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Forging Freedom: Dimensions
This anthology is for those who appreciate the freedom in our lives. For those who have seen their freedoms stolen and those who see freedom at risk. For those who have sacrificed their time and energies and risked their lives to preserve freedom. Those who believe that humanity has not yet reached its peak, that there is more to the world than we can currently imagine. This anthology is for those who gaze at the stars and wonder.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
268 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 3, 2015
Rating based on average of rating per story.
I am the author of the first story, "Inhuman", so obviously I'm biased towards it. Let me just say: cyborgs, missions programmed directly into the psyche, and the question of humanity. The fact that I am featured in this anthology has no bearing on my review of it as a whole, because as you'll see, I am a very picky reader with certain triggers. Too many of these stories triggered me, but there were some lovely gems in the mix as well. Some are just a matter of taste (for instance, I like action and intrigue in my stories. Too much conversation and politics and my eyes glaze over). That being said, a breakdown of the stories:
"Bringing Home Major Tom" by Leigh Kimmel (4.5 stars)
This story begins with vivid description centering the reader in the setting. I loved the casual equality (race, gender, and LBGTQIA) shown in the story through side elements. The heroine has a way with description and metaphor, I laughed and pumped my fist at some of the things she said. There was a bit of a hiccup in the beginning when the hero states things that no one would organically bring up in a conversation with a stranger. The heroine believes him a little too easily for my taste, and her change of heart is a little too abrupt at the end. But I loved the way the author handled the romance element; the story was too short for her to believably fall in love, so it was left to the imagination.
"The Rainbow Children" by Leo Norman (4.5 stars)
I love science fiction stories that make you think. This story delivers a fascinating take on the solution to eliminating discrimination. The writing was a bit stilted for my tastes, but if you keep in mind that the story is written from the point of view of an 11-year-old, you can immerse yourself in it easily enough.
"Freedom From Perfection" by Hayden Lawrence (2 stars)
This world was an interesting concept. I liked it, but didn't like the callous attitude the characters had toward the genetically engineered humans, it came off as racism which defies the point of this anthology. The writing flows well, but the story mainly takes place in one room, through conversation until the inciting incident near the end. The end wraps up immediate loose ends but leaves too much hanging, in my opinion.
"The Circular Nature of Time" by Hollis Whitlock (5 stars)
I LOVE clones. This story was right up my alley. Intriguing concept, smooth writing, the ending tied it all together. My favourite tale in the anthology.
"Dorn's Act" by Jason J. Sergi (3 stars)
This was very action-oriented, but it left me wanting more. Tell me more about the character, ground me in the world, make me root for the cause. The ending took me completely by surprise.
"A Brief Biography of Baron Otto von Korek (1717-1783)" by Donald J. Bingle (4 stars)
This wasn't quite long enough/developed enough for my tastes. There is a lot of telling and no showing. But the format -- text hidden within text -- trumps that. I love the concept!
"Hope" by Lesley L. Smith (5 stars)
This story flowed well. There was plenty of action and intrigue, not to mention diversity in the cast. The beginning gave too much personal information that had no bearing on the plot, but it swerved away from that quickly, and into a page-turning story.
"The Pathless Skies" by Neil Weston (2 stars)
I admire the author for what he was trying to do here. Interesting concept and world building, great descriptions. The way he tried to write from a hive mind was intriguing, but ultimately left me without a character to connect with.
"Ezra's Prophecy" by Deborah Walker (2 stars)
I want to be able to give this story a better rating because I loved the world, I loved the concept. But it was overwritten -- we meet characters who don't play any bearing in the story, suffer through a routine day. The beginning was slow, but the ending resonates.
"Amnesty Intergalactic" by Douglas W. Texter (1 star, DNF)
My advice: don't read it. The author uses gayphobic language that could have easily been substituted.
"The Last Dragoon" by Charles Kyffhausen (1 star, DNF)
Interesting premise, but the writing is chaotic and confusing. I didn't know if this was near-future science fiction, alternate history, or fantasy. I couldn't figure out what was happening at times. By the time I was introduced to the hero, whose motivations I don't understand (He's suddenly on board with fighting with his life for a future Poland that may no longer share his ideals?) I gave up and closed the story. Someone else may like it.
"The Fourth Poet" by Val Muller (3 stars)
The characters didn't have much personality, but I loved the premise. The writing is smooth. I especially loved the cameo appearance of Ray Bradbury!
"The Witch Toaster" by R. David Fulcher (5 stars)
This is a fantastic story. Fun, lively voice. Full of humour. Entertaining. I smiled the entire way through.
"To Do As You Please" by Paul Cucinotta (1 star, DNF)
My advice: Do not read. Ableist undertones, that the aide is not good enough unless he is whole and unscarred.
"Why Can You Never Escape With Escape?" by A.J. Kirby (1 star)
To be honest, I'm not even sure if this story is speculative fiction. A lot of "water cooler" talk, no action. Someone else may like it.
"Pedestal" by James Hartley (1 star, DNF)
Starts off in 1st person close perspective, jumps to 3rd person close perspective and headhops without warning. Passive voice. Someone else may like it.
"Halfer" by Tracy Doering (1 star, DNF)
My advice: Don't read. Handsome disabled hero turns out to be the handsome disabled villain. Lazy writing, and the heroine can't save herself (apparently for the second time, because this is a sequel to a story in a previous anthology).
I am the author of the first story, "Inhuman", so obviously I'm biased towards it. Let me just say: cyborgs, missions programmed directly into the psyche, and the question of humanity. The fact that I am featured in this anthology has no bearing on my review of it as a whole, because as you'll see, I am a very picky reader with certain triggers. Too many of these stories triggered me, but there were some lovely gems in the mix as well. Some are just a matter of taste (for instance, I like action and intrigue in my stories. Too much conversation and politics and my eyes glaze over). That being said, a breakdown of the stories:
"Bringing Home Major Tom" by Leigh Kimmel (4.5 stars)
This story begins with vivid description centering the reader in the setting. I loved the casual equality (race, gender, and LBGTQIA) shown in the story through side elements. The heroine has a way with description and metaphor, I laughed and pumped my fist at some of the things she said. There was a bit of a hiccup in the beginning when the hero states things that no one would organically bring up in a conversation with a stranger. The heroine believes him a little too easily for my taste, and her change of heart is a little too abrupt at the end. But I loved the way the author handled the romance element; the story was too short for her to believably fall in love, so it was left to the imagination.
"The Rainbow Children" by Leo Norman (4.5 stars)
I love science fiction stories that make you think. This story delivers a fascinating take on the solution to eliminating discrimination. The writing was a bit stilted for my tastes, but if you keep in mind that the story is written from the point of view of an 11-year-old, you can immerse yourself in it easily enough.
"Freedom From Perfection" by Hayden Lawrence (2 stars)
This world was an interesting concept. I liked it, but didn't like the callous attitude the characters had toward the genetically engineered humans, it came off as racism which defies the point of this anthology. The writing flows well, but the story mainly takes place in one room, through conversation until the inciting incident near the end. The end wraps up immediate loose ends but leaves too much hanging, in my opinion.
"The Circular Nature of Time" by Hollis Whitlock (5 stars)
I LOVE clones. This story was right up my alley. Intriguing concept, smooth writing, the ending tied it all together. My favourite tale in the anthology.
"Dorn's Act" by Jason J. Sergi (3 stars)
This was very action-oriented, but it left me wanting more. Tell me more about the character, ground me in the world, make me root for the cause. The ending took me completely by surprise.
"A Brief Biography of Baron Otto von Korek (1717-1783)" by Donald J. Bingle (4 stars)
This wasn't quite long enough/developed enough for my tastes. There is a lot of telling and no showing. But the format -- text hidden within text -- trumps that. I love the concept!
"Hope" by Lesley L. Smith (5 stars)
This story flowed well. There was plenty of action and intrigue, not to mention diversity in the cast. The beginning gave too much personal information that had no bearing on the plot, but it swerved away from that quickly, and into a page-turning story.
"The Pathless Skies" by Neil Weston (2 stars)
I admire the author for what he was trying to do here. Interesting concept and world building, great descriptions. The way he tried to write from a hive mind was intriguing, but ultimately left me without a character to connect with.
"Ezra's Prophecy" by Deborah Walker (2 stars)
I want to be able to give this story a better rating because I loved the world, I loved the concept. But it was overwritten -- we meet characters who don't play any bearing in the story, suffer through a routine day. The beginning was slow, but the ending resonates.
"Amnesty Intergalactic" by Douglas W. Texter (1 star, DNF)
My advice: don't read it. The author uses gayphobic language that could have easily been substituted.
"The Last Dragoon" by Charles Kyffhausen (1 star, DNF)
Interesting premise, but the writing is chaotic and confusing. I didn't know if this was near-future science fiction, alternate history, or fantasy. I couldn't figure out what was happening at times. By the time I was introduced to the hero, whose motivations I don't understand (He's suddenly on board with fighting with his life for a future Poland that may no longer share his ideals?) I gave up and closed the story. Someone else may like it.
"The Fourth Poet" by Val Muller (3 stars)
The characters didn't have much personality, but I loved the premise. The writing is smooth. I especially loved the cameo appearance of Ray Bradbury!
"The Witch Toaster" by R. David Fulcher (5 stars)
This is a fantastic story. Fun, lively voice. Full of humour. Entertaining. I smiled the entire way through.
"To Do As You Please" by Paul Cucinotta (1 star, DNF)
My advice: Do not read. Ableist undertones, that the aide is not good enough unless he is whole and unscarred.
"Why Can You Never Escape With Escape?" by A.J. Kirby (1 star)
To be honest, I'm not even sure if this story is speculative fiction. A lot of "water cooler" talk, no action. Someone else may like it.
"Pedestal" by James Hartley (1 star, DNF)
Starts off in 1st person close perspective, jumps to 3rd person close perspective and headhops without warning. Passive voice. Someone else may like it.
"Halfer" by Tracy Doering (1 star, DNF)
My advice: Don't read. Handsome disabled hero turns out to be the handsome disabled villain. Lazy writing, and the heroine can't save herself (apparently for the second time, because this is a sequel to a story in a previous anthology).
October 12, 2015
Like any anthology there were stories I enjoyed more than others. Amnesty Intergalactic by Douglas Texter was a particular favorite. Overall, all stories were well written, thought provoking and entertaining. The wide variety of styles, settings and topics made this anthology a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews