I truly went into this book mostly blind (besides looking at the cover and a brief synopsis) and I was blown away. I'm not big on short stories but I loved these ones, every last one. The stories have a lot of humor, a ton of heart, and really emotionally impacted me. I can't wait for this book to come out into the world and get the roses it deserves!

3.5/5

The concept of this book is so cool! This is a pretty short collection of short stories (about 200 pages) and these stories follow different iconic figures throughout history and some whimsical situations they find themselves in.

Like I said above, I really liked the idea of this book, but I think I have just come to realize that short stories aren't really for me (which is sad because I really want them to be, I am trying so hard). I think that I struggle to connect with a shorter story, I like having the time to learn about characters and get invested in their problems.

This is definitely my favorite collection of short stories I've read thought, BY FAR! I did enjoy reading this, it reads super fast, and I was very much entertained by it. I think all of these stories were so unique, entertaining, and fun. I just wanted a little bit more. I just know that so many people are going to absolutely love this book. I also think the cover is cool, I like the colors and stylization of it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Senaa Ahmad’s upcoming short story collection is a stunning blend of genres—historical fiction infused with science fiction, horror, and unexpected twists. Each story challenges readers to step into the minds of complex characters, often pushing the boundaries of comfort in thought-provoking ways. Ahmad’s rich and nuanced vocabulary adds another layer of depth, offering a rewarding experience for readers who enjoy language that stretches the imagination. A must-read—pre-order now at senaa-ahmad.com.

I may not have understood what was happening half the time, but I liked that the silly takes on history were broken up into short stories. It really made for a fun, easy read.

I’ve only recently gotten into reading books of short stories, so when I saw this title pop up it peaked my interest. I’m glad I requested a copy because the stories Ahmad writes are so interesting and engaging. I was jonesing to read another when I should’ve been trying to go to sleep.

Senaa Ahmad takes some old history and weaves into it magic, the deconstruction of what we accept as real, and a healthy dose of humor. There were multiple quotes in this that I had to write down, they have stuck in my mind for days thus far. Ahmad asks questions with this book that may never have been before asked, such as "What if Anne Boleyn couldn't die?" and "What if Ghengis Khan was so successful in his efforts because his army consisted of werewolves?". I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical retellings.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

Overall, this was a truly unique reading experience, bursting with imagination and creativity. The author blends historical figures into fictional, exaggerated, and at times seemingly illogical settings. For instance, in “Inside the House of the Historian,” Nefertiti, Queen Victoria, John Adams, and Marilyn Monroe all attend a dinner party together. And in “The Napoleons Are Multiplying,” multiple versions of Napoleon were generated, each different in personality and ability.

Rather than focusing on historical accuracy, these fantastical setups are used to explore real-world questions, like the nature of love and sacrifice, how people respond under extreme circumstances, and the complexity of human connection. Even in more extreme stories, like “Let’s Play Dead,” where Henry VIII repeatedly tries to kill Anne Boleyn in increasingly dramatic ways, the tone remains playful and light, which makes the stories more accessible despite their wild premises.

I’m not usually drawn to this kind of surreal fantasy, so it took me a while to get my bearings. Honestly, I can’t say I fully grasped everything. Some stories, like “The Wolves,” have clearer plotlines and are easier to follow. Others, like “Inside the House of the Historian,” are more abstract and open-ended. Many of the stories end without a firm resolution. Still, even when I didn’t completely understand what was happening, the journey was always fresh and thought-provoking—an imaginative experience like no other.

Thanks to Henry Holt & Company and Netgallery for the arc. This review is my honest opinion.