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Worlds of Wonder
A collection of short stories filled with humor and fresh ideas. Watch an alien child call the White House while trying to reach McDonald's, a kleptomaniac princess disrupt a certain fairy tale retelling, or a dragon end up pulling Santa's sleigh.
Contains the following short
"Rite of Passage"
Twelve-year-old twins Jaeda and Kaedin are preparing for their society's rite of passage. Kaedin's hoping to get magic. Jaeda just wants to survive. But neither are prepared for the surprise awaiting them.
"A Phone Conversation"
An alien child calls the White House while trying to reach McDonald's. The president is not thrilled.
"The Spinning Talent"
When Della's roommate is stupid enough to give away a ring that protects her from her birth-curse, Della is forced to reveal herself as a goldspinner in order to find her roommate's true love.
"Unicess"
In a world where everyone gets wings, Elysia is the only one who doesn't have hers yet.
"Cindy's Fairy Godmother"
Cinderella's daughter meets a grumpy fairy godmother who gives her three wishes . . . which do not go as planned.
"Monster Under the Bed"
Jennifer's best friend is the monster under her bed. Unfortunately, her brand new baby-sitter wants to get rid of him.
"Time Switch"
After spending three months in 1923, Saylee comes back home to 2083, only to discover that everything has changed.
"The Apple of Discord"
In the world of Greek mythology, Cassandra's slave picks up the Apple of Discord, instead of her brother Paris. She's asked to choose which goddess is the most beautiful. But what answer will prevent war?
"Advanced Precognition"
Sarah knows she's in trouble when her Advanced Precognition teacher expects her to finish her homework assignments before being assigned them.
"Beauty and Brave"
An powerful female dragon has to save her little brother when he's kidnapped by a human who wants him for a pet.
"The Dragon and the Santa"
After trying to eat Rudolph, a dragon ends up pulling Santa's sleigh.
"Invoice"
Buying oil from alien governments might not be a good idea.
"Interplanetary Edition"
Why are the humans inviting aliens to visit from every parallel universe they can find? Everybody has a different explanation, but the true answer is not what anyone expected.
"Schedule TMTR"
Because even time-travelers have to pay income tax.
"On the Way Through the Woods"
A kleptomaniac princess and a good witch meet a monster in the forest who does NOT like people stealing his roses.
"When the Wilkinsons Grew"
Strange things often happen when the Wilkinsons are involved.
Talk a walk through worlds of wonder and enjoy some fun stories where things are not as they seem.
Contains the following short
"Rite of Passage"
Twelve-year-old twins Jaeda and Kaedin are preparing for their society's rite of passage. Kaedin's hoping to get magic. Jaeda just wants to survive. But neither are prepared for the surprise awaiting them.
"A Phone Conversation"
An alien child calls the White House while trying to reach McDonald's. The president is not thrilled.
"The Spinning Talent"
When Della's roommate is stupid enough to give away a ring that protects her from her birth-curse, Della is forced to reveal herself as a goldspinner in order to find her roommate's true love.
"Unicess"
In a world where everyone gets wings, Elysia is the only one who doesn't have hers yet.
"Cindy's Fairy Godmother"
Cinderella's daughter meets a grumpy fairy godmother who gives her three wishes . . . which do not go as planned.
"Monster Under the Bed"
Jennifer's best friend is the monster under her bed. Unfortunately, her brand new baby-sitter wants to get rid of him.
"Time Switch"
After spending three months in 1923, Saylee comes back home to 2083, only to discover that everything has changed.
"The Apple of Discord"
In the world of Greek mythology, Cassandra's slave picks up the Apple of Discord, instead of her brother Paris. She's asked to choose which goddess is the most beautiful. But what answer will prevent war?
"Advanced Precognition"
Sarah knows she's in trouble when her Advanced Precognition teacher expects her to finish her homework assignments before being assigned them.
"Beauty and Brave"
An powerful female dragon has to save her little brother when he's kidnapped by a human who wants him for a pet.
"The Dragon and the Santa"
After trying to eat Rudolph, a dragon ends up pulling Santa's sleigh.
"Invoice"
Buying oil from alien governments might not be a good idea.
"Interplanetary Edition"
Why are the humans inviting aliens to visit from every parallel universe they can find? Everybody has a different explanation, but the true answer is not what anyone expected.
"Schedule TMTR"
Because even time-travelers have to pay income tax.
"On the Way Through the Woods"
A kleptomaniac princess and a good witch meet a monster in the forest who does NOT like people stealing his roses.
"When the Wilkinsons Grew"
Strange things often happen when the Wilkinsons are involved.
Talk a walk through worlds of wonder and enjoy some fun stories where things are not as they seem.
104 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 3, 2017
These sixteen short stories will have you traveling, flying high, using magic, and having action and adventure in bite sized pieces. We have some science fiction, some fantasy and some life lessons, with choices to be made.
Many of them are fairy tale remakes with morals to the stories that may leave you thinking…
A few of my favorites:
Beauty and the Brave: A fun twist on the Ugly Duckling. The young female dragon becomes the hero.
The Dragon and the Santa: What would you think if you heard a clatter on the roof top at Christmas, only to see Santa claus and a dragon? The ending…oh so good, you bad bad dragon.
Invoice: Ya gotta read that yourself. It is a HA HA HA morbid moment.
I voluntarily reviewed Worlds of Wonder by Emily Martha Sorensen.
Many of them are fairy tale remakes with morals to the stories that may leave you thinking…
A few of my favorites:
Beauty and the Brave: A fun twist on the Ugly Duckling. The young female dragon becomes the hero.
The Dragon and the Santa: What would you think if you heard a clatter on the roof top at Christmas, only to see Santa claus and a dragon? The ending…oh so good, you bad bad dragon.
Invoice: Ya gotta read that yourself. It is a HA HA HA morbid moment.
I voluntarily reviewed Worlds of Wonder by Emily Martha Sorensen.
February 24, 2017
I got this as a e- book from the author. I enjoyed reading it is a good book of short stories by the author. I find she has a good style of writing. I hope to read more books by this author.
February 18, 2026
This is probably the most positive two-star review I've ever given. I would definitely give Sorensen's books another shot. I just don't think this is a strong collection.
I got a copy free from the author when I ordered something off ebay. I have had people shove free anthologies into my hands at conventions and usually pass them along without reading because I tend to be a tough critic and don't like criticizing peers [living indie authors who write in genres I write in]. I made an exception and with the first few stories I thought it was a good exception, but then I remembered why I have this policy. (And yes, I could have chosen not to review, but I also know bad reviews are better than no reviews, particularly when the negative review is informative.)
There are individual stories in here that I would give 4 stars, and I'm definitely open to reading more of Sorensen's work in the future. Particularly her novels or novellas as many of these felt like seeds for longer books rather than complete stories. Other stories were what I'll call under baked. There's some creative fun to the ideas but a lack of final polish.
My 2 here is mainly for how well I think these work as a collection. For the most part, it's a pretty decent middle grade speculative fiction collection. Except when it's abruptly not. Invoice is extremely abrupt and dark [yeah, kids humor is sometimes dark... maybe The Promise Neverland just scarred me], and the profit and loss Time Travel [form 1040] while a creative format is not just adult (clean, I just mean kids won't get business tax humor) but a fairly niche adult reference. It's also a bit jarring how much the settings bounce around from fairytale to futuristic without always being clear what you're getting.
I think the collection was put out prematurely, too short, weak cover art [will note I apparently got an old cover and the current Kindle has a stronger updated cover], not sure there was enough thought put into sequencing.... I do appreciate the clever glyphs but given how much of this is middle grade targeted, I really wish it had been illustrated. This looks self-published (quality details but also the lack of a publisher listed), and I do understand wanting to keep costs down. But I feel most adults would find this too childish, but not sure I could really recommend it for middle schoolers either.
At the same time, I recognize a kindred spirit. This is a novelist who has some odd short stories that they wanted to do something with. The creativity is definitely here. The love of both fairytales and fractured fairytale and science fiction. I do appreciate that the stories are clean, even though Invoice is conceptually dark, it's not graphic or gory. I think Sorensen would be very fun to hang out with, and again, I did see talent and a fun mind here. So I would definitely be up for checking out her other books (though that will likely be a while since my physical "to read" pile is currently taking up multiple shelves).
Now, some authors do anthologies or participate in anthologies explicitly to have free samples of their work to give away, and if that's case, I might rate this a little higher. I'm rating based more on treating this a product intended to stand on its own merits rather than a free sampling. As a free sampling, it does hook me enough to be interested in her other books.
I got a copy free from the author when I ordered something off ebay. I have had people shove free anthologies into my hands at conventions and usually pass them along without reading because I tend to be a tough critic and don't like criticizing peers [living indie authors who write in genres I write in]. I made an exception and with the first few stories I thought it was a good exception, but then I remembered why I have this policy. (And yes, I could have chosen not to review, but I also know bad reviews are better than no reviews, particularly when the negative review is informative.)
There are individual stories in here that I would give 4 stars, and I'm definitely open to reading more of Sorensen's work in the future. Particularly her novels or novellas as many of these felt like seeds for longer books rather than complete stories. Other stories were what I'll call under baked. There's some creative fun to the ideas but a lack of final polish.
My 2 here is mainly for how well I think these work as a collection. For the most part, it's a pretty decent middle grade speculative fiction collection. Except when it's abruptly not. Invoice is extremely abrupt and dark [yeah, kids humor is sometimes dark... maybe The Promise Neverland just scarred me], and the profit and loss Time Travel [form 1040] while a creative format is not just adult (clean, I just mean kids won't get business tax humor) but a fairly niche adult reference. It's also a bit jarring how much the settings bounce around from fairytale to futuristic without always being clear what you're getting.
I think the collection was put out prematurely, too short, weak cover art [will note I apparently got an old cover and the current Kindle has a stronger updated cover], not sure there was enough thought put into sequencing.... I do appreciate the clever glyphs but given how much of this is middle grade targeted, I really wish it had been illustrated. This looks self-published (quality details but also the lack of a publisher listed), and I do understand wanting to keep costs down. But I feel most adults would find this too childish, but not sure I could really recommend it for middle schoolers either.
At the same time, I recognize a kindred spirit. This is a novelist who has some odd short stories that they wanted to do something with. The creativity is definitely here. The love of both fairytales and fractured fairytale and science fiction. I do appreciate that the stories are clean, even though Invoice is conceptually dark, it's not graphic or gory. I think Sorensen would be very fun to hang out with, and again, I did see talent and a fun mind here. So I would definitely be up for checking out her other books (though that will likely be a while since my physical "to read" pile is currently taking up multiple shelves).
Now, some authors do anthologies or participate in anthologies explicitly to have free samples of their work to give away, and if that's case, I might rate this a little higher. I'm rating based more on treating this a product intended to stand on its own merits rather than a free sampling. As a free sampling, it does hook me enough to be interested in her other books.
February 22, 2017
This is a really interesting group of short stories. If you do not like short stories then this is not for you. I on the other hand quite liked the majority of them. There were a few that I wondered about (like the letter to the human's and the random time travel document). Most of the stories though were quite nice and a few of them I would not be surprised to see later on in a later form or some part/ idea from it in another form.
I will post out that some are re-imaging or hint to old fairy tails. The stories are also all over the place. Some are fantasy, some are sci-fi, others are stories that you would think might be every day till something starts happening in them lol. Most allow you to imagine what was written yourself (meaning not a ton of description) and allow you to make up more to the story later on yourself. Some have morals or something to teach us like the old fairy tails and others are just funny or interesting.
There is no violence or sex or foul language which makes these great reads for kids and adults. In fact I am pretty sure a lot of kids would enjoy these stories.
I got this book for free for a review but all opinions are my own
I will post out that some are re-imaging or hint to old fairy tails. The stories are also all over the place. Some are fantasy, some are sci-fi, others are stories that you would think might be every day till something starts happening in them lol. Most allow you to imagine what was written yourself (meaning not a ton of description) and allow you to make up more to the story later on yourself. Some have morals or something to teach us like the old fairy tails and others are just funny or interesting.
There is no violence or sex or foul language which makes these great reads for kids and adults. In fact I am pretty sure a lot of kids would enjoy these stories.
I got this book for free for a review but all opinions are my own
September 11, 2018
Some stories were a-ma-zing, some less so
This is a collection of short stories. Some of these stories are being offered on their own, but I think they’re too short for that. But as a collection it works. Fun! Some stories were a-ma-zing! Others less so.
Rite of Passage - it’s fun! I loved it! A whole adventure in a short story. But then the end was too fast. If it had been a little longer… Maybe a good idea for a longer story.
A Phone Conversation - a very short story - I didn’t find it funny. It’s a very short story, so you can read it in 2 minutes. This one just didn’t do it for me. You can’t win ’em all.
The Spinning Talent - it was a lovely story! Spinning straw into gold is in demand. The story doesn’t go as you’d think!
Unicess - a unicess is a winged unicorn. This was a cute short story! Quote: “Life would be awful if no one could fly!” Loved it!
This is a collection of short stories. Some of these stories are being offered on their own, but I think they’re too short for that. But as a collection it works. Fun! Some stories were a-ma-zing! Others less so.
Rite of Passage - it’s fun! I loved it! A whole adventure in a short story. But then the end was too fast. If it had been a little longer… Maybe a good idea for a longer story.
A Phone Conversation - a very short story - I didn’t find it funny. It’s a very short story, so you can read it in 2 minutes. This one just didn’t do it for me. You can’t win ’em all.
The Spinning Talent - it was a lovely story! Spinning straw into gold is in demand. The story doesn’t go as you’d think!
Unicess - a unicess is a winged unicorn. This was a cute short story! Quote: “Life would be awful if no one could fly!” Loved it!
February 27, 2017
This amusing collection of short stories are very entertaining. From monsters under the bed to Santa Claus as well as children of fairy tales, each one has a magical or other worldly touch. I found the writer's glimpses into the creation of these very interesting as well. If you are looking for something to entertain you in short spurts then this book would fit that agenda perfectly. This voluntary review is based against an advance copy.
June 24, 2017
Great
This is a collection of short stories. If you like SF/fantasy short stories, you will love these. This author is well on her way to mastery of the short story format. I had read a few of them elsewhere, although I haven't any idea where, but all were delightful. I particularly enjoyed "Schedule TMTR".
This is a collection of short stories. If you like SF/fantasy short stories, you will love these. This author is well on her way to mastery of the short story format. I had read a few of them elsewhere, although I haven't any idea where, but all were delightful. I particularly enjoyed "Schedule TMTR".
June 26, 2017
Five Star - Worlds of Wonder Review
What a creative and fun collection of short stories! I can easily see some of these as longer stories. If you haven't read anything by this author, Worlds of Wonder is a great starting point. If you enjoy sci-fi / fantasy you should give this book a try. I recommend it for all ages.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
What a creative and fun collection of short stories! I can easily see some of these as longer stories. If you haven't read anything by this author, Worlds of Wonder is a great starting point. If you enjoy sci-fi / fantasy you should give this book a try. I recommend it for all ages.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
August 25, 2018
This is a series of short stories that I found amusing and fun to read - especially liked the kleptomaniac princess and good witch meeting a monster in the forest who's mad because they stole his roses!
November 14, 2018
Awesome
Absolutely loved this mix of short stories. There is a great variety and they are all well written. Definitely worth the cost to get this. And I greatly recommend this to everyone.
Absolutely loved this mix of short stories. There is a great variety and they are all well written. Definitely worth the cost to get this. And I greatly recommend this to everyone.
June 24, 2017
I loved these stories!
Most collections of short stories have at least one or two stories that bomb, and not in a good way. I enjoyed each and every one of these!
Most collections of short stories have at least one or two stories that bomb, and not in a good way. I enjoyed each and every one of these!
July 3, 2017
This anthology contains some nice stort stories for young girls. They pick up and change some ideas from fairy tales. These stories are sometimes just for fun, sometimes thought-provoking.
I especially like "Cindy's Fairy Godmother". "The Spinning Talent", "Monster Under the Bed" and "When the Wilkingsons Grew" were also quite funny, whereas I least liked "Invoice" which is a horrible idea.
I especially like "Cindy's Fairy Godmother". "The Spinning Talent", "Monster Under the Bed" and "When the Wilkingsons Grew" were also quite funny, whereas I least liked "Invoice" which is a horrible idea.
July 16, 2017
Excellent collection of light-hearted fantasy (and occasional SF), exploring new angles on favorite fairy tales, and such things as standards for schooling precogs. Sorensen obviously had fun writing these.
February 1, 2016
I enjoyed most every story in this anthology. They are all short, quick reads about some strange things but written to seem ordinary. Whether it’s running into a hideous monster, seeing a baby start growing to 25 feet tall or Santa’s reindeer being attacked by a dragon (this was my favorite) it all seems strangely normal as the author has written it.
My second favorite was the very short, one page Invoice. Made me bust out laughing which kind of made me feel a little like a bad person as well. There is no foul language or gritty violence so any child should be able to read and enjoy but may aim it at those aged 10 and above.
A few of the stories leave you with interesting questions that lead you to wondering what becomes of the characters. A nice way to let you imagine your own continuation.
Overall an enjoyable read for any age.
My second favorite was the very short, one page Invoice. Made me bust out laughing which kind of made me feel a little like a bad person as well. There is no foul language or gritty violence so any child should be able to read and enjoy but may aim it at those aged 10 and above.
A few of the stories leave you with interesting questions that lead you to wondering what becomes of the characters. A nice way to let you imagine your own continuation.
Overall an enjoyable read for any age.
August 21, 2016
Beauty is in the eye of the reader
Worlds of Wonder is a collection of different types of short stories. Some of the stories are more enjoyable than others. I enjoy both sci-fi and fantasy fiction as genres. Sorensen shows the great ability to be able to tell a story within a few pages, and she does this well. I like that some of the stories create an "unwritten" ability to allow readers to use their imagination. It makes the reader part of the stories.
Worlds of Wonder is a collection of different types of short stories. Some of the stories are more enjoyable than others. I enjoy both sci-fi and fantasy fiction as genres. Sorensen shows the great ability to be able to tell a story within a few pages, and she does this well. I like that some of the stories create an "unwritten" ability to allow readers to use their imagination. It makes the reader part of the stories.
January 23, 2016
Thanks to Librarything and the author for a free copy of this ebook.
Worlds of Wonder is a well written collection of sci-if and fantasy stories for middle grade and teen readers.
I loved the strong female characters and the twists on familiar folk and fairy tales and myths.
The story about Santa Claus and the dragon was refreshingly unique as was the futuristic tax form.
Worlds of Wonder is a well written collection of sci-if and fantasy stories for middle grade and teen readers.
I loved the strong female characters and the twists on familiar folk and fairy tales and myths.
The story about Santa Claus and the dragon was refreshingly unique as was the futuristic tax form.
April 5, 2017
An absolutely delightful set of short stories, ranging from short to very short, and covering mostly fantasy and scifi. Despite their short length, I still managed to almost miss my subway stop twice because I was so caught in a story. My favorite part was that some of them felt like just the beginning of a story - the characters, setting, and plot were all set up just enough that my imagination could write the rest of the story.
Favorites include "Alien Edition", "The Apple of Discord", and "Beauty and Brave", though I enjoyed all of them, and many made me giggle out loud.
I'd say all the stories are YA or even middle-grade appropriate, though some of the humor might be lost on younger readers. Highly recommended for those who like any combination of short stories, fantasy, and scifi.
Favorites include "Alien Edition", "The Apple of Discord", and "Beauty and Brave", though I enjoyed all of them, and many made me giggle out loud.
I'd say all the stories are YA or even middle-grade appropriate, though some of the humor might be lost on younger readers. Highly recommended for those who like any combination of short stories, fantasy, and scifi.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews