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Given

   (7 reviews)
Genres: Fantasy,
Sub-genres: Low Fantasy, Mythic Fantasy

Given follows Mara, a young woman who discovers that her village’s good fortune is maintained through a hidden tradition of sacrifice and silence. When she learns the truth, she challenges generations of secrecy, forcing her community to choose between fear and honesty.

Copyright © 2026 Mikiesboy; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (5 members)

  • Action-Packed 1
  • Great Pacing 2
  • Great Characters 4
  • Character Growth 3
  • Dialog / Banter 1
  • Plot Twists 1
  • Beautiful Writing 5
  • Immersive World 4
  • Satisfying Ending 4
  • Fresh / Original 4
  • Counldn't Put It Down 1
  • Suspenseful 3
  • Gave Me Chills 4
  • Funny 0
  • Feel-Good 0
  • Heartwarming 0
  • Emotional Impact 4
  • Thought-Provoking 5
  • Romantic Chemistry 0
  • Smoldering Chemistry 0
  • Like 2
  • Love 8
  • Sad 1

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Bill W

Bill W 65,332

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

There was a time when ancient civilizations and religions demanded sacrifices to bring summon good luck and feared the consequences if the sacrifices were not made.  If you want to understand what I mean by this comment, then read this forceful, moving, and terrifying short story to learn the extremes some will go to guarantee success and avoid failure. 

Response from the author:

Thanks very much, Bill. I appreciate you reading this story and the review. 

  • Love 6
MichaelS36

MichaelS36 27,362

   4 of 4 members found this review helpful 4 / 4 members

The cost of being safe from the outside world got to be too great. The reason for their success was never questioned by the community. The way forward was agreed to and given.

People and society still hold on to old ways and 'truths', it takes a brave person or persons to shine a light on them.

This is a terrifically powerful story of someone who stood up and said, no more. 

Response from the author:

Thank you, Michael. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate the review.

  • Love 6
kbois

kbois 139,230

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

@Mikiesboyhas shown us yet again what writing from the heart can accomplish. 

A perfect story for an October posting. This one makes you think long and hard about societal expectations while raising goosebumps on the back of your neck. 

Great job tim! xo

Response from the author:

:blushing:  Thanks. It was fun to write...sort of a hold over from my 'trees' period.  LOL   But , seriously, thank you for your help with this one. xoxo

  • Love 4
drsawzall

drsawzall 93,420

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

This short story reminds me of Shirley Jackson's short story, The Lottery.  Well written, it will leave you with much to think about, and what would you do when up against the old adage, " We've always done it this way!

Response from the author:

I'd never heard of The Lottery  until i asked Wayne to read this for me. He mentioned the same and I read it. It was unnerving to say the least.

Thank you for your review of my little oddball entry.  I appreciate it.

  • Love 4
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