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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
There was a wide variety of myth and legend retellings in here! There were some that I absolutely loved and wished were longer and others that did not speak to me as much. I do not know many Asian myths, and this collection was a great introduction for me. I really enjoyed the description of the myth each story was based on as well!
A really enjoyable collection of short stories based on myths of Asia. A little heavy on the romances, virtually all heterosexual, but many interesting twists on the tales.
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings was a really outstanding collection of short stories! The best anthology I've read in a long time. Like most collections of short stories, some were excellent, and some were just fine. I loved the diversity of cultures represented and how differently these 15 authors chose to interpret classic myths and epics. Some stories read like old fairy tales, while others took place in the modern world, or had a dystopian/sci-fi feel.
My favorite stories:
Olivia's Table by Alyssa Wong (this is the story I can't get out of my head!)
Land of the Morning Calm by E. C. Myers
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia
Girls who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber
My favorite stories:
Olivia's Table by Alyssa Wong (this is the story I can't get out of my head!)
Land of the Morning Calm by E. C. Myers
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia
Girls who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
If you love fairytales, then this is the book for you. This short stories were so fun and full of representation (both culture and sexuality wise) and I'm so glad I picked this up. I'm usually not a big short story fan, but A Thousand Beginnings and Endings certainly was a pleasant surprise!
Also, I listened to half of this book on audiobook and I'd definitely recommend doing the same if you have the chance!
Also, I listened to half of this book on audiobook and I'd definitely recommend doing the same if you have the chance!
AVG RATING: 3.5 Stars.
Edelweiss gave me this ARC for an honest review.
It has been maybe over a year since I've been able to pick up a book and actually finish reading it. Ever since I lost my twin brother, reading felt like a chore. This book (and all the 30+ ARCs I received from Edelweiss) kicked me into go-mode.
"Forbidden Fruit" Roshani Chokshi 5/5
Miss Chokshi, you are now on my priority to-read list because your writing is magical. For real though, you guys. This story...there's no other story that could've started this book off with a bang! This story was magical and it has lingered ever since I read it. The magic in this story kept me going through this book until the end. I nearly clapped. The mountain is alive. And she's one badass bitch.
"Olivia's Table" Alyssa Wong 4/5
Alyssa Wong, write more books! Please! I need you to write more so I can devour your work like I devoured this story. Ghosts and Buffets, just YES GIVE ME. I connect so much with grief and mourning, that this story touched my heart.
"Steel Skin" Lori M. Lee 3/5
This story was pretty okay. Like in my updates, I felt kind of...incomplete. It was hard to keep up with, and it felt too short. It needed more. Though, a reader needing more and a reader wanting more, are two totally different things.
"Still Star-Crossed" Sona Charaipotra 4/5
Short. Sweet. Moving. So much culture wrapped up in a tiny box of a story. This author is now on my watch-out-for list. I was left wanting more. Ah! Such a wonderful story! Love, longing, culture. YES. Love the mother-daughter relationship here.
"The Counting of Vermilion Beads" Aliette De Bodard 3/5
...I was confused. A bit. After I read the author's influence for the story, I was even more confused. I mean, the writing was pretty but it almost seemed...too purple-prose-y. I was confused at to what was even happening at times. It felt sporadic. Flying into walls? Le wut? I'm all for shape-shifting, but this story seemed a mess.
"The Land of The Morning Sun" E. C. Myers 5/5
AH HOLY FUCKING WHAT THE HELL THIS STORY I NEED MORE GIVE ME EVERYTHING IN YOUR HEAD, MYERS! Ahem. This. Fucking. Story. I cried. I cried hard. Just read it. I'm not about to spoil anything for you (except that this story revolves arounda beautifully crafted MMO that I honestly wish I could play now ). You won't get enough of this story. Join me in my sadness that it ended.
"The Smile" Aisha Saeed 3/5
This story failed to shine as brightly as the other stories. I highlighted plenty of memorable and beautifully crafted words, but it fell short of "magical". And I might've forgotten what this story was even about tbh... Which means it wasn't memorable. Not bad, but not amazing. Simply put, this story was enjoyable enough to continue reading until the end.
"Girls Who Twirl And Other Dangers" Preeti Chhibber 2/5
This story was horrendous. The packed in culture of this story was cool if not wonderful. But the message was terrible. I don’t think it’s okay to glorify harassing someone who harassed you in the name of vigilance. Especially female VS male. That’s such a negative message to send to this generation. We’re trying to FIX that, not AMPLIFY it! Ugh. No. This story was (in the words of Kelly Kapoor) irresponsible.
"Nothing Into All" Renee Ahdieh 3/5
The twists were good. Enjoyable. It just didn't steal my heart away, and I'm not a fan of how simplistic this story felt. I do enjoy goblins though. They're creepy and cool little creatures.
"Spear Carrier" Rahul Kanakia 0/5 DNF
Tell me. How does one “piss and shit” in a “skintight bodysuit” with “no problems”...??? What the hell. is that. Listen. I took World Literature in College and loved learning about The Mahabharata. The Bhagavad Gita is a fantastic story about a vast philosophical conversation between two people in the middle of a battlefield. Profound. This short story? Not profound. Kind of boring to be honest. And not my cup of weird.
"Code of Honor" Melissa De La Cruz 0/5 DNF
I have decided I cannot stand this author's writing. I just can't. None of my TBR books are authored by her, and that is definitely for a reason. It's just...immature writing. I'm sick of reading of characters with the "better than thou" personality. Not for me.
"Bullet Butterfly" Elsie Chapman 2/5
Meh. That's how I felt about this story. Although tragic, it could not hold my attention. It was hard to connect with, and it was more on the "eh-you-cute" side of stories.
"Daughter of The Sun" Shveta Thakrar 4/5
The beginning had me leaning toward three stars but it picked up, and had me turning pages earnestly. This story was magical and it lingers inside you like the sun in Savitri’s heart. GOODNESS! When the weather is described as clothing, I wanted to write all of that down to reread it over and over later. Wonderful story. Someone please tell this author to write more fantastic work so I can eat. it. up.
"The Crimson Cloak" Ciny Pon 4/5
CINDY FREAKING PON. Holy hell that story. I need more, Cindy Pon. GIVE ME MORE! I NEED IT NOW!! Must. Read. More. Ah! This story was beautiful and I loved the wall breakage between character and reader. The world of painting skies was magically delicious! Damnit. This story needs a novel. Miss Pon. Hear my plea!! The culture in this little nugget of gold seriously moved my heart. So much gorgeous writing AND SASS! Cindy, I am watching out for you.
"Eyes Like Candelight" Julie Kagawa 5/5
Miss Kagawa, you have redeemed yourself since Iron Fey. That was uncool of you to go playing with my heart. Excuse me while I go read every damn book you’ve ever written (you know, aside from Iron Fey). This was like reading anime. I'm still dreaming about it even now. This book could not have ended any better. KITSUNE! I MEAN! COME ON! I need a full series about Yuki. Now.
(Disclaimer: I did not include the DNF ratings in my overall rating of this book.)
Overall, A Thousand Beginnings and Endings is a novel jam-packed with culture and fantasy.
Check. It. Out.
Edelweiss gave me this ARC for an honest review.
It has been maybe over a year since I've been able to pick up a book and actually finish reading it. Ever since I lost my twin brother, reading felt like a chore. This book (and all the 30+ ARCs I received from Edelweiss) kicked me into go-mode.
"Forbidden Fruit" Roshani Chokshi 5/5
Miss Chokshi, you are now on my priority to-read list because your writing is magical. For real though, you guys. This story...there's no other story that could've started this book off with a bang! This story was magical and it has lingered ever since I read it. The magic in this story kept me going through this book until the end. I nearly clapped. The mountain is alive. And she's one badass bitch.
"Olivia's Table" Alyssa Wong 4/5
Alyssa Wong, write more books! Please! I need you to write more so I can devour your work like I devoured this story. Ghosts and Buffets, just YES GIVE ME. I connect so much with grief and mourning, that this story touched my heart.
"Steel Skin" Lori M. Lee 3/5
This story was pretty okay. Like in my updates, I felt kind of...incomplete. It was hard to keep up with, and it felt too short. It needed more. Though, a reader needing more and a reader wanting more, are two totally different things.
"Still Star-Crossed" Sona Charaipotra 4/5
Short. Sweet. Moving. So much culture wrapped up in a tiny box of a story. This author is now on my watch-out-for list. I was left wanting more. Ah! Such a wonderful story! Love, longing, culture. YES. Love the mother-daughter relationship here.
"The Counting of Vermilion Beads" Aliette De Bodard 3/5
...I was confused. A bit. After I read the author's influence for the story, I was even more confused. I mean, the writing was pretty but it almost seemed...too purple-prose-y. I was confused at to what was even happening at times. It felt sporadic. Flying into walls? Le wut? I'm all for shape-shifting, but this story seemed a mess.
"The Land of The Morning Sun" E. C. Myers 5/5
AH HOLY FUCKING WHAT THE HELL THIS STORY I NEED MORE GIVE ME EVERYTHING IN YOUR HEAD, MYERS! Ahem. This. Fucking. Story. I cried. I cried hard. Just read it. I'm not about to spoil anything for you (except that this story revolves around
"The Smile" Aisha Saeed 3/5
This story failed to shine as brightly as the other stories. I highlighted plenty of memorable and beautifully crafted words, but it fell short of "magical". And I might've forgotten what this story was even about tbh... Which means it wasn't memorable. Not bad, but not amazing. Simply put, this story was enjoyable enough to continue reading until the end.
"Girls Who Twirl And Other Dangers" Preeti Chhibber 2/5
This story was horrendous. The packed in culture of this story was cool if not wonderful. But the message was terrible. I don’t think it’s okay to glorify harassing someone who harassed you in the name of vigilance. Especially female VS male. That’s such a negative message to send to this generation. We’re trying to FIX that, not AMPLIFY it! Ugh. No. This story was (in the words of Kelly Kapoor) irresponsible.
"Nothing Into All" Renee Ahdieh 3/5
The twists were good. Enjoyable. It just didn't steal my heart away, and I'm not a fan of how simplistic this story felt. I do enjoy goblins though. They're creepy and cool little creatures.
"Spear Carrier" Rahul Kanakia 0/5 DNF
Tell me. How does one “piss and shit” in a “skintight bodysuit” with “no problems”...??? What the hell. is that. Listen. I took World Literature in College and loved learning about The Mahabharata. The Bhagavad Gita is a fantastic story about a vast philosophical conversation between two people in the middle of a battlefield. Profound. This short story? Not profound. Kind of boring to be honest. And not my cup of weird.
"Code of Honor" Melissa De La Cruz 0/5 DNF
I have decided I cannot stand this author's writing. I just can't. None of my TBR books are authored by her, and that is definitely for a reason. It's just...immature writing. I'm sick of reading of characters with the "better than thou" personality. Not for me.
"Bullet Butterfly" Elsie Chapman 2/5
Meh. That's how I felt about this story. Although tragic, it could not hold my attention. It was hard to connect with, and it was more on the "eh-you-cute" side of stories.
"Daughter of The Sun" Shveta Thakrar 4/5
The beginning had me leaning toward three stars but it picked up, and had me turning pages earnestly. This story was magical and it lingers inside you like the sun in Savitri’s heart. GOODNESS! When the weather is described as clothing, I wanted to write all of that down to reread it over and over later. Wonderful story. Someone please tell this author to write more fantastic work so I can eat. it. up.
"The Crimson Cloak" Ciny Pon 4/5
CINDY FREAKING PON. Holy hell that story. I need more, Cindy Pon. GIVE ME MORE! I NEED IT NOW!! Must. Read. More. Ah! This story was beautiful and I loved the wall breakage between character and reader. The world of painting skies was magically delicious! Damnit. This story needs a novel. Miss Pon. Hear my plea!! The culture in this little nugget of gold seriously moved my heart. So much gorgeous writing AND SASS! Cindy, I am watching out for you.
"Eyes Like Candelight" Julie Kagawa 5/5
Miss Kagawa, you have redeemed yourself since Iron Fey. That was uncool of you to go playing with my heart. Excuse me while I go read every damn book you’ve ever written (you know, aside from Iron Fey). This was like reading anime. I'm still dreaming about it even now. This book could not have ended any better. KITSUNE! I MEAN! COME ON! I need a full series about Yuki. Now.
(Disclaimer: I did not include the DNF ratings in my overall rating of this book.)
Overall, A Thousand Beginnings and Endings is a novel jam-packed with culture and fantasy.
Check. It. Out.
Forbidden Fruit by Roshani Chokshi — 5 stars
Olivia’s Table by Alyssa Wong — 2 stars
Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee — 1.5 stars
Still Star-Crossed by Sona Charaipotha — 3 stars
The Counting of Vermillion Beads by Aliette de Bodard — 1.5 stars
The Land of the Morning Calm by E.C. Meyers — 2 stars
The Smile by Aisha Saeed — 5 stars
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber — 1 star
Nothing Into All by Renee Ahdieh — 4 stars
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia — 1 star
Code of Honor by Melissa de la Cruz — 1.5 stars
Bullet, Butterfly by Elsie Chapman — 4 stars
Daughter of the Sun by Shveta Thakrar — 2 stars
The Crimson Cloak by Cindy Pon — 4.5 stars
Eyes Like Candlelight by Julie Kagawa — 5 stars
Average Rating= 2.8
Olivia’s Table by Alyssa Wong — 2 stars
Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee — 1.5 stars
Still Star-Crossed by Sona Charaipotha — 3 stars
The Counting of Vermillion Beads by Aliette de Bodard — 1.5 stars
The Land of the Morning Calm by E.C. Meyers — 2 stars
The Smile by Aisha Saeed — 5 stars
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber — 1 star
Nothing Into All by Renee Ahdieh — 4 stars
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia — 1 star
Code of Honor by Melissa de la Cruz — 1.5 stars
Bullet, Butterfly by Elsie Chapman — 4 stars
Daughter of the Sun by Shveta Thakrar — 2 stars
The Crimson Cloak by Cindy Pon — 4.5 stars
Eyes Like Candlelight by Julie Kagawa — 5 stars
Average Rating= 2.8
Overall Rating Average: 3.66
Forbidden Fruit: 3.5
Olivia's Table: 3.5
Steel Skin: 2.5
Still Star-crossed: 3.75
The Counting of Vermillion Beads: 2
The Land of Morning: 4.75
The Smile: 4
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers: 2
Nothing Into All: 4
Spear Carrier: 5
Code of Honor: 3.5
Bullet, Butterfly: 4.25
Daughter of the Sun: 4
The Crimson Cloak: 3.75
Eyes Like Candlelight: 4.5
Forbidden Fruit: 3.5
Olivia's Table: 3.5
Steel Skin: 2.5
Still Star-crossed: 3.75
The Counting of Vermillion Beads: 2
The Land of Morning: 4.75
The Smile: 4
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers: 2
Nothing Into All: 4
Spear Carrier: 5
Code of Honor: 3.5
Bullet, Butterfly: 4.25
Daughter of the Sun: 4
The Crimson Cloak: 3.75
Eyes Like Candlelight: 4.5