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Anomic Bombs: Five Sci-Fi Tales of Organisms Not Quite Fitting In
"A treasure trove for fans of otherworldly adventures." Epic Indie
Do you fit in? Me neither. I wrote these stories for weirdos like you and me.
A messed up kid keeps a mightily upset alien prisoner in his barn. Carnage ensues.
A hunter pairs up with a mysterious girl to track down a terrifying humanoid predator. Carnage ensues.
Aliens commandeer the body of the wrong Taylor Swift. Carnage ensues.
A marshmallow toasting fork turns out to be a sacred relic of an alien empire. Carnage ensues.
You get the idea.
One of these short stories isn’t very short, but I included it anyway. Because it doesn't fit in.
Do you fit in? Me neither. I wrote these stories for weirdos like you and me.
A messed up kid keeps a mightily upset alien prisoner in his barn. Carnage ensues.
A hunter pairs up with a mysterious girl to track down a terrifying humanoid predator. Carnage ensues.
Aliens commandeer the body of the wrong Taylor Swift. Carnage ensues.
A marshmallow toasting fork turns out to be a sacred relic of an alien empire. Carnage ensues.
You get the idea.
One of these short stories isn’t very short, but I included it anyway. Because it doesn't fit in.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Norford
3 books20 followersThomas Norford is a purveyor of the finest organic science-fiction made from only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. He has three books to get your reading gear around: The Starved God, a far future philosophical adventure with plenty of gore; Anomic Bombs, a collection of far-out tales about creatures which don't fit in; and his second novel, This Burdened Clay, a sci-fi horror tale set in contemporary Britain. Look out for Thomas's new novel, The Hogman's Homunculi and the Angelwing Massacre, coming early 2026. Readers of Anomic Bombs may be pleased to know that this is set in the same universe as The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale. Thomas survives in Northamptonshire with various humans and other animals.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 4, 2024
If you've read Thomas Norford's work before, you know that he is capable of creating intricately detailed and absorbing worlds. His writing is definitely a delightful feast for fantasy and sci-fi readers, and those two genres are flawlessly blended in these stories (which are more like four short stories and one short novel). But wait… there is also plenty of horror in these pages, too. Love and Other Bioweapons has a rather shocking, grotesque ending that had the horror fan in me cheering. And my favorite tale of the bunch, Lamia, was like a sci fi psychological thriller… is the boy insane? What does he have in store for the alien in his barn? Is it really worse than big-brother-type powers-that-be in the world Norford created for the story? So that was definitely one I couldn’t put down. Also, I didn’t have to wait for the last story, Child of Destiny, about the alien possession of pop singer Taylor Swift for a few laughs. All of Norford’s stories are peppered with wry humor and on-point sarcasm. Loved it. Highly recommend this collection. Go read this and his other really cool book The Starved God.
April 27, 2025
Anomic Bombs makes for a textured, carefully drawn melting pot comprising graphic horror, aliens, and plant-life, yielding a work that brims with colour and at times, humour. The five stories are spritely paced, inhabited by convincing characters, who are fully developed and satisfyingly closed: in short, I’m a happy customer. Four are short stories, with the addition of one novella. I would highly recommend the book to fans of sci-fi/horror. who are not adverse to a sprinkling of dark humour thrown in: five stars.
February 1, 2026
3/5 STARS! I’m really trying to break into sci-fi more often & this audiobook was enjoyable & easy to dive into for a newbie. 5 unique short stories filled with different characters and worlds. I had fun with it & enjoyed it for what it was.
April 1, 2025
Inventive and unique, not your usual sci-fi fluff!
Here is a nice collection of four short sci-fi stories and a novella that should delight more intelligent fans of the genre.
“Anomic Bombs – Five Sci-Fi Tales of Organisms Not Quite Fitting In” by Thomas Norford is a well-crafted group of tales that reach high technical quality, mixing sci-fi with horror and fantasy and featuring superb world-building, all delivered via economical writing.
Author Norford creates a wide range of strong, believable (and at time, oddball) characters operating within captivating alien worlds. He deftly tosses readers deep into the mix, right from the get-go, trusting we will be able to quickly comprehend each world’s structure and rules and follow along.
My favorite tale was the first, one written totally from the perspective of an insectoid civilization, where communication is via touch and taste, and values are determined by social positioning (drones vs queens, etc.). If that sounds quirky and even a bit weird, well that’s because it is . . . and is what makes his stories great fun.
One suspects the author may have once been an entomologist or scientist of some other stripe, or else did yeoman’s research before writing these stories.
To capsulize them, we have life and death in an insect-like world; a child taking an alien prisoner; a hunter and a mysterious, alluring girl who team up to track down a predator; a pop star who is subjected to a botched alien abduction; and how a campfire tool becomes a sacred relic for an alien empire.
I must admit that I preferred the short stories in this book to the novella, and was impressed by how quickly Norford was able to transport and immerse the reader in his strange new worlds filled with robots, insectoid aliens, monsters and the like. The varying tones he used in recounting these stories was also impressive . . . from dense and emotionless for the insect world tale to funny and glib for the one revolving around the botched abduction of earth’s number one pop star, mistaken by aliens for the planet’s leader.
Recommended!
Here is a nice collection of four short sci-fi stories and a novella that should delight more intelligent fans of the genre.
“Anomic Bombs – Five Sci-Fi Tales of Organisms Not Quite Fitting In” by Thomas Norford is a well-crafted group of tales that reach high technical quality, mixing sci-fi with horror and fantasy and featuring superb world-building, all delivered via economical writing.
Author Norford creates a wide range of strong, believable (and at time, oddball) characters operating within captivating alien worlds. He deftly tosses readers deep into the mix, right from the get-go, trusting we will be able to quickly comprehend each world’s structure and rules and follow along.
My favorite tale was the first, one written totally from the perspective of an insectoid civilization, where communication is via touch and taste, and values are determined by social positioning (drones vs queens, etc.). If that sounds quirky and even a bit weird, well that’s because it is . . . and is what makes his stories great fun.
One suspects the author may have once been an entomologist or scientist of some other stripe, or else did yeoman’s research before writing these stories.
To capsulize them, we have life and death in an insect-like world; a child taking an alien prisoner; a hunter and a mysterious, alluring girl who team up to track down a predator; a pop star who is subjected to a botched alien abduction; and how a campfire tool becomes a sacred relic for an alien empire.
I must admit that I preferred the short stories in this book to the novella, and was impressed by how quickly Norford was able to transport and immerse the reader in his strange new worlds filled with robots, insectoid aliens, monsters and the like. The varying tones he used in recounting these stories was also impressive . . . from dense and emotionless for the insect world tale to funny and glib for the one revolving around the botched abduction of earth’s number one pop star, mistaken by aliens for the planet’s leader.
Recommended!
November 28, 2024
Anomic Bombs was well-written, with intriguing species featured in each story. However, aside from the second story, it wasn't quite my cup of sci-fi tea.
November 6, 2024
If you're on the hunt for an eclectic mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and a splash of horror, Anomic Bombs by Thomas Norford might just be your next read. Norford has a remarkable talent for conjuring worlds that are as alien as they are engaging, making this collection a treasure trove for fans of otherworldly adventures.
The collection opens with “Love and Other Bioweapons,” a story entirely from an alien perspective. Norford's knack for depicting alien cultures and mindsets is evident here, as he explores a deeply strange but curiously relatable alien society. This first story sets the tone for the rest of the collection, teasing readers with inventive ideas and memorable characters.
The standout tale for me was “The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale,” a classic hero’s journey that takes readers on a madcap adventure through a world crammed with alien creatures, ferocious monsters, and wily robots. This story’s humour and winks at the reader are spot-on. Norford’s wit shines here, delivering sly jokes that balance the intensity of the action. Hissaq and Tavian, the protagonists, feel like old friends by the end, and their tale lingered with me long after I’d turned the final page.
Norford doesn’t just stick to new territory, though. For those familiar with his earlier work, “Scourge of the Unblessed” offers a return to the universe of The Starved God. There’s a rewarding sense of continuity here, deepening the experience for returning readers without alienating newcomers.
As with any good short story collection, there’s something for everyone, from psychological sci-fi horror in “Lamia” to the sheer absurdity of “Child of Destiny,” which throws in a pop star with alien possession for good measure. Each story stands out on its own, but together, they create a multifaceted experience that feels both fresh and timeless.
Anomic Bombs delivers a vibrant, wryly humorous, and occasionally chilling ride through realms only Norford could dream up. Highly recommended!
The collection opens with “Love and Other Bioweapons,” a story entirely from an alien perspective. Norford's knack for depicting alien cultures and mindsets is evident here, as he explores a deeply strange but curiously relatable alien society. This first story sets the tone for the rest of the collection, teasing readers with inventive ideas and memorable characters.
The standout tale for me was “The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale,” a classic hero’s journey that takes readers on a madcap adventure through a world crammed with alien creatures, ferocious monsters, and wily robots. This story’s humour and winks at the reader are spot-on. Norford’s wit shines here, delivering sly jokes that balance the intensity of the action. Hissaq and Tavian, the protagonists, feel like old friends by the end, and their tale lingered with me long after I’d turned the final page.
Norford doesn’t just stick to new territory, though. For those familiar with his earlier work, “Scourge of the Unblessed” offers a return to the universe of The Starved God. There’s a rewarding sense of continuity here, deepening the experience for returning readers without alienating newcomers.
As with any good short story collection, there’s something for everyone, from psychological sci-fi horror in “Lamia” to the sheer absurdity of “Child of Destiny,” which throws in a pop star with alien possession for good measure. Each story stands out on its own, but together, they create a multifaceted experience that feels both fresh and timeless.
Anomic Bombs delivers a vibrant, wryly humorous, and occasionally chilling ride through realms only Norford could dream up. Highly recommended!
October 17, 2024
Wow! Seriously, wow! I haven’t come across such a brilliant collection of stories in a long time. How is Mr Norford undiscovered?
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
‘Anomic bombs’ is a collection of sci-fi (esque) stories, comprising four short stories, and a longer novelette, cast as ‘tales of organisms not quite fitting in’. Let’s take the latter first: ‘The Sacred Furcula…’ is a tale of strange humans and aliens co-habiting a planet, and turns into an absurdist buddy story as two mismatched heroes quest through a bizarre world of aliens, cats, massive hogs and demented robots in search of the titular ‘furcula’ (needed as a gift to save the world’s humans). It’s a hilarious tale, and reminded me strongly of Jack Vance in its levels of absurdity. And given Vance is one of my all-time favourite authors, well, Mr Norford’s five stars were in the bag irrespective of the quality of his other tales. But never fear: as it turns out, the other tales are brilliant, too: vibrant, imaginative, and in places filled with horror and gore (and more hilarity in the final story, ‘Child of Destiny’ - is there nothing the author can’t deliver?). The simple fact is, Norford is a hugely talented author, with great control of wit, pacing, dialogue, and description, while his self-published book is high quality, too, being superbly edited (I would say indistinguishable from a product of the Big Four, but having just started a book from one of these and found a punctuation error and spelling mistake – ‘horde’ instead of ‘hoard’ – in only the second para, that almost seems an insult).
In sum, this book is ridiculously good, and worth more than the 5 stars I am limited to give. Go and buy this book, and do it now!
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
‘Anomic bombs’ is a collection of sci-fi (esque) stories, comprising four short stories, and a longer novelette, cast as ‘tales of organisms not quite fitting in’. Let’s take the latter first: ‘The Sacred Furcula…’ is a tale of strange humans and aliens co-habiting a planet, and turns into an absurdist buddy story as two mismatched heroes quest through a bizarre world of aliens, cats, massive hogs and demented robots in search of the titular ‘furcula’ (needed as a gift to save the world’s humans). It’s a hilarious tale, and reminded me strongly of Jack Vance in its levels of absurdity. And given Vance is one of my all-time favourite authors, well, Mr Norford’s five stars were in the bag irrespective of the quality of his other tales. But never fear: as it turns out, the other tales are brilliant, too: vibrant, imaginative, and in places filled with horror and gore (and more hilarity in the final story, ‘Child of Destiny’ - is there nothing the author can’t deliver?). The simple fact is, Norford is a hugely talented author, with great control of wit, pacing, dialogue, and description, while his self-published book is high quality, too, being superbly edited (I would say indistinguishable from a product of the Big Four, but having just started a book from one of these and found a punctuation error and spelling mistake – ‘horde’ instead of ‘hoard’ – in only the second para, that almost seems an insult).
In sum, this book is ridiculously good, and worth more than the 5 stars I am limited to give. Go and buy this book, and do it now!
October 19, 2024
What a fun read! I got this book after it was recommended to me by a friend, and I was not disappointed.
All the stories are set in the future (or on some other planet besides earth) and involve creatures that are otherworldly or highly evolved versions of more familiar organisms. The two short tales with social insectoid creatures were the best for me. I especially enjoyed how many of their insect-like behaviors were maintained despite their ability to reason and their advanced technology.
The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale was technically a novella set on another planet. Despite being relatively short in length, the author did an excellent job “building” the world and the complexities of the opposing societies. The characters were well-developed, and the surprising views on pleasure some of the beings held had me laughing out loud.
All in all, this book made me appreciate how other sentient creatures might hold sacred tenets that seem outlandish to the average human, but really are no more ridiculous than the beliefs held by many people. The subtle (and not so subtle) dark humor in the writing was superb.
All the stories are set in the future (or on some other planet besides earth) and involve creatures that are otherworldly or highly evolved versions of more familiar organisms. The two short tales with social insectoid creatures were the best for me. I especially enjoyed how many of their insect-like behaviors were maintained despite their ability to reason and their advanced technology.
The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale was technically a novella set on another planet. Despite being relatively short in length, the author did an excellent job “building” the world and the complexities of the opposing societies. The characters were well-developed, and the surprising views on pleasure some of the beings held had me laughing out loud.
All in all, this book made me appreciate how other sentient creatures might hold sacred tenets that seem outlandish to the average human, but really are no more ridiculous than the beliefs held by many people. The subtle (and not so subtle) dark humor in the writing was superb.
October 28, 2024
A Hidden Gem with Classic Influences and Original Twists
This book, written by an less known author, is a delightful surprise. It features four short stories and one longer story, each showcasing a blend of classic 20th-century literature and science fiction influences. Despite these familiar elements, the author introduces original twists that keep the reader engaged.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its minimalist approach. Many details are intentionally left out, inviting readers to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. The stories begin in the midst of action, without traditional character introductions, which adds to the immersive experience.
For some parts of the book, especially the first story, it helps to have some knowledge of biology vocabulary. Overall, this book is a testament to the author’s creativity and ability to craft engaging narratives with a unique style.
Highly recommended for fans of classic literature and science fiction who enjoy a bit of mystery and imaginative storytelling.
This book, written by an less known author, is a delightful surprise. It features four short stories and one longer story, each showcasing a blend of classic 20th-century literature and science fiction influences. Despite these familiar elements, the author introduces original twists that keep the reader engaged.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its minimalist approach. Many details are intentionally left out, inviting readers to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. The stories begin in the midst of action, without traditional character introductions, which adds to the immersive experience.
For some parts of the book, especially the first story, it helps to have some knowledge of biology vocabulary. Overall, this book is a testament to the author’s creativity and ability to craft engaging narratives with a unique style.
Highly recommended for fans of classic literature and science fiction who enjoy a bit of mystery and imaginative storytelling.
October 28, 2024
“Anomic Bombs” by Thomas Norford is a basically an anthology of sci-fi tales, four short stories and one more comprehensive novella. All have their individual character and convince in their own, unique way. Norford manages to mix the elements of good storytelling: strong characters, in-depth details on the settings, instances of horror, and dark humour. As a reader you get immersed into fascinating realms populated by alien beings and uncanny creatures resembling humans. Each story explores themes that touch onto social critique and alternatives of social organization. One cannot help being reminded – though style and setting vary vastly – of Gulliver’s travels.
Especially enjoyable is the language in which the tales are presented. The author features great craft, plays with subtleties and, and idiomatic expressions, and gives all the characters their own voices. All in all, this is certainly a collection worth being discovered and brought to a broader readership. Recommend!
Especially enjoyable is the language in which the tales are presented. The author features great craft, plays with subtleties and, and idiomatic expressions, and gives all the characters their own voices. All in all, this is certainly a collection worth being discovered and brought to a broader readership. Recommend!
July 19, 2025
Anomic Bombs is a wonderfully weird and cleverly written collection of sci-fi short stories that explores the idea of not quite fitting in, with explosive (and often hilarious) consequences. Thomas Norford obviously has a huge imagination and a gift for blending science fiction, dark humour, bizarre scenarios, and sharp storytelling. Each tale is packed with unexpected twists, offbeat characters, and just the right amount of chaos.
One standout for me was the botched alien body-swap attempt involving Taylor Swift - absurd, smart, and genuinely funny. The stories move fast, pull no punches, and aren’t afraid to get gritty. Even the longer tale that “doesn’t quite fit in” feels right at home in this collection of misfits.
If you enjoy your science fiction with a side of satire and strangeness, Anomic Bombs is well worth the read. It’s fresh, irreverent, and unafraid to blow up convention, quite literally.
One standout for me was the botched alien body-swap attempt involving Taylor Swift - absurd, smart, and genuinely funny. The stories move fast, pull no punches, and aren’t afraid to get gritty. Even the longer tale that “doesn’t quite fit in” feels right at home in this collection of misfits.
If you enjoy your science fiction with a side of satire and strangeness, Anomic Bombs is well worth the read. It’s fresh, irreverent, and unafraid to blow up convention, quite literally.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews