Concise Title: Never Have I Ever: Stories for Everyone

In a world where the supernatural is an accepted part of daily existence, the horror stems from the realities of everyday life. This is the captivating premise that Isabel Yap explores in her debut collection, which has been recognized by prestigious awards such as the World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, and Ladies of Horror Fiction Award.

The collection opens with Mebuyen, a character who sighs as she dreads the question, "Am I dead?" This sets the stage for a narrative that seamlessly blends spells, stories, urban legends, and immigrant tales. The magic in these pages leaps off the page, from the intricate interplay of friendship and fear in "A Canticle for Lost Girls" to the playful enchantment of "A Spell for Foolish Hearts" and the chilling tension of the urban legend in "Have You Heard the One About Anamaria Marquez."

Yap's storytelling prowess is evident in the way she weaves together the supernatural and the mundane, creating a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. The collection has been hailed by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Books of the Year, and it has also been shortlisted for the Crawford Award.

The stories in this collection are a testament to Yap's skill in crafting narratives that captivate the reader from the very first page. The author seamlessly blends elements of horror, fantasy, and realism, creating a reading experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "A Canticle for Lost Girls," which explores the complex dynamics of friendship and the ways in which the supernatural can both empower and endanger. The story follows two young women as they navigate the challenges of their relationship, all while navigating a world where the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural are constantly shifting.

Another highlight is "A Spell for Foolish Hearts," a story that celebrates the joy and magic of love, even in the face of adversity. Yap's ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and the way it interacts with the supernatural is truly impressive.

The collection also features the chilling urban legend of "Have You Heard the One About Anamaria Marquez," a tale that delves into the fears and superstitions that can take root in a community. Yap's masterful storytelling builds a sense of unease and tension that lingers long after the story has ended.

Throughout the collection, Yap's writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader deeper into the worlds she has created. Her characters are complex and multifaceted, and the way they navigate the intersection of the natural and the supernatural is both compelling and relatable.

Overall, Isabel Yap's debut collection is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling. With its blend of horror, fantasy, and realism, "Explore a world where the supernatural is an accepted element of everyday life and the horror is mined from the realities of existing" is a captivating and immersive reading experience.

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