Hammer the Sky: and other wonder tales

by L.L. Rose

What's a life for? That’s a question Bertie never gave a thought to until he went to work at Haven House, where he serves those who have died—but are not yet dead. Gabe thought his life was all about his magical gift, but it turned out to be something far more mysterious and valuable. And it wasn’t until Georgia was confronted by her cat (of all people!) that she even considered the question; while Millman—sweet Millman, with his immortal friends—can’t get away from it, not for a moment.

These characters and many more dance and fumble with the mystery of life in this collection of whimsical, yet deep, wonder tales.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Magical Realism, Fiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2022

Reviews

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed these stories! Some more than others, but that's to be expected in a short story collection. The focus on death as a uniting human experience with such an emphasis on unity felt so kind, like a love letter, story by story. I really liked it.

[Lorie | QxnnLories__BookishReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Was this the lot of humankind? To spend one’s life half living it and arrive at old age only to be faced with an impossible penance?"

Hammer The Sky (and Other Wonder Tales) by L.L. Rose is a collection of whimsical short stories. These stories are Simplistic, medium-to-fast-paced, but eloquently express the themes present. Each short story in this collection mainly touches on death, grief, love, longing, connecting with others, and everything else that comes with being human. I had no expectations for this book, but I was thoroughly surprised and enjoyed most of the stories. This book makes you reflect on what you've read and contemplate the trials and tribulations of life and how to navigate them. It also makes you realize how often we take life for granted, put a hold on our dreams, and how we should be more honest with ourselves and others. This was a cute, beautifully written, thought-provoking read. Hammer The Sky (and Other Wonder Tales) is for you if you enjoy short stories, fantasy, and philosophical themes.

Genre:
⭐️ Fantasy Anthologies
⭐️ Magical Realism
⭐️ Short Stories

My Top 3 Favorites:
⭐️ The Whipporwind
⭐️ Mortal, Mortal
⭐️ End in the Wilds of Bitter Longing

S.N.: the last two made me emotional 🥺

[Hannah Figgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I won a free digital copy of this book in a Storygraph giveaway *

A collection of interesting, quirky, thoughtful stories with a lot of heart which can be felt on every page. The stories that felt strongest to me were "The Whipporwind" (which was my favorite by quite a bit), "Mortal, Mortal", and "Vessels". For the others I had mostly mixed feelings that I find difficult to put into words; I felt they had some real strengths mingled with some elements that felt weaker and/or just didn't work? For example, the central premise of "End in the Wilds of Bitter Longing" really pulled at me, but something about the story overall kept me from being pulled in completely. Of course this might just be a personal thing, but it was like that for me with varying degrees of intensity throughout all of the stories except maybe "The Whipporwind". I enjoyed the stories nevertheless.
I do feel that the writing could have used a little more editing. Occasionally I would have to reread a strangely-structured sentence in order to make sense of it-- not frequently enough to detract from my overall enjoyment of the stories, but enough to be a little jarring.
Not entirely my cup of tea, but a pleasant collection with a kind heart.

[Sinem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by Storygraph givaways and I will try to be as honest as I can be with its review.

This book contains stories with such brilliant concepts that I found myself wanting more out of them. The book was served like a dish you are only allowed to taste blindfolded. You need to taste and identify the flavors in a couple of bites and the plate is taken away even if you haven’t had the time to fully identify the ingredients.

The stories lack the classical introduction, development and conclusion as well as character development. Therefore, you are left with brilliant ideas floating in the wind like freshly washed and hung clothes. Yes, they are clean and they smell fantastic but when nobody picks them up and irons them, they end up getting dirty again as they sway in the wind.

I hope my analogies help describe what I felt about the stories. I loved the ideas, but they need more introduction, development and conclusion for me to love them.

[Sathya Narayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank TheStoryGraph and the author for hosting a giveaway where I won my copy of this book.
If I was still a professor of English Literature, this collection would be on my reading list. It inspires reflection on the broad themes that shape our lives and leaves you wanting more. Articulate, creative and compelling. L.L. Rose calls these stories “wonder tales” and that’s the perfect description of both the experience of reading them – and what feels like a singular genre of her own in the making. Much like tales of old, each story here offers its own world, wisdom and meaning – but with a thoroughly modern sensibility that is at turns delightful, funny and moving. While tough subjects are often front and center, they are handled with a light touch and a tenderness that is the hallmark of this writer. A fantastic read for anyone wishing to revel in wonderment – or puzzle some of life’s more enduring questions.

[Astri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway, thank you StoryGraph!

Hammer the Sky (and other wonder tales) by LL Rose is a collection of short stories, each with its own dose of fantasy and magical realism, touching on humanity issues, like loss, love, grief, and death. I loved how the author added the whimsical aspects within each of the stories to deliver the hidden philosophy. As expected with short stories, some stood out for me more, particularly The Whipporwind, Mortal Mortal (my favorite!), The Coming Tempest, An Offering of Lesser Gifts, Vessels, and Blaze. The characters are lovable and memorable, the writing will transport you within the stories. All stories will make you reflect on what you've read and contemplate your life.

If you enjoy reading short stories, fantasy, and philosophical themes, this book is for you!

[SydneysBookNook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no expectations going into reading Hammer the Sky. All I knew is that it was a collection of short stories. I was enthralled from the very first page and story, "The Whipporwind", and continued to be until the very end. Each story touched upon a different, yet important, theme of humanity, ranging from life, death, joy, war, friendships, family, and more. Some stories like "The Whipporwind" left an imprint on me that I'll never forget. But the reason I did not give this collection five stars is that a few of the stories did not feel complete. They either had writing that could have been refined a little bit more or needed to be fleshed out a little bit more. But overall, this collection is very solid and I'm glad that I read it.

[Ilona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It is well written and carries a whimsical vibe with it.

Each story comes with its own wonderful world, its own lessons and its own characters.

My biggest (and only) gripes are that the pacing is sometimes off; we'd be leisurely meandering through a story at some point and the next hurtling through the plot at neck breaking speeds. Only to end up at my second gripe: abrupt endings. On one hand it adds to the mystery and whimsical feeling, but on the other hand the abrupt endings can be quite jarring.

So all in all a great book with only a few minor gripes. A recommendation if you like mysteries and fairy tales.

[Aquila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed my journey through this book and took my time with it. The stories primarily focus on human connection, loss, and longing and the different ways people cope. It was well written but a little simplistic in comparison with what I normally read. Some of the stories were left so open ended at their conclusions that they felt unfinished which sometimes worked for me (and the story) and sometimes very much did not.

The Whipporwind, The Coming Tempest, and End in the Wilds of Bitter Longing were the stories I connected most strongly with. This digital book was won in a giveaway on StoryGraph.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book includes Hammer the Sky and:
- Whipporwind
- The Way of the Oracle
- Mortal, Mortal
- The Coming Tempest
- An Offering of Lesser Gifts
- Vessels
- Blaze
- End in the Winds of Bitter Longing

There are lessons right from the beginning through to the end, stories about a sense of belonging. I really enjoyed Whipporwind as Bertie carries a physical object to understand the metaphor of letting go, and learning how to deal with grief and preparation for loss. This is not a casual read; the book needs a lot of attention to follow the narrative.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these tales of wonder. A thread of hope and possibilities runs through the collection. The characters are well rounded and I enjoyed spending time with them in these worlds. I would have liked there to have been a bit more variety amongst the stories - a similar tone and pacing ran through them, which makes it a little hard to differentiate them now I’m thinking back over the reading experience. Despite that, this is a lovely collection of stories that is just right for a relaxing read.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in a giveaway.

[Nina Gliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨3.75/5✨

I would say that this is a wonderful anthology series that deals with loss and grief. There were some stories that I feel were unfinished, but that is to be expected given the nature of the work. All in all, I think that they show how human people are in the situation, how we do the best that we can given the situation that we have.

As for favorites, I would have to say the eponymous "Hammer the Sky", "Mortal, Mortal", as well as "An Offering of Lesser Gifts" were my particular ones. I have to admit I did cry a little on the last one.

Definitely a beautiful collection.

[Cia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Storygraph giveaway.

What a delightful surprise, this collection of short stories. Each one has something that swept me up and made me interested in following the characters through their journeys. I thought the pacing was also well done in each: it's hard to do, especially in a short story.

All of them were sweet and thoughtful and I'm glad I got my hands on a copy of this collection.

[Limaris Vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a giveaway and I have to say that I quite enjoyed reading this. Reading these tales makes you want to reflect and each one of them has a message to it. I loved The Whipporwind and Monster, Monster the most. These two tales stuck with me.

Gave it 4 stars because I felt the ending for some of the tales were incomplete...like they ended abruptly.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to StoryGraph for a gifted copy of Hammer the Sky.

I found a few of these stories to be thought provoking, creative and deeply sad. I could only consume them in small doses. I enjoyed An offering of Lesser Gifts & Mortal, Mortal the most. I skimmed a few of the others though. A real mixed bag that wasn't as captivating as I hoped.

2.75 ⭐

[Isabella McNicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect but I was not prepared for the deep emotions this collection of stories made me feel. The overarching theme of the entire collection was grief and coming to terms with humanity. Each story broke my heart in a different way, but it all had a thread of hope and beauty woven through it

[Thecla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of short stories is simply beautiful. It is exactly as it is described: “These characters and many more dance and fumble with the mystery of life in this collection of whimsical, yet deep, wonder tales.” Each story seeks to answer a different question about life, including what life is for, how to move forward in life, mortality vs. immortality, remembrance, regret, etc.

Each story is constructed incredibly well. I read one story a night, and it was essentially like consuming an entire fantasy story in one sitting. Not only is the collection written beautifully, but as a whole, it creates an immersive, reflective reading experience. This was an emotional but inspiring read that I am sure I will come back to.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a digital copy of this book! (StoryGraph giveaway)

[Philipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thankful for winning this in the Giveaway on Storygraph. Really liked those stories. Would like to know if the 103 year old woman died at the end of the story. I feel like the ending could be interpreted either way.

[Kat]

*** Using this title to stand in for the author's short story "Vessels" in my yearly count ***

Lovely imagery, poetic use of the language and a touch of magical realism in a sweet story about the reality of 'the golden years'.

I will definitely be seeking out more by the author.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no clue what this was about when I started it, as I mostly picked it up because of the beautiful cover. Some of the stories I liked more than others, but they're all so different that they kept me engaged.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vessels: It only takes an hour for this lovely, family-friendly short story about pots, people, and philosophy. I had a copy via Bookfunel and this is my voluntary review.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these short stories. My favorites were the Whipporwind and An Offering of Lesser Gifts.

[Bjömun · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of these stories every day was a wonderful thing to start my morning with :) My favorites were The Whipporwind and Blaze (though it did remind me of A Christmas Carol).

[Kelly Cornuet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved these quick short stories - Blaze, The Whipporwind, The Coming Tempest, and An Offering of Lesser Gifts were my favorite!

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of short stories, each distinctly different from the next.

[Alexis Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won this in a StoryGraph giveaway.

It was good. The writing threw me off a bit, but all of the ideas and each story had a unique take on it. It was enjoyable.

[Caitlin Fierheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from a StoryGraph Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic read! I am a huge fan of short stories and these ones were so gripping and emotional. They gave Black Mirror vibes with happy endings.

Some of the stories did feel a bit rushed but I was fully invested and hooked by others. My favourites were definitely Hammer the Sky and Blaze.

[Rosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought these were all great stories with great meanings behind them. I personally do not care for open ended stories that leaves things to be interpreted. That is just my personal preference. It really did give you something to think about while reading and I enjoyed being able to have some different feelings come to a head about things in life.

Thank you lIroseprose for the book and the opportunity to read it. This review is of my own opinion.

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankful to have received this from a StoryGraph giveaway.

I enjoyed these stories and even though I liked some more than others, I found a bit of interest in them all. It felt almost like a fable collection at times which was great. However I feel like most of the stories were underdeveloped.