I really enjoyed this tale. It was just the right length, though it did leave me wanting more!
The narrator was great, super clear and matched the tone of the tale perfectly.

This was a quirky tale based on Balkan Folklore about some bizarre bread request. Riley goes on a mini quest in search of yarrow to fulfil an order, but all is not as it seems...
This was a fun tale, but due to it's length I felt I didn't really engage much with the audio book as it was over as soon as it had begun. The Narrator added some attitude and captured Riley's personality which made for an enjoyable listen and I liked the segment at the end giving some background on the origin of the story.

I was really underwhelmed by this story. It felt like I was missing context and by the end I didn’t care about any of the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this audiobook because I thought the title was fun and quirky. I think that the book itself definitely delivered. It was a nice quick folklore inspired read great in between reads or to get out of a reading slump. I also enjoyed that this story gave us something that was original and different, which I don't always find with folklore or mythological inspired reads. I do think that this would be great to read in younger demographics as well. I also enjoyed the bonus content & analysis of the story that was included at the end of the audiobook.

I picked up this audiobook because of how interesting the concept sounded. I know nothing about Balklan folkore except for Propp's studies, which are mentioned in the bonus content, but it was still a very nice read.

The story itself is not inspired by any particular tale, but rather by the common themes and structures of folklore: a girl is sent on a quest, finds she can't complete her task alone, and the rest is history. It is a very short story (just about 15 minutes of audio) that has the simplicity of traditional fairytales, but with all the necessary elements to engage the reader and leave them satisfied in the end, which, even before listening to the explanation in the bonus contents, made me feel like the author really knew what she was doing. I would have liked some more context or less ambiguity in the end, but that didn't hinder my entertainment that much.

As for the audio, I think the narrator was an excellent pick. Her voice is what you'd expect from a lovely grandma telling the kids a story, and she had a great sense of tone and emphasis to maintain the listener's attention.

All in all, I enjoyed this short story. You don't really need to know anything beforehand to read it, and it's short enough to just do it while having a break and a cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed the folk tale narration of this book.
Though it was much shorter than my expectation, the story was great.

It has magic, skillset, potions & all the component that you look for in a YA fantasy book. They topped it flavours of thriller at the end when things take a sudden twist & the girl realises she is now bonded.

If I had to mention 3 characteristics of this book it shall be:
1. Magic
2. Amazing audio narration
3. Twists

<i> I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </i>

This was such a cute autumnal read. The atmosphere was perfect for Halloween season. The story itself is a blend of fairy tale with elements of modernity, which made it feel more relatable than other fairy tales. There is also an explanation of the folklore behind the inspiration to the story. Overall, I would highly recommend this both for children and for those who just love fairy tales and a good story!

I thought this was a fascinating introduction to Balkan folklore in a short and concise story. The analysis of the story heightened my appreciation. I am excited to see how this ties into a longer work of fiction.

Thank you to the Publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

True Loaf is a fairytale re-telling that is not simply from one fairytale story. It instead takes multiple fairytales we are all familiar with and adds in its own details and ideas to create something entirely new. I really enjoyed the overall concept, but the execution was just not the greatest for me. I would have liked this to be a novella instead of just one single short story, because I would have liked to see much more character development. Everything happened so quickly that it was almost impossible to understand what was going on or to even like the characters or plot line. 3 stars for an excellent idea and sub-par execution. I also was not a fan of the narrator, who sounded (in my opinion) monotone and unsuited for narrating this type of work.

As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I had to hear this story.

Using a modern setting the author weaves together a story inspired by Balkan Folklore. The protagonist, a baker named Riley, is given an unusual request by a strange man, sending her on a quest for an ingredient. During her journey chaos ensues.

Listening to this audiobook, I was reminded of stories that my grandmother would tell me when I was a child. "True Loaf" reminded me of both Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel, while being a story entirely its own. While I found this story to be charming, I wasn't really satisfied with the ending and I was left wanting more. It follows a classic folklore algorithm to a tee, which I believe was the author's intention, however, I want a lot more capable heroine and a lot less damsel in distress.

The bonus content on the audiobook did provide the author's thoughts and input for the story, which made me appreciate it more.

It wasn't really my cup of tea - it was too short and the open ending didn't really do it for me. It was a nice story and the language was interesting, but it's just not really something I would read again

Maybe I'd have enjoyed this one more if I knew anything about the story or folk tradition at it's roots. Unique elements but not enough detail to truly understand it.

True Loaf is a micro folk tale about a girl who is asked a strange request while working at a bakery. Wow, is this micro. I didn't expect it to be so short and to the point. I was intrigued and left wanting to know more but I'm not sure if this book could be considered a success. I didn't feel satisfied in the end. Good marks on the ambiance and overall storytelling. I will be checking out more from this author in the future.

This was so superquick and fun to listen. I love the folklore, and this was based on balkan folklore, so it hyped me up. But I wanted to read & know more of the story and I really wished it was a little bit longer. But, kids will find it enjoyable to read.

a short synopsis from my sis:
Riley, a young baker went to an mini adventure because of a strange request from a strange customer, what comes next is truly magical & exciting.

the narrator made it more spooky & fun.

Alright, I really enjoyed this story
It was entertaining, a bit spooky and totally lovely.
I absolutely loved every detail of the folklore and how the history grabs you. And the narrator's voice was perfect every second.
I kept waiting for more, more and more. It's like it ended very soon but at the right time (crazy feeling, I know).



P.S. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the audio copy.

This audiobook was so cute and sweet! I read it in around 30 mins and it captured me so much! I’d love to read a full length novel of this authors work, It’s just wonderful. It has this amazing magical air to it and it’s the perfect little short story just in time for fall. I wish it was longer but I loved the narrator and the whole vibe of this!

This was a 16 minute story based on Balkan folklore. It was written like a folktale and the authour also included an explanation of the symbolism and folktale elements of the story at the end. The story was interesting, but I felt that it was over way too quickly. I get that it's a short story and folktales are usually short, but I wish there was a little more detail and backstory included. Overall, it makes a nice bedtime story that kids will enjoy :)

True Loaf
A Balkan Folklore Inspired Short Story
by L. Austen Johnson

4 out of 5 Stars

I was not ready for this short story to end. In just a handful of words. Johnson wove a story that felt like it could be told in the same situation as any grimm fairy tale or folk story. We follow the main character Riley through an unordinary day at her bakery. When a gentleman comes in looking for something special she ventures out into the fantastical forest. However it is not any easy trip as deals are made and warnings are uttered. While quick the story followed the formula set out by the heroes tale and other folk stories leading us to a satisfying ending but with questions still at hand.

Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredibly immersive short story. Don't let its length fool you, this little story is a wonderful story filled with fairy tale tropes and folklore elements that leave you wanting more! Be sure to check out this little gem of a story!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy.

Loved this !!!!!!! This story was so well done. I only wish it was longer. If the author turns it into a novel I'm buying. After the initial story there is a mythology review. I adored both the initial story and the review after. I learn a few things in an entertaining way. Very well narrated perfect bedtime ( or anytime) story. Partial proceeds from purchases also go to a good cause. so do a good thing for yourself and others and get it. You can thank me later.