Review: Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova

About the Book
Encounters. Whether with magic or science, expected or unexpected, they can change our minds, our destinies, even our world…

In this collection of twenty-two short tales, journey across multiple genres alongside various characters, including:

~a mother who gathers dragon scales to provide for her family despite a perilous jungle and her own self-doubt;

~a young half-human, half-mermaid girl on the search for her father with murderous soldiers on her heels;

~an opera singer-turned-ghost-hunter attempting to thwart a Phantom who just won’t stop interfering with her act;

~a family at risk of losing their humanity to the Moon as its magic wreaks a monstrous change within them;

~and an alien on a rescue mission to save her best friend’s children from those who wish them harm.

Full of comedy and tragedy, heartache and hope, monsters and magic, these stories are an encounter that just might change you too…

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

These short stories packed a big punch! The author has a talent for bringing forth strong emotions in just a few words. I was left in awe by how much of an emotional impact each of these stories had. Quite a few left me in tears, while others had me laughing out loud. One of the things I loved was that each story had surprising twists and unexpected turns that I never saw coming.

Some of my favorites were: Just a Hench, Change of Heart, The Grave Dancers, Deep Dive, The Mermaid’s Soul, A Taste of Grace, Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind, and Sir Gawain and the Green Thumb. ALL of the stories were great, though. There's not a bad one in the bunch.

These stories are just the right size if you’re looking for a quick read in spare moments, but the collection is also great to binge-read all in one sitting. It's a must-read for fans of fantasy and sci-fi. I highly recommend it!

Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind: Amika has the dangerous job of a dragon scale gatherer. She’s not having much luck this year, but an unexpected encounter might just change her luck. I loved her determination and commitment to her job and her family legacy. This story was very moving.

A Taste of Grace: This is a story of hope, forgiveness, and second chances amidst the struggle of addiction. Another moving and poignant tale.

A Spoonful of Spice: A young girl tries to be helpful by making the food offering by herself. Things don't go as expected. I loved the message of this story. The obvious, safe route isn’t always the best. Sometimes it’s good to take a chance because you never know if something wonderful will come out of it.

Deep Dive: Iris goes skydiving but really should’ve read all of the fine print first. This had a major twist I never saw coming! Loved it!

The Grave Dancers: The world-building here was fantastic; I’d love another story set in this world. One of my favorites of the collection. A bittersweet yet hopeful ghost story.

Mer-child: I really admired Tula. She was such a brave girl who had to endure so much, yet she hoped for more. Strove for more... and went out in search of it.

Tough Crowd: “Laughter heals sooner - but honesty heals truer.” It isn’t all laughs and smiles for Jessmina the jester. This was a really good reminder not to judge others.

Tipsy Turvy Tiger: At a magical circus, a talking tiger has a request for a killer clown.

Just a Hench: This was my favorite story in the collection. It's a surprisingly heartwarming tale of a young woman trying to get a job as a villain’s henchwoman. I’d love more stories about this character or set in this world.

Change of Heart: “You fear the wolf, because that is what you’ve been taught.” This was another favorite of mine. I loved the hauntingly personal way it was written.

Down in Flames: A veteran Magickal Protections Officer is on a mission with an impulsive rookie. I was so intrigued by the drakonix. It was such an interesting creature!

Prince of Bees: Ivan, a Prince who’s always been underestimated, made fun of, and thought to not be good enough, attempts to lift the curse targeting the Honey Princess.

Of Masks and Macarenas: This was a humorous tale that took place at a haunted opera house. Had me laughing out loud.

Retrieval: My heart hurt for the characters in this emotional sci-fi story. I'm so glad there was some hope sprinkled in there.

Tiger Bright: A tiger-shifter reluctantly but bravely goes on an important hunt. This was bittersweet and had a very surprising twist.

Sea Claim: Will the sea accept or reject Galia? Another mermaid story and this one had me bawling my eyes out.

The Perfumers of Qukamar: Shebalik needs help removing a rather potent curse. This story was so vibrant, I could almost smell it!

Sir Gawain and the Green Thumb: This hilarious reimagining had me laughing out loud. I’d love to read more about Sir Gawain’s gardening misadventures.

The Screwtech Letters: Another funny one, this one told in the style of The Screwtape Letters. A gremlin tries to teach his cousin the art of computer sabotage.

No Man’s Jungle: An arrogant tracker searches the jungle after hearing rumors of monster sightings. This story had such a great twist!

The Wolf at the Door: This was an emotional, bittersweet, yet highly imaginative Red Riding Hood retelling.

The Mermaid’s Soul: Do mermaids have souls? Ianthe desperately hopes so. This was such a powerful story. Loved it!

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
 

FIVE STARS