Losers by K. E. Adamus is a collection of short stories that dive into the everyday struggles we all face, from dealing with difficult managers and lovers to worrying about calories and investing time in ourselves. The book features a variety of tales, including the appearance of an alien that changes the circumstances of a new forester, a town, and its students, and an impressionable individual who loses everything and turns to spirituality and psychoses. Other stories explore characters determining whether it's better to have "a hump or cellulite" or navigating the complexities of door-to-door sales.

Happy-ever-after takes a break in this set of stories by K. E. Adamus. The characters aren't heroes and may not even be likable, but their experiences are relatable and often amusing. The narratives are filled with sarcastic humor, touches of dark comedy, and sci-fi elements, making them relatable and understandable for readers. Each protagonist seems to have or develop mental health problems, adding depth to the quick reads that are perfect for busy readers to absorb during a lunch break or commute. The tone and dark humor make for an entertaining read, while the science fiction adds a unique twist. It will certainly make you wonder if passive-aggressive tricks on bosses or colleagues are a viable strategy for workplace survival. If you're looking for an engaging read with a touch of humor, Losers is a good choice. Readers who enjoy multiple genres and tales where the protagonist doesn't always win will love Losers.

Losers: Short Stories by K. E. Adamus is an anthology that spotlights the perennial underdogs whose stories are often overshadowed by conventional heroes. This collection of tales blends humor, pathos, and a touch of the absurd, creating a tapestry that celebrates the human spirit in its many flawed and quirky forms. Adamus introduces an eclectic mix of endearingly imperfect individuals. From a door-to-door salesman whose persistence is as worn as the soles of his shoes to a medieval chronicler who finds themselves perennially on the wrong side of history, each character is crafted with depth and authenticity. Including an alien exiled for a sports mishap injects a whimsical yet poignant commentary on the universal fear of failure and the absurdity of societal expectations.

The narratives in Losers weave themes of the everyday realities many face. Issues such as depression and the bleakness of post-communist societies are sensitive and have a dose of dark humor, making the stories thought-provoking. The anthology dares to ask what success means and who decides the value of one’s efforts. K. E. Adamus’ writing style has a rhythm that complements the collection’s overarching theme of life’s unpredictability and persistence regardless of the odds. The dialogue is authentic, often with an anonymous narrator, such as in "Biology Lesson," which was my favorite. The book turns the spotlight away from traditional heroes and onto those who struggle out of the limelight. This collection is a reminder that the journey and the courage to continue are sometimes more heroic than the outcome. Readers looking for stories that challenge and affirm may find this anthology a perfect match.

Losers: Short Stories by K. E. Adamus presents a collection of original tales focused on characters whose lives are more woebegone than wonderful. Following the same theme, they read independently and each is completely unique. Is It Included? has a new real estate agent facing an unnerving first day, dealing with a potentially haunted property, and a prospective buyer who makes a decision based on a very unusual intervention. The Chronicler follows Ribald, a court jester who, after aiding a handmaid practicing witchcraft, is tormented by guilt and cursed for his involvement. Day in XXL Size leans into Nina's battle with self-esteem and body image, culminating in a series of disheartening experiences. The stories run the gamut from the human to the supernatural and even extraterrestrial, revealing how characters wade through slices of life with mixed results.

Losers by K. E. Adamus is a remarkable collection that I was drawn to on account of its deep dive into the lives of those who rarely receive attention. These are the folks who may as well be furniture, and it's brilliant. Adamus' writing is sharp and despite the compact size of each piece, they pack a big punch. My favorite of the bunch was definitely The Seller, a standout story that portrays its main character Jack, an unreliable narrator trapped in a dead-end job and overwhelmed by existential frustration, who ends up making a sale in dire circumstances. Adamus's ability to give voice to the losers in life, a term that is actually questioned by Maggie in the story The Bet, makes this collection thoughtfully, and intentionally, powerful. Well-written and witty, life's overlooked casualties come to life in the best possible way. Very highly recommended.