#Bookreview of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories
By: Ekta R. Garg
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
ISBN: 979-8891327405
Reviewed by: Alma Boucher
Review Date: July 28, 2025
In The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories, writer Ekta R. Garg presents an enchanting and insightful collection that transports readers into richly imagined worlds, where themes of power, identity, and fate intersect. With every story, Garg draws inspiration from fairy tales and classic fantasy, while simultaneously infusing her stories with a contemporary emotional depth that is both timeless and refreshingly original.
In “The Witch’s Apprentice,” a bold young apprentice takes her fate into her own hands, choosing her mentor and demanding to be released from the Spell of Inhibition. The stakes are high: only by completing a selfless act and defending it before the High Council can she earn her place in the Witch’s Guild. Denied a proper test, the apprentice forges her path through time, armed with The Witch’s Complete Guide to Safety and Security in Travels. Her journey leads her to Cinderella, whom she assists as a self-appointed fairy godmother, hoping that sincere kindness might finally break the spell. This story cleverly weaves together themes of self-empowerment, irony, and transformation.
In “The Honor of Emperors and Thieves,” the annual arrival of a legendary band of thieves disrupts the routine of a quiet town. Their code of honor and wealth make them impossible to turn away. Among them, Simon and Samuel rise to infamy by fooling the emperor himself, leaving the entire kingdom stunned as their ruler struts through the streets in nothing at all. Their clever ruse earns them the crown of “kings of thieves” and hints at their next scheme, involving none other than some mysterious magic beans. With biting satire and rich world-building, this story reimagines a classic tale with mischief and flair.
“The Beauty Before She Sleeps” takes on a more reflective tone. Princess Talia, who has been sheltered her entire life, challenges her boundaries and ventures outside her kingdom for the first time. Talia encounters a strange portal that she had previously passed by without issue. This time, it yanked her in forcefully, only to spit her back out shortly after. As she bends over a riverbank to catch her breath, her heart races. Reflected in the water's surface was not the princess she recognized, but a version of herself that bore a striking resemblance to Goldilocks.
What distinguishes this collection is not merely the imaginative narratives but the depth of significance lurking beneath the surface. Recurring themes of power, transformation, self-discovery, and altruism weave the stories together in a cohesive and fulfilling manner. Readers are likely to reflect on the destinies of Garg’s characters long after they have reached the last page. Garg’s poetic writing style and engaging storytelling are enhanced by her considerate approach to character development. Whether set in enchanted forests or distant realms, her characters confront decisions that resonate profoundly, even within their fantastical settings.
This collection stems from the author's innate curiosity. Fascinated by the overlooked aspects of classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales, Garg pondered the question "Why?" and allowed that inquiry to shape her narrative. The outcome is a series of stories that preserve the allure of the originals while providing enhanced emotional and psychological understanding. The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories is essential reading for those who appreciate their fairy tales infused with depth, emotion, and a hint of surprise. It is ideal for readers who have always been curious about what lies just beyond “happily ever after.”
Quill says: The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories is a captivating and reflective collection that reinvents well-known stories with enchantment, wit, and deep emotional understanding.
For more information about The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories, please visit the author's website at: ektargarg.com
No comments:
Post a Comment