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Refracted Reflections: Twisted Tales of Duality & Deception
Reflections and Refractions…
One reveals truths, while the other bends light into varying shapes of deception.
Does a small camp mirror reveal hope… or death?
Is the warrior in the mirror a monster… or a protector?
Does a glimpse in the mirror reveal a young woman's true self… or what someone else has shaped her into?
Does the mysterious portal to the future reflect what could be… or what must be left behind?
Are the dancers reflected in the water's depth things of beauty… or evil?
This unique and imaginative collection of nine mind tantalizing fantasy and science fiction stories will appeal to readers who enjoy thought provoking tales with hidden meanings resting deep below the surface. These stories will keep you pondering long into the night.
If you liked Gilded Glass or Once Upon an Ever After, you'll love Refracted Reflections.
One reveals truths, while the other bends light into varying shapes of deception.
Does a small camp mirror reveal hope… or death?
Is the warrior in the mirror a monster… or a protector?
Does a glimpse in the mirror reveal a young woman's true self… or what someone else has shaped her into?
Does the mysterious portal to the future reflect what could be… or what must be left behind?
Are the dancers reflected in the water's depth things of beauty… or evil?
This unique and imaginative collection of nine mind tantalizing fantasy and science fiction stories will appeal to readers who enjoy thought provoking tales with hidden meanings resting deep below the surface. These stories will keep you pondering long into the night.
If you liked Gilded Glass or Once Upon an Ever After, you'll love Refracted Reflections.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Lynne Booth
45 books38 followersKaye Lynne Booth lives, works and plays in the mountains of Colorado. With a dual emphasis M.F.A. in Creative Writing, writing is more than a passion. It's a way of life.
When not writing, she is bird watching, or hiking, or just soaking up some of that Colorado sunshine.
She has published work, both online and in print, including her short story collection, "Last Call", her paranormal mystery novella, "Hidden Secrets", and her western novel, "Delilah".
When not writing, she is bird watching, or hiking, or just soaking up some of that Colorado sunshine.
She has published work, both online and in print, including her short story collection, "Last Call", her paranormal mystery novella, "Hidden Secrets", and her western novel, "Delilah".
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 19, 2022
This is a very enjoyable, intriguing anthology by a variety of authors. Each story deals with a mirror or reflection of some sort. I didn't know what to expect when I began this book, but I was both surprised and satisfied. There are nine short stories, and they are very different from one another. I always find it hard to review an anthology, as I always enjoy some stories more than others, but all of them were good and pulled me in. I don't want to give away any of the plots, but will say just a bit about each story.
The Mirror Guardian by Elisabeth Caldwell - A present day fairytale about monsters under the bed.
The Cost of Magic by Keith J. Hoskins - Power, magic and making decisions. Payback can be nasty.
Always by Ligia de Wit - Traditions vs choice, what will be the result of your decision?
Parallel by Avily Jerome - Parallel universes, pulled through the mirror to become part of different times and events
The Devil Made Her Do It by Kaye Lynne Booth - Becoming someone else for power and money, facing the consequences
The Not So Perfect Prince by Kaye Lynne Booth - a fairytale retelling with a twist
The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle - a warning, mental health issues
The Elevator Ritual by Shelly Jasperson - I will never ride an elevator again without trying not to look in any mirrored walls. Will a ritual break a spell?
The Tinker’s Gift by Valerie B. Williams - set during the Civil War, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is
Refracted Reflections is coming out at the perfect time of year. If you like to read scary stories, chilling tales and fantasy in the fall, especially as Hallowe'en approaches, then I definitely recommend you pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.
The Mirror Guardian by Elisabeth Caldwell - A present day fairytale about monsters under the bed.
The Cost of Magic by Keith J. Hoskins - Power, magic and making decisions. Payback can be nasty.
Always by Ligia de Wit - Traditions vs choice, what will be the result of your decision?
Parallel by Avily Jerome - Parallel universes, pulled through the mirror to become part of different times and events
The Devil Made Her Do It by Kaye Lynne Booth - Becoming someone else for power and money, facing the consequences
The Not So Perfect Prince by Kaye Lynne Booth - a fairytale retelling with a twist
The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle - a warning, mental health issues
The Elevator Ritual by Shelly Jasperson - I will never ride an elevator again without trying not to look in any mirrored walls. Will a ritual break a spell?
The Tinker’s Gift by Valerie B. Williams - set during the Civil War, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is
Refracted Reflections is coming out at the perfect time of year. If you like to read scary stories, chilling tales and fantasy in the fall, especially as Hallowe'en approaches, then I definitely recommend you pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.
September 3, 2022
This is an excellent collection of weird and wonderful tales. As is usually the case with anthologies like this, I found I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, but it was a matter of personal taste rather than a reflection on the work of the authors, and there was something to like about each of the stories.
*NOTE: I was given a free advanced copy of this book by one of the authors. This fact has in no way influenced my opinion of the book or the contents of this review, and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
*NOTE: I was given a free advanced copy of this book by one of the authors. This fact has in no way influenced my opinion of the book or the contents of this review, and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
September 20, 2022
The editor hit on the anthology theme after a visit to a funfair with distorting mirrors. The nine stories in this collection are a variety of fantasies, many dark, others amusing, but all featuring a mirror in the story somewhere.
In 'Always' by Ligia de Wit, a female hunter desires a lover and is tempted by a vision.
In 'The Not so Perfect Prince' a prince is too fussy in his choice of bride.
In The Elevator Ritual a bereaved girl tries to contact the dead. (The elevator myth featured here also appears in a Japanese anime.)
I found all the stories in the collection to be well-written and entertaining, and often with unexpected endings. Recommended.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
In 'Always' by Ligia de Wit, a female hunter desires a lover and is tempted by a vision.
In 'The Not so Perfect Prince' a prince is too fussy in his choice of bride.
In The Elevator Ritual a bereaved girl tries to contact the dead. (The elevator myth featured here also appears in a Japanese anime.)
I found all the stories in the collection to be well-written and entertaining, and often with unexpected endings. Recommended.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
September 22, 2022
[ARC] Great medley of fantastic stories
A collection of very unusual characters, vibrant settings, strong women, and twisted plots with surprising endings.
Magic is always there, sometimes lurking in the back, sometimes slapping your face with unexpected turns. So is love, in one form or another.
Really enjoying this and, whatever you like reading, I think there's a story for you here.
A collection of very unusual characters, vibrant settings, strong women, and twisted plots with surprising endings.
Magic is always there, sometimes lurking in the back, sometimes slapping your face with unexpected turns. So is love, in one form or another.
Really enjoying this and, whatever you like reading, I think there's a story for you here.
August 28, 2022
The difficulty with reviewing an anthology is inherent in the multiple author format. Each author brings their own voice which can either create an harmonious whole or not. It is up to the editor to put the stories into an order that allows the reader to move from one story to the next sensing theme without repetition.
The stories here are followed by a short biography of the author. These may or may not enhance the reading experience. It is nice to 'get to know' the writers but doesn't really add substance to the tales.
Short stories are, by definition, short. When reviewing longer works it is easy to avoid spoilers even when giving some plot details. For that reason, I prefer to state how I reacted to each story.
The stories…
"The Mirror Guardian" by Elisabeth Caldwell - An excellent recounting of one of my own fear tropes. A fairy tale for today.
"The Cost of Magic" by Keith J. Hoskins - An age-old conundrum… because you can, should you. Upon reflection, the answer is almost always… NO!
"Always" by Ligia de Wit - Following tradition limits choices until there is but one choice.
"Parallel" by Avily Jerome - Through the looking glass into history… and beyond.
"The Devil Made Her Do It" by Kaye Lynne Booth - Consequences…
"The Not So Perfect Prince" by Kaye Lynne Booth - a fairytale retelling…
"The Nutcracker" by Roberta Eaton Cheadle - a ballet, a cry for help unheeded until it's too late.
"The Elevator Ritual" by Shelly Jasperson - a chilling tale… Jasperson wields language like a whip!
"The Tinker’s Gift" by Valerie B. Williams - the lord giveth, and the lord taketh away.
Overall, REFRACTED REFLECTIONS provides a glimpse into the writing styles of authors you may want to read again. For me, the editor left the best for last. The stories that most reflect the dark side of the mirror are "The Nutcracker" by Roberta Eaton Cheadle, "The Elevator Ritual" by Shelly Jasperson, and "The Tinker’s Gift" by Valerie B. Williams. I truly look forward to reading more from these three.
The stories here are followed by a short biography of the author. These may or may not enhance the reading experience. It is nice to 'get to know' the writers but doesn't really add substance to the tales.
Short stories are, by definition, short. When reviewing longer works it is easy to avoid spoilers even when giving some plot details. For that reason, I prefer to state how I reacted to each story.
The stories…
"The Mirror Guardian" by Elisabeth Caldwell - An excellent recounting of one of my own fear tropes. A fairy tale for today.
"The Cost of Magic" by Keith J. Hoskins - An age-old conundrum… because you can, should you. Upon reflection, the answer is almost always… NO!
"Always" by Ligia de Wit - Following tradition limits choices until there is but one choice.
"Parallel" by Avily Jerome - Through the looking glass into history… and beyond.
"The Devil Made Her Do It" by Kaye Lynne Booth - Consequences…
"The Not So Perfect Prince" by Kaye Lynne Booth - a fairytale retelling…
"The Nutcracker" by Roberta Eaton Cheadle - a ballet, a cry for help unheeded until it's too late.
"The Elevator Ritual" by Shelly Jasperson - a chilling tale… Jasperson wields language like a whip!
"The Tinker’s Gift" by Valerie B. Williams - the lord giveth, and the lord taketh away.
Overall, REFRACTED REFLECTIONS provides a glimpse into the writing styles of authors you may want to read again. For me, the editor left the best for last. The stories that most reflect the dark side of the mirror are "The Nutcracker" by Roberta Eaton Cheadle, "The Elevator Ritual" by Shelly Jasperson, and "The Tinker’s Gift" by Valerie B. Williams. I truly look forward to reading more from these three.
October 14, 2022
The truth is out there, and it’s waiting to be found.
Kenzia sought out the help of Masilda, the one person who could grant her greatest desire in “The Cost of Magic.” I enjoyed the banter between these two characters. They were both intelligent people who knew what they wanted out of life. Figuring out that about them made the plot twist that popped up later on even more exciting.
Not everyone enjoys spelunking or history, so I was patient with Irene in “The Nutcracker” as she complained about everything happening on the cave tour she was on with her parents. When she began to hear someone talking to her who seemed to be invisible, I wondered what was really going on with Irene. Once their conversation started up, I was quickly able to guess where the storyline might go from there. This was among a few different stories in this collection that I wished had been given more time to develop. They all had great premises, but there was space in them for more character development and plot twists if the authors had decided to include them.
“Parallel” began with Jo breaking into an abandoned mansion to see what might have been left behind in it. I was curious to see why Jo was so interested in this property and what she was planning to do with whatever she found there. When she discovered the shimmering mirror, I thought I’d discovered the answers to my questions. This is one of those stories that works best if readers don’t know what to expect from it, so all I can say about the rest of it was that it made me shudder and not want to look at a mirror at night again for a long time. What a deliciously scary read!
Refracted Reflections: Twisted Tales of Duality & Deception showed just how magical mirrors and similar items can be.
Kenzia sought out the help of Masilda, the one person who could grant her greatest desire in “The Cost of Magic.” I enjoyed the banter between these two characters. They were both intelligent people who knew what they wanted out of life. Figuring out that about them made the plot twist that popped up later on even more exciting.
Not everyone enjoys spelunking or history, so I was patient with Irene in “The Nutcracker” as she complained about everything happening on the cave tour she was on with her parents. When she began to hear someone talking to her who seemed to be invisible, I wondered what was really going on with Irene. Once their conversation started up, I was quickly able to guess where the storyline might go from there. This was among a few different stories in this collection that I wished had been given more time to develop. They all had great premises, but there was space in them for more character development and plot twists if the authors had decided to include them.
“Parallel” began with Jo breaking into an abandoned mansion to see what might have been left behind in it. I was curious to see why Jo was so interested in this property and what she was planning to do with whatever she found there. When she discovered the shimmering mirror, I thought I’d discovered the answers to my questions. This is one of those stories that works best if readers don’t know what to expect from it, so all I can say about the rest of it was that it made me shudder and not want to look at a mirror at night again for a long time. What a deliciously scary read!
Refracted Reflections: Twisted Tales of Duality & Deception showed just how magical mirrors and similar items can be.
October 14, 2022
This collection of short stories is themed around mirrors and reflections. Each author puts a unique and different spin on their tale, creating a smorgasbord of entertaining reading--most of the creepy or eerie variety. While all of the stories are polished and well-plotted, there are three that really resonated with me.
The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a complex tale that addresses depression, mental illness and climate change. Talk about a trifecta of well done!
The Not So Perfect Prince by Kaye Lynne Booth is an oh-so-clever-tongue-in-cheek reimagining of the classic prince-becomes-frog fairy tale. A true gem of a story that deservers a royal crown! I loved this one!
The Tinker's Glory by Valerie B. Williams is set during the American Civil War and benefits from a dusty-legend-type feel. The time period combined with a traveling tinker, and mysterious mirror easily illicit goosebumps.
An enjoyable collection!
The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a complex tale that addresses depression, mental illness and climate change. Talk about a trifecta of well done!
The Not So Perfect Prince by Kaye Lynne Booth is an oh-so-clever-tongue-in-cheek reimagining of the classic prince-becomes-frog fairy tale. A true gem of a story that deservers a royal crown! I loved this one!
The Tinker's Glory by Valerie B. Williams is set during the American Civil War and benefits from a dusty-legend-type feel. The time period combined with a traveling tinker, and mysterious mirror easily illicit goosebumps.
An enjoyable collection!
December 20, 2022
I won this book in a Facebook contest. I was looking forward to it ~ And it did not disappoint!
This book features nine short stories from eight different writers. Each story includes a mirror in it, hence the title of the book including the word "reflections."
Each author has a bio included in the book, so I could find out more about them. Before reading this collection, I hadn't really thought about the mirror symbolism. But after finishing it, I certainly did! While I knew the stories were fiction, some of them gave me the chills!
I might be nervous around mirrors for a while...
The short story collection is edited by Kaye Lynne Booth, who contributed two different stories. They were both great! There is spookiness and intriguing characters.
I also liked the short story The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. It drew me in and kept me hanging on!
I'm reminded how much I like short stories! It's nice to be able to read one story and put the book down before moving onto the next one.
Also, it's cool that there are different authors in this collection. I read many different writing styles in one book and was introduced to authors who I might not have otherwise ever known about.
I give this book 5 stars.
This book features nine short stories from eight different writers. Each story includes a mirror in it, hence the title of the book including the word "reflections."
Each author has a bio included in the book, so I could find out more about them. Before reading this collection, I hadn't really thought about the mirror symbolism. But after finishing it, I certainly did! While I knew the stories were fiction, some of them gave me the chills!
I might be nervous around mirrors for a while...
The short story collection is edited by Kaye Lynne Booth, who contributed two different stories. They were both great! There is spookiness and intriguing characters.
I also liked the short story The Nutcracker by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. It drew me in and kept me hanging on!
I'm reminded how much I like short stories! It's nice to be able to read one story and put the book down before moving onto the next one.
Also, it's cool that there are different authors in this collection. I read many different writing styles in one book and was introduced to authors who I might not have otherwise ever known about.
I give this book 5 stars.
January 23, 2025
What if mirrors held secrets?
Have you ever wondered if mirrors reveal more than just reflections truths, deceptions, or even glimpses into another realm?
Refracted Reflections explores these possibilities with a stunning collection of nine imaginative stories that blend fantasy and science fiction.
This book is an unforgettable read that captivated me from the start.
The highlight I loved about this anthology is how every story invites readers to look deeper, uncovering hidden meanings and challenging perceptions. The storyline in each tale is crafted with precision, weaving themes of identity, hope, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
The authors have done a fantastic job of creating stories that provoke thought and stir emotions. Their mastery of storytelling is evident in the vivid imagery and the way suspense and intrigue are maintained throughout.
The writing is fluid and immersive, pulling readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
This book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking tales that linger in the mind long after the last page. I found it to be an enchanting exploration of human nature and the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface.
The authors deserve praise for their ability to create such a captivating anthology. Their knack for blending fantasy with profound themes is impressive, and I can’t wait to dive into more works by them.
Overall an evocative and mesmerizing literary journey.
Have you ever wondered if mirrors reveal more than just reflections truths, deceptions, or even glimpses into another realm?
Refracted Reflections explores these possibilities with a stunning collection of nine imaginative stories that blend fantasy and science fiction.
This book is an unforgettable read that captivated me from the start.
The highlight I loved about this anthology is how every story invites readers to look deeper, uncovering hidden meanings and challenging perceptions. The storyline in each tale is crafted with precision, weaving themes of identity, hope, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
The authors have done a fantastic job of creating stories that provoke thought and stir emotions. Their mastery of storytelling is evident in the vivid imagery and the way suspense and intrigue are maintained throughout.
The writing is fluid and immersive, pulling readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
This book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking tales that linger in the mind long after the last page. I found it to be an enchanting exploration of human nature and the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface.
The authors deserve praise for their ability to create such a captivating anthology. Their knack for blending fantasy with profound themes is impressive, and I can’t wait to dive into more works by them.
Overall an evocative and mesmerizing literary journey.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews