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Children of War: an anthology to support the children of Ukraine
A future torn apart by war…
Adolescence lost to battle…
What becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict?
In this anthology, a diverse group of authors from around the globe bring you a multi-genre collection of short stories exploring the experiences of children trapped in war, to honour those affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and support their healing in the future. No one’s potential should be crippled because of trauma inflicted during their most impressionable years, and yet an entire generation of Ukrainians is threatened with just this outcome.
All proceeds of this anthology will be donated in perpetuity to Voices of Children Foundation in Ukraine or another similar charity.
List of stories:
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
The Curse of Blood: An Ancient Legends Prequel by Lauren Lee Merewether
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
Jonah by C. Borden
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
The Prince and the Flute Player by C Phillip
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pamela Floyd
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers
Adolescence lost to battle…
What becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict?
In this anthology, a diverse group of authors from around the globe bring you a multi-genre collection of short stories exploring the experiences of children trapped in war, to honour those affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and support their healing in the future. No one’s potential should be crippled because of trauma inflicted during their most impressionable years, and yet an entire generation of Ukrainians is threatened with just this outcome.
All proceeds of this anthology will be donated in perpetuity to Voices of Children Foundation in Ukraine or another similar charity.
List of stories:
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
The Curse of Blood: An Ancient Legends Prequel by Lauren Lee Merewether
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
Jonah by C. Borden
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
The Prince and the Flute Player by C Phillip
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pamela Floyd
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2022
10 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 2, 2022
Children of War is a multi-genre charity anthology, all profits from which will be donated to Voices of Children, Ukraine. The ebook can be purchased from Amazon and the paperback will be available soon. It is the brainchild of author Astrid VJ, who is also the compiler of the anthology.
I had been excited for this anthology ever since I saw the open call for submissions and I am so glad I applied for the ARC. These stories are heartbreaking and full of emotions. Each one of them had a lasting impact on me. I do have my favourites but there's not a single story I disliked. Through Vira's Eyes, The Dragon's Demise, The War Legacy, Child of Destruction and A Child of Minidoka were brilliantly written.
All the stories are raw and the emotions are real. The trigger warnings are mentioned throughout the book and that is the most commendable part of it. There are some stories that I wanted more of, like the memoir, A Child of Minidoka by Joan Seko. It's heartbreaking to know that someone had to go through all that but I wanted to know more about that forgotten life. Why don't we hear about the Japanese that were kept captive by the US? Will holding people against their will and forcing them out of their countries ever stop?
The book has illustrations and they are as thought provoking as the stories. Each story is separated by an illustration and a fact about the children stuck in wars. Do not miss out on the foreward where the authors talk about why they wrote their piece and contributed to this anthology.
There's something for everyone in it. Don't forget to keep a box of tissues (or ten) at the ready. This is definitely recommended.
I wish the need to write this anthology had never arisen in the first place. I got to read and discover such amazing authors and their stories but at what cost? My heart aches to see the world in shambles and children suffering immensely. I am happy these stories were written and this anthology was compiled, and that it is raising money, but I hope there would never be a need for a new charity anthology for new war victims. Prayer for peace ☮️
THE WAR LEGACY by Nandita Pant Joshi
Rating - 5/5
This is the story of a woman who suddenly finds herself widowed when her husband is killed in a war. She has a child to care for and another on the way. I loved how trauma is depicted through her eyes. We often forget to acknowledge the pain of the family members of the martyrs but this makes up for it. I cried at a lot of instances. I do not want to reveal much because this is a short story and I believe that the blurb is enough for it.
This story was an emotional rollercoaster. It is written from Sarah's point of view and the way she defines her feelings and emotions made her pain palpable. I empathise with her. Some wounds leave permanent scars that not even plastic surgeries can cover. At times, her words feel somewhat repetitive and I could have blamed it on poor writing and editing, but I believe that the repetition is because the pain never goes away. She felt the same pain after a year that she did after day or even after a month. Assuming people must come out of grief quickly is one of the most ridiculous things still prevalent in our society but Sarah's story puts across the fact that there's no deadline to grieving for the one you loved. She is as hurt today as she was five years ago, feeling exactly the same way she did back then. No, time doesn't heal wounds; the best it does is make them bearable.
I loved all the characters but Eliott will always have a special place in my heart. The way he stands like a wall is just so brave of him. He has so much love to give without worrying if he'll ever receive even a fraction of it for himself. He gives me hope of a better tomorrow for everyone who is struggling. He has my heart. I want his pov, his side of the story, how he did what he did and how he went ahead with life...
Brilliant debut. Definitely recommended. My heart is so full.
I had been excited for this anthology ever since I saw the open call for submissions and I am so glad I applied for the ARC. These stories are heartbreaking and full of emotions. Each one of them had a lasting impact on me. I do have my favourites but there's not a single story I disliked. Through Vira's Eyes, The Dragon's Demise, The War Legacy, Child of Destruction and A Child of Minidoka were brilliantly written.
All the stories are raw and the emotions are real. The trigger warnings are mentioned throughout the book and that is the most commendable part of it. There are some stories that I wanted more of, like the memoir, A Child of Minidoka by Joan Seko. It's heartbreaking to know that someone had to go through all that but I wanted to know more about that forgotten life. Why don't we hear about the Japanese that were kept captive by the US? Will holding people against their will and forcing them out of their countries ever stop?
The book has illustrations and they are as thought provoking as the stories. Each story is separated by an illustration and a fact about the children stuck in wars. Do not miss out on the foreward where the authors talk about why they wrote their piece and contributed to this anthology.
There's something for everyone in it. Don't forget to keep a box of tissues (or ten) at the ready. This is definitely recommended.
I wish the need to write this anthology had never arisen in the first place. I got to read and discover such amazing authors and their stories but at what cost? My heart aches to see the world in shambles and children suffering immensely. I am happy these stories were written and this anthology was compiled, and that it is raising money, but I hope there would never be a need for a new charity anthology for new war victims. Prayer for peace ☮️
THE WAR LEGACY by Nandita Pant Joshi
Rating - 5/5
This is the story of a woman who suddenly finds herself widowed when her husband is killed in a war. She has a child to care for and another on the way. I loved how trauma is depicted through her eyes. We often forget to acknowledge the pain of the family members of the martyrs but this makes up for it. I cried at a lot of instances. I do not want to reveal much because this is a short story and I believe that the blurb is enough for it.
This story was an emotional rollercoaster. It is written from Sarah's point of view and the way she defines her feelings and emotions made her pain palpable. I empathise with her. Some wounds leave permanent scars that not even plastic surgeries can cover. At times, her words feel somewhat repetitive and I could have blamed it on poor writing and editing, but I believe that the repetition is because the pain never goes away. She felt the same pain after a year that she did after day or even after a month. Assuming people must come out of grief quickly is one of the most ridiculous things still prevalent in our society but Sarah's story puts across the fact that there's no deadline to grieving for the one you loved. She is as hurt today as she was five years ago, feeling exactly the same way she did back then. No, time doesn't heal wounds; the best it does is make them bearable.
I loved all the characters but Eliott will always have a special place in my heart. The way he stands like a wall is just so brave of him. He has so much love to give without worrying if he'll ever receive even a fraction of it for himself. He gives me hope of a better tomorrow for everyone who is struggling. He has my heart. I want his pov, his side of the story, how he did what he did and how he went ahead with life...
Brilliant debut. Definitely recommended. My heart is so full.
August 30, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour.
Children of war is a 100% non-profit book put together and written by a host of incredible authors to raise money for children of war in the Ukraine.
The forward of this book contains information on why each author chose to write about the piece they included in the book which was very interesting.
Each story is fictional except for one and each story is written from the heart to reach out to people and open your eyes to the suffering these children and their families face, not just in this war but every war that ever breaks out. Children are innocent and should not be subjected to the horrors they are, with something they cannot understand or comprehend. Each story is divided by an illustration and piece of information or facts about the children in the middle of these wars.
This is a sad and harrowing read in places and not a book I could read from covet to cover all in one go. I needed time to digest and think about each story individually. Children shouldn't lose their innocence at the hands of power hungry war mongers and should be cherished above the need for any war in this world. They are our future. I hope this amazing book generates as much as possible for the children of Ukraine and helps to these children as children.
Children of war is a 100% non-profit book put together and written by a host of incredible authors to raise money for children of war in the Ukraine.
The forward of this book contains information on why each author chose to write about the piece they included in the book which was very interesting.
Each story is fictional except for one and each story is written from the heart to reach out to people and open your eyes to the suffering these children and their families face, not just in this war but every war that ever breaks out. Children are innocent and should not be subjected to the horrors they are, with something they cannot understand or comprehend. Each story is divided by an illustration and piece of information or facts about the children in the middle of these wars.
This is a sad and harrowing read in places and not a book I could read from covet to cover all in one go. I needed time to digest and think about each story individually. Children shouldn't lose their innocence at the hands of power hungry war mongers and should be cherished above the need for any war in this world. They are our future. I hope this amazing book generates as much as possible for the children of Ukraine and helps to these children as children.
August 10, 2022
While all but one of these stories are fictional, I was moved to tears by the writing and emotional impact they had on me!
I would strongly recommend everyone read this anthology! We all need to step outside of our comfort
zones and the fact that real fighting is currently going on in the Ukraine should be a sobering wake up call for us all! Adults and children are being maimed and killed daily for the only reason that they want to remain free from being under Russia’s thumb after gaining their independence! In my own country, my ancestors fought against our homeland for that same independence and gained it and it gave people the determination to do the same where they lived as well.
There is no real victors in war and atrocities abound everywhere one looks! It comes from both the aggressors and those defending their way of life and liberties but also by others who are prejudiced against others due to their ethnicity such as the Germans and Japanese suffered even though they were Americans during WWII in America!
I would like this anthology to be required reading in schools to get the younger generations attention that war is not glamorous as some movies depict it to be but harsh with unspeakable atrocities committed on a daily basis but not covered and talked about by media who are too afraid of “offending” someone!
As long as there are people who desire power and domination over others war will still continue and unfortunately the innocent men, women and children
will be the collateral damage of these conflicts. So many will die but thousands will live with the scars both physically and mentally for the rest of their lives!
Perhaps peace won’t finally come until the Millennium when wickedness will be held in check but it would be a wonderful thing if the world could experience real peace before then.
We can only hope!
My deepest appreciation to all these authors for composing stories that speak to only some of what happens in war. One only has to remember the Holocaust and the concentration camps during WWII
to see that people haven’t really changed unfortunately after so many years!
I would strongly recommend everyone read this anthology! We all need to step outside of our comfort
zones and the fact that real fighting is currently going on in the Ukraine should be a sobering wake up call for us all! Adults and children are being maimed and killed daily for the only reason that they want to remain free from being under Russia’s thumb after gaining their independence! In my own country, my ancestors fought against our homeland for that same independence and gained it and it gave people the determination to do the same where they lived as well.
There is no real victors in war and atrocities abound everywhere one looks! It comes from both the aggressors and those defending their way of life and liberties but also by others who are prejudiced against others due to their ethnicity such as the Germans and Japanese suffered even though they were Americans during WWII in America!
I would like this anthology to be required reading in schools to get the younger generations attention that war is not glamorous as some movies depict it to be but harsh with unspeakable atrocities committed on a daily basis but not covered and talked about by media who are too afraid of “offending” someone!
As long as there are people who desire power and domination over others war will still continue and unfortunately the innocent men, women and children
will be the collateral damage of these conflicts. So many will die but thousands will live with the scars both physically and mentally for the rest of their lives!
Perhaps peace won’t finally come until the Millennium when wickedness will be held in check but it would be a wonderful thing if the world could experience real peace before then.
We can only hope!
My deepest appreciation to all these authors for composing stories that speak to only some of what happens in war. One only has to remember the Holocaust and the concentration camps during WWII
to see that people haven’t really changed unfortunately after so many years!
August 13, 2022
ARC review.
Fabulous stories for a fabulous cause.
I especially liked The Borrow Life by Elena Shelest. It's a beautiful novel set in the 1600s in Ukraine and I loved the glimpse into the history, culture and legends of that time. There was also a heartwarming message behind it, that good can come from strife and evil. But still the message that no child should ever have to witness the horrors of war.
The book is well edited and easy to read.
Fabulous stories for a fabulous cause.
I especially liked The Borrow Life by Elena Shelest. It's a beautiful novel set in the 1600s in Ukraine and I loved the glimpse into the history, culture and legends of that time. There was also a heartwarming message behind it, that good can come from strife and evil. But still the message that no child should ever have to witness the horrors of war.
The book is well edited and easy to read.
August 20, 2022
Here follows my detailed review of all the stories included in this anthology. I have read each at least three times during the process of putting this anthology together.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers
This story gets me every time. Without fail, I get all choked up at the end. It’s a brilliant exposition of the fear and uncertainty children are faced with during wartime. What is it like not having a roof over your head? How do we experience having everything taken away? What is left when the carpet is swept out from under our feet? Krause-Chivers brings it all to life through the experiences of five-year-old Vira. This is a powerful story with a deep message about the power of conviction and the strength of faith. When we have nothing left, faith is what keeps us going through the uncertainty.
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen
We all know orphans have a tough time. Difficulties with belonging, insecurities, anxieties and much more are known to plague the well-being of orphans. We also know refugees have insurmountable difficulties to face. Many find themselves stuck in refugee camps, a veritable limbo of being neither in the home country nor in a host country. They also risk sickness, depression and a whole range of other issues related to being trapped in this “neither-nor” state. Nevertheless, we rarely take the time to think about the experiences of orphan refugees. I think Steffen does a phenomenal job of exploring the very real dangers such children face, while also remaining respectful of their experiences.
Not Dead, Just Sleeping is a poignant exposé of the physical and mental traumas orphans, who are refugees from violent conflict, have to deal with. It is a powerful story and definitely offers a lot of food for thought.
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
Told with honest simplicity, this story just breaks my heart. I think it’s because it is Joan “Tomiko” Seko’s true account of her own childhood memories. It is a sobering reminder of the injustices of war, especially the form of discrimination that comes with the labelling of “us” vs “them” in the context of war. The injustices perpetrated on the people of Japanese descent is simply galling. And what makes it worse is that so few people in our era know it even happened.
It is hard to write a fictional piece about these kinds of things, because the atrocities perpetrated during war are always so bad. But I think it must be so much harder to dig around in one’s own past to unearth the kind of personal memories so many of us would want to forget forever more. Joan Seko has bestowed us with a gift. It is the gift of truth. And it is powerful. My heart bleeds for this lost childhood, and all the others who have had no voice. I rage at the injustice of a people incarcerated and then forced to give up their sons to conscription, to “prove themselves”.
I would like to thank Joan for the courage it must have taken to remember and write down these painful memories. I am so honoured to have had the chance to see these truths and feel this anger. Knowledge is the power we have to avoid these kinds of atrocities in the future, and it is this power that is slipping through our fingers because the knowledge has been lost. Thank you Joan for providing a beacon of memory so we might remember and do better in the future.
Jonah by C. Borden
This story is so different from the others and explores the deep connections between the mind and body. It is a good illustration of the potential power psychological trauma has for crippling us. I love the message about mindsets in this story and the ending which is uplifting and very satisfying. Another thought-provoking read!
The Prince and the Flute Player by C. Phillip
It is rare to find a story this different in the fantasy genre. If you're expecting fae, dragons or spells, this is not for you. Jonah or A Mermaid's Tears would be better suited.
However, this tale is an amazing piece of historical fantasy with elements of magical realism. Set in what today is India half a millennium before our common era, this retelling of a local legend is truly amazing and I absolutely love the moral about the dangers of greed. It's definitely on point for the current situation.
There was a second message that really hit home hard. It has to do with an adult's willingness (or lack thereof) to sacrifice themselves for the wellbeing of a child. It is a truly powerful message that is very topical for this book. What are the people of Ukraine sacrificing as we speak to keep their children safe? What are we outsiders willing to do to maintain the wellbeing of these most vulnerable victims of this war? It definitely reminds me of the very powerful epigraph chosen for this anthology.
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
Stradiotto is a master of her craft. In this very short story, with but a few deft words, she brings to life the world of an orphaned refugee who has grown up in hiding, fearing for his life and how he eventually adapts to changing times and peace. The fear is palpable. The constant search for food, water and shelter, heart wrenching. The ending is unexpected and beautiful in its simplicity. It sweeps me away on a wave of upliftment at the possibility of finding that key to change it all.
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
I lived the Angels and Demons trilogy and this next installment in the series promises to be amazing. I liked the way this short story was presented in the form of Verena's diary entries. It helped keep thigs a little distanced, or buffered, which made Verena's painful experiences less overpowering. This story is a deep dive into the effects of trauma and the difficulty it brings with it for coping with life's hard knocks.
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
What does the experience of viewing atrocities do to a child? And how does that trauma continue to be lived through post traumatic stress? What happens to a person who lives with it their whole life long? Katz explores these questions in this graphic and visceral short story. Yes, we hear a lot about the soldiers who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress, but it is rare to ever hear about anyone else’s trauma when it comes to the effects of war. This story is so powerful because it doesn’t try to hide anything. It is brutally honest and considering the atrocities children are exposed to the world over, not only in Ukraine right now, I feel it is my duty to honour their experiences by not shutting my eyes to the atrocities and what that would do to them. If I turn away from a story such as this one because it is “too brutal”, “too much” for my sheltered sensibilities, then how can I look any one of those children in the eye and say “I understand”?
This story offers us the gift of fiction. It is the chance of putting ourselves into the shoes of others, to experience what they might live through and by doing so to give us the power to do things differently so that such horrors might not be repeated.
When I wanted to recoil from the graphic description of violence in this story, I asked myself: “can I truly skip this, brush it aside, when I know in my heart that there are people who suffer their whole lives long because they have themselves seen such things or even survived such things?” And in all honesty, I answered: “no, I cannot brush it aside because I know these things happen and I have been blessed that I have lived a good life where I have not personally suffered in these ways. But I cannot deny that these things happen and therefore I must keep reading.” For this very reason, this story is excellent. It forces us to be brave and to face the truth head on.
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
This story is so different from the others. It explores loss and grief and depression following the death by combat of the protagonist's husband. It really shows the power of post traumatic stress and how we can become trapped in grief, as well as how it all spills over into intergenerational trauma. This is a powerful tribute to the wives of fallen soldiers, women who have to keep going and be mother's even when their whole lives crumble to dust. I was also very moved by the scene where Shaun expresses his guilt over his sister's death. It is a poignant reminder of how powerful our negative thoughts can become and how we sometimes blame ourselves for things that were entirely out of our control, and live with the self-inflicted guilt, beating ourselves up at every opportunity we get. The ending, thankfully is really uplifting. It's as if the story takes us through Sarah's grief process and gives us a glimpse of the happiness she is finally willing to embrace.
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
This is such a poignant exploration of the relationship between a father, warleader, and the son he's forced to go to war from a young age. It's so brilliantly done! I love the ending. I also really like Vélez's world building. It's very intriguing how she brings together the pantheons and underworlds of all the major religions. I'm definitely going to be looking at her main books to see what more she does with this universe she's created.
The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether
"You have so much life left to reveal your future. Are you going to throw those chances away?"
Although this story has a content warning for suicide, I personally believe it should probably be read by those who suffer from contemplating taking their lives. Why? Firstly, because it serves as a great way of putting things in perspective. When I was a teen, I felt like an utter failure and contemplated taking my own life on many occasions. I never followed through, but having an example like this one would definitely have helped me. My "insurmountable" problems from those days pale in comparison to the case of a ten year old boy living in a war-oriented society that requires him to be a warrior, something he is not physically cut out to be, for which he is made to feel like a failure to the extent that those who get close to him and who show any sign of weakness are brutally killed. Now that kind of trauma, tied with the grief of having lost a friend and the fear of losing others, as well as the guilt and self blame for being the "cause" of that friend's death, for even though it is untrue, the perpetrator of violence has made the boy believe in his culpability. Contemplating suicide under these circumstances is honestly quite reasonable and makes me see that what I was agonizing over as a teen was not equal to this.
Secondly, the ending provides so much food for thought about what we can live for, no matter what the situation. Hardships are part of life, but we don't have to allow them to define who we are. We can find ways to take action and change our outlook so that we, in turn, can make better decisions, take greater, positive action and actually bring about change in our lived experience. As a transformational life lolcoach, I've seen this turnaround happen time and time again. And I can see the conversation Inachus has with Poulxeria for the spark it becomes: the agent of change in his mindset and, subsequently, his destiny.
Thirdly, there is the subtle message that no matter how bad things might seem and how alone we might feel, there is always someone who looks to us for their own support. Inachus' story is powerful because even though he is a lonely, abandoned, depressed child in a hazardous world, there are those who look to him, who get up each morning because he is alive and who see him as someone special in their lives. He might not know it or even rejects it, but this is the truth. And that is always worth thinking about. We touch lives whether we want to or not, and choosing to end it all brings pain into the lives of those who love us and live for us.
This is a difficult topic to write and I truly feel Merewether has done a fantastic job exploring the situation in a way that can actually help by allowing readers to step out of their own situations and explore alternatives by shouldering the mantle of another life.
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.
This story is born out of the world-building I've done for the Haldrian Empire in my interconnected series': The Wordmage's Tales, The Wishmaster series, and Elisabeth and Edvard's World. Child of Destruction developed out of the background info for my novella Warring Lions, and follows the experiences of one of the side characters in that tale several years before the incidents recounted in Warring Lions. The time period in which Child of Destruction unfolds is the world-building lynchpin that connects all three series and will be taken up in detail in Finding the Way, the upcoming book in The Wishmaster series.
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd
This story is heart wrenching. It feels so real. The bittersweet ending is perfect, happy enough to make you feel okay about everything that went before, but also grim enough that it remains respectful of the very real hurt being caused the Ukrainian people as we speak. It is a candid exploration of what this war is doing to very real children and presents a collage of experiences to show all the different ways open conflict harms children. An 11 y/o forced to take responsibility for a younger sibling when they are orphaned. A maimed child feeling guilty because at least they still have a parent. The loss and pain is portrayed well and leaves me a ball of raw emotions. This is definitely a story to force you out of your comfort zone and consider the lived experiences of these and other children caught up in the crossfire of war.
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest
"You cannot be an overcomer without facing your fears first. You cannot control things around you until you learn to understand and control yourself. You cannot move ahead until you deal with your past."
I've read almost all of Shelest's works and love them all. This is another fantastic, empowering story this author adds to her collection of writings. And the ending? It is the perfect ending for this anthology. It is a powerful reminder to us all. And it is life-changing in it's simplicity.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers
This story gets me every time. Without fail, I get all choked up at the end. It’s a brilliant exposition of the fear and uncertainty children are faced with during wartime. What is it like not having a roof over your head? How do we experience having everything taken away? What is left when the carpet is swept out from under our feet? Krause-Chivers brings it all to life through the experiences of five-year-old Vira. This is a powerful story with a deep message about the power of conviction and the strength of faith. When we have nothing left, faith is what keeps us going through the uncertainty.
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen
We all know orphans have a tough time. Difficulties with belonging, insecurities, anxieties and much more are known to plague the well-being of orphans. We also know refugees have insurmountable difficulties to face. Many find themselves stuck in refugee camps, a veritable limbo of being neither in the home country nor in a host country. They also risk sickness, depression and a whole range of other issues related to being trapped in this “neither-nor” state. Nevertheless, we rarely take the time to think about the experiences of orphan refugees. I think Steffen does a phenomenal job of exploring the very real dangers such children face, while also remaining respectful of their experiences.
Not Dead, Just Sleeping is a poignant exposé of the physical and mental traumas orphans, who are refugees from violent conflict, have to deal with. It is a powerful story and definitely offers a lot of food for thought.
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
Told with honest simplicity, this story just breaks my heart. I think it’s because it is Joan “Tomiko” Seko’s true account of her own childhood memories. It is a sobering reminder of the injustices of war, especially the form of discrimination that comes with the labelling of “us” vs “them” in the context of war. The injustices perpetrated on the people of Japanese descent is simply galling. And what makes it worse is that so few people in our era know it even happened.
It is hard to write a fictional piece about these kinds of things, because the atrocities perpetrated during war are always so bad. But I think it must be so much harder to dig around in one’s own past to unearth the kind of personal memories so many of us would want to forget forever more. Joan Seko has bestowed us with a gift. It is the gift of truth. And it is powerful. My heart bleeds for this lost childhood, and all the others who have had no voice. I rage at the injustice of a people incarcerated and then forced to give up their sons to conscription, to “prove themselves”.
I would like to thank Joan for the courage it must have taken to remember and write down these painful memories. I am so honoured to have had the chance to see these truths and feel this anger. Knowledge is the power we have to avoid these kinds of atrocities in the future, and it is this power that is slipping through our fingers because the knowledge has been lost. Thank you Joan for providing a beacon of memory so we might remember and do better in the future.
Jonah by C. Borden
This story is so different from the others and explores the deep connections between the mind and body. It is a good illustration of the potential power psychological trauma has for crippling us. I love the message about mindsets in this story and the ending which is uplifting and very satisfying. Another thought-provoking read!
The Prince and the Flute Player by C. Phillip
It is rare to find a story this different in the fantasy genre. If you're expecting fae, dragons or spells, this is not for you. Jonah or A Mermaid's Tears would be better suited.
However, this tale is an amazing piece of historical fantasy with elements of magical realism. Set in what today is India half a millennium before our common era, this retelling of a local legend is truly amazing and I absolutely love the moral about the dangers of greed. It's definitely on point for the current situation.
There was a second message that really hit home hard. It has to do with an adult's willingness (or lack thereof) to sacrifice themselves for the wellbeing of a child. It is a truly powerful message that is very topical for this book. What are the people of Ukraine sacrificing as we speak to keep their children safe? What are we outsiders willing to do to maintain the wellbeing of these most vulnerable victims of this war? It definitely reminds me of the very powerful epigraph chosen for this anthology.
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
Stradiotto is a master of her craft. In this very short story, with but a few deft words, she brings to life the world of an orphaned refugee who has grown up in hiding, fearing for his life and how he eventually adapts to changing times and peace. The fear is palpable. The constant search for food, water and shelter, heart wrenching. The ending is unexpected and beautiful in its simplicity. It sweeps me away on a wave of upliftment at the possibility of finding that key to change it all.
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
I lived the Angels and Demons trilogy and this next installment in the series promises to be amazing. I liked the way this short story was presented in the form of Verena's diary entries. It helped keep thigs a little distanced, or buffered, which made Verena's painful experiences less overpowering. This story is a deep dive into the effects of trauma and the difficulty it brings with it for coping with life's hard knocks.
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
What does the experience of viewing atrocities do to a child? And how does that trauma continue to be lived through post traumatic stress? What happens to a person who lives with it their whole life long? Katz explores these questions in this graphic and visceral short story. Yes, we hear a lot about the soldiers who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress, but it is rare to ever hear about anyone else’s trauma when it comes to the effects of war. This story is so powerful because it doesn’t try to hide anything. It is brutally honest and considering the atrocities children are exposed to the world over, not only in Ukraine right now, I feel it is my duty to honour their experiences by not shutting my eyes to the atrocities and what that would do to them. If I turn away from a story such as this one because it is “too brutal”, “too much” for my sheltered sensibilities, then how can I look any one of those children in the eye and say “I understand”?
This story offers us the gift of fiction. It is the chance of putting ourselves into the shoes of others, to experience what they might live through and by doing so to give us the power to do things differently so that such horrors might not be repeated.
When I wanted to recoil from the graphic description of violence in this story, I asked myself: “can I truly skip this, brush it aside, when I know in my heart that there are people who suffer their whole lives long because they have themselves seen such things or even survived such things?” And in all honesty, I answered: “no, I cannot brush it aside because I know these things happen and I have been blessed that I have lived a good life where I have not personally suffered in these ways. But I cannot deny that these things happen and therefore I must keep reading.” For this very reason, this story is excellent. It forces us to be brave and to face the truth head on.
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
This story is so different from the others. It explores loss and grief and depression following the death by combat of the protagonist's husband. It really shows the power of post traumatic stress and how we can become trapped in grief, as well as how it all spills over into intergenerational trauma. This is a powerful tribute to the wives of fallen soldiers, women who have to keep going and be mother's even when their whole lives crumble to dust. I was also very moved by the scene where Shaun expresses his guilt over his sister's death. It is a poignant reminder of how powerful our negative thoughts can become and how we sometimes blame ourselves for things that were entirely out of our control, and live with the self-inflicted guilt, beating ourselves up at every opportunity we get. The ending, thankfully is really uplifting. It's as if the story takes us through Sarah's grief process and gives us a glimpse of the happiness she is finally willing to embrace.
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
This is such a poignant exploration of the relationship between a father, warleader, and the son he's forced to go to war from a young age. It's so brilliantly done! I love the ending. I also really like Vélez's world building. It's very intriguing how she brings together the pantheons and underworlds of all the major religions. I'm definitely going to be looking at her main books to see what more she does with this universe she's created.
The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether
"You have so much life left to reveal your future. Are you going to throw those chances away?"
Although this story has a content warning for suicide, I personally believe it should probably be read by those who suffer from contemplating taking their lives. Why? Firstly, because it serves as a great way of putting things in perspective. When I was a teen, I felt like an utter failure and contemplated taking my own life on many occasions. I never followed through, but having an example like this one would definitely have helped me. My "insurmountable" problems from those days pale in comparison to the case of a ten year old boy living in a war-oriented society that requires him to be a warrior, something he is not physically cut out to be, for which he is made to feel like a failure to the extent that those who get close to him and who show any sign of weakness are brutally killed. Now that kind of trauma, tied with the grief of having lost a friend and the fear of losing others, as well as the guilt and self blame for being the "cause" of that friend's death, for even though it is untrue, the perpetrator of violence has made the boy believe in his culpability. Contemplating suicide under these circumstances is honestly quite reasonable and makes me see that what I was agonizing over as a teen was not equal to this.
Secondly, the ending provides so much food for thought about what we can live for, no matter what the situation. Hardships are part of life, but we don't have to allow them to define who we are. We can find ways to take action and change our outlook so that we, in turn, can make better decisions, take greater, positive action and actually bring about change in our lived experience. As a transformational life lolcoach, I've seen this turnaround happen time and time again. And I can see the conversation Inachus has with Poulxeria for the spark it becomes: the agent of change in his mindset and, subsequently, his destiny.
Thirdly, there is the subtle message that no matter how bad things might seem and how alone we might feel, there is always someone who looks to us for their own support. Inachus' story is powerful because even though he is a lonely, abandoned, depressed child in a hazardous world, there are those who look to him, who get up each morning because he is alive and who see him as someone special in their lives. He might not know it or even rejects it, but this is the truth. And that is always worth thinking about. We touch lives whether we want to or not, and choosing to end it all brings pain into the lives of those who love us and live for us.
This is a difficult topic to write and I truly feel Merewether has done a fantastic job exploring the situation in a way that can actually help by allowing readers to step out of their own situations and explore alternatives by shouldering the mantle of another life.
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.
This story is born out of the world-building I've done for the Haldrian Empire in my interconnected series': The Wordmage's Tales, The Wishmaster series, and Elisabeth and Edvard's World. Child of Destruction developed out of the background info for my novella Warring Lions, and follows the experiences of one of the side characters in that tale several years before the incidents recounted in Warring Lions. The time period in which Child of Destruction unfolds is the world-building lynchpin that connects all three series and will be taken up in detail in Finding the Way, the upcoming book in The Wishmaster series.
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd
This story is heart wrenching. It feels so real. The bittersweet ending is perfect, happy enough to make you feel okay about everything that went before, but also grim enough that it remains respectful of the very real hurt being caused the Ukrainian people as we speak. It is a candid exploration of what this war is doing to very real children and presents a collage of experiences to show all the different ways open conflict harms children. An 11 y/o forced to take responsibility for a younger sibling when they are orphaned. A maimed child feeling guilty because at least they still have a parent. The loss and pain is portrayed well and leaves me a ball of raw emotions. This is definitely a story to force you out of your comfort zone and consider the lived experiences of these and other children caught up in the crossfire of war.
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest
"You cannot be an overcomer without facing your fears first. You cannot control things around you until you learn to understand and control yourself. You cannot move ahead until you deal with your past."
I've read almost all of Shelest's works and love them all. This is another fantastic, empowering story this author adds to her collection of writings. And the ending? It is the perfect ending for this anthology. It is a powerful reminder to us all. And it is life-changing in it's simplicity.
August 24, 2022
We have all been following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the havoc it caused, with so many people losing their lives or being torn apart by the war. I was intrigued when one of the authors approached me and asked if I would like to read this collection. I wholeheartedly agreed, as I believe we have the power to fight for peace through different means, including through writing. I invite you to discover more about this anthology and I encourage you to grab your own copy, as all the proceeds from the book are donated to Voices of Children Foundation in Ukraine.
This collection includes stories belonging to different genres, but they all come back to the same issue, war and its deadly consequences. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is something we are all familiar with, but perhaps it takes honest writing to be reminded of what war looks like. Too often we see war depicted in movies, in a completely different manner than it actually unfolds. Have we thought about the kids whose future has disappeared? And what about the adolescents joining the army? The writers who have contributed to this anthology draw attention especially to these aspects.
Children are the main focus of these stories, with the authors putting their creative talent to good use and showing what becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict. I applaud the authors for coming together to highlight the experiences of children trapped in war. Even though these are not easy to read, I think this is the least we can do. I feel like you cannot read these stories without being moved to tears, without acknowledging their emotional impact. We are practically forced to step out of the comfort zone and see the war as it is. This sobering wakeup call will take us to a place where we can no longer deny our need to be involved, to help in any way we can.
Written with eloquence, these stories prove that no one really wins when wars take place. Innocent people are collateral damage and lives are destroyed in an instant. Are we really that blind to history and previous events? These stories send a clear message, one with which I agree 100%... no child should ever have to witness the horrors of war. As the mother of a five-year-old, I pray we will never find ourselves in this situation. I read these stories because they spoke to my need to be honest, with life being comfortable for us, while others are thanking God for each minute of quiet.
This anthology of stories might be a difficult read, but one that can serve as a reminder of what truly matters. Even though they belong to different genres, they all explain how children are scarred for life and how war never leads to good things. The authors go at great lengths to highlight the effects of war and the trauma future generations will carry. It is true that children pay the ultimate the price and we must do anything we can to help them now. I applaud the initiative!
This collection includes stories belonging to different genres, but they all come back to the same issue, war and its deadly consequences. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is something we are all familiar with, but perhaps it takes honest writing to be reminded of what war looks like. Too often we see war depicted in movies, in a completely different manner than it actually unfolds. Have we thought about the kids whose future has disappeared? And what about the adolescents joining the army? The writers who have contributed to this anthology draw attention especially to these aspects.
Children are the main focus of these stories, with the authors putting their creative talent to good use and showing what becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict. I applaud the authors for coming together to highlight the experiences of children trapped in war. Even though these are not easy to read, I think this is the least we can do. I feel like you cannot read these stories without being moved to tears, without acknowledging their emotional impact. We are practically forced to step out of the comfort zone and see the war as it is. This sobering wakeup call will take us to a place where we can no longer deny our need to be involved, to help in any way we can.
Written with eloquence, these stories prove that no one really wins when wars take place. Innocent people are collateral damage and lives are destroyed in an instant. Are we really that blind to history and previous events? These stories send a clear message, one with which I agree 100%... no child should ever have to witness the horrors of war. As the mother of a five-year-old, I pray we will never find ourselves in this situation. I read these stories because they spoke to my need to be honest, with life being comfortable for us, while others are thanking God for each minute of quiet.
This anthology of stories might be a difficult read, but one that can serve as a reminder of what truly matters. Even though they belong to different genres, they all explain how children are scarred for life and how war never leads to good things. The authors go at great lengths to highlight the effects of war and the trauma future generations will carry. It is true that children pay the ultimate the price and we must do anything we can to help them now. I applaud the initiative!
January 29, 2023
Like all anthologies, I will rate stories as I read them. So far, these authors (aside from me) are rocking my world.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause Chivers
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen 🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 … I read this one twice, and it carried significantly more meaning the second time around.
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
Jonah by C. Borden
The Prince and the Flute Player by C. Phillip
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J., USA Today Bestselling author 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause Chivers
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen 🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 … I read this one twice, and it carried significantly more meaning the second time around.
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
Jonah by C. Borden
The Prince and the Flute Player by C. Phillip
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J., USA Today Bestselling author 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 24, 2022
“My lungs squeezed as it dawned on me how three lives had been reduced to two square meters.”
Genre: Literary Fiction
Content Warning: alcohol abuse, reference to multiple deaths, rape, sexual abuse, mention of suicide, mental health
Rating: 4 stars
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC of this anthology. All opinions are my own.
This work of Literary Fiction is a definite tear-jerker; whether or not I’m a big softie that cries for practically everything, this is sure to, at the very least, tug at your heartstrings.
Thirty-three-year-old Sarah Williams, mom of a seven-year-old boy, just finds out, via the television of all things, that her husband had been martyred in the war. This news makes her faint requiring a trip to the hospital where she suddenly finds out that she is expecting their second child. Spiralling into depression, Sarah tries to come to grips with her loss and her gain – the two creating a tug of war on her emotions – while trying to be present for her son.
This story sparks the conversion, “What will happen if…” Showcasing the importance of both a physical and emotional support network, whatever its nature, this story may have you rethinking the future…
The writing is clean, smooth and uncomplicated yet strongly evoking all the emotions one can expect from a scenario such as this.
The War Legacy is Joshi’s first published work and it is solid and gripping; I am certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.
Please Note: I have not read this entire anthology (although I plan to) I am basing my rating on this story and for the hope of success of this initiative.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Content Warning: alcohol abuse, reference to multiple deaths, rape, sexual abuse, mention of suicide, mental health
Rating: 4 stars
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC of this anthology. All opinions are my own.
This work of Literary Fiction is a definite tear-jerker; whether or not I’m a big softie that cries for practically everything, this is sure to, at the very least, tug at your heartstrings.
Thirty-three-year-old Sarah Williams, mom of a seven-year-old boy, just finds out, via the television of all things, that her husband had been martyred in the war. This news makes her faint requiring a trip to the hospital where she suddenly finds out that she is expecting their second child. Spiralling into depression, Sarah tries to come to grips with her loss and her gain – the two creating a tug of war on her emotions – while trying to be present for her son.
This story sparks the conversion, “What will happen if…” Showcasing the importance of both a physical and emotional support network, whatever its nature, this story may have you rethinking the future…
The writing is clean, smooth and uncomplicated yet strongly evoking all the emotions one can expect from a scenario such as this.
The War Legacy is Joshi’s first published work and it is solid and gripping; I am certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.
Please Note: I have not read this entire anthology (although I plan to) I am basing my rating on this story and for the hope of success of this initiative.
August 24, 2022
What the book is about:
The book is a collection of short stories (20 pages each) from various authors across the world. Though the genres are different, all the stories deal with the impact of war on children. They explain how children are scarred for life and how war, when it happens, doesn't spare anyone. All the proceeds of the book go to charity for the benefit of children in Ukraine.
Stories:
The genres in this book are Fantasy and Fiction based on real events. In fantasy, there is literary, historical and magical. I am not much of a fantasy reader. However, I can assure that people who delve into otherworldly settings will absolutely love it.
The fiction stories based on and around war were tear-jerking. Through the use of fiction, the authors make a strong case for the little victims of war and the trauma they'll carry for years and generations to come. There was not one story that didn't make me sad.
Writing:
I didn't have many expectations from this anthology because I haven't known any of these authors before. So, I was pleasantly surprised with the writing. I didn't expect that I would finish such a huge book in 3-4 days.
As I didn't read many anthologies, I read one short story at a time. Nevertheless, once I started a story, I couldn't stop until I finished. I would also suggest you to read each story or a few at once (if the length of the book is a problem).
I got to know that these authors have all had personal experiences with war which does justice to the stories they've written.
Opinion:
I have read quite some nonfiction books about war earlier too. When someone says only men are affected by wars, I wish I could smack them with this and a few other books (hardcovers). Mind you, they are big books.
It is important for us, living in safer parts of the world, to understand war and the refugee crisis. What better a way to do so than through the lived experiences of people.
We may not be in a position to stop wars now but we can help them in other little ways. This review copy is extremely memorable to me.
The book is a collection of short stories (20 pages each) from various authors across the world. Though the genres are different, all the stories deal with the impact of war on children. They explain how children are scarred for life and how war, when it happens, doesn't spare anyone. All the proceeds of the book go to charity for the benefit of children in Ukraine.
Stories:
The genres in this book are Fantasy and Fiction based on real events. In fantasy, there is literary, historical and magical. I am not much of a fantasy reader. However, I can assure that people who delve into otherworldly settings will absolutely love it.
The fiction stories based on and around war were tear-jerking. Through the use of fiction, the authors make a strong case for the little victims of war and the trauma they'll carry for years and generations to come. There was not one story that didn't make me sad.
Writing:
I didn't have many expectations from this anthology because I haven't known any of these authors before. So, I was pleasantly surprised with the writing. I didn't expect that I would finish such a huge book in 3-4 days.
As I didn't read many anthologies, I read one short story at a time. Nevertheless, once I started a story, I couldn't stop until I finished. I would also suggest you to read each story or a few at once (if the length of the book is a problem).
I got to know that these authors have all had personal experiences with war which does justice to the stories they've written.
Opinion:
I have read quite some nonfiction books about war earlier too. When someone says only men are affected by wars, I wish I could smack them with this and a few other books (hardcovers). Mind you, they are big books.
It is important for us, living in safer parts of the world, to understand war and the refugee crisis. What better a way to do so than through the lived experiences of people.
We may not be in a position to stop wars now but we can help them in other little ways. This review copy is extremely memorable to me.
May 10, 2023
I discovered this book through my Instagram friendship with one of the talented authors who contributed to it, Pam Floyd. I am grateful for the opportunity to read it, which I did using my girlfriend's Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The book is a collection of short stories by several talented authors. The main theme of the stories is the difficulties and atrocities suffered by children during war. However, the most important thing about this book is that all the proceeds go directly to funding support for the children of Ukraine during this war.
Within the pages of this book, you will find 14 short stories, each between 20-30 pages. Approximately half of them are in the fantasy genre, but all of them are touching in some way or another.
If you are looking to discover 14 new talented and unsung authors and, in doing so, help the Ukrainian cause in some small way, this book is perfect for you.
The book is a collection of short stories by several talented authors. The main theme of the stories is the difficulties and atrocities suffered by children during war. However, the most important thing about this book is that all the proceeds go directly to funding support for the children of Ukraine during this war.
Within the pages of this book, you will find 14 short stories, each between 20-30 pages. Approximately half of them are in the fantasy genre, but all of them are touching in some way or another.
If you are looking to discover 14 new talented and unsung authors and, in doing so, help the Ukrainian cause in some small way, this book is perfect for you.
August 17, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this anthology and the thoughts are my own. This stories in this book are not a light read, will make you think, and tug at your heart strings. The proceeds go to Voices of Children, a children's trauma therapy organization in Ukraine.
I had only ever read a few of the authors before, but was impressed with many of the stories.
My top three stories were: 1) Through Vira's Eyes by MJ Krause Chivers 2) The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether and 3) Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko (a memoir of WWII Japanese internment in the US); each were written with a different voice, message, and style but I think truly captured the horrors of children trapped in a wartime situation. These tugged at me the most and had me thinking for a long time after I read them. I also really appreciated the ending of The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest.
Unfortunately, I disliked a few of the stories, but I don't read those subgenres, so others who enjoy those subgenres would probably enjoy them more than I did. Perhaps they will touch you in the same way my three favorites touched me. That's kind of the point of a multi-genre book though, so I didn't detract any stars. I also felt two of the stories were incomplete and had a disjointed theme, and then they wanted you to buy the main book (but frankly, I didn't care for the story, so I won't be buying the main book to find out what happens). Overall though, the book was well-written and edited. I sent the three typos I found to the author I got my ARC copy from to be corrected in the final.
Children of War is such a great book for a great cause. I recommend this book to everyone. Most of the stories could be read by middle school and up. War happens because men with evil ideologies become powerful and corrupt. Where are the upstream checks to keep this from happening?
Hitler was allowed to become Hitler, dictator and executioner of almost 11-12 million people, Stalin 6 million. Putin, with estimates up to ~50k. Some people report he is doing it to save the children from human trafficking rings in Ukraine, but honestly, there are better ways to go about fighting human traffickers, which begs the question of ulterior motive.
Why were men like these allowed to become dictators? Where were the people of courage and honor to stand up to men like these before they became dictators and forced war? That's why books like Children of War should be required reading. If you don't want this to happen to your children, check your leaders, don't fall for false promises, and educate the naive. These leaders will become dictators, and they will start wars. Children, families, people suffer and trauma lasts generations. History has shown that will always happen. Know your history to prevent it from repeating.
Children pay the ultimate price. Children are our future. Help them now. Get a book and donate directly.
I had only ever read a few of the authors before, but was impressed with many of the stories.
My top three stories were: 1) Through Vira's Eyes by MJ Krause Chivers 2) The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether and 3) Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko (a memoir of WWII Japanese internment in the US); each were written with a different voice, message, and style but I think truly captured the horrors of children trapped in a wartime situation. These tugged at me the most and had me thinking for a long time after I read them. I also really appreciated the ending of The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest.
Unfortunately, I disliked a few of the stories, but I don't read those subgenres, so others who enjoy those subgenres would probably enjoy them more than I did. Perhaps they will touch you in the same way my three favorites touched me. That's kind of the point of a multi-genre book though, so I didn't detract any stars. I also felt two of the stories were incomplete and had a disjointed theme, and then they wanted you to buy the main book (but frankly, I didn't care for the story, so I won't be buying the main book to find out what happens). Overall though, the book was well-written and edited. I sent the three typos I found to the author I got my ARC copy from to be corrected in the final.
Children of War is such a great book for a great cause. I recommend this book to everyone. Most of the stories could be read by middle school and up. War happens because men with evil ideologies become powerful and corrupt. Where are the upstream checks to keep this from happening?
Hitler was allowed to become Hitler, dictator and executioner of almost 11-12 million people, Stalin 6 million. Putin, with estimates up to ~50k. Some people report he is doing it to save the children from human trafficking rings in Ukraine, but honestly, there are better ways to go about fighting human traffickers, which begs the question of ulterior motive.
Why were men like these allowed to become dictators? Where were the people of courage and honor to stand up to men like these before they became dictators and forced war? That's why books like Children of War should be required reading. If you don't want this to happen to your children, check your leaders, don't fall for false promises, and educate the naive. These leaders will become dictators, and they will start wars. Children, families, people suffer and trauma lasts generations. History has shown that will always happen. Know your history to prevent it from repeating.
Children pay the ultimate price. Children are our future. Help them now. Get a book and donate directly.
August 22, 2022
Five weeping stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for Children of War, an anthology to benefit the Children of Ukraine.
This anthology is the hardest book I ever reviewed. Each of the stories clenched my heart, raised goosebumps or brought me to tears in their own way. Each story is born from traumatic experience of either the author themselves, or passed on by parents or grandparents.
With exception of one shocking memoir, these experiences have been expertly wrapped in fictional settings. Still, the pictures they paint make me shudder in fear and hiss in anger at the aggressors responsible for all the lives they deliberately destroyed. Nevertheless, these stories also carry a glimpse of hope. Let this anthology carry the spark of hope into the lives of the children who need it 💖
I will not leave separate reviews for each of the 14 stories this time, but let one goosebump-evoking quote from each story speak for themselves.
1. Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers: ~~ “Then I guess I’ll keep going,” Max says and he steps on the gas. A moment later, a thundering, pulsing burst sprays along the front of the bus. It’s followed by a sharp snap and a dull thud. The front window splinters into a giant white spider web. A red splatter forms on the inside and Max falls against the steering wheel. ~~
2. Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen: ~~ Corryn sucks in a breath through clenched teeth. The words tug at her memory. Her mother’s voice saying a phrase in the same language. The language of her childhood. Corryn echoes it, “Merti nie, sutu gusa.” The man looks at her, his eyes wide with shock. He pushes his scraggly hair back from his eyes. “Just sleeping, huh?” “My mam said that nothing is truly dead…” She draws her brows together, and finishes, “as long as someone remembers.” ~~
3. A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko: ~~ Once upon a time, I was a child of a place called “Minidoka.” […] I pray that no other peoples of our great nation must go through the trials of proving their loyalty. Everyone in America should be treated equally without harsh discrimination. We are a country of diverse nationalities united to strengthen our nation. As the saying goes: “United we stand, divided we fall.” ~~
4. Jonah by C. Borden: ~~ Jonah, what you survived as a child was simply too much for your young mind to handle, so it…” “It broke,” Jonah said, his face ashen as he allowed himself to genuinely consider her explanation. ~~
5. The Prince and The Flute Player by C. Phillip: ~~ He pressed his palms over his ears in a weak attempt to drown out the pitiful cries of the fallen. Dread filled him. He wondered how soon he would become demon fodder. ~~
6. The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto: ~~ I learned to use words and to sing Sable’s song. Its tiny hand clasped my own and smiled. I looked down. The rounds of Sable’s body reminded me of the one who hid me here before the scary ones came. Before I hid in my holes. ~~
7. A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal: ~~ I have already accepted my fate, and so should you. I will try to hold on, for you, for my people, for my country. But when I’m gone, go! Live, love, have a family. Do not dwell in the past. I know it hurts, but the pain will fade with time. Keep my memory alive, and my death will not be in vain. ~~
8. The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz: ~~ Somehow, I managed not to throw up. My hands cradled my privates. My body felt strange. Rubbery. My head floated in the mists of oblivion. I had no voice, no name, no emotions. Nothing. ~~
9. The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi: ~~ Would I be able to raise both my kids without spiraling into a void? Could I be a mother first and a widow second? Would I ever be able to honor my dearest husband who lay dead at a site unknown to me, while I lay here? Anxiety for the future engulfed me. What if my grief rubbed off on my kids? ~~
10. A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez: ~~ You will be my perfect weapon once you control your ability.” “But I do not wish to be a murderer,” Akibel whined, unable to look away from the carnage surrounding him. “Nonsense. Berserkers are not murderers; they use the power of their fury to make them stronger. […] You will be my most cherished warrior.” ~~
11. The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether: ~~ “Whether you can see it or not, there is always hope.” Her voice was subdued. “There is always a reason to live.” Inachus chewed on his cut lip, the blood embittering his tongue. “What hope do you see for me?” She kissed the top of his head. “I see many futures, yet I also see nothing if you walk off the cliff in the dark. You have a chance at happiness, Inachus. ~~
12. Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.: ~~ Death stank. It combined the stench of an outhouse with smells from the butchery, and all of it was cloaked in the odor of rust. She would come to know that smell in the years that followed. It would become the stench of her waking nightmares, the perfume of her living hell. And it would haunt her for the rest of her life. ~~
13. Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd: ~~ Daniela only nodded as other adults rushed in to help the frail-like woman in case Daniela misbehaved again. She was sure she would be punished and she stared down at her feet feeling lost. No mother or father to protect or care for her and nobody to be with her. There was only this cold woman here to ruin Daniela’s life. ~~
14. The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest: ~~ “But by restraining your own anger and acting with honor, even with your worst enemy, you’ve proven yourself to be worthy of being my successor. Turning pain into action unlocked your gift. Now wield it with wisdom.” ~~
This anthology is the hardest book I ever reviewed. Each of the stories clenched my heart, raised goosebumps or brought me to tears in their own way. Each story is born from traumatic experience of either the author themselves, or passed on by parents or grandparents.
With exception of one shocking memoir, these experiences have been expertly wrapped in fictional settings. Still, the pictures they paint make me shudder in fear and hiss in anger at the aggressors responsible for all the lives they deliberately destroyed. Nevertheless, these stories also carry a glimpse of hope. Let this anthology carry the spark of hope into the lives of the children who need it 💖
I will not leave separate reviews for each of the 14 stories this time, but let one goosebump-evoking quote from each story speak for themselves.
1. Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers: ~~ “Then I guess I’ll keep going,” Max says and he steps on the gas. A moment later, a thundering, pulsing burst sprays along the front of the bus. It’s followed by a sharp snap and a dull thud. The front window splinters into a giant white spider web. A red splatter forms on the inside and Max falls against the steering wheel. ~~
2. Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen: ~~ Corryn sucks in a breath through clenched teeth. The words tug at her memory. Her mother’s voice saying a phrase in the same language. The language of her childhood. Corryn echoes it, “Merti nie, sutu gusa.” The man looks at her, his eyes wide with shock. He pushes his scraggly hair back from his eyes. “Just sleeping, huh?” “My mam said that nothing is truly dead…” She draws her brows together, and finishes, “as long as someone remembers.” ~~
3. A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko: ~~ Once upon a time, I was a child of a place called “Minidoka.” […] I pray that no other peoples of our great nation must go through the trials of proving their loyalty. Everyone in America should be treated equally without harsh discrimination. We are a country of diverse nationalities united to strengthen our nation. As the saying goes: “United we stand, divided we fall.” ~~
4. Jonah by C. Borden: ~~ Jonah, what you survived as a child was simply too much for your young mind to handle, so it…” “It broke,” Jonah said, his face ashen as he allowed himself to genuinely consider her explanation. ~~
5. The Prince and The Flute Player by C. Phillip: ~~ He pressed his palms over his ears in a weak attempt to drown out the pitiful cries of the fallen. Dread filled him. He wondered how soon he would become demon fodder. ~~
6. The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto: ~~ I learned to use words and to sing Sable’s song. Its tiny hand clasped my own and smiled. I looked down. The rounds of Sable’s body reminded me of the one who hid me here before the scary ones came. Before I hid in my holes. ~~
7. A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal: ~~ I have already accepted my fate, and so should you. I will try to hold on, for you, for my people, for my country. But when I’m gone, go! Live, love, have a family. Do not dwell in the past. I know it hurts, but the pain will fade with time. Keep my memory alive, and my death will not be in vain. ~~
8. The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz: ~~ Somehow, I managed not to throw up. My hands cradled my privates. My body felt strange. Rubbery. My head floated in the mists of oblivion. I had no voice, no name, no emotions. Nothing. ~~
9. The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi: ~~ Would I be able to raise both my kids without spiraling into a void? Could I be a mother first and a widow second? Would I ever be able to honor my dearest husband who lay dead at a site unknown to me, while I lay here? Anxiety for the future engulfed me. What if my grief rubbed off on my kids? ~~
10. A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez: ~~ You will be my perfect weapon once you control your ability.” “But I do not wish to be a murderer,” Akibel whined, unable to look away from the carnage surrounding him. “Nonsense. Berserkers are not murderers; they use the power of their fury to make them stronger. […] You will be my most cherished warrior.” ~~
11. The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether: ~~ “Whether you can see it or not, there is always hope.” Her voice was subdued. “There is always a reason to live.” Inachus chewed on his cut lip, the blood embittering his tongue. “What hope do you see for me?” She kissed the top of his head. “I see many futures, yet I also see nothing if you walk off the cliff in the dark. You have a chance at happiness, Inachus. ~~
12. Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.: ~~ Death stank. It combined the stench of an outhouse with smells from the butchery, and all of it was cloaked in the odor of rust. She would come to know that smell in the years that followed. It would become the stench of her waking nightmares, the perfume of her living hell. And it would haunt her for the rest of her life. ~~
13. Through the Eyes of a Child by Pam Floyd: ~~ Daniela only nodded as other adults rushed in to help the frail-like woman in case Daniela misbehaved again. She was sure she would be punished and she stared down at her feet feeling lost. No mother or father to protect or care for her and nobody to be with her. There was only this cold woman here to ruin Daniela’s life. ~~
14. The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest: ~~ “But by restraining your own anger and acting with honor, even with your worst enemy, you’ve proven yourself to be worthy of being my successor. Turning pain into action unlocked your gift. Now wield it with wisdom.” ~~
August 24, 2022
Review (no spoilers): “Children of War is a collection of fourteen short stories in a variety of genres: literary fiction, memoir, historical fiction, and fantasy. All proceeds go to Voices of Children Foundation, Ukraine to support their work in providing counseling and art therapy to children suffering war PTS.”
Right off the bat, I want to say that the stories contain the grim realities of war, and therefore are maybe not for sensitive people. Trigger warnings are included before many of the stories, which was very thoughtful. Each of the fourteen stories had a different setting, time period, and cast of characters, but all showed children facing the consequences of war. This anthology was a heavy and dark read that brought up many uncomfortable feelings for me, but I know the emotions stirred by these stories are only a small portion of what children in Ukraine and other places around the world feel every day. I work with children in the behavioral health field, so I was immediately drawn to this anthology’s noble mission.
I hope everyone who reads this review will purchase a copy of the book, not only for the fantastic stories contained in the pages, but also to help the dedicated people who work to heal children who have seen terror, pain, and destruction in their short lives.
Right off the bat, I want to say that the stories contain the grim realities of war, and therefore are maybe not for sensitive people. Trigger warnings are included before many of the stories, which was very thoughtful. Each of the fourteen stories had a different setting, time period, and cast of characters, but all showed children facing the consequences of war. This anthology was a heavy and dark read that brought up many uncomfortable feelings for me, but I know the emotions stirred by these stories are only a small portion of what children in Ukraine and other places around the world feel every day. I work with children in the behavioral health field, so I was immediately drawn to this anthology’s noble mission.
I hope everyone who reads this review will purchase a copy of the book, not only for the fantastic stories contained in the pages, but also to help the dedicated people who work to heal children who have seen terror, pain, and destruction in their short lives.
August 24, 2022
This anthology is made up of some really heart wrenching reads, all authors have done a great job with this anthology.
The three short stories that stood out for me are as follows:
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J
Set against an idealistic celebration festival with happy families, Cara and Mayra are then transported into the horrors of war.
The only two survivors of the Danayans they are forced into the life of survival. Fighting in wars that aren't theirs. Their captures training them as soldiers, with strict rules. Life doesn't get any easier for them.
Without giving away any spoilers this short story isn't for the faint hearted. It's brutal and raw. It's not a whimsical fantasy story, it's as close to real life as one can imagine (without actually living it myself).
Astrid built up a world and a story created with two young girls that is cruel and heartbreaking. The sense of emotion when reading this story makes it real, you feel connected to the girls and the horror of that outcome you can't help but feel both anger for Mayra and sorrow for Cara.
Not dead, just sleeping by Darrah Steffen
This short story follows Corryn a survivor of war embark on a task given by Marigold. Corryn has to spend time with Yarrow, who wants solitude but there's so much more to this story than we get.
Not Dead,just sleeping is written well and there's a little back story to Corryn which helps a little with the narration.
As with Novella type stories there's only so much detail they go into and I feel that if this was a little longer it would have been perfect. I liked what I was reading and I wanted more, why was Ralgen like how he was, what did the deal between him and Dima mean and most importantly I wanted to know more about the connection between Corryn and Yarrow.
Through Vira's eyes by Mj Krause-Chivers
Through Vira's Eyes is harrowing, it's set in the school basement where families gather praying for a safe haven. Vira is a 5year old girl with a lot of weight put on her shoulders. Having to make sure she looks after her 3year old brother, whilst her mum looks after the baby.
Vira manages to get to the bus with her friend Andriy but unfortunately her brother amid a tantrum doesn't make it.
Andriy and Vira have to make the journey to the river by themselves. Its heart wrenching reading about the innocent children put in a life and death position caused by a war they have no understanding of. As much as this story shows the horrors and raw emotions, I can't help but feel a bit heart warming due to the ending. By all means the children have a long road ahead and I can only imagine what happens next.
I enjoyed all of the short stories in this book and some were a light read (fantastical) and others were a definite pull on the heart strings.
The three short stories that stood out for me are as follows:
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J
Set against an idealistic celebration festival with happy families, Cara and Mayra are then transported into the horrors of war.
The only two survivors of the Danayans they are forced into the life of survival. Fighting in wars that aren't theirs. Their captures training them as soldiers, with strict rules. Life doesn't get any easier for them.
Without giving away any spoilers this short story isn't for the faint hearted. It's brutal and raw. It's not a whimsical fantasy story, it's as close to real life as one can imagine (without actually living it myself).
Astrid built up a world and a story created with two young girls that is cruel and heartbreaking. The sense of emotion when reading this story makes it real, you feel connected to the girls and the horror of that outcome you can't help but feel both anger for Mayra and sorrow for Cara.
Not dead, just sleeping by Darrah Steffen
This short story follows Corryn a survivor of war embark on a task given by Marigold. Corryn has to spend time with Yarrow, who wants solitude but there's so much more to this story than we get.
Not Dead,just sleeping is written well and there's a little back story to Corryn which helps a little with the narration.
As with Novella type stories there's only so much detail they go into and I feel that if this was a little longer it would have been perfect. I liked what I was reading and I wanted more, why was Ralgen like how he was, what did the deal between him and Dima mean and most importantly I wanted to know more about the connection between Corryn and Yarrow.
Through Vira's eyes by Mj Krause-Chivers
Through Vira's Eyes is harrowing, it's set in the school basement where families gather praying for a safe haven. Vira is a 5year old girl with a lot of weight put on her shoulders. Having to make sure she looks after her 3year old brother, whilst her mum looks after the baby.
Vira manages to get to the bus with her friend Andriy but unfortunately her brother amid a tantrum doesn't make it.
Andriy and Vira have to make the journey to the river by themselves. Its heart wrenching reading about the innocent children put in a life and death position caused by a war they have no understanding of. As much as this story shows the horrors and raw emotions, I can't help but feel a bit heart warming due to the ending. By all means the children have a long road ahead and I can only imagine what happens next.
I enjoyed all of the short stories in this book and some were a light read (fantastical) and others were a definite pull on the heart strings.
August 24, 2022
The stories in this book are moving and heartbreaking. I am amazed by the creativity of the authors who came together to tell fictional (and one non-fiction) stories of how war impacts children.
The anthology includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Some had themes that were emotionally challenging to read, but it felt important to let myself sit with the feelings of how war affects so many families.
The proceeds of this book are being donated to Voices of Children which is an organization in the Ukraine that focuses on helping traumatized children find psychological healing through therapy.
I definitely recommend reading this book knowing that your purchase goes towards an important cause!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
The anthology includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Some had themes that were emotionally challenging to read, but it felt important to let myself sit with the feelings of how war affects so many families.
The proceeds of this book are being donated to Voices of Children which is an organization in the Ukraine that focuses on helping traumatized children find psychological healing through therapy.
I definitely recommend reading this book knowing that your purchase goes towards an important cause!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 21, 2022
This was a thought-provoking read from start to finish. The book is separated by genre including Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Memoir, and Fantasy, with beautiful illustrations throughout. Particularly noteworthy as well was the foreword, wherein several of the authors discuss what drew them to write for the anthology and generational trauma that comes with unhealed childhood wounds. A trauma survivor myself, the parts about saving leftovers made me tear up. Thirty years later and it’s still a habit I do to this day. Their raw honesty and dedication to helping others is truly admirable. The storytelling itself- outstanding.
Thank you to the authors for a copy of this ARC. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
Thank you to the authors for a copy of this ARC. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
August 24, 2022
It's incredibly difficult to read this anthology without crying. But these stories need to be read. Yes, all but one of them are fiction, but all of them portray real pain faced by children who've experienced war. Each story is raw and honest and I felt the heart and soul put into this anthology by its authors.
August 16, 2022
Each of the stories in this anthology brings a unique perspective to the issue of children affected by war - whether they are set in a fantasy world or the past or present. Each author brings something special to the anthology.
The anthology is also unique in providing support to real children affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The anthology is also unique in providing support to real children affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
August 24, 2022
This anthology! So many beautifully, heart-rending short stories!
I enjoyed all of them, but the ones that touched my heart were “The Prince and the Flute Player”, and “Through Vira’s Eyes” because I felt a connection to the stories which made them so much more endearing to me.
Others that stood out for me:
“A Child of Minidoka”
“Jonah”
“The Borrowed Life”
And
“The Dragon’s Demise”
All powerful and thought provoking glimpses into the lasting effects war and violence have on the innocent.
I enjoyed all of them, but the ones that touched my heart were “The Prince and the Flute Player”, and “Through Vira’s Eyes” because I felt a connection to the stories which made them so much more endearing to me.
Others that stood out for me:
“A Child of Minidoka”
“Jonah”
“The Borrowed Life”
And
“The Dragon’s Demise”
All powerful and thought provoking glimpses into the lasting effects war and violence have on the innocent.
July 21, 2025
Children of War review
This incredible collection of fourteen stories by fourteen authors focuses on children's traumatic experience in war. Although life is fraught with turmoil and catastrophies, few have encountered the horrifying life-and-death challenge of living in a war zone or fleeing one's home with the clothes on our backs. Perhaps we can understand a bit if we've gone through a house fire, or lost loved ones suddenly in unpredictable circumstances; but tragedy is often seen differently through a child's eyes than an adults.
These authors took on an amazing challenge to write stories that help us understand war through a child's eyes.
Fantasy authors brilliantly used their dramatic story-telling techniques to pull us into mythical worlds and tear at our hearts while literary and historical fiction authors helped us understand the reality of the past and the emotional impacts of today's war on Ukrainian children.
Elena Shelest in The Borrowed Life gives us a glimpse into the indigenous lifestyle of the Cossack past, Mj Krause-Chivers contrasts that story with a graphic portrayal of a child trying to make sense of her current circumstances and using guardian angels to cope in the story Through Vira's Eyes. Pam Floyd throws us into the emotional aftermath of physical recovery in Through a Child's Eyes.
Regardless of your literary interest, you won't be disappointed in reading any of those stories. And by purchasing, you'll be helping a very good cause. All the proceeds go to help children recovering from the war in Ukraine through Voices of Children Ukraine.
This incredible collection of fourteen stories by fourteen authors focuses on children's traumatic experience in war. Although life is fraught with turmoil and catastrophies, few have encountered the horrifying life-and-death challenge of living in a war zone or fleeing one's home with the clothes on our backs. Perhaps we can understand a bit if we've gone through a house fire, or lost loved ones suddenly in unpredictable circumstances; but tragedy is often seen differently through a child's eyes than an adults.
These authors took on an amazing challenge to write stories that help us understand war through a child's eyes.
Fantasy authors brilliantly used their dramatic story-telling techniques to pull us into mythical worlds and tear at our hearts while literary and historical fiction authors helped us understand the reality of the past and the emotional impacts of today's war on Ukrainian children.
Elena Shelest in The Borrowed Life gives us a glimpse into the indigenous lifestyle of the Cossack past, Mj Krause-Chivers contrasts that story with a graphic portrayal of a child trying to make sense of her current circumstances and using guardian angels to cope in the story Through Vira's Eyes. Pam Floyd throws us into the emotional aftermath of physical recovery in Through a Child's Eyes.
Regardless of your literary interest, you won't be disappointed in reading any of those stories. And by purchasing, you'll be helping a very good cause. All the proceeds go to help children recovering from the war in Ukraine through Voices of Children Ukraine.
February 25, 2023
Children of War is a multigenre anthology to support the children of Ukraine. All proceeds of this anthology will be donated in perpetuity to the Voices of Children Foundation in Ukraine (or another similar charity). This foundation is "a Ukrainian charity providing counselling and other forms of psychological support to war-trauma victims. The charity was established in 2015 and has been working with volunteer psychologists to bring art therapy and mobile psychologists to the most vulnerable in Ukrainian society, victims now of yet another armed conflict."
This anthology will touch your soul. Different genres, different authors, one message: let's not forget the children affected by war and do what we can to support them.
I have greatly enjoyed reading this bundle and I cannot recommend it enough. It's amazing to see so many people coming together helping out where they can. These stories will make you shiver, will make you reflect, and some of them will give you hope. Let's write against war. Let's read for peace. Let's help.
I gave this book 4 stars out of 5!
The full review as well as a Dutch version can be found on my blog:
talesfromthedragonslair.be
Follow me on Facebook || Instagram || Pinterest
This anthology will touch your soul. Different genres, different authors, one message: let's not forget the children affected by war and do what we can to support them.
I have greatly enjoyed reading this bundle and I cannot recommend it enough. It's amazing to see so many people coming together helping out where they can. These stories will make you shiver, will make you reflect, and some of them will give you hope. Let's write against war. Let's read for peace. Let's help.
I gave this book 4 stars out of 5!
The full review as well as a Dutch version can be found on my blog:
talesfromthedragonslair.be
Follow me on Facebook || Instagram || Pinterest
September 3, 2022
The War Legacy is a beautiful short story (in the Children of War Anthology) about the often unseen heartache that happens to the family and friends of loved ones who are left behind by the travesties of war. This story gives readers an insider’s view into the struggles and hardships of those who are forced to pick up the pieces of their lives after their loved ones have been taken from them through war and violence. It sheds light on the pain and suffering that affects those left behind, and encourages them to find and use their voices as they fight to survive the aftermath of loss. This story also shows the power of love and perseverance in helping those heal from loss and heartache.
Overall, this story reminds us that, “No matter which side wins in a war, all parties ultimately lose.” It is the authors hope that we will come together as a united front to help those who have lost loved ones as they navigate through the pain—coming alongside them, championing for them on their journey.
Overall, this story reminds us that, “No matter which side wins in a war, all parties ultimately lose.” It is the authors hope that we will come together as a united front to help those who have lost loved ones as they navigate through the pain—coming alongside them, championing for them on their journey.
August 24, 2022
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO
@voices_of_children
Children of War is a collection of 14 multi-genre stories to honor the experiences of children trapped in war.
Description:
In this anthology, a diverse group of authors from around the globe bring you a multi-genre collection of short stories about children trapped in war. Includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and memoir.
In diverse settings of fantasy worlds, Ancient Greece or India and even historical and modern-day Ukraine, explore the lives of children touched by warfare. Some go in search of healing, others are forced to walk in the darkness of guilt and remorse. Each story provides a glimpse of both the horrors witnessed and the potential for redemption. Through the lens of trauma, the authors of this anthology provide not only rays of hope but also powerful messages and much food for thought.
Personal note:
I absolutely loved this collection. The stores are well-written. The best part though? How much heart each of these writers included in their work. All the love, the grief, the confusion, the joy, the sadness, the fear - you can feel everything. It's as if the page absorbed all the emotions. I appreciate each and every one of these brave, wonderful humans for sharing their story and/or creating a fantasy to teach the world how to love better.
We're all in this together. Let's support each other the best we can.
Buy a book. Make a difference.
Available now as e-book and on Kindle Unlimited.
The beautiful humans responsible for this book: (thank you, thank you, thank you)
Anthology organizer: USA Today Bestselling Author, Astrid V.J. @astrid.v.j_author_official
Contributing authors:
@mirandajchivers
@darrahsteffenwrites
Joan T. Seko (not on Instagram)
@j.c.seal
@cphillipwrites
@authorcborden
@llmbooks
@nandita.pant.joshi
@miss_ex_america_pam_floyd
@elenashelestwriter
@katzdaan
@ivelezauthor
@susanstradiotto_author
@voices_of_children
#newrelease #charityanthology #childrenofwar
#booksthatmakeadifference #makeadifferencetoday #makingadifference
#forcharity #foragoodcause #foragreatcause
#supportukraine #savethechildren #childreninneed #ukraine
@voices_of_children
Children of War is a collection of 14 multi-genre stories to honor the experiences of children trapped in war.
Description:
In this anthology, a diverse group of authors from around the globe bring you a multi-genre collection of short stories about children trapped in war. Includes literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and memoir.
In diverse settings of fantasy worlds, Ancient Greece or India and even historical and modern-day Ukraine, explore the lives of children touched by warfare. Some go in search of healing, others are forced to walk in the darkness of guilt and remorse. Each story provides a glimpse of both the horrors witnessed and the potential for redemption. Through the lens of trauma, the authors of this anthology provide not only rays of hope but also powerful messages and much food for thought.
Personal note:
I absolutely loved this collection. The stores are well-written. The best part though? How much heart each of these writers included in their work. All the love, the grief, the confusion, the joy, the sadness, the fear - you can feel everything. It's as if the page absorbed all the emotions. I appreciate each and every one of these brave, wonderful humans for sharing their story and/or creating a fantasy to teach the world how to love better.
We're all in this together. Let's support each other the best we can.
Buy a book. Make a difference.
Available now as e-book and on Kindle Unlimited.
The beautiful humans responsible for this book: (thank you, thank you, thank you)
Anthology organizer: USA Today Bestselling Author, Astrid V.J. @astrid.v.j_author_official
Contributing authors:
@mirandajchivers
@darrahsteffenwrites
Joan T. Seko (not on Instagram)
@j.c.seal
@cphillipwrites
@authorcborden
@llmbooks
@nandita.pant.joshi
@miss_ex_america_pam_floyd
@elenashelestwriter
@katzdaan
@ivelezauthor
@susanstradiotto_author
@voices_of_children
#newrelease #charityanthology #childrenofwar
#booksthatmakeadifference #makeadifferencetoday #makingadifference
#forcharity #foragoodcause #foragreatcause
#supportukraine #savethechildren #childreninneed #ukraine
August 24, 2022
The Children of War is an anthology that is depicting the odyssey of Russian-Ukraine children and the unfortunate events that led to war. And the pen is mightier than the sword. Everyone has a voice and everyone has a choice.
The stories have written in all genres varies from fiction and memoir to historical, science fiction and fantasy. They takes place in different countries and some at fictional places. The stories follows the odyssey of Vira, war survivors, Dragonion quest, finding an escape and haven, World War Two, struggles immigrants of Japan has faced, empire of Magadha, spirit of forest, music, finding hope in despair and light in darkness, Mermaid- angel hybrid, Dragon’s demise, war legacy, vampire’s heart, Judeo-Christian origin, love, Greek goddesses, fate, prophecy, ancient legends, Dragons Sanctuary, monsters, war legacy, mythology of Cossack warriors and seeing this world through the eyes of children.
I liked all of them but the tales I liked more are A Mermaid’s tears, The Prince and the flute player, A vampires heart, The curse of blood, Child of Destruction and The borrowed life.
The stories have written in all genres varies from fiction and memoir to historical, science fiction and fantasy. They takes place in different countries and some at fictional places. The stories follows the odyssey of Vira, war survivors, Dragonion quest, finding an escape and haven, World War Two, struggles immigrants of Japan has faced, empire of Magadha, spirit of forest, music, finding hope in despair and light in darkness, Mermaid- angel hybrid, Dragon’s demise, war legacy, vampire’s heart, Judeo-Christian origin, love, Greek goddesses, fate, prophecy, ancient legends, Dragons Sanctuary, monsters, war legacy, mythology of Cossack warriors and seeing this world through the eyes of children.
I liked all of them but the tales I liked more are A Mermaid’s tears, The Prince and the flute player, A vampires heart, The curse of blood, Child of Destruction and The borrowed life.
August 25, 2022
"Live your life as if it was borrowed, so that when the time comes to give it back, you could say that it was put to good use."⠀
Elena Shelest, Children of War: The Borrowed Life⠀
⠀
📕 The War Legacy is a gripping Literary Fiction about a family's long term trauma from a civil war. It was heartbreaking but also full of hope and healing. The story follows a young widow through her recollection of the loss of her husband, a freedom fighter in a fictional city that resembles Ukraine's war torn landscape of today. ⠀
⠀
🇺🇦 All proceeds of Children of War go to Voices of Children, Ukraine in support of their work to provide counseling and art therapy to children affected by war trauma. Today is the six month anniversary of the war in Ukraine and Ukraine's Independence Day. ⠀
⠀
📖 Each of the stories in this anthology are written from the perspective of children who experience the horrors of War up close. They are haunting but hopeful and remind us that each person affected by war has a story to be told.
Elena Shelest, Children of War: The Borrowed Life⠀
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📕 The War Legacy is a gripping Literary Fiction about a family's long term trauma from a civil war. It was heartbreaking but also full of hope and healing. The story follows a young widow through her recollection of the loss of her husband, a freedom fighter in a fictional city that resembles Ukraine's war torn landscape of today. ⠀
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🇺🇦 All proceeds of Children of War go to Voices of Children, Ukraine in support of their work to provide counseling and art therapy to children affected by war trauma. Today is the six month anniversary of the war in Ukraine and Ukraine's Independence Day. ⠀
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📖 Each of the stories in this anthology are written from the perspective of children who experience the horrors of War up close. They are haunting but hopeful and remind us that each person affected by war has a story to be told.
August 25, 2022
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
🇺🇦𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒓
🇺🇦𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕔𝕪
🇺🇦𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢
🇺🇦Short Story
🇺🇦Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
🇺🇦Sarah suffers when her military husband is killed in action. Will she be able to carry on and raise her children?
🇺🇦Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
🇺🇦The point of this story is to show how war affects people. In this case, it took this family’s time with each other and a life. Although this is a fictional story, it brings into view some of the horrors of war. Sarah has to learn to live without her husband while grieving and being a good mother to her children.
🇺🇦I wasn’t thrilled with her choices after her husband died, but each to their own, I suppose. She did what she thought was best for herself and her kids.
🇺🇦I love this book's purpose: to help the children of Ukraine. So many authors gave their time to write stories that will help those in need. Check out the variety of short stories in Children of War and support the cause. Kudos to everyone involved.
🇺🇦𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒓
🇺🇦𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕣 𝕃𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕔𝕪
🇺🇦𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢
🇺🇦Short Story
🇺🇦Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
🇺🇦Sarah suffers when her military husband is killed in action. Will she be able to carry on and raise her children?
🇺🇦Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
🇺🇦The point of this story is to show how war affects people. In this case, it took this family’s time with each other and a life. Although this is a fictional story, it brings into view some of the horrors of war. Sarah has to learn to live without her husband while grieving and being a good mother to her children.
🇺🇦I wasn’t thrilled with her choices after her husband died, but each to their own, I suppose. She did what she thought was best for herself and her kids.
🇺🇦I love this book's purpose: to help the children of Ukraine. So many authors gave their time to write stories that will help those in need. Check out the variety of short stories in Children of War and support the cause. Kudos to everyone involved.
August 24, 2022
This is a lovely book with a great variety of stories, genres and styles of writing. My personal favourite was Through Vira's eyes by MJ Krause Chivers which told the story of Vira, her Mum and 2 younger brothers in a shelter waiting for transport to escape the war. The author had family who had been affected by a previous Ukrainian war and she uses their experience to influence her writing which I found really gave it an emotional punch.
This is a charity anthology in support of the children of Ukraine. The toll of war is a high one and to grow up suffering from PTS is crippling for a person's development. Voices of Children is a Ukrainian charity providing counselling and other forms of psychological support to victims of war-trauma. The charity was established in 2015 and has been working with volunteer psychologists to bring art therapy and mobile psychologists to the most vulnerable in Ukrainian society, victims now of yet another armed conflict.
For more about the charity: https://voices.org.ua/en/
This is a charity anthology in support of the children of Ukraine. The toll of war is a high one and to grow up suffering from PTS is crippling for a person's development. Voices of Children is a Ukrainian charity providing counselling and other forms of psychological support to victims of war-trauma. The charity was established in 2015 and has been working with volunteer psychologists to bring art therapy and mobile psychologists to the most vulnerable in Ukrainian society, victims now of yet another armed conflict.
For more about the charity: https://voices.org.ua/en/
August 24, 2022
This anthology is a very sad reminder of just some of the things that happens during war. I wish that this was not how children had to remember their childhood. I would recommend buying and reading this anthology as it is for a noble cause.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
This is one of the better anthologies I've read and I've enjoyed almost each and every one of these stories for different reasons, though I wonder if it might have worked better to put the more realistic stories in a different order. The way it is currently, the fantasy stories in between felt a little surreal after the heartbreak of some of the more realistic stories including a non fiction one.
This anthology is clean, but definitely adult content due to the themes (war, loss and violence) and some of the stories have a bit more graphic imagery though those come with their own content warnings.
*I received a free digital copy. This does not affect my review, which I leave voluntarily
"Through Vita's eyes, by MJ Krause-Chivers
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Horrible, realistic, touching and even made me laugh once due to the brilliantly childlike perspective of the MC. A serious tear jerker. This story has everything to make you go through a whole range of emotions and give you more respect for the victims and heroes of war."
19.0% "Not dead, just sleeping, by Darrah Steffen
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐This was enjoyable and I can always appreciate it when authors remember to include physical 'imperfections' in their characters. However, the writing style didn't really work for me, and since the story is clearly part of a bigger story not included in this anthology I felt like I was missing a lot of information and the ending didn't feel very satisfying."
25.0% "A child of Minidoka, by Joan T. Seko
Autobiographical
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well written and paints a clear picture of something I personally had so very little knowledge of: the Japanese internment camps in the United States during the second world war. I'm grateful for Joan sharing her story, or a snippet of it really, in this way and giving me a glimpse of history. I can highly recommend this short story."
31.0% "Jonah, by C.Borden
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐ Though I can, some of this from personal experience, appreciate the idea of a story about suffering physical and/or emotional trauma, suffering from pain and mobility issues, and the frustration searching for relief for years, I struggled with the way the author deals with some of this and glosses over the actual emotional pain in the first chapters."
39.0% "The prince and the flute player, by C.Philip
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐It took me a bit of time to get into the writing style, but I ended up really enjoying this fairytale style Indian story."
42.0% "The Tarnished Key, by Susan Stradiotto
Literary Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐I was confused for most of the story and a bit put off by the writing style, but towards the end it got good and the very end kicked a good punch. That was beautiful"
51.0% "A mermaid's tears, by J.C Seal
Historical fantasy
DNF. I tried two chapters but couldn't connect. And since teenage angels and mermaids aren't really my thing anyway, I decided to skip the rest."
56.0% "The dragon's demise, by Daan Katz
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐Well written short story about the regrets of a young bystander during a rebellion, though with a very serious amount of relatively graphic (and sexual) violence so be warned. I enjoyed this, if the word 'joy' can be used in a story with such a horrific beginning. The ending lacked a bit of punch, but I would have gladly read more."
65.0% "The war legacy, by Nandita Pant Joshi
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐A sad but eventually uplifting story about a mother who loses her husband to war. The dialogue felt a bit stilted, and the start of the romantic relationship seems a bit toxic, but otherwise it's well written and made me feel things, which is ultimately what we read for, isn't it?"
72.0% "A Vampire's Heart, by I Vélez
Fantasy/supernatural
DNF: the vampires and Satan's demons and such is just not my genre so i decided to skip after a few pages."
August 27, 2022 –
78.0% "The Curse of Blood, by Lauren Lee Merewether
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐it took me some time to get into the story and the start was a little disorienting but I became more engaged throughout and the ending packs a good emotional punch"
86.0% "Child of Destruction, by Astrid V.J
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐ I appreciated the horror the event that would lead to the MC becoming a child soldier, though I would have liked to see how that actually happened. Though I missed a bit of a punch at the end, and could tell that this wasn't really a standalone story (part of a bigger set of stories in this world) I appreciated the inner conflict throughout."
93.0% "Through the eyes of a child, by Pamela Floyd
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐Sadness, loss and pain. All the feels in this story of the aftermath of a little girl's survival in the Russian-Ukranian war"
99.0% "The Borrowed Life, by Elena Shelest
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐Wonderful; I loved the historical Ukranian vibes, the world, together with a bit of the fantastical sprinkled in. And Elena stories always carry a deeper message that strikes at the heart"
This anthology is clean, but definitely adult content due to the themes (war, loss and violence) and some of the stories have a bit more graphic imagery though those come with their own content warnings.
*I received a free digital copy. This does not affect my review, which I leave voluntarily
"Through Vita's eyes, by MJ Krause-Chivers
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Horrible, realistic, touching and even made me laugh once due to the brilliantly childlike perspective of the MC. A serious tear jerker. This story has everything to make you go through a whole range of emotions and give you more respect for the victims and heroes of war."
19.0% "Not dead, just sleeping, by Darrah Steffen
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐This was enjoyable and I can always appreciate it when authors remember to include physical 'imperfections' in their characters. However, the writing style didn't really work for me, and since the story is clearly part of a bigger story not included in this anthology I felt like I was missing a lot of information and the ending didn't feel very satisfying."
25.0% "A child of Minidoka, by Joan T. Seko
Autobiographical
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well written and paints a clear picture of something I personally had so very little knowledge of: the Japanese internment camps in the United States during the second world war. I'm grateful for Joan sharing her story, or a snippet of it really, in this way and giving me a glimpse of history. I can highly recommend this short story."
31.0% "Jonah, by C.Borden
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐ Though I can, some of this from personal experience, appreciate the idea of a story about suffering physical and/or emotional trauma, suffering from pain and mobility issues, and the frustration searching for relief for years, I struggled with the way the author deals with some of this and glosses over the actual emotional pain in the first chapters."
39.0% "The prince and the flute player, by C.Philip
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐It took me a bit of time to get into the writing style, but I ended up really enjoying this fairytale style Indian story."
42.0% "The Tarnished Key, by Susan Stradiotto
Literary Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐I was confused for most of the story and a bit put off by the writing style, but towards the end it got good and the very end kicked a good punch. That was beautiful"
51.0% "A mermaid's tears, by J.C Seal
Historical fantasy
DNF. I tried two chapters but couldn't connect. And since teenage angels and mermaids aren't really my thing anyway, I decided to skip the rest."
56.0% "The dragon's demise, by Daan Katz
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐Well written short story about the regrets of a young bystander during a rebellion, though with a very serious amount of relatively graphic (and sexual) violence so be warned. I enjoyed this, if the word 'joy' can be used in a story with such a horrific beginning. The ending lacked a bit of punch, but I would have gladly read more."
65.0% "The war legacy, by Nandita Pant Joshi
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐A sad but eventually uplifting story about a mother who loses her husband to war. The dialogue felt a bit stilted, and the start of the romantic relationship seems a bit toxic, but otherwise it's well written and made me feel things, which is ultimately what we read for, isn't it?"
72.0% "A Vampire's Heart, by I Vélez
Fantasy/supernatural
DNF: the vampires and Satan's demons and such is just not my genre so i decided to skip after a few pages."
August 27, 2022 –
78.0% "The Curse of Blood, by Lauren Lee Merewether
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐it took me some time to get into the story and the start was a little disorienting but I became more engaged throughout and the ending packs a good emotional punch"
86.0% "Child of Destruction, by Astrid V.J
Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐ I appreciated the horror the event that would lead to the MC becoming a child soldier, though I would have liked to see how that actually happened. Though I missed a bit of a punch at the end, and could tell that this wasn't really a standalone story (part of a bigger set of stories in this world) I appreciated the inner conflict throughout."
93.0% "Through the eyes of a child, by Pamela Floyd
Literary fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐Sadness, loss and pain. All the feels in this story of the aftermath of a little girl's survival in the Russian-Ukranian war"
99.0% "The Borrowed Life, by Elena Shelest
Historical fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐Wonderful; I loved the historical Ukranian vibes, the world, together with a bit of the fantastical sprinkled in. And Elena stories always carry a deeper message that strikes at the heart"
August 20, 2022
Children of War is a multi-genre short story anthology and the proceeds provide financial support for Voices of Children, Ukraine, an organization that provides trauma therapy to children in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
I really enjoyed the multi-genre nature of the anthology as I believe everyone will find at least one story that resonates with them. All the stories had a distinctive voice. You can tell each author was passionate about an aspect of trauma caused by war, and it came alive in their stories.
A very special anthology for a great cause and charity.
I really enjoyed the multi-genre nature of the anthology as I believe everyone will find at least one story that resonates with them. All the stories had a distinctive voice. You can tell each author was passionate about an aspect of trauma caused by war, and it came alive in their stories.
A very special anthology for a great cause and charity.
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