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bookswithemily's review
4.0
What an amazing collection of short stories. The author done such a great job of setting the scene. In each story, the main characters came from a different part of the same island. It was lovely to read about the different parts of the island and how they live. We get to read about three teenagers from each part of the island and the quest they go on. Each story seems to lead into one another and the characters are reoccurring. These stories are fairytales for adults as the concept is whimsical and magical.
These short stories deal with many issues we see in today’s society. It was interesting to see how the author wrote the topics of homophobia, abuse and violence. The first teen is Amelia and she is from the Kingdom of Mirrors where they have massive financial difficulties. This is cause by a dragon who is taking over their home. Amelia used her knowledge rather than violence to defeat the dragon. I loved Amelia is the main character because is shows that violence cannot solve problems.
Richard is the main character of the second short story. He goes on a quest to explore a haunted tower, however he does not have the ‘soldier physique’. He is trained to be able to take on the ghost, but being physically strong will not be useful to defeat the ghost. Another amazing character who shows that perseverance and willpower can make a hero instead of someone who fits the physical boundaries.
The their protagonist in the final story is Esme who lives in Stormhaven. She is a seer but lives in the area that prohibits the use of magic. Esme’s family runs an inn and she must hid her power from the guests, this is until a family comes to stay and she meets Violet. She learns about Esme’s magic and they go on a quest to discover the truth about the royalty.
Theses characters are unique and they show diversity. I loved how the LGBTQ+ community were represented in this book, Amelia’s brother abdicating the throne to be with the man he wants to be with. Richard and George, Esme and Violet ❤️. My only downside to this book was that I wish there was more! Reading about this island was an adventure, I am looking forward to see what else the author is planning for the future.
These short stories deal with many issues we see in today’s society. It was interesting to see how the author wrote the topics of homophobia, abuse and violence. The first teen is Amelia and she is from the Kingdom of Mirrors where they have massive financial difficulties. This is cause by a dragon who is taking over their home. Amelia used her knowledge rather than violence to defeat the dragon. I loved Amelia is the main character because is shows that violence cannot solve problems.
Richard is the main character of the second short story. He goes on a quest to explore a haunted tower, however he does not have the ‘soldier physique’. He is trained to be able to take on the ghost, but being physically strong will not be useful to defeat the ghost. Another amazing character who shows that perseverance and willpower can make a hero instead of someone who fits the physical boundaries.
The their protagonist in the final story is Esme who lives in Stormhaven. She is a seer but lives in the area that prohibits the use of magic. Esme’s family runs an inn and she must hid her power from the guests, this is until a family comes to stay and she meets Violet. She learns about Esme’s magic and they go on a quest to discover the truth about the royalty.
Theses characters are unique and they show diversity. I loved how the LGBTQ+ community were represented in this book, Amelia’s brother abdicating the throne to be with the man he wants to be with. Richard and George, Esme and Violet ❤️. My only downside to this book was that I wish there was more! Reading about this island was an adventure, I am looking forward to see what else the author is planning for the future.
readsbyem_'s review
5.0
I loved this book! There's really no other way to say it! From the beginning, it was entertaining, whimsical and funny. Her world-building is impressive, given that this is a collection of short stories I was worried things would feel incomplete or untold. But it was rather the opposite, I felt as if I was apart of this vivid kingdom she was describing, down to the windows in the buildings and the vendors at the market. It feels very much like coming home, the world is her own but it reminded me of fairy tales I used to read when I was younger.
Despite being a lighthearted fantasy, Burke does not shy away from current political themes and issues. As the stories progress we learn more about the issues prevalent in this novel: immigration, homophobia, xenophobia and the persecution of groups different than the ruling families. These themes are taken seriously and approached with respect and the necessary attitude needed.
I hope Burke counties to write because she has a knack for it, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories and can't wait for what else she releases. If you haven't already, I highly recommend this short story collection! It'll make you smile if nothing else, which I think everyone could use right now.
Despite being a lighthearted fantasy, Burke does not shy away from current political themes and issues. As the stories progress we learn more about the issues prevalent in this novel: immigration, homophobia, xenophobia and the persecution of groups different than the ruling families. These themes are taken seriously and approached with respect and the necessary attitude needed.
I hope Burke counties to write because she has a knack for it, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories and can't wait for what else she releases. If you haven't already, I highly recommend this short story collection! It'll make you smile if nothing else, which I think everyone could use right now.
francescaastraea's review
5.0
~Full disclosure I am biased, having written, rewritten, edited and read through every one of these 196 pages with a cheery obsession~
I wrote this book because I wanted to tell the sorts of fairy stories I wished I could read. If you enjoy magic, questing, subtle references to 20th and 21st century politics, not-subtle references to 20th and 21st century politics and the odd joke about musicals, you might enjoy this. It's got some #diversereads rep, too, if that's your bag. If you have half as much fun reading it as I did writing it, you'll have a good time.
I wrote this book because I wanted to tell the sorts of fairy stories I wished I could read. If you enjoy magic, questing, subtle references to 20th and 21st century politics, not-subtle references to 20th and 21st century politics and the odd joke about musicals, you might enjoy this. It's got some #diversereads rep, too, if that's your bag. If you have half as much fun reading it as I did writing it, you'll have a good time.
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