Not done yet but am posting in this review comments and ratings on each story as I read. I am not a fan of short stories but so many favorite authors in this one...
★★★★★
"Water Called" by Kari Sperring.
Finished the water story; a very good but creepy dark fae story fairly oozing the same shivery déjà vu Grimm gives. New to me author.
★★☆☆☆
"We Will Not Be Undersold" by Seanan McGuire.
Okay story with a concept of fairies entering retail for purpose of encouraging consumer plastics to discourage use of metal/iron. Not as funny to me as I think author intended (I have worked retail and have encountered the fellow employees who drank the koolaid so to speak but it failed to strike my funny bone). Good concept from a favorite author.
★★★☆☆
"Changeling" by Susan Jett.
Somewhat more traditional fairytale fare with plot as title states "Changeling" -- well written story arc (author can write a short story); too handy how heroine has friend who can supply all the knowledge and tools needed. Expected I would have stronger sympathies for the characters given the plot. First I read by this author; and, one thing anthologies are good for is introducing authors unfamiliar to readers.
★★★★☆
"The Roots of Aston Quercus" by Juliet E. McKenna.
Story right on target with anthology's theme. Believable world building with dryads trying to save their grove from road expansion plans. An author I always plan to but have not yet read; now have bought first in some of her series and waiting on the TBR pile.
Reading in progress "To Scratch An Itch" by Avery Shade.
Reading in progress “Continuing Education” by Kristine Smith.
Reading in progress “How To Be Human™” by Barbara Ashford.
Reading in progress “How Much Salt” by April Steenburgh.
Reading in progress “Hooked” by Anton Strout.
Reading in progress “Crash” by S.C. Butler.
Reading in progress “Fixed” by Jean Marie Ward
Reading in progress “A People Who Always Know” by Shannon Page & Jay Lake.
Reading in progress “The Slaughtered Lamb” by Elizabeth Bear.
Reading in progress “Corrupted” by Jim C. Hines.