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Fight Like A Girl - Volume 2
The first volume of Fight Like A Girl was produced in response to accusations that stories of women warriors were somehow unrealistic and anachronistic. Sadly the need to counter such narratives still exists, but with this new volume we have also sought to broaden the types of women in the stories, and the ways in which they fight. In this book you will find a variety of science fiction and fantasy stories by top women writers. The heroines will face down adversity in many different ways and show what it is like to Fight Like A Girl.
Featuring stories by Danie Ware, Gaie Sebold, Dolly Garland, Cheryl Morgan, Juliet E McKenna, Anna Smith Spark, K R Green, Julia Hawkes Reed, K T Davies, S Naomi Scott & Lou Morgan, plus an introduction by Charlotte Bond
Featuring stories by Danie Ware, Gaie Sebold, Dolly Garland, Cheryl Morgan, Juliet E McKenna, Anna Smith Spark, K R Green, Julia Hawkes Reed, K T Davies, S Naomi Scott & Lou Morgan, plus an introduction by Charlotte Bond
316 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2024
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November 22, 2024A strong anthology of SFF about women (cis and trans) who fight in their own ways, whether with magic, cunning, or force of arms. Definitely doesn't fall into the trap of only depicting soft power, or decreeing that all women have marvellous emotional intelligence--there are some fantastic stories about those things but the whole point is that girls fight in many different ways.
Standouts for me: 'Ambition's Engine' by Gaie Sebold, which has a man as the protagonist and sole point of view, with a couple of unimportant disregarded women in the supporting cast of his life. Fabulously done. 'Civil War' by Juliet McKenna, about political wrangling when the king is dying without a male heir. 'Lady Cona' by Anna Smith Spark with a 'war bitch' who simply refuses to play by any of the rules.
Standouts for me: 'Ambition's Engine' by Gaie Sebold, which has a man as the protagonist and sole point of view, with a couple of unimportant disregarded women in the supporting cast of his life. Fabulously done. 'Civil War' by Juliet McKenna, about political wrangling when the king is dying without a male heir. 'Lady Cona' by Anna Smith Spark with a 'war bitch' who simply refuses to play by any of the rules.
November 22, 2024
What? Of course I'm giving it five stars. But not because I'm in it.
A follow on to the 2017 award nominated Fight Like A Girl, this collection of eleven short stories showcases some of the finest women authors in the SFF field today. Out on 21 November 2024.
A follow on to the 2017 award nominated Fight Like A Girl, this collection of eleven short stories showcases some of the finest women authors in the SFF field today. Out on 21 November 2024.
March 27, 2025
Funny things, anthologies. Were they ever as popular as they are now? Arguably, the form has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and rightly so. This format is the ideal vehicle to explore ideas around a highly nuanced theme, and goodness knows there are many important topics that should be at the forefront of our attention as genre readers and human beings. Fight Like A Girl, Volume 2 is a superb example of the breadth and variety of superbly entertaining fiction that can be achieved by bringing writers together around a single, poetically-succinct yet richly diverse concept.
(Read my full review, upcoming soon on the British Fantasy Society website.)
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/all-reviews/
(Don't know about you, but I like to dip in an out of an anthology, which is the explanation for my apparently extended reading time for this book. The need to savour an enjoyable text was another factor!)
(Read my full review, upcoming soon on the British Fantasy Society website.)
https://britishfantasysociety.org/blog/all-reviews/
(Don't know about you, but I like to dip in an out of an anthology, which is the explanation for my apparently extended reading time for this book. The need to savour an enjoyable text was another factor!)
October 27, 2024
An excellent, engaging anthology!
December 13, 2024
Total rating: 4 🌕🌕🌕🌕
I was told when I was given an advanced copy of FLAG 2 by Wizards Tower Press that I didn't have to thank them as it was a gift, but I was raised to thank people for my gifts and man, did I enjoy reading this gift to the fullest.
I have to admit, I haven't read the first FLAG book and I only picked up this one as I have a friend who has a story inside, but I always offer an honest review and that is what I'm going to do now.
Firstly, an overall review of the book. It was incredible, to say the least. The editors made sure to include absolutely EVERYTHING, from the younger and older generation of main characters to trans representation as well. There was also such a broad range of Sci-fi and Fantasy stories involved, with no two stories being the same. It truly gave you a different experience at each chapter. If I hadn't picked this book up to read it at such a busy point in my life, I would have finished it a lot quicker than the week it took me. I instead made it a lil bedtime story for myself, and it would be a soothing end to the day.
From the Foreword from Roz and Jo I was hooked, their words regarding the stigma around women in media still existing and the way FLAG 1 inspired so many people was exactly the type of foreword that really gets you hyped up. I know I, for one, was basically vibrating with excitement by the end of it.
For this Foreword to immediately be followed by such a powerful introduction by Charlotte, speaking out about the slow progress of equality and the current role models in social media we have for people to look up to. If I wasn't already giddy from just the words from Roz and Jo then Charlottes introduction definitely pushes you to read on, eager to take in what comes next.
The God of Lost Things Or Ethel, Dragonslayer - Danie Ware
The first story in the anthology is a story about a widowed older woman in England who has an ability to communicate with spirits, immediately flipping you away from the younger female heroine stereotype. You connect extremely well with the story, feeling like there is so much condensed into such a short frame while barely being able to put it down until you reach the end even as it all takes place within an hour of reading. I loved following this story, the whole premise and the way the fight takes place being so cleverly done, it was definitely the correct choice to be the first story within the book.
Ambition's Engine - Gaie Sebold
When I first started this story, I was slightly confused I'll admit, as we follow the life of a snobby man who seems to want the world to be handed to him on a silver platter. That is, until we are introduced to the feeble hairdresser, and slowly everything begins to take shape. I really enjoyed this story, feeling especially satisfied when those who fought for so long finally set their plan into motion, the cleverness of the schemes being incredible.
A Human Response - Dolly Garland
This story takes us into an apocalypse style setting, following a young women who uses the training she was given by her father to go try and stop the apocalypse. The way this story goes through the setting and background, following the young woman and leading you through why everything happens is incredibly clever, with the reveal and twists at the end drawing me in making me read with bated breath right until the end of the story. This story feels like it has the potential to be a mini movie to me, one that I would definitely enjoy watching.
More Trouble Than She's Worth? - Cheryl Morgan
This is a story that takes place in space, Amazonian warriors who are in a battle against a different race while caring for a hostage they have taken. This is also the first story with disability representation, one character losing a limb and having to learn to use a prosthetic in a short time frame. This story portrays how women are treated differently in different societies still, with one of the main characters appearing trans and therefore being accepted by the Amazonians and the struggles they can face because of this due to the stigma in other races. I adore the message and how strong willed every woman in this story was, all of them supporting each other no matter if they are friend or foe.
Civil War - Juliet E McKenna
This story is one where a kingdom grow to believe that their king is dying based on the rumours of servants, and must work out whether they are willing to have a female successor after years of only male heirs or whether to pass the crown onto the next eligible heir such as a nephew or cousin to keep the original agreement. I love the way this story goes through how quickly rumours can spread, portraying the pros and cons of allowing a female heir to the throne rather than handing the crown to someone just because there are no male heirs. This is another tale with a plot twist in the end, one that had me laughing at the realisation and at how smart it was. I have to say, this is possibly one of my favourites in the anthology.
Lady Cona - Anna Smith Spark
This is a story of a warrior princess who is taking the battle into it's final hurdle, and the second story to delve into disabled representation. The way that Lady Cona is written herself was incredible, her ability to lead despite her weaknesses and her true strength shining through when she was provided the aids to allow her to join the fight, it's something I adore. I've always loved the way Anna writes her battle scenes, drawing you into the fight, and this was no exception, with the story keeping me engrossed while also enjoying it to the point of laughter at times. Definitely another favourite from the anthology.
Ready for Combat - K R Green
This story tackles the issues of gay rights protests, as a group of women in a magical circlet try to bring them down while seeking out anyone who may also be struggling with hidden power. I have to admit, this one I couldn't quite grow to love as much as the other stories, and I believe it may be because there wasn't enough time to tell how much story Green wanted to tell. I loved the message that she pushed for, about how trans women and men are born with the powers of the genders they choose to identify as not as the ones their original biology enforces, and even those who are unsure of their identity can unlock their own potential. I believe with a longer story and more room to play with, I may have enjoyed this a lot more.
We Have Always Been Here - Julia Hawkes-Reed
This is a fun story where a newly out trans woman gets a job in a haunted office, using science to communicate with them and help solve some issues they are having on base with alien entities. I love how silly this story is, tackling the difficulties with coming out later in life while managing to make it fun, even adding in enough points to add laughter into the story. This is another where I would be happy to watch is as a mini movie, I believe it would be very fun to watch it unravel.
The Seamstress, The Hound, The Cook, and her Brother - K T Davies
This story follows 4 different characters in a sequence of events, with their paths intertwining from beginning right through to the end. I love how with such a short story, Davies manages to portray 3 different variations of women who are all strong in their own way, with all of them leading up to the finale within the group and having their own weaknesses which they need to overcome. Although I have to admit, there is 1 character who I do not like and wish he had his own consequences.
A Way Out - S Naomi Scott
This is a story about a girl who gave herself up with the promise of freedom, only to wonder if what she's fighting for is worth it. This story really rounds out the book, bringing in the idea of a sentient spacecraft after a girl allows herself to become a cyborg warcraft to escape her past. The premise of the story is fascinating, jumping between the present situation and how the girl got herself into the predicament she was in, while showing that it truly is in every form that women can hold strong and fight.
Amplify - Lou Morgan
The final story in the anthology is one about an Enclave being the last one standing, with their commander needing to take the lead in an oncoming attack. This story is such a strong choice for the final one, broaching on the risks the commander must take as she has to orchestrate their attack and defence based on analysis and strategy sent to them by another Enclave and a single word said in a final transmission. I believe they couldn't have chosen a better story for the ending of the anthology.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this anthology more highly, and I encourage everyone to preorder it if they are able to. All links can be found on the Wizards Tower Press page below!
https://wizardstowerpress.com/books-2...
I was told when I was given an advanced copy of FLAG 2 by Wizards Tower Press that I didn't have to thank them as it was a gift, but I was raised to thank people for my gifts and man, did I enjoy reading this gift to the fullest.
I have to admit, I haven't read the first FLAG book and I only picked up this one as I have a friend who has a story inside, but I always offer an honest review and that is what I'm going to do now.
Firstly, an overall review of the book. It was incredible, to say the least. The editors made sure to include absolutely EVERYTHING, from the younger and older generation of main characters to trans representation as well. There was also such a broad range of Sci-fi and Fantasy stories involved, with no two stories being the same. It truly gave you a different experience at each chapter. If I hadn't picked this book up to read it at such a busy point in my life, I would have finished it a lot quicker than the week it took me. I instead made it a lil bedtime story for myself, and it would be a soothing end to the day.
From the Foreword from Roz and Jo I was hooked, their words regarding the stigma around women in media still existing and the way FLAG 1 inspired so many people was exactly the type of foreword that really gets you hyped up. I know I, for one, was basically vibrating with excitement by the end of it.
For this Foreword to immediately be followed by such a powerful introduction by Charlotte, speaking out about the slow progress of equality and the current role models in social media we have for people to look up to. If I wasn't already giddy from just the words from Roz and Jo then Charlottes introduction definitely pushes you to read on, eager to take in what comes next.
The God of Lost Things Or Ethel, Dragonslayer - Danie Ware
The first story in the anthology is a story about a widowed older woman in England who has an ability to communicate with spirits, immediately flipping you away from the younger female heroine stereotype. You connect extremely well with the story, feeling like there is so much condensed into such a short frame while barely being able to put it down until you reach the end even as it all takes place within an hour of reading. I loved following this story, the whole premise and the way the fight takes place being so cleverly done, it was definitely the correct choice to be the first story within the book.
Ambition's Engine - Gaie Sebold
When I first started this story, I was slightly confused I'll admit, as we follow the life of a snobby man who seems to want the world to be handed to him on a silver platter. That is, until we are introduced to the feeble hairdresser, and slowly everything begins to take shape. I really enjoyed this story, feeling especially satisfied when those who fought for so long finally set their plan into motion, the cleverness of the schemes being incredible.
A Human Response - Dolly Garland
This story takes us into an apocalypse style setting, following a young women who uses the training she was given by her father to go try and stop the apocalypse. The way this story goes through the setting and background, following the young woman and leading you through why everything happens is incredibly clever, with the reveal and twists at the end drawing me in making me read with bated breath right until the end of the story. This story feels like it has the potential to be a mini movie to me, one that I would definitely enjoy watching.
More Trouble Than She's Worth? - Cheryl Morgan
This is a story that takes place in space, Amazonian warriors who are in a battle against a different race while caring for a hostage they have taken. This is also the first story with disability representation, one character losing a limb and having to learn to use a prosthetic in a short time frame. This story portrays how women are treated differently in different societies still, with one of the main characters appearing trans and therefore being accepted by the Amazonians and the struggles they can face because of this due to the stigma in other races. I adore the message and how strong willed every woman in this story was, all of them supporting each other no matter if they are friend or foe.
Civil War - Juliet E McKenna
This story is one where a kingdom grow to believe that their king is dying based on the rumours of servants, and must work out whether they are willing to have a female successor after years of only male heirs or whether to pass the crown onto the next eligible heir such as a nephew or cousin to keep the original agreement. I love the way this story goes through how quickly rumours can spread, portraying the pros and cons of allowing a female heir to the throne rather than handing the crown to someone just because there are no male heirs. This is another tale with a plot twist in the end, one that had me laughing at the realisation and at how smart it was. I have to say, this is possibly one of my favourites in the anthology.
Lady Cona - Anna Smith Spark
This is a story of a warrior princess who is taking the battle into it's final hurdle, and the second story to delve into disabled representation. The way that Lady Cona is written herself was incredible, her ability to lead despite her weaknesses and her true strength shining through when she was provided the aids to allow her to join the fight, it's something I adore. I've always loved the way Anna writes her battle scenes, drawing you into the fight, and this was no exception, with the story keeping me engrossed while also enjoying it to the point of laughter at times. Definitely another favourite from the anthology.
Ready for Combat - K R Green
This story tackles the issues of gay rights protests, as a group of women in a magical circlet try to bring them down while seeking out anyone who may also be struggling with hidden power. I have to admit, this one I couldn't quite grow to love as much as the other stories, and I believe it may be because there wasn't enough time to tell how much story Green wanted to tell. I loved the message that she pushed for, about how trans women and men are born with the powers of the genders they choose to identify as not as the ones their original biology enforces, and even those who are unsure of their identity can unlock their own potential. I believe with a longer story and more room to play with, I may have enjoyed this a lot more.
We Have Always Been Here - Julia Hawkes-Reed
This is a fun story where a newly out trans woman gets a job in a haunted office, using science to communicate with them and help solve some issues they are having on base with alien entities. I love how silly this story is, tackling the difficulties with coming out later in life while managing to make it fun, even adding in enough points to add laughter into the story. This is another where I would be happy to watch is as a mini movie, I believe it would be very fun to watch it unravel.
The Seamstress, The Hound, The Cook, and her Brother - K T Davies
This story follows 4 different characters in a sequence of events, with their paths intertwining from beginning right through to the end. I love how with such a short story, Davies manages to portray 3 different variations of women who are all strong in their own way, with all of them leading up to the finale within the group and having their own weaknesses which they need to overcome. Although I have to admit, there is 1 character who I do not like and wish he had his own consequences.
A Way Out - S Naomi Scott
This is a story about a girl who gave herself up with the promise of freedom, only to wonder if what she's fighting for is worth it. This story really rounds out the book, bringing in the idea of a sentient spacecraft after a girl allows herself to become a cyborg warcraft to escape her past. The premise of the story is fascinating, jumping between the present situation and how the girl got herself into the predicament she was in, while showing that it truly is in every form that women can hold strong and fight.
Amplify - Lou Morgan
The final story in the anthology is one about an Enclave being the last one standing, with their commander needing to take the lead in an oncoming attack. This story is such a strong choice for the final one, broaching on the risks the commander must take as she has to orchestrate their attack and defence based on analysis and strategy sent to them by another Enclave and a single word said in a final transmission. I believe they couldn't have chosen a better story for the ending of the anthology.
Overall, I couldn't recommend this anthology more highly, and I encourage everyone to preorder it if they are able to. All links can be found on the Wizards Tower Press page below!
https://wizardstowerpress.com/books-2...
December 26, 2024
Overall a well deserved five stars for this anthology that highlights both new and established writers. I'm still reviewing individual stories for the Fantasy Faction website, so will update this review when done.
November 4, 2024
I’ve been really looking forward to reading this, partly because the theme is awesome, and partly because I am a fan of some of the writers. There’s a lot of crap going on in the world, and in my world, so I’ve been struggling to read a lot for fun, but this cut through all of that with its energy and fun. So far, I’ve loved especially Dolly Garland’s ‘A Human Response’, which (trying not to spoil anything) managed to be relentlessly entertaining, Juliet E. McKenna’s guild women and Cheryl Morgan’s space ship and joyous Amazons. Such an optimistic, ferocious collection of women kicking ass, and saving the day – I’m really trying to pace myself reading because it’s so uplifting and some days (quite a lot of days) that’s really what I need. I also really adored that there was such a variety of women - as a middle-aged woman, I appreciated the representation, and as a queer woman, I loved the queer fighters too. Hurrah and huge congratulations to everyone involved.
December 31, 2024
Way more hits than misses in this antho
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews