A Fantasy Anthology

First, let me preface by saying that all of these stories were excellently edited. I also must say you get A LOT for your money here! These are not superficial stories; these are in-depth and complex worlds that you will find. As a whole, and especially for someone who prefers suspense or YA realistic fiction, I enjoyed some of the stories, though some I appreciated a bit more than others, and some I didn't relate to at all. Here is a breakdown of my experience. 1. Alancia's Dance: The story had spark, but there wasn't any real development with the guy and the romance seemed hasty and unrealistic. 2. The Hero Feat of Hannah Helstrom: Less focus on regeneration than I expected. I was also thrown off by the POV as it seemed to come from a male's perspective. 3. In Plain Sight: I was surprised by how accepting the town was of Zampini's dolls--they're abnormal and supernatural but everyone treats them like they are nothing extraordinary. I also didn't get the point of the ogre's role. Arthur Daigle's author note is confusing too-"Arthur Daigle is the author (no jokes, please, he's heard them all) --I don't know what he means. 4. Finn MacRorie and the River Dragon: This was an interesting little tale and it works quite nicely and magically. I was confused about the woman not being her Ma, though. 5. Little Victories: This was a fun little tale that concentrated effectively on Shea's talents. 6. And Only the Eyes of Children: There was a bit too much telling and not enough showing in this one, which made connecting to the character difficult. 7. The Demon Monkeys: This tale has so much bigness and depth in i1, I was impressed by how much Silverberry was able to implement in such a short piece--a very heavy life-changing world. 8. Superhero Publicist There was a nice message to this unique tale, a lesson we could all use about kindness and a change of heart. 9. Sweet Basil:This was dynamic story that emphasizes pain/a curse successfully. I was confused why the MC was hungry as this wasn't explained. 10. Darkness Follows the Light: I had a hard time with this one as the first several pages spells out every non-essential detail. This piece was pretty dark too, but it comes with a satisfying ending. 11.Josiah U. Bear: The writing style of this story is quite sophisticated. There is a bit of a political slant to it and some confusion with the MC's loyalty. 12. River's Edge Ransom: The characters are full of spark in this one,and there's a lot at stake. I would have liked more of an understanding as to why Jackson despises his sister. 13. The Love Talker: This story was put together well, as a cautionary tale, though the message seemed to have the mom's own personal reasons for her warning, which were never explored. 14. Gem: A unique look at a young boy with amazing abilities. Conte shows us how important a person's compassion for others is. 15. Leticia's Song: This one starts out a bit awkwardly as I am unsure of the motives behind the characters or the direction we are supposed to go. As you get deeper into the plot, a purpose unfolds, though I don't understand why a certain man teased a woman previously or how that relationship ever changed. 16. The Wooden Ruler: I couldn't connect to this story--it felt too abstract. I didn't see how things were connecting, these two different world. 17. The Tale of Sir Ronan of Camelot: A serious cautionary tale that surprised me. Why would you sell your soul to the devil? Thankfully, this one finds a happy ending. 18. A Fiery Gift: A bit too much telling. The otter is suddenly introduced pages after it has been discussed, but not clarified. Outside these two problems, the story is unique and it showcases a girl's special place in this world. 19. The Hero of Emoh: A Parent's Fairytale: Excellently spun together. The descriptions of the characters are vivid and one can't help but feel the terror of the child! 20.Sacrifice to the Lara: This tale was cohesive and full of intrigue. 21. Charla Visits Earth: What an engaging story. A mermaid, a boy, and two worlds colliding. Charla was delightfully ignorant and so the reader feels swept up in her child-like innocence. One thing that threw me was her sudden regret and belief that a certain man might be bad as it came out of nowhere. 22. Cry of the Cave Lion: I didn't get the purpose of the lion. I couldn't relate to the direction of the story as it seemed off. 23. Save the Day: This has a great lesson in looking past your disdain for someone and becoming a martyr for your own enemy. I enjoyed the two MCs in this one and the treacherous terrain they traveled. 24. Boy of Sand and Sky: What a precious story about a gifted boy who we should all love but who is up against the world's hate and intolerance. This was written with a special skill set that allowed us to adore a newfangled boy who changes the lives of a small world forever. 25. Teamwork: Excellent story from a dog's perspective. Scary. Edgy. Fulfilling. 26. The Ungifted Twin: An interesting story that foregrounds two strong-willed twins; we get a sweet sense of sibling love and fun and find a sense of certainty that all will be well even when there is danger. 27. Not Quite a Hero: Very descriptive and vivid with a strange and different kind of villain.