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Grizzly: A Charity Anthology
Boys will be boys.
Bears will be bears…
Brace yourself for twenty mixed-genre tales, all tied together with a neat bear- shaped bow that your mother would be proud of. Guaranteed to make you ‘smile more often’ and rage like it’s ‘that time of the month’.
Written by femme SA survivors for all SA survivors, Grizzly is the charity anthology that aims to give back and bite back.
Sometimes, when you can’t find the strength to roar, a growl will do.
Bears will be bears…
Brace yourself for twenty mixed-genre tales, all tied together with a neat bear- shaped bow that your mother would be proud of. Guaranteed to make you ‘smile more often’ and rage like it’s ‘that time of the month’.
Written by femme SA survivors for all SA survivors, Grizzly is the charity anthology that aims to give back and bite back.
Sometimes, when you can’t find the strength to roar, a growl will do.
- GenresAnthologies
Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 4, 2024
This is such an incredible anthology that explores how bears are less dangerous than men. It was not easy to read these stories since they are about stuff like SA, child abuse, and misogyny. But they are all well-written and definitely worth reading. My favorite stories are The Hardest Word by A.M. Nestler, Teddy by Kassidy VanGundy, Blood in the Snow by S.R. Fischer, Song of the Rusalka by Kay Hanifen, Haunted PS2 by Jude Deluca, Cursebreaker by Claire Olivia Golden, and Teddy Bear's Rampage by Melissa Helwig. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and horror and care about human rights. Also this book is only being sold until September 10 of this year, so whoever is interested and able to should get this as soon as possible.
August 22, 2024
This isn't a collection that I would describe as enjoyable, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading. The subject of so many of these stories is heavy, and it took me a long time to read through them, but it's an important book. It's for survivors by survivors, and it hit home for me. I found myself crying a few times reading this, but I also felt a sense of camaraderie with these people. These stories may be fictional to some extent, but they reflect the very real experiences of women, femmes and other vulnerable people around the world.
Kudos to H.Everend and S.C Fisher for putting together such a relevant and important collection, allowing these authors to have their voices heard!
Kudos to H.Everend and S.C Fisher for putting together such a relevant and important collection, allowing these authors to have their voices heard!
August 2, 2024
What an honour to hold this book in my hands. This anthology is emotional, haunting and absolutely beautiful. I give so much credit to the authors who put this together and everyone who wrote stories / anyone who has supported this important book.
I absolutely love the quotes underneath each of the stories titles. Some are so hard hitting that I had to sit with them for a moment and just reflect on what they were saying. This feeling became more intense after finishing each story. They all meant something. They all gave me some emotion afterwards. I actually think I'll read this again to take in these words a second time. To feel them for a second time.
If you're thinking about reading this... obviously be prepared. The themes are tough! As expected with this anthology and what it is supporting. However if you can manage it, please do! These stories must be told. I hope they help people feel less alone in their experiences. Hopefully one day we can live in a safer world, and these stories and these fears are non-existent.
Let's talk about the stories! (I usually pick favourites for anthologies but I won't do that this time. I genuinely enjoyed / appreciated them all! It can be hard to use the word "enjoyed" for this subject but I can't think of a better word to use. Perhaps just "appreciated" works best!)
✨ Valley of the Black Bear by Elizabeth Lynn Blackson
A hard hitting work of non-fiction. An excellent way to start this anthology as it highlights the importance of the Bear Vs. Man debate. I think it's amazing that the author shared this and allowed us more insight into the topic. It also gives us insight into what is to come in the rest of this anthology.
✨ The Cannock Chase by S.C Fisher
A story about domestic abuse and a character who wants to escape when she discovers a baby will be thrown into the mix. Meeting the young girl in the woods was such a perfect metaphor.
✨ Condemned by M Edusa
This was a tough one! The ending was just perfect though. A story that tells us how we may be haunted by our past sometimes, but we can still put it behind us and be who we want to be.
✨ In My Skin by Lucretia Stanhope
That was brutal! But excellent. It reads as a horror but the message behind it is SO important. It almost takes your breath away.
