Award-winning author Beka Gremikova has written many short stories that have been published online and in anthologies. In Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories, she collects several of her stories into one offering. A reader who enjoys a variety of speculative fiction will certainly appreciate this gem of a book.
Inside, the reader will find offerings of science fiction to high fantasy, urban fantasy to fairy tales. What sets this apart from most collections is the wide variety of cultures Gremikova has tackled. Usually, when people speak of diversity, they are talking about different people’s cultures coming together in one country, often North America. This book travels the world and embeds the reader into cultures other than America. While countries are often not named, “A Spoonful of Spice” reads like a Chinese fable, “The Grave Dancers” has a European flair, and “No Man’s Jungle” feels very African. This is a strong point of the collection as the author adapts her style to each culture.
Variety continues in the tone of each of the stories. Some are sentimental, comforting, uplifting. Others are stark, message-driven, detached from the plight of its characters. The reader is never sure of the ending. One story of an abduction has both a hopeful and uncertain tone.
A person’s taste in the stories will vary in their interests. Those entries I enjoyed yet didn’t think were the best in the collection, others might rate as their favorites. I sense most readers will differ from my tastes.
Too little fairytale-inspired stories exist in modern collections, so I welcomed both “A Taste of Grace” and “Prince of Bees.” These two stories were both entertaining and cautionary, essential elements of a good fairy tale. “Mer-Child” is so honestly raw in emotion that its narrative should touch even the hardest of hearts. The Eastern-inspired “A Spoonful of Spice” is witty and clever. In “Tiger Bright,” you have the closest to an E.C.-inspired comic book, including an unexpected ending. Many light-hearted stories populate these pages, but I was drawn to “The Screwtech Letters,” in particular.
Two stories in this collection stood out. This book could have presented only tales that offer hope and acceptance to the downtrodden. But, to rise above, offerings like this must dare, must challenge, must experiment. I found two that do precisely that. First, the excellent “Change of Heart” tells its story in second person, pulling the reader into the narrative. This raises the stakes of a story where the reader drags their heels with the main character of the inevitable conclusion. Some may find the conclusion comforting; others, horrific. And another tale that dares to defy the rest is “Sea Claim.” After many other stories in this novel, the reader expects this to be in a similar vein. When The End comes, the finale works like the clattering of fallen dishes in a restaurant. The reader realizes they are in the hands of an author who wants you to feel, not simply enjoy.
In Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories, author Gremikova takes us on a journey. To cultures we don’t often read about, to emotions of levity and sorrow, to souls lighting up with comfort…and dark corners of our heart where no light shines. If you enjoy a variety in your fantasy and science fiction, take a closer look at what this book has to offer.