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nicandbooks's review
4.0
Review for Into Elysium by AM Johnson
I loved AM Johnson's take on a dystopian world ... this short story had be totally captivated and I really it had been longer. Eben and Cale were great characters and their connection was genuine and palpable. A great short story and I hope we get a longer version!!
I loved AM Johnson's take on a dystopian world ... this short story had be totally captivated and I really it had been longer. Eben and Cale were great characters and their connection was genuine and palpable. A great short story and I hope we get a longer version!!
pebblespenguin1's review
5.0
I received an ARC of the story A Pretty, Quiet Rebellion in exchange for an honest review. In all honesty, I usually have trouble with these types of stories. Usually there’s something about dystopian that I have trouble getting into, but I couldn’t put this down! I really loved the characters and even though it was a short story, I didn’t feel that it was rushed at all. I was on the edge of my seat, nervous energy fluttering all about in me, needing to see how it all ended. It was a great story and I can’t wait to read the rest in this anthology!
amor_fati's review
5.0
I receive an ARC of The House the Fed the Forrest by J. R. Rogue, whoa.....
When the world is falling into despair all around you, you cling to what you know, survival, but what if survival might get you killed? J.R. Rogue gives us a fight for love in the darkest of days story that will give you all the feels. When Jackson comes back for Lilly, battle the odds that are against but knowing what is in his heart. He will know it is worth it and she will know she is worth it.
It’s is story that even if the world will end tomorrow if you get to love now. YOU LOVE NOW. No matter what
When the world is falling into despair all around you, you cling to what you know, survival, but what if survival might get you killed? J.R. Rogue gives us a fight for love in the darkest of days story that will give you all the feels. When Jackson comes back for Lilly, battle the odds that are against but knowing what is in his heart. He will know it is worth it and she will know she is worth it.
It’s is story that even if the world will end tomorrow if you get to love now. YOU LOVE NOW. No matter what
bookdrgn's review
4.0
Camp Holloway by Katia Rose
A short, sweet story.
Interesting setting - summer camp after the electricity went out - but good.
A short, sweet story.
Interesting setting - summer camp after the electricity went out - but good.
audaciousreads's review
5.0
Protecting Patience by K Leigh was a quick sweet read where we meet Halo and his daughter as well as Patience. The story gives you a little glimpse into the new dystopian world of the Mad Cruel World Anthology.
karentje's review
4.0
Into Elysium
Great short story! It is set in a bleak, dystopian world after a virus more or less destroyed humanity, leaving two factions to fight for dominance and survival. When Eben and Cale first meet, one’s a guard and the other a prisoner—how wonderfully impossible!—yet they have both known great loss and seemingly have little left to live for. I really liked how subtle their attraction builds and the way they slowly learn to trust each other and find hope again, even in their dire circumstances. The worldbuilding is quite detailed for such a short story, and the characters well-rounded and intriguing.
A pretty, quiet rebellion
The worldbuilding is dark and gritty, and misogynistic. I wish we could have had more origin story details or insight into what drives the different established groups. The female lead character is strong, in that she endures horrible things and still manages to stay sane, but she is a little too passive for me. There’s very little focus on building the relationship between Freya and Abel, and it did not entirely convince me. I felt more interest in Kova, Freya’s friend, than I did in Abel. I didn’t care for his treatment of Freya.
Great short story! It is set in a bleak, dystopian world after a virus more or less destroyed humanity, leaving two factions to fight for dominance and survival. When Eben and Cale first meet, one’s a guard and the other a prisoner—how wonderfully impossible!—yet they have both known great loss and seemingly have little left to live for. I really liked how subtle their attraction builds and the way they slowly learn to trust each other and find hope again, even in their dire circumstances. The worldbuilding is quite detailed for such a short story, and the characters well-rounded and intriguing.
A pretty, quiet rebellion
The worldbuilding is dark and gritty, and misogynistic. I wish we could have had more origin story details or insight into what drives the different established groups. The female lead character is strong, in that she endures horrible things and still manages to stay sane, but she is a little too passive for me. There’s very little focus on building the relationship between Freya and Abel, and it did not entirely convince me. I felt more interest in Kova, Freya’s friend, than I did in Abel. I didn’t care for his treatment of Freya.
shanoconnor's review
5.0
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
A pretty, quiet rebellion by Victoria Ellis & Cady Verdiramo: 5/5 Stars
I am surprised by how much I liked this story. It heavily reminds me of ‘The Handmaids Tale’. I didn’t know where this story would go but I was happily surprised by the ending. It is soft and powerful at the same time.
The House that Fed the Forest by J.R. Rogue: 5/5 Stars
This is a story unlike any other. It left me wanting more, something I hope Rogue would turn into a full length story at some point. Following the Dystopian theme you are left wondering what is happening in this world they live in. So many unanswered questions but a beautiful story of forbidden love.
Into Elysium by A.M.Johnson: 5/5 Stars
Ugh this story was somehow so soft despite what was going on. Eben and Cale's relationship is so pure yet so intense. A forbidden love story for many different reasons, I would love to read more of them.
A pretty, quiet rebellion by Victoria Ellis & Cady Verdiramo: 5/5 Stars
I am surprised by how much I liked this story. It heavily reminds me of ‘The Handmaids Tale’. I didn’t know where this story would go but I was happily surprised by the ending. It is soft and powerful at the same time.
The House that Fed the Forest by J.R. Rogue: 5/5 Stars
This is a story unlike any other. It left me wanting more, something I hope Rogue would turn into a full length story at some point. Following the Dystopian theme you are left wondering what is happening in this world they live in. So many unanswered questions but a beautiful story of forbidden love.
Into Elysium by A.M.Johnson: 5/5 Stars
Ugh this story was somehow so soft despite what was going on. Eben and Cale's relationship is so pure yet so intense. A forbidden love story for many different reasons, I would love to read more of them.
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