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Fish Out of Water #7.5
Only Fish
Amy Lane's Fish Out of Water universe has expanded to include garage mechanics, assassins, nurses, psychics, and adult film stars. Many of them forged a safe, hidden haven in Victoriana--the middle of the desert.
This collection of shorts revolves mostly around the Victoriana crew—the desert Fish, a group of people with specialized skills, a strong moral code, and an aversion to the rules. Join Burton, Ernie, Ace, Sonny, Jai, and George as they deal with impossible storms, visiting assassins, and—oh yeah—the in-laws, in this series of novellas that shows that being a Fish in the desert isn't always easy, but a desert fish can always find a home.
This collection of shorts revolves mostly around the Victoriana crew—the desert Fish, a group of people with specialized skills, a strong moral code, and an aversion to the rules. Join Burton, Ernie, Ace, Sonny, Jai, and George as they deal with impossible storms, visiting assassins, and—oh yeah—the in-laws, in this series of novellas that shows that being a Fish in the desert isn't always easy, but a desert fish can always find a home.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Amy Lane
222 books3,522 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 26, 2024
This was marvelous, of course. I'd read two of the stories but I read them again, because of course I did, it's the fishverse. I'll warn you, the longest new one has some ugliness committed by a reverend and it's disturbing. But Ace takes care of it, with some help.
What drew me into this series and keeps me infatuated is the emotional intelligence and the basic good of these characters. I wouldn't want to live with one or two of them, but for sure I'd want them to be between me and trouble.
What drew me into this series and keeps me infatuated is the emotional intelligence and the basic good of these characters. I wouldn't want to live with one or two of them, but for sure I'd want them to be between me and trouble.
July 23, 2024
Some excellent short stories and a couple of novellas that add to the canon nicely. Really enjoyed this!
Includes the story “A Perfectly Sonny Daye” which is also sold separately.
Includes the story “A Perfectly Sonny Daye” which is also sold separately.
December 26, 2025
Une sympathique gourmandise sortie du bocal où l'auteur nous propose quelques nouvelles, certaines plus longues que d'autres, mettant en scène les poissons, avec un gros lien vers le désert.
J'ai particulièrement aimé toute l'intrigue autour de l'ouragan, et la dernière longue nouvelle (8 parties et un épilogue), nous plonge dans l'arrivée d'un nouveau poisson au sang froid dans le désert, dont Ellery et Jackson ont fait connaissance un peu plus tôt dans le recueil.
Ce recueil n'a à mon sens d'intérêt que pour les fans de la série (comme moi), les non-initiés au bocal seront un peu perdus devant tous ces personnages et toutes ces interactions un peu spéciales.
Bref, encore un super moment pour moi, je commence à appréhender un peu le dernier tome, je n'ai vraiment pas envie de quitter cet univers aux personnages totalement ravagés mais tellement attachants.
J'ai particulièrement aimé toute l'intrigue autour de l'ouragan, et la dernière longue nouvelle (8 parties et un épilogue), nous plonge dans l'arrivée d'un nouveau poisson au sang froid dans le désert, dont Ellery et Jackson ont fait connaissance un peu plus tôt dans le recueil.
Ce recueil n'a à mon sens d'intérêt que pour les fans de la série (comme moi), les non-initiés au bocal seront un peu perdus devant tous ces personnages et toutes ces interactions un peu spéciales.
Bref, encore un super moment pour moi, je commence à appréhender un peu le dernier tome, je n'ai vraiment pas envie de quitter cet univers aux personnages totalement ravagés mais tellement attachants.
November 28, 2024
Loved this re-visit!
This was a delightful visit with characters that have become good friends over the course of Amy Lane’s Fishverse series and the spin-offs. I was so glad to see this latest collection of vignettes and short stories because I hated putting down the last novel in Fishverse and saying goodbye to this wonderful group of guys. The stories in this collection were new to me and did not repeat the ficlets found at the end of the last few books in the Fishverse books. One question for Amy: do Amal and Eric get their own stories in the future? Would really enjoy this rounding out of the Fishverse series.
The only things I found to criticize in this collection, and which I have found in many of Amy’s novels, are that her transitions from one scene to another are not always clear and it is not always clear which character is speaking. I sometimes had to backtrack one or more times in a section of dialogue to figure out who was speaking, and even then not always able to figure it out. I imagine these two issues might have to do with writing style, and they were not problematic enough to interfere with my enjoyment of her books. I have read many of Amy’s novels and have loved each one. I’ve especially enjoyed the emotive richness of her character development and the amount of action in each story. Thank you, Amy!
This was a delightful visit with characters that have become good friends over the course of Amy Lane’s Fishverse series and the spin-offs. I was so glad to see this latest collection of vignettes and short stories because I hated putting down the last novel in Fishverse and saying goodbye to this wonderful group of guys. The stories in this collection were new to me and did not repeat the ficlets found at the end of the last few books in the Fishverse books. One question for Amy: do Amal and Eric get their own stories in the future? Would really enjoy this rounding out of the Fishverse series.
The only things I found to criticize in this collection, and which I have found in many of Amy’s novels, are that her transitions from one scene to another are not always clear and it is not always clear which character is speaking. I sometimes had to backtrack one or more times in a section of dialogue to figure out who was speaking, and even then not always able to figure it out. I imagine these two issues might have to do with writing style, and they were not problematic enough to interfere with my enjoyment of her books. I have read many of Amy’s novels and have loved each one. I’ve especially enjoyed the emotive richness of her character development and the amount of action in each story. Thank you, Amy!
July 23, 2024
I receive this book as ARC for my honest review.
This is an essential read if you like this shared universe between Fishes series and the Victoriana crew. Although, this collections were more about the crew than the Jackson and Ellery. They were enjoyable and poignant read. Not to mention arrived at the difficult time in my life. I appreciate the stories that weren't light and fluffy. These are code yellow to orange. All of them further or explore the relationships of the established couples. Including newly arrived cold fish. Which, from Jackson's POV, was a cool, calm and collected, if lonely person. It wasn't until we gets to read the portion that was written from his POV that we realized things were not quite what they seems.
There were a couple of really dark subject matters in this book. But it is on theme with these characters.
I wonder whether Ms. Lane will do more with the Cold fish. It would be interesting to see whether he got his own book or not.
This is an essential read if you like this shared universe between Fishes series and the Victoriana crew. Although, this collections were more about the crew than the Jackson and Ellery. They were enjoyable and poignant read. Not to mention arrived at the difficult time in my life. I appreciate the stories that weren't light and fluffy. These are code yellow to orange. All of them further or explore the relationships of the established couples. Including newly arrived cold fish. Which, from Jackson's POV, was a cool, calm and collected, if lonely person. It wasn't until we gets to read the portion that was written from his POV that we realized things were not quite what they seems.
There were a couple of really dark subject matters in this book. But it is on theme with these characters.
I wonder whether Ms. Lane will do more with the Cold fish. It would be interesting to see whether he got his own book or not.
July 30, 2024
This collection of stories is set in the world of A Fish Out of Water, and it revisits characters I've loved for ages. These men are damaged, and sometimes broken, but they are untied in their love for their found family and their determination to do what has to be done to keep themselves and others safe. I love these characters.
These tales work best with some background information, so I recommend reading at least some of the prior books first. However, if you're acquainted with this world, Only Fish is a must read. There is violence here, including one novella with characters focused on ridding the world of a disgusting pedophile. There aren't trigger warnings included, but those with knowledge of the Fishiverse will expect to see truly bad men get what they deserve.
This is a terrific page turner, and I devoured it with enthusiasm. Now that a new "family" member is coming on board, I do hope Ms. Lane remains open to more visits with this group. I'll definitely be on board for that.
These tales work best with some background information, so I recommend reading at least some of the prior books first. However, if you're acquainted with this world, Only Fish is a must read. There is violence here, including one novella with characters focused on ridding the world of a disgusting pedophile. There aren't trigger warnings included, but those with knowledge of the Fishiverse will expect to see truly bad men get what they deserve.
This is a terrific page turner, and I devoured it with enthusiasm. Now that a new "family" member is coming on board, I do hope Ms. Lane remains open to more visits with this group. I'll definitely be on board for that.
August 26, 2024
Amy Lane’s Fish Out of Water universe has expanded to include garage mechanics, assassins, nurses, psychics, and adult film stars. Many of them forged a safe, hidden haven in Victoriana--the middle of the desert.
This collection of shorts revolves mostly around the Victoriana crew—the desert Fish, a group of people with specialized skills, a strong moral code, and an aversion to the rules. Join Burton, Ernie, Ace, Sonny, Jai, and George as they deal with impossible storms, visiting assassins, and—oh yeah—the in-laws, in this series of novellas that shows that being a Fish in the desert isn’t always easy, but a desert fish can always find a home.
Heather's Notes
I liked seeing a glimpses of the Victoriana crews lives, and I really enjoyed meeting Eric. I do up we get to see who he meets (although I have my suspicions). I did not like that "A Perfectly Sonny Day" is in the anthology but also out separately. It messes with my OCD tendencies. Still all the stories were nice and enjoyable,
This collection of shorts revolves mostly around the Victoriana crew—the desert Fish, a group of people with specialized skills, a strong moral code, and an aversion to the rules. Join Burton, Ernie, Ace, Sonny, Jai, and George as they deal with impossible storms, visiting assassins, and—oh yeah—the in-laws, in this series of novellas that shows that being a Fish in the desert isn’t always easy, but a desert fish can always find a home.
Heather's Notes
I liked seeing a glimpses of the Victoriana crews lives, and I really enjoyed meeting Eric. I do up we get to see who he meets (although I have my suspicions). I did not like that "A Perfectly Sonny Day" is in the anthology but also out separately. It messes with my OCD tendencies. Still all the stories were nice and enjoyable,
October 13, 2025
Short story collections are often meh and disappointing, but the thread of a new character through all these stories made the collection absolutely fascinating. I was eager to get to every story to find out more about the enigmatic Eric.
Nonetheless, this is definitely not a set of stories for people not familiar with the characters of Racing for the Sun, Hiding the Moon, and Constantly Cotton.
Nonetheless, this is definitely not a set of stories for people not familiar with the characters of Racing for the Sun, Hiding the Moon, and Constantly Cotton.
July 31, 2024
A bunch of stories set in the fishverse? I'm in. Some of them were already posted in Patreon? Yep, I'll read them again. These stories keep me in touch with the people I don't ever want to stop reading about. This multi-series universe of Amy's is amazing. Whether I'm reading about Jackson and Ellery, or Sonny, Ace, and their friends, I'm completely pulled in, enthralled, and wanting to know what happens next.
Amy connecting these worlds and these characters is nothing short of genius, and I am so here for it. I'm a greedy reader and I always want more, more, more. And the latest, Eric Christiansen? I absolutely *NEED* his story. And I *NEED* more short stories, more books, more everything in this universe. It goes without saying, once again, five stars and straight to the reread pile.
***ARC***
Amy connecting these worlds and these characters is nothing short of genius, and I am so here for it. I'm a greedy reader and I always want more, more, more. And the latest, Eric Christiansen? I absolutely *NEED* his story. And I *NEED* more short stories, more books, more everything in this universe. It goes without saying, once again, five stars and straight to the reread pile.
***ARC***
July 23, 2024
I am normally not a huge fan of short stories and novellas, but I absolutely adored this series. We spend most of the time in Victoriana with all of our favorites - Ernie & Burton, Ace & Sonny, Jai & George, Cotton & Jason, but we also get some Jackson & Ellery time. There is a little bit of everything in these stories - action, justice, devastation, inner struggles, family fun, and private times. I love how most of the stories build upon each other. What starts as a small interaction in one of the earlier stories, becomes another interaction and another. I was totally taken by surprise by where this went and now can't wait for what has to be a future book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has read some or all of the Fishverse stories.
