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alittlemixofvix's review
3.0
I found this a mixed bag - some I loved and some I felt a bit lost with (why it's been given 3 stars).
My particular favourites (and authors I'll go and investigate) were:
"The Reef" by Emma Christie - I enjoyed the twists and turns this took me on, changing my views of whether it was a positive or negative story.
"While the Hens Roost Nightly" by Philippa East - I loved this one because I hated it! The emotions this story drew out from me and some of the things that happened were harrowing - and that's what made it brilliant (whilst being horrible). I had to take a pause after reading this one.
"Treasure" by Holly Race - I found myself really invested in the characters of this story, and was completely shocked by the ending.
Overall, I'd recommend this anthology - you'll definitely find at least a few stories you love.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
My particular favourites (and authors I'll go and investigate) were:
"The Reef" by Emma Christie - I enjoyed the twists and turns this took me on, changing my views of whether it was a positive or negative story.
"While the Hens Roost Nightly" by Philippa East - I loved this one because I hated it! The emotions this story drew out from me and some of the things that happened were harrowing - and that's what made it brilliant (whilst being horrible). I had to take a pause after reading this one.
"Treasure" by Holly Race - I found myself really invested in the characters of this story, and was completely shocked by the ending.
Overall, I'd recommend this anthology - you'll definitely find at least a few stories you love.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
portybelle's review
5.0
I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Unlocked, a collection of short stories by authors first published during the 2020 lockdowns. All profits from the book will be donated to The Trussell Trust which supports foodbanks which are sadly needed more than ever this year. I occasionally provide cover at our local Trussell Trust foodbank and know first hand just how essential they are to people who are really struggling with the cost of living crisis.
We hear in the introduction to this book how these authors came to know each other. All had their debut novels published in 2020 and of course, as we all know, that was a difficult time for everyone, not least authors trying to launch books at a time when bookshops were shut and events couldn’t take place. This group came together online to support each other.
Unlocked is a fabulous, eclectic mix of stories. There really is something for everyone. The authors take us to different places and different times with a real variety of genres. You’ll find a hint of the supernatural, crime, historical fiction, romance and some dilemmas. You’ll visit France, Italy and several places across the UK. You’ll find some very emotional stories, some stories that intrigue you and some which will make you laugh.
Unlocked gives a great introduction to each writer and a taste of each writer’s style. I had only read a couple of these authors before but will now definitely look out for others. It’s sometimes hard to decide what star rating to give a collection of short stories as inevitably, there will be some you like more than others. That was true for me of course but all these stories were excellent even if from a genre I didn’t usually read. So I have happily given this collection five stars and pleased to recommend it as a great way to discover some new authors.
We hear in the introduction to this book how these authors came to know each other. All had their debut novels published in 2020 and of course, as we all know, that was a difficult time for everyone, not least authors trying to launch books at a time when bookshops were shut and events couldn’t take place. This group came together online to support each other.
Unlocked is a fabulous, eclectic mix of stories. There really is something for everyone. The authors take us to different places and different times with a real variety of genres. You’ll find a hint of the supernatural, crime, historical fiction, romance and some dilemmas. You’ll visit France, Italy and several places across the UK. You’ll find some very emotional stories, some stories that intrigue you and some which will make you laugh.
Unlocked gives a great introduction to each writer and a taste of each writer’s style. I had only read a couple of these authors before but will now definitely look out for others. It’s sometimes hard to decide what star rating to give a collection of short stories as inevitably, there will be some you like more than others. That was true for me of course but all these stories were excellent even if from a genre I didn’t usually read. So I have happily given this collection five stars and pleased to recommend it as a great way to discover some new authors.
thebookmouse's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
thefirstelevenminutes's review
4.0
‘Unlocked’ is a collection of short stories by authors first published in lockdown. The book gathers together authors who, due to the unfortunate circumstance of that pandemic, were first published at a time when there were no book events, signings, or even bookshops open. Some of the authors featured here I know of as I have their books; the likes of Emma Christie, Philippa East and Louise Mumford.
Other authors featured here had passed me by – so this is a great introduction to their writing style and genre of choice.
As with any short story collection I read (and I’ve read a fair few) there are always some standouts – and this collection is no different, with my personal favourites being:
Other authors featured here had passed me by – so this is a great introduction to their writing style and genre of choice.
As with any short story collection I read (and I’ve read a fair few) there are always some standouts – and this collection is no different, with my personal favourites being:
chaptersofvicki's review
4.0
This was a mixture of different short stories from the D20 authors. I enjoyed most of the stories in this book.
My favourites were The Cleaner by Louise Mumford @louisemumford and The Reef by Emma Christie. While the Hens Roost Nightly by Philippa East was another I enjoyed.
I recommend this anthology as I’m sure there’s something for everyone in this book.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the authors for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
My favourites were The Cleaner by Louise Mumford @louisemumford and The Reef by Emma Christie. While the Hens Roost Nightly by Philippa East was another I enjoyed.
I recommend this anthology as I’m sure there’s something for everyone in this book.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the authors for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
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