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Inhuman Acts
Stalking the streets after dusk is risky business, but some tales are only told in the depths of night. Crime pales against the cold, murderous motives of those behind it. Claws and fangs open doors for a twisted soul to find a means to an end. It's a deadly road spiraling downwards when the deeds done are Inhuman Acts.
Explore thirteen anthropomorphic noir stories about betrayal, corruption and deceit from award-winning authors and up-and-coming writers. Pour your favourite whiskey and light up a cigarette as Stanley Rivets, PI shares with you his collection of case files from dim to dark to downright ugly.
Features the following stories:
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
Fixer by Watts Martin
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
Cover art by Seylyn, Edited by Ocean Tigrox.
Explore thirteen anthropomorphic noir stories about betrayal, corruption and deceit from award-winning authors and up-and-coming writers. Pour your favourite whiskey and light up a cigarette as Stanley Rivets, PI shares with you his collection of case files from dim to dark to downright ugly.
Features the following stories:
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
Fixer by Watts Martin
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
Cover art by Seylyn, Edited by Ocean Tigrox.
316 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Ocean Tigrox
12 books25 followersOcean Tigrox is a writer and editor hailing from the Western prairies of Canada with dual citizenship in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. Never far from his headphones, he's often found shaking his stripes to his love of EDM while writing up another story. His favorite genres to write are action adventure, pulp noir, or a good futuristic sci-fi.
Along with storytelling, the purple Tigrox also enjoys motorcycling, travel, games of all varieties, and expressing strong opinions about his hatred for winter to all who will listen. He is the lead cat herder, editor, and co-host of the furry writing podcast Fangs and Fonts.
Along with storytelling, the purple Tigrox also enjoys motorcycling, travel, games of all varieties, and expressing strong opinions about his hatred for winter to all who will listen. He is the lead cat herder, editor, and co-host of the furry writing podcast Fangs and Fonts.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 30, 2015
Disclosure: I have a story, 'A Blacker Dog', in this anthology.
What is noir? I wasn't sure, which made writing it problematic. I would have said it's all about private eyes, cigarettes, booze, and trench coats ideally containing Humphrey Bogart. After reading all of Inhuman Acts, I know better.
Noir can take place in the seedy alleys of the big city, as in 'River City Nights' by Tana Simensis, but also in the bright Florida sunshine of Watts Martin's 'Fixer'. Noir lurks in the modern day as well as the postwar US; in alternate pasts with the radio-age robots of Tony Greyfox's 'Crimson on Copper', or possible futures like the one in Marshall L. Moseley's 'Bullet Tooth Claw', where humans live alongside animals given consciousness by the Uplift virus.
The unique characteristics of carnivores and herbivores give Ianus Wolf's 'Muskrat Blues' an extra twist, while 'Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu', by Bill Kieffer, is perhaps the weirdest and most detailed world of the bunch. Kieffer's New York is a melting-pot of not only mammals, reptiles and birds, but religions allied to Aesop or Darwin, offering plenty of scope for sinister goings-on.
Mary E. Lowd offers a more fun vision of the future in 'Danger in the Lumo-Bay', a pastiche of both Star Trek and The Maltese Falcon which comes as welcome light relief among the unrelenting bleakness of stories like 'Every Breath Closer' by Slip Wolf and 'Vermin's Vice' by T. S. Mcnally.
'Bullet Tooth Claw' was probably my favourite story, and Kieffer's Brooklyn Blackie my favourite gumshoe, but I enjoyed every one of these very different, but distinctly noir-flavoured, tales.
What is noir? I wasn't sure, which made writing it problematic. I would have said it's all about private eyes, cigarettes, booze, and trench coats ideally containing Humphrey Bogart. After reading all of Inhuman Acts, I know better.
Noir can take place in the seedy alleys of the big city, as in 'River City Nights' by Tana Simensis, but also in the bright Florida sunshine of Watts Martin's 'Fixer'. Noir lurks in the modern day as well as the postwar US; in alternate pasts with the radio-age robots of Tony Greyfox's 'Crimson on Copper', or possible futures like the one in Marshall L. Moseley's 'Bullet Tooth Claw', where humans live alongside animals given consciousness by the Uplift virus.
The unique characteristics of carnivores and herbivores give Ianus Wolf's 'Muskrat Blues' an extra twist, while 'Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu', by Bill Kieffer, is perhaps the weirdest and most detailed world of the bunch. Kieffer's New York is a melting-pot of not only mammals, reptiles and birds, but religions allied to Aesop or Darwin, offering plenty of scope for sinister goings-on.
Mary E. Lowd offers a more fun vision of the future in 'Danger in the Lumo-Bay', a pastiche of both Star Trek and The Maltese Falcon which comes as welcome light relief among the unrelenting bleakness of stories like 'Every Breath Closer' by Slip Wolf and 'Vermin's Vice' by T. S. Mcnally.
'Bullet Tooth Claw' was probably my favourite story, and Kieffer's Brooklyn Blackie my favourite gumshoe, but I enjoyed every one of these very different, but distinctly noir-flavoured, tales.
October 30, 2016
I finished this book as part of the Furry Book Month 2016 and because of that, I will be giving a more detailed review of this anthology. Though I know the editor personally, I promised him a fair and honest review, so here we go.
Ocean starts this anthology out with a nicely done foreword, setting the mood for the stories to come. The anthology ends with a similar bit, which brings the entire anthology around full circle, something I greatly appreciated and helped me to find closure once I had finished the stories. It also hints at another anthology, which after reading this one, I hope happens.
Kicking off the anthology is Muskrat Blues by Ianus J. Wolf. One of the strongest stories in this anthology, Ianus starts the reader off with a bang. Using an unusual species choice for his protagonist in the form of a pig, he tells the story of mystery and intrigue in a world where predator and prey live together in supposed peace and harmony. Out of all the stories, this one remains one of my favorites and captures the noir detective theme beautifully. The writing is strong, the characters fleshed out and their motives believable and there is a haunting feeling to the story that lingers once you finish it.
Fixer by Watts Martin shows us noir outside of the detective realms and it works extremely well. Martin composes an engaging story with this tale, pulling the reader from one event to the next by weaving an excellent story full of tension and a wonderful build up to the climactic end. The bitter sweetness of it still leaves ashes in my mouth, making me wish the antagonist had gotten more in the end. Everything a noir story should be.
Danger In The Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd was an interesting read. Perhaps it's because I have watched too much Star Trek as a teen, but the theme behind this story felt rehashed from an already rehashed story arch. Though the writing is strong, Captain Jacques and Doctor Keller never really seem to be anything more than coworkers due to the way the story was composed. Each time either character is mentioned it is with their rank and name. This gets annoying extremely quickly, more so when you come across 'Captain Jacques' starting three small paragraphs in a row. Even Star Trek didn't rely on giving ranks this much. Still, compared to the other stories it is unique and the ending of the story was nicely noir, so it was a fun read despite what I mentioned.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis contains another non-detective in the form of a cab driver, and it works extremely well in this story. There are some nice small twists to the story, but one of my favorite things about this story was the character descriptions. The protagonist especially felt wonderfully fleshed out from the small details the reader is given about him. Overall this was a nice quick story.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf amps up the creepy in this anthology, tackling an interesting subject that crosses both art and something we humans do to animals. (and ourselves now, fyi) The mystery of this story holds on until the end, and was a nice surprise when it all came together. The reveal itself was nicely done, not too in your face, but rather helping the reader to connect the dots, which was nice. As a lover of darker stories, this was one of my favorites in this anthology and it turned out wonderfully.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus was an interesting story for many reasons. I loved certain elements in this story, such as the Seven Feathers being composed of magpies was a beautiful touch, as were the science fiction elements of this story. There is a larger world to this story that has potential and I would love to see more from it. The ending is powerful and haunting and stuck with me long after I finished this story.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer was a story of a different kind in this anthology. Huskyteer brings an interesting myth into an anthropomorphic setting in a way that feels weirdly right and wrong to me. On one hand, it makes me curious as to why only Jon's dog is anthropomorphic when compared to other black dogs, but at the same point, it works with the story and took no time at all getting used to. The loss in this story is deep, and Huskyteer did a good job building the right amount of relationship to make it hurt.
Crimson On Copper by Tony Greyfox brings together a lot of elements that really build the world of the story. From the various settings to the characters, each is built up in such a way as to drag the reader from event to event, desperate to see where the story went. I admit when I first read this story, I missed a sentence at the ending and thought it was amazingly noir and exactly what I thought when it came to a noir story. It actually took the editor of the anthology pointing out I had missed a sentence for me to realize what I had thought had happened, didn't. Though it didn't lessen the story's impact, and the general outcome would be the same, the story felt tamer. This is no fault of Greyfox's, but rather myself. Overall this was a good story where the species of the characters work well and serve a purpose in the story other than window dressing.
Vermin's Vice by T. S. McNally... just going back to this story stings. McNally has crafted a story that is powerful as it is painful. There are certain things I try to avoid in some stories, and this story contains one of them. Perhaps that's why it is so powerful for me, perhaps that's why it lingers with me far more than any other story in this collection, but damn McNally... Damn. If someone asked me which stories they should read from this anthology, it would be a toss up between this one and Ianus'.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus contains exactly how same sex characters should act in a story such as this. Beyond this tale's beautiful noir feel, Alphinus manages to play out her character's sexuality wonderfully, having it only be necessary when it was necessary. It may seem weird that I am pointing this out, but often writers will exaggerate a character's sexuality if it is non-hetero and Alpinus doesn't do that, to which I applaud. I really enjoyed the protagonist in this story and the elements that made her who she was. She was one of my favorite protagonists in this anthology.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley had me fighting tears at the end of the story. Where most of the species in this anthology are not explained (and really, they don't need to be), Moseley provides the reader with an explanation, and it is tied to his story extremely well. Not only does it help establish the protagonist's connection to the human who was his friend, but it also ties it closer to reality and the reader's own pets. This was an amazing story and I really enjoyed it a lot.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin is a story I am on the fence about. It felt a lot like the Matrix, which I am okay with, but it didn't contain a lot of noir elements and felt like it belonged in another anthology all together. Still, the concept of the protagonist and their group was fascinating and the action was handled extremely well, which raised the enjoyment of the story for me. I would have liked to see more, but as it is, the story was still entertaining.
Brooklyn Blackie And The Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer brings us back to the first story but in a different, and frightening sort of way. The story itself felt a bit too long, but the mystery to it comes along nicely and the noir element was spooky in its own right. I appreciated the way the elements all came together in the end, and overall this was a pretty good story. The inclusion of avians and reptiles with their inherent similarity was nice, as were the speciest and religious touches. Overall this was a good way to end the anthology.
Lastly, something must be said for the cover artist Seylyn. Her work on the cover turned out something amazing and striking among many of the current covers out there. The colour scheme, the tons, and even the characters chosen are breathtaking and it fits the anthology to a T.
In the end, Inhuman Acts is one of the best anthologies I have read in a long time, even among the noir anthologies I have read, and I don't say that lightly. Ocean has brought together some amazing stories and wrapped in in a beautiful cover and engaging foreword and afterword. I can not recommend this anthology enough to anyone who believes that writing inside the furry fandom is weaker than those outside. Ocean has created something magical here and I suggest you pick it up.
Ocean starts this anthology out with a nicely done foreword, setting the mood for the stories to come. The anthology ends with a similar bit, which brings the entire anthology around full circle, something I greatly appreciated and helped me to find closure once I had finished the stories. It also hints at another anthology, which after reading this one, I hope happens.
Kicking off the anthology is Muskrat Blues by Ianus J. Wolf. One of the strongest stories in this anthology, Ianus starts the reader off with a bang. Using an unusual species choice for his protagonist in the form of a pig, he tells the story of mystery and intrigue in a world where predator and prey live together in supposed peace and harmony. Out of all the stories, this one remains one of my favorites and captures the noir detective theme beautifully. The writing is strong, the characters fleshed out and their motives believable and there is a haunting feeling to the story that lingers once you finish it.
Fixer by Watts Martin shows us noir outside of the detective realms and it works extremely well. Martin composes an engaging story with this tale, pulling the reader from one event to the next by weaving an excellent story full of tension and a wonderful build up to the climactic end. The bitter sweetness of it still leaves ashes in my mouth, making me wish the antagonist had gotten more in the end. Everything a noir story should be.
Danger In The Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd was an interesting read. Perhaps it's because I have watched too much Star Trek as a teen, but the theme behind this story felt rehashed from an already rehashed story arch. Though the writing is strong, Captain Jacques and Doctor Keller never really seem to be anything more than coworkers due to the way the story was composed. Each time either character is mentioned it is with their rank and name. This gets annoying extremely quickly, more so when you come across 'Captain Jacques' starting three small paragraphs in a row. Even Star Trek didn't rely on giving ranks this much. Still, compared to the other stories it is unique and the ending of the story was nicely noir, so it was a fun read despite what I mentioned.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis contains another non-detective in the form of a cab driver, and it works extremely well in this story. There are some nice small twists to the story, but one of my favorite things about this story was the character descriptions. The protagonist especially felt wonderfully fleshed out from the small details the reader is given about him. Overall this was a nice quick story.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf amps up the creepy in this anthology, tackling an interesting subject that crosses both art and something we humans do to animals. (and ourselves now, fyi) The mystery of this story holds on until the end, and was a nice surprise when it all came together. The reveal itself was nicely done, not too in your face, but rather helping the reader to connect the dots, which was nice. As a lover of darker stories, this was one of my favorites in this anthology and it turned out wonderfully.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus was an interesting story for many reasons. I loved certain elements in this story, such as the Seven Feathers being composed of magpies was a beautiful touch, as were the science fiction elements of this story. There is a larger world to this story that has potential and I would love to see more from it. The ending is powerful and haunting and stuck with me long after I finished this story.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer was a story of a different kind in this anthology. Huskyteer brings an interesting myth into an anthropomorphic setting in a way that feels weirdly right and wrong to me. On one hand, it makes me curious as to why only Jon's dog is anthropomorphic when compared to other black dogs, but at the same point, it works with the story and took no time at all getting used to. The loss in this story is deep, and Huskyteer did a good job building the right amount of relationship to make it hurt.
Crimson On Copper by Tony Greyfox brings together a lot of elements that really build the world of the story. From the various settings to the characters, each is built up in such a way as to drag the reader from event to event, desperate to see where the story went. I admit when I first read this story, I missed a sentence at the ending and thought it was amazingly noir and exactly what I thought when it came to a noir story. It actually took the editor of the anthology pointing out I had missed a sentence for me to realize what I had thought had happened, didn't. Though it didn't lessen the story's impact, and the general outcome would be the same, the story felt tamer. This is no fault of Greyfox's, but rather myself. Overall this was a good story where the species of the characters work well and serve a purpose in the story other than window dressing.
Vermin's Vice by T. S. McNally... just going back to this story stings. McNally has crafted a story that is powerful as it is painful. There are certain things I try to avoid in some stories, and this story contains one of them. Perhaps that's why it is so powerful for me, perhaps that's why it lingers with me far more than any other story in this collection, but damn McNally... Damn. If someone asked me which stories they should read from this anthology, it would be a toss up between this one and Ianus'.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus contains exactly how same sex characters should act in a story such as this. Beyond this tale's beautiful noir feel, Alphinus manages to play out her character's sexuality wonderfully, having it only be necessary when it was necessary. It may seem weird that I am pointing this out, but often writers will exaggerate a character's sexuality if it is non-hetero and Alpinus doesn't do that, to which I applaud. I really enjoyed the protagonist in this story and the elements that made her who she was. She was one of my favorite protagonists in this anthology.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley had me fighting tears at the end of the story. Where most of the species in this anthology are not explained (and really, they don't need to be), Moseley provides the reader with an explanation, and it is tied to his story extremely well. Not only does it help establish the protagonist's connection to the human who was his friend, but it also ties it closer to reality and the reader's own pets. This was an amazing story and I really enjoyed it a lot.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin is a story I am on the fence about. It felt a lot like the Matrix, which I am okay with, but it didn't contain a lot of noir elements and felt like it belonged in another anthology all together. Still, the concept of the protagonist and their group was fascinating and the action was handled extremely well, which raised the enjoyment of the story for me. I would have liked to see more, but as it is, the story was still entertaining.
Brooklyn Blackie And The Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer brings us back to the first story but in a different, and frightening sort of way. The story itself felt a bit too long, but the mystery to it comes along nicely and the noir element was spooky in its own right. I appreciated the way the elements all came together in the end, and overall this was a pretty good story. The inclusion of avians and reptiles with their inherent similarity was nice, as were the speciest and religious touches. Overall this was a good way to end the anthology.
Lastly, something must be said for the cover artist Seylyn. Her work on the cover turned out something amazing and striking among many of the current covers out there. The colour scheme, the tons, and even the characters chosen are breathtaking and it fits the anthology to a T.
