bookbragger's review
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meagan_reads_books's review
4.0
Gotta love insomnia, started tonight and finished tonight, overall it was a great read, mythology has always fascinated me and most of the stories were really good and pulled me in!
paragraphsandpages's review against another edition
4.0
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Favorite Story: It’s a tie between “The Crimson Cloak”, “The Daughter of the Sun”, and “Eyes Like Candlelight”
Least Favorite Story: “Code of Honor”
Overall: While I haven’t read all that many anthologies, I’d have to say this is the strongest anthology I’ve ever read. None of the stories would fall under a 2/5 rating, and all at least somewhat captured my attention in some way or the other. For the most part, a lot of these stories would be rated as a 4/5 for me!
Additionally, this anthology did something unique at the end of each short story (like what [b:Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy|31450752|Because You Love to Hate Me 13 Tales of Villainy|Ameriie|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475171453s/31450752.jpg|50459161] tried to do), as the author added a note to the end of their own stories, explaining the original myth and explaining their motivation for choosing/changing that myth. It really added to the overall anthology, and even saved some stories in my eyes.
I came in expecting retellings of myths in the standard way, short stories that are written like fantasy books. I expected a lot of third person stories that felt ancient and magical, and while some of the stories met this expectation exactly, others surprised me. A lot of tales felt like snippets of contemporary novels, and many were very modern, but I found myself enjoying them all the same! This led to a blend of ancient and modern, contemporary and fantasy, all bound by ancient myths. I honestly really loved this compilation.
Forbidden Fruit (Roshani Chokshi): I still have yet to read one of Roshani Chokshi's novels, but I've loved all of the short stories I've read in anthologies from her so far! While this tale was quite short, I still managed to become somewhat invested in it! I also really like that the authors give a background on the story at the end, and on why they chose that myth! (4/5)
Olivia's Table (Alyssa Wong): I really liked how much this story seemed to contain in only a few pages. There wasn't a true plot, but getting a peek into the culture and Olivia's life was really nice to read! I would definitely like to read a narrator like her! (4/5)
Steel Skin (Lori M. Lee): I liked what this story tried to do, and liked the deviation the author made from the myth, but certain portions felt a bit rushed, probably due to the length limitations. I still really enjoyed it! (3/5)
Still Star-Crossed (Sona Charaipotra): This one was shorter than the others, but the length worked perfectly! I think this one of my favorite contemporary style stories, as I hadn't guessed the twist, and it didn't feel rushed either! (4/5)
The Counting of Vermillion Beads (Aliette De Bodard): This story was short and sweet, even if the beginning was a bit rough (it was hard to see exactly what was going on in the world at first). But reading the author's note at the end really made me appreciate the retelling more! (3/5)
The Land Of The Morning Calm (E. C. Myers): I really liked this one! It blended modern and myth really well, and I loved all the characters involved! Additionally, the story itself and meaning behind it was also quite beautiful, and I really enjoyed the video game setting used to enhance that meaning. (5/5)
A Smile (Aisha Saeed): I really liked how much we got to learn/see of the characters in such a small amount of pages. Once again, the author's note at the end also made this story all the more interesting, by how it was connected to the myth. (4/5)
Girls Who Twirl And Other Dangers (Preeti Chhibber): I quite liked this story too, and how the myth blended in with the actual story taking place! It connected modern and myth in a new way, even if I wasn’t the biggest fan of all of the characters. (3/5)
Nothing Into All (Renee Ahdieh): I think this is one of my favorites, but mainly due to how it was written! I like the distance third person creates, allowing us to see the story/myth more fully. I also just really enjoyed reading the sibling bond. (4/5)
Spear Carrier (Rahul Kanakia): I think this one is the toughest to get into at the beginning, as you are literally thrown into the action, but I was able to catch on after a few pages. I wasn't a fan of the ending though, until I read the author's note at the end and learned of the original story it was based on. (3/5)
Code of Honor (Melissa de la Cruz): This story didn't really click with me at all, and it felt out of place compared to some of the other tales. While it is based on Aswangs, it felt entirely like another vampire story. It was also way too predictable, in my opinion. (2/5)
Bullet, Butterfly (Elsie Chapman): I really loved this story! The romance was developed well in a short time, and even the friendships were. The world was also an interesting one to get a peek at, even if it was a quick one. (4/5)
Daughter of the Sun (Shveta Thakrar): Oh man I absolutely loved this one! It was so wonderfully written, and I loved both main characters too. The story itself was also beautiful. (5/5)
The Crimson Cloak (Cindy Pon): All my favorites seem to be at the end! This one also exceeded my expectations, and I absolutely love how it was able to capture me in so few pages. Definitely another favorite. (5/5)
Eyes Like Candlelight (Julie Kagawa): I loved this one as well, and it was a wonderful note to end the anthology on!! These last 4 stories were definitely my favorites from this anthology though. (5/5)
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Favorite Story: It’s a tie between “The Crimson Cloak”, “The Daughter of the Sun”, and “Eyes Like Candlelight”
Least Favorite Story: “Code of Honor”
Overall: While I haven’t read all that many anthologies, I’d have to say this is the strongest anthology I’ve ever read. None of the stories would fall under a 2/5 rating, and all at least somewhat captured my attention in some way or the other. For the most part, a lot of these stories would be rated as a 4/5 for me!
Additionally, this anthology did something unique at the end of each short story (like what [b:Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy|31450752|Because You Love to Hate Me 13 Tales of Villainy|Ameriie|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475171453s/31450752.jpg|50459161] tried to do), as the author added a note to the end of their own stories, explaining the original myth and explaining their motivation for choosing/changing that myth. It really added to the overall anthology, and even saved some stories in my eyes.
I came in expecting retellings of myths in the standard way, short stories that are written like fantasy books. I expected a lot of third person stories that felt ancient and magical, and while some of the stories met this expectation exactly, others surprised me. A lot of tales felt like snippets of contemporary novels, and many were very modern, but I found myself enjoying them all the same! This led to a blend of ancient and modern, contemporary and fantasy, all bound by ancient myths. I honestly really loved this compilation.
Forbidden Fruit (Roshani Chokshi): I still have yet to read one of Roshani Chokshi's novels, but I've loved all of the short stories I've read in anthologies from her so far! While this tale was quite short, I still managed to become somewhat invested in it! I also really like that the authors give a background on the story at the end, and on why they chose that myth! (4/5)
Olivia's Table (Alyssa Wong): I really liked how much this story seemed to contain in only a few pages. There wasn't a true plot, but getting a peek into the culture and Olivia's life was really nice to read! I would definitely like to read a narrator like her! (4/5)
Steel Skin (Lori M. Lee): I liked what this story tried to do, and liked the deviation the author made from the myth, but certain portions felt a bit rushed, probably due to the length limitations. I still really enjoyed it! (3/5)
Still Star-Crossed (Sona Charaipotra): This one was shorter than the others, but the length worked perfectly! I think this one of my favorite contemporary style stories, as I hadn't guessed the twist, and it didn't feel rushed either! (4/5)
The Counting of Vermillion Beads (Aliette De Bodard): This story was short and sweet, even if the beginning was a bit rough (it was hard to see exactly what was going on in the world at first). But reading the author's note at the end really made me appreciate the retelling more! (3/5)
The Land Of The Morning Calm (E. C. Myers): I really liked this one! It blended modern and myth really well, and I loved all the characters involved! Additionally, the story itself and meaning behind it was also quite beautiful, and I really enjoyed the video game setting used to enhance that meaning. (5/5)
A Smile (Aisha Saeed): I really liked how much we got to learn/see of the characters in such a small amount of pages. Once again, the author's note at the end also made this story all the more interesting, by how it was connected to the myth. (4/5)
Girls Who Twirl And Other Dangers (Preeti Chhibber): I quite liked this story too, and how the myth blended in with the actual story taking place! It connected modern and myth in a new way, even if I wasn’t the biggest fan of all of the characters. (3/5)
Nothing Into All (Renee Ahdieh): I think this is one of my favorites, but mainly due to how it was written! I like the distance third person creates, allowing us to see the story/myth more fully. I also just really enjoyed reading the sibling bond. (4/5)
Spear Carrier (Rahul Kanakia): I think this one is the toughest to get into at the beginning, as you are literally thrown into the action, but I was able to catch on after a few pages. I wasn't a fan of the ending though, until I read the author's note at the end and learned of the original story it was based on. (3/5)
Code of Honor (Melissa de la Cruz): This story didn't really click with me at all, and it felt out of place compared to some of the other tales. While it is based on Aswangs, it felt entirely like another vampire story. It was also way too predictable, in my opinion. (2/5)
Bullet, Butterfly (Elsie Chapman): I really loved this story! The romance was developed well in a short time, and even the friendships were. The world was also an interesting one to get a peek at, even if it was a quick one. (4/5)
Daughter of the Sun (Shveta Thakrar): Oh man I absolutely loved this one! It was so wonderfully written, and I loved both main characters too. The story itself was also beautiful. (5/5)
The Crimson Cloak (Cindy Pon): All my favorites seem to be at the end! This one also exceeded my expectations, and I absolutely love how it was able to capture me in so few pages. Definitely another favorite. (5/5)
Eyes Like Candlelight (Julie Kagawa): I loved this one as well, and it was a wonderful note to end the anthology on!! These last 4 stories were definitely my favorites from this anthology though. (5/5)
leahshak's review against another edition
4.0
Forbidden Fruit 4/5
Olivia’s Table 4/5
Steel Skin 2.75/5
Still Star- Crossed 3/5
The Counting of Vermillion Beads 3.75/5
The Land of the Morning Calm 3/5
The Smile 3/5
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers 3.5/5
Nothing into All 4/5
Spear Carrier 2.5/5
Code of Honor 4/5
Bullet, Butterfly 3.5/5
Daughter of the Sun 4/5
The Crimson Cloak 5/5
Eyes like Candlelight 4/5
Overall 4/5
Olivia’s Table 4/5
Steel Skin 2.75/5
Still Star- Crossed 3/5
The Counting of Vermillion Beads 3.75/5
The Land of the Morning Calm 3/5
The Smile 3/5
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers 3.5/5
Nothing into All 4/5
Spear Carrier 2.5/5
Code of Honor 4/5
Bullet, Butterfly 3.5/5
Daughter of the Sun 4/5
The Crimson Cloak 5/5
Eyes like Candlelight 4/5
Overall 4/5
alexandrahope's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
booklover28's review against another edition
3.0
A good YA collection of retellings of Asian mythology. I particularly liked this collection because it told the stories with a modern twist (sometimes a little bit too much of one), but after the retelling it gave a synopsis of the original myth. So you get old and new in one book!
readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I've owned this anthology for a few years now so I'm pleased I finally sat down and read it (on audio haha). There's a huge variety of mythology and folk tales from different cultures in this book, so not only did I enjoy the short stories, but I also learned about legends and tales from other countries too (some of which I'd never encountered before). As with any anthology, some stories were more memorable and impactful than others, but I liked the fact that almost all of them put a positive, more progressive spin on the original tale.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Violence, and Injury/injury detail