4.0
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

On the whole, I think this is a pretty strong anthology and caters well to those that enjoy historical fiction across a range of time periods. While I think it started off a bit weak, I didn't really connect to the first two stories despite their appeal, there are some really memorable tales in this collection. My favorites include:

The Magician by Erin Bowman
Lady Firebrand by Meagan Shepherd 
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood
Glamour by Anna Marie McLemore
The Belle of the Ball by  Sarvenaz Tash 
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan

One constant I found throughout the stories is that I wish they had been just a little longer. Some stop before they get a good sense of closure and we're left wondering what the resolution to the story is. Personally, I find open endings can be a bit unsatisfying, and, while they did end dramatically and purposefully, I still would loved more rounded out conclusions.