not a lot, but to put it into a little context. I still enjoyed this, though!
*I received a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily*
This story was quite short so I can't say too much without giving it all away, but Riley works in a bakery and gets a strange request from a traveler. Though they only usually grant unusual requests to locals, she decides to fulfill his order.
This was a fun story that felt like a retelling, but upon further research it looks like its just a fairytale with influence from the Balkan, which is pretty cool! I could totally imagine this being told as a children's story through the years like a real fairytale. A story told orally through generations. Which means the author got it just right in tone!
I know its a short story, but I really wanted a bit more. My big downfall here was that the resolution felt like a coincidence and not purposeful, but I think it was meant to be purposeful. And I think we needed to know a bit more about the twins world, not a lot, but to put it into a little context. I still enjoyed this, though!
*I received a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily*
August 26, 2024
I would like to thank Austen Johnson, Lore and Lyre and NetGalley for this short audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This inspired Balkan Folklore short story had a magical vibe that I remember from childhood. We have a main heroine, a villain that comes with a request and the boy who bonded with the main character after getting rid of the bad guy. Happy ending!
But it was cute and raw and it made me want to read more books with forests and uneasy quests.
To be honest, wht I disliked the most was the narration of Penny Scott-Andrews. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she's a lovely person. I just didn't resonated with her way of telling the story.
But all in all, it was great! Just too short for my own taste.
What I loved also was the author describing the meaning and folklore of the story at the end of it so we can undertand things more.
I recommend this one for when you're going to take a relaxing hot bath.
3 stars.
This inspired Balkan Folklore short story had a magical vibe that I remember from childhood. We have a main heroine, a villain that comes with a request and the boy who bonded with the main character after getting rid of the bad guy. Happy ending!
But it was cute and raw and it made me want to read more books with forests and uneasy quests.
To be honest, wht I disliked the most was the narration of Penny Scott-Andrews. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she's a lovely person. I just didn't resonated with her way of telling the story.
But all in all, it was great! Just too short for my own taste.
What I loved also was the author describing the meaning and folklore of the story at the end of it so we can undertand things more.
I recommend this one for when you're going to take a relaxing hot bath.
3 stars.
August 18, 2021
☆ i got a audiobook arc from Netgalley for an honest review ☆
I requested this short story audiobook because of the cover. It really gave me that witchy autumn feeling!
I also adore folklore. This one gave me some brother Grimm vibes. And it doesnt surprise me at all its based on a balkan folklore.
The audiobook was read by Penny Scott-Andrews. She did the different character voices perfectly with alot of feeling. But not overly done, i could still hear the story perfectly.
I do wish there was more. I crave more of it. I also have some questions.
I requested this short story audiobook because of the cover. It really gave me that witchy autumn feeling!
I also adore folklore. This one gave me some brother Grimm vibes. And it doesnt surprise me at all its based on a balkan folklore.
The audiobook was read by Penny Scott-Andrews. She did the different character voices perfectly with alot of feeling. But not overly done, i could still hear the story perfectly.
I do wish there was more. I crave more of it. I also have some questions.
August 4, 2021
AH!! I need more!! Where is a whole book full of these tales?? Please and thank you.
July 25, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an AudioARC in exchange for an honest review.
True Loaf is a short story where we meet Riley, a baker who is asked to produce an interesting ingredient for a loaf of bread. What tricks or treats await her if she fulfills this order?
What a cute short story! I was surprised that so much was packed into such a short and sweet package, but I really enjoyed it! A quick and delightful read that makes me want to learn more about the folklore that inspired it.
True Loaf is a short story where we meet Riley, a baker who is asked to produce an interesting ingredient for a loaf of bread. What tricks or treats await her if she fulfills this order?
What a cute short story! I was surprised that so much was packed into such a short and sweet package, but I really enjoyed it! A quick and delightful read that makes me want to learn more about the folklore that inspired it.
October 18, 2020
Folklore...Fairy tale... interesting!
July 6, 2021
Riley works in a Bakers. One day Riley receives a strange request from a mysterious customer. This man asks her for an ingredient from the forest. She doesn't want turn him down so she goes in to the forest to find it.
I can't say too much as I don't want to give the story away as this is a very short book.
The story was good but I wish it was longer
I can't say too much as I don't want to give the story away as this is a very short book.