In the end, Inhuman Acts is one of the best anthologies I have read in a long time, even among the noir anthologies I have read, and I don't say that lightly. Ocean has brought together some amazing stories and wrapped in in a beautiful cover and engaging foreword and afterword. I can not recommend this anthology enough to anyone who believes that writing inside the furry fandom is weaker than those outside. Ocean has created something magical here and I suggest you pick it up.
August 21, 2016
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! As well as other animals who act like humans beings in this anthology of anthropomorphic tales; or is it tails? Thirteen tales, all very different, but all in the noir genre where a down-and-out gumshoe is trying to get to the bottom of nefarious plans. Some are really good, but it is a mixed bag of styles and stories as might be expected from an anthology. Really liked the last story.
March 10, 2016
Not my typical read, but I have to say that I enjoyed this book immensely!
Each and every story was unique, with enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages as quickly as my eyes could fly across them.
Bravo ... well done ... I WANT MORE!!!
Each and every story was unique, with enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages as quickly as my eyes could fly across them.
Bravo ... well done ... I WANT MORE!!!
October 21, 2015
[Disclaimer: I have a story in this anthology.]
Overall, this is a fairly enjoyable collection of stories filled with action and intrigue. It can get a little tropey -- especially when it comes to the women characters who are mostly damsels in distress or evil seductresses (or gay and busy objectifying one of the evil seductresses). I found that hard to take. However, a number of the stories really use their furry settings in interesting ways -- especially, "Muskrat Blues," "Every Breath Closer," and "Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu." So, that's really neat. My personal favorites from this collection, though, were "A Blacker Dog" and "Bullet Tooth Claw" -- both very strong stories.
Overall, this is a fairly enjoyable collection of stories filled with action and intrigue. It can get a little tropey -- especially when it comes to the women characters who are mostly damsels in distress or evil seductresses (or gay and busy objectifying one of the evil seductresses). I found that hard to take. However, a number of the stories really use their furry settings in interesting ways -- especially, "Muskrat Blues," "Every Breath Closer," and "Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu." So, that's really neat. My personal favorites from this collection, though, were "A Blacker Dog" and "Bullet Tooth Claw" -- both very strong stories.
November 14, 2015
(general disclaimer: I have a story in this collection.)
INHUMAN ACTS is a collection of all new stories, first time in print, that mix Anthropomorphic creatures with the dark and moody Noir. Results are mixed, with a few being unsatisfying in their presentation of the animal aspect of the story-telling. The best of the collection mix the science fiction, the fantastic, and the crushing atmosphere of dark or darkening worlds.
I've broken down the stories for you, in order.
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
This was a smashing good story set in a story-verse where predator and prey still divides the species on some basic levels, but not on all levels. I like the type. The solution of the mystery and justice achieved is believable but... because it's the first story set a Noir book that (at least for me) evokes the the mid-20th century, I'm a little iffy on the technology of the era we're in. That only matters on a medical level that I cannot reveal without spoiling the story. And I'm being picky.
Also, I loved the mudbath. I imagine it would retain heat better than water and probably feel really good on that bum leg. Great idea bringing that into the universe and making it a plot point. I'd like that form my aching bones. I wish I'd thought of it.
I may steal it. I like Pigs. (I have a farmyard bias)
Fixer by Watts Martin
A fixer story with lesbians and bisexuals. I love it. It must be very hard to be a "cleaner" when everybody sheds like mad, so no wonder the protagonist is ready to retire. The story and mystery were decent but I just didn't get what the protagonist's special talents were, since she made a bit of a fuss about that.
This was an expensive job, I would think. She might have to put off that retirement for awhile.
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
Hey, I love Star Trek and Picard does have a taste for Noir, as we fans know.
This doesn't seem to be a parody of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but there's more than a bit of a homage to the crew of the Enterprise D , so I'm torn.
If you apply the rule of thumb that good furry stories should be best told as a furry story (in another words, turning all the characters human should change more than a few descriptions) then this story presents challenges that I've chosen to answer with the statement that chief engineer is trying to kill the command staff because that's the only way a pussy like him can achieve command of a starship.
Surprisingly, this theory also works well with a few of the ST:TNG episodes also.
The mystery within the mystery is quite nice; a locked room mystery I might have enjoyed more without it being hidden within an enigma and wrapped in a riddle.
On the other hoof, faux fur fan fiction is a whole genre within Furry Fandom that perhaps I should not simply dismiss. Looking at it that way, this Lumo-Bay adventure hits all the points with all the winks and nods in the right places while being told well by a lovely crafts-person.
But I still think its obvious that Geordi is trying to kill them all and making it look like an accident and the command staff is just to civilized to see it.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
As a former cab driver, this story holds a special spot for me. I know how "Dick" feels being held hostage by a fare, trying to find the degree of conversation they want and felt comfortable with. I thought that was nicely portrayed.
The queue at the reporting desk, that was also a pleasant surprise. In the movies, the hero is almost always running in and getting to the desk sergeant right off. Not only was this scene a nice change, it is probably more realistic (especially in the pre-personal communication age) and it was put to good plot use by allowing the Detective to hook up with Dick.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
The furriness is well done here and I did not see the end coming. I can't even complain about the Mighty Mouse reference because it's so obviously a different, bigger Mighty Mouse he's referring to. Can't be the cartoon I'm thinking of.
I liked the taxidermy show, I really did.
I might steal this, too.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
This felt very cyberpunk, to me. Yet, at the same time, I got a cold war vibe (although its not a cold war era piece, clearly). It was properly dark and Noir to be sure. It was less than satisfying, to me, for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
I suspect it's the Ghosts from the title. Without mentioning spoilers, I think I would have liked to have seen a certain ghost a little earlier. To see that ghost "alive," as it were. Maybe a little misdirection.
Just my opinion. The description of the cowering wolf was certainly worth the price of admission.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
I did not know that there was a Black Dog mythos. Now that I know, I'm going to have to steal a little bit of this for a later Brooklyn Blackie story.
This was a nice fantasy tale and a wonderful story of what happens when we let ourselves see the dark side of the best things in our life, the things we've chosen not to think about. Ever.
Noir stories often revolve around the way we chose to use our gifts. Sometimes it's talent, sometimes it's money, sometimes it is opportunity. In this case, Jon Mazza's gift is supernatural and has its limits. His situation is not bleak, but neither is it a smashing success. He's a real person... who just happens to have a talking, invisible dog.
But then everyone has one of those.
The underlying investigation is not complicated nor filled with back alley threats, but of trust and facing fear. It's rare when that trust and fear is the same target (well, Noir is full of betrayal where you come to fear or hate what you once trusted... Huskyteer didn't bring us that. This was a subtle twist beyond that, I think).
Without spoilers, the end is depressing. Perfect.
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
This is Diesel Punk (I think? It's my first one. I think I like this sort of thing. Someone let me know if I'm right or wrong. I don't get out much.).
Detective Faraday is a Hyena with the unwanted nickname of Smiley. The murder suspect is not a Hyena and is, in fact, a queer little cooper robot with no registered owner. The murder victims are numerous. There was enough foreshadowing to hint at the how and not enough to hint at the mastermind behind it all.
It was nicely done, although the Furriness only adds a flavor to the text but not the plot. I found myself not minding too much. Possibly, some days it bothers me more than others. Possibly, it was that good.
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Rats and Mice living in a town divided. The furriness used as an allegory to race and class distinction to good effect, if not much depth. Dark times and weariness, wariness, and worry. Split POV was a little confusing at first but then it's been a tough week for me. I appreciated it at the end.
Cynical, but Noir can be like that.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
This was very much in the mold of the classic hard-boiled PI story you find in Noir; especially the movies on late night TV. I liked it very much; reminding me of the longer stories I'd sometimes get in Ellery Queen Magazine way back when.
I had a little trouble keeping Frank and Preston apart in my head in some scenes, but I read this in two or three sittings, so there's that. Furriness added to the flavor-text and depth of the investigation, not the solution so much, but that's OK.
I think I might have wanted full disclosure Maltese's relationship with Sapphire a little earlier. Not just because I love seeing Lesbians represented, but it seemed a little too convenient when the signature perfume scent was detected and she knew who's it was at the time.
Good classic story without being derivative. Thanks for that.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
I have always loved the Uplift Universe by David Brin.
This wasn't that universe and the Uplift here is a different thing. The virus was as good an explanation for a Furry version of our world as any, and produces a slightly different earth-world, so Big Kudos for world-building, even if we don't get to explore it here much. Reminds me of early San Francisco, I think, if SF had built built on top of dead and dying SF... new in ways, yet old enough that corruption set in.
