Versus

by E.B. Hunter

293 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2024

Reviews

[K.E. Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love anthologies because they showcase different writers' stories centered around a unifying topic. I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of the stories in this collection, the ones from familiar names and the new ones.

[Rook Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I thought the story I was currently reading was going to be my favorite, the stories just kept presenting new unique ideas and plots with delicious twists in such short times. If I had to pick one now that I've read them all, I'd say the goddess lesbians were my favorite. It was so fun discovering the world of every new story, getting endeared to the characters in such short times and figuring out the situation as more details presented themselves. I will say it took me a minute to actually do that last one for some stories, but I always eventually figured it out. I wanted more of every story, but those are the perils of a good anthology I guess. Ha! As promised, every story has some element of fantasy and sci-fi and thus, I was always entertained. I was moved by the fae interview, and Papa Bear, and I was delighted by the mirror realm and the haunted house. Every story had some detail that made it incredibly unique and all it's own and some twist that had me gasping or smirking in an "I knew it!" Sort of way. Every story needs a twist. Even short ones. This is why I love anthologies like these. I get a sample of a lot of good authors and the subject changes faster than my short attention span can get antsy. I'm so stoked and grateful that I got to read an arc of this and more than happy to leave a scattering of reviews where I can.

[A.E. Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic collection of stories worth picking up. This is the first anthology from the FSF Writers Alliance and I'm definitely hoping there will be more. The overall theme regards humanity's fight for survival, and stories range from the fantastic (gods vs. humans) to the more classic (man vs. machine). Each tale brings something unique to the indie scifi arena and I was fortunate - and very happy - to have been able to grab an ARC. Add this to your TBR; you won't be disappointed!

[Lucy A. McLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great anthology with a range of fantasy and sci-fi stories from different authors, each focusing humanity vs different elements, from gods to machines. I found each story to be unique and interesting, ranging from the beautifully written (and satisfying) Dia Sulis Minerva by Isa Ottoni, to the disturbing, Black-Mirroresque EXE by Nick McPherson. A must read for any SFF fan! I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Isa Ottoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection of fantasy and sci-fi short stories with a wide range of themes!
I'm incredibly honoured to be part of this anthology and to be featured among such incredible authors. I'm particularly fond of The Act of Never Fitting In, Papa Bear, The Intimacy Protocol, and .EXE, but all stories have their own light. I hope you enjoy my stories too.
I can't wait to read more from this community!
*I read the final product as an ARC reader, huge thanks to everyone involved!*

[Em Fyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Versus has several short stories about humanity against technology, gods, society, and the supernatural. Thought provoking as it is there is something for everyone in this anthology, and I highly recommend it to all readers!!

My favorite was Chronocylsm by M. Fitz Wunderli, a story about clocks making their move against mankind. It's told from four different pov and is truly gripping.

[E.B. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eclectic mixed bag of fantasy & sci-fi with a smattering of horror. It was a great first edition from the Alliance, and I can't wait to see what else comes through!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this anthology. The central theme weaves through all the stories in unexpected ways, and each story is so unique and expressive. I particularly enjoyed DEA SULIS MINERVA for its immersive storytelling, sharp sense of humor, strong characters and the complex ethical dilemma it interrogates. I cannot wait to see more of these stories in future anthologies. Beautiful work!

[J.D. Dresner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of stories, written by an eclectic and creative group. Each story brought intrigue!

[Matthew Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Versus is a fun anthology whose contributors are talented and diverse. I had the opportunity to read an early draft of Isa Ottoni's Dea Sulis Minerva, and it was an engaging depiction of goddesses of antiquity, whose pettiness had been refined by eternity. I loved it then, and I still love it. The other works in this anthology are also fantastic. M. Fritz Wunderli’s Chronoclysm, Nick McPherson's EXE...