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courtsport3000 's review for:
A Phoenix First Must Burn
by Patrice Caldwell
This was such an enjoyable collection! Every story felt like something fresh and new, none of them blended into the other or felt like something I'd seen earlier in the volume. Like any anthology, there will always be some stories that the reader enjoys more than others (whatever the reason may be) and this collection is no exception. But that said, none of these stories felt like filler or like a weak link - every single tale added value and uplifted the collection as a whole.
One thing that is especially unique in this collection is the variety when it comes to inspirations and origins for each tale. Some are pure sci-fi or fantasy, crafted solely from the author's own imagination. Others pull heavily from various mythologies or folklore. Others still are inspired by historical events and figures. In an anthology heavily rooted in the concepts of magic, this variety added individuality and heft that made each story shine that much brighter. No boring, cookie cutter fantasy here.
Personally, my favorites were Melie by Justina Ireland, Letting the Right One In by Patrice Caldwell, and Gilded by Elizabeth Acevedo. Each of these stories made me yearn for more and left me hopeful the authors will expand on them in the future.
Highly recommend.
One thing that is especially unique in this collection is the variety when it comes to inspirations and origins for each tale. Some are pure sci-fi or fantasy, crafted solely from the author's own imagination. Others pull heavily from various mythologies or folklore. Others still are inspired by historical events and figures. In an anthology heavily rooted in the concepts of magic, this variety added individuality and heft that made each story shine that much brighter. No boring, cookie cutter fantasy here.
Personally, my favorites were Melie by Justina Ireland, Letting the Right One In by Patrice Caldwell, and Gilded by Elizabeth Acevedo. Each of these stories made me yearn for more and left me hopeful the authors will expand on them in the future.
Highly recommend.