A book list by Onset & Rime.
Reading short story anthologies is a great way to check out a bunch of new (or new-to-you) authors, or (re)introduce yourself to genres that you don't normally seek out. You may not love every story in an anthology, but they can help you branch out and find a new author or genre to explore. Short story collections are also great for reading when you only have a little bit of time to settle in for a story, like during your lunch break or before you go to sleep. We hope you enjoy our recommendations!
A Note: Content warnings have been provided where appropriate. Highlight the "invisible" text beside the content warning label to see. Content warnings are not value statements about the books or judgements about the inclusion of any particular content. They are there to give you a heads up on what to be prepared for so you can choose if and/or when a book is right for you.
1) A THOUSAND BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman
In this collection, the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia are reimagined in fresh new stories. Each short story is accompanied by a synopsis of the original myth and why each author chose to adapt it.
From the publisher: "A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother's mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish.
Genre: Mixed
Content Warnings: death of a parent (The Land of the Morning Calm; Olivia’s Table; Steel Skin), death of a significant other (Forbidden Fruit; Bullet, Butterfly; The Crimson Cloak; Eyes Like Candlelight)
2) FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW edited by Elizabeth Schaefer
A great collection for fans of Star Wars! The first collection in the series celebrates the legacy of the original Star Wars film. Moments from the film are retold and expanded through the viewpoint of a supporting character. If you enjoy this one, the follow up, covering The Empire Strikes Back, is now available.
From the publisher: "Gary Whitta bridges the gap from Rogue One to A New Hope through the eyes of Captain Antilles; Aunt Beru finds her voice in an intimate character study by Meg Cabot; Nnedi Okorafor brings dignity and depth to a most unlikely character: the monster in the trash compactor; Pablo Hidalgo provides a chilling glimpse inside the mind of Grand Moff Tarkin; Wil Wheaton spins a poignant tale of the rebels left behind on Yavin; Plus thirty-five more hilarious, heartbreaking, and astonishing tales."
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
3) FRESH INK edited by Lamar Giles
This diverse collection includes ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play. It addresses many topical social issues of today in a range of genres from contemporary to sci-fi to romance.
From the publisher: "Careful--you are holding fresh ink. And not hot-off-the-press, still-drying-in-your-hands ink. Instead, you are holding twelve stories with endings that are still being written--whose next chapters are up to you."
Genre: Mixed
Content Warnings: Racism (Don't Pass Me By; Tags; A Boy's Duty; Paladin/Samurai; One Voice), police brutality (Super Human), transphobia/transphobic slurs (Catch, Pull, Drive)
4) MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME edited by Stephanie Perkins
For fans of made-for-TV holiday movies and people who love the holiday episodes of their favourite sitcoms. This collection features twelve love stories set during the holiday season, covering a variety of different celebrations.
From the publisher: "Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year's there's something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love."
Genre: Young Adult
5) THE IMPROBABLE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES edited by John Joseph Adams
A collection of some of the best Holmes short fiction from the last few decades. Fantastic adventures that show Holmes in many different genres: fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, horror, and more!
From the publisher: "These cases will take you from the familiar quarters at 221B Baker Street to strange alternate realities; from the gaslit streets of London to the far future. In these pages you’ll find Holmes and Watson investigating ghosts, aliens, pirates, dinosaurs, shape-shifters, evil gods, and criminal masterminds, including the Napoleon of Crime, Professor Moriarty. You'll be astounded to learn the truths behind cases alluded to by Watson but never before documented... until now."
Genre: Mixed
6) UNNATURAL CREATURES edited by Neil Gaiman
A collection of short stories about fantastical creatures that will thrill, delight, and possibly unnerve you.
From the publisher: "From the cockatoucan, whose laugh rearranges an entire kingdom, to the roving shapeless Beast that lurks in a forest, herein is a collection of rare and magnificent species. Each one will thrill, delight, and quite possibly unnerve you."
Genre: Fantasy