A society sophisticated enough strike a balance with various elements and needs as is practical. A society primitive enough that a man (or dog) can take the law into his own hands when he needs to.
In this, the element of Noir seems best brought out.
The whiskey, the guns, the failed police dog are familiar elements.
The plot's quite satisfactory, yet I'm dubious of the usefulness of the McGuffin to the villain because I'm uncertain of the age of it. No spoilers.
I found the ending scene to be mournful, soulful, and left me teary eyed.
Nice work.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
I was struck pleasantly by the violence. It reminded me of Dark City; but in a less complicated way. It reminded me of Supernatural, but in a more serious way. In short, it's a wonderfully visual story. I don't remember a single line or piece of dialogue other than "It's what we do," but then it's a visual story without apology. Next to the final scene in Bullet Tooth Claw, it has possibly the most images that will stay with me from the book.
If things fell apart slower, if the tale was longer, some of the dialogue might have come out more naturally. It's not a think piece, but it could have been since these character flirt with the metaphysics of good vs evil.
This could have been a movie with humans, it would not have lost the visual impact, plotting, or metaphysics. Again, as mentioned when spoke of Mary's Star Trek nod, I really do prefer to see the animals skins as something more than the characters have dressed up in. Here the angels have enhanced senses because they are angels.
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
OK, this is my story, and I can't very well review it. I would like to once again publicly thank Ocean Tigrox for liking my story enough to greenlight it even though it was more than twice too long a story and, of course, for his help and guidance in bullying what I had into a smaller and better story.
So, instead of reviewing it, I'm going to tell you a secret about this story that you will only read here on Goodreads.com: The description of my lead that you won't see in the story. It's long, but you made it this far.
Blaine “Brooklyn Blackie” Black is a six foot tall Grey-Wolf/German Shepard hybrid. He stands six foot tall at the crown (not counting the ears), which puts him a three to four inches shorter than the average male wolf. While he'd never admit it, his custom-made “lucky shoes” are actually skillfully disguised platform shoes adding an inch.
His arms and legs are long, giving him a great reach and a wide stride that vexed him in boot camp. His hands are also wide and his large feet are considered “throwback.” They are practically paws and he had to wear “corrective” footwear to teach him how to use his heels “properly” as a child. He is self-conscious about his appearance and identifies as Wolf when asked. By the same token, he is aware of his duel species and often internalizes conflicts by giving himself Dog and Wolf options taken from Aesop's Lessons.
He comes from a big family, having 7 brothers, all full wolves. Needless to say, he has some Daddy Issues. These will come up as plot points when I can fit them in.
Brooklyn is covered in completely in black fur, due to the Beta-defensin 3 protein that sometimes occurs in Dog/Wolf hybrids. Technically, this coloring mutation would also make him a “Sport.” It is commonly believed, however, that you can't have both Sport and Throwback aspects in the same person.
Although, more people of more species have seen Brooklyn naked than his usual for post-war America, very few have noted this apparent conflict. No doubt they are distracted at the time.
The protein also seems responsible for making Brooklyn stronger than he appears and a fast healer.
Brooklyn is an extreme polyglot. He picks up languages, including body language, amazingly fast with good retention. Except for that terrible and public breakdown in the middle of the “No Remember” Trials (the Aesop version of the Nuremberg Trials), he'd still be at General Einhorn's side in the Army. After that, he's been prone to violence and street level vigilantism.
He inspired by a pastiche of great radio classic detectives. Brooklyn Blackie started out as a place holder until I could think up a better name. I never did.
INHUMAN ACTS is a collection of all new stories, first time in print, that mix Anthropomorphic creatures with the dark and moody Noir. Results are mixed, with a few being unsatisfying in their presentation of the animal aspect of the story-telling. The best of the collection mix the science fiction, the fantastic, and the crushing atmosphere of dark or darkening worlds.
I've broken down the stories for you, in order.
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
This was a smashing good story set in a story-verse where predator and prey still divides the species on some basic levels, but not on all levels. I like the type. The solution of the mystery and justice achieved is believable but... because it's the first story set a Noir book that (at least for me) evokes the the mid-20th century, I'm a little iffy on the technology of the era we're in. That only matters on a medical level that I cannot reveal without spoiling the story. And I'm being picky.
Also, I loved the mudbath. I imagine it would retain heat better than water and probably feel really good on that bum leg. Great idea bringing that into the universe and making it a plot point. I'd like that form my aching bones. I wish I'd thought of it.
I may steal it. I like Pigs. (I have a farmyard bias)
Fixer by Watts Martin
A fixer story with lesbians and bisexuals. I love it. It must be very hard to be a "cleaner" when everybody sheds like mad, so no wonder the protagonist is ready to retire. The story and mystery were decent but I just didn't get what the protagonist's special talents were, since she made a bit of a fuss about that.
This was an expensive job, I would think. She might have to put off that retirement for awhile.
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
Hey, I love Star Trek and Picard does have a taste for Noir, as we fans know.
This doesn't seem to be a parody of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but there's more than a bit of a homage to the crew of the Enterprise D , so I'm torn.
If you apply the rule of thumb that good furry stories should be best told as a furry story (in another words, turning all the characters human should change more than a few descriptions) then this story presents challenges that I've chosen to answer with the statement that chief engineer is trying to kill the command staff because that's the only way a pussy like him can achieve command of a starship.
Surprisingly, this theory also works well with a few of the ST:TNG episodes also.
The mystery within the mystery is quite nice; a locked room mystery I might have enjoyed more without it being hidden within an enigma and wrapped in a riddle.
On the other hoof, faux fur fan fiction is a whole genre within Furry Fandom that perhaps I should not simply dismiss. Looking at it that way, this Lumo-Bay adventure hits all the points with all the winks and nods in the right places while being told well by a lovely crafts-person.
But I still think its obvious that Geordi is trying to kill them all and making it look like an accident and the command staff is just to civilized to see it.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
As a former cab driver, this story holds a special spot for me. I know how "Dick" feels being held hostage by a fare, trying to find the degree of conversation they want and felt comfortable with. I thought that was nicely portrayed.
The queue at the reporting desk, that was also a pleasant surprise. In the movies, the hero is almost always running in and getting to the desk sergeant right off. Not only was this scene a nice change, it is probably more realistic (especially in the pre-personal communication age) and it was put to good plot use by allowing the Detective to hook up with Dick.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
The furriness is well done here and I did not see the end coming. I can't even complain about the Mighty Mouse reference because it's so obviously a different, bigger Mighty Mouse he's referring to. Can't be the cartoon I'm thinking of.
I liked the taxidermy show, I really did.
I might steal this, too.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
This felt very cyberpunk, to me. Yet, at the same time, I got a cold war vibe (although its not a cold war era piece, clearly). It was properly dark and Noir to be sure. It was less than satisfying, to me, for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
I suspect it's the Ghosts from the title. Without mentioning spoilers, I think I would have liked to have seen a certain ghost a little earlier. To see that ghost "alive," as it were. Maybe a little misdirection.
Just my opinion. The description of the cowering wolf was certainly worth the price of admission.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
I did not know that there was a Black Dog mythos. Now that I know, I'm going to have to steal a little bit of this for a later Brooklyn Blackie story.
This was a nice fantasy tale and a wonderful story of what happens when we let ourselves see the dark side of the best things in our life, the things we've chosen not to think about. Ever.
Noir stories often revolve around the way we chose to use our gifts. Sometimes it's talent, sometimes it's money, sometimes it is opportunity. In this case, Jon Mazza's gift is supernatural and has its limits. His situation is not bleak, but neither is it a smashing success. He's a real person... who just happens to have a talking, invisible dog.
But then everyone has one of those.
The underlying investigation is not complicated nor filled with back alley threats, but of trust and facing fear. It's rare when that trust and fear is the same target (well, Noir is full of betrayal where you come to fear or hate what you once trusted... Huskyteer didn't bring us that. This was a subtle twist beyond that, I think).
Without spoilers, the end is depressing. Perfect.
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
This is Diesel Punk (I think? It's my first one. I think I like this sort of thing. Someone let me know if I'm right or wrong. I don't get out much.).
Detective Faraday is a Hyena with the unwanted nickname of Smiley. The murder suspect is not a Hyena and is, in fact, a queer little cooper robot with no registered owner. The murder victims are numerous. There was enough foreshadowing to hint at the how and not enough to hint at the mastermind behind it all.
It was nicely done, although the Furriness only adds a flavor to the text but not the plot. I found myself not minding too much. Possibly, some days it bothers me more than others. Possibly, it was that good.
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Rats and Mice living in a town divided. The furriness used as an allegory to race and class distinction to good effect, if not much depth. Dark times and weariness, wariness, and worry. Split POV was a little confusing at first but then it's been a tough week for me. I appreciated it at the end.
Cynical, but Noir can be like that.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
This was very much in the mold of the classic hard-boiled PI story you find in Noir; especially the movies on late night TV. I liked it very much; reminding me of the longer stories I'd sometimes get in Ellery Queen Magazine way back when.
I had a little trouble keeping Frank and Preston apart in my head in some scenes, but I read this in two or three sittings, so there's that. Furriness added to the flavor-text and depth of the investigation, not the solution so much, but that's OK.
I think I might have wanted full disclosure Maltese's relationship with Sapphire a little earlier. Not just because I love seeing Lesbians represented, but it seemed a little too convenient when the signature perfume scent was detected and she knew who's it was at the time.
Good classic story without being derivative. Thanks for that.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
I have always loved the Uplift Universe by David Brin.
This wasn't that universe and the Uplift here is a different thing. The virus was as good an explanation for a Furry version of our world as any, and produces a slightly different earth-world, so Big Kudos for world-building, even if we don't get to explore it here much. Reminds me of early San Francisco, I think, if SF had built built on top of dead and dying SF... new in ways, yet old enough that corruption set in.
A society sophisticated enough strike a balance with various elements and needs as is practical. A society primitive enough that a man (or dog) can take the law into his own hands when he needs to.
In this, the element of Noir seems best brought out.
The whiskey, the guns, the failed police dog are familiar elements.
The plot's quite satisfactory, yet I'm dubious of the usefulness of the McGuffin to the villain because I'm uncertain of the age of it. No spoilers.
I found the ending scene to be mournful, soulful, and left me teary eyed.
Nice work.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
I was struck pleasantly by the violence. It reminded me of Dark City; but in a less complicated way. It reminded me of Supernatural, but in a more serious way. In short, it's a wonderfully visual story. I don't remember a single line or piece of dialogue other than "It's what we do," but then it's a visual story without apology. Next to the final scene in Bullet Tooth Claw, it has possibly the most images that will stay with me from the book.
If things fell apart slower, if the tale was longer, some of the dialogue might have come out more naturally. It's not a think piece, but it could have been since these character flirt with the metaphysics of good vs evil.
This could have been a movie with humans, it would not have lost the visual impact, plotting, or metaphysics. Again, as mentioned when spoke of Mary's Star Trek nod, I really do prefer to see the animals skins as something more than the characters have dressed up in. Here the angels have enhanced senses because they are angels.
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
OK, this is my story, and I can't very well review it. I would like to once again publicly thank Ocean Tigrox for liking my story enough to greenlight it even though it was more than twice too long a story and, of course, for his help and guidance in bullying what I had into a smaller and better story.
So, instead of reviewing it, I'm going to tell you a secret about this story that you will only read here on Goodreads.com: The description of my lead that you won't see in the story. It's long, but you made it this far.
Blaine “Brooklyn Blackie” Black is a six foot tall Grey-Wolf/German Shepard hybrid. He stands six foot tall at the crown (not counting the ears), which puts him a three to four inches shorter than the average male wolf. While he'd never admit it, his custom-made “lucky shoes” are actually skillfully disguised platform shoes adding an inch.
His arms and legs are long, giving him a great reach and a wide stride that vexed him in boot camp. His hands are also wide and his large feet are considered “throwback.” They are practically paws and he had to wear “corrective” footwear to teach him how to use his heels “properly” as a child. He is self-conscious about his appearance and identifies as Wolf when asked. By the same token, he is aware of his duel species and often internalizes conflicts by giving himself Dog and Wolf options taken from Aesop's Lessons.
He comes from a big family, having 7 brothers, all full wolves. Needless to say, he has some Daddy Issues. These will come up as plot points when I can fit them in.
Brooklyn is covered in completely in black fur, due to the Beta-defensin 3 protein that sometimes occurs in Dog/Wolf hybrids. Technically, this coloring mutation would also make him a “Sport.” It is commonly believed, however, that you can't have both Sport and Throwback aspects in the same person.
Although, more people of more species have seen Brooklyn naked than his usual for post-war America, very few have noted this apparent conflict. No doubt they are distracted at the time.
The protein also seems responsible for making Brooklyn stronger than he appears and a fast healer.
Brooklyn is an extreme polyglot. He picks up languages, including body language, amazingly fast with good retention. Except for that terrible and public breakdown in the middle of the “No Remember” Trials (the Aesop version of the Nuremberg Trials), he'd still be at General Einhorn's side in the Army. After that, he's been prone to violence and street level vigilantism.
He inspired by a pastiche of great radio classic detectives. Brooklyn Blackie started out as a place holder until I could think up a better name. I never did.
April 7, 2016
This was an excellent collection of noir stories. Crime and mystery from back alleys to busy streets. This was a very nice selection and all of the stories provided a great, thrilling mystery to read and uncover.
A few of the characters and women tended to fall into trope territory with damsels in distress or the evil seductress. But there were others who centered in some great standout stories as well. Each of the authors did a great job with their stories and I never felt inclined to rush or to skip through any of them.
All of the thirteen stories provide different settings, characters, and crime themes. Sometimes there are detectives, sometimes there are criminals, sometimes there are just ordinary people caught up in bad situations. All of them are compelling and well done.
This is another great anthology edited by Ocean Tigrox and I definitely recommend reading it whether you like anthropomorphic animals or are looking for a great collection of noir to read.
A few of the characters and women tended to fall into trope territory with damsels in distress or the evil seductress. But there were others who centered in some great standout stories as well. Each of the authors did a great job with their stories and I never felt inclined to rush or to skip through any of them.
All of the thirteen stories provide different settings, characters, and crime themes. Sometimes there are detectives, sometimes there are criminals, sometimes there are just ordinary people caught up in bad situations. All of them are compelling and well done.
This is another great anthology edited by Ocean Tigrox and I definitely recommend reading it whether you like anthropomorphic animals or are looking for a great collection of noir to read.
August 8, 2016
Submitted on behalf of Bill Keiffer.
(general disclaimer: I have a story in this collection.)
INHUMAN ACTS: A Collection of Noir is tied together with a framing sequence as Stanley Rivets, private investigator, reviews 13 case files given to him by a mysterious figure. It's my least favorite narrative in the book as many of these all new stories simply take place on incompatible worlds. Stanley (or his host) is, I imagine, giving the introduction to each story. The introductions are done well enough, but they aren't exactly in the flavor of (nor consistent with) the forword.
That's OK. You're not really paying for the foreword, nor the introductions. These stories of Anthropomorphic Noir all stand alone well enough. Some stories are weak in their presentation of the anthropomorphic aspect of the story-telling; by that I mean these stories could too easily be about humans. This doesn't bother some Furries. The best of the collection mix the science fiction, the fantastic, and the crushing atmosphere of dark or darkening worlds to create Ocean Tigrox's vision of Furry Noir.
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
This was a smashing good story set in a story-verse where predator and prey still divides the species on some basic levels, but not on all levels. I like the premise and nod to racial stereotypes. The solution of the mystery and justice achieved is believable but... because it's the first story set a Noir book that (at least for me) evokes the the mid-20th century, I'm a little iffy on the technology of the era we're in. Something for me to research when I get a moment.
Also, I loved the mudbath. I imagine it would retain heat better than water and probably feel really good on that bum leg. Great idea bringing that into the universe and making it a plot point. I'd like that form my aching bones. I wish I'd thought of it.
I may steal it. I like Pigs.
Fixer by Watts Martin
A fixer story with lesbians and bisexuals. I love it. It must be very hard to be a "cleaner" when everybody sheds like mad, so no wonder the protagonist is ready to retire. The story and mystery were decent but I just didn't get what the protagonist's special talents were, exactly.
This was an expensive job, I would think. She might have to put off that retirement for awhile.
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
Hey, I love Star Trek. Picard does have a taste for Noir, as we fans know.
This doesn't seem to be a parody of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but there's more than a bit of a homage to the crew of the Enterprise D, so I'm torn.
If you apply the rule of thumb that good furry stories should be best told as a furry story (in another words, turning all the characters human should change more than a few descriptions) then this furry trek story fails that test.
The mystery within the mystery is quite nice; a locked room mystery I might have enjoyed more without it being hidden within an enigma and wrapped in a furry riddle.
On the other hoof, faux fur fan fiction is a whole genre within Furry Fandom that perhaps I should not simply dismiss. Looking at it that way, this Lumo-Bay adventure hits all the points with all the winks and nods in the right places while being told well by a lovely crafts-person.
I've chosen to answer this conflict with the statement that chief engineer is trying to kill the command staff because that's the only way a pussy like him can achieve command of a starship.
Surprisingly, this theory also works well with a few of the ST:TNG episodes also.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
As a former cab driver, this story holds a special spot for me. I know how "Dick" feels being held hostage by a fare, trying to find the degree of conversation they want and felt comfortable with. I thought that was nicely portrayed.
The queue at the reporting desk, that was also a pleasant surprise. In the movies, the hero is almost always running in and getting to the desk sergeant right off. Not only was this scene a nice change, it is probably more realistic (especially in the pre-social app age) and it was put to good plot use by allowing the Detective to hook up with Dick.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
The furriness is well done here and I did not see the end coming. I can't even complain about the Mighty Mouse reference because it's so obviously a different, bigger Mighty Mouse he's referring to. Can't be the cartoon I'm thinking of.
I liked the taxidermy show, I really did.
I might steal this, too.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
This felt very cyberpunk, to me. Yet, at the same time, I got a cold war vibe (although its not a cold war era piece, clearly). It was properly dark and Noir to be sure. It was less than satisfying, to me, for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
I suspect it's the Ghosts from the title. Without mentioning spoilers, I think I would have liked to have seen a certain ghost a little earlier. To see that ghost "alive," as it were. Maybe a little misdirection.
Just my opinion. The description of the cowering wolf was certainly worth the price of admission.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
I did not know that there was a Black Dog mythos. Now that I know, I'm going to have to steal a little bit of this for a later Brooklyn Blackie story.
This was a nice fantasy tale and a wonderful story of what happens when we let ourselves see the dark side of the best things in our life, the things we've chosen not to think about. Ever.
Noir stories often revolve around the way we chose to use our gifts. Sometimes it's talent, sometimes it's money, sometimes it is opportunity. In this case, Jon Mazza's gift is supernatural and has its limits. His situation is not bleak, but neither is it a smashing success. He's a real person... who just happens to have a talking, invisible dog.
But then everyone has one of those.
The underlying investigation is not complicated nor filled with back alley threats, but of trust and facing fear. It's rare when that trust and fear is the same target (well, Noir is full of betrayal where you come to fear or hate what you once trusted... Huskyteer didn't bring us that. This was a subtle twist beyond that, I think).
Without spoilers, the end is depressing. Perfect.
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
This is Diesel Punk (I think? It's my first one. I think I like this sort of thing. Someone let me know if I'm right or wrong. I don't get out much.).
Detective Faraday is a Hyena with the unwanted nickname of Smiley. The murder suspect is not a Hyena and is, in fact, a queer little cooper robot with no registered owner. The murder victims are numerous. There was enough foreshadowing to hint at the how and not enough to hint at the mastermind behind it all.
It was nicely done, although the Furriness only adds a flavor to the text but not the plot. I found myself not minding too much. Possibly, some days it bothers me more than others. Possibly, it was that good.
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Rats and Mice living in a town divided. The furriness used as an allegory to race and class distinction to good effect, if not much depth. Dark times and weariness, wariness, and worry. Split POV was a little confusing at first but then it's been a tough week for me. I appreciated it at the end.
Cynical, but Noir can be like that.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
This was very much in the mold of the classic hard-boiled PI story you find in Noir; especially the movies on late night TV. I liked it very much; reminding me of the longer stories I'd sometimes get in Ellery Queen Magazine way back when.
I had a little trouble keeping Frank and Preston apart in my head in some scenes, but I read this in two or three sittings, so there's that. Furriness added to the flavor-text and depth of the investigation, not the solution so much, but that's OK.
I think I might have wanted full disclosure Maltese's relationship with Sapphire a little earlier. Not just because I love seeing Lesbians represented, but it seemed a little too convenient when the signature perfume scent was detected and she knew who's it was at the time.
Good classic story without being derivative. Thanks for that.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
I have always loved the Uplift Universe by David Brin.
This wasn't that universe and the Uplift here is a different thing. The virus was as good an explanation for a Furry version of our world as any, and produces a slightly different earth-world, so Big Kudos for world-building, even if we don't get to explore it here much. Reminds me of early San Francisco, I think, if SF had built built on top of dead and dying SF... new in ways, yet old enough that corruption set in.
A society sophisticated enough strike a balance with various elements and needs as is practical. A society primitive enough that a man (or dog) can take the law into his own hands when he needs to.
In this, the element of Noir seems best brought out.
The whiskey, the guns, the failed police dog are familiar elements.
The plot's quite satisfactory, yet I'm dubious of the usefulness of the McGuffin to the villain because I'm uncertain of the age of it. No spoilers.
I found the ending scene to be mournful, soulful, and left me teary eyed.
Nice work.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
I was struck pleasantly by the violence. It reminded me of Dark City; but in a less complicated way. It reminded me of Supernatural, but in a more serious way. In short, it's a wonderfully visual story. I don't remember a single line or piece of dialogue other than "It's what we do," but then it's a visual story without apology. Next to the final scene in Bullet Tooth Claw, it has possibly the most images that will stay with me from the book.
If things fell apart slower, if the tale was longer, some of the dialogue might have come out more naturally. It's not a think piece, but it could have been since these character flirt with the metaphysics of good vs evil.
This could have been a movie with humans, it would not have lost the visual impact, plotting, or metaphysics. Again, as mentioned when spoke of Mary's Star Trek nod, I really do prefer to see the animals skins as something more than the characters have dressed up in. Here the angels have enhanced senses because they are angels.
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
OK, this is my story, and I can't very well review it. I would like to once again publicly thank Ocean Tigrox for liking my story enough to greenlight it even though it was more than twice too long a story and, of course, for his help and guidance in bullying what I had into a smaller and better story. Epic efforts all across the board.
So, instead of reviewing it, I'm going to tell you a secret about this story that you will only read here on Flayrah:
There are 100 sentient species on Aesop's Planet, the Earth that Brooklyn Blackie exists on. These species are all capitalized. There are dogs and Dogs, cats and Cats, and so forth. Horses, goats, deer, are just animals; most hooved animals didn't evolve into sentient creatures. The reasoning, for those who believe in evolution on Aesop's Planet, is that the fingers aren't freed up to evolve. The metareason is that I wanted to avoid giving myself a Mary Jane. I'm a horse. I'd be tempted.
I haven't written out what species are here. I'll eventually have to decide. I know that elephants, crocodiles, and rats have not evolved. I know that Rhinos, Alligators, and Mice have. Neither bugs nor fish have evolved.
(general disclaimer: I have a story in this collection.)
INHUMAN ACTS: A Collection of Noir is tied together with a framing sequence as Stanley Rivets, private investigator, reviews 13 case files given to him by a mysterious figure. It's my least favorite narrative in the book as many of these all new stories simply take place on incompatible worlds. Stanley (or his host) is, I imagine, giving the introduction to each story. The introductions are done well enough, but they aren't exactly in the flavor of (nor consistent with) the forword.
That's OK. You're not really paying for the foreword, nor the introductions. These stories of Anthropomorphic Noir all stand alone well enough. Some stories are weak in their presentation of the anthropomorphic aspect of the story-telling; by that I mean these stories could too easily be about humans. This doesn't bother some Furries. The best of the collection mix the science fiction, the fantastic, and the crushing atmosphere of dark or darkening worlds to create Ocean Tigrox's vision of Furry Noir.
Muskrat Blues by Ianus Wolf
This was a smashing good story set in a story-verse where predator and prey still divides the species on some basic levels, but not on all levels. I like the premise and nod to racial stereotypes. The solution of the mystery and justice achieved is believable but... because it's the first story set a Noir book that (at least for me) evokes the the mid-20th century, I'm a little iffy on the technology of the era we're in. Something for me to research when I get a moment.
Also, I loved the mudbath. I imagine it would retain heat better than water and probably feel really good on that bum leg. Great idea bringing that into the universe and making it a plot point. I'd like that form my aching bones. I wish I'd thought of it.
I may steal it. I like Pigs.
Fixer by Watts Martin
A fixer story with lesbians and bisexuals. I love it. It must be very hard to be a "cleaner" when everybody sheds like mad, so no wonder the protagonist is ready to retire. The story and mystery were decent but I just didn't get what the protagonist's special talents were, exactly.
This was an expensive job, I would think. She might have to put off that retirement for awhile.
Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary E. Lowd
Hey, I love Star Trek. Picard does have a taste for Noir, as we fans know.
This doesn't seem to be a parody of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but there's more than a bit of a homage to the crew of the Enterprise D, so I'm torn.
If you apply the rule of thumb that good furry stories should be best told as a furry story (in another words, turning all the characters human should change more than a few descriptions) then this furry trek story fails that test.
The mystery within the mystery is quite nice; a locked room mystery I might have enjoyed more without it being hidden within an enigma and wrapped in a furry riddle.
On the other hoof, faux fur fan fiction is a whole genre within Furry Fandom that perhaps I should not simply dismiss. Looking at it that way, this Lumo-Bay adventure hits all the points with all the winks and nods in the right places while being told well by a lovely crafts-person.
I've chosen to answer this conflict with the statement that chief engineer is trying to kill the command staff because that's the only way a pussy like him can achieve command of a starship.
Surprisingly, this theory also works well with a few of the ST:TNG episodes also.
River City Nights by Tana Simensis
As a former cab driver, this story holds a special spot for me. I know how "Dick" feels being held hostage by a fare, trying to find the degree of conversation they want and felt comfortable with. I thought that was nicely portrayed.
The queue at the reporting desk, that was also a pleasant surprise. In the movies, the hero is almost always running in and getting to the desk sergeant right off. Not only was this scene a nice change, it is probably more realistic (especially in the pre-social app age) and it was put to good plot use by allowing the Detective to hook up with Dick.
Every Breath Closer by Slip Wolf
The furriness is well done here and I did not see the end coming. I can't even complain about the Mighty Mouse reference because it's so obviously a different, bigger Mighty Mouse he's referring to. Can't be the cartoon I'm thinking of.
I liked the taxidermy show, I really did.
I might steal this, too.
Ghosts by Solus Lupus
This felt very cyberpunk, to me. Yet, at the same time, I got a cold war vibe (although its not a cold war era piece, clearly). It was properly dark and Noir to be sure. It was less than satisfying, to me, for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
I suspect it's the Ghosts from the title. Without mentioning spoilers, I think I would have liked to have seen a certain ghost a little earlier. To see that ghost "alive," as it were. Maybe a little misdirection.
Just my opinion. The description of the cowering wolf was certainly worth the price of admission.
A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer
I did not know that there was a Black Dog mythos. Now that I know, I'm going to have to steal a little bit of this for a later Brooklyn Blackie story.
This was a nice fantasy tale and a wonderful story of what happens when we let ourselves see the dark side of the best things in our life, the things we've chosen not to think about. Ever.
Noir stories often revolve around the way we chose to use our gifts. Sometimes it's talent, sometimes it's money, sometimes it is opportunity. In this case, Jon Mazza's gift is supernatural and has its limits. His situation is not bleak, but neither is it a smashing success. He's a real person... who just happens to have a talking, invisible dog.
But then everyone has one of those.
The underlying investigation is not complicated nor filled with back alley threats, but of trust and facing fear. It's rare when that trust and fear is the same target (well, Noir is full of betrayal where you come to fear or hate what you once trusted... Huskyteer didn't bring us that. This was a subtle twist beyond that, I think).
Without spoilers, the end is depressing. Perfect.
Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox
This is Diesel Punk (I think? It's my first one. I think I like this sort of thing. Someone let me know if I'm right or wrong. I don't get out much.).
Detective Faraday is a Hyena with the unwanted nickname of Smiley. The murder suspect is not a Hyena and is, in fact, a queer little cooper robot with no registered owner. The murder victims are numerous. There was enough foreshadowing to hint at the how and not enough to hint at the mastermind behind it all.
It was nicely done, although the Furriness only adds a flavor to the text but not the plot. I found myself not minding too much. Possibly, some days it bothers me more than others. Possibly, it was that good.
Vermin's Vice by T.S. McNally
Rats and Mice living in a town divided. The furriness used as an allegory to race and class distinction to good effect, if not much depth. Dark times and weariness, wariness, and worry. Split POV was a little confusing at first but then it's been a tough week for me. I appreciated it at the end.
Cynical, but Noir can be like that.
Scorned by K.C. Alpinus
This was very much in the mold of the classic hard-boiled PI story you find in Noir; especially the movies on late night TV. I liked it very much; reminding me of the longer stories I'd sometimes get in Ellery Queen Magazine way back when.
I had a little trouble keeping Frank and Preston apart in my head in some scenes, but I read this in two or three sittings, so there's that. Furriness added to the flavor-text and depth of the investigation, not the solution so much, but that's OK.
I think I might have wanted full disclosure Maltese's relationship with Sapphire a little earlier. Not just because I love seeing Lesbians represented, but it seemed a little too convenient when the signature perfume scent was detected and she knew who's it was at the time.
Good classic story without being derivative. Thanks for that.
Bullet Tooth Claw by Marshall L. Moseley
I have always loved the Uplift Universe by David Brin.
This wasn't that universe and the Uplift here is a different thing. The virus was as good an explanation for a Furry version of our world as any, and produces a slightly different earth-world, so Big Kudos for world-building, even if we don't get to explore it here much. Reminds me of early San Francisco, I think, if SF had built built on top of dead and dying SF... new in ways, yet old enough that corruption set in.
A society sophisticated enough strike a balance with various elements and needs as is practical. A society primitive enough that a man (or dog) can take the law into his own hands when he needs to.
In this, the element of Noir seems best brought out.
The whiskey, the guns, the failed police dog are familiar elements.
The plot's quite satisfactory, yet I'm dubious of the usefulness of the McGuffin to the villain because I'm uncertain of the age of it. No spoilers.
I found the ending scene to be mournful, soulful, and left me teary eyed.
Nice work.
Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin
I was struck pleasantly by the violence. It reminded me of Dark City; but in a less complicated way. It reminded me of Supernatural, but in a more serious way. In short, it's a wonderfully visual story. I don't remember a single line or piece of dialogue other than "It's what we do," but then it's a visual story without apology. Next to the final scene in Bullet Tooth Claw, it has possibly the most images that will stay with me from the book.
If things fell apart slower, if the tale was longer, some of the dialogue might have come out more naturally. It's not a think piece, but it could have been since these character flirt with the metaphysics of good vs evil.
This could have been a movie with humans, it would not have lost the visual impact, plotting, or metaphysics. Again, as mentioned when spoke of Mary's Star Trek nod, I really do prefer to see the animals skins as something more than the characters have dressed up in. Here the angels have enhanced senses because they are angels.
Brooklyn Blackie and the Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieffer
OK, this is my story, and I can't very well review it. I would like to once again publicly thank Ocean Tigrox for liking my story enough to greenlight it even though it was more than twice too long a story and, of course, for his help and guidance in bullying what I had into a smaller and better story. Epic efforts all across the board.
So, instead of reviewing it, I'm going to tell you a secret about this story that you will only read here on Flayrah:
There are 100 sentient species on Aesop's Planet, the Earth that Brooklyn Blackie exists on. These species are all capitalized. There are dogs and Dogs, cats and Cats, and so forth. Horses, goats, deer, are just animals; most hooved animals didn't evolve into sentient creatures. The reasoning, for those who believe in evolution on Aesop's Planet, is that the fingers aren't freed up to evolve. The metareason is that I wanted to avoid giving myself a Mary Jane. I'm a horse. I'd be tempted.
I haven't written out what species are here. I'll eventually have to decide. I know that elephants, crocodiles, and rats have not evolved. I know that Rhinos, Alligators, and Mice have. Neither bugs nor fish have evolved.
April 8, 2016
I’m still not exactly used to purchasing and reading anthologies, and therefore not that adept at figuring out the best way to review them – as they are books filled with so many fantastic stories by many authors and it’s just hard figuring out where to begin and what to cover. So please bear with me.
Okay, so the subject of this review is a Noir-themed Furry anthology titled “Inhuman Acts” edited by Ocean Tigrox – an excellent Writer/Editor! I have to personally extend a high-five and fist bump towards the editor for the theme behind this anthology and the works of the writers within it! There have been a handful of instances of placing anthropomorphic animals in Noir settings, but I don’t believe that it’s ever been done quite like this nor with so much variety!
So…diving right into it…
The Foreword written by Ocean Tigrox is a ‘in-universe’ perspective of traditional hard-boiled PI Stanley Rivets informing readers what they’re in for. As everybody knows, the Noir genre is not exactly renowned for happiness and romantic smooching. It’s dirty, gritty, foreboding and filled with misery of people just trying to make it through another day of crappy existence on a rock called Earth. There will be no hand-holding to make you feel better when all is said and done.
And you’ll have to suffer along with every unfortunate main character and expendable schmuck in all 13 tales of this amazing anthology.
SO. Since I can’t exactly give an in-depth review of every single story in Inhuman Acts, allow me to point out some stories that stood out to me – which is going to be difficult in itself. >v<;
1. A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer:
Okay, not going to lie, the mythology of the Black Dogs is one of my favorite mythologies. So, the fact that Huskyteer built up an entire world with a story featuring every human being having a Black Dog as an invisible companion pleases me so much. It’s very relevant to my interests.
Keep in mind that this particular story is still a Noir story. And while this story features an adorable thinks-he-is-people-in-a-trench-coat Black Dog, the main character is still a PI that gets in way over his head.
It gets worse as, after all, every person has a Black Dog. Every Person.
This one, as much I adored it, doesn’t end well. It doesn’t help that Huskyteer definitely knew how to punch me, as a reader, in a heart with her prose by the time the ending rolled around.
9/10. I’m still having trouble feeling happy after reading this.
2. Brooklyn Blackie and The Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieff
I don’t care how much of a handsome Grey Wolf/German Shepherd hybrid and Badass Noir Guy Brooklyn Blackie is .
This story started out “simple enough” but quickly became one of the MOST MESSED up things I have ever read – Noir or No Noir. Going into details without spoiling way too much would be impossible , but…
I WILL SAY….
10/10/. VERY distressing. Much trauma. Cannot Unsee or Unread. Mission accomplished. This story will forever scar Cecil D. Fritz. Superbly written though.
GOOD JOB, BILL. GOOD. JOB. (i’ll never forgive you).
3. Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary Lowd
Pretty DANG good pastiche of a Star Trek-style adventure wrapped up in a thick coating of Anthropomorphic Animals – thus a superior product in my opinion, if I must be frank. I’m only partially familiar with the inspirational source material on the barest bones level, but this story stands out to me more than the usual homages.
I love the framing device of this Noir story being a “Holo-Deck” session, or a“Lumo-Bay” as this particular case may be.
Alas, it doesn’t lessen the dark and heartbreaking blow of the Noir Genre. I’d say that it actually makes it feel worse since there’s the “none of this is real” scenario, but it’s definitely the “lightest” story in the entirety of Inhuman Acts.
Points beyond measure. Cecil D. Fritz didn’t curl up in a corner feeling dead inside nor endlessly cry upon reading this one.
SO.
That covers the highlights that I could really put my opinion into words for.
Other notable mentions that were most definitely relevant to my Reader Interests are (in order): Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox, Ghosts by Solus Lupus, Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin, Scorned by K.C. Alpinus.
This isn’t to say that any of the others I haven’t mentioned are worse or bad. Just…I don’t know. Some things in Inhuman Acts resonated with me more than others, I guess?
To be fair, writers like Ianus Wolf or Watts Martin are brilliant either way even if their particular additions to this anthology weren’t…’for me’. And heck, the works of Tana Simensis or Slip Wolf or T.S. McNally or Marshall L. Moseley just might be THE favorites of other readers
Who can say? And it’s, without a doubt, tough to pick.
And of course, this entire book ends in the Afterword with the same person it began with in the Foreword. Although, you may have overstayed your welcome to say the least. Which was a perfect note to conclude on. So, I have to give Ocean Tigrox infinite points and mad props for that final touch.
ANYWAY.
“INHUMAN ACTS”. One of the best damn furry anthologies I’ve read to date and it is clear that this project meant A LOT to the Editor and the writers involved in it.
Give it a buy and give it a read. Heck, buy it for you friends! Buy it for your family! BUY IT FOR EVERYBODY IN YOUR SCHOOL. O_O
You. Will. Not. Regret It.
Okay, so the subject of this review is a Noir-themed Furry anthology titled “Inhuman Acts” edited by Ocean Tigrox – an excellent Writer/Editor! I have to personally extend a high-five and fist bump towards the editor for the theme behind this anthology and the works of the writers within it! There have been a handful of instances of placing anthropomorphic animals in Noir settings, but I don’t believe that it’s ever been done quite like this nor with so much variety!
So…diving right into it…
The Foreword written by Ocean Tigrox is a ‘in-universe’ perspective of traditional hard-boiled PI Stanley Rivets informing readers what they’re in for. As everybody knows, the Noir genre is not exactly renowned for happiness and romantic smooching. It’s dirty, gritty, foreboding and filled with misery of people just trying to make it through another day of crappy existence on a rock called Earth. There will be no hand-holding to make you feel better when all is said and done.
And you’ll have to suffer along with every unfortunate main character and expendable schmuck in all 13 tales of this amazing anthology.
SO. Since I can’t exactly give an in-depth review of every single story in Inhuman Acts, allow me to point out some stories that stood out to me – which is going to be difficult in itself. >v<;
1. A Blacker Dog by Huskyteer:
Okay, not going to lie, the mythology of the Black Dogs is one of my favorite mythologies. So, the fact that Huskyteer built up an entire world with a story featuring every human being having a Black Dog as an invisible companion pleases me so much. It’s very relevant to my interests.
Keep in mind that this particular story is still a Noir story. And while this story features an adorable thinks-he-is-people-in-a-trench-coat Black Dog, the main character is still a PI that gets in way over his head.
It gets worse as, after all, every person has a Black Dog. Every Person.
This one, as much I adored it, doesn’t end well. It doesn’t help that Huskyteer definitely knew how to punch me, as a reader, in a heart with her prose by the time the ending rolled around.
9/10. I’m still having trouble feeling happy after reading this.
2. Brooklyn Blackie and The Unappetizing Menu by Bill Kieff
I don’t care how much of a handsome Grey Wolf/German Shepherd hybrid and Badass Noir Guy Brooklyn Blackie is .
This story started out “simple enough” but quickly became one of the MOST MESSED up things I have ever read – Noir or No Noir. Going into details without spoiling way too much would be impossible , but…
I WILL SAY….
10/10/. VERY distressing. Much trauma. Cannot Unsee or Unread. Mission accomplished. This story will forever scar Cecil D. Fritz. Superbly written though.
GOOD JOB, BILL. GOOD. JOB. (i’ll never forgive you).
3. Danger in the Lumo-Bay by Mary Lowd
Pretty DANG good pastiche of a Star Trek-style adventure wrapped up in a thick coating of Anthropomorphic Animals – thus a superior product in my opinion, if I must be frank. I’m only partially familiar with the inspirational source material on the barest bones level, but this story stands out to me more than the usual homages.
I love the framing device of this Noir story being a “Holo-Deck” session, or a“Lumo-Bay” as this particular case may be.
Alas, it doesn’t lessen the dark and heartbreaking blow of the Noir Genre. I’d say that it actually makes it feel worse since there’s the “none of this is real” scenario, but it’s definitely the “lightest” story in the entirety of Inhuman Acts.
Points beyond measure. Cecil D. Fritz didn’t curl up in a corner feeling dead inside nor endlessly cry upon reading this one.
SO.
That covers the highlights that I could really put my opinion into words for.
Other notable mentions that were most definitely relevant to my Reader Interests are (in order): Crimson on Copper by Tony Greyfox, Ghosts by Solus Lupus, Guardian Angels by Nicholas Hardin, Scorned by K.C. Alpinus.
This isn’t to say that any of the others I haven’t mentioned are worse or bad. Just…I don’t know. Some things in Inhuman Acts resonated with me more than others, I guess?
To be fair, writers like Ianus Wolf or Watts Martin are brilliant either way even if their particular additions to this anthology weren’t…’for me’. And heck, the works of Tana Simensis or Slip Wolf or T.S. McNally or Marshall L. Moseley just might be THE favorites of other readers
Who can say? And it’s, without a doubt, tough to pick.
And of course, this entire book ends in the Afterword with the same person it began with in the Foreword. Although, you may have overstayed your welcome to say the least. Which was a perfect note to conclude on. So, I have to give Ocean Tigrox infinite points and mad props for that final touch.
ANYWAY.
“INHUMAN ACTS”. One of the best damn furry anthologies I’ve read to date and it is clear that this project meant A LOT to the Editor and the writers involved in it.
Give it a buy and give it a read. Heck, buy it for you friends! Buy it for your family! BUY IT FOR EVERYBODY IN YOUR SCHOOL. O_O
You. Will. Not. Regret It.
April 21, 2021
Wonderful series of Noir short stories with a furry bent. A real gem to read.
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