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Timely: A Phoenix Fiction Writers Anthology
THE TIME HAS COME TO CHOOSE…
Choose to stay enslaved in the belly of a submarine because it is all you’ve known, or risk the open door to freedom.
Choose to carry out the mission you were created for, or go against your programming to protect someone you love.
Choose to be chained by the hurts of the past, or have the courage to start fresh with the people who matter to you.
Choose the easy way out because it was offered, or make the ultimate sacrifice to end a war.
From clockwork toymakers, to robots, to submarines, and time travel, you will find yourself transported and entertained as these nine innovative stories examine how the past and future weigh on the present.
Choose to stay enslaved in the belly of a submarine because it is all you’ve known, or risk the open door to freedom.
Choose to carry out the mission you were created for, or go against your programming to protect someone you love.
Choose to be chained by the hurts of the past, or have the courage to start fresh with the people who matter to you.
Choose the easy way out because it was offered, or make the ultimate sacrifice to end a war.
From clockwork toymakers, to robots, to submarines, and time travel, you will find yourself transported and entertained as these nine innovative stories examine how the past and future weigh on the present.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2021
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Dawson
36 books145 followersI grew up in Southeast Asia. My first experience with America was when I was six years old. Sometimes I amuse my friends by telling them stories of my first impressions of this country (clean bathrooms, Toy Story, Taco Bell, getting lost in department stores).
My family moved to California when I was eleven and completely changed the course of my life. On the outside I'm a well-adjusted American adult, but in all honesty some days I still wake up to the sound of the grass being cut by machetes.
I have traveled a fair amount and lived in four separate countries. I see the world very differently from most people that I know. And because I am an analytical introvert I try to understand everything in my life. I pour this into my writing.
Everything I write is deeply personal to me. People who know me well recognize the shadows of people I've met, experiences I've had, and emotions I've walked through in my writing. My goal is not just to entertain and explore imaginary worlds, but to take the reader on a journey that explores difficult questions and instills some sort of hope.
My family moved to California when I was eleven and completely changed the course of my life. On the outside I'm a well-adjusted American adult, but in all honesty some days I still wake up to the sound of the grass being cut by machetes.
I have traveled a fair amount and lived in four separate countries. I see the world very differently from most people that I know. And because I am an analytical introvert I try to understand everything in my life. I pour this into my writing.
Everything I write is deeply personal to me. People who know me well recognize the shadows of people I've met, experiences I've had, and emotions I've walked through in my writing. My goal is not just to entertain and explore imaginary worlds, but to take the reader on a journey that explores difficult questions and instills some sort of hope.
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May 31, 2024My favorite anthology so far.
Disclaimer: Yes, I do have a story published in here, but I am also a reader and a fan of the other authors in this anthology.
It is difficult to describe the magic of this anthology. Overall, I would say it's a bit gentler than "Of Myth and Monster" and "Antiheroes" and yet more sober than "Strange Waters." The stories themselves feel timeless, and yet incredibly relevant. If this anthology were a cup of tea, it would most definitely be earl grey. Or probably more specifically a London Fog.
Here are my thoughts on the individual stories.
Clockwork Toymaker- Sweet, poignant, and incredibly grounded this story felt like an old-fashioned movie in all the best ways. It is honest about grief and loss and yet filled with sweet, childlike optimism in the healing relationship of father and daughter like classics A Little Princess and Heidi. Just through in some dirigibles and clockwork toys.
Bermuda's Belly- The setting may be bleak, but Meggie's courage and resilience is so incredibly uplifting. And you will absolutely fall in love with Hen, Tad, and Digger and want to adopt them all. You will never read a story quite like this and it's a beautiful reminder not to give up hope in the darkest circumstances because rescue might be just around the corner.
The Timekeeper's Daughter- I loved the relationship between Annora and her sister, and Annora's honest struggles with how their relationship will be changing. Add onto that Annora's crippling self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy in the face of a national crisis and her struggles to see "her curse" as a gift, and this story is incredibly relatable. I loved the glimpses of the larger world that we got and that Annora's failure was not the end of her story, but just an opportunity for a second chance.
Adamant- What a vibrant universe filled with fun alien species, peonies, and wind chimes instead of doorbells. Only after coming home from war is Fred Wentworth able to see the incredible strength and value of a gentle spirit.
The Weight of Dust- I loved the clockwork butler almost from the beginning. His resilience and determination to carry on in the face of devastation, loss, and uncertainty was so incredibly moving. You can feel his pain as he forces himself to keep functioning, despite being broken. This story reminded me of Ray Bradbury in all the best ways.
The Hundred Acre War- A bizarre but brilliant retelling of a classic children's story with cyberpunk and science fiction elements. This story juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the horrors of war and dangers of artificial intelligence. It will hit you with all the feels when you least expect it. Or at least it did me.
Into the Crimson Deep- A continuation of Renlyn and Arnak's journey to find the legendary rukthar as begun in "The Staff of Callewhyr" from "Of Myth and Monster." You will feel like you are part of an epic quest and if you are like me, you may abandon modern society to be a Crane Shepherd in a bog. This story really showcases the fight of good against evil. Light prevails in the end, but victory is won at a sobering cost.
Little Lost Heart, Sing- Nate doesn't waste any words in this beautiful gothic fairy tale about grief, hope, and healing. I loved how the truth about the garden gate, the watch, the bedroom, and Arabella's bitterness slowly unfolded alongside the story of the mysterious girl. This story reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water" in all the best ways!! (I love that movie!)
I am incredibly thankful for these stories and how they have impacted me. And proud to be among them. There is truth and beauty in them which will stand the test of time.
Disclaimer: Yes, I do have a story published in here, but I am also a reader and a fan of the other authors in this anthology.
It is difficult to describe the magic of this anthology. Overall, I would say it's a bit gentler than "Of Myth and Monster" and "Antiheroes" and yet more sober than "Strange Waters." The stories themselves feel timeless, and yet incredibly relevant. If this anthology were a cup of tea, it would most definitely be earl grey. Or probably more specifically a London Fog.
Here are my thoughts on the individual stories.
Clockwork Toymaker- Sweet, poignant, and incredibly grounded this story felt like an old-fashioned movie in all the best ways. It is honest about grief and loss and yet filled with sweet, childlike optimism in the healing relationship of father and daughter like classics A Little Princess and Heidi. Just through in some dirigibles and clockwork toys.
Bermuda's Belly- The setting may be bleak, but Meggie's courage and resilience is so incredibly uplifting. And you will absolutely fall in love with Hen, Tad, and Digger and want to adopt them all. You will never read a story quite like this and it's a beautiful reminder not to give up hope in the darkest circumstances because rescue might be just around the corner.
The Timekeeper's Daughter- I loved the relationship between Annora and her sister, and Annora's honest struggles with how their relationship will be changing. Add onto that Annora's crippling self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy in the face of a national crisis and her struggles to see "her curse" as a gift, and this story is incredibly relatable. I loved the glimpses of the larger world that we got and that Annora's failure was not the end of her story, but just an opportunity for a second chance.
Adamant- What a vibrant universe filled with fun alien species, peonies, and wind chimes instead of doorbells. Only after coming home from war is Fred Wentworth able to see the incredible strength and value of a gentle spirit.
The Weight of Dust- I loved the clockwork butler almost from the beginning. His resilience and determination to carry on in the face of devastation, loss, and uncertainty was so incredibly moving. You can feel his pain as he forces himself to keep functioning, despite being broken. This story reminded me of Ray Bradbury in all the best ways.
The Hundred Acre War- A bizarre but brilliant retelling of a classic children's story with cyberpunk and science fiction elements. This story juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the horrors of war and dangers of artificial intelligence. It will hit you with all the feels when you least expect it. Or at least it did me.
Into the Crimson Deep- A continuation of Renlyn and Arnak's journey to find the legendary rukthar as begun in "The Staff of Callewhyr" from "Of Myth and Monster." You will feel like you are part of an epic quest and if you are like me, you may abandon modern society to be a Crane Shepherd in a bog. This story really showcases the fight of good against evil. Light prevails in the end, but victory is won at a sobering cost.
Little Lost Heart, Sing- Nate doesn't waste any words in this beautiful gothic fairy tale about grief, hope, and healing. I loved how the truth about the garden gate, the watch, the bedroom, and Arabella's bitterness slowly unfolded alongside the story of the mysterious girl. This story reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water" in all the best ways!! (I love that movie!)
I am incredibly thankful for these stories and how they have impacted me. And proud to be among them. There is truth and beauty in them which will stand the test of time.
July 1, 2021
I love the variety of themes and worlds explored in the Phoenix Fiction Writers anthology for 2021. From the war-torn landscapes and battle-scarred heroes of E.B. Dawson's brilliant “Daughter”, to the beautiful fairy-tale atmosphere of Olivia Cornwell's excellent “Clockwork Toymaker”, Timely has something for every reader of fantasy and science fiction. The whole anthology is wonderful—yes, including the story I contributed. I must admit that I am quite proud of it. In this review, however, I want to focus on the final entry in the book, "Little Lost Heart, Sing" by Nate Philbrick.
The question one asks when approaching a Nate Philbrick story is not whether it will make you cry, but how will it make you cry. That sounds like I'm describing a Pixar movie, but while I sometimes find fault with Pixar for wantonly manipulating the emotions of its audience, that's not the case with Nate's work. He's exceptionally good at using the emotional core of a story to drive home the story's central theme in a logical, meaningful way. “Little Lost Heart Sing” is no exception.
I won't reveal very much about the plot, since it's best if you experience it fully for yourself...this is the kind of story which is meant to be experienced, not just read. The central characters are a married couple who live in a dangerous, mysterious forest. All the characterization is superb; you will be left feeling as if you know these people personally even though you won’t be with them for very long. There's some deep and fascinating lore at play, but it's not overwhelming, even in the context of a short story. The fantasy elements are really only one part of a complete tapestry. Ultimately, this is a story about grief and loss, and how we continue living in the aftermath of pain. It's not an easy subject to tackle in fiction, but Nate Philbrick handles it with great skill and sensitivity. I was left feeling uplifted and encouraged by “Little Lost Heart Sing” despite its darker undertones. Given its emphasis on hope and renewal, it's really the perfect story with which to conclude this anthology—not with a mere ending, but with a new beginning.
I highly recommend both "Little Lost Heart, Sing" and the entire Timely anthology to all lovers of speculative fiction. There are so many exciting, inspiring, and heartwarming experiences to be enjoyed within these pages.
The question one asks when approaching a Nate Philbrick story is not whether it will make you cry, but how will it make you cry. That sounds like I'm describing a Pixar movie, but while I sometimes find fault with Pixar for wantonly manipulating the emotions of its audience, that's not the case with Nate's work. He's exceptionally good at using the emotional core of a story to drive home the story's central theme in a logical, meaningful way. “Little Lost Heart Sing” is no exception.
I won't reveal very much about the plot, since it's best if you experience it fully for yourself...this is the kind of story which is meant to be experienced, not just read. The central characters are a married couple who live in a dangerous, mysterious forest. All the characterization is superb; you will be left feeling as if you know these people personally even though you won’t be with them for very long. There's some deep and fascinating lore at play, but it's not overwhelming, even in the context of a short story. The fantasy elements are really only one part of a complete tapestry. Ultimately, this is a story about grief and loss, and how we continue living in the aftermath of pain. It's not an easy subject to tackle in fiction, but Nate Philbrick handles it with great skill and sensitivity. I was left feeling uplifted and encouraged by “Little Lost Heart Sing” despite its darker undertones. Given its emphasis on hope and renewal, it's really the perfect story with which to conclude this anthology—not with a mere ending, but with a new beginning.
I highly recommend both "Little Lost Heart, Sing" and the entire Timely anthology to all lovers of speculative fiction. There are so many exciting, inspiring, and heartwarming experiences to be enjoyed within these pages.
July 3, 2021
Incredible talent and evidence of a lot of hard work.
Clockwork Toymaker: A touching glimpse of the human heart as it works through the difficult process of acceptance and healing.
Bermuda's Belly: Adventure, risk, and courage. I've said it once, and I'll say it again...Meggie and her little crew of rag-tag misfits are precious.
The Timekeeper's Daughter: A phenomenal exploration of duty, perseverence, and ingenuity wrapped in a solid fantasy setting.
The Weight of Dust: Melancholic nostalgia harmonizing with faithfulness and new joy (and quite possibly my personal favorite of the anthology). I'd love to see an animated adaptation.
Adamant: A creative, fresh spin on an old classic (which I hadn't ever read and didn't need to) with a heartwarming conclusion.
Daughter: A gradual build-up of clues and action sequences toward a final reveal that will sucker-punch you in the liver.
The Hundred-Acre War: A unique spin on a children's classic that puts every piece of the puzzle in its place right when it needs to.
Into the Crimson Deep: A no-punches-pulled fantasy short story that has the meticulous quality and self-confidence of a ten-book series.
Little Lost Heart, Sing: Well, you'll have to find out for yourself, won't you? Hint: I wrote it.
Clockwork Toymaker: A touching glimpse of the human heart as it works through the difficult process of acceptance and healing.
Bermuda's Belly: Adventure, risk, and courage. I've said it once, and I'll say it again...Meggie and her little crew of rag-tag misfits are precious.
The Timekeeper's Daughter: A phenomenal exploration of duty, perseverence, and ingenuity wrapped in a solid fantasy setting.
The Weight of Dust: Melancholic nostalgia harmonizing with faithfulness and new joy (and quite possibly my personal favorite of the anthology). I'd love to see an animated adaptation.
Adamant: A creative, fresh spin on an old classic (which I hadn't ever read and didn't need to) with a heartwarming conclusion.
Daughter: A gradual build-up of clues and action sequences toward a final reveal that will sucker-punch you in the liver.
The Hundred-Acre War: A unique spin on a children's classic that puts every piece of the puzzle in its place right when it needs to.
Into the Crimson Deep: A no-punches-pulled fantasy short story that has the meticulous quality and self-confidence of a ten-book series.
Little Lost Heart, Sing: Well, you'll have to find out for yourself, won't you? Hint: I wrote it.
June 20, 2021
This anthology! My heart! It's deep, thoughtful, and unapologetically creative. The Sci-Fi and Fantasy are subtler in this anthology than in past anthologies, but not so much that it doesn't feel layered and immersive and entirely other worldly. It's because the state of the human heart takes center stage. I don't know if I'm just noticing it more now, or if the strange state of the world this past year has maybe influenced the stories, but grief and grieving seems to take a center stage in this story. Some stories anticipate a coming loss, some show us the gentle dawning of hope and healing. Some take our hands and walk us through the thickest of the sorrow and pain. And some even contradict the oft-quoted words "time heals all". Though there are some that don't focus so deeply on loss. Like I said, I might just have been feeling it a little extra hard.
Either way, the stories are beautiful, and I can't wait for everyone to get to dig into them.
So, I'm going to dig into the meat of these stories a bit.
Clockwork Toymaker by Olivia Cornwell.
What an excellent start to this anthology. This subtle, sweet steampunk (yes, I alliterated) sets the mood perfectly for everything to come. In warm tones in paints the picture of sorrow and salvation on the canvas of a steampunk alternative London. Olivia skirted around the obvious, and focused in on a layered and broken character who avoids our typical wants of a protagonist in the modern world. The toymaker is so human and so real I felt I could have walked by his store and not noticed. The worldbuilding isn't very strong, but I feel like that was very much on purpose. The hints at the fantastical are just enough, and too much would have overwhelmed the very relatable narrative. The "vibe" was very much like the recent Christmas movie "Jingle Jangle" but quieter and more respectful. Yet still joyful.
The one thought that kept coming to me as I read was of Horatio Spafford standing on the deck of a ship overlooking the site of the ship collision that took the lives of all four of his daughters. The words of his wife "Saved alone." And the scratch of his pen as his wrote "It is well with my soul".
Liam's "it is well" moment had me sobbing. That's not really saying that much these days, as I cry at pretty much any and everything. But it doesn't make it any less powerful.
Bermuda's Belly was my contribution and I will not be rating or reviewing it. But it sure was fun to write. I hope you enjoy it!.
The Timekeeper's Daughter by Katelyn Buxton.
Shortly after my Mom's passing, I found the debilitating feeling of marking every moment. Watching the time slip away knowing that death was coming and wishing I knew how to live well from that knowledge. I was reminded of this phase in my grief and healing by the main character, Annora, and her distinct awareness of time.
This story felt like a focused, but powerful part of a huge world. I loved the gentleness, the unique threat to the normal world, and the way the "low" stakes felt so heavy. The emotions of Annora carried beautifully through the page, and her desperate desire to resist change and relieve the weight of responsibility thrust on her.
This story was so relevant. I knew the emotions intimately, and a few of the lines felt as if they could have been drafted from my own thoughts.
Other than the passage of time, another aspect that struck me about this story was the weight of responsibility. Annora's struggle to allow those she loved to help her, her fear of failing, and her relief at the smallest hint of acceptance and gentleness was so beautiful and so... I'm saying it again... relatable.
While it's clear that the world is large, and the stories that could be told were many, I left this tory feeling utterly satisfied, but more importantly... understood.
The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall.
I could have savored this story forever. And in many ways it's the perfect story and theme to follow the last.
There are so many ways this story could have been much heavier than it was. And it does indeed start in a very dark place. One of the things that keeps it from getting dragged down is just how absolutely beautiful the prose was. I wanted to wrap it around myself and just indulge in every second.
Watch particularly for the bits about the spiders. I loved the richness of those images, and how it was repeated.
The butler in this story has been lost, left behind, in a dying world. And without any bitterness or anger, he mourns his loss deeply. No hints are given to the fate of what he lost, only that it's gone from him, and there is a simple beauty to that. There are many kinds of losses.
What stood out to me the most was the simple beauty of the butler's work. How he chose to take what he was given, and do the best with it. He wasn't trying to save the world, or bring back what was lost, only to bring blessing and honor to what was once there and what might come again. I found myself hanging on every thought that came to him. Every emotion he felt. I was fully invested in his goals, and his triumphs.
When faced with great pain, trial, and defeat, we can give up and just stop, or we can make it our goal to find our victories in moments dedicated to simple beauties. Some of the most heroic acts are those of just getting up every morning and facing another day with dignity. There is so much power in that.
And the ending was perfectly in tune with what came before it. I left feeling refreshed and appreciated.
Adamant by Beth Wangler
Romance is not my first choice of genre, but I love Jane Austin, and I love Beth Wangler's beautiful writing. Also... Sci-Fi.
This short story was gentle and sweet. It took facets of many aspects that are often not appreciate by the world, and shows you a new and beautiful side. Things like gentleness, kindness, and humility. The worldbuilding was perfect for the story, and I loved how little aspects came back around. Fred's role in the military. The ship. The alien cultures.
My favorite aspect of this story was that alien culture. They dominated the page, and brought a really wonderful facet to the story. Looking back now I can see how they helped create the setting for a Jane Austin retelling without giving away that fact. It didn't feel like it at the time, it just felt like exploring a new and unique culture.
I absolutely love the main character, too. Fred's bitterness, carefully buried, slowly healed from, was the crowing glory of this story. Like I said earlier. There are many different kinds of loss.
Daughter by E.B. Dawson
I had the great honor of being an early reader for this short story. More than that, as E.B. Dawson is my critique partner, I got to see the first bits of it come together, and the slowly become what they were.
I can't say this enough, Daughter is such a precious... and very much needed... story. Dawson has always set themes as the centerpiece of her stories, but in this story it is the scaffolding for everything. And the everything is wonderful.
If you are not someone who likes much more to their story than some good old adventure and entertainment, this story is not going to bludgeon you over the head with its deeper meaning. But I feel like Daughter is like one of those "the longer you look, the more you see" pictures.
I really felt the weight at the opening of this story. The war felt visceral and so real. I could see it clearly in my head, and felt entirely drawn in. And the calling and courage of Anneke has all the impact that a it should, stepping into such darkness.
I do have to say this, read through to the end before you try to force any perceptions on this story. Not because it starts off bad, or wrong. The exact opposite. But because Daughter will not be stuffed neatly into a box and set aside. The characters don't line up as you expect them, and the meaning cannot be understood at a glance. Give it time to sink in slowly, and savor each moment you read.
The Hundred Acre War by Kyle Robert Shultz
Fans of Kyle Robert Shultz rejoice. This story is going to hit you in your childhood and then go through a worm hole into your future and hit you in the adulthood too. Taking inspiration from Winnie the Pooh, and so many fun Sci-Fi tropes, Hundred Acre War doesn't flinch away from pain, but doesn't revel in it either. The narrative is gentle and sweet.
I was reminded of The Iron Giant in many places in this narrative. In the choice to redefine oneself apart from the way that seems to be set for you. The story twists and turns and there are moments when you are sure of one thing, and are given another.
I absolutely loved the relationships here. It is very much a "grown up Winnie", not in that there is any content that is inappropriate or just for adults, or even particularly dark. But this story brings the comfort and nostalgia of the simplicity of childhood, and reminds you of the simple truths that adults are prone to forget. Selflessness. Gentleness. Kindness. Friendship. Loyalty. Things can get complicated out in the "real world" as an adult, and it can be easy to think you need to adjust your values to fit. This story reminded me that the truest things are the strongest things.
Intro the Crimson Deep by Deck Matthews.
Another story I had the great honor to beta read.
I loved being able to revist some characters from Deck's broad and well-built fantasy world. We first got to know Renlyn and Arnak in Deck's Of Myth and Monster short story, and I love a chance to see that deepen. My favorite aspect of the first story was the complex relationship between the two men, and this story delved into that more.
Renlyn's bumbling intelligence and Arnak's protectiveness and loyalty might seem familiar tropes, but they are played beautifully, and I loved the little moments between them.
I also loved the hermit woman, Dakis. She was a soft reminder for me of what many of us have been through this year. She had hidden away, with no hope for herself, waiting for disease and death, with her only goal being to avoid damning those she loved along with herself. What a fitting picture to what we've all been suffering in 2020 and the beginning of 2021. And just as fitting was the result of that. You will have to read it to get more, but I loved seeing purpose and meaning come back in her life, even as it caused to to face her fear.
And cranes. Oh my goodness, I love the cranes!!! The idea of being a crane shepherd. SO adorable.
That's not even touching on the actual plot. I will talk about that a bit more in my blog review, coming soon.
Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick.
What a perfect story to cap off this anthology.
It's hard to describe what makes Lost Heart so perfect. Of course, if you have read any of Nate Philbrick's work before you are familiar with his ability to put his finger on exactly the right detail to bring something to life. On his focus on small stories with big elements. On the simple magic hidden in big mysteries. His characters will not ever leave you once you open your heart to them.
Genre wise, I would call this fantasy a Modern Gothic Fairy Tale. It's Lady in the Water meets Over the Garden Wall, with hidden worlds and dangerous woods, mythical threads, and quiet beauty. It's heavy with poetry and song, and the love of story telling. Some of the lines struck me, I can still feel the tender places where they cut in.
The story introduces us to a grieving couple. You can feel the love between them, but the pain is greater. Familiarity runs through their relationship, and yet in so many ways they are isolated. Perhaps that is the jewel of this story: isolation and companionship. Often when we grieve, it is not healing we want most, it's someone to share our pain with us. Healing will only come on the other side of mourning, and no one wants to be alone in their pain. Loneliness shoots through the text, winding through the naked trees, the carefully preserved rooms, and the open garden gate. And it all leads somewhere.
If the story ended there it wouldn't be so brilliant.
The hope at the end would not be so strong if we had not been first walked through the dark places. So pluck up your bravery, walk into those dark woods. It will worth it.
There is more to say, I'm sure, but I've written a whole book myself just trying to talk about my love for this one. But I want to hear all your thoughts too!
Either way, the stories are beautiful, and I can't wait for everyone to get to dig into them.
So, I'm going to dig into the meat of these stories a bit.
Clockwork Toymaker by Olivia Cornwell.
What an excellent start to this anthology. This subtle, sweet steampunk (yes, I alliterated) sets the mood perfectly for everything to come. In warm tones in paints the picture of sorrow and salvation on the canvas of a steampunk alternative London. Olivia skirted around the obvious, and focused in on a layered and broken character who avoids our typical wants of a protagonist in the modern world. The toymaker is so human and so real I felt I could have walked by his store and not noticed. The worldbuilding isn't very strong, but I feel like that was very much on purpose. The hints at the fantastical are just enough, and too much would have overwhelmed the very relatable narrative. The "vibe" was very much like the recent Christmas movie "Jingle Jangle" but quieter and more respectful. Yet still joyful.
The one thought that kept coming to me as I read was of Horatio Spafford standing on the deck of a ship overlooking the site of the ship collision that took the lives of all four of his daughters. The words of his wife "Saved alone." And the scratch of his pen as his wrote "It is well with my soul".
Liam's "it is well" moment had me sobbing. That's not really saying that much these days, as I cry at pretty much any and everything. But it doesn't make it any less powerful.
Bermuda's Belly was my contribution and I will not be rating or reviewing it. But it sure was fun to write. I hope you enjoy it!.
The Timekeeper's Daughter by Katelyn Buxton.
Shortly after my Mom's passing, I found the debilitating feeling of marking every moment. Watching the time slip away knowing that death was coming and wishing I knew how to live well from that knowledge. I was reminded of this phase in my grief and healing by the main character, Annora, and her distinct awareness of time.
This story felt like a focused, but powerful part of a huge world. I loved the gentleness, the unique threat to the normal world, and the way the "low" stakes felt so heavy. The emotions of Annora carried beautifully through the page, and her desperate desire to resist change and relieve the weight of responsibility thrust on her.
This story was so relevant. I knew the emotions intimately, and a few of the lines felt as if they could have been drafted from my own thoughts.
Other than the passage of time, another aspect that struck me about this story was the weight of responsibility. Annora's struggle to allow those she loved to help her, her fear of failing, and her relief at the smallest hint of acceptance and gentleness was so beautiful and so... I'm saying it again... relatable.
While it's clear that the world is large, and the stories that could be told were many, I left this tory feeling utterly satisfied, but more importantly... understood.
The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall.
I could have savored this story forever. And in many ways it's the perfect story and theme to follow the last.
There are so many ways this story could have been much heavier than it was. And it does indeed start in a very dark place. One of the things that keeps it from getting dragged down is just how absolutely beautiful the prose was. I wanted to wrap it around myself and just indulge in every second.
Watch particularly for the bits about the spiders. I loved the richness of those images, and how it was repeated.
The butler in this story has been lost, left behind, in a dying world. And without any bitterness or anger, he mourns his loss deeply. No hints are given to the fate of what he lost, only that it's gone from him, and there is a simple beauty to that. There are many kinds of losses.
What stood out to me the most was the simple beauty of the butler's work. How he chose to take what he was given, and do the best with it. He wasn't trying to save the world, or bring back what was lost, only to bring blessing and honor to what was once there and what might come again. I found myself hanging on every thought that came to him. Every emotion he felt. I was fully invested in his goals, and his triumphs.
When faced with great pain, trial, and defeat, we can give up and just stop, or we can make it our goal to find our victories in moments dedicated to simple beauties. Some of the most heroic acts are those of just getting up every morning and facing another day with dignity. There is so much power in that.
And the ending was perfectly in tune with what came before it. I left feeling refreshed and appreciated.
Adamant by Beth Wangler
Romance is not my first choice of genre, but I love Jane Austin, and I love Beth Wangler's beautiful writing. Also... Sci-Fi.
This short story was gentle and sweet. It took facets of many aspects that are often not appreciate by the world, and shows you a new and beautiful side. Things like gentleness, kindness, and humility. The worldbuilding was perfect for the story, and I loved how little aspects came back around. Fred's role in the military. The ship. The alien cultures.
My favorite aspect of this story was that alien culture. They dominated the page, and brought a really wonderful facet to the story. Looking back now I can see how they helped create the setting for a Jane Austin retelling without giving away that fact. It didn't feel like it at the time, it just felt like exploring a new and unique culture.
I absolutely love the main character, too. Fred's bitterness, carefully buried, slowly healed from, was the crowing glory of this story. Like I said earlier. There are many different kinds of loss.
Daughter by E.B. Dawson
I had the great honor of being an early reader for this short story. More than that, as E.B. Dawson is my critique partner, I got to see the first bits of it come together, and the slowly become what they were.
I can't say this enough, Daughter is such a precious... and very much needed... story. Dawson has always set themes as the centerpiece of her stories, but in this story it is the scaffolding for everything. And the everything is wonderful.
If you are not someone who likes much more to their story than some good old adventure and entertainment, this story is not going to bludgeon you over the head with its deeper meaning. But I feel like Daughter is like one of those "the longer you look, the more you see" pictures.
I really felt the weight at the opening of this story. The war felt visceral and so real. I could see it clearly in my head, and felt entirely drawn in. And the calling and courage of Anneke has all the impact that a it should, stepping into such darkness.
I do have to say this, read through to the end before you try to force any perceptions on this story. Not because it starts off bad, or wrong. The exact opposite. But because Daughter will not be stuffed neatly into a box and set aside. The characters don't line up as you expect them, and the meaning cannot be understood at a glance. Give it time to sink in slowly, and savor each moment you read.
The Hundred Acre War by Kyle Robert Shultz
Fans of Kyle Robert Shultz rejoice. This story is going to hit you in your childhood and then go through a worm hole into your future and hit you in the adulthood too. Taking inspiration from Winnie the Pooh, and so many fun Sci-Fi tropes, Hundred Acre War doesn't flinch away from pain, but doesn't revel in it either. The narrative is gentle and sweet.
I was reminded of The Iron Giant in many places in this narrative. In the choice to redefine oneself apart from the way that seems to be set for you. The story twists and turns and there are moments when you are sure of one thing, and are given another.
I absolutely loved the relationships here. It is very much a "grown up Winnie", not in that there is any content that is inappropriate or just for adults, or even particularly dark. But this story brings the comfort and nostalgia of the simplicity of childhood, and reminds you of the simple truths that adults are prone to forget. Selflessness. Gentleness. Kindness. Friendship. Loyalty. Things can get complicated out in the "real world" as an adult, and it can be easy to think you need to adjust your values to fit. This story reminded me that the truest things are the strongest things.
Intro the Crimson Deep by Deck Matthews.
Another story I had the great honor to beta read.
I loved being able to revist some characters from Deck's broad and well-built fantasy world. We first got to know Renlyn and Arnak in Deck's Of Myth and Monster short story, and I love a chance to see that deepen. My favorite aspect of the first story was the complex relationship between the two men, and this story delved into that more.
Renlyn's bumbling intelligence and Arnak's protectiveness and loyalty might seem familiar tropes, but they are played beautifully, and I loved the little moments between them.
I also loved the hermit woman, Dakis. She was a soft reminder for me of what many of us have been through this year. She had hidden away, with no hope for herself, waiting for disease and death, with her only goal being to avoid damning those she loved along with herself. What a fitting picture to what we've all been suffering in 2020 and the beginning of 2021. And just as fitting was the result of that. You will have to read it to get more, but I loved seeing purpose and meaning come back in her life, even as it caused to to face her fear.
And cranes. Oh my goodness, I love the cranes!!! The idea of being a crane shepherd. SO adorable.
That's not even touching on the actual plot. I will talk about that a bit more in my blog review, coming soon.
Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick.
What a perfect story to cap off this anthology.
It's hard to describe what makes Lost Heart so perfect. Of course, if you have read any of Nate Philbrick's work before you are familiar with his ability to put his finger on exactly the right detail to bring something to life. On his focus on small stories with big elements. On the simple magic hidden in big mysteries. His characters will not ever leave you once you open your heart to them.
Genre wise, I would call this fantasy a Modern Gothic Fairy Tale. It's Lady in the Water meets Over the Garden Wall, with hidden worlds and dangerous woods, mythical threads, and quiet beauty. It's heavy with poetry and song, and the love of story telling. Some of the lines struck me, I can still feel the tender places where they cut in.
The story introduces us to a grieving couple. You can feel the love between them, but the pain is greater. Familiarity runs through their relationship, and yet in so many ways they are isolated. Perhaps that is the jewel of this story: isolation and companionship. Often when we grieve, it is not healing we want most, it's someone to share our pain with us. Healing will only come on the other side of mourning, and no one wants to be alone in their pain. Loneliness shoots through the text, winding through the naked trees, the carefully preserved rooms, and the open garden gate. And it all leads somewhere.
If the story ended there it wouldn't be so brilliant.
The hope at the end would not be so strong if we had not been first walked through the dark places. So pluck up your bravery, walk into those dark woods. It will worth it.
There is more to say, I'm sure, but I've written a whole book myself just trying to talk about my love for this one. But I want to hear all your thoughts too!
July 16, 2021
This is one of my favorite anthologies so far! Timely is full of heart, feels that will bring on the warm fuzzies or tears, memorable characters, and overall beautifully crafted stories. There is an overall theme of loss and grief, handled gently and with hope, but making it one I had to take my time to read through. But some things are best when you take the time to savor them. My thoughts on the individual stories:
The Clockwork Toy Maker:
It’s an emotional, hopeful story. I loved Maggie with her wisdom and bravery and the thought of how it takes courage to keep going in the face of loss. I enjoyed the glimpses of the steampunk world, especially through the toys.
Bermuda’s Belly:
Meggie’s perspective is so well done. I loved her defiant drive for freedom and her determination. This story reminded me of all my favorite heros/heroines as a kid.
There’s a sweet found family of orphans, and I just wanted to rescue them all. And the underwater submarine was an awesome setting! This one kept me reading into the night.
The Timekeeper’s Daughter:
This story has all the feels. I am a sucker for sister relationships in fiction and this one was lovely. The fantasy world where everyone has a gift was so interesting. Annora’s constant sense of time’s unending push forward really highlighted questions that I have contemplated a lot recently and feel so pertinent in this world: how are we using time? What do we do if there is not enough of it?
The Weight of Dust:
The prose is just beautiful. The clockwork butler is a memorable narrator who pulls you in from the start. His continuation of habit in the face of loss is so relatable and human. I loved the theme of taking the courage to fix what you can and finding healing. And I adored the found family in this story.
Adamant:
I’ve never read Austen-inspired sci-fi and this was so well done! It hit all the right notes while making the familiar unfamiliar. I liked how big this world was and I loved the alien family! Their different speech patterns from their own language felt very realistic. I enjoyed the character growth in Fred by the end of the story.
Daughter:
The world of this story was very interesting. It had a diesel-punk flair while also feeling reminiscent of a world war. It was a difficult world to find hope in, given the circumstances that are blatantly laid forward by or to different characters, but I liked how hope was found in the end. Eli was my favorite, relatable and well-drawn.
The Hundred Acre War
I never thought I’d be reading a character quite like this one but the voice grips you right away. It’s recognizably Winnie the Pooh and company but in a very very different way that was both amusing and startling. As always, it has Kyle’s sense of humor throughout. I’m not spoiling anything but the reveal and resolution were perfect.
The Crimson Deep
This story was a continuation from the previous anthology but could easily be read alone. I loved the pairing at the beginning of the cranky, suspicious Arnal and the oblivious Renthal. The deep is perfectly creepy and foreboding, as was the villain. Renthal’s entrapment feels painfully relatable as he is forced to watch time go by while he is trapped in the same monotonous day/place.
Little Lost Heart Sing
As always, you can expect Nate’s anthology contributions to make you cry and this one hit me in particular hard. The sense of being stuck (through the sleeping girl, the opened gate, the pocket watch, the untouched room) speak so well to grief. From the very beginning you get a sense of mystery, of buried grief, that is slowly pulled back and revealed. I loved the realization the characters come to at the end.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
One of the things I always look forward to is when The Phoenix Fiction Writers come out with a new anthology. "Timely" had the added bonus of having a few guest authors who I need to give hugs to, like right now. Their stories are precious.
This anthology wasn't quite what I was expecting, and perhaps that's a good thing. Too often our expectations set limits and boundaries. We place limits on what is possible and our imagination is smothered.
"Timely" broke all limits and transcended time and space, splintering my imagination to break it into tiny shards of light, hope and beauty. After reading this anthology, my world isn't the same. And that's a good thing.
A truly epic piece of literature has the power to inspire someone's life. This little anthology deserves the title "epic". My only regret is that I wish it were longer.
This anthology wasn't quite what I was expecting, and perhaps that's a good thing. Too often our expectations set limits and boundaries. We place limits on what is possible and our imagination is smothered.
"Timely" broke all limits and transcended time and space, splintering my imagination to break it into tiny shards of light, hope and beauty. After reading this anthology, my world isn't the same. And that's a good thing.
A truly epic piece of literature has the power to inspire someone's life. This little anthology deserves the title "epic". My only regret is that I wish it were longer.
June 25, 2021
what is it with these anthologies attacking my tear ducts
(yes i'm looking at you again nate philbrick)
(though he's not the only one)
I may get back to this to give individual story thoughts but if not, please also note that grace crandall's story has ray bradbury vibes and her style is equally beautiful
(yes i'm looking at you again nate philbrick)
(though he's not the only one)
I may get back to this to give individual story thoughts but if not, please also note that grace crandall's story has ray bradbury vibes and her style is equally beautiful
July 31, 2021
This is my favorite anthology by the Phoenix Fiction Writers for so many reasons. Though the stories are loosely connected by motifs of time and clockwork technology, the themes of loss, grief, hope, and healing resonate so strongly through this collection that it almost seems intentional. Though the sorrow running through this anthology is powerfully drawn, it does not overcome the strength of the grace and courage at its heart.
I also love that so many of these stories involve children and/or parent-child relationships. The themes of family and relationship throughout this collection touched my heart.
"Clockwork Toymaker" by Olivia Cornwell
The anthology's opening piece is a heartbreakingly sweet story about a grieving dad struggling to find the courage to face his family's new normal in the aftermath of tragedy. The lost wife and daughter are present in the details revealed by the protagonist's memories, making their absence all the more palpable and the conclusion all the more touching. The gentle steampunk flavor is a lovely touch.
"Bermuda's Belly" by J. E. Purazzi
In addition to everything that makes J.E. Purazzi's writing the experience it is (immersive sensory descriptions, nail-biting suspense, and exceptionally creative fictional technology) this story features a precious group of orphans. The main character, Meggie, is a true heroine. Though deeply wounded and mistrustful, her intelligence, courage, and loyalty shine through her bleak circumstances. But it's the heartwarming child-grownup friendship that absolutely makes the story.
"The Timekeeper's Daughter" by Katelyn Buxton
This story gently and intentionally explores a number of thought-provoking themes, ranging from how response to failure can shape someone's sense of purpose and identity to how a person's appreciation of present blessings is affected by anticipated loss. Though not all of these questions seem to resolve quite as fully as I'd expected, the ending offers a beautifully surprising message of hope to those who feel isolated by inadequacy.
"Adamant" by Beth Wangler
Beth Wangler's contribution is a heartwarming sci-fi take on Jane Austen's Persuasion, full of cute aliens, delectable fruit, spaceships, and second chances. One of my favorite things about this story is its gently countercultural illustration of the value of a gracious servant's heart in a war-torn world.
"The Weight of Dust" by Grace Crandall
This piece embraces the power of a small cast and limited scope, and it isn't afraid to take the necessary time to sit and observe. Grace Crandall's unhurried attention to the significance of the little things creates a vivid initial impression and gradually builds the atmosphere until you feel it weighing on your shoulders. "The Weight of Dust" is a beautiful story of small, consistent acts of courage in a world too broken for one person to restore, and of reaching for healing in the midst of coming to terms with loss.
"Daughter" by E.B. Dawson
I love it when a good allegory sneaks up on me. This is one of those. "Daughter" doesn't advertise itself as allegory, and stands on its own as a worthwhile story apart from whether or not the reader recognizes the deeper meaning. But for readers who see it, the underlying significance is presented in a way that draws them to dwell on its significance with fresh eyes.
"The Hundred Acre War" by Kyle Robert Shultz
(This story gets an unfair amount of air time just because.)
As an avid fan of Winnie the Pooh I knew going into this that it was going to be either brilliance or desecration. It was both. (And one of my favorite stories in the collection, though part of me still feels mildly betrayed.) Did this story warp a warm, safe place from my childhood into something unsettling and unfamiliar? Absolutely. Did it also sling an emotional projectile smack-dab into the heart of Pooh's relationship with Christopher Robin? You betcha. There are (I hope) few people who possess the daring to mutate such a beloved story into such a bizarre creature, and (more to the point) far fewer who are clever enough to pull it off in a way that resonates so achingly (and satisfyingly) with the heart of the original. If you're a devoted Pooh purist, you may be scarred. But if you're plucky enough to explore a little, this creative tribute to the Hundred Acre Wood might just be worth it.
"Into the Crimson Deep"
I think I probably would have appreciated this one more if I had already read the preceding story ("The Staff of Callewhyr") from the previous anthology. I felt a little out of touch with the protagonist's motivation since I didn't understand the full significance of what he was looking for. While epic fantasy and arcane mysteries aren't really my cup of tea, this story nails that aesthetic. Even I have to admit the heron shepherdess character and her Viking-esque culture were pretty cool.
"Little Lost Heart Sing" by Nate Philbrick
I expected this story to hurt, and I was not disappointed. It ripped my heart out--gently, with understatement and silence and things left unsaid--even as it laid out the threads with which to weave it back together. This story unfolds like a mystery, gradually revealing the significance of the characters' words, behavior, and the things they treasure. Nate Philbrick's beautiful prose opens up a lyrical exploration of heartbreak's capacity to isolate and the healing power of community.
I also love that so many of these stories involve children and/or parent-child relationships. The themes of family and relationship throughout this collection touched my heart.
"Clockwork Toymaker" by Olivia Cornwell
The anthology's opening piece is a heartbreakingly sweet story about a grieving dad struggling to find the courage to face his family's new normal in the aftermath of tragedy. The lost wife and daughter are present in the details revealed by the protagonist's memories, making their absence all the more palpable and the conclusion all the more touching. The gentle steampunk flavor is a lovely touch.
"Bermuda's Belly" by J. E. Purazzi
In addition to everything that makes J.E. Purazzi's writing the experience it is (immersive sensory descriptions, nail-biting suspense, and exceptionally creative fictional technology) this story features a precious group of orphans. The main character, Meggie, is a true heroine. Though deeply wounded and mistrustful, her intelligence, courage, and loyalty shine through her bleak circumstances. But it's the heartwarming child-grownup friendship that absolutely makes the story.
"The Timekeeper's Daughter" by Katelyn Buxton
This story gently and intentionally explores a number of thought-provoking themes, ranging from how response to failure can shape someone's sense of purpose and identity to how a person's appreciation of present blessings is affected by anticipated loss. Though not all of these questions seem to resolve quite as fully as I'd expected, the ending offers a beautifully surprising message of hope to those who feel isolated by inadequacy.
"Adamant" by Beth Wangler
Beth Wangler's contribution is a heartwarming sci-fi take on Jane Austen's Persuasion, full of cute aliens, delectable fruit, spaceships, and second chances. One of my favorite things about this story is its gently countercultural illustration of the value of a gracious servant's heart in a war-torn world.
"The Weight of Dust" by Grace Crandall
This piece embraces the power of a small cast and limited scope, and it isn't afraid to take the necessary time to sit and observe. Grace Crandall's unhurried attention to the significance of the little things creates a vivid initial impression and gradually builds the atmosphere until you feel it weighing on your shoulders. "The Weight of Dust" is a beautiful story of small, consistent acts of courage in a world too broken for one person to restore, and of reaching for healing in the midst of coming to terms with loss.
"Daughter" by E.B. Dawson
I love it when a good allegory sneaks up on me. This is one of those. "Daughter" doesn't advertise itself as allegory, and stands on its own as a worthwhile story apart from whether or not the reader recognizes the deeper meaning. But for readers who see it, the underlying significance is presented in a way that draws them to dwell on its significance with fresh eyes.
"The Hundred Acre War" by Kyle Robert Shultz
(This story gets an unfair amount of air time just because.)
As an avid fan of Winnie the Pooh I knew going into this that it was going to be either brilliance or desecration. It was both. (And one of my favorite stories in the collection, though part of me still feels mildly betrayed.) Did this story warp a warm, safe place from my childhood into something unsettling and unfamiliar? Absolutely. Did it also sling an emotional projectile smack-dab into the heart of Pooh's relationship with Christopher Robin? You betcha. There are (I hope) few people who possess the daring to mutate such a beloved story into such a bizarre creature, and (more to the point) far fewer who are clever enough to pull it off in a way that resonates so achingly (and satisfyingly) with the heart of the original. If you're a devoted Pooh purist, you may be scarred. But if you're plucky enough to explore a little, this creative tribute to the Hundred Acre Wood might just be worth it.
"Into the Crimson Deep"
I think I probably would have appreciated this one more if I had already read the preceding story ("The Staff of Callewhyr") from the previous anthology. I felt a little out of touch with the protagonist's motivation since I didn't understand the full significance of what he was looking for. While epic fantasy and arcane mysteries aren't really my cup of tea, this story nails that aesthetic. Even I have to admit the heron shepherdess character and her Viking-esque culture were pretty cool.
"Little Lost Heart Sing" by Nate Philbrick
I expected this story to hurt, and I was not disappointed. It ripped my heart out--gently, with understatement and silence and things left unsaid--even as it laid out the threads with which to weave it back together. This story unfolds like a mystery, gradually revealing the significance of the characters' words, behavior, and the things they treasure. Nate Philbrick's beautiful prose opens up a lyrical exploration of heartbreak's capacity to isolate and the healing power of community.
October 12, 2022
An excellent spec-fic anthology featuring short stories dealing with . . . time! By some really stellar authors. Read on for my mini reviews of each story!
Clockwork Toymaker by Olivia Cornwell -- What a lovely steampunk tale! A toymaker who makes clockwork toys, his friendship with a little girl, and coming to grips with grief and change. Touching moments, family, friendship, and feels. I may have nearly teared up at one point. The clockwork bird was so cute. ^_^ Really enjoyed this one!
Bermuda's Belly by J.E. Purrazzi -- Aaahh! What a heart-pounding, suspenseful short story. :O Featuring orphans in a pirate submarine and a slowly emerging series of surprises. Pretty sure I forgot to breathe for some of that, especially at the end there! Wow. So intense and well done. Excellent!
The Timekeeper's Daughter by Katelyn Buxton -- OH MY WORD. This was so whimsical and delightful and I absolutely loved the heroine's time abilities and everything about the Clock and the kingdom! I just LOVED the setting! (Also, bonus for the winged characters! And I've been reading/watching lots of things that feature postal carriers so that was fun on the side. XD) Love!
The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall -- *muffled shrieking* I was blown away by the creativity in this one with a robot butler character. The story was so unexpected and yet so absolutely gripping! I loved the twists, the way the past was slowly revealed, and the outcome. And just the ATMOSPHERE of it. I felt for each of the butler's goals and it was honestly super inspiring. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and then made me smile so hard by the end!
Adamant by Beth Wangler -- Oh my goodness! This was a sci-fi retelling of Persuasion and it was absolutely brilliant! I never would have thought of Persuasion in a space setting, but it worked SO well. I loved Fred as an ex-member of the Human Sky Fleet (so fitting!), and how some of the side characters were unique aliens. Things were recognizably Persuasion-ish yet completely unexpected, and very much its own story, and I loved that!
Daughter by E.B. Dawson -- I'M HAVING A FEELING. Actually several, but that's to be expected whenever I read an E.B. Dawson story, and this one was no exception. I'm almost stressed out about something at the end but at the same time all of the story was just so EPIC and so unexpected that I can't really be mad. XD I don't want to spoil this one but WOW, it was so immersive and the characters stepped right off the page and like I said I'M HAVING A FEELING. Intense but magnificent. (Also, sliiight Violet Evergarden vibe. *zips lips*)
The Hundred Acre War by Kyle Robert Shultz -- This is one of only a few non-Afterlands-related stories I've read by this author but it was SO immersive! I'm not sure I can say much about this one either, due to not wanting to spoil it, but it's one of those stories where you think you know what's going on and then -- BOOM! Every page or so there are new explosive reveals and twistiness and I just adored it! (There may be Winnie-the-Pooh feels but, like, epic. *zips lips again*)
Into the Crimson Deep by Deck Matthews -- A lot of these were steampunk or sci-fi so this one was different as a high-fantasy story, but I loved it just as much! There's a definite richness to the world and characters, like this is just a window onto so much more. It was suspenseful and exciting and I enjoyed this one a lot, especially the characters! It was vibrant and unique!
Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick -- My heart! I hardly even have words for this one, as seems to happen a lot with this author's stories which wrap around my heart and tug me right into the story. Powerful. Mysterious. Heartfelt. And just so, so beautiful, even as it leaves you going WAIT WHAT. I guess twists are just a theme in this collection! But yeah, this one was amazing too and I'm just speechless!
They're all just SO GOOD, oh my word! Collections can be so hit-or-miss for me, but I enjoyed each and every one of these stories so much, and would give them all five stars, and they're all so DIFFERENT while still exploring themes of time. Excellent stories and a great way to try out the styles of these wonderful authors. I just so enjoyed reading these. ^_^ This collection is phenomenal!
(I originally received an e-ARC from the publisher but I mostly read a paperback copy I snagged off of Amazon.)
Clockwork Toymaker by Olivia Cornwell -- What a lovely steampunk tale! A toymaker who makes clockwork toys, his friendship with a little girl, and coming to grips with grief and change. Touching moments, family, friendship, and feels. I may have nearly teared up at one point. The clockwork bird was so cute. ^_^ Really enjoyed this one!
Bermuda's Belly by J.E. Purrazzi -- Aaahh! What a heart-pounding, suspenseful short story. :O Featuring orphans in a pirate submarine and a slowly emerging series of surprises. Pretty sure I forgot to breathe for some of that, especially at the end there! Wow. So intense and well done. Excellent!
The Timekeeper's Daughter by Katelyn Buxton -- OH MY WORD. This was so whimsical and delightful and I absolutely loved the heroine's time abilities and everything about the Clock and the kingdom! I just LOVED the setting! (Also, bonus for the winged characters! And I've been reading/watching lots of things that feature postal carriers so that was fun on the side. XD) Love!
The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall -- *muffled shrieking* I was blown away by the creativity in this one with a robot butler character. The story was so unexpected and yet so absolutely gripping! I loved the twists, the way the past was slowly revealed, and the outcome. And just the ATMOSPHERE of it. I felt for each of the butler's goals and it was honestly super inspiring. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and then made me smile so hard by the end!
Adamant by Beth Wangler -- Oh my goodness! This was a sci-fi retelling of Persuasion and it was absolutely brilliant! I never would have thought of Persuasion in a space setting, but it worked SO well. I loved Fred as an ex-member of the Human Sky Fleet (so fitting!), and how some of the side characters were unique aliens. Things were recognizably Persuasion-ish yet completely unexpected, and very much its own story, and I loved that!
Daughter by E.B. Dawson -- I'M HAVING A FEELING. Actually several, but that's to be expected whenever I read an E.B. Dawson story, and this one was no exception. I'm almost stressed out about something at the end but at the same time all of the story was just so EPIC and so unexpected that I can't really be mad. XD I don't want to spoil this one but WOW, it was so immersive and the characters stepped right off the page and like I said I'M HAVING A FEELING. Intense but magnificent. (Also, sliiight Violet Evergarden vibe. *zips lips*)
The Hundred Acre War by Kyle Robert Shultz -- This is one of only a few non-Afterlands-related stories I've read by this author but it was SO immersive! I'm not sure I can say much about this one either, due to not wanting to spoil it, but it's one of those stories where you think you know what's going on and then -- BOOM! Every page or so there are new explosive reveals and twistiness and I just adored it! (There may be Winnie-the-Pooh feels but, like, epic. *zips lips again*)
Into the Crimson Deep by Deck Matthews -- A lot of these were steampunk or sci-fi so this one was different as a high-fantasy story, but I loved it just as much! There's a definite richness to the world and characters, like this is just a window onto so much more. It was suspenseful and exciting and I enjoyed this one a lot, especially the characters! It was vibrant and unique!
Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick -- My heart! I hardly even have words for this one, as seems to happen a lot with this author's stories which wrap around my heart and tug me right into the story. Powerful. Mysterious. Heartfelt. And just so, so beautiful, even as it leaves you going WAIT WHAT. I guess twists are just a theme in this collection! But yeah, this one was amazing too and I'm just speechless!
They're all just SO GOOD, oh my word! Collections can be so hit-or-miss for me, but I enjoyed each and every one of these stories so much, and would give them all five stars, and they're all so DIFFERENT while still exploring themes of time. Excellent stories and a great way to try out the styles of these wonderful authors. I just so enjoyed reading these. ^_^ This collection is phenomenal!
(I originally received an e-ARC from the publisher but I mostly read a paperback copy I snagged off of Amazon.)
July 11, 2021
What a wonderful collection of stories! This is the third anthology that I've read by Phoenix Fiction Writers, and of those three, Timely is the gentlest. That's not to say there aren't exciting moments throughout, but most of the stories and themes share a quiet, personal tone. Some gave me chills, some gave me giggles and warm fuzzies. One particular story hit close to home in an unexpected way. I think the things I take away from this anthology will stay with me for a long time to come.
My favorites:
The Timekeeper's Daughter (by Katelyn Buxton)
Daughter (by E.B. Dawson)
The Hundred Acre War (by Kyle Robert Shultz)
Little Lost Heart, Sing (by Nate Philbrick)
My favorites:
The Timekeeper's Daughter (by Katelyn Buxton)
Daughter (by E.B. Dawson)
The Hundred Acre War (by Kyle Robert Shultz)
Little Lost Heart, Sing (by Nate Philbrick)
July 19, 2022
Honestly, this was probably my least favorite PFW anthology thus far. Still a 5-star read, just not quite beyond 5 stars as previous anthologies have been. Timely is, as the title suggests, themed around the concept of time (which is how I finagled it onto my CG comp titles list, lol) and it features two guest authors in addition to the PFW contributors (three guests, if you count the fact that Kyle Robert Shultz is no longer part of the Phoenix Fiction Writers).
The first few stories were great. The Clockwork Toymaker was super sweet; I loved the character dynamics and the steampunk setting. In Bermuda’s Belly, again, the characters and their relationships were a highlight, and the setting was also quite dynamic; I almost felt claustrophobic reading about the tight spaces on the submarine.
The Timekeeper’s Daughter was one of my favorites! The steampunk setting with its fixation on clocks and the way gifts work is fascinating, I loved the sibling relationship between Annora and Althea, and Annora’s struggle with her gift and the whole plot overall was one of the most compelling in the anthology.
The Weight of Dust was probably my second favorite. The Butler was written so well as an automaton, the setting was vividly dynamic, the Butler’s sense of purpose was so well-done and effectively contrasted with the time element of the story… The little bits of memory were really sweet, as well.
Adamant was the first story I didn’t connect with as well. It’s uncommon that I don’t like Beth Wangler’s writing—and I didn’t dislike this story—but I think I struggled with the genre of Adamant. Space sci-fi is rarely my thing in books, and I tend to struggle with war stories as well, so I think the combination in Adamant just didn’t click well for me. Despite that, the core relationship was sweet and the musgroves were interesting. The musgroves’ dialect was pulled off wonderfully. And LouEesa was a fun character.
I think Daughter suffered from the same issue as Adamant—it was a sci-fi war story. I was also struck by how many adverbs were used right out of the gate, which kept me from stepping into the story right away. Still, the concept of the Chasm was interesting and I would be curious to learn more about Anneke as a character. And I think Daughter was done well for what it was, so readers who enjoy the genre better would likely find it quite enjoyable.
The Hundred Acre War was interesting. The particular mix of genres struck me as a bit odd, combining Winnie the Pooh with a sci-fi war, but I don’t think it was poorly done—and it’s a very on-brand sort of combination for Shultz. Again, sci-fi wars aren’t my thing, and I’ve never been a huge Winnie the Pooh fan either, so this one continued the trend of “eh” for me. But, like I said, it was well-done for what it was and I’m sure other readers would enjoy it fine.
With Into the Crimson Deep, things turned back around. This story is a sequel to Matthews’ The Staff of Callewhyr in the Of Myth and Monsters anthology, which I quite enjoyed. It was really cool to return to those characters, and in Into the Crimson Deep we get to see a new corner of the world that Matthews has built and meet additional interesting side characters. Into the Crimson Deep was a great second installment, expanding the reader’s understanding of rukthar lore, and I hope we’ll get to see more of Renlyn and Arnak in future anthologies!
Little Lost Heart, Sing was an excellent conclusion to Timely. It was sweet, with a bit of a dark tint, and the lore of the forest was faintly reminiscent of George MacDonald or Tolkien. Philbrick really plays to his strengths with stories about children, and Henry’s dry humor was equally well-done.
I did enjoy the majority of the stories within Timely; as you can tell, those that I had more difficulty with all had genre in common. If you like sci-fi war stories, you’ll probably enjoy this anthology; and if not, there are still plenty of other stories in the anthology to love! If you like spec fic of any flavor, I do recommend Timely (and PFW’s previous anthologies, as well).
The first few stories were great. The Clockwork Toymaker was super sweet; I loved the character dynamics and the steampunk setting. In Bermuda’s Belly, again, the characters and their relationships were a highlight, and the setting was also quite dynamic; I almost felt claustrophobic reading about the tight spaces on the submarine.
The Timekeeper’s Daughter was one of my favorites! The steampunk setting with its fixation on clocks and the way gifts work is fascinating, I loved the sibling relationship between Annora and Althea, and Annora’s struggle with her gift and the whole plot overall was one of the most compelling in the anthology.
The Weight of Dust was probably my second favorite. The Butler was written so well as an automaton, the setting was vividly dynamic, the Butler’s sense of purpose was so well-done and effectively contrasted with the time element of the story… The little bits of memory were really sweet, as well.
Adamant was the first story I didn’t connect with as well. It’s uncommon that I don’t like Beth Wangler’s writing—and I didn’t dislike this story—but I think I struggled with the genre of Adamant. Space sci-fi is rarely my thing in books, and I tend to struggle with war stories as well, so I think the combination in Adamant just didn’t click well for me. Despite that, the core relationship was sweet and the musgroves were interesting. The musgroves’ dialect was pulled off wonderfully. And LouEesa was a fun character.
I think Daughter suffered from the same issue as Adamant—it was a sci-fi war story. I was also struck by how many adverbs were used right out of the gate, which kept me from stepping into the story right away. Still, the concept of the Chasm was interesting and I would be curious to learn more about Anneke as a character. And I think Daughter was done well for what it was, so readers who enjoy the genre better would likely find it quite enjoyable.
The Hundred Acre War was interesting. The particular mix of genres struck me as a bit odd, combining Winnie the Pooh with a sci-fi war, but I don’t think it was poorly done—and it’s a very on-brand sort of combination for Shultz. Again, sci-fi wars aren’t my thing, and I’ve never been a huge Winnie the Pooh fan either, so this one continued the trend of “eh” for me. But, like I said, it was well-done for what it was and I’m sure other readers would enjoy it fine.
With Into the Crimson Deep, things turned back around. This story is a sequel to Matthews’ The Staff of Callewhyr in the Of Myth and Monsters anthology, which I quite enjoyed. It was really cool to return to those characters, and in Into the Crimson Deep we get to see a new corner of the world that Matthews has built and meet additional interesting side characters. Into the Crimson Deep was a great second installment, expanding the reader’s understanding of rukthar lore, and I hope we’ll get to see more of Renlyn and Arnak in future anthologies!
Little Lost Heart, Sing was an excellent conclusion to Timely. It was sweet, with a bit of a dark tint, and the lore of the forest was faintly reminiscent of George MacDonald or Tolkien. Philbrick really plays to his strengths with stories about children, and Henry’s dry humor was equally well-done.
I did enjoy the majority of the stories within Timely; as you can tell, those that I had more difficulty with all had genre in common. If you like sci-fi war stories, you’ll probably enjoy this anthology; and if not, there are still plenty of other stories in the anthology to love! If you like spec fic of any flavor, I do recommend Timely (and PFW’s previous anthologies, as well).
March 22, 2023
Timely: A Phoenix Fiction Writers Anthology
was pleasantly surprising! I came for Katelyn Buxton's story, The Timekeeper's Daughter, so I wouldn't have read this if it wasn't for her! :) I really loved them, and how the theme tied them together to well, even when the stories were so different. It really makes you think about time and how you use it. My favorites were Clockwork Toymaker, The Timekeeper's Daughter, Daughter and Little Lost Heart, Sing, but they were all really well written. If you're looking for a collection of short stories, read this one! Shoutout to Katelyn Buxton for helping me find this!
Clockwork Toymaker : This one seemed the most like real life and thus the most relatable one. You can feel the pain of the father wanting to see his daughter, yet sympathize with him being afraid to. It made me tear up, and you will want to reach out to the characters. A sweet start to the stories.
Bermuda's Belly : This story was pretty cool. It took me a bit to understand what was going on, but after I did I was just as excited as the rest of the characters to save the day!
The Timekeeper's Daughter : First of all, I LOVED the writing style for this one. And I also really loved the world in which this took place. With more characters to sympathize with, this one keeps you rooting for the main character and admiring her. I'd come back to read this one for sure!
The Weight of Dust : Another story that I was confused about in the beginning. I wasn't too much into the life of a robot, but I enjoyed seeing how the story progressed, and it was sweet.
Adamant : Ok... so this was Persuasion meets Star Wars? A really interesting combination of a retelling, to be sure. Doesn't sound like it would work very well, but it did! Pretty cool.
Daughter : Wow... this one was pretty moving. A very good story about fulfilling your duty when you've got nothing to gain, with characters you really admire. I would love to read a continuation of this, or at least in this world.
The Hundred Acre War : Winnie-the-Pooh meets dark, robotic, war times...? As a fan of the original, I didn't care for this too much. The name meaning was clever, taking the vowels of the name and then the number of letters. Although I'm not a fan of this story, it was really sweet seeing the character's dedication to their friend.
Into The Crimson Deep : A really unique fantasy story, very timely. I didn't expect a lot of things, and I like stories like that. Another unintentional theme in these stories are how to main characters keep going even when it's hard, and I think this one showed it really well.
Little Lost Heart, Sing : Another one that made me tear up! It was super moving and touching and bittersweet, all at once. The happy ending was a beautiful conclusion to this book!
Clockwork Toymaker : This one seemed the most like real life and thus the most relatable one. You can feel the pain of the father wanting to see his daughter, yet sympathize with him being afraid to. It made me tear up, and you will want to reach out to the characters. A sweet start to the stories.
Bermuda's Belly : This story was pretty cool. It took me a bit to understand what was going on, but after I did I was just as excited as the rest of the characters to save the day!
The Timekeeper's Daughter : First of all, I LOVED the writing style for this one. And I also really loved the world in which this took place. With more characters to sympathize with, this one keeps you rooting for the main character and admiring her. I'd come back to read this one for sure!
The Weight of Dust : Another story that I was confused about in the beginning. I wasn't too much into the life of a robot, but I enjoyed seeing how the story progressed, and it was sweet.
Adamant : Ok... so this was Persuasion meets Star Wars? A really interesting combination of a retelling, to be sure. Doesn't sound like it would work very well, but it did! Pretty cool.
Daughter : Wow... this one was pretty moving. A very good story about fulfilling your duty when you've got nothing to gain, with characters you really admire. I would love to read a continuation of this, or at least in this world.
The Hundred Acre War : Winnie-the-Pooh meets dark, robotic, war times...? As a fan of the original, I didn't care for this too much. The name meaning was clever, taking the vowels of the name and then the number of letters. Although I'm not a fan of this story, it was really sweet seeing the character's dedication to their friend.
Into The Crimson Deep : A really unique fantasy story, very timely. I didn't expect a lot of things, and I like stories like that. Another unintentional theme in these stories are how to main characters keep going even when it's hard, and I think this one showed it really well.
Little Lost Heart, Sing : Another one that made me tear up! It was super moving and touching and bittersweet, all at once. The happy ending was a beautiful conclusion to this book!
August 1, 2021
Another lovely collection of short stories from the Phoenix Fiction Writers! I was honored to read a digital ARC, and this is my personal review.
First of all, UM, GORGEOUS COVER!?
Secondly, while I have my favorites, of course (I'm a sucker for a good sibling story, for one thing), I enjoyed reading each of these stories and the characters in them, with their own charms and flaws.
Included in this collection, we have:
• Clockwork Toymaker - by Olivia Cornwell
• Bermuda’s Belly - by J.E. Purrazzi
• The Timekeeper’s Daughter - by Katelyn Buxton
• The Weight of Dust - by Grace Crandall
• Adamant - by Beth Wangler
• Daughter - by E.B. Dawson
• The Hundred Acre War - by Kyle Robert Shultz
• Into the Crimson Deep - by Deck Matthews
• Little Lost Heart Sing - by Nate Philbrick
I think the Phoenix Fiction Writers did an even better job on this anthology than on the previous works I've read by them, and I'm excited to read what they come up with next!
(I might find more things to say about these stories later, or I might not.)
4.5 out of 5 stars :)
First of all, UM, GORGEOUS COVER!?
Secondly, while I have my favorites, of course (I'm a sucker for a good sibling story, for one thing), I enjoyed reading each of these stories and the characters in them, with their own charms and flaws.
Included in this collection, we have:
• Clockwork Toymaker - by Olivia Cornwell
• Bermuda’s Belly - by J.E. Purrazzi
• The Timekeeper’s Daughter - by Katelyn Buxton
• The Weight of Dust - by Grace Crandall
• Adamant - by Beth Wangler
• Daughter - by E.B. Dawson
• The Hundred Acre War - by Kyle Robert Shultz
• Into the Crimson Deep - by Deck Matthews
• Little Lost Heart Sing - by Nate Philbrick
I think the Phoenix Fiction Writers did an even better job on this anthology than on the previous works I've read by them, and I'm excited to read what they come up with next!
(I might find more things to say about these stories later, or I might not.)
4.5 out of 5 stars :)
June 26, 2021
As someone who has read every single anthology Phoenix Fiction has put out, I have to say that this one is my favorite. (And not just because I have a story in it.) The stories inside these covers are timeless and sober and gentle and full of hope in the midst of pain. They don’t try to mask life or hide difficult circumstances behind smoke and mirrors and false promises, but they confront it with the same steadfast militant hope that Sam Gamgee had when he told Frodo that there was some good in this world, and it was worth fighting for.
Timely is indeed timely. I hope that someday, when you’re in need of a reminder that this too shall pass, that you’ll pick up Timely and be inspired with the same quiet courage that so many of these characters portray.
Timely is indeed timely. I hope that someday, when you’re in need of a reminder that this too shall pass, that you’ll pick up Timely and be inspired with the same quiet courage that so many of these characters portray.
March 1, 2022
I always appreciate a well-written collection of engaging stories and Timely definitely fits the mold. The Phoenix Fiction writers once again reveal their creative talents in weaving a variety of stories that leave the reader deep in thought with life lessons and precious takeaways to carry with them long after finishing the anthology. The lesson I appreciated most was a reminder to focus on one task at a time, to avoid becoming overwhelmed by a seemingly impossible task that can be tackled one step at a time. It was this lesson of persistence that helped me to remember that I can't fix all the problems in the world at once, but day by day I can make manageable changes that make a larger difference over time. Overall, the stories followed a theme of healing and mending relationships. But there was also a sense of adventure, companionship, and sacrifice.
I appreciated how this collection featured a few guest authors, and I enjoyed sampling the writing of a new author I had not read before and a familiar author that I had not read a story from in a while. Thanks Phoenix Fiction for the free copy of the book for reviewing.
I appreciated how this collection featured a few guest authors, and I enjoyed sampling the writing of a new author I had not read before and a familiar author that I had not read a story from in a while. Thanks Phoenix Fiction for the free copy of the book for reviewing.
August 23, 2021
This is the first collection of short stories that I’ve read, and I was so surprised at how captivating each one was! They’re all a good length, with plot and character development.
I can’t pick a favourite. They all had unique settings and characters that I quickly grew to like. Each author has a distinct voice and writing style, but the stories also merge well around a common theme. This is a definitely a book I recommend reading!
I can’t pick a favourite. They all had unique settings and characters that I quickly grew to like. Each author has a distinct voice and writing style, but the stories also merge well around a common theme. This is a definitely a book I recommend reading!
January 2, 2022
A wonderful collection of short stories for sci-fi and fantasy lovers all centered around the theme: Time.
All these stories were so good! A few that really stood out for me were: The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall about a faithful robot butler left in a broken post-war world. The Hundred Acre War, a retelling of Winnie the Pooh by Kyle Robert Shultz. And my very favorite though it made me cry, Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick, telling the story of a girl that was lost in the forest and whose song was picked up by the Singing Tree.
I hope to review each of the stories in the collection more thoroughly when I have the time (pun intended).
All these stories were so good! A few that really stood out for me were: The Weight of Dust by Grace Crandall about a faithful robot butler left in a broken post-war world. The Hundred Acre War, a retelling of Winnie the Pooh by Kyle Robert Shultz. And my very favorite though it made me cry, Little Lost Heart Sing by Nate Philbrick, telling the story of a girl that was lost in the forest and whose song was picked up by the Singing Tree.
I hope to review each of the stories in the collection more thoroughly when I have the time (pun intended).
July 15, 2021
Review coming soon... ;)
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