✨ Teddy by Kassidy VanGundy
There's nothing like reading a story where a shithead finally gets it! This was a great tale.
✨ The Blue Folder by Tanya Delanor
A story of someone in power who can abuse their position and betray trust.
✨ The Dead Man by Bethany Russo
A tale about how the memories of our childhood abuse can haunt us into adulthood, in the real world and deep into the night when we just want to sleep.
✨ The Hardest Word by Ashley Nestler
Another tale about how someone can take power over a situation and abuse it, twisting it into their own narrative. They can live their life while their victim struggles with PTSD and the right mental health support. A satisfying ending for this one.
✨ Till Death Do Us Part by Samantha Arthurs
Wow. That was unexpected. I deffo finished this one with a loud, "you go girl!"
✨ Revenge is a dish best served cold by Linda M Crate
This takes the stories into new territories. While sticking to the same theme, we have vampires! A female vampire with revenge on her mind.
✨ Cunt by E.H Regan
I've read a few pieces by this author now and she's a beautiful writer. Stunning stories and poetry... This is one of them!
✨ Blood in the Snow by S.R Fischer
This was awesome. Another, "you go girl!" moment. Revenge after death! These are tough tales because the women still have been abused in some way, but it's nice to turn the narratives where the villain gets what they deserve!
✨ Jane by Amber Hathaway
What a hard hitting tale! So much chaos but such an important message. Well done Amber! This was so great.
"She shouldn't have to be your girlfriend, sister, or mother for you to care."
✨ Song of the Rusalka by Kay Hanifen
I couldn't take my eyes away from this one. Another excellent revenge tale. I absolutely loved the folklore added in and how it ended.
✨ Stuffed by T. M Lunn
The scariest of the bunch! I'll have nightmares about this. Well done T. M Lunn, you have written pure horror and have ruined everyone's excitement going to Build-a-Bear! I joke of course, this was brilliant. Terrifying, but brilliant.
✨ Haunted PS2 by Jude Deluca
Ooh I loved this! This is one of those stories I really wished was longer. The character had so much development with her life and family for such a short story! And what was happening with the apparent cursed object was freaky!!
✨ Retaliation by Sarah L Ellis
Another really hard hitting story. This one choked me up. Beautifully written!
✨ Feeding Time by Kim Evans
Ooh spooky! I loved the gothic vibes and the twists! Another tale that could deffo get away with being longer! I'd have loved to read more of it!
✨ Cursebreaker by Claire Olivia Golden
What a fascinating and unique tale! Bears, fae, curses! A story that highlights an important message among all the interesting fantasy: think of yourself first! Another story that could deffo be a whole book. Really unique and painted so vividly.
✨ Teddy Bear's Rampage by Melissa Helwig
Oh the chaos! While this story sticks to the important theme, it's also darkly comical! I really enjoyed this one and it had an excellent ending.
✨ The Box by Syd Forrest
This story was so eerie. I was constantly on edge. I got what was going on but there felt like something else hiding in the corners. This really created some great suspense.
✨ A Tale of Few Deities by Belinda Copeland
Another great story, you'll fall into this one by the first sentence alone!
I absolutely love the quotes underneath each of the stories titles. Some are so hard hitting that I had to sit with them for a moment and just reflect on what they were saying. This feeling became more intense after finishing each story. They all meant something. They all gave me some emotion afterwards. I actually think I'll read this again to take in these words a second time. To feel them for a second time.
If you're thinking about reading this... obviously be prepared. The themes are tough! As expected with this anthology and what it is supporting. However if you can manage it, please do! These stories must be told. I hope they help people feel less alone in their experiences. Hopefully one day we can live in a safer world, and these stories and these fears are non-existent.
Let's talk about the stories! (I usually pick favourites for anthologies but I won't do that this time. I genuinely enjoyed / appreciated them all! It can be hard to use the word "enjoyed" for this subject but I can't think of a better word to use. Perhaps just "appreciated" works best!)
✨ Valley of the Black Bear by Elizabeth Lynn Blackson
A hard hitting work of non-fiction. An excellent way to start this anthology as it highlights the importance of the Bear Vs. Man debate. I think it's amazing that the author shared this and allowed us more insight into the topic. It also gives us insight into what is to come in the rest of this anthology.
