onthesamepage's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the theme of this anthology that focuses on older characters being the Chosen One and saving the world. Some were more epic in scale than others, where I think the author interpreted the theme very loosely. Most of the stories would fall within fantasy, but there are a couple that are more scifi.
Lean In: The Lord of Hell Is Coming by Ericka Kahler (4⭐)
I liked this take on the Chosen One refusing violence. Not very subtle and a bit repetitive, though.
Big Momma Saves the World by Maurice Broaddus (2⭐)
The idea behind this was interesting, but I was just very confused.
A Legacy of Ghosts by Sarah Hans (4⭐)
I liked the drama of this one. It did a lot for a short story.
The M.A.M.I. Incident by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (2⭐)
The idea behind this was interesting, but the story itself felt chaotic and unhinged, with a plot twist that came out of nowhere.
Adya and the Messengers by Jaymie Wagner (5⭐)
This was really sweet, and I loved the fairytale vibes.
Soccer Mom Saves the World by Addie J. King (3⭐)
It got a bit chaotic at one point, but was fun overall.
My Roots Run Deep by John F. Allen (1⭐)
This was a mess. The plot was nonsensical, and words were used that don't mean what the author apparently thinks they mean.
It's My Nature by JD Blackrose (4⭐)
Enjoyed this overall, some of the dialogue was really good.
Truthteller by Linda Robertson (5⭐)
Really liked the premise and execution. A lot of worldbuilding packed into this one without making it feel like an infodump.
Utopia by Vaseem Khan (4⭐)
I enjoyed this but the ending was very abrupt.
Jackalope Wives by Ursula Vernon (5⭐)
This is the reason I picked up this anthology, and I was not disappointed. Vernon's prose and stories always hit. Love the dark fairytale vibes.
Granny by R.J. Sullivan (2⭐)
There was nothing wrong with this, it just wasn't very memorable and had some cheesy dialogue.
Launch Day Milkshakes by Jim C. Hines (3⭐)
This was mostly a conversation between 2 characters, which is a shame because the concept was interesting, it just felt underutilized/underdeveloped.
The Sunspear by Alexandra Pitchford (2⭐)
This was very vague and very chaotic, and I never really got a handle on what was going on.
Once a Queen by Alana Joli Abbott (4⭐)
Even though not much happens, this was still cute. Wish there had been more time to explore the portal world.
By the Works of Her Hands by LaShawn M. Wanak (5⭐)
Loved the writing and the idea of a social worker going to a portal world and helping different creatures from that world find better places in our own.
All the World's Treasures by Kimberly Pauley (4⭐)
Por por was a force to be reckoned with. Loved reading about her.
Strange Wings by Kathryn Ivey (2⭐)
This was description-heavy, and then there was a lot of walking, and when we finally got to the good part, the story ended.
The Mountain Witch by Lucy A. Snyder (3⭐)
Discusses how history is historically rewritten to suit what men want/need.
I really loved the theme of this anthology that focuses on older characters being the Chosen One and saving the world. Some were more epic in scale than others, where I think the author interpreted the theme very loosely. Most of the stories would fall within fantasy, but there are a couple that are more scifi.
Lean In: The Lord of Hell Is Coming by Ericka Kahler (4⭐)
I liked this take on the Chosen One refusing violence. Not very subtle and a bit repetitive, though.
Big Momma Saves the World by Maurice Broaddus (2⭐)
The idea behind this was interesting, but I was just very confused.
A Legacy of Ghosts by Sarah Hans (4⭐)
I liked the drama of this one. It did a lot for a short story.
The M.A.M.I. Incident by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (2⭐)
The idea behind this was interesting, but the story itself felt chaotic and unhinged, with a plot twist that came out of nowhere.
Adya and the Messengers by Jaymie Wagner (5⭐)
This was really sweet, and I loved the fairytale vibes.
Soccer Mom Saves the World by Addie J. King (3⭐)
It got a bit chaotic at one point, but was fun overall.
My Roots Run Deep by John F. Allen (1⭐)
This was a mess. The plot was nonsensical, and words were used that don't mean what the author apparently thinks they mean.
It's My Nature by JD Blackrose (4⭐)
Enjoyed this overall, some of the dialogue was really good.
Truthteller by Linda Robertson (5⭐)
Really liked the premise and execution. A lot of worldbuilding packed into this one without making it feel like an infodump.
Utopia by Vaseem Khan (4⭐)
I enjoyed this but the ending was very abrupt.
Jackalope Wives by Ursula Vernon (5⭐)
This is the reason I picked up this anthology, and I was not disappointed. Vernon's prose and stories always hit. Love the dark fairytale vibes.
Granny by R.J. Sullivan (2⭐)
There was nothing wrong with this, it just wasn't very memorable and had some cheesy dialogue.
Launch Day Milkshakes by Jim C. Hines (3⭐)
This was mostly a conversation between 2 characters, which is a shame because the concept was interesting, it just felt underutilized/underdeveloped.
The Sunspear by Alexandra Pitchford (2⭐)
This was very vague and very chaotic, and I never really got a handle on what was going on.
Once a Queen by Alana Joli Abbott (4⭐)
Even though not much happens, this was still cute. Wish there had been more time to explore the portal world.
By the Works of Her Hands by LaShawn M. Wanak (5⭐)
Loved the writing and the idea of a social worker going to a portal world and helping different creatures from that world find better places in our own.
All the World's Treasures by Kimberly Pauley (4⭐)
Por por was a force to be reckoned with. Loved reading about her.
Strange Wings by Kathryn Ivey (2⭐)
This was description-heavy, and then there was a lot of walking, and when we finally got to the good part, the story ended.
The Mountain Witch by Lucy A. Snyder (3⭐)
Discusses how history is historically rewritten to suit what men want/need.
readwithjuna's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
This is a great anthology, with pieces by the two editors and several other authors—notably Jim C. Hines and Ursula Vernon. My favorites among the lot were "Launch Day Milkshakes" (Jim Hines), "Jackalope Wives" (Ursula Vernon), "as well as "Ayda and the Messengers" (Jaymie Wagner), "By the Works of Her Hands" (LaShawn M. Wanak), and "All the World's Treasures" (Kimberly Pauley). I really appreciated the older MCs in this volume, and the racial and LGBTQ+ inclusion as well. Highly recommended!
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