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Seeds

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It begins with a seed. A dream. An idea, planted and encouraged to grow. A thought that buries deep down inside and puts out monstrous roots. Until, at last, the bloom erupts and showers the land with life.

It begins with a seed…

The menopause brings some unusual and unexpected changes, a woman wakes up after a party in a body that isn’t hers, a teen’s life changes forever when they embrace the truth about who they are, and a lone mother tries to bury her traumatic past but instead grows a terrible future...  

An unsettling selection of quiet horror and dark speculative fiction brought together in a brand new collection from Australian Shadows Award-winner, Tabatha Wood.

Contents:
SHOOTS (a burst of tendrils ~ flash fiction).
Bloom.
Red-Eye.
The Path Between the Trees.
Breathing Room.

LEAVES (an unfurling of fronds ~ short fiction).
Becoming.
Just Deserts.
The Nameless Ones.
That Quiet Voice.

BUDS (a floret of promise ~ medium fiction).
Marian.
The Box.
Best Boy, Best Friend.
Merry Christmas, Other You.

BLOOMS (a blaze of petals ~ longer fiction).
Night Wolves.
Birth Rites.
In Loving Memory.
Long Drop.

First published October 16, 2021

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About the author

Tabatha Wood

17 books22 followers
Tabatha (TL) Wood is an Australian Shadows and Sir Julius Vogel award-winning author of weird, dark, speculative fiction and quiet horror from Aotearoa New Zealand.

A former English teacher and school library manager, their first books were nonfiction guides for professional educators, published by Bloomsbury Press. They now tutor from home while also working as a freelance writer, translator and editor.

Tabatha strongly encourages the use of writing and creativity for positive mental health, and is the founder of Well-Written, an online group which supports writing for wellness. Tabatha’s work is often inspired by their lived experiences. When they’re not writing, they like strong coffee, soft cats, and spending time by the sea.

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5 stars
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9 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Steve Stred.
Author 90 books684 followers
October 13, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **

I connected with Tabatha a few years back when she was a member of the Kendall Reviews team. At that point, I’d not read any of her fiction, but had heard great things.

After she’d left the review team, I ended up reading some of her non-fiction/essay work that she shared on the various review pages (GNOH/Sci-Fi and Scary etc etc) and loved it.

But it wasn’t until my first go around with her fiction work (her outstanding ‘Little Teeth’ in the Twisted Anatomy Anthology – which was the best story in there, in my opinion) that I was truly, rightly blown away.

So, when this collection was offered, I immediately said yes and dove in, gobbling it up in a few sittings.

What I liked: Tabatha opens the collection with a very nice foreword, sharing how each story started from a kernel and that it expanded from there. It really sets up the mood for what’s to come.

There were so many amazing stories within. Tabatha seemed to infuse each piece with a sorrow that ebbed and flowed just below the surface of each one, which made me always on edge, always wondering just what was about to happen and to whom.

The stand out stories for me were;

‘Bloom’ – such a sad, sad story. A couple stops near a field of flowers and gets out. It’s relayed to us that the characters shouldn’t touch them. I can’t say much more, but this one got the waterworks going.

‘Red-eye’ – another really sad story. An overnight flight, where a stranger meets up with a family. What happens after felt a little like an X-Files episode mixed with a Six Feet Under episode. The mother’s reaction to the events choked me up.

‘Breathing Room’ – just such a beautiful, post-apocalyptic style story of a couple living in a fallout style shelter. One doesn’t want to go on, one does. Really gorgeous.

Other highlights for me were ‘The Nameless Ones,’ ‘Marian,’ and ‘Long Drop,’ but throughout, Wood’s gave us fantastic story after fantastic story.

What I didn’t like: As with all collections, some spoke to me more than others. I will say that there wasn’t really a letdown; even the last few stories were as solid as the first few, but I think it was just more of a case of some characters I wanted to tag along with and others I didn’t care so much about.

Why you should buy this: Wood’s has crafted a really solid, sorrow-filled collection that showcases so many beautiful options for dark fiction fans. This was really well done and I’m looking forward to reading more of Tabatha’s work in the future.
Profile Image for Aiden Merchant.
Author 35 books73 followers
September 25, 2021
It's not any secret I'm a fan of T and her work. I have favorably reviewed her first collection of stories, Dark Winds Over Wellington, as well as her somewhat recent novella, All the Laird's Men. Her latest selection is Seeds and, somehow, it's even better.

Tabatha has divided this book into four parts, in which the stories gradually grow longer. This seems like an obvious design, but she's somehow made it unique in formatting and presentation. Take the names each section for example; there's Shoots (flash fiction), Leaves (short fiction), Buds (medium fiction), and Blooms (longer fiction). Each section contains 3-4 entries.

Seeds opens with an introduction in which Tabatha discusses her writing process and titling. "In this collection, I have revisited old word-friends and cannibalised their bodies. I have chewed them up and spat them out into shapes and forms that better suit their purpose. Not that their previous form was undesirable or incomplete, merely that change and progress are all essential driving forces for my creativity and self-analysis." Her discussion of this transformation was interesting and familiar for a writer like myself. I especially favored the way she described taking pieces of other stories and Frankeinstein-ing them.

Below are some of the notes I took on my favorite stories featured in Seeds:

Bloom - the first of the flash fiction pieces, this story manages to say so much in so few pages, the ending is magical and mysterious and uncomfortable all the same, a lovely ride that seems simultaneously tainted and blessed

The Path Between the Trees - I liked how she handled the thieves and the twist to the story, gave me a chuckle

Just Deserts - unique, weird, and cool. Really liked this one and it's magical cakes

The Nameless Ones - very cool and unsettling, I love the idea of this weird woman and her shifting "dog" looking to feed on creeps, the image in my head for this story was exciting and creepy

Marian - hitting the change of life has new gruesome implications, would like this taken further and expanded upon

Best Boy, Best Friend - heartbreaking, the bullying really pissed me off, I'm very glad that fucking shithead got killed in the end

Merry Christmas, Other Me - might be my favorite yet, I would love this premise in longer form, creepy and full of possibilities

Night Wolves - a good one in which a dog leads the MC to a secret gravesite for her lost sister

Birth Rites - this was really unique and interesting and sad, I loved the visuals of boney limbs growing up from the potted plants

Long Drop - loved this one, had a lot of surprising depth for a story that really boils down to a goblin encounter at a roadstop, which makes it even better

Of course, I must point out that Seeds is wonderful from start to finish. Just because I've discussed my favorites doesn't mean the other entries are poor. None of them. There was one or two that didn't strike me, but they were still good. This was a damn near flawless collection.

Through Seeds, Tabatha proves with vigor (yet again) that she is an infallible writer that will always produce something of merit. This is her best selection yet, one that is as unique as it is diverse and emotional throughout.
1 review
September 20, 2021
I am fortunate to have received an advance copy of this wonderful gem of a collection.
I loved reading these satisfying stories. I had intended to savour each story, but found myself bingeing my way instead. I couldn't resist their deliciousness!
I'm not a big horror reader, as I don't enjoy gore, but these stories are more creeping and subtle in their horror. Though I still wouldn't read most of them just before bedtime...
What holds it together for me is the underlying sense of justice throughout the collection.
I also related strongly to the menopause story being 40-mumble. I rather wish my change had been more like that!
My 17 year old kid (and Ursula Vernon fan) also devoured these stories, and describes them as "damned satisfying".
If you enjoy authors like Ursula Vernon and Mercedes Lackey, you'll most likely enjoy these.
If you enjoy strong female characters meeting some interesting challenges, you'll most likely enjoy these.
If you enjoy intriguing stories with satisfying endings where the bad guy gets his desserts (sometimes literally), you'll most likely enjoy these.
Nothing trite or platitudinal or churned out template in here...
Give 'em a try!!
Profile Image for Cameron Trost.
Author 54 books684 followers
October 10, 2021
Tabatha Wood chose the right title for this collection of unsettling tales. A seed of dread or doubt has been planted in each story. The characters face grave danger, seek retribution, or just want to feel dignified and whole. The reader is invited to see the world from an array of perspectives, slipping into someone else's skin with each story, and the recurrent themes of sexuality and identity add to the depth of Tabatha's work.

My favourites were Bloom, a moving and poetic narrative, The Nameless Ones, a haunting tale of revenge, and That Quiet Voice, a tale about abuse and deliverance which has one of the most powerful beginnings I've read in quite some time: "The slap, when it comes, is not entirely unexpected, but still, the sting of it sends me reeling. His palm stamps a florid mark on my cheek, a branding of possession and disrespect. It tells me everything I need to know without him saying a single word."

Well done, Tabatha.
Profile Image for J. Mills.
Author 1 book8 followers
September 21, 2021
This was such a great read (I received the ARC copy). Tabatha Woods has done it again and written a lot of short stories that challenge social norms, especially in regards of femininity and the existential integrity that humanity faces today. Each story has its own psychological aspect and shows strongly through the protagonist's POV, which adds more strength to the narrative voice and contrasts with T's writing style.

As for favourites, Red-eye, Long Drop and The Box are a fun take that escalates out of nowhere and makes the reader question life and think outside the box (or square, whichever you prefer). Other stories include changes in people's situations or how the unusual can become normal from a protagonist's POV. There's a lot of great content to sink into with this book, and each story standing on its own remarkably well. Some will question what you believe, others will either gross you out just a little or appreciate how your own life is warm and cozy. But above all, some of these stories will ring very true to readers. There's a lot to dissect and internalize with this book. There's something for everyone within Seeds.
Profile Image for Tiffany Brown.
Author 45 books22 followers
September 28, 2021
Tabatha Wood's latest short story collection, Seeds, captivated me from the very first story and didn’t let go until I’d finished the final tale. Wood is an absolute master of creating characters that you immediately care about and imbuing her stories with a strong emotional core. But don’t think for a second that just because there’s raw emotion on the page that it’s devoid of terror, both of the human and supernatural varieties. This collection is full of monsters. In particular, "Red-Eye," "Just Deserts," "The Box," "Birth Rites," and "Long Drop" go right for the jugular (and thanks to "Long Drop," I am absolutely ruined for outhouses and port-a-potties for the foreseeable future). "Breathing Room" and "That Quiet Voice" will break your heart. "Becoming" subverts the popular high school girl trope in the most delicious way. "Merry Christmas, Other You" and "In Loving Memory" are downright unsettling and reminiscent of the Black Mirror anthology series. Truly, there is something for everyone in this collection – supernatural creatures, creepy legends, the evil nature of humans, sweet retribution, senseless violence, personal transformation, and everything in between. I absolutely plan to re-read this collection in the future, because these stories beg to be read more than once. If you need a cozy, creepy read this fall, get your hands on this collection.
15 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2021
Seeds is a captivating second collection from award winning writer Tabatha Wood. The book is divided into four beautifully illustrated sections: Shoots, Leaves, Buds, and Blooms, where the stories gradually grow in length from flash to longer fiction.

The collection as a whole is a great read, but some of my particular favourites are "Best Boy, Best Friend" An almost too realistic tale about bullying. Tabatha's voice in this story sings out. "Merry Christmas, Other Me" A wonderfully creepy tale that is perfect for Christmas, but like the present that keeps giving, can be enjoyed at any time of the year. And "Birth Rites" A story that is both beautifully sweet and horrific in equal measure.

Again Tabatha Wood has knocked it out of the park, I can't wait until her next book.
Profile Image for Laurel.
483 reviews55 followers
October 10, 2021
An amazing collection - powerful and dark, with gorgeous variety in the subject matter. Tabatha Wood is an excellent author, and a powerful voice. BIRTH RITES and LONG DROP were two of my favorites, but every story here was one I could immerse myself in. (Perfect for spooky season - just sayin!)
3 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2021
Wonderful book by a wonderful author. Go get it and read, you won’t regret it!!
Profile Image for Lor.
Author 16 books119 followers
September 21, 2021
Thanks to Tabatha for the review copy. I absolutely loved this book, it's got such a great variety of stories and would make a great entry point for a reader looking to explore horror fiction more.
2 reviews
October 19, 2021
"Seeds" reminds me why I don't like to read a lot of horror - in the best possible way. Creepy, disturbing and sad by turns, the stories stick around long after they're read. Though not every single story was a home run (one of the vampire stories either needed to be shorter or a LOT longer), there are more than enough great pieces in this collection to be worth a read, and some of them are truly superior.
Profile Image for Psyckers.
258 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
An excellent slant to an almost taboo topic. Crafted brilliantly in the fantastical / horror genre, SEEDS will enlighten you, scare you, enliven you, humor you, and compel you to read this right to the end, wanting more.
Profile Image for Cassie Daley.
Author 9 books250 followers
May 10, 2022
Short story collections can sometimes be rough for me, especially when they're by one single author. I sometimes find that there's only one or two stories that really grab my attention, and the rest sort of just blur together.

Very happy to report that SEEDS did the complete opposite for me - from the first page, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. Each story started off in a way that wouldn't let me stop, and I read it all at once during my readathon when I only intended to start off with a few of the stories - seriously, blown away.

I love that this is organized by story length, since one of my biggest problems with collections is that I don't always have the time to devote to a 40 page story, but usually collections mix 'em all up - which I get works for other people & this is probably just a personal thing, haha. I end up having to hunt for shorter stories, then go digging for longer ones when I have more time. With this collection, it's all spelled out for me, and I was able to bounce back and forth knowing what I was getting into lengthwise - a small thing I appreciated and haven't seen done much in other collections!

Some of my favorites, although I wouldn't give anything in this less than 4 stars:

Bloom - Could see this as a short little mini-film, would love it. Creepy and sad.
Just Deserts - MAGICAL FOOD IS SO COOL, YES! I love food stories, haha, this was fantastic.
Birth Rites - Haven't stopped thinking about this one, tbh. I might draw something creepy inspired by it because I can't get some of the visuals out of my head!!
Long Drop - I was on the EDGE OF MY SEAT for this one, omg! Also, I don't know if this was on purpose, but the way the daughter is described is a lot like how I was as a child during some of my Autistic breakdowns / "episodes" (when things didn't go the way I planned or envisioned & I could NOT adjust, which still happens lol), so I found it kind of neat to recognize that (even if it wasn't intended or meant - don't wanna say the author meant it as anything, just to be clear!! Just something I personally related to! I think my mom would've tossed me to the creatures tbh, heh.)

Anyway, LOVED this so much, can't recommend it enough.

Profile Image for Andrés Menéndez.
76 reviews8 followers
January 13, 2022
This collection shows how beautiful and diverse the horror genre can be. There is a story for everyone, from body horror to fantasy to supernatural, each of them doing something special that can scare you. This book is as beautiful as it is scary, and it's brilliant how the horror is subtle in some stories, making room for the reader to feel the grief, the sadness, the happiness, or the panic of the protagonists. This is a book that I hope everyone reads at least once in their life.
Profile Image for Beau Johnson.
Author 13 books126 followers
March 10, 2025
A strong collection from Wood. Clean prose, unique ideas, and story after story that hits the mark. Favourites include bullies getting what they deserve, death and time travel, a type of airfare you hope is a dream, and a Christmas story holding that old adage of careful what you wish for. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Andi C Buchanan.
Author 11 books42 followers
June 4, 2022
Intriguing, unnerving collection of short fantasy/horror that isn't afraid to show the darker side, but also doesn't shy away from portraying close connections, a sense of humanity, and sometimes - but not always! - the possibility of redemption.
Profile Image for K.M..
Author 16 books366 followers
January 8, 2022
Intriguing collection of stories!

I found this to be a unique and provoking collection of horror stories. In Loving Memory and Just Deserts were my favourites.
Profile Image for Sam.
Author 1 book10 followers
October 10, 2022
An easy read, goes down smooth, but doesn’t skimp on thrills
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews