Fantasy Anthology Review: Seasons of Sorcery by Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Amanda Bouchet and Jeffe Kennedy

Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology

ecopy thanks to the authors

Synopsis from Goodreads
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.

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8.5/10

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 WINTER'S WEB  is alright. A solid 7/10, and as I stopped following Gin's adventures a long time ago, it was difficult for me to get back to this world. Still, a cool look at what can go wrong at Renaissance Fair and an enjoyable description of ridiculous costumes for main heroes.


A WILDERNESS OF GLASS by Grace Draven is undoubtedly 9/10. This was gorgeous, moody and poetic, definitely a must read for the fans of The Shape of Water. Like the previous short in the same setting this story is incredibly rich and heartfelt for something so restrained by the format. Brida is lovely and reminds me of a main heroine from Entreat Me, and Ahtin is adorable. This was my absolute favorite of the anthology.

 A CURSE FOR SPRING by Amanda Bouchet is 8/10. Sweet, little fairy tale which held my attention throughout. It might have been formulaic, but it was bright, colourful and engaging. Would it get me back into reading this author? Probably not. Would I recommend her to someone who'd like her style more than me? For sure.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER by Jeffe Kennedy is 8/10. Surprisingly, I didn't hate it. I don't usually like Jeffe's writing, but this novella reeled me in like a fish, and at some point I had to finish it before putting the book down. I might even *gasp* go back and read Ursula's book to find out more about her and her man. Overall, a good read. Unexpectedly, this time it worked its magic on me. 

Overall, a solid anthology, with Grace Draven's story as my favorite among four authors represented. Totally recommended, especially if you want to try some new authors.

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WINTER'S WEB нормально так на троечку. Я конечно авантюры Джин Бланко давно уже забросила читать и помнила персонажей смутно, но повесть меня эта развлекла смешными костюмами и каким-то нелепым злодеем.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS от Грэйс Дрэйвен - это солидная пятерка, причем непоколебимая и со смаком. Тут вообще сразу же чувствуется разница в качестве повествования. Какая-то чудесная, меланхоличная, нежнейшая и сложная история, которая восхитит поклонников "Формы Воды" и хорошо продолжит первую повесть из этой же серии. Главная героиня, Брида, напомнила мне ГГ из Entreat Me, а Ахтин получился завораживающе странным персонажем. Любимая повесть сборника, как вы уже поняли. Ну очень советую!

  A CURSE FOR SPRING от Аманды Буше на мое удивление оказалась четверкой. Такая милая сказочка, формулаичная, да, но она работает как раз в таком коротком формате. Заставит ли она меня вернуться к этому автору? Я не думаю. Но посоветовать ее новым читателям я смогу. Атмосферно и развлекательно.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER от Джефф Кеннеди оказалась на удивление мое четверкой. Мне с этим автором обычно не везет, так как не нравится мне ее стиль повествования.А вот здесь она закинула удочку и поймала меня на историю Урсулы и ее любовника. Очень интересная у них оказалась история с побегами из Оттоманской империи и потерянными сестрами, да так, что я может даже вернусь к этой серии и прочитаю их книгу.

В общем, солидный на четверку сборник, покупайте из-за Грэйс Дрэйвен и заодно познакомитесь с остальными авторами. Рекомендую.