Voices of the Future Volume 5
With eleven short stories from eleven emerging authors, ranging from fantasy to magical realism to historical fiction, Voices of the Future Volume 5: Stories of Bravery & Belonging has something for everyone. The stories range from middle-grade (children’s) to young adult to adult reading levels, but all the stories are family-friendly.
My contribution to the book, The Second Lives of Withered Dreams, is an adult magical realism story about a grieving botanist fighting to save the last magical plant her fiancé gave her before he passed away.
The Second Lives of Withered Dreams
All Camilla Phương has left of her dreams is her plants. After the death of her fiance and fellow botanist Roger, she spends her days caring for the nursery they started together—and the rare magical nightflower he gave her before his passing.
Then, days before what should have been their first wedding anniversary, Camilla realizes the nightflower is dying. And as she fights to keep the rootbound plant alive, she slowly comes to understand: Roger left her with everything she needs to build a new life—if she can find the courage to bloom without him.
What readers are saying
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The Second Lives of Withered Dreams by R.L. Nguyen was just… beautiful. Beautifully written, with a beautiful theme woven through…It was painful to walk through such heavy things with [Camilla], but because of that, the ending sends a little twist of joy up your chest… wonderfully done.
Ana
Goodreads reviewer
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As someone who’s experienced heavy loss and closely witnessed a loved one go through similar heartache to Camilla’s, this was a such a beautiful portrayal of grief and hope.
Sophie
Goodreads reviewer
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The elements of magical realism are woven in so seamlessly with the real-world pain of grief and the delicate art of letting go, written with such care and grace that seeps through the pages into the reader’s soul
Rachel
Instagram reviewer