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Enchanted Forests: A Magical Collection of Short Stories
If you go down to the woods today…
You’d better not go alone…
Discover the secret world between the trees where fairies, unicorns and even monsters dwell. Take a stroll through enchanted woods and dance with pixies and dryads by the light of the stars. Escape Baba Yaga and fall in love with a prince in disguise. Taste the fruit at the goblin market and be whisked away on a magical adventure.
Among ancient trees, find beauty, danger and adventure in these enchanting short stories by award-winning, best-selling, and up-and-coming fantasy authors.
You’d better not go alone…
Discover the secret world between the trees where fairies, unicorns and even monsters dwell. Take a stroll through enchanted woods and dance with pixies and dryads by the light of the stars. Escape Baba Yaga and fall in love with a prince in disguise. Taste the fruit at the goblin market and be whisked away on a magical adventure.
Among ancient trees, find beauty, danger and adventure in these enchanting short stories by award-winning, best-selling, and up-and-coming fantasy authors.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2022
36 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
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June 27, 2022
Enchanted Forests is a collection of ten short fantasy stories about magical forests and the creatures living in them. All proceeds go to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation.
I was part of the review street team to support Enchanted Forests, thanking all authors for the opportunity.
ebook release - 1 July 2022
paperback - now available
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Opening Line -
I chewed on the dried, salted meat until my jaw ached, waiting for it to soften enough to swallow.
.
Andie & Fi, who are dwarves who work in a mine decide to make their way to the Red Forest, do they get there and why the frog?
My Thoughts
What a lovely story! I was completely enthralled by it. What had me was the frog! He was hilarious, my type of frog, he was yellow with brown speckles and looked like a mouldy leaf, could talk and spoke his mind, I certainly wouldn't want to be trapped in a stinky pocket either.
.
Rating - 5 stars.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Opening Line -
The palace had a garden. The garden had a pond. The pond had a tortoise. The tortoise had a new friend.
.
We meet a boy who wants to escapes from a world he doesn't feel comfortable in so he confines in a tortoise which he makes friends with, who understands him for who he is, no judgement, no stress. They have a whale of a time together making up games until one day the tortoise must go and so "the boy" tags along, so they encounter something quite wicked, will they both survive?
.
My Thoughts
I absolutely enjoyed without a doubt this short story that had so many hidden meanings!! I loved the camaraderie between the boy and tortoise especially the games of climbing up trees to find all sorts of fruit. I certainly would love to climb the Tree of Wisdom myself it was described as a very mythical enchanting tree and to experience the taste of peredexion fruit had my mouth watering!
.
Rating - 5 stars
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
We have Estheryn who seemed to be born a Warrior, or was rather destined to be one. She started off happily enough out in the forest with special birds flittering around and she raced through wild grasses with bare feet .... but with witnessing the killing of her father and her mother being kidnapped she felt a certain urge to defend what was hers. Will she be defeated? Will she die in the hands of the nasty Prince of Persianna?
.
My Thoughts
Oh my goodness! Katniss!!! Katniss!! Hello?? because Estheryn is very much your twin! Definitely hints of The Hunger Games floated through the air with this short story. We go through the forest with which is sometimes not our friend. With trees that are gnarly and trapping men on horses with their branches. Discovering Persianna was a trap readers!! Never fall for the pretty-pretties and bronze bracelets as they smell of thievery and wealth.
.
A Quote from the book that was very much what this book represented
"She was as silent as the soil, as still as the rocks, and as watchful as the forest trees—just like her father had taught her."
.
Easily a 5 star review-rating from me.
.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
Pingguo, Lin and Min go searching to a place they have heard of but never seen because their land is scarce for food and they heard this other place has plentiful seeds there, however, like real life, it's not easy to get to the place they are seeking. Do they find what they are after? And which Dragon wins the fight? And where does the Phoenix come into it? (I promise you it's not a red herring).
My Thoughts
I absolutely enjoyed this short story about three kids who decide to go on an adventure mainly due to very little food on the land. What about the adults, I hear you say? Well I'm leaving that part out for you to discover, however I will say the dragon fight was spectacular and wow, the Phoenix quite impressive
.
Rating this a hot fiery 5 stars
.
.
To Snare A Prince by Sky Sommers
A short story about Greta that accidentally not on purpose becomes a vet of the Forest.
I was so for Greta becoming the vet of the Forest, good for her and I loved how Hans helped by coming up with an idea of some sort of communication sign that all animals could understand, now that was just a brilliant idea. However there is one particular thing lurking in the forest, a dragon with six heads, was he going to steal the show? They seemed to talk alot of gibberish especially when it ate someone. Does this dragon ever quieten down?
My Thoughts
This was brilliantly written! And how I love animals so much so, that the author got me there and then, extra kudos for that!
I loved the tablecloth that provides endless cups of teas, come to my place please!
Here is an excerpt I really enjoyed
"There was a moose, standing on the top stair with birds flying around its head, foxes peeking between its legs, rabbits trying to squeeze between hedgehogs and the foxes while trying to tell off the blind bear behind them."
and with that I'm going to have to give a rating of 5+ star rating.
.
.
.
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale
Calypso doesn't want to be Queen, she wanted to play in the dirt and be a gardener, yet she will be Queen one day, like it or not. Sometimes the greatest wishes could not be fulfilled. A woman gives her a golden pear, its magic she's been told, gives the hearts desire. With being in a jolly mood she had forgotten what the woman said and ate the pear. Catastrophes happen in a shape of a unicorn, how could this be? You wait and see.
My Thoughts
Gosh this is an extremely well thought out story with a hidden message that I will let the reader discover by themselves. Very appreciative that anyone can make a story out of fantasy that has to make sense, one will understand when one reads this one.
A well earned 5 rainbow glittering stars rating/review from me.
.
.
.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White
Opening line
"Mercury Dawn Walker stepped out of the green mist that floated around her body. She was perfecting the art of walking from dimension to dimension."
My Thoughts
As the title suggests, Mercury Dawn Walker with her green mist goes into another dimension to discover a Sasquatch. This isn't your ordinary Sasquatch, this is a cute baby one, covered in cute hair like a monkey and learns how to communicate by sign language.
This short story was totally different from the other stories I've read so far, no unicorns, fae, fairies, centaurs or griffins here, this had more of a realistic approach and alot of trees. This was quite a facinating story which I guess if there was such a thing as a Sasquatch, a realistic approach of sign language is plausible.
5 star review/rating
.
.
.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
This story is set in the 17th century, Ukrainian history, folklore.
There is love in the air, and it started with stealing a kiss, now we must read how Miray and Savko come together in what I call a start of a romance of something. Although Miray had fears she wanted to overcome, she is quite stubborn and I particularly loved the scene where she was ordered up a tree by Savko, because of the danger of wild wolves, however a little surprise was heading Savkos way. Wolves lead them to the flower of the fern where all things is promised from this exotic flower, however temptation is near for both Miray and Savko. What will happen next.
Out of all the short stories so far, this is the longest, and is more of a romantic vibe with a witchy feel. It definitely had me intrigued on where this story was going. Horses featured alot, along with wolves. I was so impressed with the authors writing that I joined her newsletter.
.
Definately an exotic flower boost of 5 stars.
.
.
.
Willow Daughter by Astrid. VJ
This was about an old man telling a story to a child, what child, I do not know, but I have a feeling, that this short story will be a continuation to a book 2 perhaps, just the way it ended. Anyway this story was about himself when he was much younger when his back was strong, his mind weak. Curiosity got the better of him and wandered into the forest, where there were gnarled trees and things creaked and whispered, but this day he was lured by a maiden singing, however this maiden had some very interesting powers. Well naturally the man did come out alive, but how? And what did he discover?
I absolutely enjoyed this short story and I was fascinated in what was to become of the man once the maiden was no more. I particularly liked, enjoyed, laughed even, about the dogs belching coins! I could do with an endless supply of coins. I do hope we get to hear more of this child who has to get "something" from the tree trunk.
.
Giving this story a coin chinking 5 stars.
.
.
.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
It all started out when Pip wanted to be a pianist that was highly successful with loads of money. He was taken down a peg or two when he was delivered an envelope saying his application to musical school, had been denied. One day as he was walking through Hartwood, a small village, he meet a strange little man, that had a colourful caravan, this strange little man tricked him with a contract that would promise him fame and fortune, but, it will cost him dearly when his time is up at the Spring Equinox, now Pip is left wondering what fate awaits him.
Oh this is extremely well written and if you are into music (Mozart, Chopin, etc) then you are bound to love this one. We dip into the Forest, which I'm hoping is inspired by Sherwood Forest where the author lives nearby. Wouldn't it be great to live near Sherwood Forest? 😍 I've heard so much about this place. I loved this story so much that I'm looking further more into other books this author writes.
.
Giving this a melody of 5 stars.
I was part of the review street team to support Enchanted Forests, thanking all authors for the opportunity.
ebook release - 1 July 2022
paperback - now available
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Opening Line -
I chewed on the dried, salted meat until my jaw ached, waiting for it to soften enough to swallow.
.
Andie & Fi, who are dwarves who work in a mine decide to make their way to the Red Forest, do they get there and why the frog?
My Thoughts
What a lovely story! I was completely enthralled by it. What had me was the frog! He was hilarious, my type of frog, he was yellow with brown speckles and looked like a mouldy leaf, could talk and spoke his mind, I certainly wouldn't want to be trapped in a stinky pocket either.
.
Rating - 5 stars.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Opening Line -
The palace had a garden. The garden had a pond. The pond had a tortoise. The tortoise had a new friend.
.
We meet a boy who wants to escapes from a world he doesn't feel comfortable in so he confines in a tortoise which he makes friends with, who understands him for who he is, no judgement, no stress. They have a whale of a time together making up games until one day the tortoise must go and so "the boy" tags along, so they encounter something quite wicked, will they both survive?
.
My Thoughts
I absolutely enjoyed without a doubt this short story that had so many hidden meanings!! I loved the camaraderie between the boy and tortoise especially the games of climbing up trees to find all sorts of fruit. I certainly would love to climb the Tree of Wisdom myself it was described as a very mythical enchanting tree and to experience the taste of peredexion fruit had my mouth watering!
.
Rating - 5 stars
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
We have Estheryn who seemed to be born a Warrior, or was rather destined to be one. She started off happily enough out in the forest with special birds flittering around and she raced through wild grasses with bare feet .... but with witnessing the killing of her father and her mother being kidnapped she felt a certain urge to defend what was hers. Will she be defeated? Will she die in the hands of the nasty Prince of Persianna?
.
My Thoughts
Oh my goodness! Katniss!!! Katniss!! Hello?? because Estheryn is very much your twin! Definitely hints of The Hunger Games floated through the air with this short story. We go through the forest with which is sometimes not our friend. With trees that are gnarly and trapping men on horses with their branches. Discovering Persianna was a trap readers!! Never fall for the pretty-pretties and bronze bracelets as they smell of thievery and wealth.
.
A Quote from the book that was very much what this book represented
"She was as silent as the soil, as still as the rocks, and as watchful as the forest trees—just like her father had taught her."
.
Easily a 5 star review-rating from me.
.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
Pingguo, Lin and Min go searching to a place they have heard of but never seen because their land is scarce for food and they heard this other place has plentiful seeds there, however, like real life, it's not easy to get to the place they are seeking. Do they find what they are after? And which Dragon wins the fight? And where does the Phoenix come into it? (I promise you it's not a red herring).
My Thoughts
I absolutely enjoyed this short story about three kids who decide to go on an adventure mainly due to very little food on the land. What about the adults, I hear you say? Well I'm leaving that part out for you to discover, however I will say the dragon fight was spectacular and wow, the Phoenix quite impressive
.
Rating this a hot fiery 5 stars
.
.
To Snare A Prince by Sky Sommers
A short story about Greta that accidentally not on purpose becomes a vet of the Forest.
I was so for Greta becoming the vet of the Forest, good for her and I loved how Hans helped by coming up with an idea of some sort of communication sign that all animals could understand, now that was just a brilliant idea. However there is one particular thing lurking in the forest, a dragon with six heads, was he going to steal the show? They seemed to talk alot of gibberish especially when it ate someone. Does this dragon ever quieten down?
My Thoughts
This was brilliantly written! And how I love animals so much so, that the author got me there and then, extra kudos for that!
I loved the tablecloth that provides endless cups of teas, come to my place please!
Here is an excerpt I really enjoyed
"There was a moose, standing on the top stair with birds flying around its head, foxes peeking between its legs, rabbits trying to squeeze between hedgehogs and the foxes while trying to tell off the blind bear behind them."
and with that I'm going to have to give a rating of 5+ star rating.
.
.
.
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale
Calypso doesn't want to be Queen, she wanted to play in the dirt and be a gardener, yet she will be Queen one day, like it or not. Sometimes the greatest wishes could not be fulfilled. A woman gives her a golden pear, its magic she's been told, gives the hearts desire. With being in a jolly mood she had forgotten what the woman said and ate the pear. Catastrophes happen in a shape of a unicorn, how could this be? You wait and see.
My Thoughts
Gosh this is an extremely well thought out story with a hidden message that I will let the reader discover by themselves. Very appreciative that anyone can make a story out of fantasy that has to make sense, one will understand when one reads this one.
A well earned 5 rainbow glittering stars rating/review from me.
.
.
.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White
Opening line
"Mercury Dawn Walker stepped out of the green mist that floated around her body. She was perfecting the art of walking from dimension to dimension."
My Thoughts
As the title suggests, Mercury Dawn Walker with her green mist goes into another dimension to discover a Sasquatch. This isn't your ordinary Sasquatch, this is a cute baby one, covered in cute hair like a monkey and learns how to communicate by sign language.
This short story was totally different from the other stories I've read so far, no unicorns, fae, fairies, centaurs or griffins here, this had more of a realistic approach and alot of trees. This was quite a facinating story which I guess if there was such a thing as a Sasquatch, a realistic approach of sign language is plausible.
5 star review/rating
.
.
.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
This story is set in the 17th century, Ukrainian history, folklore.
There is love in the air, and it started with stealing a kiss, now we must read how Miray and Savko come together in what I call a start of a romance of something. Although Miray had fears she wanted to overcome, she is quite stubborn and I particularly loved the scene where she was ordered up a tree by Savko, because of the danger of wild wolves, however a little surprise was heading Savkos way. Wolves lead them to the flower of the fern where all things is promised from this exotic flower, however temptation is near for both Miray and Savko. What will happen next.
Out of all the short stories so far, this is the longest, and is more of a romantic vibe with a witchy feel. It definitely had me intrigued on where this story was going. Horses featured alot, along with wolves. I was so impressed with the authors writing that I joined her newsletter.
.
Definately an exotic flower boost of 5 stars.
.
.
.
Willow Daughter by Astrid. VJ
This was about an old man telling a story to a child, what child, I do not know, but I have a feeling, that this short story will be a continuation to a book 2 perhaps, just the way it ended. Anyway this story was about himself when he was much younger when his back was strong, his mind weak. Curiosity got the better of him and wandered into the forest, where there were gnarled trees and things creaked and whispered, but this day he was lured by a maiden singing, however this maiden had some very interesting powers. Well naturally the man did come out alive, but how? And what did he discover?
I absolutely enjoyed this short story and I was fascinated in what was to become of the man once the maiden was no more. I particularly liked, enjoyed, laughed even, about the dogs belching coins! I could do with an endless supply of coins. I do hope we get to hear more of this child who has to get "something" from the tree trunk.
.
Giving this story a coin chinking 5 stars.
.
.
.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
It all started out when Pip wanted to be a pianist that was highly successful with loads of money. He was taken down a peg or two when he was delivered an envelope saying his application to musical school, had been denied. One day as he was walking through Hartwood, a small village, he meet a strange little man, that had a colourful caravan, this strange little man tricked him with a contract that would promise him fame and fortune, but, it will cost him dearly when his time is up at the Spring Equinox, now Pip is left wondering what fate awaits him.
Oh this is extremely well written and if you are into music (Mozart, Chopin, etc) then you are bound to love this one. We dip into the Forest, which I'm hoping is inspired by Sherwood Forest where the author lives nearby. Wouldn't it be great to live near Sherwood Forest? 😍 I've heard so much about this place. I loved this story so much that I'm looking further more into other books this author writes.
.
Giving this a melody of 5 stars.
July 9, 2022
This charity anthology consists of 10 fantasy stories from authors around the world. All the royalties from the book will be donated to Rainforest Foundation.
The cover is very eye-catching. The book is beautifully illustrated. The stories are full of dragons, dwarfs and fae, amongst others. I am amazed with how each story is centred around a forest, and fit so well with the theme of the connection of humans to the forests, ultimately explaining why we need to save the latter. The stories are a mix of magic and mythology, fairytales and retellings. In addition to focusing on the importance of forests, they also highlight other topics.
My favourites are Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J. and Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya. Very well written. The writing style of all the authors is different and I loved every story for its uniqueness. I am hoping to read these stories to my twins for bedtime. They are six so I will have to modify the stories a bit but they are definitely listening to these in the coming nights.
I enjoyed this anthology. Don't forget to get yourself a copy and support this wonderful initiative.
The cover is very eye-catching. The book is beautifully illustrated. The stories are full of dragons, dwarfs and fae, amongst others. I am amazed with how each story is centred around a forest, and fit so well with the theme of the connection of humans to the forests, ultimately explaining why we need to save the latter. The stories are a mix of magic and mythology, fairytales and retellings. In addition to focusing on the importance of forests, they also highlight other topics.
My favourites are Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J. and Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya. Very well written. The writing style of all the authors is different and I loved every story for its uniqueness. I am hoping to read these stories to my twins for bedtime. They are six so I will have to modify the stories a bit but they are definitely listening to these in the coming nights.
I enjoyed this anthology. Don't forget to get yourself a copy and support this wonderful initiative.
July 4, 2022
Completed
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Sky is back with her wit and twisted humor. This is a cute little interlude with her spin on Hansel and Gretel years after what would have been their encounter with the hag in the forest. This story doesn't quite stand alone (thus the reduction of 1*. I like my short stories to be complete tales not relying on other stories). You almost need to read some of her other twisted fairy tales to understand some of the banter in this one. However, if you've read Sky's other twisted fairy tales, you'll get both her style and humor. I did, and I laughed out loud multiple times.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Oh the banter in this story between dwarves and fae. Cute kiss the frog story. I have a couple of quotes to point out on this one...
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Long
This one upset me. I won't say why, but it made it hard to finish. Also, I struggled with point of view in this story. I'm only occasionally a fan of the Omniscient narrator, and I truly question the use of it in this particular story.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf ⭐⭐⭐💫/5
This one didn't feel complete to me. It has potential, but needs a stronger arc to stand as a short story.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Loved the classic Asian fantasy. Very easy reading, MG to YA fantasy
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
I adore this lady's heroines! They are always so well thought out!
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Sucked me right in with the Indiana Jones/Laura Croft meets Bigfoot vibe.
The Fern Flower Elena Shelest⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Elena's writing and sweet way of conveying Slavic myths is so, so sweet.
The Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Very interesting and kind of twisty story. My only quibble was at one point, I lost who the MC of the story was. He seemed to fade into the background of all the action.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I've seen this one described as Portal Fantasy meets The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I'm not quite sure I agree. There is definitely a deal in this one, but I had more of a Poe-esque feeling while reading it. I couldn't put my finger on which of Poe's poems or stories, but it was definitely there. This one was my fave of the bunch. A nice way to wrap up a fun series for another fabulous cause!
I'm sticking with my initial review rating of ⭐⭐⭐⭐ as an average after completion.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Sky is back with her wit and twisted humor. This is a cute little interlude with her spin on Hansel and Gretel years after what would have been their encounter with the hag in the forest. This story doesn't quite stand alone (thus the reduction of 1*. I like my short stories to be complete tales not relying on other stories). You almost need to read some of her other twisted fairy tales to understand some of the banter in this one. However, if you've read Sky's other twisted fairy tales, you'll get both her style and humor. I did, and I laughed out loud multiple times.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Oh the banter in this story between dwarves and fae. Cute kiss the frog story. I have a couple of quotes to point out on this one...
"The humans loved the fae, despite their disdain and their trickery. I agreed with Fi: The humans were absolute idiots."
"Fae liked it when you begged, and they liked bargains more.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Long
This one upset me. I won't say why, but it made it hard to finish. Also, I struggled with point of view in this story. I'm only occasionally a fan of the Omniscient narrator, and I truly question the use of it in this particular story.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf ⭐⭐⭐💫/5
This one didn't feel complete to me. It has potential, but needs a stronger arc to stand as a short story.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Loved the classic Asian fantasy. Very easy reading, MG to YA fantasy
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
I adore this lady's heroines! They are always so well thought out!
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Sucked me right in with the Indiana Jones/Laura Croft meets Bigfoot vibe.
The Fern Flower Elena Shelest⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Elena's writing and sweet way of conveying Slavic myths is so, so sweet.
The Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
Very interesting and kind of twisty story. My only quibble was at one point, I lost who the MC of the story was. He seemed to fade into the background of all the action.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I've seen this one described as Portal Fantasy meets The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I'm not quite sure I agree. There is definitely a deal in this one, but I had more of a Poe-esque feeling while reading it. I couldn't put my finger on which of Poe's poems or stories, but it was definitely there. This one was my fave of the bunch. A nice way to wrap up a fun series for another fabulous cause!
I'm sticking with my initial review rating of ⭐⭐⭐⭐ as an average after completion.
March 10, 2022
Wow! This collection is simply breathtaking! I honestly don't know which story I love best! They are so different and all so very good!
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers is filled with this author's snark and unexpected twists. Loved getting a bit more of Greta and the racoon is simply the best animal sidekick ever!
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf has all that tension we've come to love in the SACAF series, but this is all new and delightfully different from the world of Winter.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest has that truly dreamy quality this author is so good at, but it's also so deep and the message about beauty and sacrifice and love is simply perfect.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang is another exquisite example of this author's love of unexpected monsters and it has the most amazing twist ever! I totally didn't see that coming.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White was unexpected. This is a new author to me and she's definitely got some fantastic ideas. I can't wait to read the final version of this story.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall was as tense as ever and again, what a twist! The ending was spectacular! Additionally, it's about a musician in the 19th century, which just hit the spot for me on a personal level.
Pingguo and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross is a fun read and I absolutely adore the dystopian setting, so different from the other stories in this collection. I also loved the hint about something that's going to happen in the future of Cross's series set in this same world. Since I love those books, this was an added bonus for this short story.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Alice never disappoints and this amazing dwarfish forest adventure is no exception. Absolutely loved it! And that twist!!! (I'm going to have to zip it now or I'll reveal too much).
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale is another wonderful fairytale-style short by this author. Loved the messages in the story and Calypso makes for a fun princess muddling her way through life. The world building was interesting too.
Willow Daughter is my origin story for the tinderbox (from the Andersen fairytale of the same name). It blends Celtic and Central American mythology together with inspiration from Erutan's "Willow Maid" (of which this short story could count as a retelling) and the ideas expressed in Damh the Bard's "Green and Grey"
And that's the lot. This anthology is soooooooo good. The diversity of styles and settings is incredible!
And don't get me started on the illustrations! Elena Shelest is a real wizard and has captured the essence of each story visually despite the variety of each story style. I want a colouring book with these illustrations!!! So beautiful 🤩
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers is filled with this author's snark and unexpected twists. Loved getting a bit more of Greta and the racoon is simply the best animal sidekick ever!
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf has all that tension we've come to love in the SACAF series, but this is all new and delightfully different from the world of Winter.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest has that truly dreamy quality this author is so good at, but it's also so deep and the message about beauty and sacrifice and love is simply perfect.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang is another exquisite example of this author's love of unexpected monsters and it has the most amazing twist ever! I totally didn't see that coming.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White was unexpected. This is a new author to me and she's definitely got some fantastic ideas. I can't wait to read the final version of this story.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall was as tense as ever and again, what a twist! The ending was spectacular! Additionally, it's about a musician in the 19th century, which just hit the spot for me on a personal level.
Pingguo and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross is a fun read and I absolutely adore the dystopian setting, so different from the other stories in this collection. I also loved the hint about something that's going to happen in the future of Cross's series set in this same world. Since I love those books, this was an added bonus for this short story.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Alice never disappoints and this amazing dwarfish forest adventure is no exception. Absolutely loved it! And that twist!!! (I'm going to have to zip it now or I'll reveal too much).
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale is another wonderful fairytale-style short by this author. Loved the messages in the story and Calypso makes for a fun princess muddling her way through life. The world building was interesting too.
Willow Daughter is my origin story for the tinderbox (from the Andersen fairytale of the same name). It blends Celtic and Central American mythology together with inspiration from Erutan's "Willow Maid" (of which this short story could count as a retelling) and the ideas expressed in Damh the Bard's "Green and Grey"
And that's the lot. This anthology is soooooooo good. The diversity of styles and settings is incredible!
And don't get me started on the illustrations! Elena Shelest is a real wizard and has captured the essence of each story visually despite the variety of each story style. I want a colouring book with these illustrations!!! So beautiful 🤩
July 10, 2022
A truly amazing collection of stories by talented authors. All of them are so different, unique, and beautifully written. Each one takes you on a journey. And I loved that every story revolves around a forest. Quoting one of the characters, “I could almost smell green.”
I highly recommend this collection to everyone who enjoys reading fantasy. It’s also a great way to find new authors and see their writing style - my TBR will definitely be growing after reading this book. Some stories impressed me so much I can’t wait to read more by these authors!
I highly recommend this collection to everyone who enjoys reading fantasy. It’s also a great way to find new authors and see their writing style - my TBR will definitely be growing after reading this book. Some stories impressed me so much I can’t wait to read more by these authors!
June 21, 2022
This book is magic. I’ve beta read several of the short stories in this collection and they are just to die for. With beautiful illustrations every few pages, this book is brimming with charm. Love, love, love!
June 26, 2022
*My thanks to the authors for the eARC*
Enchanted Forest is a collection of ten stories featuring mythical creatures and magical forests. It also includes tropes like plot twists, humor, and romance. It was my first time reading an anthology and I enjoyed every second of it! It was a good change of pace between big series, and it broke me out from a reading slump. While some stories I loved more than the others, there weren’t any I didn’t like. Every story was well written, with enjoyable plots and dynamic characters. Plus, I found several new authors from whom I’m interested in reading more!
On a side note, all profits from Enchanted Forest will be donated to help protect the rainforest. With such great stories and great initiative, I would recommend this book to everyone who loves nature and fairytales!
Enchanted Forest is a collection of ten stories featuring mythical creatures and magical forests. It also includes tropes like plot twists, humor, and romance. It was my first time reading an anthology and I enjoyed every second of it! It was a good change of pace between big series, and it broke me out from a reading slump. While some stories I loved more than the others, there weren’t any I didn’t like. Every story was well written, with enjoyable plots and dynamic characters. Plus, I found several new authors from whom I’m interested in reading more!
On a side note, all profits from Enchanted Forest will be donated to help protect the rainforest. With such great stories and great initiative, I would recommend this book to everyone who loves nature and fairytales!
July 3, 2022
All profits from this anthology will be donated to Rainforest Foundation who support indigenous and traditional peoples of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.
Gems of Fae and Foolery - Alice Ivinya:
I've read this author before (and will again). This story started out with such an original twist that I didn't recognize which retelling it was until the end. I even had to go back a couple of paragraphs to make sure I got it!
Feather Green - Jennifer Kropf
A non-Jewish twist on Megillat Ester (the Purim story).
Fave quotes:
‘She needed real prey. She needed the forest.’ and ‘Sometimes it’s all right to forget the dangers and study the good things instead.’
To Snare a Prince - Sky Sommers
Hansel and Gretel afterwards – with adult responsibilities
The Fern Flower - Elena Shelest:
'This story is set in the 17th century, during the time when Ukraine was still dealing with frequent Crimean-Nogai slave raids. It is estimated that several million Slavs were taken to the Ottoman Empire as a result. Zaporizhska Sich was formed by the Cossacks to defend that area. The raid of Kefe (Caffa) was a real historical event that resulted in the freedom of thousands.
Now more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups call Ukraine their home, including many Turks and Tatars who migrated there over the years and stayed. The Ukrainian government formally recognized Crimean Tatars as indigenous people of that region in 2021 legislation. At this moment, Turkey, along with other countries, is helping Ukraine defend its freedom from the Russian invasion. It accepted thousands of refugees fleeing the war zones.'
Willow Daughter - Astrid V.J.
A great origin story of the relationship between humans and the forest, but a sad tale.
One Fair Eve - Lyndsey Hall
The Devil Went Down to Georgia meets Mozart
This is exactly what an old skool folk/fairy tale should be – a moral lesson. This one is about integrity, pride, greed…
Can't wait for 'Enchanted Flames'!
Gems of Fae and Foolery - Alice Ivinya:
I've read this author before (and will again). This story started out with such an original twist that I didn't recognize which retelling it was until the end. I even had to go back a couple of paragraphs to make sure I got it!
Feather Green - Jennifer Kropf
A non-Jewish twist on Megillat Ester (the Purim story).
Fave quotes:
‘She needed real prey. She needed the forest.’ and ‘Sometimes it’s all right to forget the dangers and study the good things instead.’
To Snare a Prince - Sky Sommers
Hansel and Gretel afterwards – with adult responsibilities
The Fern Flower - Elena Shelest:
'This story is set in the 17th century, during the time when Ukraine was still dealing with frequent Crimean-Nogai slave raids. It is estimated that several million Slavs were taken to the Ottoman Empire as a result. Zaporizhska Sich was formed by the Cossacks to defend that area. The raid of Kefe (Caffa) was a real historical event that resulted in the freedom of thousands.
Now more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups call Ukraine their home, including many Turks and Tatars who migrated there over the years and stayed. The Ukrainian government formally recognized Crimean Tatars as indigenous people of that region in 2021 legislation. At this moment, Turkey, along with other countries, is helping Ukraine defend its freedom from the Russian invasion. It accepted thousands of refugees fleeing the war zones.'
Willow Daughter - Astrid V.J.
A great origin story of the relationship between humans and the forest, but a sad tale.
One Fair Eve - Lyndsey Hall
The Devil Went Down to Georgia meets Mozart
This is exactly what an old skool folk/fairy tale should be – a moral lesson. This one is about integrity, pride, greed…
Can't wait for 'Enchanted Flames'!
June 18, 2022
The 1st rule of Anthology Club is, your story must take place in a forest…and that’s it! From there, a roster of rising fantasy authors go to bat with their own spin on what happens when you venture off into the woods.
“Enchanted Forests” delivers imagination and wit in a variety of voices. Odds are not every writer’s style will be to the taste of every reader. But this collection does a particularly excellent job of arranging the lineup, making it a fresh and active read.
We meet dwarves, royalty, one un-kissable frog and a talking raccoon who - I swear - became like Moses to his people.
It’s a nostalgic, bucolic way for a reader to experience new authors in one crack; but as charming as the stories may be, the illustrations by Elena Shelest just about stole the show.
Digital copy received in advance of release. Book proceeds support the Rainforest Foundation.
“Enchanted Forests” delivers imagination and wit in a variety of voices. Odds are not every writer’s style will be to the taste of every reader. But this collection does a particularly excellent job of arranging the lineup, making it a fresh and active read.
We meet dwarves, royalty, one un-kissable frog and a talking raccoon who - I swear - became like Moses to his people.
It’s a nostalgic, bucolic way for a reader to experience new authors in one crack; but as charming as the stories may be, the illustrations by Elena Shelest just about stole the show.
Digital copy received in advance of release. Book proceeds support the Rainforest Foundation.
July 6, 2022
Once upon a time, there was this group of brilliant authors who all came together to create an anthology to support the Rainforest Foundation. Oh what magic they have created!
Enchanted Forests is a collection of ten short fantasy stories about magical forests and the creatures that lived in them. Such a marvelous collection and I promise you, there will be story for every fantasy and fairytale reader's taste buds.
Choosing our favorite one has been an impossible task. So we will share our top 2 with you.
Willow's Daughter is written by our very own South African author, Astrid V.J. Just wow! This magical retelling from Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Tinderbox is written with an emotional intelligence of the hidden treasures in nature that humans just cannot and appear never to will understand. It's a perfect blend between Celtic Mythology and an age-old fairytale.
The tale is being told by an old man recalling his experience with a few magical forest creatures and the day his curiosity got the better of him. Let's hope that he told his tale far and wide and that humans might think about the tale a bit while wandering through our magical forests.
"The people of Ember are nothing when compared to the destructive power of humans. They think of naught but themselves, and you have overlooked the true danger to your forest, oh Ancient One."
Sky Summers entertained us thoroughly with her fairytale, To Snare a Prince, that I think will be such a fun story to read aloud.
Greta, the all grown Gretel from the well-known fairytale Hanzel and Gretel, reluctantly becomes the local forest vet. It's not as if she doesn't already have a job and hardly have any time to ponder on her childhood trauma. Greta and her cat-like aka racoon side-kick, are the best you can get that side of the forest. Ailing animals come from any direction the wind blows them in.
With some help and brotherly protection from Hans, everything is fiddlesticks in the forest. That is until a six headed (and they all appear to be rather talkative) dragon with indigestion lands on Greta's patient list. What follows is a laugh out loud encounter with a dragon, an elf, a cloud and a prince.
If fun, quirky, lesson-filled fairytales and folklore are your bedtime entertainment, look no further than this collection. Sales are for a worthy cause as well as all proceeds will go to the Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation.
Full review available @ Elza Reads
Enchanted Forests is a collection of ten short fantasy stories about magical forests and the creatures that lived in them. Such a marvelous collection and I promise you, there will be story for every fantasy and fairytale reader's taste buds.
Choosing our favorite one has been an impossible task. So we will share our top 2 with you.
Willow's Daughter is written by our very own South African author, Astrid V.J. Just wow! This magical retelling from Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Tinderbox is written with an emotional intelligence of the hidden treasures in nature that humans just cannot and appear never to will understand. It's a perfect blend between Celtic Mythology and an age-old fairytale.
The tale is being told by an old man recalling his experience with a few magical forest creatures and the day his curiosity got the better of him. Let's hope that he told his tale far and wide and that humans might think about the tale a bit while wandering through our magical forests.
"The people of Ember are nothing when compared to the destructive power of humans. They think of naught but themselves, and you have overlooked the true danger to your forest, oh Ancient One."
Sky Summers entertained us thoroughly with her fairytale, To Snare a Prince, that I think will be such a fun story to read aloud.
Greta, the all grown Gretel from the well-known fairytale Hanzel and Gretel, reluctantly becomes the local forest vet. It's not as if she doesn't already have a job and hardly have any time to ponder on her childhood trauma. Greta and her cat-like aka racoon side-kick, are the best you can get that side of the forest. Ailing animals come from any direction the wind blows them in.
With some help and brotherly protection from Hans, everything is fiddlesticks in the forest. That is until a six headed (and they all appear to be rather talkative) dragon with indigestion lands on Greta's patient list. What follows is a laugh out loud encounter with a dragon, an elf, a cloud and a prince.
If fun, quirky, lesson-filled fairytales and folklore are your bedtime entertainment, look no further than this collection. Sales are for a worthy cause as well as all proceeds will go to the Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation.
Full review available @ Elza Reads
July 1, 2022
Enchanted Forests is wonderful anthology of ten short stories set in or revolve around forests and the mythical creatures that call them home.
There were soo many incredible (and action packed) tales to choose from; with lucky tortoises, freedom seeking dwarfs, unicorns who used to be queens, with visitations from Baba Yaga to phoenixes and dragons, as well as a rather inventive reimagining of Hansel and Gretel that I really enjoyed.
Full of endearingly quirky characters, plot twists, humour, romance and plenty of mythology to sink your teeth into—you’re bound to find something to satisfy your fantasy, dystopian or fae fiction itch, especially with the sheer diversity in styles and woodsy settings.
And what’s even better, it’s all for a good cause as all proceeds go the Rainforest Foundation to support their work on rainsforest conversation.
And a huge thank you to the authors for the advanced readers copy
There were soo many incredible (and action packed) tales to choose from; with lucky tortoises, freedom seeking dwarfs, unicorns who used to be queens, with visitations from Baba Yaga to phoenixes and dragons, as well as a rather inventive reimagining of Hansel and Gretel that I really enjoyed.
Full of endearingly quirky characters, plot twists, humour, romance and plenty of mythology to sink your teeth into—you’re bound to find something to satisfy your fantasy, dystopian or fae fiction itch, especially with the sheer diversity in styles and woodsy settings.
And what’s even better, it’s all for a good cause as all proceeds go the Rainforest Foundation to support their work on rainsforest conversation.
And a huge thank you to the authors for the advanced readers copy
June 17, 2022
This is an illustrated charity anthology in aid of the Rainforest Foundation. (With charity anthologies authors get 0$ in royalties, maybe a bit of recognition, but all proceeds are donated.) You get 10 very different tales, some maudlin-philosophical, some fairytale retellings, some brand new fantasies and one dystopian tale. Most stories are standalones. There are some USA Today & Amazon bestselling authors as well as some noob indies in the mix. Recommended for lovers of YA fantasy who love discovering new indie authors.
My fave stories were:
5/5🌟 My favourite is probably the last story in the set - One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall - a story of a crooked fae bargain - careful what you wish for, you might just get it. Pip wishes to be a world reknowned pianist and, of course, makes a bargain without reading the fine print. What could go wrong?
5/5🌟 Ivinya’s Gems of Fae & Foolery - female dwarves Fi & Andie escape the mines & meet a fae peddler and …I really liked the way they got out of making that bargain. Made me laugh. The dedication of the set made much sense here & man, the length some would go to get that kiss - is all I’m saying. The story grips your heartstrings from the start, proceeds into comedy and the best of fairytale tradition (kisses) and ends with a twist - perfect!
5/5🌟 Apple & The Dead Forest by Xander Cross is a bit of a dystopian slash specultive fiction (dated 2156) morsel that grips you from the start with potential living conditions Earth population could be facing in the future - shortage of water, ground pollution, people living in slums & parents considering ridding themselves of their kids. Cross highlights not only the cause of the anthology but also the importance of dreams - when kids go in search of a mythological dragon in the mountains.
5/5🌟 The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest - an enchanting fairytale portraying Slavic Midsummer traditions that gripped my heart & never let go. If you like hot guy succumbing to the charms of a shunned girl over accidental drama, you’ll love Miray’s and Savko’s story.
5/5🌟 The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang - I always love Ben’s phosophical stories & this is no different, making you reconsider your view on the luck of being born royal and luck in general, considering what people are willing to do to secure auspicious outcomes. Heartwrenching loneliness seeps off the page, so a bit of a maudlin vibe. Although the tortoise is a real creature in the tale, it could as well be the boy prince’s imaginary friend.
5/5🌟 I loved Astrid V.J.’s prequel to the soldier & tinderbox story - remember the one about ferocious dogs sitting on top of riches? If you ever wondered how had the tinderbox ended up in a tree where the witch told the soldier to go and look - here’s your answer. An enchanting new fairytale with a Grimm feel to it. I liked that the story was kind of a treasure map - a grandfather was telling his granddaughter how and where to go get the tinderbox.
5/5🌟Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White - you’ll love this if you like a female Indiana Jones and portal fantasy.
My fave stories were:
5/5🌟 My favourite is probably the last story in the set - One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall - a story of a crooked fae bargain - careful what you wish for, you might just get it. Pip wishes to be a world reknowned pianist and, of course, makes a bargain without reading the fine print. What could go wrong?
5/5🌟 Ivinya’s Gems of Fae & Foolery - female dwarves Fi & Andie escape the mines & meet a fae peddler and …I really liked the way they got out of making that bargain. Made me laugh. The dedication of the set made much sense here & man, the length some would go to get that kiss - is all I’m saying. The story grips your heartstrings from the start, proceeds into comedy and the best of fairytale tradition (kisses) and ends with a twist - perfect!
5/5🌟 Apple & The Dead Forest by Xander Cross is a bit of a dystopian slash specultive fiction (dated 2156) morsel that grips you from the start with potential living conditions Earth population could be facing in the future - shortage of water, ground pollution, people living in slums & parents considering ridding themselves of their kids. Cross highlights not only the cause of the anthology but also the importance of dreams - when kids go in search of a mythological dragon in the mountains.
5/5🌟 The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest - an enchanting fairytale portraying Slavic Midsummer traditions that gripped my heart & never let go. If you like hot guy succumbing to the charms of a shunned girl over accidental drama, you’ll love Miray’s and Savko’s story.
5/5🌟 The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang - I always love Ben’s phosophical stories & this is no different, making you reconsider your view on the luck of being born royal and luck in general, considering what people are willing to do to secure auspicious outcomes. Heartwrenching loneliness seeps off the page, so a bit of a maudlin vibe. Although the tortoise is a real creature in the tale, it could as well be the boy prince’s imaginary friend.
5/5🌟 I loved Astrid V.J.’s prequel to the soldier & tinderbox story - remember the one about ferocious dogs sitting on top of riches? If you ever wondered how had the tinderbox ended up in a tree where the witch told the soldier to go and look - here’s your answer. An enchanting new fairytale with a Grimm feel to it. I liked that the story was kind of a treasure map - a grandfather was telling his granddaughter how and where to go get the tinderbox.
5/5🌟Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White - you’ll love this if you like a female Indiana Jones and portal fantasy.
June 19, 2022
All around good, clean fun! I loved the first anthology in this series, Enchanted Waters, so I was very happy to jump on the ARC train. I received an ARC copy of this book. And I’m so glad I did! Each story offers an original adventure with fresh characters or a new spin on familiar ones. Highly recommend this collection!
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Simply delightful! Andie and Fi are two dwarves on a mission to get to the Red Forest. Magic and trickery stand in their way, but it might just be what saves them, too. Great adventure fantasy.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Clever storytelling in a tale that unravels like a fable out of a different time and place. A brave boy, a trusty companion and a menacing monster. Adventure with a moral as the cherry on top.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
A story full of sensory details, a beautiful and mysterious setting, and a quirky and determined heroine.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
Such a rich tale weaving together themes of friendship, bravery, and environmentalism. The three young protagonists embark on a harrowing journey to save their people, and possibly the Earth from total ruin.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers
Fun, quirky story. Some twists and turns of your typical fairytale (and some not so typical). Plus, an adorable raccoon sidekick.
Blood of a Unicorn by NDT Casale
This one reminded me of a Disney Princess story (minus the romance). Rebellious teen royal turned hero by circumstances she, in part, brought on.
The Sasquatch Dimension by Donna White
Dimension traveling, adventure, and mystery. Fun and unique story with a bada** protagonist and lovable side characters.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
Beautifully written story with set in 17th Century Ukraine. I loved learning a little about the culture and history while reading this fun fantasy tale.
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.
This one read like a morality parable. I’m curious about what inspired this story. It was very interesting.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
Brilliant little tale! I loved the mystery and trickery. The villain ultimately redeems themself, and the protagonist is taken on an eye opening journey.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
Simply delightful! Andie and Fi are two dwarves on a mission to get to the Red Forest. Magic and trickery stand in their way, but it might just be what saves them, too. Great adventure fantasy.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Clever storytelling in a tale that unravels like a fable out of a different time and place. A brave boy, a trusty companion and a menacing monster. Adventure with a moral as the cherry on top.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
A story full of sensory details, a beautiful and mysterious setting, and a quirky and determined heroine.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
Such a rich tale weaving together themes of friendship, bravery, and environmentalism. The three young protagonists embark on a harrowing journey to save their people, and possibly the Earth from total ruin.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers
Fun, quirky story. Some twists and turns of your typical fairytale (and some not so typical). Plus, an adorable raccoon sidekick.
Blood of a Unicorn by NDT Casale
This one reminded me of a Disney Princess story (minus the romance). Rebellious teen royal turned hero by circumstances she, in part, brought on.
The Sasquatch Dimension by Donna White
Dimension traveling, adventure, and mystery. Fun and unique story with a bada** protagonist and lovable side characters.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
Beautifully written story with set in 17th Century Ukraine. I loved learning a little about the culture and history while reading this fun fantasy tale.
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.
This one read like a morality parable. I’m curious about what inspired this story. It was very interesting.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
Brilliant little tale! I loved the mystery and trickery. The villain ultimately redeems themself, and the protagonist is taken on an eye opening journey.
June 29, 2022
This is a great collection of stories with something for everyone. High fantasy, dystopian, interdimensional travel, and Victorian Era stories all come together for a great cause.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya: 5/5
Fun twist to The Frog Prince that could introduce a full length novel about the dwarves fighting for their freedom.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Long: 5/5
Thought-provoking story about the existence of luck, or lack thereof.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf: 4/5
I would have loved this story had the names been changed enough from the Biblical version of the characters that I wouldn't have felt like I'd been tricked into a Sunday School class. I also thought it was strange that Estheryn's father refused to teach her about the dangers of the forest. Optimism only gets you so far.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross: 4/5
Three teens set out to save their dystopian world before it's too late. Dystopian isn't one of my favorite genres out there but I would be interested in reading an expanded version of this.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers: 4/5
I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the story and was trying to catch up the entire time. I know most of Sky's stories are all connected and perhaps this would make more sense to readers who have already read Cinders (which is on my TBR, and I'll come back to this after to see if my perception changes).
*edit* TOTALLY makes more sense after reading some of Sky's other books. I'm the type that needs character backgrounds, so if you read it and are also confused try out one or two of her others, but be ready to want to read them all!
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale: 4/5
I loved Calypso's adventure and growth. I'd also be really interested in a story about the split of Ivoria.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White: 4/5
I'm not sure how the dimension-hopping works, and the gemstone magic addition near the end confused me even more, but this was an interesting and very different read for me.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest 5/5
Miray and Sarko are both wonderful characters. I love reading these beautiful stories Shelest writes about Ukraine. They have such sweet, innocent romance and are bursting with hope. And what was that about this being a part one? Is there going to be a part two? Sign me up!
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.: 4/5
A different way to tell a story, but it made it even more interesting. I'm curious to see what the full length story about Johara is like.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall: 5/5
Pip will do anything to escape the horrible life fate has planned for him, but magic always comes with a price. A beautifully written short story and a great ending to the collection.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya: 5/5
Fun twist to The Frog Prince that could introduce a full length novel about the dwarves fighting for their freedom.
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Long: 5/5
Thought-provoking story about the existence of luck, or lack thereof.
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf: 4/5
I would have loved this story had the names been changed enough from the Biblical version of the characters that I wouldn't have felt like I'd been tricked into a Sunday School class. I also thought it was strange that Estheryn's father refused to teach her about the dangers of the forest. Optimism only gets you so far.
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross: 4/5
Three teens set out to save their dystopian world before it's too late. Dystopian isn't one of my favorite genres out there but I would be interested in reading an expanded version of this.
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers: 4/5
I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the story and was trying to catch up the entire time. I know most of Sky's stories are all connected and perhaps this would make more sense to readers who have already read Cinders (which is on my TBR, and I'll come back to this after to see if my perception changes).
*edit* TOTALLY makes more sense after reading some of Sky's other books. I'm the type that needs character backgrounds, so if you read it and are also confused try out one or two of her others, but be ready to want to read them all!
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale: 4/5
I loved Calypso's adventure and growth. I'd also be really interested in a story about the split of Ivoria.
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White: 4/5
I'm not sure how the dimension-hopping works, and the gemstone magic addition near the end confused me even more, but this was an interesting and very different read for me.
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest 5/5
Miray and Sarko are both wonderful characters. I love reading these beautiful stories Shelest writes about Ukraine. They have such sweet, innocent romance and are bursting with hope. And what was that about this being a part one? Is there going to be a part two? Sign me up!
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J.: 4/5
A different way to tell a story, but it made it even more interesting. I'm curious to see what the full length story about Johara is like.
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall: 5/5
Pip will do anything to escape the horrible life fate has planned for him, but magic always comes with a price. A beautifully written short story and a great ending to the collection.
June 21, 2022
Enchanted Forests: A Magical Collection of Short Stories is an anthology of ten short stories by various authors, which I received as an advanced reader's copy. This collection has stories with various magical creatures, locations, and cultures, but the one thing each story has in common is there's always a magical forest.
I was incredibly excited to be a part of this pre-release book tour, because not only is this anthology filled with beautiful stories, but it was written for a great cause. All proceeds will go to the Rainforest Foundation to help with their work in rainforest conservation.
The stories in Enchanted Forests are original, and opened my eyes to the possibilities of how a forest can be present in a story. Each forest is alive with such rich culture, fauna, and diverse inhabitants.
Enchanted Forests: A Magical Collection of Short Stories will be available on Amazon on July 1, 2022. Get your copy and help out our rainforests.
I was incredibly excited to be a part of this pre-release book tour, because not only is this anthology filled with beautiful stories, but it was written for a great cause. All proceeds will go to the Rainforest Foundation to help with their work in rainforest conservation.
The stories in Enchanted Forests are original, and opened my eyes to the possibilities of how a forest can be present in a story. Each forest is alive with such rich culture, fauna, and diverse inhabitants.
Enchanted Forests: A Magical Collection of Short Stories will be available on Amazon on July 1, 2022. Get your copy and help out our rainforests.
June 18, 2022
This is just such a wonderful collection of stories and for such an amazing cause!
What I love most about Anthologies with different authors is all the different styles and stories mixed in. Each short story can be read in one sitting, and though I did feel some were more aimed at children, you could still enjoy them at any age.
I can just imagine each author receiving the title as their starting point and would love to see how they all arrived at such different but interesting stories.
I really enjoyed reading each short story and would love to read more from these authors.
What I love most about Anthologies with different authors is all the different styles and stories mixed in. Each short story can be read in one sitting, and though I did feel some were more aimed at children, you could still enjoy them at any age.
I can just imagine each author receiving the title as their starting point and would love to see how they all arrived at such different but interesting stories.
I really enjoyed reading each short story and would love to read more from these authors.
June 22, 2022
This is a delightful anthology, focused on forests. Some of the stories are standalones, a couple are the opening of longer works. All of them are well written and engaging. I enjoyed my time with these worlds and characters very much.
June 21, 2022
This was a great anthology written by all the contributing authors! I received an ARC copy, and give it 5 stars.
June 7, 2022
I love almost every story in it 😍 there are stories that filled my heart with joy, there are stories that made my heart ache, there are stories that cause me to sit at the end of my couch! I found everything that I wanted but didn't know I wanted🥰 cannot wait to read other books in the series
Ps. I'll share a reel dedicated to this book soon so if you might wanna check my ig it's @ufakbideneme
Ps. I'll share a reel dedicated to this book soon so if you might wanna check my ig it's @ufakbideneme
May 29, 2022
This a delightful collection of multiple stories that bring me a sense of nostalgia! Some of them reminded me of when I was younger reading certain fairytales/stories!
Each story had its own charm to it and I really enjoyed each of them. The illustrations were also really incredible and a beautiful touch to each story! I haven't read some works by some of the authors, but the works made for some great introduction to them!
If you enjoy adventure, action, some romance, fantasy, interesting creatures and magic, you should definitely pick up this wonderful Anthology!
Thanks for having me as part of the arc team!
Each story had its own charm to it and I really enjoyed each of them. The illustrations were also really incredible and a beautiful touch to each story! I haven't read some works by some of the authors, but the works made for some great introduction to them!
If you enjoy adventure, action, some romance, fantasy, interesting creatures and magic, you should definitely pick up this wonderful Anthology!
Thanks for having me as part of the arc team!
June 29, 2022
A well edited anthology with a great group of interesting short stories. Each author with their own writing style keeps you on your toes as to how the next story in the woods will come about. I enjoyed them all, but I personally liked Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf. I loved the character Estheryn. She was so likable and cute. I highly recommend this book especially because its profits go to the Rainforest Foundation.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
All profits from this anthology will be donated to Rainforest Foundation who support indigenous and traditional peoples of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
All profits from this anthology will be donated to Rainforest Foundation who support indigenous and traditional peoples of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.
December 27, 2022
This is a fun and eclectic collection! Very easy to read and enjoyable. I often read it out loud to my daughter and she loved it! I should read more collections. They fulfill the need to read but I am able to get done quickly. This was definitely fun, and I enjoyed looking forward to what came next.
July 2, 2022
Real rating: 3.5 🌟
First of all I want to thank so much the authors for handing me the ARC. 🙏 It was a unique experience. 💝
.
I tried to be as objective as possible but any review is a personal opinion so it's truly difficult to do so. 😅 I was a bit afraid of what I might have found there because I never read anything from any authors that contributed to this volume but there are so many ideas, so many new worlds to discover... How could I not get hooked after all?! 🪝
.
1️⃣ GEMS OF FAE AND FOOLERY 🐸 by Alice Ivinya
Oh, darling! The begging was a bit unattractive. 😕 Only until the fae made it's presence. 😏 All the feelings he made Andie have... I've been through all of them myself! 🙈 And the ending was PERFECT!! 💯 I wasn't expecting that and it was just how it had to be. 😌 It was an open ending that somehow made me feel complete, made me feel 🆗️ with it.
.
2️⃣ THE LUCKY TORTOISE 🐢 by Ben Lang
The idea of this story was so deep I was taken aback. 😶 Author's style was not my cup of tea, it was too childish for my taste but this is not necessarily bad; it was easy to comprehend what he wanted to transmit and the story was easy to follow. At the end I could put my finger on a shadow of philosophy which made me wonder about how we see the world and how it truly is. 🌍
.
3️⃣ FEATHER GREEN 🏹 by Jennifer Kropf
OMG!!! This one is in 🔝3 stories from this anthology. 🙌 It was just... *chef kiss*. 🤌💋 The perfect combination between fantasy and romance. I love the characters (don't get me started about their names), the plot, the place and time... I can't remember anything disturbing/annoying. 🤷♀️ I am sure I can't resist much without learning what happens next with the protagonists. 👀
.
4️⃣ APPLE AND THE DEAD FOREST 🐉 by Xander Cross
A masterpiece if you are to ask me. I loved this one with my whole heart and if I had two, then I would have loved it with both! 💕 Everything was right about this story. I enjoyed it over my expectations and I would like to read it again right now! 📖 I'm not going to forget this one anytime soon and I totally recommend it from the bottom of my very heart and soul. 🥰 If I had known this was going to be *that* good, I would've read it last like I eat dessert 🍨 only after the meal 🥗.
.
5️⃣ TO SNARE A PRINCE 🦝 by Sky Sommers
Most of the time I couldn't understand what was going on and I have no idea why. 🥴 Everything was going on well until the very end when everything got messed up so bad! 😫 This is probably the definition of plot twist and it happened how it was supposed to (somehow) and yet it made me angry. 😠 If you want to feel something, anything then this is totally for you. 👌 I want to feel something specific and it was just not that.
.
6️⃣ BLOOD OF THE UNICORN 🦄 by N.D.T. Casale
I never thought unicorns can be that interesting after the age of 12! 😆 At first, I cringed a little but everything felt more and more right with every page. I wish it was more about the centaur because there are not so many books that put the accent on these creatures. 🥺
.
7️⃣ DIMENSION OF THE SASQUATCH 👣 by Donna White
Bonus points for choosing a less popularized creature (Bigfoot) 👏 but I didn't enjoyed that as much as the others... It was a good story, just not for me. 🙅♀️
.
8️⃣ THE FERN FLOWER 🌸 by Elena Shelest
To describe it in one word: GORGEOUS ✨. This has to be my favorite of them all! 😍 I had no idea folklore can be that beautiful and I must be ashamed of that. 😳 This is the best example why reading keeps our standards so high. 🤭 This is the kind of stories I am looking for, this is what I want to feel after every book! I feel like this one was written for me, we are a *perfect match*. 💘
.
9️⃣ WILLOW DAUGHTER 🪙 by Astrid V.J.
The begging promised me something else than what followed and I don't I have EVER been more thankful for that! It was a pleasant surprise I embraced with every part of myself. 🫂 At first, I was not really impressed but after some time of consideration everything seemed much better. It was the best one of the best beggings! I feel too bad that I read this one when I was tired because I wanted to relax but instead I can't remember many details, only the main ideas. 😓
.
🔟 ONE FAIR EVE 🎹 by Lyndsey Hall
It was a great end for a great anthology. 🔚 I hoped for another ending (including the epilogue), but I can't complain. It was very smart and pleasant. I love it was divided into chapters. Everything was so beautifully expressed. 🤩 Totally amazing!!
First of all I want to thank so much the authors for handing me the ARC. 🙏 It was a unique experience. 💝
.
I tried to be as objective as possible but any review is a personal opinion so it's truly difficult to do so. 😅 I was a bit afraid of what I might have found there because I never read anything from any authors that contributed to this volume but there are so many ideas, so many new worlds to discover... How could I not get hooked after all?! 🪝
.
1️⃣ GEMS OF FAE AND FOOLERY 🐸 by Alice Ivinya
Oh, darling! The begging was a bit unattractive. 😕 Only until the fae made it's presence. 😏 All the feelings he made Andie have... I've been through all of them myself! 🙈 And the ending was PERFECT!! 💯 I wasn't expecting that and it was just how it had to be. 😌 It was an open ending that somehow made me feel complete, made me feel 🆗️ with it.
.
2️⃣ THE LUCKY TORTOISE 🐢 by Ben Lang
The idea of this story was so deep I was taken aback. 😶 Author's style was not my cup of tea, it was too childish for my taste but this is not necessarily bad; it was easy to comprehend what he wanted to transmit and the story was easy to follow. At the end I could put my finger on a shadow of philosophy which made me wonder about how we see the world and how it truly is. 🌍
.
3️⃣ FEATHER GREEN 🏹 by Jennifer Kropf
OMG!!! This one is in 🔝3 stories from this anthology. 🙌 It was just... *chef kiss*. 🤌💋 The perfect combination between fantasy and romance. I love the characters (don't get me started about their names), the plot, the place and time... I can't remember anything disturbing/annoying. 🤷♀️ I am sure I can't resist much without learning what happens next with the protagonists. 👀
.
4️⃣ APPLE AND THE DEAD FOREST 🐉 by Xander Cross
A masterpiece if you are to ask me. I loved this one with my whole heart and if I had two, then I would have loved it with both! 💕 Everything was right about this story. I enjoyed it over my expectations and I would like to read it again right now! 📖 I'm not going to forget this one anytime soon and I totally recommend it from the bottom of my very heart and soul. 🥰 If I had known this was going to be *that* good, I would've read it last like I eat dessert 🍨 only after the meal 🥗.
.
5️⃣ TO SNARE A PRINCE 🦝 by Sky Sommers
Most of the time I couldn't understand what was going on and I have no idea why. 🥴 Everything was going on well until the very end when everything got messed up so bad! 😫 This is probably the definition of plot twist and it happened how it was supposed to (somehow) and yet it made me angry. 😠 If you want to feel something, anything then this is totally for you. 👌 I want to feel something specific and it was just not that.
.
6️⃣ BLOOD OF THE UNICORN 🦄 by N.D.T. Casale
I never thought unicorns can be that interesting after the age of 12! 😆 At first, I cringed a little but everything felt more and more right with every page. I wish it was more about the centaur because there are not so many books that put the accent on these creatures. 🥺
.
7️⃣ DIMENSION OF THE SASQUATCH 👣 by Donna White
Bonus points for choosing a less popularized creature (Bigfoot) 👏 but I didn't enjoyed that as much as the others... It was a good story, just not for me. 🙅♀️
.
8️⃣ THE FERN FLOWER 🌸 by Elena Shelest
To describe it in one word: GORGEOUS ✨. This has to be my favorite of them all! 😍 I had no idea folklore can be that beautiful and I must be ashamed of that. 😳 This is the best example why reading keeps our standards so high. 🤭 This is the kind of stories I am looking for, this is what I want to feel after every book! I feel like this one was written for me, we are a *perfect match*. 💘
.
9️⃣ WILLOW DAUGHTER 🪙 by Astrid V.J.
The begging promised me something else than what followed and I don't I have EVER been more thankful for that! It was a pleasant surprise I embraced with every part of myself. 🫂 At first, I was not really impressed but after some time of consideration everything seemed much better. It was the best one of the best beggings! I feel too bad that I read this one when I was tired because I wanted to relax but instead I can't remember many details, only the main ideas. 😓
.
🔟 ONE FAIR EVE 🎹 by Lyndsey Hall
It was a great end for a great anthology. 🔚 I hoped for another ending (including the epilogue), but I can't complain. It was very smart and pleasant. I love it was divided into chapters. Everything was so beautifully expressed. 🤩 Totally amazing!!
June 27, 2022
"As you learn to trust yourself, you will gain strength and confidence. Know yourself, and don’t let anyone define you. This is the only path to the light within.”
🌍 I was so beyond excited when I was asked to join this ARC team, not only because this collection of short stories were extremely fun, well thought out and the characters fantastic, but this was also reading with a purpose! All proceeds of this book go to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation. This is something I'm extremely passionate about and is close to my heart as I am a green team leader in my place of work as well as in my community. I really enjoyed how each story had a piece of the author in it with their individual writing styles. And I really enjoyed how every single one revolved around one incredible beautiful setting...... The forests!! So what are you waiting for? SAVE THE FORESTS you guys! Get your copy today! (AVAILABLE ON AMAZON)
Thank you to all of you wonderful authors for writing this with such a beautiful cause in mind. The Short stories include:
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya @aliceivinya.author
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf @authorjenniferkropf
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross @ayakashi_fox
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers @sommers_sky
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale @ndtcasale
Dimension of the Sasquatch I. by Donna White @donnawhiteauthor
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest @elenashelestwriter
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J. @astrid.v.j_author_official
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall @lyndseyhall
I give Enchanted Forests ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌍 I was so beyond excited when I was asked to join this ARC team, not only because this collection of short stories were extremely fun, well thought out and the characters fantastic, but this was also reading with a purpose! All proceeds of this book go to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation. This is something I'm extremely passionate about and is close to my heart as I am a green team leader in my place of work as well as in my community. I really enjoyed how each story had a piece of the author in it with their individual writing styles. And I really enjoyed how every single one revolved around one incredible beautiful setting...... The forests!! So what are you waiting for? SAVE THE FORESTS you guys! Get your copy today! (AVAILABLE ON AMAZON)
Thank you to all of you wonderful authors for writing this with such a beautiful cause in mind. The Short stories include:
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya @aliceivinya.author
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf @authorjenniferkropf
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross @ayakashi_fox
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers @sommers_sky
Blood of the Unicorn by N.D.T. Casale @ndtcasale
Dimension of the Sasquatch I. by Donna White @donnawhiteauthor
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest @elenashelestwriter
Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J. @astrid.v.j_author_official
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall @lyndseyhall
I give Enchanted Forests ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 24, 2022
Enchanted Forests is a fun fantasy collection of 10 short stories. The anthology is also very nicely illustrated.
The stories all center on forests and the magical beings who live in or near them. The stories include clever takes on traditional western fairy tales. In Sky Sommers's humorous To Snare a Prince, Greta and Hans have grown into competent teenagers, while the heroine in Donna White's Dimensions of the Sasquatch learns a lesson in compassion from a baby Bigfoot. In Elena Shelest's The Fern Flower, based on true events from 17th century Ukraine, a couple run into Baba Yaga during a midsummer festival. Dwarves outmaneuver a fae aristocrat in Alice Ivinya's Gems of Fae and Foolery, while Ben Lang's Lucky Tortoise and Xander Cross's Apples and the Dead Forest reflect more Asian folk lore. There are unicorns and Wild Ones and goblins, too.
Astrid V.J.'s Willow Daughter hints at the sinister side of folk tales. The majority of the stories are light hearted and satisfactorily resolved in their characters favor, so if you like your fantasy a little darker, this anthology may not be for you.
All the stories are enjoyable, though in one or two the plot is far fetched. The collection appears for sale on Amazon on 1 July 2022 for USD 14.99, and all proceeds go to the Rainbow Foundation, which supports indigenous peoples conservation efforts. The paperback is part of a series which includes Enchanted Waters (proceeds go towards protecting the oceans) and next year's (2023) Enchanted Flames, which supports a not-for-profit organization working around wild fires.
Many thanks to the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The stories all center on forests and the magical beings who live in or near them. The stories include clever takes on traditional western fairy tales. In Sky Sommers's humorous To Snare a Prince, Greta and Hans have grown into competent teenagers, while the heroine in Donna White's Dimensions of the Sasquatch learns a lesson in compassion from a baby Bigfoot. In Elena Shelest's The Fern Flower, based on true events from 17th century Ukraine, a couple run into Baba Yaga during a midsummer festival. Dwarves outmaneuver a fae aristocrat in Alice Ivinya's Gems of Fae and Foolery, while Ben Lang's Lucky Tortoise and Xander Cross's Apples and the Dead Forest reflect more Asian folk lore. There are unicorns and Wild Ones and goblins, too.
Astrid V.J.'s Willow Daughter hints at the sinister side of folk tales. The majority of the stories are light hearted and satisfactorily resolved in their characters favor, so if you like your fantasy a little darker, this anthology may not be for you.
All the stories are enjoyable, though in one or two the plot is far fetched. The collection appears for sale on Amazon on 1 July 2022 for USD 14.99, and all proceeds go to the Rainbow Foundation, which supports indigenous peoples conservation efforts. The paperback is part of a series which includes Enchanted Waters (proceeds go towards protecting the oceans) and next year's (2023) Enchanted Flames, which supports a not-for-profit organization working around wild fires.
Many thanks to the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
I love stories that play off in forests and even more so when they include the magical and fantastical – and that is what this anthology offers.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
An enjoyable story about two dwarf girls fleeing enslavement at the mountain to a forest full of free dwarves. Along the way they accidentally turn a fae into a frog and take him along for better and worse. What I liked was that though the frog continually harped that dwarves aren’t pretty and that he needs a fair maiden to kiss him to break the spell, the dwarf girls are never tempted to take a beauty potion to get rid of him – they know they are beautiful just as they are.
4 stars
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Besides the silver tree and the tortoise, I didn’t much like this story.
2 stars
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
I liked the forest, but Estheryn is a cross of Katniss Everdeen and the story of Esther in the Bible (not a bad thing) – but the story feels like a prequel and very unfinished.
2 stars
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
I liked this dystopian tale showing the effects of what will happen to the forests, the planet, and the surviving humans if we don’t stop destroying the earth. And there’s a dragon!
4 stars
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers
I liked the animals, the use of Baba Yaga as Greta’s grandmother and all the fun shenanigans – until the story ended on a cliffhanger expecting you to buy and read the novel that follows if you want to know what happens to Hans and Greta (yeah, that fairy tale). Another unfinished story which is a prequel to something else in this anthology.
2 stars
Blood of the Unicorn by NDT Casale
The main character doesn’t care about anyone but herself (her attendant is old, yet she throws stuff on the ground the woman needs to pick up, she refuses to take up the crown to protect the people despite there being no-one else) – then she yells at her grandmother that she hates her. Yeah, not someone I want to spend time with.
DNF
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White
I liked it – especially the forest and how it is different from those in our dimension. The focus on clothes, skincare and food detracted from the action, IMO. A good prequel to the series that follows as the adventure has a satisfying end.
3 stars
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
I liked the forest and folklore. Even the romance developed nicely. But healing her scars – especially changing her on the outside – felt like a betrayal of all she had been through (and it is saying that you have to have clear skin to be beautiful).
2 stars
Willow Daughter by Astrid VJ
It reads like a Grimm fairy tale and was absolutely delightful! What I’d expected when I’d agreed to read the anthology.
5 stars
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
Music, faery bargains, a trip to Faerie – my favourite story in this collection.
5 stars
So I enjoyed half the stories and only DNFed one – not bad compared to many anthologies I’ve read.
*I received an ARC from the authors and this is my honest opinion.
Gems of Fae and Foolery by Alice Ivinya
An enjoyable story about two dwarf girls fleeing enslavement at the mountain to a forest full of free dwarves. Along the way they accidentally turn a fae into a frog and take him along for better and worse. What I liked was that though the frog continually harped that dwarves aren’t pretty and that he needs a fair maiden to kiss him to break the spell, the dwarf girls are never tempted to take a beauty potion to get rid of him – they know they are beautiful just as they are.
4 stars
The Lucky Tortoise by Ben Lang
Besides the silver tree and the tortoise, I didn’t much like this story.
2 stars
Feather Green by Jennifer Kropf
I liked the forest, but Estheryn is a cross of Katniss Everdeen and the story of Esther in the Bible (not a bad thing) – but the story feels like a prequel and very unfinished.
2 stars
Apple and the Dead Forest by Xander Cross
I liked this dystopian tale showing the effects of what will happen to the forests, the planet, and the surviving humans if we don’t stop destroying the earth. And there’s a dragon!
4 stars
To Snare a Prince by Sky Sommers
I liked the animals, the use of Baba Yaga as Greta’s grandmother and all the fun shenanigans – until the story ended on a cliffhanger expecting you to buy and read the novel that follows if you want to know what happens to Hans and Greta (yeah, that fairy tale). Another unfinished story which is a prequel to something else in this anthology.
2 stars
Blood of the Unicorn by NDT Casale
The main character doesn’t care about anyone but herself (her attendant is old, yet she throws stuff on the ground the woman needs to pick up, she refuses to take up the crown to protect the people despite there being no-one else) – then she yells at her grandmother that she hates her. Yeah, not someone I want to spend time with.
DNF
Dimension of the Sasquatch by Donna White
I liked it – especially the forest and how it is different from those in our dimension. The focus on clothes, skincare and food detracted from the action, IMO. A good prequel to the series that follows as the adventure has a satisfying end.
3 stars
The Fern Flower by Elena Shelest
I liked the forest and folklore. Even the romance developed nicely. But healing her scars – especially changing her on the outside – felt like a betrayal of all she had been through (and it is saying that you have to have clear skin to be beautiful).
2 stars
Willow Daughter by Astrid VJ
It reads like a Grimm fairy tale and was absolutely delightful! What I’d expected when I’d agreed to read the anthology.
5 stars
One Fair Eve by Lyndsey Hall
Music, faery bargains, a trip to Faerie – my favourite story in this collection.
5 stars
So I enjoyed half the stories and only DNFed one – not bad compared to many anthologies I’ve read.
*I received an ARC from the authors and this is my honest opinion.
June 24, 2022
This collection of short stories from ten authors covers a wide range of fantasy sub-genres. They are all unique stories featuring forest or woods of some kind, but that is where the similarity ends. Several of the stories are jumping off points to books the authors are either releasing soon or have already published.
I enjoyed all the stories and cannot point to one story I liked more than the others. They are all well-written with diverse characters, enthralling plots, full of adventure, and even a little sweet romance.
If you are a fan of fantasy stories and want to be able to sit down and read a fun story in less than then hour - this is the book for you. Plus, all proceeds go to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation, so that's a win-win in my book!
I enjoyed all the stories and cannot point to one story I liked more than the others. They are all well-written with diverse characters, enthralling plots, full of adventure, and even a little sweet romance.
If you are a fan of fantasy stories and want to be able to sit down and read a fun story in less than then hour - this is the book for you. Plus, all proceeds go to Rainforest Foundation to support their work in rainforest conservation, so that's a win-win in my book!
July 5, 2022
Filled with 10 fantasy short stories this would be a great place to start for people just getting into the fantasy genre. You can read them in any order and each story had some time of journey/adventure. Some stories were more descriptive than others, but they were all fast reads. There were a couple I loved the plot and think they would be great as a longer, more developed novel. I was happy to learn that most authors had books available currently or in the near future that do just that and I have added them to my TBR.
December 16, 2022
This review is for the short story Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Astrid's vivid, evocative writing casts a spell on the reader every time in a style reminiscent of Gregory Maguire. Her descriptions engage all the senses--I could see and feel every detail. The illustrations were gorgeous. I want a coloring book!
At first, I wasn't sure where the story was going, thinking it might be the Blue Fairy Book meets Carrie, but as it developed, I was excited to recognize an origin for a favorite but lesser-known fairy tale, The Tinderbox. Elements of the original are creatively woven into a new story with intriguing characters, and the stakes are raised with allusions to dire consequences if the box is misused. It definitely leaves me wishing it was longer and curious to hear more. A great anthology addition!
Astrid's vivid, evocative writing casts a spell on the reader every time in a style reminiscent of Gregory Maguire. Her descriptions engage all the senses--I could see and feel every detail. The illustrations were gorgeous. I want a coloring book!
At first, I wasn't sure where the story was going, thinking it might be the Blue Fairy Book meets Carrie, but as it developed, I was excited to recognize an origin for a favorite but lesser-known fairy tale, The Tinderbox. Elements of the original are creatively woven into a new story with intriguing characters, and the stakes are raised with allusions to dire consequences if the box is misused. It definitely leaves me wishing it was longer and curious to hear more. A great anthology addition!
April 4, 2022
This is by far my favorite collection of stories. Each one is simply amazing. If you love fantasy and nature, this anthology is for you.
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