Surrounded by Monsters by InvisibleZebra

You will always hear me supporting short stories, they are a favourite of mine and underappreciated in both Wattpad and the mainstream published world. So, that's why I was thrilled when I found this story.

The author is such a lovely person, we connected some time ago through an illness we both share - Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It is a very painful, lifelong condition that comes with a number of other health problem possibilities including anxiety and depression.

I'm giving you this information because the story I'm presenting to you is the perfect portrayal of the inner battle of having an Illness and suffering with the isolation and anxiety it can bring, as well as the importance of inner strength and importance of friendship.

'How many themes!" I hear you cry out in disbelief.

Yep!

There are also probably a lot more depending on the person reading it and what they take from it too. The great thing about this short story is not that there are so many great themes, it's that the author can write them so well and in such a small piece of text. And it is small... I read this in just 5 minutes and loved it so much I read it over again just to take it all in again.

Without giving too much away, I felt that the 'monsters' described so realistically was a clever metaphor for anxiety. It's a feeling we all sympathise with, but many of us I'm sure will also be able to picture our own monsters and compare them like for like.

But my favourite part of the story was the ending.

The ending is realistic - no happily ever after with unicorns, rainbows, kittens and glitter rain...

-sorry, I'm going through an all things magical and sparkly phase-

I usually go for the happily ever after endings, the warm and fuzzy ones that make you go a bit gooey inside and leave you with a smile... but this wasn't one of them.

Instead, strangely, it was... satisfying. You leave the story knowing that, eventually, the characters are going to be alright. With hard work and self-confidence, the characters will overcome their battles.

I really implore you to read this hidden gem. At only 15 reads at the time of writing this review this book is the definition of the ultimate undiscovered gem. It needs to be read, shared, appreciated and supported.

The writing is visual, heart wrenchingly so. The characters are compelling, the plot well-paced. Everything is just well written.

Add it to your library now!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's day for the 14th everyone... hope this month is full of love, peace and cake for each and every one of you!