ARC Review: Touchstones: A Collection by Stephanie Burgis

Touchstones: A Collection
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Publication: Self-Published (July 11, 2022)

Description: The glass molded to my foot as neatly—and as chillingly—as if it had been made for me

“This,” I said, “is a most unfortunate coincidence…”

From tongue-in-cheek fairy tale reframings to forbidden Victorian-era romance and contemporary ghosts, dive into an immersive world of magic.

Touchstones is a collection of sparkling short fantasy fiction from Stephanie Burgis, including two new stories as well as fourteen short stories and novelettes that have been previously published in magazines and anthologies.

This collection includes The Wrong Foot, Undead Philosophy 101, A Cup of Comfort, Dreaming Harry, Offerings, Dancing in the Dark, The Disastrous Début of Agatha Tremain, The Wildness Inside, The Art of Deception, Midnight, Clasp Hands, Crow, True Names, Good Neighbors, Love, Your Flatmate, and House of Secrets.

My Thoughts: TOUCHSTONES was an entertaining assortment of fantasy stories. I liked that some of the stories take place in a fantasy world and have a fairy tale feel, while others take part in our real world but with a lovely taste of magic. 

Many of the stories were new to me. I had read before others before. They range in tone from humorous to mildly creepy. I liked that the main characters all had agency and unexpected depths. I liked that some of the stories include some romance too. 

I recommend this collection which gives a nice taste of the author's writing style. 

Favorite Quote:

My father's house is full of secrets. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from the author. You can buy your copy here.