The story was good but I wish it was longer
September 5, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the audio version in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fun quick story! I really enjoyed a modern story that still has all the trappings of a traditional folktale, and it makes me want read more Balkan stories. I also appreciated the discussion of folkloric elements at the end and how each was represented in the story. I wish these representations were clearer, though, along with the story being a bit longer. I know the author is keeping with the short and brief timing of a folktale, but I feel like a longer story would have allowed for more depth, especially where the brothers who are actually princes are concerned. I would love to see this story lengthened and turned into a novella if not a full length novel. It would be fun to see more magic and more depth of character. But I did really enjoy an original story with traditional tropes.
This was a fun quick story! I really enjoyed a modern story that still has all the trappings of a traditional folktale, and it makes me want read more Balkan stories. I also appreciated the discussion of folkloric elements at the end and how each was represented in the story. I wish these representations were clearer, though, along with the story being a bit longer. I know the author is keeping with the short and brief timing of a folktale, but I feel like a longer story would have allowed for more depth, especially where the brothers who are actually princes are concerned. I would love to see this story lengthened and turned into a novella if not a full length novel. It would be fun to see more magic and more depth of character. But I did really enjoy an original story with traditional tropes.
September 5, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the audio version in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fun quick story! I really enjoyed a modern story that still has all the trappings of a traditional folktale, and it makes me want read more Balkan stories. I also appreciated the discussion of folkloric elements at the end and how each was represented in the story. I wish these representations were clearer, though, along with the story being a bit longer. I know the author is keeping with the short and brief timing of a folktale, but I feel like a longer story would have allowed for more depth, especially where the brothers who are actually princes are concerned. I would love to see this story lengthened and turned into a novella if not a full length novel. It would be fun to see more magic and more depth of character. But I did really enjoy an original story with traditional tropes.
This was a fun quick story! I really enjoyed a modern story that still has all the trappings of a traditional folktale, and it makes me want read more Balkan stories. I also appreciated the discussion of folkloric elements at the end and how each was represented in the story. I wish these representations were clearer, though, along with the story being a bit longer. I know the author is keeping with the short and brief timing of a folktale, but I feel like a longer story would have allowed for more depth, especially where the brothers who are actually princes are concerned. I would love to see this story lengthened and turned into a novella if not a full length novel. It would be fun to see more magic and more depth of character. But I did really enjoy an original story with traditional tropes.
July 22, 2021
Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The cover is what first drew me to this story and it matched the vibes of the story perfectly.
Penny Scott-Andrews is a wonderful narrator.
This was such an interesting story and I enjoyed it very much. The atmosphere was absolutely wonderful and the writing just bumped it to another level. I do wish that the story were a bit longer to explain more about the ending. The story just kind of ended without any explanation as to what just happened.
The cover is what first drew me to this story and it matched the vibes of the story perfectly.
Penny Scott-Andrews is a wonderful narrator.
This was such an interesting story and I enjoyed it very much. The atmosphere was absolutely wonderful and the writing just bumped it to another level. I do wish that the story were a bit longer to explain more about the ending. The story just kind of ended without any explanation as to what just happened.
January 26, 2021
❝So, he told her of his world. A world of riches and war, power and magic—a world filled with stories waiting to be told. But he named no names.❞
A stort story but it managed to capture my interest with its originality.
I would prefer if a few more pages existed, for that ending to be explained a bit more.
A stort story but it managed to capture my interest with its originality.
I would prefer if a few more pages existed, for that ending to be explained a bit more.
July 8, 2021
Okay, let’s talk about this stunning new short story by L. Austen Johnson: True Loaf
☆☆☆☆☆
➼ The cover: this is definitely what first attracted me to reading this, I mean please look at how gorgeously stunning this is!! As an absolute sucker for a good cover, I was swooning with this read before I even had a copy and knew it was going to be a five star read. While only available online, I’d honestly love a physical copy just so I could own an amazing story with such a lovely cover that warms my heart.
➼ The literary aspects: inspired by Balkan Folklore, but as the author specifies it is moreso in the literary sense with its tone, plot, and structure that is common in the region and unlike what is typically found in books. With structure, the story normally follows an introductory sequence, body, donor sequence, and hero’s return, which is exactly what the author describes amid the bonus content and explains that similarities can absolutely be seen, which I found very easy to point out and loved! From its inclusion of imagery, sequences, villains/heros, varying archetypes, diction, and folklore, I honestly see this as the perfect short read for high school students in their English classes during the short story units, it was just such a fantastic read in which you could analyze every sentence in the same way one would towards a story such as The Lottery or The Yellow Wallpaper. Moreover, I was so obsessed with the symbolism behind Yarrow and the bond present between the main character Riley and Aiden!! As a 19 page fast read, if you’re looking to stimulate your imagination in the best ways possible with a fast read that will also boost your goodreads goal, this is the read for you.
➼ The story: True Loaf follows the protagonist Riley as she is asked by a stranger to utilize Yarrow from the forest, which she can also only get at twilight. Quickly, the plot advances from there, in an eerie yet fascinating way that will have you eyes glued to the page. The writing style and literary aspects really aid in bringing this story to life in all the best ways.
➼ The read: Short and sweet. Honestly, the best type of read. You’ll be engaged from the get-go with no regrets after reading from its engaging plot to the wit and intellectual writing by the author; a perfect read for any day, time, or place, and absolutely worth your while.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
☆☆☆☆☆
➼ The cover: this is definitely what first attracted me to reading this, I mean please look at how gorgeously stunning this is!! As an absolute sucker for a good cover, I was swooning with this read before I even had a copy and knew it was going to be a five star read. While only available online, I’d honestly love a physical copy just so I could own an amazing story with such a lovely cover that warms my heart.
➼ The literary aspects: inspired by Balkan Folklore, but as the author specifies it is moreso in the literary sense with its tone, plot, and structure that is common in the region and unlike what is typically found in books. With structure, the story normally follows an introductory sequence, body, donor sequence, and hero’s return, which is exactly what the author describes amid the bonus content and explains that similarities can absolutely be seen, which I found very easy to point out and loved! From its inclusion of imagery, sequences, villains/heros, varying archetypes, diction, and folklore, I honestly see this as the perfect short read for high school students in their English classes during the short story units, it was just such a fantastic read in which you could analyze every sentence in the same way one would towards a story such as The Lottery or The Yellow Wallpaper. Moreover, I was so obsessed with the symbolism behind Yarrow and the bond present between the main character Riley and Aiden!! As a 19 page fast read, if you’re looking to stimulate your imagination in the best ways possible with a fast read that will also boost your goodreads goal, this is the read for you.
➼ The story: True Loaf follows the protagonist Riley as she is asked by a stranger to utilize Yarrow from the forest, which she can also only get at twilight. Quickly, the plot advances from there, in an eerie yet fascinating way that will have you eyes glued to the page. The writing style and literary aspects really aid in bringing this story to life in all the best ways.
➼ The read: Short and sweet. Honestly, the best type of read. You’ll be engaged from the get-go with no regrets after reading from its engaging plot to the wit and intellectual writing by the author; a perfect read for any day, time, or place, and absolutely worth your while.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Go around the tree nine times, and on the ninth time, you’ll be at the edge of the forest. There, you’ll find the Yarrow with the whitest flowers and most silver stems. Only that Yarrow should be eaten. Any other won’t be good.”
September 6, 2021
The way I consumed True Loaf by Austen Johnson was via audiobook. It's a short story based on Balkan folklore and mythology,which is something I grew up on. I really enjoyed that, even though short, this story gave me the same whimsical feeling of hearing my mother or grandmother, and later on my teacher, telling me different folk tales and myths.
Listening to this as an audiobook was a fantastic experience, as the narrator did an amazing job giving all of the characters their own voice.
This is a story of a girl, Riley, who works in a bakery. One day, a stranger comes in, asking her for a special ingredient, after which she embarks on a journey of searching for it.
I would highly recommend listening to this audiobook if you're in need of short, but truly magical story.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing this audiobook for me.
Listening to this as an audiobook was a fantastic experience, as the narrator did an amazing job giving all of the characters their own voice.
This is a story of a girl, Riley, who works in a bakery. One day, a stranger comes in, asking her for a special ingredient, after which she embarks on a journey of searching for it.
I would highly recommend listening to this audiobook if you're in need of short, but truly magical story.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing this audiobook for me.
August 6, 2021
[ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review]
4.5/ 5 stars
True Loaf is a short story based on Balkan Folklore. It features Riley, who works in a bakery, meeting a customer with a strange request one day, and what strange events follow when she decides to oblige him.
It's a light read (the audiobook was only 15 minutes long in duration) that can help you quickly unwind after a tiring day. The writing was simple and managed to keep my interest piqued throughout. It's a micro-story and it does a good job of delivering a tale I'd like to read more about.
4.5/ 5 stars
True Loaf is a short story based on Balkan Folklore. It features Riley, who works in a bakery, meeting a customer with a strange request one day, and what strange events follow when she decides to oblige him.
It's a light read (the audiobook was only 15 minutes long in duration) that can help you quickly unwind after a tiring day. The writing was simple and managed to keep my interest piqued throughout. It's a micro-story and it does a good job of delivering a tale I'd like to read more about.
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