July 26, 2024
I absolutely adore the Fish series and am incredibly attached to all the characters. The author, Amy Lane does an awesome job of writing both shorter and longer ficlets featuring the lives of the characters in between novels. This particular collection just grabbed me in the feels and introduced a new character to the Victoriana family. I look forward to seeing what happens in future adventures. This would be an excellent way to take a peek at the characters to see if you want to buy any of their books. Yes, it would certainly be much more meaningful if you know everyone's backstory, but it is a good way to get a feel for the author's style and characters' misadventures. I highly recommend if you are a series fan.
July 28, 2024
This is a collection of short stories set in the Fish Universe, so this is not a stand alone book and I would recommend reading at least the Fish Out of Water series before attempting to read this. These stories include more Jackson and Ellery, Jai and George, and an introduction to Eric, a new character who will probably have his own story in the future. Not to mention sweet kittens with some minor setbacks and great friends like Ace, Sonny and Ernie. Though these are short stories, they are highly entertaining and will likely set up some of the plot to the next Fish Out of Water book. I can't seem to get enough of the Fish Universe and all the great characters that live there. The next Fish book can't come quick enough
July 23, 2024
Deep Dive into the Fishiverse
Over time, Lane has written a series of short pieces featuring the secondary characters introduced in the “Fish” series. These pieces serve to augment the main stories, as well as flesh out the characters.
Only Fish is a collection of these shorter stories, with a through-line introducing a new secondary character whose role in the larger constellation is yet to be determined. At least we know he likes cats… I highly recommend getting to know these colorful characters!
Over time, Lane has written a series of short pieces featuring the secondary characters introduced in the “Fish” series. These pieces serve to augment the main stories, as well as flesh out the characters.
Only Fish is a collection of these shorter stories, with a through-line introducing a new secondary character whose role in the larger constellation is yet to be determined. At least we know he likes cats… I highly recommend getting to know these colorful characters!
May 1, 2025
A number of short and slightly longer stories in the Victoriana universe - though Jackson and Ellery do have an appearance bringing a new character into the group.
A couple of genetically deformed cats serve as saviours to Ellery and Jackson and as an intro for the coldfish.
There are storms, with Ernie and Ace mostly affected and we get more of their backgrounds. Ace shows his devotion to Ace as well.
And the gang ridding the world of some nasty paedophiles helps unite the wider group even more.
A couple of genetically deformed cats serve as saviours to Ellery and Jackson and as an intro for the coldfish.
There are storms, with Ernie and Ace mostly affected and we get more of their backgrounds. Ace shows his devotion to Ace as well.
And the gang ridding the world of some nasty paedophiles helps unite the wider group even more.
July 23, 2024
This is a collection of short stories from the Fish Out of Water Universe, Fishverse. These stories provide extra details about the couples from the series, in particular the Victoriana crowd. It was so great to get more information on their lives and adventures. I have loved this series since the first book and this book did not disappoint. This book also introduces a new character to the series and I can’t wait to see his full story. Another great addition to a fabulous series.
July 27, 2024
I thoroughly loved the shorts looking into the lives of the Victoriana Bunch as well as Jackson and Ellery.
Some stories were fun and thrilling while others hurt your heart so much.
Amy writes both sadness and humour with a deft hand.
if you haven't read any of the Fishiverse, this is a good way to get your feet wet. There aren't any real spoilers and you can get a taste of her patched up heroes.
Some stories were fun and thrilling while others hurt your heart so much.
Amy writes both sadness and humour with a deft hand.
if you haven't read any of the Fishiverse, this is a good way to get your feet wet. There aren't any real spoilers and you can get a taste of her patched up heroes.
July 23, 2024
Wonderful series of shorts
This was a lovely set of shorts involving the desert fish out of Victoriana.
I really enjoyed seeing these slice of life vignettes of them going about their daily lives.
We're also introduced to a new character who we don't know much about yet except that he loves cats.
This was a lovely set of shorts involving the desert fish out of Victoriana.
I really enjoyed seeing these slice of life vignettes of them going about their daily lives.
We're also introduced to a new character who we don't know much about yet except that he loves cats.
July 24, 2024
These are some great short stories with some of our most beloved characters. We mostly have short stories about the Victoriana group but there is a bit of River and Ellery sprinkled in. This collection definitely helps overcome the wait for the next Fishverse book. We also get a new character that will (as far as Amy's plans go) also get his own book and I already cannot wait for it!!
July 24, 2024
It's always a thrill to read about the guys in the desert and the others associated with them. It's like being welcomed home or visiting that uncle or neighbor or really old friend that's a little mysterious and scary at the same time. I'm hoping we've been set up for a new book in the series. Fingers crossed.
July 25, 2024
LOVING MORE FISH STORIES
What a wonderful collection of short stories. I LOVE the What a wonderful collection of short stories. I LOVE the Fish series universe, seeing more of the characters that I love made me smile big time. I also loved getting to know the new character that’s turned up. I hope this series never ends.
What a wonderful collection of short stories. I LOVE the What a wonderful collection of short stories. I LOVE the Fish series universe, seeing more of the characters that I love made me smile big time. I also loved getting to know the new character that’s turned up. I hope this series never ends.
July 26, 2024
I rather like a collection of short stories and novellas, particularly when I’m short of time, as I can dip in and out - which is great. Combined with one of my favourite series, Fish Out of Water, this couldn’t be better - particularly as it includes stories about all my favourite characters from adjoining series. Loved it!
July 27, 2024
It was so fun to revisit these stories. I found myself giggling and near tears a few times. Sonny continues to bring me joy and sadness but his friendship with Ernie is awesome and his love for Ace is beautiful. I am also looking forward to getting to know more about Eric and how this ragtag group of men just might be his saving found family.
September 19, 2025
I didn’t think these stories could get better but these shorts proved otherwise. Jackson and Ellery might’ve started as the centre of the Fishyverse but it wouldn’t be the Fishyverse without Sonny, Ace, Jai, George, Ernie, Burton, Jason, Cotton and now Eric. I already love his character and the way he seems to slot in with the Victoriana family. I can’t wait for his story.
July 16, 2024
It’s always a delight to visit Victoriana and the group of misfits that have made their own family. Add in a quick visit with Jackson and Ellery in Sacramento, and you’ve got the perfect afternoon read. I’m excited to get Eric’s book in the future.
July 27, 2024
like going home
It is like touching base with old friends.Characters from past books pop up in these short stories. I didn’t know I missed them until then.Oh and a new character,Eric.which is not his name.Don’t get confused 🤔 just enjoy 😉.
It is like touching base with old friends.Characters from past books pop up in these short stories. I didn’t know I missed them until then.Oh and a new character,Eric.which is not his name.Don’t get confused 🤔 just enjoy 😉.
September 22, 2024
Right in the feels. Every. Single. Time.
These fish rip my heart out every single time. I actually had to stop reading twice! To get my breath back. Amazing characters that live and breathe in my head forever. Thank you, thank you dear author.
These fish rip my heart out every single time. I actually had to stop reading twice! To get my breath back. Amazing characters that live and breathe in my head forever. Thank you, thank you dear author.
June 4, 2025
I haven't enough words for this set of stories. I don't know who I cried over more. I absolutely love these boys. They become such a a big part of your heart. Yes I know it's fiction, but if you read, you'll understand. I can't wait to see more of them all.
July 16, 2024
This collection of novellas/short stories is one of the amazing extras that is a privilege to have. This companion to the Fishverse gives the reader to delve further into the private lives of several established couples. This particular collection is about the men of Victoriana in the California desert. Ernie and Burton, Ace and Sonny, Jai and George and Cotton and Jason are all strongly represented in this book of stories. Jackson and Ellery do make a cameo appearance which is nice. Catching up with this crew there is plenty of mischief and things that go boom. This is not a standalone collection and the reader should read all the prior Fishverse books since these are companion stories that may not make sense if you haven’t read what’s come before. Many thanks to the author for giving us more of our favorite characters.
July 28, 2024
Love me some Fishiverse!
August 2, 2024
I think these were posted to ALs patreon..it's a nice peek into the Fishverse!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews