UnCONventional

by Lou J. Berger (Editor)

It's about to get weird... okay, weirder in here.

Alien ascensions in hotel ballrooms.
Mermaids on cruise ships.
Werewolves in dog shows.
Steampunk fairy time travelers.
A teenage superhero hitching a ride with a supervillain.
Comic books that absorb their readers.
Magical filk... and much more.

With stories by: LJ Berger, Vikki Ciaffone, Daniel Cohen, Gordon Dupuis, Anthony G. Francis, Jr., Justine Graykin, Randy O. Green, Melina Gunnett, Kate Kaynak, Danielle M. LeFevre, Kimberley Long-Ewing, Lauren Marrero, Will Morton, LS Murphy, Ira Nayman, KT Pinto, Jennifer Allis Provost, Patricia Puckett, Keshia Swaim, Sherry Thompson, Pamela van Hylckama Vlieg, and Trisha Wooldridge

Genres: Fantasy, Anthologies, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Lou J Berger lives in Denver, Colorado with his high-school crush, three kids, two Sheltie dogs and a brilliant rescue mutt with a nefarious agenda. He began writing short stories just shy of his fortieth birthday and has been published in a variety of venues. A member of SFWA, he is now working on his first novel. His author website is www.LouJBerger.com.
Although a fan of science fiction since he was a small boy, reading Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, and of course the Heinlein juveniles, Lou also enjoys good mysteries and has a special fondness for noir environments. His favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, John D. MacDonald, and Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Follow him on the following social media platforms:
Twitter: @LouJBerger
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLouJBe...

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think UnConventional is the second anthology I’ve ever read. The thing is that these books don’t call my attention. Why invest my time reading short stories when I can be reading a whole book? But when I saw that Spencer Hill was going to publish an anthology and Kate Kaynak was one of the authors, I had to give it a try. And Oh. My. God. I loved it! There are some pretty awesome authors in this book. I’m not gonna lie, some stories I didn’t get. With 20 plus authors with different writing styles, there’s always going to be 1 or 2 you are not going to like.

There are a few stories I couldn’t get out of my head and enjoyed reading very much. This is my reaction at the end of each of those stories: “Noooooo! Why did it end? I need more NOW! And here they are:

Family Ties by Keshia Swaim
Myrtle by Melina Gunnett
The Sirens by Danielle M. LeFevre
Beast in Show by Kate Kaynak
So, These Monsters Walk into a Con by Patricia Puckett
The Ascension by Daniel A. Cohen
Firestorm by LS Murphy
Steampunk Fairy Chick by Anthony Francis

You guys need to read this book! Not only the stories are amazing but check out those titles, they are awesome!! It is a great read and you go from one awesome story to another in less than 30 minutes. So, what are you waiting for?

[Kate Kaynak · Rating 5 out of 5]

We just finished making the final cuts for this over at Spencer Hill, and the stories that will be included are AMAZING! If you like your spec-fic with a twist, make sure you pick up a copy of UnCONventional.

[Darby Karchut · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot! I'm not a big fan of short stories, but UnCONventional has changed my mind! Bravo to all the authors!

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are new to me, and since this was my first one, I'm not entirely sure about how to review it.
Overall, it was a really pleasurable reading, lots of different styles and subjects and it was very interesting to see the different POVs of each writer.
I would like to spend a few words on the stories I really really loved.
FAMILY TIES: Keshia is a debut author and her story about the fey was very nice. She really left me hanging at the end so I hope I will read more of her somewhere else, soon!
MYRTLE: Loved this story! I like stories about magic and Melina managed to make this kind even more interesting! I hope she writes more.
BELIEFS: This was really interesting, although I found it creepy in some parts. It's actually cool and true that what you really believe in can come true. Vikki, intriguing POV!
M.U.S.E.: This one was awesome!! It was actually the first time I read about Muses and I found the story definitely intriguing and inspiring. Kimberley, good vision!
BEAST IN SHOW: Kate, you are amazing as usual! The story was beautiful and fun, I liked the idea of the "dog show" applied to werewolves! I hope you'll consider writing about these creatures, because I would surely love to read more!

I hope there will be another one, and if so, I really would love to read of these talented writers again!

[Lisa Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun quick read that showcases many talented authors.

[Savannah (Books With Bite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Filled with so many tales of different paranormal guises, this book is great for anyone wanting a variation of stories.

[Ira Nayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should admit that, although the anthology is not going to be launched for two weeks, I just finished reading a copy of UnCONventional that I was given because I contributed a story to it. (The second Antonio Van der Whall, object psychologist story to see print, which is called "Escalation is Academic.") So, knowing that I have a personal stake in what happens to the book, read this review accordingly.

UnCONventional IS THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF STORIES SINCE THE BIBLE! NOT ONLY WILL IT ENLIVEN YOUR DULL AND MEANINGLESS EXISTENCE, BUT READING IT WILL HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT AND MAKE YOUR TEETH WHITER!

Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit. Let's just say that UnCONventional is a fun read that most fans of fantasy and science fiction are likely to enjoy.

The basic concept is, I think, pretty fresh: strange goings on go on in and around large public gatherings. The obvious one is science fiction conventions, which is the basis of several stories. However, the writers have ranged quite far afield, and the setting include an academic conference, a dog show and a sea cruise. The goings on also vary, including vampires, werewolves, aliens, mermaids and other complications that are harder to describe.

Vikki Ciafone's "Belief" and Daniel A. Cohen's "Ascension" are quite funny (the latter has an especially wonderful punchline). I loved the concept and execution of Kimberley Long-Ewing's "M.U.S.E." And, the collection ends with a very strong story, Anthony Francis' "Steampunk Fairy Chick," which reminded me of The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension in the way that it incorporates wildly diverse elements into an action-packed story.

I should also say that the conceit of conventions is carried through in the design of the book. The table of contents, for instance, is divided into "panels," with the authors listed as "panelists." Not only that, but each story's title is displayed as a con badge. Some readers might find these touches a little precious; I thought it was delightful.

UnCONventional is a fun read. Most fantastic fiction fans, especially those who attend cons (as I have been doing a lot in the past two years) will really enjoy it.

[Shellie Sukhakanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! There are 22 short stories that take you on a ride of their own. I love the different types of stories that were in here, it has opened me up to reading more of things that I normally wouldn’t. I fell in love with some of the stories and didn’t want them to end! In UnCONventional you have a little bit of everything ranging from Vampire, Witches, Mermaids, Fairies, Werewolves, Superhereos…you name it!

Some of the stories that I liked the best were-
Myrtle by Melina Gunnett – Myrtle born with mixed heritage between Wizards and Faery who now has to face the court. I loved this story, this is one that I wish was longer! There was even a bit of a love interest in there.
Belief by Vikki Giaffone – A tale of is what you see what you believe, or is it what you believe that you see? A great story about belief and overcoming what you may fear.
The Sirens by Danielle M. LeFevre– Yet another story that I loved and wish that it was longer. Mosh-pits, something off about one of the bands, and another band to battle them. Um yes I’m in! There was something that could have grown into a love interest if it were longer.
Beast In Show by Kate Kaynak– A great tale of Kristen who shows us what real beauty is! Again, I would love to have just a bit more of this story as well to see how Kristen takes things over after Trin.

I could list more but really, I think you should check it out. There is something for everyone and like it did for me, it may do for you and get you to reading different things that you thought you may have otherwise not enjoy reading!

Overall-
If you are looking for a fun and adventuring read, something to get you by, or not wanting a full novel than this is the book that you’ll want to grab. Trust me, there is something in here that will grab you and make you want to read them all just to get the different stories and experiences, it did that for me! I would definitely recommend this to others!

[Patricia Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discloure: I am the author of the story "So, These Monsters Walk into a Con" in this anthology.

In my completely honest opinion, regardless of the inclusion of my story in this collection, this is an amazing anthology. The editing and format of this story is on a professional level, and there was a lot love in this work. It shows. I would love to take the time and talk about all the stories in this, but there were so many wonderful pieces. Instead, I'll just point out a few of my favorites:

"Mytle" by Melina Gunnett was a wonderful story that really explored what it means to be special--or not.

"Photo of a Mermaid" by Trisha J. Wooldridge was so well crafted... I would love to read more from this world.

"M.U.S.E" by Kimberly Long-Ewing was an amusing--no pun intended--take on what it takes to be a small business muse in a big business muse world.

"Beast in Show" by Kate Kaynak was such a great story of balancing friendship and what it takes to be the best.

"Escalation is Academic" by Ira Nayman was so hilarious. The cast of characters and the idea behind his world (spoiler! Talking ties and other things) was so creative and entertaining that I looked like the crazy person in the mall I was sitting in when I read this piece, lauching as hard as I was.

"The Waltz" by Lauren Marrero was just beatiful in its setting and story.

There are 22 tales in this collection, and of those, there was not one that I wouldn't read again. I would recommend this collection to anyone who loves the supernatural, the fantastic, and cons.

[Lou Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My story "Event at MileHiCon" is included

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up a book signing/local authors event where one of the essay contributors, Jennifer Allis Provost, signed my copy. It was the last copy available - she said something about it going out of print - and the concept looked interesting, although the book itself turned out to pretty hit and miss (mostly miss). The only stories I really liked from this collection were "Myrtle" (about a girl caught in-between city magic and nature magic users), "Belief" (about a congoer who undoes an attack from an Eldritch horror by not, and refusing to, believe in it), and "M.U.S.E." (about a group of congoers who band together to destroy a mythical evil that has adapted to using 21st century methods to entice victims); most of the others were just ok and there were a couple that I skipped after struggling through the first few pages. All in all, not terrible, considering that it's an anthology with different authors (those are always hit and miss). This might not be a book that I would recommend or gift to someone, but I give it three stars: one star for each of the stories that I liked and am likely to return to.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wildly imaginative collection that takes weird to a whole new level! From alien ascensions to steampunk fairy time travelers, every story surprises and delights. Perfect for fans of quirky, magical, and mind-bending adventures.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical anthology in that I enjoyed some stories more than others. I thought the book got off to a slow start and actually had stronger stories in the latter part.

[Ivana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of tales not missing one trope of SF and fantasy lore - ware wolfs, mermaids, aliens, time travel, unicorns, tin foil hats, zombies....
Great fun to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ORIGINAL POST 9/30/2012 FANGS, Wands & FAIRY DUST: UNCONVETIONAL IS JUST THAT

UNCONVENTIONAL
Twenty-Two Tales of Paranormal Gatherings Under the Guise of Conventions
Editors: Kate Kaynak and Trisha Wooldridge
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (January 15, 2012)
Disclosure: Obtained anonymously at BEA. No remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own unless stated otherwise.

BLURB:
It's about to get weird... okay, weirder in here.
Alien ascensions in hotel ballrooms.
Mermaids on cruise ships.
Werewolves in dog shows.
Steampunk fairy time travelers.
A teenage superhero hitching a ride with a supervillain.
Comic books that absorb their readers.
Magical filk... and much more.

With stories by: LJ Berger, Vikki Ciaffone, Daniel Cohen, Gordon Dupuis, Anthony G. Francis, Jr., Justine Graykin, Randy O. Green, Melina Gunnett, Kate Kaynak, Danielle M. LeFevre, Kimberley Long-Ewing, Lauren Marrero, Will Morton, LS Murphy, Ira Nayman, KT Pinto, Jennifer Allis Provost, Patricia Puckett, Keshia Swaim, Sherry Thompson, Pamela van Hylckama Vlieg, and Trisha Wooldridge
spencerhillpress.com

When I picked this up at BEA, I thought it was the perfect paranormal companion to this year's convention and election season. There are a lot of stories in the collection. I enjoyed several: Keshia Swan's Family Ties, Shadow Harper by Sherry Thompson, Myrtle by Melina Gunnett, Belief by Vikki Ciaffone, Escalation is Academic by Ira Nayman, and The Waltz by Lauren Marrero. I found a few stories tolerable and the rest did not appeal to me. Of the stories I liked, I think the best were Family Ties, Shadow Harper, which was the perfect blend of etheral and real for its length, and Myrtle.

The stories are proofed; I was not distracted by typos or grammatical errors. However, there is a difference between superficial editing and story editing. Many of the stories needed editing to be good short stories.

In an anthology, it seems to me there are two tasks for the editors: editing and curating. The most profound issue is the oblique entry into a story world. While common as a device in longer format fiction. In an anthology of short stories it wastes pages. In a few stories I was just unable to determine what was happening. In one a female character is given a name usually reserved for males. Since she is interacting with three boys I was unsure whether she was the named character. By the time I figured it out I was too dismayed to finish the story.

Another curating issue, or book design issue, are the subtitles that appear under each author's name with the author and the author's place of residence between the two. At first, I thought they were descriptions of the author: the first was Debut Author, another was Guest. Reading on though, I realized that was not the case. They were just unnecessary and confused me.

The biggest issue I had with the anthology was that it was too many stories with the same theme. In most instances it was about fan or fantasy conventions, like comic con, Twi-con or Dragon-con. There were a few different gatherings, like a cruise or academic conference. Most stories featured fan cons where someone wasn't just dressed-up like an alien or fantasy creature, they were one. If this were an anthology of slightly longer stories with this theme it wouldn't have become tedious, but I felt I was reading the same story over and over.

Anthologies are a tough call. After all, I liked six of the twenty two, found three or four simply unreadable and the rest were meh to bleh! If I had a star rating system I guess that would place it smack-dab in the center at two-and-a-half.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book. "Twenty-Two Tales of Paranormal Gatherings Under the Guise of Conventions" is written on the front cover. I couldn't resist the urge to read this book because of that. After all how many times have you seen someone dressed up for a convention, whether it be on television or in real life, and seriously started to wonder about their lives. This book explores what it would be like if the werewolf convention actually has real werewolf attending or if the person sitting next to you at a convention is actually an alien.
This book is a fun read all the way through. These stories deal with practically any supernatural creature you can think of. Some stories are hilarious while others are heart warming. One of my favorites is What We Found in Our Room by Will Morton. It's about an author who is attending a convention and finds a unicorn in her hotel room. Her husband doesn't believe in the supernatural and is having a hard time believing what he is seeing. It's a great story.
This is a fantastic book that fans of the paranormal genre would love to read. Faeries, Aliens and Sirens oh my! Whatever your favorite supernatural creature is this book has a story about it. This is a great collection.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's extremely rare that I give five stars to an anthology. Usually they're fairly uneven ... but this time, all 22 stories are high quality entertainment (even if not all of them were to my personal taste).

The premise is this: supernatural/paranormal things are happening at conventions and gatherings. This means that supernatural beings can hide in plain sight: think werewolves hiding at dog shows (as happens in one tail) and a fairy with copper wings at a steampunk convention. Those are just two of the situations that you find in "UnCONventional."

My favorites were "Photo of a Mermaid," by Trisha J. Woolridge, in which mermaids are hanging out on and around cruise ships, and "What We Found in Our Room," by Will Morton, in which visitors to a fantasy convention find a unicorn in their hotel suite. A close third was "Steampunk Fairy Chick," by Anthony Francis, in which the aforementioned copper-winged fairy has to save the world during Atlanta's annual Dragon*Con.

The main thing that made this book entertaining for me is the sociological look at fan convention culture that wiggles into each tale. Highly recommended.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've listed all of the stories, but I only rate the ones I like.

Family Ties by Keshia Swaim - 3 stars
Shadow Harper by Sherry Thompson - 3 stars
Myrtle by Melina Gunnett - 4 stars I would like to see more of this world.
Photo of a Mermaid by Trisha J. Wooldridge - 3 stars
Belief by Vikki Giaffone - 5 stars
The Sirens by Danielle M. LeFevre - 3 stars
M.U.S.E by Kimberly Long-Ewing - 3 stars
What We Found in Our Room by Will Morten - 3 stars
All in by Jennifer Allis Provost
Rejecting Your Reality by KT Pinto - 3.5 stars
Beast in Show by Kate Kaynak - 4 stars
Super Soaker by Pamela van Hylckama Vlieg - 3.5 stars
A Comic End by Gordon Dupuis
AlGorethm by Randy O. Green - 4 stars
So, These Monsters Walk into a Con by Patricia Puckett - 3.5 stars
Escalation is Academic by Ira Nayman
The Ascension by Daniel A. Cohen - 3 stars
The Next Con by Justine Graykin - 4.5 stars
Firestorm by LS Murphy
Event at MileHiCon by Lou Berger
The Waltz by Lauren Marrero
Steampunk Fairy Chick by Anthony Francis - 4.5 stars

[Bundles of · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you were just visiting a convention and suddenly discovered by a group of fae's? Or you found a mermaid on a cruise ship? Well, that is just some of the many things that happen to the characters found in this book of twenty-two tales. Under the disguise of conventions, paranormal gatherings happen.....with the occasional human there.


My favorite short story was definitely Family Ties by Keshia Swaim. In this story, a high school bookworm named Brielle Reed who is super nervous for this English convention. She doesn't like to talk to people because she is so shy. During greeting time, she goes out for lunch with a boy named Alex. Simply ordering a water without lemons, she finds out that this is a totally different type of convention. Alex is a halfie. You know, half fae? As this meeting goes on, she gets more than one halfie's attention....


Check out this paranormal anthology that will make you laugh instead of chill your spine!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

UnCONventional is a collection of paranormal short stories which may lead you to ask, why is Rachael reviewing this book since we haven't seen her review a paranormal anything yet? Well, I think that's actually a good angle for this book review. This collection of stories, broken up by different types of paranormal subjects (faeries (which I learned are not fairies, like Tinker Bell), vampires, werewolves, aliens, myths becoming realty, etc.) There are several stories of varying lengths in each section, or "Panel" as the book puts it. It's a great intro into the paranormal world for a novice (like me) to see which niche is right for them. I would definitely recommend it to anyone trying to figure out what all the hype is about in the world of YA paranormal literature.

(Review posted at hookedtobooks.com)

[L.S. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some amazing stories in this collection that may make you second guess that guy dressed in silver at the next ComiCon or Dragon Con or whatever convention you plan on going to next year.

The best thing, the stories are FUN.

[Keshia Swaim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection! For a full review, visit 1bookaddict.blogspot.com

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read "the sirens"by my friend Danielle

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light, fun read.