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The Super Series
The Side of Good / The Side of Evil
Everyone loves a hero…but sometimes we can’t help but root for the villain…
Indulge both impulses with this nostalgic flipbook anthology—The Side of Good / The Side of Evil. After all, everyone is the hero of their own story and sometimes a change in perspective can make a world of difference.
Superheroes inspire us to be more than we can be, and on the flip side, Supervillains are reminders of the potential for darkness within us all. The Side of Good / The Side of Evil looks at the best and worst that über-mankind is capable of.
With stories by comic book and literary masters: James M. Ward, Bryan J.L. Glass, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Aaron Rosenberg, Robert Greenberger, Gail Z. Martin, Janine K. Spendlove, James Chambers, Walt Ciechanowski, Neal Levin, John L. French, and Kathleen David this collection is guaranteed to be super…no matter which side you pledge your allegiance to.
Featuring a never-before-published Furious(TM) short story!
Stories from "The Side of Good":
Ghost Wolf by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin
Don’t You Know Who I Am? by Bryan J.L. Glass
Fiery Justice by John L. French
Third Time’s a Charm by Walt Ciechanowski
The Hand Job by Kathleen David
Making a Difference by Robert Greenberger
Eight Million Strong by James Chambers
Stories from "The Side of Evil":
Doth Protest Too Much by James M. Ward
Henchmonster by Drew Bittner
Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy by Janine K. Spendlove
The Shtick by Aaron Rosenberg
The Fan Job by Peter David
Send in the Clones by Keith R.A. DeCandido
The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent by James Chambers
Indulge both impulses with this nostalgic flipbook anthology—The Side of Good / The Side of Evil. After all, everyone is the hero of their own story and sometimes a change in perspective can make a world of difference.
Superheroes inspire us to be more than we can be, and on the flip side, Supervillains are reminders of the potential for darkness within us all. The Side of Good / The Side of Evil looks at the best and worst that über-mankind is capable of.
With stories by comic book and literary masters: James M. Ward, Bryan J.L. Glass, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Aaron Rosenberg, Robert Greenberger, Gail Z. Martin, Janine K. Spendlove, James Chambers, Walt Ciechanowski, Neal Levin, John L. French, and Kathleen David this collection is guaranteed to be super…no matter which side you pledge your allegiance to.
Featuring a never-before-published Furious(TM) short story!
Stories from "The Side of Good":
Ghost Wolf by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin
Don’t You Know Who I Am? by Bryan J.L. Glass
Fiery Justice by John L. French
Third Time’s a Charm by Walt Ciechanowski
The Hand Job by Kathleen David
Making a Difference by Robert Greenberger
Eight Million Strong by James Chambers
Stories from "The Side of Evil":
Doth Protest Too Much by James M. Ward
Henchmonster by Drew Bittner
Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy by Janine K. Spendlove
The Shtick by Aaron Rosenberg
The Fan Job by Peter David
Send in the Clones by Keith R.A. DeCandido
The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent by James Chambers
Paperback
First published December 23, 2015
1 person is currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Ackley-McPhail
116 books206 followersAward-winning author, editor, and publisher Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for longer than she cares to admit. In 2014 she joined forces with husband Mike McPhail and friend Greg Schauer to form her own publishing house, eSpec Books (www.especbooks.com).
Her published works include eight novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court, The Redcaps’ Queen, Daire’s Devils, The Play of Light, and Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo collections Eternal Wanderings, A Legacy of Stars, Consigned to the Sea, Flash in the Can, Transcendence, Between Darkness and Light, The Fox’s Fire, The Kindly One, and the non-fiction writers’ guides The Literary Handyman, More Tips from the Handyman, and LH: Build-A-Book Workshop. She is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Gaslight & Grimm, Side of Good/Side of Evil, After Punk, and Footprints in the Stars. Her short stories are included in numerous other anthologies and collections.
In addition to her literary acclaim, she crafts and sells original costume horns under the moniker The Hornie Lady Custom Costume Horns, and homemade flavor-infused candied ginger under the brand of Ginger KICK! at literary conventions, on commission, and wholesale.
Danielle lives in New Jersey with her husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail and four extremely spoiled cats.
Her published works include eight novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court, The Redcaps’ Queen, Daire’s Devils, The Play of Light, and Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo collections Eternal Wanderings, A Legacy of Stars, Consigned to the Sea, Flash in the Can, Transcendence, Between Darkness and Light, The Fox’s Fire, The Kindly One, and the non-fiction writers’ guides The Literary Handyman, More Tips from the Handyman, and LH: Build-A-Book Workshop. She is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Gaslight & Grimm, Side of Good/Side of Evil, After Punk, and Footprints in the Stars. Her short stories are included in numerous other anthologies and collections.
In addition to her literary acclaim, she crafts and sells original costume horns under the moniker The Hornie Lady Custom Costume Horns, and homemade flavor-infused candied ginger under the brand of Ginger KICK! at literary conventions, on commission, and wholesale.
Danielle lives in New Jersey with her husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail and four extremely spoiled cats.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 26, 2015
While many stories have both heroes and villains, we rarely see both sides of the coin receive equal attention. Heroes are usually given more weight, and villains are to be strictly loathed. In The Side of Good/The Side of Evil, villains get their time in the sun and are also painted with more depth and humanity than usual.
The stories in the book are largely quite strong; my favorite on the good side was "Ghost Wolf" and on the evil side "Henchmonster." My only complaint about the stories themselves is their arrangement - Although "Ghost Wolf" was the right choice to lead off the Good side, I think something else should have led the Evil side, perhaps "The Fan Job." All of the stories are good - I would only have rearranged them.
The two-sided concept works great in the paper version. If you're only getting the e-book, you're missing out on one of my favorite things about this collection. (Mind you, I have both, and the stories are just as good either way.) I highly recommend the paper book, though, as it's a fun one to have on your shelf.
The stories in the book are largely quite strong; my favorite on the good side was "Ghost Wolf" and on the evil side "Henchmonster." My only complaint about the stories themselves is their arrangement - Although "Ghost Wolf" was the right choice to lead off the Good side, I think something else should have led the Evil side, perhaps "The Fan Job." All of the stories are good - I would only have rearranged them.
The two-sided concept works great in the paper version. If you're only getting the e-book, you're missing out on one of my favorite things about this collection. (Mind you, I have both, and the stories are just as good either way.) I highly recommend the paper book, though, as it's a fun one to have on your shelf.
November 27, 2015
Side of Good and Side of Evil in one book, treated with both books in one go, I have had the luxury of using this book as my Nanowrimo guide. The authors for this anthology are experienced writers, all with their own ideas and fantasy world. What is more exciting, the heroes and villains have their own struggles.
I was given the book that has Side of Good and Side of Evil, both have their ups and downs, and suddenly, the world of heroes and villains blends into grey. Quoting Crimson Dooms words: “Who knew it would be so hard to be evil.” Good or bad, it is hard being great in one.
A word kudos to the illustrator and graphics team, those images are awesome and gives the characters a sense of realness. I just wished that there were more, it was enjoyable, reading and admiring the artwork. This book is definitely a keeper, and worth making into a doujinshi/ comic.
This is the first anthology I read where the authors are on par with each other, the stories might not inhabit the same world, but the underlying message is the same, and the transition between one hero/ villain seems seamless and the quality of each stories is well. It is as if all the authors are in a competition to win something, well.. I am glad that I have ‘guidance’ and hints from these people, they have showed me what it takes to create a character you can relate to.
If you love comic books and you like a change in perspective, this super series is worth reading and owning, I am glad I have one to start with. Thanks to the publishers for providing the book for my review.
I was given the book that has Side of Good and Side of Evil, both have their ups and downs, and suddenly, the world of heroes and villains blends into grey. Quoting Crimson Dooms words: “Who knew it would be so hard to be evil.” Good or bad, it is hard being great in one.
A word kudos to the illustrator and graphics team, those images are awesome and gives the characters a sense of realness. I just wished that there were more, it was enjoyable, reading and admiring the artwork. This book is definitely a keeper, and worth making into a doujinshi/ comic.
This is the first anthology I read where the authors are on par with each other, the stories might not inhabit the same world, but the underlying message is the same, and the transition between one hero/ villain seems seamless and the quality of each stories is well. It is as if all the authors are in a competition to win something, well.. I am glad that I have ‘guidance’ and hints from these people, they have showed me what it takes to create a character you can relate to.
If you love comic books and you like a change in perspective, this super series is worth reading and owning, I am glad I have one to start with. Thanks to the publishers for providing the book for my review.
May 30, 2017
Maybe I'm just a sucker for good superhero books.
June 26, 2017
The Side of Good/The Side of Evil is two books in one. One half of the book is devoted to the Good Guys and the other the Bad Guys. Very good with some amazing and a few mediocre stories. I found the Side of Good the better of the two halves (usually the villain side is more interesting).
6/25/2017 - I have completed "The Side of Good" - the best of this side is The Hand Job with Ghost Wolf a close second.
Ghost Wolf by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin - From the Martins continuing "Story and Fury" steampunk world, this short story works great as a superhero standalone as well as part of their greater world.
Don't You Know Who I Am by Bryan JL Glass - Part of being a hero is going beyond who you were.
Fiery Justice by John L. French - Traps for heroes in a corrupt city can bring unexpected justice.
Third Time's a Charm by Walt Ciechanowski - Part of being a hero is discovering how to be one.
The Hand Job by Kathleen David - Even the puppets of villains can become heroes.
Making a Difference by Robert Greenberger -Part of being a hero is realizing there is more than one way to fight the Good Fight.
Eight Million Strong by James Chambers - How do villains win? By teaching people they are victims and can't be heroes. It's a hard lesson to unlearn.
6/26/2017 - Completed The Side of Evil - the best of this side was Henchmonster and The Shtick.
Doth Protest Too Much by James M. Ward - Part of being a villain is learning results can have a different interpretation from intent.
Henchmonster by Drew Bittner - Good henchmonsters can be subject to industrial headhunting.
Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy by Janine K. Spendlove - Part of being a villain is realizing heroes mean helplessness for the masses and the masses need to be woken up to this fact.
The Shtick by Aaron Rosenberg - The song from "Gypsy" (the musical) of "you gotta have a gimmick" applies to all supers.
The Fan Job by Peter David - Part of being a villain is figuring out how hero worship actually works.
Send in the Clones by Keith RA DeCandido - Is it the body or the mind which commits the crime?
The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent by James Cambers - Part of being a villain is figuring out the size of your stage, and knowing when to upgrade or bow out.
6/25/2017 - I have completed "The Side of Good" - the best of this side is The Hand Job with Ghost Wolf a close second.
Ghost Wolf by Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin - From the Martins continuing "Story and Fury" steampunk world, this short story works great as a superhero standalone as well as part of their greater world.
Don't You Know Who I Am by Bryan JL Glass - Part of being a hero is going beyond who you were.
Fiery Justice by John L. French - Traps for heroes in a corrupt city can bring unexpected justice.
Third Time's a Charm by Walt Ciechanowski - Part of being a hero is discovering how to be one.
The Hand Job by Kathleen David - Even the puppets of villains can become heroes.
Making a Difference by Robert Greenberger -Part of being a hero is realizing there is more than one way to fight the Good Fight.
Eight Million Strong by James Chambers - How do villains win? By teaching people they are victims and can't be heroes. It's a hard lesson to unlearn.
6/26/2017 - Completed The Side of Evil - the best of this side was Henchmonster and The Shtick.
Doth Protest Too Much by James M. Ward - Part of being a villain is learning results can have a different interpretation from intent.
Henchmonster by Drew Bittner - Good henchmonsters can be subject to industrial headhunting.
Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy by Janine K. Spendlove - Part of being a villain is realizing heroes mean helplessness for the masses and the masses need to be woken up to this fact.
The Shtick by Aaron Rosenberg - The song from "Gypsy" (the musical) of "you gotta have a gimmick" applies to all supers.
The Fan Job by Peter David - Part of being a villain is figuring out how hero worship actually works.
Send in the Clones by Keith RA DeCandido - Is it the body or the mind which commits the crime?
The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent by James Cambers - Part of being a villain is figuring out the size of your stage, and knowing when to upgrade or bow out.
January 18, 2016
Would you be a superhero or a super villain? This book has both - "The Side of Good", then turn the book over for "The Side of Evil." From short stories in "The Side of Good" I learned being a superhero with no special abilities is tough even with a great suit with built-in protection --"Ghost Wolf," "Third Time's the Charm," and "Making a Difference." It helps to have friends, especially if your'e "Eight Million Strong." Okay, special powers are cool, "Don't You Know Who I am?" or hot, "Fiery Justice." My favorite was strange tale of a wicked puppeteer and his good puppet that breaks free of his control in "The Hand Job."
Okay, super villains really do have more fun or at least make for lighter reading-- "Doth Protest too Much," "Henchmonster," and "The Shtick."But it's not all about picking cool names and costumes, something makes a person choose the side of evil, "Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy," "the Fan Job," and "The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent." Sometimes evil is just strange, "Send in the Clones."
So which side would you choose- Good or Evil? Lucky for you, you get both in this book.
Okay, super villains really do have more fun or at least make for lighter reading-- "Doth Protest too Much," "Henchmonster," and "The Shtick."But it's not all about picking cool names and costumes, something makes a person choose the side of evil, "Marvelous Man: Birth of Anarchy," "the Fan Job," and "The Last Great Monologue of Evil Intent." Sometimes evil is just strange, "Send in the Clones."
So which side would you choose- Good or Evil? Lucky for you, you get both in this book.
March 17, 2016
A great collection, especially since the superhero genre is so rarely represented in literary form (the City of Heroes tie-in novels were some of my favorites for years!). Both sides have some uneven elements and a few stories that fall flat, but overall, the entire collection does justice (couldn't resist!) to the genre.
The Side of Evil especially starts of a little rocky, but the last two-thirds of the book is executed (hah!) especially well and perpetrates (again!) the tropes in interesting ways. The final story being an extra long, first person, supervillain monologue is the perfect ending to a well-received series.
The Side of Evil especially starts of a little rocky, but the last two-thirds of the book is executed (hah!) especially well and perpetrates (again!) the tropes in interesting ways. The final story being an extra long, first person, supervillain monologue is the perfect ending to a well-received series.
January 26, 2016
Yes, I have a story in here and one I'm proud of. The flipbook concept is wonderfully executed with a nice assortment of concepts and tones, exploring what it means to be a hero or a villain. The majority tends to be lighter in tone than you would expect. I'm in good company here with Crazy 8 Press colleagues Peter David and Aaron Rosenberg along with other friends -- Kathleen David, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Janine Spindelove -- and several others did nice jobs. A nice treat was a prose rendition of Bryan J.L. Glass' Furia. I fyou like super-hero fiction, this is definitely worth checking out.
May 23, 2016
So you like a good Super-Hero tale? Or do you like a fun Super-Villain tale? Well, The Side of good/The Side of Evil has you covered on both fronts. Like the old Ace doubles, there are two sets of stories, one told from the hero viewpoint and one told from the viewpoint of the villain. You have reluctant heroes, villains by happenstance, nasty heroes, and villains that revel in their nastiness! In short, plenty of fun for the reader no matter who you root for!
November 22, 2016
As with most anthologies, the quality of writing covers a range. Some of the stories are quite good, and some fall flat. Individual stories were anywhere from 2 to 5 stars.
Personally I found the Side of Evil stories to be more enjoyable, but that may be personal alignment.
Personally I found the Side of Evil stories to be more enjoyable, but that may be personal alignment.
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April 17, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews