When I first requested this from NetGalley, I had never heard of Joyce Chng, and full disclosure it was the cover that attracted me. But it was also the cover that solidified for me after reading maybe a few sentences of th3 synopsis that there was simply now way this would be bad. That was the understatement of the decade. This book will have a place of prominence on my shelves for the rest of my existence. Chng's stories felt so deeply personal to her that at times, I felt like I had stumbled upon their open diary and felt guilty for continuing to read. And yet, there were so many times when it felt like Chng had written the story specifically for me. They somehow knew something about myself. I just didn't know, and this was their way of telling me.

This was simply the greatest collection of short stories I have ever read. A collection I know I will reread hundreds of times over in my lifetime when I need them to encourage me. Quite honestly, I can not thank them enough for sharing their stories with us.

As always, thanks to NetGalley and Atthis Arts for the eArc!

Such a slow, thoughtful, lovely and illuminating read! I took my time to savour it, and it was the most rewarding experience, because it felt like a series of evenings with a master storyteller who alqays has something new and different to tell you. A perfect combination of mixed media short form.

It was such a pleasure to dive into Chng’s short stories likes this for the first time. I do feel like I have a really good impression on her writing style with those stories and I enjoyed most of them thoroughly in how quickly they allowed me do understand and dive into a new world and get to know their characters. For me personally, there was at least one really impactful story missing to make this a longer lasting collection that really sticks with you, but I do think that it’s really worth a read anyways!

A collection to mark Chng's turning 50 this year, this is a collection that embraces the changing nature of the writer over their career: from their earliest published work, through to very recent pieces. Arranged roughly chronologically, the reader gets a sense of how Chng has changed over time - I think the later work is a bit more polished than the earlier pieces, although those early ones are certainly still worth reading. You also get to see some of the consistent themes that Chng keeps coming back to. In particular, questions of what life can and might be like during war pop up several times; and explorations of gender, ethnicity, and identity broadly defined are a consistent presence. And Chng's experience as a Singaporean is also fundamental to their stories, with many of the stories taking place in either a real or imagined Southeast Asia.

It's brilliant that Atthis Arts is publishing this retrospective collection. Too often white men get collected early in their careers and everyone else just... doesn't. Chng's voice is an example of one that should be highlighted and celebrated.

I found this collection filled with vivid imagery and a unique voice, which kept me reading till the end. My favorite story of the lot was "Lotus", a post apocalyptic meditation on wealth. Several others stood out to me, including *Saints and Bodhisattvas" and "A Matter of Possession" (all three of these being sea related may say more about me than the author.) The pieces span several genres of fiction and also include memoir, making each new piece a little surprise. Many of the pieces are set in or are related to current, past and future Singapore, and it all feels very personal to the author. Overall, a really enjoyable collection.

Whether it's examining fantastical pasts, apocalyptic futures, or the SFnal world we call reality, Wolf's Path is a fascinating exploration of how others use our differences against us, and how our differences ultimately help us find our place in the world. Chng excels at creating unique, relatable characters who will pull you in and stories that will change your perspective.

Highly recommended, especially for those who feel they're stuck between worlds—real or imagined.

At first I thought this would be a book of poetry but it was lovely to find out it was absolutely more than that. I loved the style and format of this book- how it followed the authors time of writing.

'Wolf's Path' is an intricately exciting collection of speculative stories, poetry, and personal essays that flow together with an undercurrent of warmth and thoughtfulness.

I’ve been reading Joyce Chng’s stories for years now, so I knew that this collection was going to be an engaging, deeply human, and a thoroughly badass read. I was not disappointed! Joyce wonderfully creates stories that expand and question perspectives, with characters that can be as sharp as claws and soft as paw pads. They have a way of embedding the fury of injustices within plotlines so that something kinder can grow in their characters. Each story leaves us with catalysts for reflection, growth, and hope.

My favorites were The Sound of Breaking Glass, The Lessons of the Moon, I Found Love in an Urn Full of Ashes, and Saints and Bodhisattvas.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy memorable, speculative stories that are robustly imaginative and edged with a quiet (sometimes feisty!) intensity.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Atthis Arts, for the eARC.

Wolf's Path is an excellent volume of short stories and poetry that range all over the spec fic world, from space to alien invaders to tiger demons and ghosts. The narrators are often everyday people grappling with the worlds around them, and the hitches and surprises that a live accumulates. In stories about transformation, Chng explores gender and sexuality, parenting, disability, and East Asian culture with vivid, compelling language. This is an excellent introduction of Chng's work for new readers, and long-time readers will find it full of treats.

A nice collection of mixed media. The poetry was my favorite part of the book and I started to skip the other parts during the end. I would love to read a poetry collection from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Compiled to celebrate Chng’s 50th birthday, Wolf’s Path charts their development as a writer.
This collection of short stories is not a genre I would typically choose - Science Fiction Fantasy - but I enjoyed Chng’s storytelling and how their writing blended Singaporean culture with dystopian, apocalyptic, and futuristic landscapes.
The immersion was often broken, however, by poor editing of the writing itself. There were several spelling errors or misused vocabulary, alongside incorrect expressions and syntax which lacked fluidity and ease. Unfortunately this happened with almost every story, which is a shame but also a surprise considering the work has been published prior to this compilation.
So while I’d recommend Chng’s storytelling, I don’t think I’d recommend this collection of short stories as it currently stands.

I really enjoyed this mix of poetry and short stories. I thought it spoke really well to her thesis of the wolf's path through its external and internal landscapes which is impactful to any person regardless of their stage of life

Wolf's Path by Joyce Chng is a vibrant and heartfelt anthology. Blending short stories, poetry, personal reflections, and artwork, this collection feels like stepping into a world where culture, mythology, and identity collide in unexpected ways.

At its heart, the book explores themes of transformation, identity, and the overlap between the everyday and the mythical. Chng’s poetry is especially striking, capturing moments of change, the beauty of nature, and the pain of losing pieces of one's cultural identity.

What makes this collection stand out is how personal it feels. Through essays and reflections, Chng shares glimpses of their life and creative journey. These moments are sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, but always insightful. They give the stories and poems a richer context, helping readers connect with the author on a more intimate level.

The artwork is another highlight, adding layers to the stories and poems. Whether through simple sketches or detailed illustrations, the visuals feel like extensions of the text, pulling you deeper into the world Chng has created. They’re not just extras—they’re an essential part of the experience.

Wolf’s Path asks navigates a world where cultures mix, clash, and evolve. It’s a celebration of Southeast Asian heritage while also exploring the challenges of living in a changing, multicultural world.

This collection is thought-provoking and emotional without feeling overly heavy. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to return to, discovering something new each time. Joyce Chng has created something truly special—a beautifully woven blend of words and art that invites readers to see the world through their eyes.

This book was really lovely, the artwork and poems especially resonated with me. This is an own voice speculative fiction book that approaches the reader with multiple mediums. It is not a super fast read simply because you want to indulge in it.

Introduction
"Wolf's Path: A Stunning, Comprehensive Collection" by Joyce Chng is not just a book; it's an anthology that spans multiple forms of creative expression. Known for her nuanced explorations of Southeast Asian cultures within speculative fiction, Chng delivers a diverse tapestry of short stories, poetry, personal recollections, and artwork. This review will explore the various components of this collection, assessing how they come together to create a rich, multifaceted narrative experience.

Summary
Short Stories:
Chng's short stories in "Wolf's Path" are a testament to her skill in blending cultural elements with fantasy and science fiction. These tales often revolve around themes of identity, transformation, and the intersection of the mythical with the mundane. Notable for their settings in a culturally rich Singapore, these stories explore the lives of characters who navigate dual worlds—one of humanity and another of the supernatural or scientific marvels. Each story stands alone but contributes to a larger conversation about belonging and the search for self in a world that's both ancient and futuristic.

Poetry:
The poetry in "Wolf's Path" is evocative and layered, often reflecting on the same themes as the stories but through a more intimate, lyrical lens. Chng's poetry captures the essence of transformation, the beauty of nature, and the pain of displacement or cultural erasure. Her words weave together English with elements of other languages, providing a rhythm and cadence that echo the multicultural backdrop of her narratives.

Recollections:
The personal essays or recollections offer a glimpse into Chng's life, her inspirations, and her journey as a writer. These pieces are poignant, sometimes humorous, and always insightful, providing context to her creative works. They bridge the gap between the author and the reader, making the entire collection feel like a shared journey rather than just a one-sided narrative.

Artwork:
Chng's drawings complement the textual content beautifully. The artwork, ranging from sketches to more detailed pieces, captures the essence of the stories or poems they accompany. The visual elements add another layer of storytelling, encapsulating moods, characters, or scenes in a way that words alone cannot.

Themes and Cohesion:
"Wolf's Path" is woven with threads of identity, cultural heritage, the supernatural, and environmental concerns. The collection doesn't just tell stories; it invites readers to ponder the complexities of living in a multicultural, rapidly changing world, where the past and future collide.

Conclusion
"Wolf's Path" by Joyce Chng is an impressive, holistic work of art that celebrates the diversity of storytelling. It's a testament to Chng's versatility as a creator who can engage with her audience through multiple mediums. This collection does more than entertain; it educates, provokes thought, and invites introspection about our place in the world and our connection to nature, culture, and each other.

Rating Breakdown
Short Stories: 4.5/5 - Engaging, with rich cultural contexts and imaginative speculative elements.
Poetry: 4/5 - Beautifully crafted, though some might find the blend of languages challenging.
Recollections: 4.5/5 - Insightful, personal, adding depth and relatability to the author's work.
Artwork: 4/5 - Enhances the narrative, though the quality can vary due to the nature of sketches versus more detailed illustrations.
Overall Cohesion: 4.5/5 - The collection is remarkably cohesive, each part complementing the others to create a unified artistic statement.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 - A compelling anthology that showcases Joyce Chng's multifaceted talents.

"Wolf's Path" is recommended for anyone seeking a deep dive into speculative fiction with a strong cultural voice, poetry that resonates on a personal level, and a visual treat that complements the written word. It's a must-read for fans of culturally rich, genre-bending narratives.

Wolf's Path by Joyce Chng was such a good book. I rated this book 5 stars because I loved the experience of reading it. So so good.