Review: The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova

About the Book
Monsters. They are not always easily spotted, and often easily misunderstood. Sometimes, the monsters must be slain—and sometimes, they must be saved . . .

In this collection of nine folkloric fantasy and science fiction stories, you will find a motley crew of characters facing off against monsters or accepting the monstrous within themselves, including:

~a ruthless mermaid who must make a deadly choice to free her little sister from a dangerous mistake;

~a galactic gravedigger branded a traitor for burying a rebel—and forced to decide between her beliefs and the future she’s fought to build;

~a once-wicked queen who must face her darkest self in order to help another young woman avoid an unhappy fate;

~a ghostly creature trapped in a spaceship full of secrets—secrets that may destroy the young man set to inherit the ship’s dark legacy;

~and a desperate thief on the run, who must decide whether the wolf shifter tracking her down is a foe . . . or her best chance at survival.

Full of beauty and brokenness, romance and revenge, madness and mercy, these stories may just have you rooting for the monsters . . .

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MY THOUGHTS

What a great collection of short stories! I loved every single one, which doesn’t always happen in a collection like this. Each one was impactful and meaningful. Some were dark, while others were funny. There was a good mix. It’s always impressive how much Gremikova can pack into such a small package.

The Edge of a Knife
This was a Little Mermaid retelling told from the perspective of one of her sisters. It was emotional and about sacrificial love and sisterly bonds. It had me tearing up.

The Stardust Smugglers
This was a fun and action-packed story about an investigator who captures smugglers with the help of his dog. I loved the surprising twist!

Golden Child
This was a tragic Romeo and Juliet/King Midas retelling. I enjoyed the unique combination of those stories.

Pay the Piper
This was a Pied Piper retelling about ambition and the price you’re willing to pay for it and the consequences thereafter. This had a twist I never saw coming! Loved it!

Every Bone in the Body
Set in space, this was a heavy and sad tale that had me invested from the very beginning.

Like a Fox
This was about a fox shifter who couldn’t shift. I felt so bad for the way Veya was treated but loved the hopeful ending.

Rats in the Grain
A foundling is tasked with getting rid of Plague Rats on the farm where she was sent. I loved this story. It was unique and had a great ending.

Echo among the Stars
Set in space, a young man learns about the family business and the disturbing secret that’s kept them successful. I really appreciated the anxiety rep in this story.

Once Upon a Pumpkin
This was my favorite story of the collection. I loved the mashup of fairytales and really enjoyed seeing a different side to one of the villains.

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

FIVE STARS