SapphFic Eclectic Volume Four

by Robyn Nyx (Editor), Brey Willows (Editor), Lee Haven

Stories are part of who we are. And they’re as individual as the shells on a beach or the flakes of snow that fall through night skies. That’s what you’ll find in this book. Stories from new authors who are just dipping their toes into the land of fiction, and stories from authors who live half their lives already in the land of Word. The emotional range in this anthology varies from light-hearted fun, to horror, to the grief of feeling so lost you don’t know where to turn. Fantasy, reality, romance…you’ll find a little of everything in these pages, and maybe you’ll find authors you can’t wait to follow, as well as authors who speak to the deeper parts of you.

Everyone has a story to tell; we hope you recognize your own story somewhere in these pages, and that you reach out to connect with the authors as well. After all, isn’t connection what makes for a great story?

Genres: Anthologies

ebook

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Robyn Nyx is an avid shutterbug and lover of all things fast and physical. Her writing often reflects both of those passions. She lives with her soul mate and fellow scribe. They have no kids or kittens, which allows them to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat for “research.” She works hard to find writing time, when she’s not being distracted by blue skies and motorbike rides.

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always an excellent anthology of short stories, all very well written and emotional, some hot, some light, some heavy, just a great taste of lesfic/sapphic fiction authors.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable mix of stories by a wide range of authors. Quite a few I wouldn’t mind seeing as full novels.
Everything from humour to heartbreak. All in nice short bursts. Perfect for a quick read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for this yearly free anthology which is edited by wife and wife team Robyn Nyx and Brey Willows, and published by Butterworth Books. Each edition is always a fabulous mix of established, and junior or new authors, with an equally fantastic selection of genres.

I'm fairly late to the game in reviewing this volume, given that Volume Five is not too far away, but it's an anthology that I like to pick up when my reading is on the frizz. SapphFic Eclectic is a Sapphic short story collection which offers the ability to dip in and out of whilst still guaranteeing high quality and engaging stories. It always seems to call to me right when I need something less taxing; when I want to inhabit the LGBTQ+ world but without the depth or commitment required by full novels. It's essentially a little box of rainbow love!

With 22 short stories and sneak previews of full novels, there's something for everyone, and every taste. Here's my top picks from Volume Four of SapphFic Eclectic:

1. Back to Back by Jo Fletcher - I've yet to read this author yet, but I liked the premise of the story (the revitalisation of run-down urban areas) and loved that the characters are two older women in their eighties; which is something I don't come across very often.

2. Things That Refuse to Die by Julie Brydon - Preppers meets actual zombie apocalypse vibes. Elements of my favourite genres abound in this short, and thus the beginnings of this second chance romance were always going to be a winner.

3. Box of Matches by Robyn Nyx - Perhaps the shortest piece in the anthology but one which I found to be beautifully thought provoking. Sometimes the simplest prose finds the deepest connection within you.

4. A Walk in the Woods by Valden Bush - If you've had the pleasure of reading Valden's work before you'll realise that this horror story is quite a departure from her previous works. One which half scares me to death and makes me want to avoid wandering in woods ever again quite frankly!

5. Irish Twins by Emma Collier - A spicy, unrequited love story, which is sure to get your adrenaline racing whilst turning your heart into a puddle of 'meant to be' mush.

6. Champagne Problems by KC Laine - The epitome of long term relationships and anniversary goals. Perhaps a lesson in how to keep the love, appreciation and excitement alive.

7. The Repository of Memory: Training Day by Brey Willows - I adore this latest short by Brey; as usual I want to go and explore this world of memory that she's created for us. I always want more of her work because she combines emotions so perfectly with elements of fantasy that her words are always a true pleasure to read.

[Erin Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to beta read Julie Brydon's "Things that Refuse to Die." I absolutely love the voice in this short zombie piece! Zelda is a great character (a prepper whose worst fears came true in the zombie apocalypse) and her personality contrasts her second-chance love interest (and badass), Lady, in great ways. The sapphic geek references (Xena, Harley Quinn, etc) made me smile.