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Tangle
Eleven stories of magic, mystery and the fantastic future, all featuring gay heroes. Swordsmen, cyborgs, magicians, ghosts, psychic lovers and enchanted lords fill this anthology with adventure, laughter and passion.
This anthology features Spectrum Award Winning author Ginn Hale as well as award winning author and editor Lawrence Schimel and Lambda Literary Award Finalist Astrid Amara.
This anthology features Spectrum Award Winning author Ginn Hale as well as award winning author and editor Lawrence Schimel and Lambda Literary Award Finalist Astrid Amara.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 10, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
It is very rare for me to come across an anthology where I enjoy every single story. The nice thing about short story collections by different authors is the element of surprise. After each break, the reader gets introduced to a new set of characters, encounters different situations, and is exposed to a variety of writing styles. Each story in Tangle is highly imaginative and explores love and relationships between men.
My favorite stories in this collection are:
Lord Ronan’s Shoes, by Astrid Amara, about a young man, Evander, employed by a king’s vassal to care for his vast shoe collection. Lord Ronan is a cold, cruel, and very attractive man. While on a mission to find new buckles for his master’s shoes, Evander comes across a very special pair of boots that changes the lives of everyone around him, including Lord Ronan. This story was sweet, humorous and a lot of fun.
Remember, by Astrid Amara, is about a man who is dreading his upcoming marriage to a woman he does not love, but needs to go through with the wedding in order to gain an inheritance. The bride’s family will not allow the wedding to take place until their missing heirloom rings are found, so, at his future mother-in-law’s insistence, the groom hires a mysterious magician to locate the rings. This was a fun and romantic story that ended happily for both the bride and the groom.
Crossing the Distance, by Erin MacKay, is about two boys who are telepathically bonded since childhood. Once they become of age, they are trained as “Relays”, using their telepathic skills to serve the army. A heartwrenching and beautiful story.
Ginn Hale’s Feral Machines is about a lonely man who maintains a wildlife sanctuary with only the three “synthetics” he purchased from a military surplus auction to keep him company. A very imaginative, compelling, and humane story.
It is very rare for me to come across an anthology where I enjoy every single story. The nice thing about short story collections by different authors is the element of surprise. After each break, the reader gets introduced to a new set of characters, encounters different situations, and is exposed to a variety of writing styles. Each story in Tangle is highly imaginative and explores love and relationships between men.
My favorite stories in this collection are:
Lord Ronan’s Shoes, by Astrid Amara, about a young man, Evander, employed by a king’s vassal to care for his vast shoe collection. Lord Ronan is a cold, cruel, and very attractive man. While on a mission to find new buckles for his master’s shoes, Evander comes across a very special pair of boots that changes the lives of everyone around him, including Lord Ronan. This story was sweet, humorous and a lot of fun.
Remember, by Astrid Amara, is about a man who is dreading his upcoming marriage to a woman he does not love, but needs to go through with the wedding in order to gain an inheritance. The bride’s family will not allow the wedding to take place until their missing heirloom rings are found, so, at his future mother-in-law’s insistence, the groom hires a mysterious magician to locate the rings. This was a fun and romantic story that ended happily for both the bride and the groom.
Crossing the Distance, by Erin MacKay, is about two boys who are telepathically bonded since childhood. Once they become of age, they are trained as “Relays”, using their telepathic skills to serve the army. A heartwrenching and beautiful story.
Ginn Hale’s Feral Machines is about a lonely man who maintains a wildlife sanctuary with only the three “synthetics” he purchased from a military surplus auction to keep him company. A very imaginative, compelling, and humane story.
June 25, 2011
4.5
Jesse Sandoval's tale was the glittering gem in this collection for me. I'd give that story a galaxy of stars if I could. And although I never thought I could enjoy fiction centering on a cyborg character, the masterly Ginn Hale not only proved me wrong but made me tear up in the process.
All in all, an anthology bursting with imagination.
Jesse Sandoval's tale was the glittering gem in this collection for me. I'd give that story a galaxy of stars if I could. And although I never thought I could enjoy fiction centering on a cyborg character, the masterly Ginn Hale not only proved me wrong but made me tear up in the process.
All in all, an anthology bursting with imagination.
October 4, 2015
This book did wonderful things to me! It is rare to come across a anthology where you love every single short story enclosed in it, but this one was a delightful surprise where I loved all the narratives and characters. No two stories where the same in this anthology and time and place moved with each new world that was created by the authors. Each of these stories is highly imaginitive and goes from our world and our time to the future and completely different spaces and each one was clear and enthralling.
My favourite short stories where Remember by Astrid Amara. I always know with Amara's writing I will love the world she creates, and the two stories by her in this anthology : Remembered and Lord Ronan's shoes were incredible. Remembered explored Alex a victorian gentleman who was dreading his wedding to a woman in four months and therefore seeks to remember the pleasure of being with a man every night. However each night he forgets the man until he meets him again sounds confusing I know but its amazing.
Lord Ronan's shoes is equally charming and loving, and had me squealing at the adorableness all the way through. Amara explores a man who cannot be himself until a pair of shoes releases his inner gooey centre.
Erin Mackay s a new author to me and has intrigued my interest with her contribution "crossing the distance," which I adored. This novella tucked at the back of this book is about two white children who have been searching for one another since they were young. Ave and Trent are used in the army as a quick communication devise. this novella is heartbreaking and beautiful cannot wait to read some more of her work.
And of course Ginn Hale's Feral Machine was incredible as well and left me aching for more. Anyone who keeps up with my reviews will know how much I adore Hale's work and I was not disappointed. this novella also tucked in the back of this book looked at a future world and a boy who is alone to try and keep this world alive while the authorities subtle-y try to make him leave. He is alone until an old Robot he has purchased is obliged to help him.
Overall an incredible novel which I adored and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Blind Eye Book's work. This is again a great asset to their collection and I would definitely read it again.
My favourite short stories where Remember by Astrid Amara. I always know with Amara's writing I will love the world she creates, and the two stories by her in this anthology : Remembered and Lord Ronan's shoes were incredible. Remembered explored Alex a victorian gentleman who was dreading his wedding to a woman in four months and therefore seeks to remember the pleasure of being with a man every night. However each night he forgets the man until he meets him again sounds confusing I know but its amazing.
Lord Ronan's shoes is equally charming and loving, and had me squealing at the adorableness all the way through. Amara explores a man who cannot be himself until a pair of shoes releases his inner gooey centre.
Erin Mackay s a new author to me and has intrigued my interest with her contribution "crossing the distance," which I adored. This novella tucked at the back of this book is about two white children who have been searching for one another since they were young. Ave and Trent are used in the army as a quick communication devise. this novella is heartbreaking and beautiful cannot wait to read some more of her work.
And of course Ginn Hale's Feral Machine was incredible as well and left me aching for more. Anyone who keeps up with my reviews will know how much I adore Hale's work and I was not disappointed. this novella also tucked in the back of this book looked at a future world and a boy who is alone to try and keep this world alive while the authorities subtle-y try to make him leave. He is alone until an old Robot he has purchased is obliged to help him.
Overall an incredible novel which I adored and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Blind Eye Book's work. This is again a great asset to their collection and I would definitely read it again.
November 24, 2012
SlashReaders: There wasn't one story in book that I did not enjoy. They were all well written and a lot of fun.
There was also an additional bonus in this book because the two stories at the end are novella length and have a great deal more content. I picked up this book because I enjoyed Kimberling's other anthology and I also enjoyed reading Ginn Hale's novel Wicked Gentlemen.
Overall if you enjoy slash fantasy and don't mind reading short stories, I would recommend this anthology. It was a lot of fun. :)
There was also an additional bonus in this book because the two stories at the end are novella length and have a great deal more content. I picked up this book because I enjoyed Kimberling's other anthology and I also enjoyed reading Ginn Hale's novel Wicked Gentlemen.
Overall if you enjoy slash fantasy and don't mind reading short stories, I would recommend this anthology. It was a lot of fun. :)
June 3, 2018
This collection of short stories was amazing. I loved almost every single story and was so incredibly thankful to read LGBT stories where being queer is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
'Feral Machines' and 'Moons of the Blood and Amber' were real stand outs to me and ones I wish would go on forever.
There were others that weren't so great such as 'Monument' and 'Crossing The Distance'. It took me almost 2 months to read Crossing The Distance, I just could not get into the story or the characters.
Overall it was a great anthology and is probably my new favourite way to read. I will continue to search for LGBT short story collections!! :)
'Feral Machines' and 'Moons of the Blood and Amber' were real stand outs to me and ones I wish would go on forever.
There were others that weren't so great such as 'Monument' and 'Crossing The Distance'. It took me almost 2 months to read Crossing The Distance, I just could not get into the story or the characters.
