Lore: Tales of Myth and Legend Retold (Anthology)
The cover is initially what drew my attention to this anthology. It is beautifully crafted and hints at the magic inside. With well-written stories and a good editor, this is a nice piece of fiction that will temporarily transport you to worlds filled with magic.
Shimmer: ★★★★
Though not normally a fan of teenage love stories, I was surprised I liked this one. I especially like unexpected take on the physical appearance of mermaids. My heart ached for Coral, who is torn between helping the Mer people thrive and her new love for Draven. This story didn't have a happy-ever-after ending, but it wasn't exactly horrible either.
Between: ★★★
How can one person possibly make so many bad decisions and stupid mistakes? It took Lucy much too long to try to make things right. And I found that frustrating. It was as if her character refused to grow. Though I found the djinn lore fascinating, plopping it into a story with snobby high school girls ruined it for me. I have always disliked those cliques, so this story didn't appeal to me as much as it could have.
Sunset Moon: ★★★★
Being of Native American decent, though far removed, and knowing very little of that lineage, I found the lore of the Blackfeet American Indian mythology very interesting. I like Sunset Moon very much. Eloise is one of those characters that starts at rock bottom. You know there's nowhere to go but up, but still she fights it. At first. By the end, she has grown in such a tremendous way that she is almost unrecognizable. Author Laura Diamond did a fantastic job making that happen, which would seem an impossible feat in a short story. So, I say kudos to her.
The Maker: ★★★★★
I was intrigued from the start. And not only because I've always loved the myth of the golem. The last golem I read about was made of dry leaves and debri from an alleyway, and was terrifying. This modern golem, who looks like a cross between Ashton Kutcher, Leonardo CiCaprio, and its handsome maker, is so very different. Though bound to obey his creator, Brett, the golem known as Jake has a conscience. The last line made me teary-eyed. I won't spoil it for you, but this story that started out with heartbreak, anguish, and anger ended beautifully.
A Beautiful Mourning: ★★
I didn't feel a connection with the characters in this fable. Oddly enough, my favorite character was Balad, who only spoke a handful of words.
The Barricades: ★★★★★
This is quite possibly the best short story I've read in some time! It was so much more than a young love story. Under that is a tale about seeing past our differences and accepting individuals as just that - individuals. Set on another planet after humans and Fae fled a dying Earth, this story is a blend of sci-fi, supernatural, and a pinch of romance. Definitely my favorite of the anthology! I love how three-dimensional the characters are, and I'm amazed that the author was able to accomplish that in such a short space. I can only hope that the characters continue speak to author Cate Dean so that she will write more of their story because this was simply not enough!
Shimmer: ★★★★
Though not normally a fan of teenage love stories, I was surprised I liked this one. I especially like unexpected take on the physical appearance of mermaids. My heart ached for Coral, who is torn between helping the Mer people thrive and her new love for Draven. This story didn't have a happy-ever-after ending, but it wasn't exactly horrible either.
Between: ★★★
How can one person possibly make so many bad decisions and stupid mistakes? It took Lucy much too long to try to make things right. And I found that frustrating. It was as if her character refused to grow. Though I found the djinn lore fascinating, plopping it into a story with snobby high school girls ruined it for me. I have always disliked those cliques, so this story didn't appeal to me as much as it could have.
Sunset Moon: ★★★★
Being of Native American decent, though far removed, and knowing very little of that lineage, I found the lore of the Blackfeet American Indian mythology very interesting. I like Sunset Moon very much. Eloise is one of those characters that starts at rock bottom. You know there's nowhere to go but up, but still she fights it. At first. By the end, she has grown in such a tremendous way that she is almost unrecognizable. Author Laura Diamond did a fantastic job making that happen, which would seem an impossible feat in a short story. So, I say kudos to her.
The Maker: ★★★★★
I was intrigued from the start. And not only because I've always loved the myth of the golem. The last golem I read about was made of dry leaves and debri from an alleyway, and was terrifying. This modern golem, who looks like a cross between Ashton Kutcher, Leonardo CiCaprio, and its handsome maker, is so very different. Though bound to obey his creator, Brett, the golem known as Jake has a conscience. The last line made me teary-eyed. I won't spoil it for you, but this story that started out with heartbreak, anguish, and anger ended beautifully.
A Beautiful Mourning: ★★
I didn't feel a connection with the characters in this fable. Oddly enough, my favorite character was Balad, who only spoke a handful of words.
The Barricades: ★★★★★
This is quite possibly the best short story I've read in some time! It was so much more than a young love story. Under that is a tale about seeing past our differences and accepting individuals as just that - individuals. Set on another planet after humans and Fae fled a dying Earth, this story is a blend of sci-fi, supernatural, and a pinch of romance. Definitely my favorite of the anthology! I love how three-dimensional the characters are, and I'm amazed that the author was able to accomplish that in such a short space. I can only hope that the characters continue speak to author Cate Dean so that she will write more of their story because this was simply not enough!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
[I originally reviewed this book in August 2014. I am in the process of transferring my blog contents.]
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