Ocean Stories

by Angela Charmaine Craig (Editor), J. Michael Shell (Contributor), Mary Peace Finley (Contributor)

Two researchers set off to explore the mysteries of the deep, but what they find is beyond their imagining . . . a lobsterman, concerned with the changes in his recent haul, calls upon an old friend to help him unlock the mystery . . . A woman, wagered in a game of chance, seeks her fortune on a very special ship. Ocean Stories offers 22 tales of the deep. Ranging from fantasy to horror to darkly humorous, these tales explore both the beauty and the danger of the sea. Here you will find selkies and mermaids, sirens and sea monsters, myth and magic. Featuring tales by Camille Alexa, Paul L. Bates, Thomas Canfield, Mike Allen and Charles M. Saplak, Jennifer Crow, Eric Del Carlo, Katie Hartlove, Adam Meyer, Gregory L. Norris, Vonnie Winslow Crist, Mary Peace Finley and others.

Genres: Fantasy

282 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2012

About the author

Angela Charmaine Craig is an author and editor currently living in Texas. Her latest editing projects include the Dia de los Muertos anthology, recently released from Elektrik Milk Bath Press, and the upcoming poetry anthology, In the Garden of the Crow.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads giveaway and the wide variety of tales is by far its best feature. They range from scary to sad to just plain weird - it's an interesting mix that was appreciated. I got sea monsters and ghosts and everything in between. The big issue that I have, however, is with the inconsistent quality of the stories. For every good one, there is one that drags or feels unpolished and incomplete. There is a gem here and there, but most are just alright. (I'll take a moment to s/o "Calamari, Baby!" as one of my favorites - hilarious and totally strange). Good for a read at the beach or by the pool.

[Mark Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting anthology. As with all anthologies, the quality of the writing varies from author to author. However, the overall quality is high and the selection of stories varies greatly, offering something for everyone. Including a colourful story where the Little Mermaid meets Law and Order (not literally) that I thought was delightful.

A must have for people who like subject matter relating to the ocean or aquatic life.

[Bran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting compilation of short stories about the sea, from supernatural sea monsters to mermaids to simple stories merely taking place by the ocean itself. A few of these stories were actually pretty good. Others...ehh, not so much. All in all, a fairly fun read.