Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters

by Rhonda Parrish (Editor), Catherine MacLeod (Contributor), Kevin Cockle (Contributor)

Water is the most yielding of all elements, changing to fit its container, whether that be a thimble or a lake bed. At the same time, anyone who has ever watched the unrelenting progression of a tsunami understands its raw power. Associated with mutability, transformation, and the subconscious, water is both the tranquil azure of a tropical sea and the tumultuous waves and whitecaps of an embroiled ocean. As many faces as water may wear, the creatures within and associated with it have even more.

Featuring: Catherine MacLeod; Kevin Cockle; Greta Starling; Elise Forier Edie; Kate Shannon; Sara Rauch; Katie Marie; Rebecca Brae; Colleen Anderson; L. T. Waterson; Chadwick Ginther; Julia Heller; Marshall J. Moore; Joel McKay; Elizabeth R. McClellan; Eric M. Borsage; Laura VanArendonk Baugh; Josh Reynolds; Liam Hogan; Mari Ness; Davide Mana; Sarah Van Goethem; Valerie Hunter; and Kelly Sandoval.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories

284 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

About the author

Rhonda Parrish has the attention span of a magpie. Not only can she not focus on a single project at a time, but she also fails at sticking to one genre or even one type of writing (she does manage to stay true to one hockey team, though – Let’s go Oilers!). Perhaps best known for her work as an anthology editor – the Ottawa Review of Books called her “Canada’s best-known and most prolific speculative fiction anthologist” – Rhonda also works as a short story writer, novelist, game writer and a poet. She has been honoured to be included in a handful of ‘Best of’ anthologies, earn a coveted starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and be shortlisted for several awards including the Rhysling Award, the Aurora Award, the Dwarf Stars Award and Alberta Book Publishing Awards.

Most of her work falls under the speculative fiction umbrella but she has also penned paranormal non-fiction and non-speculative work.

In an effort to impose some order in her chaos, these days most of her short fiction and poetry is published directly through her Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RhondaParrish .

More information about her, updates and calls for submission are posted on her website http://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/.

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, editor Rhonda Parrish chose a different, somewhat quirky tale to lead us into the pages of “Water.” Catherine MacLeod’s dark tale, “The Diviner,” was an excellent choice to begin this collection of stories and poems. The author wove the story in such a way as to make it easy to believe in the character of Melly, a seemingly ordinary person possessing out-of-the-ordinary cooking skills.

Everybody has different tastes, and there were some stories that reached out and immediately grabbed my attention like “There’s Something in the Water” by Katie Marie, a scary warning tale about a town with a horrific secret. Rebecca Brae’s “The Witch’s Diary: Adventures in Hut-Sitting” is a whimsical revelation of Hester’s world while she spends time away from college on a summer job (her quick comment on fairies was blunt, unexpected, and hilariously delivered). Colleen Anderson’s vivid “Siren’s Song” described a world that was, before it slipped into the catalog of legends.

There’s a touch of horror that worms into some of the stories, as the accepting way we perceive these legendary beings becomes tainted and the beings morph into monsters. This suited me just fine, and I warily strolled through the paths of what could be. Many of the stories eagerly took my hand and led me into the unknown, including Davide Mana’s “The Man Who Speared Octopodes” and “Bruno J. Lampini and the Song of the Sea” by Josh Reynolds. Horror may contain a huge dose of humor as deftly displayed by Joel McKay’s “Number Hunnerd.”

Bottom line, there is something here for almost everyone and it is not hard to appreciate the imaginative poems and stories contained in this book. While I liked some of the offerings more than others, there wasn’t a throwaway to be found, and the wide variance of styles kept the reading interesting. Highly recommended. Five stars.

My thanks to Tyche Books Ltd. and the editor for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable stories about water and it’s relevance. I personally love the ocean and can watch it all day. A Tsunami is fascinating and dangerous at the same time. Anything to do with water is beautiful. Totally intriguing and you definitely get lost in the descriptions . Each story held a description that was fascinating.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters is an entertaining collection of short stories and poems.

Some of the stories have humour, like The Witches Diary: Adventures in Hut Sitting, about a witch who babysits her friend's animated hut. Then there are darker stories, like Midnight Man vs Carrie Cthulhu, about a man who hunts a monster that murdered his friends.

The pacing of the anthology was great, not all the long stories were together, the short stories and poems were mixed throughout the book.

I really enjoyed reading Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

I loved this! My first foray into this author’s writing was another sea-based book and I was delighted to see more! The mythology of the sea leaves open so many ideas and the author takes full advantage of that.

Don’t come in here expecting the usual. You may find pieces of it but just like the sea, no wave is the same. Be prepared for unusual but relatable characters, glorious atmosphere and a mood that both enchants and frightens you.

Go read it!

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This PG collection of watery tales and poems can be read in one very long day if one doesn't pause to think about them.

Introduction: A soliloquy about water by Rhonda Parish

The Diviner: a tale of a dowser by Catherine MacLeod.

Hidden Depths: a strange, very short screenplay set by the sea, with a mermaid by Kevin Cockle.

Creatures of Water and Salt: a seaside poem by Greta Starling.

After Ariel: a short story set in Ocean City, Maryland on the Fourth of July by Elise Forier Edie.

in the bog where we are walking cautiously: a poem by Kate Shannon.

Blazing Stars: a sweet short story with a pirate set in Catoosa, OK by Sara Rauch.

There's Something in the Water: a story involving an agricultural magazine, by Katie Marie.

The Witch's Diary: Adventures in Hut-sitting: how college student Hester Digitalis Wishbone spent part of summer break, by Rebecca Brae.

Siren's Song: a very short poem by Colleen Anderson.

Sarah McKenzie: a short, sad tale set at the Gand Atlantic Hotel in winter by L. T. Waterson

Midnight Man versus Carrie Cthulhu: a strange tale set on the Red River near Manitoba by Chadwick Gunther.

Treasure of the Sea: a short story of an outlander on the Island of Shale by Julia Heller

Nure-Onna: a tale of dead fishermen set in the village of Ishiwah in Kazusa, Japan in late autumn of 1576 by Marshall J. Moore.

Number Hunnerd: a whopper of a fish story set at Ace of Spades Lake in Canada by Joel McKay.

Amphitrite finds a Confidente: a moderate poem by Elizabeth R. McClellan.

In the Arms of Oceana: a very strange story by Eric M. Bosarge

Depth Charge: a story about a WWII submarine by Laura VanArendonk Baugh.

Bruno J. Lampini and the Song of the Sea: a tale set in Blackpool about a mermaid by Josh Reynolds.

Mano Kanaka: The Eater of Lost Souls: a story about a swimmer by Liam Hogan.

And the Wind Steal Her Vibrant Call: a poem by Mari Ness.

The Man Who Speared Octopodes: a short story about an old man by Davide Mana.

A Knot of Sea Wives: an Irish tale of an autumn storm by Sarah Van Goethem.

Going Home: a post-Civil War tale starting in Memphis by Valerie Hunter.

Love Is a Locked Box and the Ocean Is on Her Lips: a story about a married woman on the Virginia Street Bridge over the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada by Kelly Sandoval. PG15

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elemental Anthology Collection . . .

This is a collection by multiple authors of 24 stories and poems built around the theme of Water and the creatures that thrive on it, with all kinds of variety for your entertainment. With the variety offered, you should easily find some stories you can enjoy and even add to your “To Be Read Again” pile! And the beauty of an Anthology collection like this is that you can jump from story to story and pick and choose what draws your attention at the moment -- a “customized experience”! You are certain to find authors you enjoy and can then purchase some of their other books once you see how much their writing style draws you in. Enjoy this wonderful Anthology put together for readers with love!

Thank you to all of the authors who contributed to this endeavor.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve so enjoyed reading the stories and poems in this anthology, that I’m planning on picking up the rest of the series!

While I have a few very favorites (like Nure-Onna by Marshall J. Moore, The Diviner by Catherine MacLeod, Siren’s Song by Colleen Anderson, and The Witch’s Diary: Adventures in Hut Sitting by Rebecca Brae), I found all to be well-written, entertaining, and unique. Plus, I have a whole new list of authors to research further.

Rhonda Parrish did a wonderful job gathering these writings, and compiling them into a cohesive theme that flowed beautifully.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own.

[Maciej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eclectic collection of poems and stories!


It is difficult to sum up this richness in few sentences or even in hundred ones. The stories in the bundle seem to be united in evoking certain sense of oddity with respect to the sea. They are however quite diverse. Many are horror stories, some however have a distinct "moby-dick" focusing on people mariners as much as on the sea. Others are Lovecraftian in tone and conclusion. Still others draw inspiration from folk legends. They all however share one element - mystery of the water.

Recommended for all those who wish themselves to engulf in this mystery of the element of water.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection.
All of the stories in this collection have to do with water. What makes them great is they are so unlike the tales usually told about the many mythical water beings. I enjoyed this collection immensely.
I received this book as an ARC.

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really been enjoying these anthologies of fairytales for adults by Rhonda Parrish. She really includes a wide selection, and they aren’t overly sexualized like so many of the adult fairytales tend to be. I have already read 3 of her anthologies within a month, so this one gets 4 stars because it makes me excited to see what the next anthology has to offer!

The diviner - woman with magical cooking abilities is in an unfaithful relationship, uses her magic to make the area around town unsuitable for industrial exploitation. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Hidden depths - a screen play between a guy, a gal and a mermaid. I didn’t really get this one. ⭐️⭐️

Creatures of water and salt - a quirky very short story of a selkie and a water horse surprising each other. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After Ariel - A teen whose parents are separated finds a mermaid. This one left me wanting it to be longer - and I was kinda sad at the way it left off. I thought about it after though. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the bog where we are walking cautiously - a short creepy tale of a resurrected drowned woman turned witch. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blazing stars - two star crossed lovers (land mermaid and pirate) attempt a way to sidestep rules keeping them apart. The story ends without telling you if it works out! I liked it though. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There’s something in the water - a journalist visits a farming community to find the secret to their incredible produce. Turns out it’s a water monster. Several people (including the journalist) are sacrificed.

The witch’s diary - adventures in hut sitting: a baba Yaga tale where the house runs away on the house sitter, and house sitter also gets a kelpie to give back a fox pup.

Sarah McKenzie - A selkie fleeing human captivity twists her ankle and is captive again.

Midnight Man vs Carrie Cthulhu - strange. A horror story of a River monster picking off the last remaining class members. ⭐️

Treasure of the sea - a lone island dweller finds a baby selkie, fixes his skin, and releases him

Nure-onna- a Japanese monster story, and murder mystery. I was left confused as to why the lady samurai did not stay.

Number hunnerd- an entertaining redneck tale of the consequences that come from trying to catch 100 fish in one day.

Amphitrite finds a confidant - an earth witch is lured into becoming a sea witch. I thought the mermaid was going to drown her! But no she actually really did want her to come into the water to be a sea witch.

In the arms of oceana - I didn’t get this one about a girl getting buried in sand. ⭐️

Depth charge - a civilian with family history of monstrous transformation in the water assists the military when her lover is killed by the enemy

Bruno j lampini and the song of the sea - a con man tries to sell the body of a deceased mermaid while spinning his tale of how she became deceased.

Mano kanaka - kinda like a wherewolf story, with sharks

And the wind steal her vibrant call - a very short story about a sleep deprived siren who just needs some shut eye before she destroys anymore ships

The man who speared octopodes - an odd man who seems to have a vendetta against octopuses dies in a strange way, with incriminating sucker marks on his skin

A knot of sea wives - a jealous 2nd wife often thinks of the first wife who was rumored to be a selkie. 2nd wife nearly drowns 1st wife’s daughter.

Going home - a couple of military guys on a sunken vessel find out they are water monsters.

Love is a locked box and the ocean on her lips - a strange one about a selkie who is codependent, needs someone to want her but doesn’t like being kept.

[Jay C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another anthology I've been working on a while but just recently read the only story I hadn't gotten to yet, which turned out to be one of my favorites in the volume, "Going Home" by Valerie Hunter - mixing the story of the Sultana Disaster with a sea "monster" - who'd've thought?! Another favorite was David Manide's "The Man Who Speared Octopodes" (goosebumps at the ending - "They're coming...") Also very much liked the poem, "Amphitrite Finds a Confidante" by Elizabeth R. McClellan.

This is not the first Rhonda Parrish edited anthology that I've read and it also won't be the last.

[The Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories were apt for the element of water, especially with how it is described in the blurb. That being said I wasn't that into this collection, and I ended up only enjoying about half of the stories, which also includes the poetry. This collection lowkey strikes me as forgettable, but that being said, I can objectively see these stories as good. They just weren't my cup of tea is all.

3.5 stars.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories all including water as a theme in each and every single one. Each tale will take you on a journey and you will be pulled in and kept there until you have read every single one

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Elemental Anthology series all of the stories and poems deal with a water theme. I enjoyed reading these stories by different Authors. They where all well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely compilation of stories and poems with a water theme. There's love, strangeness and horror in the book. I enjoyed all of them.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good set of stories that cover an entire range of creatures that live in the water. I loved seeing all the different stories with one element in common.

[Ana Cordoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting and reverting collection of short stories. The tales were engaging and thought provoking. The only critique I have is that the stories were too short. I wished they were longer.

[Jemima Pett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhonda Parrish has a theme to her anthologies, but she confesses that the stories that arrive in response to her call for submission often extend the concept beyond her imagination. This one certainly gave me some unexpected reading matter.

Inevitably, you aren’t going to enjoy every story in an anthology. This was certainly the case for me, and I think more so than in the last one. However, many of the works were absolutely brilliant, haunting, and very innovative. Stand-outs were Julia Heller’s Treasure of the Sea, Liam Kogan’s Mano Kanaka, and Marshall J Moore’s Nure-Onna, but I could continue and list more.

What surprised me about the collection is that with a subtitle Selkies, Sirens, and Sea Monsters, a surprisingly large number were not set in or near the sea (particularly near the beginning of the volume). Then I remembered one year when I did something about beaches for the A to Z, I got a lot of comments from people who had never seen the sea, or waded in it. So for me, the stories set in the middle of a continent that involved water were no less valid, and were as well written, they just didn’t appeal in the same way. And the title is Water, not Saltwater. I suppose that, living on an island, I have a different relationship with the sea than people who live in landlocked areas. Either that or I’m descended from selkies.