Overall it was a great anthology and is probably my new favourite way to read. I will continue to search for LGBT short story collections!! :)
April 28, 2021
feral machines by ginn hale was by far the highlight of this short story collection for me, and i feel like the longer novella length meant i could get more connected to the characters and the setting could be more fleshed out - i adored the concept and i thought it was really well executed.
moons of blood and amber: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
monument: ⭐️⭐️
lord ronan’s boots: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
los conversos: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
the most gentleman: ⭐️⭐️
release in A minor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
the coming of the fourth dawn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
fag hag: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
remember: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
crossing the distance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
feral machines: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
moons of blood and amber: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
monument: ⭐️⭐️
lord ronan’s boots: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
los conversos: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
the most gentleman: ⭐️⭐️
release in A minor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
the coming of the fourth dawn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
fag hag: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
remember: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
crossing the distance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
feral machines: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 21, 2016
4.5 stars
It is an interesting assortment of stories, some really good, others just... different. But udoubtedly worth your time.
Moons of Blood and Anger by Gene Mederos
In the previous day to the trial for coronation, High Councilor Dallan Haleson remembers how he met his lover, Prince Ballantyr, and how the ominous light of the blood moon brought four strangers together and bounded their lives forever
A really entertaining story of old witchery with plenty of battles, mythical beast and treason. Utterly enjoyable
4.5 stars
Monument by Steven Adamson
Ian, a closeted teenager living in Kansas, is looking for his “clair de lune” moment with his crush Rick, but his planned romantic experience does not seem to be working as supposed. But a first kiss is perfect with or without a clair de lune
My less favourite of the stories, it felt immature and disgruntled, as something a teenager would write. It has potential, though.
2.5 stars
Lord Ronan's Shoes by Astrid Amara
Lord Ronan's foul temper terrorizes all his servants, specially Evander, Master of Shoes. Maybe the right sort of books could make Lord Ronan happy. If only there wasn't dark sorcery involved…
Another excellent story of love and sorcery, with a bit of humour and plenty of dark magic. I loved it.
4.5 stars
Los Conversos by Jesse Sandoval
Two men, Rosario and Acilino “el Egipcio”, share a room thanks to their stigma of impure in an unforgiving society. But soon they'll discover they have much more in common…
Very dark and disturbing, albeit appealing. I think I would like to read something more by this author, if only to elucidate if I like it.
3.5 stars
The Lost Gentleman by Mark Allan Gunnells
When Jeremy Tesler gets stranded in a storm and looks for shelter in an isolated house, he does not suspect he is going to find love… In a very dead old gentleman, Dominic Whitman. But Jeremy will find a way for them to be together.
A classic love story, easy to read but maybe a bit too mushy at the end.
3 stars
Release in A Minor by Tenea D. Johnson
Clyde Tonnerrre, trumpeter, plays his trumpet in Baton Rouge while he recalls long lost lovers, and stirs a little of magic in the world…
Interesting, but unfortunately too short and with too many unanswered questions.
3 stars
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn by Jeremiah Job Levine
Chalith and Vikram, warrior and magician, share love and adventures in the kingdom of Belazid, but their quest with the Children of the fourth Dawn seems too dangerous for them to survive unscathed…
Another excellent example of adventures, magic, monsters and unrelenting love, spiced with just the right amount of scary and humour… I loved it.
4.5 stars
Fag Hag by Laurence Schimel
The story of a lonely witch who finds a possible apprentice and a friend in a boy looking for love, until the boy finds his love and leaves
Sweet and sour, it is very nice story which oozes the sadness of those who drive people who love them apart. Very good
4 stars
Remember by Astrid Amara
To be able to marry his fiancée, Alexander Clark must recover some magic wedding bands. But the deed proves difficult, and Alexander keeps feeling that he's missing something, something important he should but cannot remember..
Another excellent one, with black magicians and real love. Unforgettable.
4.5 stars
Crossing the Distance by Erin MacKay
Born without pigment, a White Child, Aev has to live with the fear and rejection of his neighbours, but his isolation breaks when he starts feeling Trest in his mind. The other Whilte Child keeps him company inside, until the day when soldiers come to take Aev to Trest. From that moment, Aev learns that they are Relays, people who are connected through their minds so they are able to communicate although they are apart, and discovers a new life in the house of Meraltem, in the country of Elldreni, a life of luxury and love with his beautiful Trest as company. But the threat of war changes their lives, when they are trained in the Guildhouse to best use their abilities, and then separated: Trest goes to the battlefield, while Aev remains at Court to relay Trest's news. But when Trest is captured and tortured, will Aev be able to do the ultimate sacrifice and kill his lover? Or will he die with Trest?
Wow! I really loved this one. A short novella, it focus on the strength of the bond between Trest and Aev, who manage to find each other even before knowing they existed. They have to face many things together, and the story is full of pain and despair. It is beautifully told, the pace steady and the plot so engaging it is impossible to stop reading… My only complaint is that it is too short. I would really love to read more on Trest and Aev…
5 stars
Feral Machines by Ginn Hale
5 stars
See review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It is an interesting assortment of stories, some really good, others just... different. But udoubtedly worth your time.
Moons of Blood and Anger by Gene Mederos
In the previous day to the trial for coronation, High Councilor Dallan Haleson remembers how he met his lover, Prince Ballantyr, and how the ominous light of the blood moon brought four strangers together and bounded their lives forever
A really entertaining story of old witchery with plenty of battles, mythical beast and treason. Utterly enjoyable
4.5 stars
Monument by Steven Adamson
Ian, a closeted teenager living in Kansas, is looking for his “clair de lune” moment with his crush Rick, but his planned romantic experience does not seem to be working as supposed. But a first kiss is perfect with or without a clair de lune
My less favourite of the stories, it felt immature and disgruntled, as something a teenager would write. It has potential, though.
2.5 stars
Lord Ronan's Shoes by Astrid Amara
Lord Ronan's foul temper terrorizes all his servants, specially Evander, Master of Shoes. Maybe the right sort of books could make Lord Ronan happy. If only there wasn't dark sorcery involved…
Another excellent story of love and sorcery, with a bit of humour and plenty of dark magic. I loved it.
4.5 stars
Los Conversos by Jesse Sandoval
Two men, Rosario and Acilino “el Egipcio”, share a room thanks to their stigma of impure in an unforgiving society. But soon they'll discover they have much more in common…
Very dark and disturbing, albeit appealing. I think I would like to read something more by this author, if only to elucidate if I like it.
3.5 stars
The Lost Gentleman by Mark Allan Gunnells
When Jeremy Tesler gets stranded in a storm and looks for shelter in an isolated house, he does not suspect he is going to find love… In a very dead old gentleman, Dominic Whitman. But Jeremy will find a way for them to be together.
A classic love story, easy to read but maybe a bit too mushy at the end.
3 stars
Release in A Minor by Tenea D. Johnson
Clyde Tonnerrre, trumpeter, plays his trumpet in Baton Rouge while he recalls long lost lovers, and stirs a little of magic in the world…
Interesting, but unfortunately too short and with too many unanswered questions.
3 stars
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn by Jeremiah Job Levine
Chalith and Vikram, warrior and magician, share love and adventures in the kingdom of Belazid, but their quest with the Children of the fourth Dawn seems too dangerous for them to survive unscathed…
Another excellent example of adventures, magic, monsters and unrelenting love, spiced with just the right amount of scary and humour… I loved it.
4.5 stars
Fag Hag by Laurence Schimel
The story of a lonely witch who finds a possible apprentice and a friend in a boy looking for love, until the boy finds his love and leaves
Sweet and sour, it is very nice story which oozes the sadness of those who drive people who love them apart. Very good
4 stars
Remember by Astrid Amara
To be able to marry his fiancée, Alexander Clark must recover some magic wedding bands. But the deed proves difficult, and Alexander keeps feeling that he's missing something, something important he should but cannot remember..
Another excellent one, with black magicians and real love. Unforgettable.
4.5 stars
Crossing the Distance by Erin MacKay
Born without pigment, a White Child, Aev has to live with the fear and rejection of his neighbours, but his isolation breaks when he starts feeling Trest in his mind. The other Whilte Child keeps him company inside, until the day when soldiers come to take Aev to Trest. From that moment, Aev learns that they are Relays, people who are connected through their minds so they are able to communicate although they are apart, and discovers a new life in the house of Meraltem, in the country of Elldreni, a life of luxury and love with his beautiful Trest as company. But the threat of war changes their lives, when they are trained in the Guildhouse to best use their abilities, and then separated: Trest goes to the battlefield, while Aev remains at Court to relay Trest's news. But when Trest is captured and tortured, will Aev be able to do the ultimate sacrifice and kill his lover? Or will he die with Trest?
Wow! I really loved this one. A short novella, it focus on the strength of the bond between Trest and Aev, who manage to find each other even before knowing they existed. They have to face many things together, and the story is full of pain and despair. It is beautifully told, the pace steady and the plot so engaging it is impossible to stop reading… My only complaint is that it is too short. I would really love to read more on Trest and Aev…
5 stars
Feral Machines by Ginn Hale
5 stars
See review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2009
The Review:
Honesty from the outset (and what will become my standard line for anthologies)~
I have a love/hate relationship with anthologies. Love because I really enjoy the diversity of voices and styles contained within a single volume and hate because inevitably with so many stories there will be a couple I'm unable to connect with. It is always disappointing when that happens because it can colour your view of the work as a whole and perhaps even the stories which come after.
First things first~
This is not a review of all eleven stories (nine novellettes and two novellas) included in Tangle. Instead, I have selected several which resonated with me as well as a couple that didn't hit as many of my reader's buttons. I hope this approach will give you a 'real' taste of the anthology without boring you to death with my crap prose. (You better like it cos I doing the same for the next one too! :) )
Lord Ronan's Shoes by Astrid Amara Rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars
This is a terrific story about a young servant, who starts to work for a cruel and critical Lord with something of a foot fetish. *g* Magical boots sweeten the Lord up to kindness and love, but at what cost?! This has all the entertaining earmarks of fairy tales of old complete with gloomy, bramble covered mansions in the middle of a forest, magical garments, servants and masters, a beauty and the beast-type moral, an old crone, and an HEA; albeit a little rushed. I think this author shows what a very fine storyteller she is in Lord Ronan's Shoes.
Feral Machines by Ginn Hale Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
In Feral Machines, Ginn Hale offers up more flawed characters to much enjoyment. This futuristic story features Andrew; one of the two last remaining inhabitants of a wildlife sanctuary, and his desperate attempts to save this habitat from the greedy powers that be. What I liked the most about this novella is the way the characters grow as the plot - paced beautifully - progresses, especially how Andrew comes to understand his actions are not as benevolent as he thinks.
Monument by Steven Adamson Rating 3.75 out of 5 Stars
This ghost story with a message won't be to everyone's taste (and I've read a couple of reviews along this vein), however I thought Monument was a good story about a horny teenager dealing with issues associated with his sexuality and his first relationship. I loved the irony in this; the contrast between the main character's criticism of his boyfriend's effeminate mannerisms and behaviour and his own desire for a 'candlelight and music' romance. God love teenage angst. :)
A couple of issues/warnings~
A few of the stories were very short (only a few pages long) to varying degrees of success. Tenea D. Johnson's Release in A Minor warrants particular mention because of the sensuality of her writing. The imagery conjured up by Clyde's, the main character's, trumpet playing is very lush. However, I was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied because I didn't really learn anything substantial about Clyde. I would have liked to get to know him more in a longer story.
In The Lost Gentleman by Mark Allan Gunnells' story, a stranded traveller becomes infatuated with a man he discovers in a nearby home. Whilst an okay read, this is a familiar ghost story, which did not offer anything really new to me as a reader and I found the ending a little contrived.
My recommendation~
Although a couple of the stories in Tangle didn't work for me as much as others, the majority of them did and I would suggest this anthology to those readers looking for a variety of unusual m/m fantasy tales.
BTW, I also recommend you go check out the Blind Eye Books website for some great original art associated with Tangle. I particularly like the work for Lord Ronan's Shoes. *g*
Honesty from the outset (and what will become my standard line for anthologies)~
I have a love/hate relationship with anthologies. Love because I really enjoy the diversity of voices and styles contained within a single volume and hate because inevitably with so many stories there will be a couple I'm unable to connect with. It is always disappointing when that happens because it can colour your view of the work as a whole and perhaps even the stories which come after.
First things first~
This is not a review of all eleven stories (nine novellettes and two novellas) included in Tangle. Instead, I have selected several which resonated with me as well as a couple that didn't hit as many of my reader's buttons. I hope this approach will give you a 'real' taste of the anthology without boring you to death with my crap prose. (You better like it cos I doing the same for the next one too! :) )
Lord Ronan's Shoes by Astrid Amara Rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars
This is a terrific story about a young servant, who starts to work for a cruel and critical Lord with something of a foot fetish. *g* Magical boots sweeten the Lord up to kindness and love, but at what cost?! This has all the entertaining earmarks of fairy tales of old complete with gloomy, bramble covered mansions in the middle of a forest, magical garments, servants and masters, a beauty and the beast-type moral, an old crone, and an HEA; albeit a little rushed. I think this author shows what a very fine storyteller she is in Lord Ronan's Shoes.
Feral Machines by Ginn Hale Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
In Feral Machines, Ginn Hale offers up more flawed characters to much enjoyment. This futuristic story features Andrew; one of the two last remaining inhabitants of a wildlife sanctuary, and his desperate attempts to save this habitat from the greedy powers that be. What I liked the most about this novella is the way the characters grow as the plot - paced beautifully - progresses, especially how Andrew comes to understand his actions are not as benevolent as he thinks.
Monument by Steven Adamson Rating 3.75 out of 5 Stars
This ghost story with a message won't be to everyone's taste (and I've read a couple of reviews along this vein), however I thought Monument was a good story about a horny teenager dealing with issues associated with his sexuality and his first relationship. I loved the irony in this; the contrast between the main character's criticism of his boyfriend's effeminate mannerisms and behaviour and his own desire for a 'candlelight and music' romance. God love teenage angst. :)
A couple of issues/warnings~
A few of the stories were very short (only a few pages long) to varying degrees of success. Tenea D. Johnson's Release in A Minor warrants particular mention because of the sensuality of her writing. The imagery conjured up by Clyde's, the main character's, trumpet playing is very lush. However, I was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied because I didn't really learn anything substantial about Clyde. I would have liked to get to know him more in a longer story.
In The Lost Gentleman by Mark Allan Gunnells' story, a stranded traveller becomes infatuated with a man he discovers in a nearby home. Whilst an okay read, this is a familiar ghost story, which did not offer anything really new to me as a reader and I found the ending a little contrived.
My recommendation~
Although a couple of the stories in Tangle didn't work for me as much as others, the majority of them did and I would suggest this anthology to those readers looking for a variety of unusual m/m fantasy tales.
BTW, I also recommend you go check out the Blind Eye Books website for some great original art associated with Tangle. I particularly like the work for Lord Ronan's Shoes. *g*
November 11, 2012
Moons of Blood and Amber
Gene Mederos
3 stars
I liked the flashes back to how they all met. The world was interesting and made me want more. I'd have liked this to be a bit longer, but it worked pretty well nonetheless.
Monument
Steven Adamson
2 stars
Even for a short story, it didn't really give much. But it was still okay.
Lord Ronan's Shoes
Astrid Amara
4 stars
This is told in fairy-tale fashion, which works wonderfully. Lord Ronan sure was a bastard, though was that ?
Los Conversos
Jesse Sandoval
4 stars
Loved, loved, loved the world Acilino and Rosario lived in. I'd like to read more about them and/or this world.
The Lost Gentlemen
Mark Allen Gunnells
2.5 stars
This started out as a pretty good , but kind of turned into a bit of a . Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but it kind of jarred me from the world a bit. Though, the ending wasn't bad, I still felt as if I was reading two slightly different stories - maybe two different drafts merged together. But it was still a pretty good story, despite that.
Release in A Minor
Tenea D. Johnson
4 stars
A wonderful little snippet of a story. Chock full of substance and nothing left wanting.
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn
Jeremiah Job Levine
4.5 stars
Fantastic story. I want more of !
Fag Hag
Lawrence Schimel
2 stars
This story seemed a bit out of place in this anthology. It was a pretty good short but, for me, it interrupted the flow of the other stories.
Remember
Astrid Amara
4.5 stars
Crossing the Distance
Erin MacKay
5 stars
I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this story is. I loved the setting, the characters, the whole Relay thing - it was both wonderful and heartbreaking. But I think that the way Aev and Trest slowly come to realize what exactly their lives are about is one of the most moving things about this story. I was both amazed and saddened. But it was beautifully done.
Feral Machines
Ginn Hale
5 stars
Ginn Hale is quickly becoming one of my most favourite authors. Hale's world-building is phenomenal and the characters which populate them, amazing. I loved the hopelessly desperate setting of Feral Machines, loved poor Andrew's desperate need to gain self-governancy for Casaverde despite the crazed Rannon on-planet and the off-world commercial and government forces trying to stop him. This story of friendship and humanity ended the anthology on a wonderful note.
Median rating for all eleven stories: 3.68 stars
Because I liked more of them than not, I'm rounding to four stars for the entire anthology.
Gene Mederos
3 stars
I liked the flashes back to how they all met. The world was interesting and made me want more. I'd have liked this to be a bit longer, but it worked pretty well nonetheless.
Monument
Steven Adamson
2 stars
Even for a short story, it didn't really give much. But it was still okay.
Lord Ronan's Shoes
Astrid Amara
4 stars
This is told in fairy-tale fashion, which works wonderfully. Lord Ronan sure was a bastard, though was that ?
Los Conversos
Jesse Sandoval
4 stars
Loved, loved, loved the world Acilino and Rosario lived in. I'd like to read more about them and/or this world.
The Lost Gentlemen
Mark Allen Gunnells
2.5 stars
This started out as a pretty good , but kind of turned into a bit of a . Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but it kind of jarred me from the world a bit. Though, the ending wasn't bad, I still felt as if I was reading two slightly different stories - maybe two different drafts merged together. But it was still a pretty good story, despite that.
Release in A Minor
Tenea D. Johnson
4 stars
A wonderful little snippet of a story. Chock full of substance and nothing left wanting.
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn
Jeremiah Job Levine
4.5 stars
Fantastic story. I want more of !
Fag Hag
Lawrence Schimel
2 stars
This story seemed a bit out of place in this anthology. It was a pretty good short but, for me, it interrupted the flow of the other stories.
Remember
Astrid Amara
4.5 stars
Crossing the Distance
Erin MacKay
5 stars
I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this story is. I loved the setting, the characters, the whole Relay thing - it was both wonderful and heartbreaking. But I think that the way Aev and Trest slowly come to realize what exactly their lives are about is one of the most moving things about this story. I was both amazed and saddened. But it was beautifully done.
Feral Machines
Ginn Hale
5 stars
Ginn Hale is quickly becoming one of my most favourite authors. Hale's world-building is phenomenal and the characters which populate them, amazing. I loved the hopelessly desperate setting of Feral Machines, loved poor Andrew's desperate need to gain self-governancy for Casaverde despite the crazed Rannon on-planet and the off-world commercial and government forces trying to stop him. This story of friendship and humanity ended the anthology on a wonderful note.
Median rating for all eleven stories: 3.68 stars
Because I liked more of them than not, I'm rounding to four stars for the entire anthology.
July 8, 2014
Overall this collection gets 3 stars.(basing it on the stories I rated)
This was edited better than the last collection I read (Irregulars) which was surprising because it was published earlier than Irregulars. I don't know. I just expect earlier works to be less polished than more recent ones.
Anyways, I read all but one story in this short story collection-Crossing the Distance.I read up to p. 245 in this story and then stopped. After skimming some of the rest, I just felt like it would be too depressing to read it all plus it was placed right after Remember
Remember was repetitive...ha! It was well-written for the most part. I wasn't pleased with the ending though. Stephen needed an ass-kicking in the worst way but hey different strokes for different folks I guess. This gets a 2.5 out of 5. I'd give a 3 if it didn't feature a lover who was so damned creepy.
Release in A minor is really too short for me to give much of an opinion.
The Lost Gentleman gets 2 out of 5.
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn gets a 5 out of 5. It packed quite a punch for a short story and I was sorry to see it end.
Moons of the Blood and Amber was decent. 3 out of 5
Monument 1 out of 5. It was boring.
Lord Ronan's Shoes was an excellent, enchanting and entertaining story. It was sweet but not in a saccharine way. 5 out of 5
Los Conversos was trippy. 3 out 5
This was edited better than the last collection I read (Irregulars) which was surprising because it was published earlier than Irregulars. I don't know. I just expect earlier works to be less polished than more recent ones.
Anyways, I read all but one story in this short story collection-Crossing the Distance.I read up to p. 245 in this story and then stopped. After skimming some of the rest, I just felt like it would be too depressing to read it all plus it was placed right after Remember
Remember was repetitive...ha! It was well-written for the most part. I wasn't pleased with the ending though. Stephen needed an ass-kicking in the worst way but hey different strokes for different folks I guess. This gets a 2.5 out of 5. I'd give a 3 if it didn't feature a lover who was so damned creepy.
Release in A minor is really too short for me to give much of an opinion.
The Lost Gentleman gets 2 out of 5.
The Coming of the Fourth Dawn gets a 5 out of 5. It packed quite a punch for a short story and I was sorry to see it end.
Moons of the Blood and Amber was decent. 3 out of 5
Monument 1 out of 5. It was boring.
Lord Ronan's Shoes was an excellent, enchanting and entertaining story. It was sweet but not in a saccharine way. 5 out of 5
Los Conversos was trippy. 3 out 5
August 18, 2012
3.5 stars thanks to a few real gems. This one definitely suffers the typical anthology curse, where some of them hit and some of them really miss. For me, the hits were Jesse Sandoval's beautiful piece of magical realism, "Los Conversos," Tenea D. Johnson's I-wish-it-were-longer portrait of an unusually talented musician in "Release in A Minor," and Ginn Hale's lush cyborg novella "Feral Machines."
Some of the others that people on GR are fond of failed for me because of the "scheming female villain threatens Our Heroes' Love" trope, which is a common pitfall of the genre but one I never enjoy. I'm trying to think of something witty to say about that and all I'm coming up with is bitterness, so I'll just leave it at "I wish this would stop happening."
I'm going to go track down some of Johnson's longer work, though, because she definitely has a feel for language that I'd like to see more of.
Some of the others that people on GR are fond of failed for me because of the "scheming female villain threatens Our Heroes' Love" trope, which is a common pitfall of the genre but one I never enjoy. I'm trying to think of something witty to say about that and all I'm coming up with is bitterness, so I'll just leave it at "I wish this would stop happening."
I'm going to go track down some of Johnson's longer work, though, because she definitely has a feel for language that I'd like to see more of.
July 8, 2009
Edited by Nicole Kimberling this anthology has some fantastic reads in it. While there were one or two that did not strike a chord, the majority were rather enjoyable.
I think the standouts for me are the delightful fairy tale of Lord Ronan’s Shoes and Remember both by Astrid Amara. She always manages to slip in a rather dry, cheeky sense of humor, that I appreciate! Crossing the Distance by Erin MacKay was some seriously angsty stuff, which indulged my inner emo kid. heh. Finally, Feral Machines by Ginn Hale was just magic. I did not want this one to end, it was truly a fab read.
This is certainly an eclectic selection of stories and part of the books charm is this diversity. Most enjoyable and available now from Blind Eye Books.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
I think the standouts for me are the delightful fairy tale of Lord Ronan’s Shoes and Remember both by Astrid Amara. She always manages to slip in a rather dry, cheeky sense of humor, that I appreciate! Crossing the Distance by Erin MacKay was some seriously angsty stuff, which indulged my inner emo kid. heh. Finally, Feral Machines by Ginn Hale was just magic. I did not want this one to end, it was truly a fab read.
This is certainly an eclectic selection of stories and part of the books charm is this diversity. Most enjoyable and available now from Blind Eye Books.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
October 23, 2015
La trama mi ha tratto in inganno e non ho trovato ciò che mi aspettavo, o forse sono io che mi sono palesemente fatta un film mentale immaginandomi una raccolta steampunk ambientata nel futuro (perché mai, direte voi.. Ah boh :D)
Fatto sta che la prima metà del libro è insulsa e inutile, le storie sono sì velocissime, ma anche vuote e facili da dimenticare (personalmente, l'ho già fatto!). Il libro comunque lo promuovo per le ultime tre storie, le più lunghe fortunatamente, che coprono la II metà del libro.
Feral machines è divino. Ma Ginn Hale è il mio porto sicuro, non mi stupisco di niente!!
Fatto sta che la prima metà del libro è insulsa e inutile, le storie sono sì velocissime, ma anche vuote e facili da dimenticare (personalmente, l'ho già fatto!). Il libro comunque lo promuovo per le ultime tre storie, le più lunghe fortunatamente, che coprono la II metà del libro.
Feral machines è divino. Ma Ginn Hale è il mio porto sicuro, non mi stupisco di niente!!
April 29, 2009
This is a very good anthology. My personal favorite was Erin McKay's "Crossing The Distance" because I think that bonds between telepaths encapsulate intimacy issues. I wanted to see more of this universe. I also very much liked "Los Conversos" by Jesse Sandoval for its lyricism and intensity. "Fag Hag" by Lawrence Schimmel is a well-realized story with bite.
I am looking forward to Tangle Girls which I have on order from Amazon.
Shomeret
I am looking forward to Tangle Girls which I have on order from Amazon.
Shomeret
July 13, 2010
Something of a mixed bag but all the stories are readable and enjoyable.
Everything is very sweet to the point of tasting like diabetes, but hay, someytimes that's all your after.
The Ginn Hale novella at the end was fab.
Everything is very sweet to the point of tasting like diabetes, but hay, someytimes that's all your after.
The Ginn Hale novella at the end was fab.
March 13, 2009
Some stories were so so, but a couple were well worth the buy.
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