Buried Deep and Other Stories

"With its enthralling set of short stories set in widely different settings, Buried Deep goes about immersing you in its deep yet bite sized worlds. Being a fan of Naomi's previous work, I enjoyed the stories, but this book will give new readers a peek into Naomi's writing style. In addition, despite the book's widely different settings, one could still find some underlying themes throughout the stories, such as the changing of fate and facing adversity and overcoming it. I was satisfied with what the stories had to offer, and was often left wanting to read more."

"This is a captivating collection of short fiction that showcases her talent for blending rich world-building with compelling characters. Each story in the anthology offers a unique flavor, from high fantasy to fairy-tale-inspired tales, all bound together by Novik’s distinctively lyrical prose.<br/><br/>The standout feature of this collection is the way Novik masterfully crafts immersive settings in even the shortest stories, pulling readers into enchanted worlds brimming with magic, danger, and complex moral choices. The characters, often caught between tradition and personal desire, reflect the internal struggles that make Novik’s work resonate emotionally, even in brief encounters.<br/><br/>While the collection is varied, “Buried Deep,” the title story, epitomizes Novik’s ability to reimagine classic folklore with a modern twist. It explores themes of sacrifice, legacy, and the weight of history in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. Other stories delve into similar explorations of power dynamics and the cost of ambition, giving the anthology a unifying thread while still providing diverse narrative experiences.<br/><br/>Fans of Novik’s larger works will appreciate this collection for its depth and imagination, while newcomers will find it a perfect introduction to her storytelling prowess. “Buried Deep and Other Stories” is a thought-provoking and beautifully written anthology that offers a glimpse into the many corners of Novik’s creative universe.<br/><br/>Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review"