A review by astridmark
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Elsie Chapman, Ellen Oh

4.0

i'm always a bit sceptical when it comes to anthologies, and usually don't like them that much, but i think this is definitely the best ya anthology i have read.
since all the stories are based on different folklore from asian culture, that i'm sadly not that familiar with, i really appreciated how after each story the author had 1-2 pages to explain their inspiration! i wish they did that in more anthologies with retellings.

forbidden fruit, 4 stars
olivia's table, 5 stars
steel skin, 3 stars
still star-crossed, 2 stars
the counting of vermillion beads, 3 stars
the land of the morning calm, 5 stars
the smile, 2 stars
girls who twirl and other dangers, 4 stars
nothing into all, 4 stars
spear carrier, 4 stars
code of honor, 3 stars
bullet, butterfly, 4 stars
daughter of the sun, 4 stars
the crimson cloak, 4 stars
eyes like candlelight, 5 stars

i really think this is worth checking out. it's a great mix of sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, contemporary and historical, and really liked the spin the authors put on the different tales.