Anthologies are the best way to find a new/different author and/or genre. The authors must flex their writing skills to build a complete story and characters in fewer pages than most chapters. They often flex into new genre, displaying a knack for story telling that will fascinate the readers. I always recommend anthologies to those readers looking for something different. I keep a book of anthologies in my bag and next to the bed for those times I have a short period of time to read. I always find an author that will lead me to check out their back library.

A very interesting compilation of short stories. I found most of them very intellectual. I really loved the short story by Kelley Armstrong, although almost all of them were enjoyable. If you like supernatural and/or magical, you will enjoy this set.

What an interesting mix of stories - however some were more enjoyable than others
This omnibus allowed me to read the latest short stories from some of my
favourite Authors and introduced me to new ones
The lack of excitement in some of the stories was my only complaint -
but well worth reading overall

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's the second book I read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed.
New and favorite authors, a mix of different stories that I loved even if they're not all at the same level.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I never heard of the podcast -- I'll have to check it out -- but I liked this collection better than the previous one. A good mix of stories. I found some new authors to explore too.

Thanks very much for the free review copy!!

Really enjoyed this anthology and the variety contained in the stories. For some reason, sci-fi short stories have been a favorite of mine since I was a teen and this collection delivers.

As someone who loves science-fiction, I admittedly do not read many science-fiction short story anthologies. This was an incredibly interesting one and most of the authors, albeit being unknown to me, captivated me in a way I thought was not possible. Thanks to the new authors that I have met and thoroughly enjoyed, I will be checking out their books as well. Overall, a great anthology for science-fiction and fantasy fans who want something not as heavy world-building and new fantasy terms-wise.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.

Shapers of Worlds Volume II is the second anthology of short fiction from authors featured on the Shapers of Worlds podcast edited by Edward Willett. Due out 2nd Nov 2021 from Shadowpaw Press, it's a hefty 522 pages and will be available in ebook format. Other editions available in physical print format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which didn't grab me personally, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 4 star range(ish) with a a fair smattering of really standout stories. This is a well curated solid anthology of stories in the 3-5 star range. There are 24 stories in the anthology and most are previously unpublished fiction from very well known to new-to-me authors. The common thread is that the authors were all featured on the editor's podcast last year.

One reason I prefer collections and anthologies is that short fiction is really challenging. It's spare and the author doesn't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting. Well written short fiction is a delight. I also love collections because if one story doesn't really grab me, there's another story just a few pages away. I can only recall a few times where I've read a collection (or anthology) straight through from cover to cover.

Four stars on average. It's a diverting read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Very fun anthology - I don’t usually like them, but this one had some gems. I particularly enjoyed Casey’s Empire By Nancy Kress. She is one of my favorite authors, and I had never seen this short story before and I’m so glad I did!

I really enjoyed this collection in which the focus is not on heroic deeds. daring missions, or technology, but on the development of worlds and settings. There are a number of gems here including The Cat and the Merrythought by Matthew Hughes, The Little Tailor and the Elves by Barbara Hambly, and stories by Carrie Vaughan, Kelly Armstrong, Garth Nix, Helen Dale, and Marie Brennan. There's something for everyone here, and the collection has spurred me to find other works by the authors in it.

Edward Willett has compiled an impressive collection of sci fi and fantasy stories that I was fortunate to get to read courtesy of NetGalley.
The compilation starts off with the excellent story, Shadow Sight, by Kelley Armstrong, setting the tone for those that follow. Other offerings that stand out for me are: the creepy Ghost and Fox by Marie Brennan; the entertaining Letters from an Imprisoned Wizard to a Young Queen, and Associated Explicatory Correspondence by Garth Nix; the compelling Beneath a Bicameral Moon by Jeremy Szal; the uniquely fun Shapeshifter Finals by Jeffrey A. Carver; the page turner Thibauld's Tale by Edward Willett; the police procedural with a twist The Cancellation by Bryan Tomas Schmidt; the relatable River of Ice by David D. Levine; the humorous I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived by Lisa Foiles; the thought provoking The Cat and the Merrythought by Matthew Hughes; the sad tale Salvage by Carrie Vaughn; the diabolical The Chthonic Op by Tim Pratt; the satisfying The Little Tailor and the Elves by Barbara Hambly; and the intriguing A Murder in Eddsford by S.M. Stirling.
There was only one story that I could not get into, despite trying, and which I ultimately passed. That is, however, a good proportion that very few anthologies achieve. I won't say which one, since the blame likely lies with me and others will enjoy it where I did not.
Overall this book is a treasure trove of sci fi and fantasy that promises more than one satisfying story for everyone.

Great collection of short stories and a must read in my opinion for science-fiction fan. There is a ton a author to discover in this anthology and I will keep a eyes on many of them and their future works!

I loved every single story in this collection. Tim Pratt is a favorite of mine and he did a fantastic job getting me invested in his story "The Cthonic Op". Kelly Armstrong did a great job with "Shadow Sight", and the other standout for me was "I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived" by Lisa Foiles. This is a very solid collection, expertly assembled by Edward Willett. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadowpaw Press for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this exceptional book.

Thank you Netgalley and Shadowpaw Press for the chance to read Shapers of worlds volume II. I had already read about this book through one of the authors (Kelley Armstrong) during its Kickstarter promotion. This is a wonderful anthology for anyone who likes science fiction/fantasy. While I requested mainly because there was a new story by Kelley Armstrong, and Carrie Vaughn, I also enjoyed quite a few of the other stories. Anthologies are a great way to find new authors while reading their new fiction, or a new story from their series and are perfect when you want to read but are short on time.