Rachel Sperber’s Reviews > Of Maidens & Swords: A Story Collection > Status Update

The Devil’s Due was a brutal and murderous story of a man who married three sisters over a period of time and the third sister who goes to find them, while breaking with the convention of the time in terms of an interracial relationship, piracy, and being the savior of other women. A bit brutal for my taste, but worth reading.

Knee Deep in the Sea was a selchie story, and I haven’t had the opportunity to read many of those over the years. Isabel was a sympathetic and strong character, running toward nothing and toward the sea. It was well sketched out and painted the setting beautifully.

The Nameless was almost a Red Riding Hood reimagining where men are the wolves and protecting one’s sisters is the name of the game. A village of sisters is protected by few so men do not steal them away, but comes to a revelation where they all need to learn to protect themselves and each other from harm.

Of Roses and Kings was a really cool, queer retelling of Alice in Wonderland with a darker, murderess take and creative reimaginings of the Cheshire cat and Alice herself. I am amazed how much world building can be accomplished in such a short story.