✨ The Cannock Chase by S.C Fisher
A story about domestic abuse and a character who wants to escape when she discovers a baby will be thrown into the mix. Meeting the young girl in the woods was such a perfect metaphor.
✨ Condemned by M Edusa
This was a tough one! The ending was just perfect though. A story that tells us how we may be haunted by our past sometimes, but we can still put it behind us and be who we want to be.
✨ In My Skin by Lucretia Stanhope
That was brutal! But excellent. It reads as a horror but the message behind it is SO important. It almost takes your breath away.
✨ Teddy by Kassidy VanGundy
There's nothing like reading a story where a shithead finally gets it! This was a great tale.
✨ The Blue Folder by Tanya Delanor
A story of someone in power who can abuse their position and betray trust.
✨ The Dead Man by Bethany Russo
A tale about how the memories of our childhood abuse can haunt us into adulthood, in the real world and deep into the night when we just want to sleep.
✨ The Hardest Word by Ashley Nestler
Another tale about how someone can take power over a situation and abuse it, twisting it into their own narrative. They can live their life while their victim struggles with PTSD and the right mental health support. A satisfying ending for this one.
✨ Till Death Do Us Part by Samantha Arthurs
Wow. That was unexpected. I deffo finished this one with a loud, "you go girl!"
✨ Revenge is a dish best served cold by Linda M Crate
This takes the stories into new territories. While sticking to the same theme, we have vampires! A female vampire with revenge on her mind.
✨ Cunt by E.H Regan
I've read a few pieces by this author now and she's a beautiful writer. Stunning stories and poetry... This is one of them!
✨ Blood in the Snow by S.R Fischer
This was awesome. Another, "you go girl!" moment. Revenge after death! These are tough tales because the women still have been abused in some way, but it's nice to turn the narratives where the villain gets what they deserve!
✨ Jane by Amber Hathaway
What a hard hitting tale! So much chaos but such an important message. Well done Amber! This was so great.
"She shouldn't have to be your girlfriend, sister, or mother for you to care."
✨ Song of the Rusalka by Kay Hanifen
I couldn't take my eyes away from this one. Another excellent revenge tale. I absolutely loved the folklore added in and how it ended.
✨ Stuffed by T. M Lunn
The scariest of the bunch! I'll have nightmares about this. Well done T. M Lunn, you have written pure horror and have ruined everyone's excitement going to Build-a-Bear! I joke of course, this was brilliant. Terrifying, but brilliant.
✨ Haunted PS2 by Jude Deluca
Ooh I loved this! This is one of those stories I really wished was longer. The character had so much development with her life and family for such a short story! And what was happening with the apparent cursed object was freaky!!
✨ Retaliation by Sarah L Ellis
Another really hard hitting story. This one choked me up. Beautifully written!
✨ Feeding Time by Kim Evans
Ooh spooky! I loved the gothic vibes and the twists! Another tale that could deffo get away with being longer! I'd have loved to read more of it!
✨ Cursebreaker by Claire Olivia Golden
What a fascinating and unique tale! Bears, fae, curses! A story that highlights an important message among all the interesting fantasy: think of yourself first! Another story that could deffo be a whole book. Really unique and painted so vividly.
✨ Teddy Bear's Rampage by Melissa Helwig
Oh the chaos! While this story sticks to the important theme, it's also darkly comical! I really enjoyed this one and it had an excellent ending.
✨ The Box by Syd Forrest
This story was so eerie. I was constantly on edge. I got what was going on but there felt like something else hiding in the corners. This really created some great suspense.
✨ A Tale of Few Deities by Belinda Copeland
Another great story, you'll fall into this one by the first sentence alone!
August 3, 2024
As soon as I heard about Grizzly, it instantly jumped to the top of my most anticipated reads list, and even with as excited as I was for it, it exceeded my expectations. I was also lucky enough to have my short story "Jane" selected for this anthology, although my review is based on the other pieces in this volume.
Inspired by the man vs. bear debate, Grizzly: A Charity Anthology is a multi-genre anthology by SA survivors. All the stories tie together with a bear theme. In some stories, the bear is a central figure, while in others, the bear is mentioned only in passing. The other key connecting thread is that most of the stories either tackle SA or misogyny more generally.
It's a powerful and moving collection. The stories invoked a wide range of emotions in me, from fear and disgust to righteous rage to satisfaction. Each story brought something unique to the collection, and I loved the variety. Some were very difficult reads due to the subject matter, but in spite of that, I had such a hard time putting this book down and ended up finishing it in two days. The stories still linger in my head, and I expect this will be the case for a long time yet.
I kind of wish this anthology was required reading. While many of the pieces were written with survivors in mind, I feel like everyone could benefit from reading these stories. They do such a great job highlighting the obstacles survivors face and showing ways in which misogyny shapes our daily lives.
Of course, there are a lot of content warnings that come with this, including but not limited to SA, DV, suicide, unwanted pregnancy, and graphic violence. But it is such an amazing collection, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Inspired by the man vs. bear debate, Grizzly: A Charity Anthology is a multi-genre anthology by SA survivors. All the stories tie together with a bear theme. In some stories, the bear is a central figure, while in others, the bear is mentioned only in passing. The other key connecting thread is that most of the stories either tackle SA or misogyny more generally.
It's a powerful and moving collection. The stories invoked a wide range of emotions in me, from fear and disgust to righteous rage to satisfaction. Each story brought something unique to the collection, and I loved the variety. Some were very difficult reads due to the subject matter, but in spite of that, I had such a hard time putting this book down and ended up finishing it in two days. The stories still linger in my head, and I expect this will be the case for a long time yet.
I kind of wish this anthology was required reading. While many of the pieces were written with survivors in mind, I feel like everyone could benefit from reading these stories. They do such a great job highlighting the obstacles survivors face and showing ways in which misogyny shapes our daily lives.
Of course, there are a lot of content warnings that come with this, including but not limited to SA, DV, suicide, unwanted pregnancy, and graphic violence. But it is such an amazing collection, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 10, 2024
I'm so honored to be part of this anthology. GRIZZLY is inspired by the “man vs. bear” meme that has been making the rounds over the past few months. All of the stories are written by women or nonbinary individuals and involve bears in some way. The proceeds from this anthology will be going to Take Back the Night, a charity that seeks to end domestic and sexual violence of all forms.
My story is called “Cursebreaker” and it’s a prequel to my debut novel UNRAVELED! It takes place 40 years before the events of UNRAVELED, features entirely new characters, and can be read as a standalone.
I’m going to talk a little about sexual harassment, so be warned.
This collection is all about feminine rage. I am fortunate that I have never experienced any traumatizing assault, but I have been sexually harassed. I have been made to feel unsafe by men. And that’s not okay. GRIZZLY is about whether you would choose the man or the bear, and all I’ll say is that a bear wouldn’t grab my boob in ballroom dancing class. I am proud to be a part of this anthology.
Here is the blurb for “Cursebreaker”!
For as long as Elin can remember, the women in her bloodline have had one job: to break the curse on men who were transformed into bears. Sixteen-year-old Elin knows it is her duty to travel to the isolated wintry Lenia Mountains of Feylinn and marry a bearman to break his curse. She has never questioned her destiny. Not until she meets her new husband’s sister, Dagny, and feels the flicker of real love. But in the Land of Curses, can Elin forge a path of her own?
My story is called “Cursebreaker” and it’s a prequel to my debut novel UNRAVELED! It takes place 40 years before the events of UNRAVELED, features entirely new characters, and can be read as a standalone.
I’m going to talk a little about sexual harassment, so be warned.
This collection is all about feminine rage. I am fortunate that I have never experienced any traumatizing assault, but I have been sexually harassed. I have been made to feel unsafe by men. And that’s not okay. GRIZZLY is about whether you would choose the man or the bear, and all I’ll say is that a bear wouldn’t grab my boob in ballroom dancing class. I am proud to be a part of this anthology.
Here is the blurb for “Cursebreaker”!
For as long as Elin can remember, the women in her bloodline have had one job: to break the curse on men who were transformed into bears. Sixteen-year-old Elin knows it is her duty to travel to the isolated wintry Lenia Mountains of Feylinn and marry a bearman to break his curse. She has never questioned her destiny. Not until she meets her new husband’s sister, Dagny, and feels the flicker of real love. But in the Land of Curses, can Elin forge a path of her own?
August 13, 2024
Grizzly: A Charity Anthology you not only will get your hands on a collection of rich and diverse narratives (particularly appealing to horror affecianados) but you'll help a really important organization. All proceeds from its sales go to Take Back the Night, a group whose mission is ending worldwide sexual violence.
There's supernatural horror in this collection. But there is also the far more commonplace violence inflicted on women and girls (and nonbinaries) that is all too often compounded by accusations that they brought it on themselves or that they could have prevented it even when children are molested by adults. The book validates survivors as it uncovers the challenges that they encounter after the attack and enlightens all of us on the harmful forms of misogyny rampart in this world.
If you're like me you'll be intrigued by the title. When a lot of women were asked if they'd rather encounter an unknown bear or an unknown man in the woods many chose the bear. Each chapter starts with one reason why such as "The bear won't tell you he'll harm your loved ones if you tell anyone what he did to you." and "You won't have to face the bear in court and describe what he did to you to complete strangers." And there's a bear somewhere in every story.
So by buying this anthology you'll not only be treating yourself to a fine short story collection but helping make the world safer for girls and women (and nonbinaries). You can order it through Amazon. Just don't wait too long. It's only available until September 10.
There's supernatural horror in this collection. But there is also the far more commonplace violence inflicted on women and girls (and nonbinaries) that is all too often compounded by accusations that they brought it on themselves or that they could have prevented it even when children are molested by adults. The book validates survivors as it uncovers the challenges that they encounter after the attack and enlightens all of us on the harmful forms of misogyny rampart in this world.
If you're like me you'll be intrigued by the title. When a lot of women were asked if they'd rather encounter an unknown bear or an unknown man in the woods many chose the bear. Each chapter starts with one reason why such as "The bear won't tell you he'll harm your loved ones if you tell anyone what he did to you." and "You won't have to face the bear in court and describe what he did to you to complete strangers." And there's a bear somewhere in every story.
So by buying this anthology you'll not only be treating yourself to a fine short story collection but helping make the world safer for girls and women (and nonbinaries). You can order it through Amazon. Just don't wait too long. It's only available until September 10.
August 21, 2024
I feel very lucky to have been included in this amazing anthology. Femme writers of all kinds took part in this, to raise money for Take Back the Night. Based off 'man vs bear', which we all know took the internet by storm, it really played well off themes that often plague women (all women, not just those biologically born female) in our society. It's hard to read at times, but ultimately? It's worth it.
My story 'Til' Death Do Us Part' is included, and it was very cathartic to write. Just thinking of all the women in similar situations (though perhaps not QUITE like the story), it really felt empowering to give voice to these issues. It also felt incredible to have the MC get revenge in the end.
I hope you'll take the time to check it out! All of the stories are amazing, and all of the authors did a great job.
My story 'Til' Death Do Us Part' is included, and it was very cathartic to write. Just thinking of all the women in similar situations (though perhaps not QUITE like the story), it really felt empowering to give voice to these issues. It also felt incredible to have the MC get revenge in the end.
I hope you'll take the time to check it out! All of the stories are amazing, and all of the authors did a great job.
August 2, 2024
An amazing collection of such different stories from different authors, but with one theme. Each so well written and some, as expected very hard hitting to read but told really well. I would have to read it again because I think you need time to take in each story before moving on to the next one. I kept thinking back to the previous stories like they needed more time to absorb, like when you finish a really good book. This Anthology is also for a good cause so please pick up a copy while it's available.
August 2, 2024
My short story, 'The Dead Man' is included in this anthology! However my 5 star rating is for all the other amazing authors who have shared their stories. This is a important and brilliant collection. If you're able to support it during its limited release period, that would be amazing! It's a great read!
August 3, 2024
Full review to be posted soon.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews