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Soul of the Universe
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” - Plato
Here you will find a collection of six stories by four authors that, at first glance, seem to have little in common. We have Sci Fi Adventure. We have Medieval Fantasy. We have Emotional Drama, and we have Steampunk. We even have a Western.
Though each of these stories seems to have little in common with its companions, every one of them shares the same genesis. They were all inspired by that same divine spark that gives the universe purpose. They were all inspired by music.
Each of the authors in this collection took a favorite song as their inspiration and told the story that no one else could hear. The result is an endlessly entertaining collection of well spun yarns , thrilling adventures, and emotionally engaging drama.
Here you will find a collection of six stories by four authors that, at first glance, seem to have little in common. We have Sci Fi Adventure. We have Medieval Fantasy. We have Emotional Drama, and we have Steampunk. We even have a Western.
Though each of these stories seems to have little in common with its companions, every one of them shares the same genesis. They were all inspired by that same divine spark that gives the universe purpose. They were all inspired by music.
Each of the authors in this collection took a favorite song as their inspiration and told the story that no one else could hear. The result is an endlessly entertaining collection of well spun yarns , thrilling adventures, and emotionally engaging drama.
- GenresShort Stories
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2014
26 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wombat
42 books74 followersA Yorkshireman living in the rural green hills of Lancashire, Michael Wombat is a man of huge beard. He has a penchant for good single-malts, inept football teams, big daft dogs and the diary of Mr. Samuel Pepys. Abducted by pirates at the age of twelve he quickly rose to captain the feared privateer ‘The Mrs. Nesbitt’ and terrorised the Skull Coast throughout his early twenties. Narrowly escaping the Revenue men by dressing as a burlesque dancer, he went on to work successively and successfully as a burlesque dancer, a forester, a busker, and a magic carpet salesman. The fact that he was once one of that forgotten company, the bus conductors, will immediately tell you that he is as old as the hills in which he lives. Nowadays he spends his time writing and pretending to take good photographs. You can have a good laugh at his pathetic blog or his photographs, but most of all please go and mock him mercilessly on Twitter or Facebook. Michael Wombat has published over one book. Other authors are available.
Click here for the "Ask Michael Wombat" discussion group.
Click here for the "Ask Michael Wombat" discussion group.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 19, 2014
To read my full review visit Adofaer & Arkhdrauth
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Soul of the Universe is a collection of stunning short stories that can leave you smiling, crying or just in a state of wonder. Each story in this was so very different that I want to speak about each author separately.
Michael S. Manz:
‘To Ride the Wind Dancing’
This story from Manz is loosely inspired by Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles Last Stand”, his writing compels and brings you into his imagined futuristic world. Science fiction elements are spoken of as though you know what they are which only adds to the reader feeling a sense of involvement with the characters. The dialogue is dynamic, portraying relationships between the characters perfectly, and the technology used is wonderful to read of.
I loved reading ‘To Ride the Wind Dancing’ and I loved that the ending was a beginning…
Michael Wombat:
‘Blood on the Ground’ and ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’
Having read Wombat’s ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’ before I am already a fan of his Steampunk work and was excited to read what he had in store for me next.
‘Blood on the Ground’ is an unexpected Western inspired by the Rex Wells version of ‘Blood on the Saddle’. Wombat writes with wonderful description conjuring fantastic images in the reader’s mind pulling you deeper into the story. ‘Blood on the Ground’ often switches between the past and present which is difficult to do well but Wombat accomplishes this with ease allowing for a smooth transition between scenes leaving you excited for more.
‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’, which you can buy as a standalone on Amazon, is a fantastic steampunk adventure with a feisty protagonist inspired by ‘Start As We Mean To Go On’ by Thea Gilmore. It is full to the brim with vivid imagery and stunning description, bringing wonderful mechanical creations bringing his steampunk world to life in your mind.
Michael A. Walker:
‘Stella’ and ‘Light On’
Walker’s writing is emotionally stimulating, both ‘Stella’ and ‘Light On’ left me with tears running down my face. Now that isn’t to say that these stories will leave you depressed and deflated, but if you’re anything like me, they will make you cry.
Stella is inspired by ‘Just Breathe’ written by Eddie Vedder and originally performed by Pearl Jam. This story is about dementia and the relationship growing between Stella and her husband’s nurse, Vera, full of truly stunning prose. Walker uses certain sentences and words to connect people and times allowing you to notice these small things and feel something more as you read.
Light On is inspired by ‘Light On’ performed by David Cook (and I’d like to thank Michael Walker for introducing me to this song, I love it!) This story also gives you an emotional hit, just like in Stella; Walker uses description to his advantage helping the reader to feel emotionally involved with the characters.
I would have to single out Michael Walker’s stories as my favourites in the anthology. (Though I loved every story in it.)
Marissa Ames:
Darrion
Darrion is actually based in the world of her debut novel ‘Minstrel’ which I have been planning on reading and certainly will after reading this stunning sample of her work. This story is inspired by ‘Village Lanterne’ by Blackmore’s Night. Right from the offset of Darrion I could see I was going to love it, this medieval, magical story is full of descriptive imagery and wonder. Ames’ characters are full of depth making you really feel for them, you want them to succeed. Darrion leaves me looking forward to reading Minstrel.
Soul of the Universe gets all five stars from me. This anthology has such variety that it can appeal to many different people, from fans of westerns or Steampunk, to science fiction or fantasy, there really is something for everyone.
--
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC* of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are completely honest, I would not lie to my readers.
*ARC is an Advance Reader's Copy. This means I was sent a copy of this book prior to its release.
--
Soul of the Universe is a collection of stunning short stories that can leave you smiling, crying or just in a state of wonder. Each story in this was so very different that I want to speak about each author separately.
Michael S. Manz:
‘To Ride the Wind Dancing’
This story from Manz is loosely inspired by Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles Last Stand”, his writing compels and brings you into his imagined futuristic world. Science fiction elements are spoken of as though you know what they are which only adds to the reader feeling a sense of involvement with the characters. The dialogue is dynamic, portraying relationships between the characters perfectly, and the technology used is wonderful to read of.
I loved reading ‘To Ride the Wind Dancing’ and I loved that the ending was a beginning…
Michael Wombat:
‘Blood on the Ground’ and ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’
Having read Wombat’s ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’ before I am already a fan of his Steampunk work and was excited to read what he had in store for me next.
‘Blood on the Ground’ is an unexpected Western inspired by the Rex Wells version of ‘Blood on the Saddle’. Wombat writes with wonderful description conjuring fantastic images in the reader’s mind pulling you deeper into the story. ‘Blood on the Ground’ often switches between the past and present which is difficult to do well but Wombat accomplishes this with ease allowing for a smooth transition between scenes leaving you excited for more.
‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’, which you can buy as a standalone on Amazon, is a fantastic steampunk adventure with a feisty protagonist inspired by ‘Start As We Mean To Go On’ by Thea Gilmore. It is full to the brim with vivid imagery and stunning description, bringing wonderful mechanical creations bringing his steampunk world to life in your mind.
Michael A. Walker:
‘Stella’ and ‘Light On’
Walker’s writing is emotionally stimulating, both ‘Stella’ and ‘Light On’ left me with tears running down my face. Now that isn’t to say that these stories will leave you depressed and deflated, but if you’re anything like me, they will make you cry.
Stella is inspired by ‘Just Breathe’ written by Eddie Vedder and originally performed by Pearl Jam. This story is about dementia and the relationship growing between Stella and her husband’s nurse, Vera, full of truly stunning prose. Walker uses certain sentences and words to connect people and times allowing you to notice these small things and feel something more as you read.
Light On is inspired by ‘Light On’ performed by David Cook (and I’d like to thank Michael Walker for introducing me to this song, I love it!) This story also gives you an emotional hit, just like in Stella; Walker uses description to his advantage helping the reader to feel emotionally involved with the characters.
I would have to single out Michael Walker’s stories as my favourites in the anthology. (Though I loved every story in it.)
Marissa Ames:
Darrion
Darrion is actually based in the world of her debut novel ‘Minstrel’ which I have been planning on reading and certainly will after reading this stunning sample of her work. This story is inspired by ‘Village Lanterne’ by Blackmore’s Night. Right from the offset of Darrion I could see I was going to love it, this medieval, magical story is full of descriptive imagery and wonder. Ames’ characters are full of depth making you really feel for them, you want them to succeed. Darrion leaves me looking forward to reading Minstrel.
Soul of the Universe gets all five stars from me. This anthology has such variety that it can appeal to many different people, from fans of westerns or Steampunk, to science fiction or fantasy, there really is something for everyone.
--
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC* of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are completely honest, I would not lie to my readers.
*ARC is an Advance Reader's Copy. This means I was sent a copy of this book prior to its release.
July 22, 2017
To Ride the Wind Dancing by Michael S. Manz.
Blood on the Ground by Michael Wombat.
Stella by Michael A. Walker.
Darrion by Marissa Ames.
Light On by Michael A. Walker.
Moth Girl vs. The Bats by Michael Wombat.
If you are looking for a great anthology on a day where you want to escape into a fictional world, well then ‘Soul of the Universe’ is perfect for you. A collection of six unique short stories by four equally talented writers, ‘Soul of the Universe’ was one of those anthologies that will always make me smile. The range of genres that these stories encompassed, and the way that they were all tied together into this collection by the powerful inspiration of music, was so clever.
Each story holds a special place in my heart, as in some cases, it is the first time that I have delved into that genre of fiction, and I can think of no better way to have entered these universe than through the talent of these four authors.
To Ride the Wind Dancing by Michael S. Manz, was a really intriguing read that introduced me to a new style of writing that I’m already hungering to read more of. At first the style surprised me, but as I continued on I adored the way that the author only spent words on the necessities which made my imagination work all the harder. It also made me feel as though I was part of the story, as I wasn’t constantly bombarded by scientific terms (which my A-Level Biology teacher will tell you would have me running in the opposite direction), and felt as though the setting of the story was my own, and not altered by too much description. I loved the two main characters, and was excited to read that this may not be the end for these two amazing individuals (and that hint of romance? Perfect. Subtle, but grin inducing!)
Having read Michael Wombat’s works in previous anthologies, I knew that the two stories he composed for this collection was worth getting excited about. ‘Blood on the Ground’ is my first forage into an almost Country and Western style of genre, and with the way that the prose just flowed so naturally, I was hooked immediately. I really admire how this author is able to bring me to feel for characters that I have only known for a few pages. My heart was stolen by Rence’s horse Red, and I loved the adventure they took, and am not ashamed to admit that I sobbed for Red at the end of the story (He was just so lovely, OK?)
Michael Wombat’s second addition was the amazing ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’. Wow, just wow! I sped through this story, so engrossed in it that I forgot about the outside world. I’ve heard of the growing Steampunk genre, and love the whole concept, but had yet to delve into reading it. I can safely say I am now addicted! This story was so clever, and Michael so wonderfully entwined all the components of the story, leaving me desperate for more. It was honestly a masterpiece, and Michael Wombat should be known as a Literary Genius!
The more emotional of this collection came in the form of Michael A. Walker and Marissa Ames’ stories. I had read ‘Darrion’ by Marissa Ames previously, but this didn’t stop me from re-reading this story again. I just adore everything about it. The meaning behind the story, the heartbreak, the fear, the fantasy element woven throughout subtly, yet meaningful is just stunning. To see the review I wrote for Darrion previously, see here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Michael A. Walker’s talent with words had me sobbing through his stories. In the shortest of stories, he is able to have me so connected to his characters that I feel bereft to leave them as I finish the story. Michael’s devotion to his characters just seeps through the page with how he presents them and tells their stories. In ‘Stella’ we see an old woman who cannot remember who the man dying in the room by her is, despite them having been married for over sixty years. Her story managed to be heart-warming, even as my heart ached for the couple who had so many years together and were finally being pulled apart by age and illness. The flashback to Stella’s life growing up, and her courtship and marriage to Walter, the dedication they showed throughout their life was so beautiful, and made the realisation that Stella was suffering from Alzheimer’s all the more heartbreaking. Fans of ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks would love this story with the same intensity that I did.
Lastly, but by no means least, Michael A. Walker presented another absolutely beautiful, poignant, heart-breaking piece called ‘Light On’. Laura was an absolute inspiration. The devotion she showed for her husband who had been named ‘Missing in Action’ for a year after fighting in Afghanistan. This story shows the harsh reality of the pain that those who are left behind feel when their loved ones are named casualties of war. ‘Light On’ just set alight every emotion in me, and I wished more than anything for a happy ending that I knew in my heart could never be. The fantasy elements interwoven in the final scenes was perfectly done, and had my heart beating hard and tears growing in my eyes. This story holds a very special place in my heart, and I know that this will be one that I will re-read again and again.
This collection was absolutely breathtaking, and has introduced me to some new genres I wasn’t overly familiar with, and showed the extraordinary range of writing styles that all bring their own meaning to a story. I’ve also discovered some new songs and artists and reminds me of the power of music as inspiration.
5 Stars!
Blood on the Ground by Michael Wombat.
Stella by Michael A. Walker.
Darrion by Marissa Ames.
Light On by Michael A. Walker.
Moth Girl vs. The Bats by Michael Wombat.
If you are looking for a great anthology on a day where you want to escape into a fictional world, well then ‘Soul of the Universe’ is perfect for you. A collection of six unique short stories by four equally talented writers, ‘Soul of the Universe’ was one of those anthologies that will always make me smile. The range of genres that these stories encompassed, and the way that they were all tied together into this collection by the powerful inspiration of music, was so clever.
Each story holds a special place in my heart, as in some cases, it is the first time that I have delved into that genre of fiction, and I can think of no better way to have entered these universe than through the talent of these four authors.
To Ride the Wind Dancing by Michael S. Manz, was a really intriguing read that introduced me to a new style of writing that I’m already hungering to read more of. At first the style surprised me, but as I continued on I adored the way that the author only spent words on the necessities which made my imagination work all the harder. It also made me feel as though I was part of the story, as I wasn’t constantly bombarded by scientific terms (which my A-Level Biology teacher will tell you would have me running in the opposite direction), and felt as though the setting of the story was my own, and not altered by too much description. I loved the two main characters, and was excited to read that this may not be the end for these two amazing individuals (and that hint of romance? Perfect. Subtle, but grin inducing!)
Having read Michael Wombat’s works in previous anthologies, I knew that the two stories he composed for this collection was worth getting excited about. ‘Blood on the Ground’ is my first forage into an almost Country and Western style of genre, and with the way that the prose just flowed so naturally, I was hooked immediately. I really admire how this author is able to bring me to feel for characters that I have only known for a few pages. My heart was stolen by Rence’s horse Red, and I loved the adventure they took, and am not ashamed to admit that I sobbed for Red at the end of the story (He was just so lovely, OK?)
Michael Wombat’s second addition was the amazing ‘Moth Girl vs. The Bats’. Wow, just wow! I sped through this story, so engrossed in it that I forgot about the outside world. I’ve heard of the growing Steampunk genre, and love the whole concept, but had yet to delve into reading it. I can safely say I am now addicted! This story was so clever, and Michael so wonderfully entwined all the components of the story, leaving me desperate for more. It was honestly a masterpiece, and Michael Wombat should be known as a Literary Genius!
The more emotional of this collection came in the form of Michael A. Walker and Marissa Ames’ stories. I had read ‘Darrion’ by Marissa Ames previously, but this didn’t stop me from re-reading this story again. I just adore everything about it. The meaning behind the story, the heartbreak, the fear, the fantasy element woven throughout subtly, yet meaningful is just stunning. To see the review I wrote for Darrion previously, see here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Michael A. Walker’s talent with words had me sobbing through his stories. In the shortest of stories, he is able to have me so connected to his characters that I feel bereft to leave them as I finish the story. Michael’s devotion to his characters just seeps through the page with how he presents them and tells their stories. In ‘Stella’ we see an old woman who cannot remember who the man dying in the room by her is, despite them having been married for over sixty years. Her story managed to be heart-warming, even as my heart ached for the couple who had so many years together and were finally being pulled apart by age and illness. The flashback to Stella’s life growing up, and her courtship and marriage to Walter, the dedication they showed throughout their life was so beautiful, and made the realisation that Stella was suffering from Alzheimer’s all the more heartbreaking. Fans of ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks would love this story with the same intensity that I did.
Lastly, but by no means least, Michael A. Walker presented another absolutely beautiful, poignant, heart-breaking piece called ‘Light On’. Laura was an absolute inspiration. The devotion she showed for her husband who had been named ‘Missing in Action’ for a year after fighting in Afghanistan. This story shows the harsh reality of the pain that those who are left behind feel when their loved ones are named casualties of war. ‘Light On’ just set alight every emotion in me, and I wished more than anything for a happy ending that I knew in my heart could never be. The fantasy elements interwoven in the final scenes was perfectly done, and had my heart beating hard and tears growing in my eyes. This story holds a very special place in my heart, and I know that this will be one that I will re-read again and again.
This collection was absolutely breathtaking, and has introduced me to some new genres I wasn’t overly familiar with, and showed the extraordinary range of writing styles that all bring their own meaning to a story. I’ve also discovered some new songs and artists and reminds me of the power of music as inspiration.
5 Stars!
March 17, 2014
The most tightly themed anthology may still be little more than an excuse to combine tales that sit uneasily together. When the theme is as loose as a joint inspiration in music (and not in a single song, or in the songs of a specific group, but in a half dozen unconnected songs) there is some risk that the final collection will be a very mixed bag indeed. In some respects Soul of the Universe is that very mixed bag – brainships and mediaeval fantasy, a western, emotional dramas, the hybrid child of steampunk and a Saturday matinee – but I think one of the very best features of any anthology is that it can lead you into reading authors, even genres, you would never otherwise have considered.
The bond between these stories, in any case, is not really the stated theme, interesting though the leap from music to fiction is. The Anthology Club doesn’t aim for exclusivity, far from it, but by the nature of small beginnings this first collection has been produced by authors who are known to one another, and who share a mutual esteem. I don’t mean that this relationship gives the collection any specific shared quality, but they are, in some indefinable way, thinking on the same wavelength. If you know and love one of these authors, trust their judgement and allow them to introduce you to another three writers they respect.
And if you don’t know any of these authors, then you’re missing out.
Missing out on Michael S. Manz’s use of breath-taking scale and scope to frame and highlight a delicate, intimate tale.
On Michael Wombat’s narrative drive and his pitch perfect evocation of time and place.
On Michael A. Walker’s emotional punch and bittersweet imagery.
On Melissa Ames’s vividly imagined world and compelling storytelling.
Does that seem an trifle over-enthusiastic for a four star review? Perhaps, but the fifth star is personal. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of these stories to the right reader ... but I’m not the right reader for all of them. I can, in one or two cases, appreciate their merits but not whole-heartedly adore them. That’s the other side of the coin, I suppose, the curse of the anthology: the risk that however well matched the contributors, one of them may not be really your cup of tea. There is also the matter of a tantalising incompleteness to one of the tales, but that too is a matter of taste. I wish it annoyed me less than it does, and the fault, I suspect, lies with me.
The bond between these stories, in any case, is not really the stated theme, interesting though the leap from music to fiction is. The Anthology Club doesn’t aim for exclusivity, far from it, but by the nature of small beginnings this first collection has been produced by authors who are known to one another, and who share a mutual esteem. I don’t mean that this relationship gives the collection any specific shared quality, but they are, in some indefinable way, thinking on the same wavelength. If you know and love one of these authors, trust their judgement and allow them to introduce you to another three writers they respect.
And if you don’t know any of these authors, then you’re missing out.
Missing out on Michael S. Manz’s use of breath-taking scale and scope to frame and highlight a delicate, intimate tale.
On Michael Wombat’s narrative drive and his pitch perfect evocation of time and place.
On Michael A. Walker’s emotional punch and bittersweet imagery.
On Melissa Ames’s vividly imagined world and compelling storytelling.
Does that seem an trifle over-enthusiastic for a four star review? Perhaps, but the fifth star is personal. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of these stories to the right reader ... but I’m not the right reader for all of them. I can, in one or two cases, appreciate their merits but not whole-heartedly adore them. That’s the other side of the coin, I suppose, the curse of the anthology: the risk that however well matched the contributors, one of them may not be really your cup of tea. There is also the matter of a tantalising incompleteness to one of the tales, but that too is a matter of taste. I wish it annoyed me less than it does, and the fault, I suspect, lies with me.
April 11, 2014
A delightful pile of glorious short stories, with something for all tastes
November 23, 2015
Six strong tales, inspired by music…
I’ve read several of the authors in this anthology before, so I knew the stories would be of a high calibre, and I wasn’t disappointed.
To Ride the Wind Dancing: This story, from Michael S. Manz, held its secret well as it began and I was delighted as realisation gathered momentum. I found my intrigue piqued and a tale of an unusual relationship blossomed, leaving me wanting more, much more!
Blood on the ground: Michael Wombat’s humour is familiar to me, and he gives us a rocking good tale with a real chancer who took one too many! Great description took me right out into the American wilds and the dark night of terror...
Stella: Michael A. Walker made me weep. The issues within this story resonated and touch my own life deeply, and the raw beauty and honesty in this tale took me to a fragile place. Written both assuredly and compassionately, it’s a story that will stay with you.
Darrion: Already a fan of Marissa Ames, meant I'd reviewed Darrion before...and it's a tale that hits you in the gut and will enthral you right from the very first sentence. The author shows fantastic world building and description in such a short and haunting tale.
Light On: Another heartfelt piece from an author, Michael A. Walker, from whom I want to read more.
Moth Girl vs the Bats: Michael Wombat’s writing is evocative and definitely brings out a comic book feel, think Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Powerful and fantastical description will pull you into Moth Girl's predicament, and you'll be wincing in pain as Steampunk creatures and critters show up...
This is a superior collection of stories and I urge you to read them!
I’ve read several of the authors in this anthology before, so I knew the stories would be of a high calibre, and I wasn’t disappointed.
To Ride the Wind Dancing: This story, from Michael S. Manz, held its secret well as it began and I was delighted as realisation gathered momentum. I found my intrigue piqued and a tale of an unusual relationship blossomed, leaving me wanting more, much more!
Blood on the ground: Michael Wombat’s humour is familiar to me, and he gives us a rocking good tale with a real chancer who took one too many! Great description took me right out into the American wilds and the dark night of terror...
Stella: Michael A. Walker made me weep. The issues within this story resonated and touch my own life deeply, and the raw beauty and honesty in this tale took me to a fragile place. Written both assuredly and compassionately, it’s a story that will stay with you.
Darrion: Already a fan of Marissa Ames, meant I'd reviewed Darrion before...and it's a tale that hits you in the gut and will enthral you right from the very first sentence. The author shows fantastic world building and description in such a short and haunting tale.
Light On: Another heartfelt piece from an author, Michael A. Walker, from whom I want to read more.
Moth Girl vs the Bats: Michael Wombat’s writing is evocative and definitely brings out a comic book feel, think Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Powerful and fantastical description will pull you into Moth Girl's predicament, and you'll be wincing in pain as Steampunk creatures and critters show up...
This is a superior collection of stories and I urge you to read them!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews