Overall, I adore the marginalia: lil jokes and mutual compliments/teasing and doodles. This is almost a mini-masterclass in the art of short story, instructive and illustrative, as well as being an entertaining and engaging anthology.

(Since these stories are so short and so numerous, I decided not to give half-star ratings.)

"The Vampire Box" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Intriguing premise, solid execution. I would've liked a bit more development, but it does work as-is.

"A Murder of Gods" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
As always with Stiefvater stories, incredible worldbuilding and vivid characters — it's complete, but you want more.

"The Power of Intent" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Great premise, interesting themes. But it feels more like an outline than a fully fledged story.

"A History of Love" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Fun and, yes, funny! Great chemistry and group dynamics; love the history/mythology allusions.

"Girls Raised by Wolves" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Hm. Honestly I don't really get it, but there is definitely something to be gotten, and I definitely want to know more.

"Date with a Dragon Slayer" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Rich mythology/worldbuilding, sizzling chemistry, tease of an epic (larger) plot.

"Scheherazade" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
Now THIS is a short story: punchy. twisted. brilliant.

"The Spiral Table" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
A fantastic and definitely original twist; I'm into the bitter (cut by very little sweet), which absolutely works with the prompt.

"The Madness of Lancelot" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
The prose is lovely and atmospheric, but it's a bit more abstract and philosophical than I like, especially for a short story.

"The Wind Takes Our Cries" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
The karmic retribution is brutal and satisfying, but the characters are somewhat overshadowed by the plot.

"Auburn" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
What a retelling. The inspiration is super clear without overplaying its specifics, and the thrill of danger enhances the reading experience.

"The Deadlier of the Species" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
Zombies are my least favorite paranormal creature/trope, but at least this setup is really immersive (pun not intended).

"Puddles" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Holy plot twist Batman. This story contains multitudes.

"The Bone-Tender" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★☆
I LIVE for bullies getting their just desserts.

"Death-Ship" by Tessa Gratton
★★☆☆☆
Some great imagery and atmosphere, but I just didn't really feel this one.

"The Last Day of Spring" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Ouch. Punchy and poignant.

"Cut" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Objectively? Fascinating. Subjectively? I just don't really like it.

"Philosopher's Flight" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Oooooooh, profound and twisty and marvelous.

"Ash-Tree Spell to Break Your Heart" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Lots of familiar elements, somehow combined into something exciting and surprising (though there's nothing new under the sun).

"Rain Maker" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
A fascinating study of human nature through the lens of an alarmingly believable environmental crisis.

"Dumb Supper" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Somehow the mix of (slightly) macabre and mouthwatering really works?

"Neighbors" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
This has a soft kind of sadness: not a gut punch, it creeps up and settles in to stay for a while.

"Council of Youth" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
A promising start with a charismatic cast, but it's more scene than story.

"The Summer Ends in Slaughter" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Haunting. Creepy in a good way. Just not my cup of tea.

"Blue as God" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Love the direct callout of the fairytale parallel; love the imagery and symbolism. Not totally sold on the characters; the worldbuilding/atmosphere is a bit thin.

"Thomas All" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
I want so much more of this.

"Heart-Shaped Box" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★★
+1 for the ending — ouch. Disturbing and tragic and haunting.

"Berserk" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
2 stars for the slightly slow beginning/wind-up; 4 stars for the late-middle and incredible ending.

"Lazarus Girl" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Maybe I'm just not smart enough, but the pieces aren't coming together for me. They're nice pieces though, if "nice" can mean unsettling and ghoulish.

"Another Sun" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
I really like the concept and imagery, but this felt a bit underdeveloped.