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Fool's Honor
TELL NO LIES
Tricks, twists, and fools! In this anthology, you’ll have a front-row seat to mischievous short stories and poems that showcase trickster characters straddling the lines between good and evil.
A Pirate King faces a siren. The god of mischief fights himself for the sake of love. Two sugar-faced kids outwit a candy witch in the forest. Pirates sail in a bathtub to fulfill an unusual mission. An author stalks her character and faces her own reality. Classic tricksters like Robin Hood, Peter Pan, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rumpelstiltskin retell their stories from a new perspective. Several tales spin through the circus, and gears twist and turn everything you thought to be real. Each trickster has their own agenda—watch closely as they play their hand and sneak an ace up their sleeves. So sit back and enjoy the show, but remember: trust no one.
"Fool's Honor is a magical anthology like no other I've read, full of whimsical worlds and enthralling characters that tug on your heartstrings. I'd highly recommend it for fans of Six of Crows or Caraval." -Bethany Meyer, Author of Robbing Centaurs and Other Bad Ideas
Tricks, twists, and fools! In this anthology, you’ll have a front-row seat to mischievous short stories and poems that showcase trickster characters straddling the lines between good and evil.
A Pirate King faces a siren. The god of mischief fights himself for the sake of love. Two sugar-faced kids outwit a candy witch in the forest. Pirates sail in a bathtub to fulfill an unusual mission. An author stalks her character and faces her own reality. Classic tricksters like Robin Hood, Peter Pan, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rumpelstiltskin retell their stories from a new perspective. Several tales spin through the circus, and gears twist and turn everything you thought to be real. Each trickster has their own agenda—watch closely as they play their hand and sneak an ace up their sleeves. So sit back and enjoy the show, but remember: trust no one.
"Fool's Honor is a magical anthology like no other I've read, full of whimsical worlds and enthralling characters that tug on your heartstrings. I'd highly recommend it for fans of Six of Crows or Caraval." -Bethany Meyer, Author of Robbing Centaurs and Other Bad Ideas
364 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Anne J. Hill
44 books66 followersAnne J. Hill is an author who enjoys writing fantasy for all ages. Her love of words has also led to her career as a freelance writer and editor. She spends her days dreaming up fantastical realms, talking out loud to the characters in her head, and rearranging her personal library, which has been affectionately dubbed the “Book Dungeon.”
Where to find Anne:
www.annejhill.com
@anne.j.hill.editing
Where to find Anne:
www.annejhill.com
@anne.j.hill.editing
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 31, 2022
This was another case of an anthology's theme not working for me as much, but this time not due to unfamiliarity but tastes. I'm not a fan of tricksters, never cared a whit about Loki, and to crown it all poetry leaves me indifferent and this anthology is full of short stories/flash fiction in verse.
However, even though the theme for the entire book was tricksters, it didn't mean it was dealing with just one tale or one single type of tricksters, which in turn meant there were stories I did like. There were retellings of fairy tales with a trickster slant as well, which were my favourite, such as:
WAND OF DECEPTION by Savannah Jezowski
4 stars
What did I say about not caring about Loki? He's probably my least favourite character from all mythologies in the world, and the woobification Marvel subjected him to didn't help. And no, Tom Hiddleston didn't help, either. But, somehow, Savannah made me care with this story! Don't ask me how... Well, do ask me how, and I'll tell you it's the characterisation. This Loki of hers is so self-aware, has such a psychological depth to him for such a short story, and he's neither a poor wee woobie nor the one responsible for everything wrong in Valhalla.
Now I'm so very curious to see what Savannah would do with him and Angrboda, and want her to write another novel. I love her "When Ravens Fall" series, but she's done short stories mostly, and the world is screaming for another novel. If she ever tackles the Siegfried side and adds it to the WRF world, I'll be over the moon!
A TWIST OF GREEN AND GOLD by Laurie Lucking
5 stars
One of the most original takes on Rumpelstiltskin I've read, and my favourite story in this anthology. It was a bit easy to guess who the Rumple figure was, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment in the least, mostly because the heroine is a darling and so not a wilting violet. And she's a scientist!
LOST NAMES by Hannah Carter
4.5 stars
I said in a previous anthology that Hannah's take on Peter Pan mixed with the Pied Piper of Hamelin was extraordinarily creative, and I still think the same after this complementary story, which is a prequel that serves as an origins story for the villain of the other retelling. I think the author should republish her retellings separately, or even turn this into a trilogy of novellas, because now that there's a prequel, the plot demands a sequel.
EPITHET by Tasha Kazanjian
4 stars
This had a feel of a Dickens novel, the seedy and impoverished Victorian slums environment without all the wordiness and hypersentimentality. It does feel somewhat unfinished, though, because you get this impression that there's more to the story of the young boy hanging out (and learning from) with the tricksy gamblers and pickpocketers he lives with.
I love Tasha Kazanjian's writing, she's very good at setting up the mood and writes in such a way that you don't really feel it's fantastical but real life with some strange additions. She's another that deserves republishing her own stories separately, and to enlarge this short story more.
FOOL'S CROWN by Claire Tucker
5 stars
My, my, my, was the ending to this one unexpected! Hats off to Claire for this, I'm not caught off guard often, so I'm always delighted when it happens. Definitely the best twist in the anthology. It reminded me a bit of "The Man in the Iron Mask," but I can't tell you what exactly because it'd be an enormous spoiler you're not likely to forgive me for because it'd ruin the surprise. And I'm shutting up here, I already said too much.
I'm liking the creative bunch the anthology's editors managed to gather, I hope they produce more. I'll read them, poetry and all, I promise.
However, even though the theme for the entire book was tricksters, it didn't mean it was dealing with just one tale or one single type of tricksters, which in turn meant there were stories I did like. There were retellings of fairy tales with a trickster slant as well, which were my favourite, such as:
WAND OF DECEPTION by Savannah Jezowski
4 stars
What did I say about not caring about Loki? He's probably my least favourite character from all mythologies in the world, and the woobification Marvel subjected him to didn't help. And no, Tom Hiddleston didn't help, either. But, somehow, Savannah made me care with this story! Don't ask me how... Well, do ask me how, and I'll tell you it's the characterisation. This Loki of hers is so self-aware, has such a psychological depth to him for such a short story, and he's neither a poor wee woobie nor the one responsible for everything wrong in Valhalla.
Now I'm so very curious to see what Savannah would do with him and Angrboda, and want her to write another novel. I love her "When Ravens Fall" series, but she's done short stories mostly, and the world is screaming for another novel. If she ever tackles the Siegfried side and adds it to the WRF world, I'll be over the moon!
A TWIST OF GREEN AND GOLD by Laurie Lucking
5 stars
One of the most original takes on Rumpelstiltskin I've read, and my favourite story in this anthology. It was a bit easy to guess who the Rumple figure was, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment in the least, mostly because the heroine is a darling and so not a wilting violet. And she's a scientist!
LOST NAMES by Hannah Carter
4.5 stars
I said in a previous anthology that Hannah's take on Peter Pan mixed with the Pied Piper of Hamelin was extraordinarily creative, and I still think the same after this complementary story, which is a prequel that serves as an origins story for the villain of the other retelling. I think the author should republish her retellings separately, or even turn this into a trilogy of novellas, because now that there's a prequel, the plot demands a sequel.
EPITHET by Tasha Kazanjian
4 stars
This had a feel of a Dickens novel, the seedy and impoverished Victorian slums environment without all the wordiness and hypersentimentality. It does feel somewhat unfinished, though, because you get this impression that there's more to the story of the young boy hanging out (and learning from) with the tricksy gamblers and pickpocketers he lives with.
I love Tasha Kazanjian's writing, she's very good at setting up the mood and writes in such a way that you don't really feel it's fantastical but real life with some strange additions. She's another that deserves republishing her own stories separately, and to enlarge this short story more.
FOOL'S CROWN by Claire Tucker
5 stars
My, my, my, was the ending to this one unexpected! Hats off to Claire for this, I'm not caught off guard often, so I'm always delighted when it happens. Definitely the best twist in the anthology. It reminded me a bit of "The Man in the Iron Mask," but I can't tell you what exactly because it'd be an enormous spoiler you're not likely to forgive me for because it'd ruin the surprise. And I'm shutting up here, I already said too much.
I'm liking the creative bunch the anthology's editors managed to gather, I hope they produce more. I'll read them, poetry and all, I promise.
Want to read
March 28, 2022March 27, 2022 Update: This anthology releases this week on April 1st!!!! Be sure to preorder your copy! :-D
***
I have five stories releasing in this anthology—two fairy tale retellings and three very twisty flash fictions. Here are some peeks into those stories:
1) The Other Cinderella: What happens when the fairy godmother has ulterior motives—and will do anything to snag the prince?
2) Weeding: Snow White is determined not to fall for her stepmother’s tricks again. But her plan may not be foolproof…
3) Made With Love: A death-row inmate gets more than he bargained for with his final meal choice…
4) Deep Dive: Skydiving is terrifying to begin with—but Iris is forced to watch her life—and crimes—flash before her eyes when her parachute malfunctions.
5) Prison of Stars: Trapped on the spaceship where she died, ghost Echo plans to free herself from her captors. But is that freedom at the price of her own conscience?
I’m so excited to share (or reshare!) these stories with you! :-D
***
I have five stories releasing in this anthology—two fairy tale retellings and three very twisty flash fictions. Here are some peeks into those stories:
1) The Other Cinderella: What happens when the fairy godmother has ulterior motives—and will do anything to snag the prince?
2) Weeding: Snow White is determined not to fall for her stepmother’s tricks again. But her plan may not be foolproof…
3) Made With Love: A death-row inmate gets more than he bargained for with his final meal choice…
4) Deep Dive: Skydiving is terrifying to begin with—but Iris is forced to watch her life—and crimes—flash before her eyes when her parachute malfunctions.
5) Prison of Stars: Trapped on the spaceship where she died, ghost Echo plans to free herself from her captors. But is that freedom at the price of her own conscience?
I’m so excited to share (or reshare!) these stories with you! :-D
April 1, 2022
Okay...wow.
I read What Darkness Fears (the first anthology Hill and Madden released) and fell in love with it. When I got the opportunity to be in their next anthology, I squealed a little bit. I knew this was going to be good quality but I didn't quite realize HOW good the quality was going to be.
Like...........AGH THIS IS SO GOOD.
Of course I had my favourites, but every story and poem stood out in its own way. I loved reading from authors I'm familiar with and authors that are new to me. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what others think.
Happy April Fools everyone!
Short thing I wrote before the book released:
Super excited for people to read my story Heart of Flesh. It's a dystopian story about a war and a boy trying to help a girl live out her dreams of being a soldier. There's some twists, and a rather shocking ending...so I can't wait to see what people think!
I read What Darkness Fears (the first anthology Hill and Madden released) and fell in love with it. When I got the opportunity to be in their next anthology, I squealed a little bit. I knew this was going to be good quality but I didn't quite realize HOW good the quality was going to be.
Like...........AGH THIS IS SO GOOD.
Of course I had my favourites, but every story and poem stood out in its own way. I loved reading from authors I'm familiar with and authors that are new to me. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what others think.
Happy April Fools everyone!
Short thing I wrote before the book released:
Super excited for people to read my story Heart of Flesh. It's a dystopian story about a war and a boy trying to help a girl live out her dreams of being a soldier. There's some twists, and a rather shocking ending...so I can't wait to see what people think!
March 10, 2022
I am so excited to have a poem in this collection. All these authors are great, and this collection is going to blow people away.
March 28, 2022
You’ll find masterful storytelling, magic, and brilliance living between the covers of this book — this anthology is filled with adventure, humor, trickery, and beautiful prose and poetry. I enjoyed each of the stories inside this beautiful book. This collection is sure to bring out the trickster in you.
March 25, 2022
Y’all… I have found my new favorite anthology!!
Fool’s Honor, compiled by Anne J. Hill and Lara E. Madden introduces readers to an array of tricksters, from familiar faces like Peter Pan to thrilling new ones, like the ghost stuck aboard a spaceship. These dreamers and schemers will be sure to steal your heart - and possibly your wallet - as you follow them through their twisted tales. Standout stories include Hoax of Hades by Anna Augustine, Fae Blood by Hannah Carter, and Won’t Be In Today by Lara E. Madden. It’s hard to pick a favorite, as each story adds something unique and exciting to this collection. Perfect for those who love Marvel’s Loki and enjoy engaging twists and turns, Fool’s Honor will be sure to keep you enchanted until the very end.
Fool’s Honor, compiled by Anne J. Hill and Lara E. Madden introduces readers to an array of tricksters, from familiar faces like Peter Pan to thrilling new ones, like the ghost stuck aboard a spaceship. These dreamers and schemers will be sure to steal your heart - and possibly your wallet - as you follow them through their twisted tales. Standout stories include Hoax of Hades by Anna Augustine, Fae Blood by Hannah Carter, and Won’t Be In Today by Lara E. Madden. It’s hard to pick a favorite, as each story adds something unique and exciting to this collection. Perfect for those who love Marvel’s Loki and enjoy engaging twists and turns, Fool’s Honor will be sure to keep you enchanted until the very end.
March 23, 2022
A delightful collection of short stories and poems. Twisty retellings of classical literature, new takes on fairy tales, and original concepts are all compiled to make a great book to keep on your nightstand for a before-bed reading or two.
Oh...and Butter Pirates!
Oh...and Butter Pirates!
March 25, 2022
Author review!
Reviewing all the pieces that aren't mine.
I adore this book. They're are so many talented authors in this anthology and I'm so happy that I got to work with them all.
Reviewing all the pieces that aren't mine.
I adore this book. They're are so many talented authors in this anthology and I'm so happy that I got to work with them all.
March 26, 2022
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of participating in the ARC Tour for Fool’s Honor.
This delightful collection of stories and poetry highlights tricksters and rogues, some of whom act exactly (delightfully!) as we expect, some of whom are not quite what they seem, and some of whom are hoodwinked themselves. Never have I encountered such a fabulous collection of witty banter, ulterior motives, and plot twists. This book is such a fun ride.
Fool’s Honor releases April 1st! Highly recommended!
This delightful collection of stories and poetry highlights tricksters and rogues, some of whom act exactly (delightfully!) as we expect, some of whom are not quite what they seem, and some of whom are hoodwinked themselves. Never have I encountered such a fabulous collection of witty banter, ulterior motives, and plot twists. This book is such a fun ride.
Fool’s Honor releases April 1st! Highly recommended!
March 10, 2022
Full disclosure: I edited this and also have two stories in this anthology. That being said, I will be reviewing the stories that are not mine.
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed so many of these stories. I loved the characters they portrayed—Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan, Loki, Hades and even original tricksters! Not to mention, Shifting Sands contains one of my favorite ships of the moment—no spoilers here, though!
If you’re interested in new takes on classic characters, twisty, turn-y endings, and lots of humor, this anthology will definitely have things you’ll enjoy.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed so many of these stories. I loved the characters they portrayed—Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan, Loki, Hades and even original tricksters! Not to mention, Shifting Sands contains one of my favorite ships of the moment—no spoilers here, though!
If you’re interested in new takes on classic characters, twisty, turn-y endings, and lots of humor, this anthology will definitely have things you’ll enjoy.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
March 15, 2023
This collection is an enjoyable read. There's something for everyone and the various sections are introduced with hilarity and jest all suited to the trickster theme! I have a poem in this anthology and couldn't be more delighted to be a part of it!
April 1, 2022
This was a fun read! It's an anthology of short stories and poems so you can take it one at a time if you like. Or if you're like me, you crack it open and before you know it, you've read half the book. It's full of stories and retellings about some beloved tricksters so if you like reading about mythical gods, pirates, Loki, Robin Hood, and Rumpelstiltskin, you will love Fool's Honor!
April 26, 2022
Fool’s Honor is a collection of short stories based mostly on some well known fairy tales, myths, and legends. The familiarity is sometimes just fleeting because the stories are usually told from the perspective of an unusual character. I enjoyed reading this series of short stories and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys fairy tales and legends, or who is looking for a quick read.
March 10, 2022
So essentially I saw that an anthology with a few of my friends had gotten a bad rating, but I've read two of the pieces in this collection and I am so excited to read the rest. It's going to be amazing. Besides, that cover deserves nothing less than five stars.
April 9, 2022
It was an enjoyable ride . It has twisty short stories and poems . Fairlytale retelling stories were my favourites( The Other Cinderella and Weeding ) . Another one of my fav is The Man of Twists and Turns by Anne J. Hill .But I enjoyed every story . Each of them are unpredictable. I enjoyed the poems too even though I am not a fan of poems.
I would recommend it to everyone. Everyone will find this stories interesting and surprising.
I would recommend it to everyone. Everyone will find this stories interesting and surprising.
April 17, 2022
Short stories and poems
For the most part, these stories were very good. A few disappointed but for the most part the authors did a great job. Some of the poetry was excellent, others I did not enjoy. If you like short stories with fantasy and magic, and sometimes a bit dark, you'll enjoy these. The poems are relatively few in number so if youre only interested in storie, this book is well worth reading.
For the most part, these stories were very good. A few disappointed but for the most part the authors did a great job. Some of the poetry was excellent, others I did not enjoy. If you like short stories with fantasy and magic, and sometimes a bit dark, you'll enjoy these. The poems are relatively few in number so if youre only interested in storie, this book is well worth reading.
April 5, 2022
Fool’s Honor is such a unique and enjoyable anthology!
June 8, 2023
Genre: Anthology, fiction, short stories and poems, retellings and mostly fantasy/steam punk
Audience: YA+ (some violence and not so nice words)
All the stories include a trickster in some way. The variety is wide, but they are compiled in four sections, so I'm going to review each section.
Part One: Lies of the Legends (retellings)
I don't care for retellings. More often than not, they feel close enough to the original that they don't feel original or exciting because the end is obvious. The stories in this section were well written, but they didn't intrigue or surprise me. My favorite from this section was "Lost Names" by Hannah Carter. And I must give honorable mention to Effie Joe Stock for "Circus of Machines" being one of the most original retellings I've ever read.
Part Two: Jests of the Jokers (funny)
I liked this section. It had some whimsical and funny stories. My favorites were "Twenty-six Excuses" by Natalie Noel Truitt and "The Hoax of Hades" by Anna Augustine. I laughed quite a lot while reading these, but they didn't have the depth I want in stories.
Part Three: Twists of the Trade (twists and meaning)
This was my favorite section. I loved the twists, mystery, intrigue, and depth of these stories. "Rule Number Two" by L.A. Thornhill had a very interesting antagonist. Mariella Taylor's "Shifting Sands" used this mysterious, hypnotic mood to keep me reading. "Hearts of Flesh" by Nathaniel Luscombe didn't surprise me, but the twist did have a heavy, emotional impact. And "Fool's Crown" by Claire Tucker was very exciting.
Part Four: Rules of the Rogues (not sure of the uniting theme)
Most of the stories from this part were hard for me to remember. They didn't have much for me to take into my life. But I did love "The Trick of Remembering" by Emily Barnett. That short little story held so much emotion and weight. It was beautiful, tragic, imaginative, and hope-filled.
Overall: Most stories were creative and well-written but didn't have depth. The ones that conveyed a message, I very much enjoyed.
Audience: YA+ (some violence and not so nice words)
All the stories include a trickster in some way. The variety is wide, but they are compiled in four sections, so I'm going to review each section.
Part One: Lies of the Legends (retellings)
I don't care for retellings. More often than not, they feel close enough to the original that they don't feel original or exciting because the end is obvious. The stories in this section were well written, but they didn't intrigue or surprise me. My favorite from this section was "Lost Names" by Hannah Carter. And I must give honorable mention to Effie Joe Stock for "Circus of Machines" being one of the most original retellings I've ever read.
Part Two: Jests of the Jokers (funny)
I liked this section. It had some whimsical and funny stories. My favorites were "Twenty-six Excuses" by Natalie Noel Truitt and "The Hoax of Hades" by Anna Augustine. I laughed quite a lot while reading these, but they didn't have the depth I want in stories.
Part Three: Twists of the Trade (twists and meaning)
This was my favorite section. I loved the twists, mystery, intrigue, and depth of these stories. "Rule Number Two" by L.A. Thornhill had a very interesting antagonist. Mariella Taylor's "Shifting Sands" used this mysterious, hypnotic mood to keep me reading. "Hearts of Flesh" by Nathaniel Luscombe didn't surprise me, but the twist did have a heavy, emotional impact. And "Fool's Crown" by Claire Tucker was very exciting.
Part Four: Rules of the Rogues (not sure of the uniting theme)
Most of the stories from this part were hard for me to remember. They didn't have much for me to take into my life. But I did love "The Trick of Remembering" by Emily Barnett. That short little story held so much emotion and weight. It was beautiful, tragic, imaginative, and hope-filled.
Overall: Most stories were creative and well-written but didn't have depth. The ones that conveyed a message, I very much enjoyed.
November 22, 2023
This book is a short story anthology full of lies, tricks, twists, and fools. It made me laugh, grimace, and groan in all the best ways!
The first third or so follows stories of famous characters like Loki, Peter Pan, Rumpelstiltskin, and others.
Most of the characters are antiheroes who don’t always have others’ best interests at heart, but they usually get what the deserve at the end. Wahaha!
Some stories were 5 stories and some were more like 3, so I chose 4 for the entire anthology.
If you’re a fan of short stories and being tricked, you should pick up this book and let it fool you into reading just one more page, one more story.
The first third or so follows stories of famous characters like Loki, Peter Pan, Rumpelstiltskin, and others.
Most of the characters are antiheroes who don’t always have others’ best interests at heart, but they usually get what the deserve at the end. Wahaha!
Some stories were 5 stories and some were more like 3, so I chose 4 for the entire anthology.
If you’re a fan of short stories and being tricked, you should pick up this book and let it fool you into reading just one more page, one more story.
April 17, 2024
Enjoyable
With four parts, I read it over some time, and I don't remember all the pieces enough. But I definitely enjoyed some more than others. The last part though was mostly poetry, most of which didn't really do much for me.
So, I think we'll leave it with a moderate "enjoyable" three stars.
With four parts, I read it over some time, and I don't remember all the pieces enough. But I definitely enjoyed some more than others. The last part though was mostly poetry, most of which didn't really do much for me.
So, I think we'll leave it with a moderate "enjoyable" three stars.
April 21, 2025
Lost of entertaining stories, many with great twists. I think my favorite was A Twist of Green and Gold. Also a gorgeously designed book, inside and out.
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