Reviews

Wyngraf: Issue 1 by Nathaniel Webb

pandoozled14's review

3.75

There weren't any standout stories for me, but the rating is surely justified by the fact that I didn't DNF any story.

elfstone's review

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

goddess_of_gore_vix's review

3.0

I would say this would be a fantastic introduction to the cosy fantasy genre. A little taster I loved The Road To Fjallmark, What We Buried and Vigil. 

rainydayscribe's review

adventurous hopeful relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It's a great magazine of cozy fantasy, which are fantasy stories with lower stakes and focused more on warmth, friendship, and adventure that doesn't get too dark. 

Favorites were: The Road to Fjallmark (felt like taking a magical walk through Skyrim), Vigil (another lovely backpack fantasy), Dragonsmith (super charming and magical and personal), and What We Buried (a darker story, but hopeful and full of wonder).

kayshiddenshelf's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

 3.5/5 Stars

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A self-published cozy fantasy magazine series featuring a collection of short stories. Volume 1 presents nine short stories by a variety of authors. Each one bringing through a different view of “cozy” within their stories.  As everyone’s definition of cozy may vary, the variety within Wyngraf will have something for everyone. 

Within Vol. 1 there are many themes explored from friendship, romance, adventure, family, and change. You’ll also find stories with travel, unique magic, dragons, Fairies, Dwarves, action, found family and the mysteries of legends. 

While I found most of the stories to be cozy, there were some that didn’t quite hit that “cozy” vibe. I think part of this was a combination of choices in prose and storytelling methods that didn’t work for me. 

However, there were stories I would like to see more exploration of the characters and worlds from the authors. Of course, this might defeat the purpose of a short story but there were interesting aspects I’d love to see more of. 

There were many stories I found to be endearing, between the characters developments and the circumstances they go through. By the end of reading Wyngraf (Vol. 1) I was left with a wholesome feeling and found new authors to follow. 

Some of my favourites: 
 - The Perils of Living with your Human by Nathan Slemp
 - What We Buried by J. A. Prentice
 - Weaving Serenity by Amanda Cook
 - Vigil by Nathaniel Webb
 - Dragonsmith by Angelica Fiori 

Wyngraf is the start of something exciting with more cozy stories in sight as the magazine continues with Volume 2. I look forward to coming back to these stories and the new issues to come. 

A fun, cozy and entertaining read for fantasy readers.  

mmeller's review

5.0

Adventures don’t always have to be epic, and this collection exemplifies that. With all the terrible things in the real world, quiet stories, calming stories, cozy stories are so needed.

queergoth_reads's review

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75