Disclaimer: I requested this book from book sirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  

Pick Your Potion by Ephiny Gale is a darkly whimsical collection of sapphic short stories. Fuck, there's just so much to say and I'm struggling with finding the words. Each story has its own genre and its own levels of darkness or whimsy. Some of the stories were truly heartwarming and made me smile so big by cheeks hurt. Others left me with an ache in my soul. However, there were some that did both. Honestly there is such a nice spread of stories that I believe there is a story for everyone. Every reader has the possibility to love a least one story in this book. 

But, odds are that you'll love more than just one story I know I did. I can't choose my favorites from the bunch. It's so rare for me to find a short story collection where I enjoyed all the stories. Even when the stories are all by the same author. So I think with this review I want to do something different. I'm going to list the stories and tell you what I thought of each. Because reviewing this book as a book feels like an injustice to the author. That and I wrote and read the review where I treated it as a book and it reads like nonsense. I will also say here that the amount I write for each story varies because the stories are all different lengths. I don't want to spoil any of them. 

Here are the stories including the introduction because it was interesting:
 

Introduction: I loved the way this set up the book. The idea of a menu of stories and accompanied drinks is ingenious. I also appreciated the inclusion of why, when, or where each story was written. I did read that part after finishing the book though, because of a spoiler warning. (I will always appreciate a spoiler warning. 

CurioQueens: This is such a cool concept, the world needs more cursed board games. The story is dark, whimsical, and queer. I loved the way Ephiny Gale chose not to shy away from the darker sides of cursed objects. I also loved the main character. 

Restoration: This story is short but poignant. I understand what happened without it ever being truly mentioned. Ouch my heart. 

The Magic in Our Hands: The title is very literal, the concept is so interesting. I hope the main character gets what she wants. 

All the Times I'm Ten: This story is bittersweet. I couldn't imagine being the main character, it sounds like such a painful life. 

Nowhere, Australia: One, pancake toss sounds like a terrible game. Two, I want more, I want to know what happens after the end. 

The Candle Queen: The art included at the beginning of this story is beautiful. It gives "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" vibes but less dark and not about children. Honestly this story is decadent and reminds me of the feeling of first coming out. (I'm queer and from the bible belt for context). ( I would be happy to elaborate once the book is released). 

Solace: This story made me so happy. It has my favorite quote of the book "You would be disabled in that society, wouldn't you? It wasn't built for you." ( I can't give an exact page number because I have my font set to large. My page numbers are very inaccurate). Fuck I love that quote and this story. I'm holding back so much I want to say because I will say too much.
 

Last Text: I was not expecting that ending. Truly heartbreaking, I cried for at least an hour. 

La Vie En Mer: I'd 100% watch this if it was a TV show. (You will understand that more after reading the story). More proof that queer people just do it better.
 

Rewind: The world in this story is so strange, I guess to death do us part is not in the vows. I enjoyed the way Ephiny Gale wrote this story. It's one of my favorites. And a statement out of context ( you will have to read it to get the context) honestly I'd probably do the same thing, if I was in the same situation and if I was brave enough. 

Overnight, a Forest Grew: This one was hard for me, it really broke my heart. It hit one of my soft spots, hard. I think one of my favorite tropes is when something mundane becomes precious. 

Watchhouse: When I read the title my first thought was...Hmm I wonder what they're watching? After finding out what they were watching I thought... Thanks I hate it. I didn't have the story just some of the characters. I feel like this is a great allegory for being queer in dangerous places. 

Light and Sleek and Strong: I love that the authors only notes in the menu about this story were "This is the result of daydreaming in the shower. It's weirder that I remember. Sorry?" (can be found in the introduction). Because when I read the story I was like dafuq. It's definitely an interesting story weird but interesting. 

Faewild: What a fascinating world. I need to see fanart for this story, I would make it myself but I'm terrible at turning descriptions into art. (though it is something I want to get better at. So, we'll see.) 

The White Factory: The title made it seem like it was going to be darker and about racism. But its not. It was much cuter than I expected! I enjoyed it. 

Neuro: I fucking loved this story. One of my favorite things in sci-fi is the fantasized future technology. But it is so much better when its used for the treatment and diagnosis of disabling conditions. There is a lot more to the story than just that aspect but that's the one that stuck with me. 

When the Ice Comes In: This story reminded me of "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen. Which is ironic only because I read the menu after finishing the book. I also want to say that the two stories are very different. Regardless, if you are like me (soft) be ready to cry. 

Smol Animaux: Dear author, From a reader. Respectfully how dare you. I'm just kidding I read the content warnings I knew what I was getting into to. This story just hurt me more than I expected. I'm sure you are a very lovely person and you are definitely a wonderful author. 

The Most Powerful Witch in Witchville: I'm not really sure what to say about this story. All the things I want to say, that I've written down would spoil aspects of the story. Hmm. I'll just say this story is good and you should read it. 

This is (Not) My Beautiful Cat: My heart! This story made me want to hug my cats. It's so heartwarming. I also love that the author not for this story in the menu is simply "For all the cats I've loved". I want to cry now but not from sadness. 

Lovely Lilas: What an interesting way to learn to love yourself.
 

The Orchard: The art included with this story's title is also beautiful. This is such a cool and sweet story. That ending! I loved it. It oddly makes me want to dance with a partner in a field. Or to go pick apples with them, even though I can't eat apples. 

Inheritance: Simple, short, and interesting. 

Marina, Hel and Cady Save the Universe: Neurodivergence for the win! I liked the title. It was an interesting adventure. 

As Long as We Both Shall Live and After, Too: I have so many questions. 

Traces of Us, Hot Enough for Dinner: This is such a good story. That ending just grips the heart like a vice. 

Overall, I think this is one of my favorite short story collections I've read. However, I did have one issue with it. I wish the content warnings were at the beginning of the book. I know that they're shown in the table of contents. But I also know that e-reader apps tend to skip the table of contents and such. I guess that is more of an issue with e-readers and apps though. Anyway, this was a delightful read and I'm so excited for whatever Ephiny Gale writes next.