What a collection. Charlotte langtree explores the strength of the female through fantastical worlds and many with myths based on older gods. It’s delicious. The writing is wonderful with an emphasis on happy endings but not without some sacrifices and struggles. My thoughts about each of the stories in the collection.

Drummer girl – brutal and beautiful rhythm of words. Two time periods that jump back and forth

The Falar Path – dripped in to the middle, scrambling to learn more. Gods and promises, trees and torture. A Devine story. One of my favourites. Who is the boy? Are we supposed to assume?

Once a Queen – the ferryman and gods and battles … what a rush and an amazingly well written story

The changeling’s sword – Intense and bloody and full of revenge and anger. Fae and human. Ended a bit quickly. I would love more story in this world.

Cwenhild – tribal warriors, blood, tricksters and dragons. Brilliantly balanced with action, story, and personal risk and reward.

Wind-Dancer – this was an intense and well developed adventure. Of all the stories this one hints at something else to come. And oh how I hope so.

The Sleeping God – an interesting read. Well written and lighter in some ways despite the apocalypse. Hinting at a life remembered of the sleeping god.

Him, Her, and Lavender Lylah – intriguing and intense. The writing gave me Stephen King’s Rose Madder vibes … divine and building, knowing shits only going to get worse.

And then boom just like that Langtree pulls the thread she has sewn through this collection and my mind is blown next level.

Overall brilliant.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

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