I’m not sure if it was a damaged file or not but I only got the first two stories and a couple of pages of the third one so unable to give a review on the complete collection. The first story Nussia, I really enjoyed and would’ve given 4 stars. The second story Urban Wendy wasn’t as engaging for me so would’ve given 2 so based on the two stories I did get to read would average out to a 3 but obviously without reading the rest of the book hard to say whether it would be more hits or misses.

Doll Seed: Stories by Michele Tracy Berger
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 6 August 2024

In this collection, Berger invites readers into a world where the boundaries of reality are pushed and prodded. Each of the fifteen stories is a journey into the unknown, exploring themes of freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and the quest for safety.

Enter the world of Marisol, a budding jeweller haunted by a fast-food icon that refuses to fade from memory. Follow the journey of Chevella, a self-aware doll navigating 1950s America, unexpectedly thrust into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Experience the life of Lindsay, a young Black girl in 1970s America, whose family's existence takes a surreal twist when she "wins" an extraterrestrial in a national competition. Feel the tension between sisters Chelsea and Jessa as they confront the implications of a mysterious child who disrupts their family dynamic. And witness the pandemonium unleashed when a magical forest becomes host to a meat grinder, triggering unforeseen and extraordinary consequences.

What sets Berger's collection apart is her ability to craft memorable female characters of colour who confront both physical and psychic challenges with grace and resilience. Her prose is infused with exquisite tenderness, drawing readers into worlds where the fantastic and the familiar intertwine seamlessly.

For those who crave imaginative storytelling that pushes boundaries and explores the complexities of identity and existence, Michele Tracy Berger's debut is a beacon. It celebrates diversity, challenges conventions, and promises an unforgettable journey through realms where imagination knows no bounds.

If you're a fan of authors like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, or Kelly Link, Michele Tracy Berger's debut short story collection is a must-read. Bursting with creativity and depth, these speculative tales span across genres including sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, weird fiction, horror, and magical realism.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aunt Lute Books, and the author, Michele Tracy Berger, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Unfortunately I attempted to download this ARC many times and was only given the first 66 pages. Despite this, what I read was wonderful! Very much looking forward to the release so I am able to finish it.

Absolutely loved this!!

PInter, Beckett and Gabriel Garcia Marquez are super authors bringing us the theatre of the absurd with their short stories and novellas - Berger appears to be a similar sort of master in this collection of short stories.

They are weirdly wonderful and end in a way that leaves you craving more!

So grateful for the opportunity for this ARC and to be able to share my opinion. If you like sci-fi with a hint of horror then give this a read. You won't be disappointed!!