Last Updated: 19 July 2021
Although, on the whole, I prefer to read longer stories, sometimes it is beautifully crafted short stories that really manage to grab my attention and make me instantly sit up and take notice. Plus, after living in Kent for three years while at university, I am always up for supporting writers in my second home county. Perhaps it's fair to say that I sometimes do miss Kent, its landscape and the university lifestyle, but it is small connections like these that help me remember the good times and everything I've learned along the way.
So, when offered the chance to get involved, review and help promote an anthology featuring short stories from Thanet writers, there was only ever going to be one answer!
First and Last by Catherine Law
Undeniably a strong start to the anthology, powerful emotions and a wonderfully poignant twist are captured brilliantly in this war-time story.
Rating: 4 stars
The Pigeons by J.A. Dumairier
Although it was full of description and rich symbolism, I felt this story sadly lacked an engaging plot.
Rating: 2 stars
Rating: 2 stars
Another Hot Chocolate by Lannah Marshall
I enjoyed this story, particularly learning more about the characters' past as the conversation developed, but I did feel it felt more like a scene borrowed from a longer book rather than a stand-alone short story.
Rating: 3 stars
Loose Ends by Sam Kaye
Simple and to the point, this story follows a traditional idea of the thriller genre yet adds its own unique twist.
Rating: 4 stars
Rating: 4 stars
The Old Man by Ghillie
I don't know what it was about this story, perhaps just its sheer simplicity, but it really tugged at my heartstrings and made me get all emotional!
Rating: 5 stars
Stray by Seb Reilly
This story has so much scope and potential - it's one of those vivid stories where the words just leap off the page. Twisting and turning, this multi-faceted story is well worth a read.
Rating: 4 stars
Misjudged by Stephanie Upton
Although I applaud this story for highlighting important issues, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Rating: 2 stars
Rating: 2 stars
The Year the Flamingos Came by Maggie Harris
Out of all the stories in the anthology, this was the one I was most looking forward to reading. I mean, that title is amazing! Although I felt the rich description and vivid yet subtle imagery were absolutely spot-on, it was the plot that prevented this story from rocketing to a five-star favourite.
Rating: 3 stars
Looking for Robert by Roger Jefferies
This story felt too rushed for my liking - with such a sweeping plot, it definitely could have done with a longer word count to really do it justice. Kudos to the author for a fantastic twist at the end though!
Rating: 3 stars
The Second Floor by David Chitty
It was quirky and definitely different, but sadly just not to my tastes.
Rating: 1 star
Paint Me by Connor Sansby
Speaking of different, I absolutely loved this story! Somehow managing to be both simple and complex at the same time, it's a definite gem in the collection.
Rating: 4 stars
The Child's Story by Charles Dickens
Who doesn't love a bit of Dickens? Classic and thought-provoking, this story is Dickens at his finest.
Rating: 5 stars
All the Postcards Never Sent by Rosie Escott
Oh, but this story is utterly heartbreaking. What else is there to say?
Rating: 3 stars
Rating: 3 stars
The Face by John Mount
I loved this story from the outset, but sadly, it just didn't live up to its initial promise.
Rating: 2 stars
Rating: 2 stars
Chisel by Rebecca Delphine
Quite possibly my favourite story in the entire anthology. It combines all my favourite elements into one remarkable story - don't miss it!
Rating: 5 stars
Rating: 5 stars
A Weekend Away Retold by James Souze
Although I had no problems with the story itself, it just didn't suit my personal reading preferences, sadly.
Rating: 2 stars
Cuke by Luke Edley
Well, this one was certainly an eye-opening read! Who would have guessed some of the things that teenage boys get up to? Although humour isn't my first choice in fiction, this was still an enjoyable read.
Rating: 3 stars
The Lickspittle Leviathan by David Grimstone
This kind of vivid fantasy would usually be right up my street, but here, I felt the constraints of the short story held the idea back somewhat.
Rating: 3 stars
Rating: 3 stars
Black Frost by Alice Olivia Scarlett
Utterly unexpected and totally captivating - fantasy at its finest. I just would have preferred a longer story to delve further into the backstory and consequences following this story!
Rating: 3 stars
Rating: 3 stars
Laid Bare by Kirsty Louise Farley
A thought-provoking read, yet one I'm still not sure what to think about as I come to write this review. To give it its due, it's certainly different to anything I've ever read before.
Rating: 3 stars
Rating: 3 stars
Life and Times of a Zombie by Matthew Munson
Definitely one to get you thinking! A zombie apocalypse tale with a quirky twist, this story combines the classic tropes of the genre with an overriding atmosphere of melancholy.
Rating: 5 stars
Thanephant: An Elephantasy by Janet Gogerty
I loved this story! It's quirky, it's inventive - in short, it's everything a short story should be.
Rating: 4 stars
Lucy by Sarah Tait
What a way to round off the anthology! Unexpectedly thought-provoking, this story is one that will stick with you long after you read the final words - an excellent choice to be placed last in the collection.
Rating: 5 stars
Shoal contains a whole host of stories across almost every genre you can think of and told in a variety of different styles and voices. It's diverse and clever, but most of all, it's the perfect way to showcase the work of the talented writers of Thanet.
Shoal: A Thanet Writers Anthology is available to buy now.
If you like the sound of this anthology, you might also enjoy...
* I received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review
Will you be getting a copy of the anthology? Which story is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for rating Loose Ends so highly :) It was my first published work (in print)!
ReplyDelete