Commander Annie and Other Adventures

by Mary E. Lowd

When Annie's best friend ditches her, she has to go on an adventure of her own. In a cardboard spaceship, she flies to the most dangerous planet she's discovered. In this collection, meet aliens, fairies, and talking animals; travel to faraway worlds and magical realms; and discover the point where science-fiction and fantasy blend.

From the award-winning author of The Necromouser and Other Magical Cats, read this selection of twelve delightful tales, including two original "Commander Annie" and "Nawry the Noodlebeast."

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2023

About the author

Mary E. Lowd is a prolific science-fiction and furry writer in Oregon. She's had more than 180 short stories and a half dozen novels published, always with more on the way. Her work has won numerous awards, and she's been nominated for the Ursa Major Awards more than any other individual. She is also the founder and editor of Zooscape. She lives in a crashed spaceship, disguised as a house and hidden behind a rose garden, with a large collection of animals, both real and imaginary, who collectively serve as her muse.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable collection of short stories, with two novellas and a number of shorter stories, some only a few pages long. The stories are a mix of science fiction and fantasy and are sandwiched between the two novellas. The first of the novellas is Commander Annie and could be a "real" science fiction adventure or could purely be in the imagination of Annie. I like to think she's able to access the adventure and the world she visits through her imagination, but they are as real as Earth.

My favorite stories were Commander Annie, Katelyn and the Hummingbird, The Soul of the Forest, and the second novella (and last story), Nawry the Noodlebeast, which read more like mythology to me, although not any mythology I've ever heard of.

I've read books from this author before, but the other books were very much Star Trek-inspired science fiction with anthropomorphized animals (cats, dogs, birds, etc.). This was a nice mix of stories and I enjoyed seeing a different side to the author's imagination. While not every story grabbed me the way my favorites did, I enjoyed reading all of the stories in this collection. I can easily recommend this collection to lovers of science fiction and fantasy. If you want a sense of how this author writes, this would be a good place to start.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mim_Who _Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Imaginative Collection of Tales that Will Capture Your Heart

Commander Annie and Other Adventures is a wonderful book that will delight readers of all ages. From the first page, I was drawn into Annie's story, a relatable and engaging journey of self-discovery. The author's storytelling weaves a beautiful collection of inclusivity, empathy, and acceptance, making these stories a must-read for middle-grade children and adults alike.

The book offers a diverse and inspiring collection of stories that explore themes of friendship, growth, and acceptance. Each tale is a gem, and together they create a rich and satisfying read. What sets this book apart is its accessibility and versatility. The stories can be read in any order, and their length makes them perfect for independent reading, classroom sharing, or cozying up with a parent or caregiver.

The author's writing is beautiful, with prose and imagery that will transport you to far-off worlds and magical realms. The blend of science fiction and fantasy is seamless, making this collection a standout in its genre.

Overall, Commander Annie and Other Adventures is a heartwarming and imaginative book that will resonate with readers. I highly recommend it!

Please note that I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishDramas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is delightful collection of stories that blend whimsy, adventure, and heart. Our title character, Commander Annie, embarks on various journeys that highlight themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery.

I love Mary's style of storytelling and found this book also engaging and imaginative, appealing to readers of all ages. Her ability to create rich, vivid worlds and memorable characters makes each adventure feel fresh and exciting. The writing is accessible, making it perfect for younger audiences while still offering depth for older readers.

For me this was a charming experience that encourages exploration and imagination. It’s a great pick for anyone looking for a fun, uplifting escape into a world of adventure!
Recomended.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ages 10 and up is about right, but parents who want to read this before buying it for their children will also enjoy these stories. The themes range from emotional growth to philosophical questions and a few which I can't really categorize. Of course the stories are fun to read, but I was impressed that the vocabulary was quite advanced and the topics thoughtful - most of the stories don't pander down to younger readers but give them something to really chew on. And the imagination used to create characters and worlds is wonderful as well. I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕🤗 Refreshing adventures!


The 1st story:

Commander Annie had been waiting all summer for Captain Callie to take the time to come play with her.

But Captain Callie was busy with her summer math class...

>>>>>>>>

Here is an incredible anthology of extraordinary adventures for children and very young adolescents.

12 very different stories, pleasant to read, overflowing with imagination, the unexpected, mysteries, diverse and varied feelings.

Absolutely worth discovering!