A review by annettenis
Artifice & Access: A Disability in Fantasy Anthology by Ella T. Holmes

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

5.0

 

When I heard that several of my favourite Indie authors were banding together to create an anthology by authors with disabilities, neurodivergence or chronic illness to explore disability in fantasy I was immediately very excited. As a reader who has an autoimmune disorder that results in chronic pain and fatigue I looked forward to seeing what these talented writers would do, and to seeing myself and others like me celebrated in one of my favourite genres. Artifice & Access did not disappoint. This was the first book I read in 2025 and I already know it will be one of my favourites of the year. Short story collections are often something of a mixed bag by their very nature, especially in an anthology collection such as this, usually there are a couple of stories I love, one or two that just don't resonate with me and the rest are solid, but in this anthology there is not a single weak story in the bunch. From the strong opener by Harper Kinsley , One Cream, Five Sugars ,a sweet title that belies the bittersweet nature of the story itself, to The Changeling of Brushby by Natalie Kelda which immediately gave me fantastic folklore vibes with a character that really made me more understanding of how much discomfort the so called little things can cause, or even To Make Her Eat by M. Stevenson which subverts the traditional tales of fairy rings that I grew up with, making a character's disability into her secret weapon. I could continue going story by story, but honestly I want readers to discover the hope and joy that fills this collection for themselves. From re-imaginings of Cinderella ( Stroke of Midnight, Shoes of Glass by Adie Hart) and Rapunzel (Lessons in Botany by Casper E Falls) to a wheelchair bound Maid Marian who rivals anyone in the kingdom when it comes to archery (Hope, Be it Never So Faint by Ashely N.Y. Sheesly) there is something in this collection for everyone and I really believe that the world would be a better place if more readers of fantasy made room for collections like this on their shelves and more readers could see themselves reflected in such an empowering way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.