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Dark Reflections: An Anthology of the Seen and Unseen
This is an anthology about reflections: the seen and unseen. Gathering nine fragile and haunting stories, Dark Reflections illuminates the uncertainties of grief, of death, and the power of kindred souls. A spiraling, emotional journey that shapeshifts with each tale, bringing with it all the violence of mythology, all the mysteries of time, the bittersweet ache of the spirit. By turns disturbing and evocative, ravenous and sentimental, Dark Reflections is more than just a glint of light in a dusty pane of glass. It's deeper than what lies beneath the surface of a still pond. It's beyond a glimpse of yourself in a mirror. It is a deep resonant hum of something more.
- GenresShort Stories
132 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2022
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 18, 2022
I won't review my own stories in this collective, but I would like to say a few words about my coauthors.
Both of these women are incredibly gifted storytellers. It was an absolute honor and pleasure working with them.
Friel Black's unflinching approach to storytelling is both beautiful and grotesque in the best possible way. Her words are music, enchanting and bewitching while visceral and gut churning.
Elle Caldwell creates a beautiful atmosphere of hope and dread in equal measures. Her stories are vivid, dark, and dangerous while remaining warm and full of love.
Love, grief, longing. I hope their stories touch you as they've touched me.
Both of these women are incredibly gifted storytellers. It was an absolute honor and pleasure working with them.
Friel Black's unflinching approach to storytelling is both beautiful and grotesque in the best possible way. Her words are music, enchanting and bewitching while visceral and gut churning.
Elle Caldwell creates a beautiful atmosphere of hope and dread in equal measures. Her stories are vivid, dark, and dangerous while remaining warm and full of love.
Love, grief, longing. I hope their stories touch you as they've touched me.
December 29, 2022
Dark Reflections: An Anthology of the Seen and Unseen is simply marvelous.
Filled with vibes that are perfect for October, I can feel everything from the fragile and achy beauty of cobwebs in eyelashes, and the circling sorrow in time (Black). To the darkness that becomes understood only by a reflection of the soul, or how the path of devastation can make even a wild forest peel back its obstacles and usher you forward (Caldwell). To the twisting of life, reshaped by grief, until we are forever changed and unrecognizable (Farran). Though there is decadence in darkness, when done right, not all is gloom within these stories. While many aren't for the faint of heart, know that there is an underlying theme of found family and loyalty in at least one story from each author.
Additionally, each author has a very different style of writing, yet the transition is smooth from one to the next.
Black has a ghostly, fragile way with words that is eerie and beautiful. Though her stories are usually supernatural in nature, her words cling to humanity like flesh on bone. And I am often left in awe. The way in which she bridges all of her short stories together with a common theme—creating a cohesive world altogether, yet allowing each to stand alone—speaks volumes to her brilliant skill of storytelling.
Caldwell has a way with darkness that makes the mind churn and the thoughts tumble. She can humanize a monster so fluidly that at one point I was literally scared of her monster in Poppy (evoking strong emotion from me), and yet strangely calm about his ending by the last paragraph.
Farran has a way of weaving words that often leaves me yelling at my book like a fictional character can actually hear me through the pages [insert post embarrassed slow clap for author], but my favorite thing she taught me this time is the reminder of the true value of stories. That stories transcend time; a gift we leave behind long after our own life, not only for our families, but for everyone. They teach us, bloom inside of us limitless possibilities. Help us see emotions we otherwise might not have on our own: courage, passion, love, revenge. They plant the seeds that others or ourselves may water and nurture, when the time is right.
I am of mind that this book deserves your time. And if you don't end up agreeing with me, the book cover alone is swoon worthy enough to buy (not even joking). So, it's a win-win.
Happy reading, my fellow book dragons.
*I received an ARC of this collection in exchange for an honest review*
Filled with vibes that are perfect for October, I can feel everything from the fragile and achy beauty of cobwebs in eyelashes, and the circling sorrow in time (Black). To the darkness that becomes understood only by a reflection of the soul, or how the path of devastation can make even a wild forest peel back its obstacles and usher you forward (Caldwell). To the twisting of life, reshaped by grief, until we are forever changed and unrecognizable (Farran). Though there is decadence in darkness, when done right, not all is gloom within these stories. While many aren't for the faint of heart, know that there is an underlying theme of found family and loyalty in at least one story from each author.
Additionally, each author has a very different style of writing, yet the transition is smooth from one to the next.
Black has a ghostly, fragile way with words that is eerie and beautiful. Though her stories are usually supernatural in nature, her words cling to humanity like flesh on bone. And I am often left in awe. The way in which she bridges all of her short stories together with a common theme—creating a cohesive world altogether, yet allowing each to stand alone—speaks volumes to her brilliant skill of storytelling.
Caldwell has a way with darkness that makes the mind churn and the thoughts tumble. She can humanize a monster so fluidly that at one point I was literally scared of her monster in Poppy (evoking strong emotion from me), and yet strangely calm about his ending by the last paragraph.
Farran has a way of weaving words that often leaves me yelling at my book like a fictional character can actually hear me through the pages [insert post embarrassed slow clap for author], but my favorite thing she taught me this time is the reminder of the true value of stories. That stories transcend time; a gift we leave behind long after our own life, not only for our families, but for everyone. They teach us, bloom inside of us limitless possibilities. Help us see emotions we otherwise might not have on our own: courage, passion, love, revenge. They plant the seeds that others or ourselves may water and nurture, when the time is right.
I am of mind that this book deserves your time. And if you don't end up agreeing with me, the book cover alone is swoon worthy enough to buy (not even joking). So, it's a win-win.
Happy reading, my fellow book dragons.
*I received an ARC of this collection in exchange for an honest review*
October 3, 2022
*I received an ARC of this collection in exchange for an honest review*
This haunting and magical collection of short stories stirs all sorts of emotions. Perfect for the start of spooky season, I found myself engaged, page after page, each time I sat down to read. Each contributing author has such a unique style of writing, but all the stories work so beautifully together. I definitely recommend if you enjoy darker tales (but not too dark, don’t worry)!
This haunting and magical collection of short stories stirs all sorts of emotions. Perfect for the start of spooky season, I found myself engaged, page after page, each time I sat down to read. Each contributing author has such a unique style of writing, but all the stories work so beautifully together. I definitely recommend if you enjoy darker tales (but not too dark, don’t worry)!
October 20, 2022
Hauntingly beautiful.
I am in awe at the talent of these three authors. Nine stories, each one full of enchanting prose and emotional connections.
This book provided a comfort I did not expect. Much like the therapeutic smell or sound of rain. Or of "fernweh", feeling homesick for a place you've never been or could never go.
Now I want to go running barefoot through a muddy forest to talk to animals, collecting berries and twigs along the way.
I am in awe at the talent of these three authors. Nine stories, each one full of enchanting prose and emotional connections.
This book provided a comfort I did not expect. Much like the therapeutic smell or sound of rain. Or of "fernweh", feeling homesick for a place you've never been or could never go.
Now I want to go running barefoot through a muddy forest to talk to animals, collecting berries and twigs along the way.
September 29, 2022
I absolutely loved this anthology. The stories were the perfect witchy vibe and I loved seeing these authors collection of stories brought together.
October 24, 2022
“People change. Whether it's death or
grief or the exhaustion of living. Sometimes
people twist and reform into something unrecognizable.”
This anthology was haunting, beautiful and heartbreaking. I felt fully immersed in each of the short stories. The authors have such a way of connecting you to their characters and stories in such a small amount of time, I kept wanting more and more of each story. I was truly impressed with the writing of each author. I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re looking for something short yet incredibly deep, and a little spooky, highly recommend! Dark Reflections is available on KU, E-Book, and Physical. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
grief or the exhaustion of living. Sometimes
people twist and reform into something unrecognizable.”
This anthology was haunting, beautiful and heartbreaking. I felt fully immersed in each of the short stories. The authors have such a way of connecting you to their characters and stories in such a small amount of time, I kept wanting more and more of each story. I was truly impressed with the writing of each author. I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re looking for something short yet incredibly deep, and a little spooky, highly recommend! Dark Reflections is available on KU, E-Book, and Physical. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 29, 2022
Very interesting stories!
It’s hard to rate anthologies, especially when there are different writers involved, but I really enjoyed most of the stories! All of the authors offered something interesting and original, and I’m interested to read further works from each of them!!!
It’s hard to rate anthologies, especially when there are different writers involved, but I really enjoyed most of the stories! All of the authors offered something interesting and original, and I’m interested to read further works from each of them!!!
October 20, 2023
“If answers are the measure of a life’s worth, utmost certainty can only be found in death. It’s meant to remind us that we needn’t all the answers to enjoy the simple beauty around us.”
Dark Reflections was a fantastic anthology! The collection features three authors, each with their own unique voice. All of the stories were beautiful in their own way and worked really well together. I love getting lost in a story, I felt immersed in these from start to finish. With themes of sisterhood, magic, and a little bit of darkness this anthology was the perfect October read. 🎃
Dark Reflections was a fantastic anthology! The collection features three authors, each with their own unique voice. All of the stories were beautiful in their own way and worked really well together. I love getting lost in a story, I felt immersed in these from start to finish. With themes of sisterhood, magic, and a little bit of darkness this anthology was the perfect October read. 🎃
January 10, 2025
Each of the three writers' voices shine nicely in their stories. The eerie and dark vibe of the book adds a special kind of magic to it.
The flowery prose felt a bit forced at times, though and the entire book could have used another pass from an editor or a proofreader, as some typos and mistakes slipped through. There weren't enough typos to truly distract me from reading, but enough for me to keep noticing them (if that makes sense).
The flowery prose felt a bit forced at times, though and the entire book could have used another pass from an editor or a proofreader, as some typos and mistakes slipped through. There weren't enough typos to truly distract me from reading, but enough for me to keep noticing them (if that makes sense).
June 28, 2023
A well balanced collection of dark stories so well written, it’s difficult to choose a favourite. Reading this anthology made me happy. There’s a lot of talent in these pages.
October 24, 2022
hauntingly beautiful
“People change. Whether it's death or
grief or the exhaustion of living. Sometimes
people twist and reform into something unrecognizable.”
This anthology was haunting, beautiful and heartbreaking. I felt fully immersed in each of the short stories. The authors have such a way of connecting you to their characters and stories in such a small amount of time, I kept wanting more and more of each story. I was truly impressed with the writing of each author. I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re looking for something short yet incredibly deep, and a little spooky, highly recommend! Dark Reflections is available on KU, E-Book, and Physical. Synopsis ⬇️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“People change. Whether it's death or
grief or the exhaustion of living. Sometimes
people twist and reform into something unrecognizable.”
This anthology was haunting, beautiful and heartbreaking. I felt fully immersed in each of the short stories. The authors have such a way of connecting you to their characters and stories in such a small amount of time, I kept wanting more and more of each story. I was truly impressed with the writing of each author. I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re looking for something short yet incredibly deep, and a little spooky, highly recommend! Dark Reflections is available on KU, E-Book, and Physical. Synopsis ⬇️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 9, 2022
A gorgeous book written by gorgeous women. ✨ DARK REFLECTIONS was a lovely anthology that gave me all of the comfort vibes while keeping me on my toes. They were all sprinkled with magic, had unbelievably gorgeous prose, and just made me want to step into these worlds forever! I would like a full length novel of each of these short stories please and thank you ladies. 🙏 I’ve never quite read anything like this before, and can confirm that I will definitely be looking into more anthologies like this. 🖤 Feeling very inspired by these talented women.
Please check out the works of @c.a.farran @ellecaldwellwrites @frielwrites ☺️ They are endlessly talented and unbelievably sweet humans. 🤍
Please check out the works of @c.a.farran @ellecaldwellwrites @frielwrites ☺️ They are endlessly talented and unbelievably sweet humans. 🤍
December 12, 2022
"Dark Reflections" is a beautiful yet chilling collection of short stories.
Whatever your taste, you'll find a filler in these stories. (Really. I'm a huge dystopian buff and I was pleasantly surprised when I found one in the middle of this book.)
C.A.Farran, Friel Black, and Elle Caldwell have such a way with words. This book was a quick read for my slow, mood reading self.
I loved it.
Whatever your taste, you'll find a filler in these stories. (Really. I'm a huge dystopian buff and I was pleasantly surprised when I found one in the middle of this book.)
C.A.Farran, Friel Black, and Elle Caldwell have such a way with words. This book was a quick read for my slow, mood reading self.
I loved it.
October 8, 2023
These stories are just begging to be told over a campfire! There is something for everyone within these stories and the constant themes of sisterhood make this such a welcoming anthology. It's been months since I first read this collection of stories and I often find myself revisiting them whenever I'm in a slump or just need a quick selfcare read. I don't think I could pick a favorite, each one spoke to me for very different reasons while others may have traumatized me just a little bit (not complaing!). The words of these three very talented authors need a place on everyone's shelf!
April 27, 2024
Creepy. Scary. So much fun!
All stories were so unique - still the overall vibes matched so perfectly!
I enjoyed all the stories! Looking forward to their individual books.
All stories were so unique - still the overall vibes matched so perfectly!
I enjoyed all the stories! Looking forward to their individual books.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews