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The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories
Journey into a world of myth and magic, of mystery and monsters. Within these pages, you'll find: Mayan gods stalking through the cloud forest and lurking in the underworld; steam-powered golems patrolling crowded city streets; fox and fish spirits struggling with love and loss; a dragon doling out justice; a metal snake scheming for worship, and more. Jamie Lackey's debut collection contains fourteen short stories, including two never-before-seen tales, set in fantasy worlds inspired by Asian, Native American, and African myth and history.
Includes:
River Dragon’s Curse
Beyond the Reach of Moonlight
The Steam Lord's Autumn Ruby
Rekindled Dreams
Fox-Woman
The Blood of Four Gods
The Place of Fear
The Sour Thread of Doubt
Citali's Song
Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador
The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom
Jealous Idols
Of Dreaming and Destiny
The Value of Weakness
Includes:
River Dragon’s Curse
Beyond the Reach of Moonlight
The Steam Lord's Autumn Ruby
Rekindled Dreams
Fox-Woman
The Blood of Four Gods
The Place of Fear
The Sour Thread of Doubt
Citali's Song
Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador
The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom
Jealous Idols
Of Dreaming and Destiny
The Value of Weakness
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
About the author
Jamie Lackey
117 books63 followersJamie Lackey lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their cat. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in 2006 with a degree in Creative Writing. She studied under James Gunn at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction's Writer's Workshop in 2010 and has taken various workshops with Cat Rambo. She primarily writes science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories.
She has over 200 short fiction credits, and has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and the Stoker Award-winning After Death.... Her fiction has appeared on the Best Horror of the Year Honorable Mention and Tangent Online Recommended Reading Lists, and she's a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Her flash fiction collection, One Revolution, and her zombie novella, Moving Forward: A Novella of Life After Zombies, are available on Amazon.com. Her debut novel, Left Hand Gods, is available from Hadley Rille Books. She also has two short story collections available from Air and Nothingness Press.
She read submissions for the Hugo-winning Clarkesworld Magazine for five years and was an assistant editor for the Hugo-winning Electric Velocipede from 2012-2013. She served as editor for Triangulation: Lost Voices in 2015 and Triangulation: Beneath the Surface in 2016.
She enjoys reading, writing, tabletop role playing games, video games, baking, and hiking. Learn more about her at her website, www.jamielackey.com
She has over 200 short fiction credits, and has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and the Stoker Award-winning After Death.... Her fiction has appeared on the Best Horror of the Year Honorable Mention and Tangent Online Recommended Reading Lists, and she's a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Her flash fiction collection, One Revolution, and her zombie novella, Moving Forward: A Novella of Life After Zombies, are available on Amazon.com. Her debut novel, Left Hand Gods, is available from Hadley Rille Books. She also has two short story collections available from Air and Nothingness Press.
She read submissions for the Hugo-winning Clarkesworld Magazine for five years and was an assistant editor for the Hugo-winning Electric Velocipede from 2012-2013. She served as editor for Triangulation: Lost Voices in 2015 and Triangulation: Beneath the Surface in 2016.
She enjoys reading, writing, tabletop role playing games, video games, baking, and hiking. Learn more about her at her website, www.jamielackey.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2018
I recently remarked on how rarely I get to read Fantasy novels -- other than in manuscript -- and that is just as true of Fantasy short story collections. I took this volume off my unread shelf to address that situation, and it was an excellent choice.
I had heard Jamie read from several of the stories here, and that also influenced my decision to read it without the usual decade or two of ripening on my shelves. I attended a book release party, and a convention reading. She is one of our local authors, and I know her to speak to; we did a presentation together at Rickert & Beagle Books, for instance. I was not, however, broadly familiar with her work. What surprised me in reading the collection cover-to-cover is that everything in it seemed to be of the same high quality as the ones she chose to read in public.
Indeed, the consistency of this collection is impressive; as is the inventiveness, and the efficiency.
As the cover copy tells us, these Fantasies are "set in fantasy worlds inspired by Asian, Native American, and African myth and history." It is VERY refreshing to get away from the relentlessly overworked generic European fantasy realms; and it was also interesting that the stories borrow from the sparse narrative of genuine medieval literature. We get well-timed sensuous details, but we don't get endless descriptions. There are no dragged-out scenes, or long debates, or painful stalling to build tension.
We get straight to the protagonist (usually female, generally young) and their Problem, and the problem is pretty big. The protagonist does not mewl and whine about the problem, though tears are shed in private. The young ladies are not rescued, though the good-hearted sometimes assist them. These stories focus on the moment when decisions are taken, quests are enacted, gods are addressed in person, sacrifices are made. Quick in, and fairly quick out.
Many of the stories are magic quests, and several are katabases, but they did not feel repetitive. That's a strong recommendation, right there.
It is hard to pick favorites, but I did especially enjoy the alternate history version of Cortez's entry into Mexico, in "Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador," in which Cortez is so much more successful than history tells us. I also endorse "The Sour Thread of Doubt" and its variance from the typical formula.
On the negative side, there is a grimace (though only one), and there is the silliness of a ritual slicing of a character's palm, though the gods treat that pretty much as it deserves. As my students know, two items is a pretty short list of transgressions for modern Fantasy fiction.
Highly recommended.
I had heard Jamie read from several of the stories here, and that also influenced my decision to read it without the usual decade or two of ripening on my shelves. I attended a book release party, and a convention reading. She is one of our local authors, and I know her to speak to; we did a presentation together at Rickert & Beagle Books, for instance. I was not, however, broadly familiar with her work. What surprised me in reading the collection cover-to-cover is that everything in it seemed to be of the same high quality as the ones she chose to read in public.
Indeed, the consistency of this collection is impressive; as is the inventiveness, and the efficiency.
As the cover copy tells us, these Fantasies are "set in fantasy worlds inspired by Asian, Native American, and African myth and history." It is VERY refreshing to get away from the relentlessly overworked generic European fantasy realms; and it was also interesting that the stories borrow from the sparse narrative of genuine medieval literature. We get well-timed sensuous details, but we don't get endless descriptions. There are no dragged-out scenes, or long debates, or painful stalling to build tension.
We get straight to the protagonist (usually female, generally young) and their Problem, and the problem is pretty big. The protagonist does not mewl and whine about the problem, though tears are shed in private. The young ladies are not rescued, though the good-hearted sometimes assist them. These stories focus on the moment when decisions are taken, quests are enacted, gods are addressed in person, sacrifices are made. Quick in, and fairly quick out.
Many of the stories are magic quests, and several are katabases, but they did not feel repetitive. That's a strong recommendation, right there.
It is hard to pick favorites, but I did especially enjoy the alternate history version of Cortez's entry into Mexico, in "Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador," in which Cortez is so much more successful than history tells us. I also endorse "The Sour Thread of Doubt" and its variance from the typical formula.
On the negative side, there is a grimace (though only one), and there is the silliness of a ritual slicing of a character's palm, though the gods treat that pretty much as it deserves. As my students know, two items is a pretty short list of transgressions for modern Fantasy fiction.
Highly recommended.
September 29, 2017
The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories is a collection of short stories by Jamie Lackey, with a strong Asian/Native American theme. None of the stories are guaranteed a HAE, and in fact, I would say at least half have their own particular ending. These stories are all very vivid when you read them, which is excellent - Jamie Lackey's descriptive voice is in full flow. However, some of them are not so 'nice' to read, and so the descriptions can make you swallow slightly as you read them. Some only seem like snippets, and I would love to know more about the characters and the worlds in which they live.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories. With smooth pacing, well-rounded characters, and individual stories for each and every one, this is a wonderful collection of stories, sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2017
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories. With smooth pacing, well-rounded characters, and individual stories for each and every one, this is a wonderful collection of stories, sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2017
August 10, 2021
What an amazing banquet of tales from a diverse selection of cultures. So refreshing and unique as it explores underutilized mythos and cultures. Short but engaging stories that were like nothing I have ever read before. I loved every single one. Definitely a must-read for fans of fantasy and world mythology.
March 4, 2018
A beautiful, lush collection of short stories from a really talented author!
January 29, 2018
This diverse and sweeping collection of folklore-inspired speculative fiction is easily one of the best things I read in 2017. Based in fictional worlds rooted in Meso-American and Asian cultures, each of the worlds these short stories inhabit are detailed and fully realized, the characters feel real and exciting, and the plots can't help but pull you in.
My favorite story, The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom, left me wanting so much more, and that was really my only beef. It's clear that Lackey has done her research and cares deeply about the history and intricacies of the cultures and folklore which inspires the collection.
Not only is the content of the collection great, but it is also one of the more gorgeous books I own. A lush green jungle wraps around the entire cover and into the French fold flaps inside. This book is around the size of a smaller trade paperback, but the quality of the print makes it practically a collectors item. Gorgeous.
Long story short, if you're thinking about picking this up, you probably should. It's phenomenal.
My favorite story, The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom, left me wanting so much more, and that was really my only beef. It's clear that Lackey has done her research and cares deeply about the history and intricacies of the cultures and folklore which inspires the collection.
Not only is the content of the collection great, but it is also one of the more gorgeous books I own. A lush green jungle wraps around the entire cover and into the French fold flaps inside. This book is around the size of a smaller trade paperback, but the quality of the print makes it practically a collectors item. Gorgeous.
Long story short, if you're thinking about picking this up, you probably should. It's phenomenal.
December 2, 2018
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Air and Nothing press, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blood of four Gods and other stories is a collection of short stories from author Jamie Lackey. Some stories are only a matter of pages long, others substantially longer. Majority of these stories had Eastern influence from what I assume to be different myths and stories from these various cultures.
I have to admit that I loved every single one of these stories. Which is rare in an anthology type novel, generally there's a least one story that I don't take to, this collection however, every single story was enthralling. Even though these stories were quite short the author still managed to connect with the reader through their characters. I felt connected to every single character I read about, being able to instil this feeling through a short story can be quite challenging, Lackey aced it. There's no other way to put it. Being able to convey depth to a character in such a small amount of pages is definitely a gift. You hated the villians, you loved the heroes and you were enthralled with the Gods and the magic.
I found myself wishing for an extension of a few of these stories. The first one, of which I can't remember the name, was only around 5 pages long but I really wanted to see the story that lead up to the scene that was shown to us. The female sacrificing herself to the water God who was a dragon in order to save her village. I would LOVE to see a complete story of this. I want to see what lead to her taking these steps. The blood of four Gods was another that stuck in my mind, a short journey and a massive adventure, but I would love to see a longer story come from this, maybe a rewriting. I'd also love to see what happened after she collected the blood of the four Gods. Another that stuck in my mind, of which I can't remember the name, is the story about the young daughter who has no magical ability so feels shunned and unloved by her mother, so she goes on a quest to find her mother a suitable apprentice to take her place. Again, I'd love to see a longer story surrounding this one.
The writing style was beautiful and easy to read, no unnecessary wordy prose, which is a pet hate of mine, just simple, descriptive awesomeness. There was not one flat character or scene in any of these stories. Even the one story that at first I didn't think I was going to like dragged me in and I fell in love with it.
This collection of stories has given me a need to look more into the myths and legends of eastern culture to see possibly where the basis for these stories originated from. I'd be interested to see another point of view on them.
What more can I say? A fantastic collection of stories and characters, I would definitely re-read this no doubts about it. The stories stay with you long after you finish reading them which to me illustrates a great story and author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Air and Nothing press, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blood of four Gods and other stories is a collection of short stories from author Jamie Lackey. Some stories are only a matter of pages long, others substantially longer. Majority of these stories had Eastern influence from what I assume to be different myths and stories from these various cultures.
I have to admit that I loved every single one of these stories. Which is rare in an anthology type novel, generally there's a least one story that I don't take to, this collection however, every single story was enthralling. Even though these stories were quite short the author still managed to connect with the reader through their characters. I felt connected to every single character I read about, being able to instil this feeling through a short story can be quite challenging, Lackey aced it. There's no other way to put it. Being able to convey depth to a character in such a small amount of pages is definitely a gift. You hated the villians, you loved the heroes and you were enthralled with the Gods and the magic.
I found myself wishing for an extension of a few of these stories. The first one, of which I can't remember the name, was only around 5 pages long but I really wanted to see the story that lead up to the scene that was shown to us. The female sacrificing herself to the water God who was a dragon in order to save her village. I would LOVE to see a complete story of this. I want to see what lead to her taking these steps. The blood of four Gods was another that stuck in my mind, a short journey and a massive adventure, but I would love to see a longer story come from this, maybe a rewriting. I'd also love to see what happened after she collected the blood of the four Gods. Another that stuck in my mind, of which I can't remember the name, is the story about the young daughter who has no magical ability so feels shunned and unloved by her mother, so she goes on a quest to find her mother a suitable apprentice to take her place. Again, I'd love to see a longer story surrounding this one.
The writing style was beautiful and easy to read, no unnecessary wordy prose, which is a pet hate of mine, just simple, descriptive awesomeness. There was not one flat character or scene in any of these stories. Even the one story that at first I didn't think I was going to like dragged me in and I fell in love with it.
This collection of stories has given me a need to look more into the myths and legends of eastern culture to see possibly where the basis for these stories originated from. I'd be interested to see another point of view on them.
What more can I say? A fantastic collection of stories and characters, I would definitely re-read this no doubts about it. The stories stay with you long after you finish reading them which to me illustrates a great story and author.
December 4, 2018
If you’re looking for bite-size, fairy-tale feel fantasies with awesome girls in the lead, then this short story anthology should be right up your street!
Short story anthologies are usually so hard to review, as there’s always one or two that stand out as being good, and a couple that you weren’t so interested in. I do have some favourites in this anthology, but despite the diverse settings and situations, they all have the same magical, lyrical, fairy tale feel. This made it a really easy read that had plenty of flow, despite the short stories.
Each of these stories features a girl. Some of the stories have her finding love, some have her finding power, or acceptance, or something else important. In a few, she is saved by a man; in more, she is saved by her own bravery, or cleverness, or heart. In my favourite story in the collection, The Value of Weakness, the protagonist is saved from her own misery by accepting that she is loved – there’s also a magical lion-girl, an ostrich mount, and plenty of magic!
The writing is fairly simple, but not in a bad way. Just in a way that makes it melt effortlessly into the story and lets you get on with seeing the pictures it describes, rather than focusing on pretty prose. It works beautifully for the feel of the stories. The stories themselves are short, which is very refreshing for fantasy – they’d make a great palate cleanser between longer books.
One quick note is that a lot of these stories draw from either South American or Asian culture and myths, and I don’t think that the author is an #ownvoices writer for either of these – while I really enjoy seeing fantasy based on different mythologies, I can’t speak to how accurately any of the cultures are represented. In particular, a few stories focus on the Aztec gods – so your mileage may vary on this representation. Just something to bear in mind.
Overall, this was an entertaining read and I’d like to see more from this author. Four out of five cats.
Short story anthologies are usually so hard to review, as there’s always one or two that stand out as being good, and a couple that you weren’t so interested in. I do have some favourites in this anthology, but despite the diverse settings and situations, they all have the same magical, lyrical, fairy tale feel. This made it a really easy read that had plenty of flow, despite the short stories.
Each of these stories features a girl. Some of the stories have her finding love, some have her finding power, or acceptance, or something else important. In a few, she is saved by a man; in more, she is saved by her own bravery, or cleverness, or heart. In my favourite story in the collection, The Value of Weakness, the protagonist is saved from her own misery by accepting that she is loved – there’s also a magical lion-girl, an ostrich mount, and plenty of magic!
The writing is fairly simple, but not in a bad way. Just in a way that makes it melt effortlessly into the story and lets you get on with seeing the pictures it describes, rather than focusing on pretty prose. It works beautifully for the feel of the stories. The stories themselves are short, which is very refreshing for fantasy – they’d make a great palate cleanser between longer books.
One quick note is that a lot of these stories draw from either South American or Asian culture and myths, and I don’t think that the author is an #ownvoices writer for either of these – while I really enjoy seeing fantasy based on different mythologies, I can’t speak to how accurately any of the cultures are represented. In particular, a few stories focus on the Aztec gods – so your mileage may vary on this representation. Just something to bear in mind.
Overall, this was an entertaining read and I’d like to see more from this author. Four out of five cats.
October 25, 2018
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
While not the best collection I've read, I feel like it was the most diverse and well-rounded. Oftentimes I don't come across folk and fairy tale inspired collections in speculative fiction that aren't also very complex or completely over the top. This collection has a healthy mixture of cultures from non-Western environments including North, Central, and South American cultures and Asian cultures. The thing I liked the most was how SHORT each of the stories was. I feel like a lot of the short stories I've read miss out on the "short" part of the concept and edge toward needing to be novellas. However, even for how short each is, each story still has a well-formed idea that runs throughout. The characters are developed simply but are still complete and still experience growth. In reading the collection, you have a look into cultural views on duty and honor alongside grief, morality, and spirituality.
While not the best collection I've read, I feel like it was the most diverse and well-rounded. Oftentimes I don't come across folk and fairy tale inspired collections in speculative fiction that aren't also very complex or completely over the top. This collection has a healthy mixture of cultures from non-Western environments including North, Central, and South American cultures and Asian cultures. The thing I liked the most was how SHORT each of the stories was. I feel like a lot of the short stories I've read miss out on the "short" part of the concept and edge toward needing to be novellas. However, even for how short each is, each story still has a well-formed idea that runs throughout. The characters are developed simply but are still complete and still experience growth. In reading the collection, you have a look into cultural views on duty and honor alongside grief, morality, and spirituality.
November 6, 2018
This collection of 14 short, fantasy stories were inspired by legends, folklore, and myths from African, Native American and Asian cultures. Being truly SHORT stories, made this a quick and enjoyable read. It is wonderful collection, both well written and entertaining. The fantasy fiction worlds created by the author were detailed so that one can easily imagine them.
I, personally, haven’t heard the stories before so I am not sure of the specific tales they were based on. That being said, I have to state that I feel the narratives are a rich blend of fantasy and folklore. I was drawn into the stories- the characters, their plights, their triumphs and tragedies.
All in all, I found this to be an interesting and thoughtful read that can be enjoyed by YA & teen readers as well as adults. 5/5 stars
This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I, personally, haven’t heard the stories before so I am not sure of the specific tales they were based on. That being said, I have to state that I feel the narratives are a rich blend of fantasy and folklore. I was drawn into the stories- the characters, their plights, their triumphs and tragedies.
All in all, I found this to be an interesting and thoughtful read that can be enjoyed by YA & teen readers as well as adults. 5/5 stars
This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 9, 2018
I love short story collections! Each of these is good for trip to work and later another for trip home. With the added bonus that these are all pretty good stories! Well written and original.. Also it's a good break from longer books. I'll write more when I finish all of the tales, 14 in all, I think, and post the ones I liked best then.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
November 1, 2018
A gorgeous collection of short stories that range from poignant to uplifting.
November 2, 2018
Review soon over at Skiffy & Fancy!
November 27, 2018
It's an OK book. The tales are interesting. Just didn't hold my attention very well.
October 3, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free Digital Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories from Air and Nothingness Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, please be aware that this author uses the Bury Your Gays trope.
And for short stories set in fantastical worlds with elements of magic and mystery, for short stories with many female protagonists, these stories were almost all bout men and women throwing their lives away for them. Instead of exploring the magic and mystery of these new places and powers, Jamie Lackey focused on women who wait on, are rescued by, or offer their lives for men. And not in the way that challenges women giving up their lives for men, but in a way that normalizes it. Even when the women do something bold, their actions are almost entirely motivated by men and are rarely completed by the woman herself, but often led by or finished by the men. In general, this is not the worst thing ever, but when that's all you read about, it gets boring and frustrating to only see women as they relate to their relationships with men.
River Dragon's Curse: A pregnant woman decides to sacrifice herself to a river god to escape the men in her life. 1/5 stars
Beyond the Reach of Moonlight: A were-fish woman gives up her freedom for a man and watches as trouble comes to him. 1/5 stars
The Steam Lord's Autumn Ruby: A woman in captivity waits for a man to come rescue her from an evil lord and his steam-powered guards. 1/5 stars
Rekindled Dreams: A slave/prostitute finds a few grey hairs and realizes she'll never find a husband like that so she decides she wants to leave and meets mysterious man she hopes will rescue her. 1/5 stars
Fox-Woman: A fox-girl controlled by her father is assigned an arranged marriage, but a fox-boy falls in love with her and tries to convince her to let him take her away. 1/5 stars
The Blood of Four Gods: A woman begs a god to save her sick mother, but the god turns her boyfriend into a bird in exchange. The girl then goes on a quest guided by her bird boyfriend to save him. 2/5 stars
The Place of Fear: After a woman marries a man she doesn't know, he's bitten and killed by a poisonous snake. She risks her life to rescue him from the underworld. 1/5 stars
The Sour Thread of Doubt: A woman has a dream that she's a sacrifice for a volcano god and sets about making that a reality. 2/5 stars
Citali's Song: A woman enters the cloud jungle to rescue her lover from captivity. 0/5 stars for the awful use of the Bury Your Gays trope
Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador: The story of legendary Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, as he kidnaps an Aztec woman, who has given up escaping. 1/5 stars
The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom: A girl undergoes a sacred ceremony to become a water seeker and offer help to hunters, one of whom she becomes romantically interested in. 1/5 stars
Jealous Idols: A couple seeks out the snake gods so the woman can witness the gods. 1/5 stars
Of Dreaming and Destiny: A woman has a prophetic dream about the man she's destined to be with. 1/5 stars
The Value of Weakness: A girl hatches an ostrich egg and meets a travelling magician on a quest to learn the value of weakness. 2/5 stars
Content Warning for brief sexual content (sometimes with questionable consent), gore, murder, suicide by ritual sacrifice, and the bury your gays trope.
First and foremost, please be aware that this author uses the Bury Your Gays trope.
And for short stories set in fantastical worlds with elements of magic and mystery, for short stories with many female protagonists, these stories were almost all bout men and women throwing their lives away for them. Instead of exploring the magic and mystery of these new places and powers, Jamie Lackey focused on women who wait on, are rescued by, or offer their lives for men. And not in the way that challenges women giving up their lives for men, but in a way that normalizes it. Even when the women do something bold, their actions are almost entirely motivated by men and are rarely completed by the woman herself, but often led by or finished by the men. In general, this is not the worst thing ever, but when that's all you read about, it gets boring and frustrating to only see women as they relate to their relationships with men.
River Dragon's Curse: A pregnant woman decides to sacrifice herself to a river god to escape the men in her life. 1/5 stars
Beyond the Reach of Moonlight: A were-fish woman gives up her freedom for a man and watches as trouble comes to him. 1/5 stars
The Steam Lord's Autumn Ruby: A woman in captivity waits for a man to come rescue her from an evil lord and his steam-powered guards. 1/5 stars
Rekindled Dreams: A slave/prostitute finds a few grey hairs and realizes she'll never find a husband like that so she decides she wants to leave and meets mysterious man she hopes will rescue her. 1/5 stars
Fox-Woman: A fox-girl controlled by her father is assigned an arranged marriage, but a fox-boy falls in love with her and tries to convince her to let him take her away. 1/5 stars
The Blood of Four Gods: A woman begs a god to save her sick mother, but the god turns her boyfriend into a bird in exchange. The girl then goes on a quest guided by her bird boyfriend to save him. 2/5 stars
The Place of Fear: After a woman marries a man she doesn't know, he's bitten and killed by a poisonous snake. She risks her life to rescue him from the underworld. 1/5 stars
The Sour Thread of Doubt: A woman has a dream that she's a sacrifice for a volcano god and sets about making that a reality. 2/5 stars
Citali's Song: A woman enters the cloud jungle to rescue her lover from captivity. 0/5 stars for the awful use of the Bury Your Gays trope
Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador: The story of legendary Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, as he kidnaps an Aztec woman, who has given up escaping. 1/5 stars
The Balance Between Strength and Wisdom: A girl undergoes a sacred ceremony to become a water seeker and offer help to hunters, one of whom she becomes romantically interested in. 1/5 stars
Jealous Idols: A couple seeks out the snake gods so the woman can witness the gods. 1/5 stars
Of Dreaming and Destiny: A woman has a prophetic dream about the man she's destined to be with. 1/5 stars
The Value of Weakness: A girl hatches an ostrich egg and meets a travelling magician on a quest to learn the value of weakness. 2/5 stars
Content Warning for brief sexual content (sometimes with questionable consent), gore, murder, suicide by ritual sacrifice, and the bury your gays trope.
December 20, 2018
These short stories are incredible, and I devoured them all up and was disappointed when the book ended. If you love mythology and fairytales with a twist to them, then you should pick up this novel.
5/5 stars.
For the full review see my blog https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot...
5/5 stars.
For the full review see my blog https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot...
January 12, 2019
The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories
by Jamie Lackey
Air and Nothingness Press
Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA
This was a sweet collection of tales with young girls as the central figures throughout various cultures that was enjoyable. I think the tales are both nurturing as well as comforting
by Jamie Lackey
Air and Nothingness Press
Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA
This was a sweet collection of tales with young girls as the central figures throughout various cultures that was enjoyable. I think the tales are both nurturing as well as comforting
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews