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Amaryllis and Other Stories
For more than fifteen years Carrie Vaughn has published short fiction across all genres, through time and space, earning praise from critics and readers for twists and turns, shocks and delights, and emotional heart. This collection brings together alien encounters, classic fantasy creatures, strange magic, historical milieus; stories with heart, of people making their ways in the world the best they can, however strange and hostile those worlds might be; rare, hard-to-find stories that haven't been available in years. All this, now brought together in the first widely-available retrospective collection of Vaughn's work, including her Hugo-nominated, WSFA Small Press Award winning story "Amaryllis," about a post-catastrophe future in which a community struggles to live in balance with the environment and each other.
"Amaryllis" was also published in Lightspeed Magazine.
"Amaryllis" was also published in Lightspeed Magazine.
310 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2016
17 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,541 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 13, 2017
Online freebie at Lightspeed Magazine, this short story was a Hugo award nominee in 2011. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity has survived and has even managed to retain some of its technology. But there is an emphasis on maintaining a sustainable, environmentally-aware society. In Marie’s community by the ocean, for example, there are strict quotas on fishing as well as on having children. Marie’s mother committed a serious crime by removing her birth control implant and having her without authorization. Their household was broken up and Marie was taken away and given to others to raise.
Now Marie is a grown woman, the head and heart of her household that runs the fishing boat Amaryllis. But because of her birth circumstances, she still sees the prejudice against her. The most immediate threat is from one of the scale masters, who is always finding that their boat has brought in too many pounds of fish, which puts their fishing license and livelihood at risk. A young woman in her household, Nina, is begging Marie to ask the official committee for permission for their house to have a baby, but Marie is afraid that her own past will be held against her entire household.
Carrie Vaughn has created an intriguing future, where a strong culture of ecological sustainability has affected all aspects of life, including stringent population control. Households are required to prove their ability to care for themselves as well as any children they want to have. Those who are given approval for a child are given a coveted green-and-red banner as a symbol of the privilege they’ve earned. The plot of “Amaryllis” is fairly straightforward, but it’s well-written, the world-building is fascinating, and the characters are well-drawn. As usual, this issue of Lightspeed included an author interview (I love this feature in their magazine!) in which Carrie Vaughn offers some interesting background and additional insights into the story.
In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity has survived and has even managed to retain some of its technology. But there is an emphasis on maintaining a sustainable, environmentally-aware society. In Marie’s community by the ocean, for example, there are strict quotas on fishing as well as on having children. Marie’s mother committed a serious crime by removing her birth control implant and having her without authorization. Their household was broken up and Marie was taken away and given to others to raise.
Now Marie is a grown woman, the head and heart of her household that runs the fishing boat Amaryllis. But because of her birth circumstances, she still sees the prejudice against her. The most immediate threat is from one of the scale masters, who is always finding that their boat has brought in too many pounds of fish, which puts their fishing license and livelihood at risk. A young woman in her household, Nina, is begging Marie to ask the official committee for permission for their house to have a baby, but Marie is afraid that her own past will be held against her entire household.
Carrie Vaughn has created an intriguing future, where a strong culture of ecological sustainability has affected all aspects of life, including stringent population control. Households are required to prove their ability to care for themselves as well as any children they want to have. Those who are given approval for a child are given a coveted green-and-red banner as a symbol of the privilege they’ve earned. The plot of “Amaryllis” is fairly straightforward, but it’s well-written, the world-building is fascinating, and the characters are well-drawn. As usual, this issue of Lightspeed included an author interview (I love this feature in their magazine!) in which Carrie Vaughn offers some interesting background and additional insights into the story.
July 20, 2020
4.5 stars
Review for the title story "Amaryllis" only, which you can read for free here:
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fic...
This short story was nominated for a Hugo in 2011, and is set in the world of the Bannerless Saga. Like other entries set in this world, Amaryllis captures a time after the collapse of society has occurred and a new organisational structure for smaller, sustainable, and more self-sufficient communities has taken its place. These stories show both the ups and downs of a collectivist society, and Amaryllis is no exception. In relatively short order we get a decent notion of how things work, and discover that the rebuilding of society did not mean that prejudice was left behind.
But neither are kindness and understanding. These are people, after all, capable of the entire range of emotions, strengths, and weaknesses that we are all familiar with. Vaughn takes us quickly to the emotional heart of the story, setting up an immediate sense of hopfulness tinged with the knowledge of potential disappointment at the possible outcome.
This is a tightly written, multidimensional story that gets the reader invested early and delivers a payoff at the end.
Other stories set in the Bannerless Saga world:
Where Would You Be Now?
Bannerless
The Wild Dead
Review for the title story "Amaryllis" only, which you can read for free here:
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fic...
This short story was nominated for a Hugo in 2011, and is set in the world of the Bannerless Saga. Like other entries set in this world, Amaryllis captures a time after the collapse of society has occurred and a new organisational structure for smaller, sustainable, and more self-sufficient communities has taken its place. These stories show both the ups and downs of a collectivist society, and Amaryllis is no exception. In relatively short order we get a decent notion of how things work, and discover that the rebuilding of society did not mean that prejudice was left behind.
But neither are kindness and understanding. These are people, after all, capable of the entire range of emotions, strengths, and weaknesses that we are all familiar with. Vaughn takes us quickly to the emotional heart of the story, setting up an immediate sense of hopfulness tinged with the knowledge of potential disappointment at the possible outcome.
This is a tightly written, multidimensional story that gets the reader invested early and delivers a payoff at the end.
Other stories set in the Bannerless Saga world:
Where Would You Be Now?
Bannerless
The Wild Dead
December 12, 2022
Reading only the title story in this collection: Amaryllis.
I suppose the most disturbing aspect of this story is the state-run fertility board. Everything else is slice-of-life and trying to get a grip on it.
I suppose I've read too much in the field, alas, to get overly attached to a light, apparently fully-emotionally-adjusted dystopia.
Of course, that is kinda the point. We have our own, do we not?
I suppose the most disturbing aspect of this story is the state-run fertility board. Everything else is slice-of-life and trying to get a grip on it.
I suppose I've read too much in the field, alas, to get overly attached to a light, apparently fully-emotionally-adjusted dystopia.
Of course, that is kinda the point. We have our own, do we not?
May 22, 2018
I only read the title story, also for free at Lightspeed Magazine: http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fic...
Dystopian short story with an uplifting ending. In case you want to finish reading something with a smile on your lips...
Dystopian short story with an uplifting ending. In case you want to finish reading something with a smile on your lips...
June 8, 2017
This is a really excellent and diverse collection of eighteen stories. There are traditional high-fantasies, contemporary science fiction, urban fantasy, post-apocalypse sf, etc., all rendered deftly with considerable skill, charm, and wit. My favorites were the science fiction stories A Riddle in Nine Syllables, The Best We Can (which has a nice Jack McDevitt flavor), and the group at the end of the book that share a rich common background that reminded me of the best of Maureen McHugh. Mostly known as a writer of popular novels, Vaughn proves that she's equally talented in shorter forms. (The book features a very interesting cover; I keep looking at it but can't be sure just what I'm seeing.)
April 25, 2022
The Best We Can (2013)
An astronomer discovers that a near-Earth asteroid is actually an artificial object created by extraterrestrials. Crab mentality on a global scale ensues. I laughed a lot at this dark comedy. I'd like to say it's satirical, but I don't know that it would be.
Enjoyable
Strife Lingers In Memory (2002)
The Heir defeats The Enemy and returns with PTSD. By day he is a paragon of heroism but by night he's a tormented wretch. His newlywed wife feels overwhelmed until she accepts that only many years of tender love and care may soothe his mind. It also serves as a commentary on narratives. If it had more of the commentary I would've rated it higher.
Ok
A Hunter’s Ode To His Bait (2003)
A hunter buys a girl to use as bait for a beast that only approaches virgin maidens. This was a rather sensual tale.
Highly Enjoyable
Sun, Stone, Spear (2015)
Two young girls leave their village seeking to fulfill their dreams. The setting seem to be where was an apocalypse a long time ago and most, if not all, have reverted to the stone age without almost any knowledge of what came before. It's interesting, but entirely a tease.
Ok
Crows (2006)
A man awakens to a field of corpses. The battle has been lost. His lord lay dead beside him. He could only protect what remained from whatever may come.
Meh
Salvage (2014) [Trade Guild]
A Trade Guild crew inspects a derelict Trade Guild spaceship to determine the cause of its failure and salvage what they can. Nothing more or less. Not as fun as I thought it may be. This would've been better as part of a much longer story.
Meh
Draw Thy Breath In Pain (2005)
Horatio, a man literally possessed to tell his story, meets the playwright William Shakespeare and passes on the possession, forcing him against his will to write his story.
Enjoyable
The Girl With The Pre-Raphaelite Hair (1999)
A telepathic girl is seized by a mad scientist who puts an AI into her mind so that it can learn and become the first conscious AI.
Meh
Game Of Chance (2013)
A group of individuals outside of time try to alter the world through indirect means because any direct action taken by them results in their demise. It's also a story about how to effectively bring about societal change.
Ok
Roaring Twenties (2014)
An urban fantasy crime adventure in a warded nightclub exclusive to those with magic and the supernatural.
Ok
A Riddle In Nine Syllables (2000)
On planet Tiga 32-A the Chief Xeno-ecologist is parasitized. The story is told from her perspective. It's about never wanting to be a mother, motherhood, rape, abortion, birth, the conscious mind being overcome by primal biological instincts, and the nature of sentience. It's never stated, but the title probably refers to the scientific name given to the parasite.
Ok
1977 (2009) [Temporal Transit Authority]
A high and drunk woman dances at the club and hits on a random guy in an attempt to get over being cuckqueaned by her sister. Then she isn't there and a man is imploring her to teach him Disco.
Ok
Danaë At Sea (2005)
The voyage of convicts from England to Australia.
Meh
For Fear Of Dragons (2006)
In a certain kingdom every girl tries to become pregnant as soon as biologically possible because it's proof that they aren't a virgin. Only virgins can be given as the yearly sacrifice to the dragon. This year there's only one girl and she has a plan. A feminist story against tradition and religion.
Ok
The Art Of Homecoming (2013) [Trade Guild]
After an accidental diplomatic crisis on gas giant Cancri Four, Major Wendy Daring is given a monthlong leave to visit her sister, sister's wife, and sister's wife's twin brother on the intentional pastoral planet Ariana. She greatly enjoys herself, but can she forgo meeting several hundred more alien civilizations in exchange for this bucolic paradise?
Highly Enjoyable
Astrophilia (2012) [The Bannerless Saga]
A post-apocalyptic pastoral lesbian romance.
Highly Enjoyable
Bannerless (2015) [The Bannerless Saga]
The following is copypasted from my original reading of this story. This story was the reason why I read this collection and will be reading the relevant novels next. I had read three stories from Vaughn prior to this.
A very interesting post-apocalyptic pastoral crime investigation story. An investigator is sent to assess the claims of an unsanctioned pregnancy. It was surprisingly upbeat and hinted at a relatively positive world. When I finished, I wanted an entire novel. Apparently a few years later she wrote a novel of the same name, which I'll read eventually. I haven't liked anything else from her, so I may be disappointed, but I'm willing to take that risk. Sometimes there may only be a single work from an author that's enjoyable, which can be a bother because that makes it more difficult to know whether to look at more from an author or not.
Highly Enjoyable
Amaryllis (2010) [The Bannerless Saga]
A nautical story set aboard the Amaryllis, a 30-foot vessel, whose members are trying to earn a sanctioned pregnancy.
This is the fourth time I've come across this story. I've previously seen it in three anthologies and this collection. When I first read it, I thought it was fine enough, but nothing notable, though clearly its nominations and inclusions say otherwise. I'm able to appreciate it more now, but that also makes it an even stranger story to me. Although this is the first written in the setting it reads more a later bonus addition to the main story which covers outside matters, which it may be because it could be the latest set chronologically. The setting isn't properly established until Astrophilia and doesn't come into its own until Bannerless.
Enjoyable
An astronomer discovers that a near-Earth asteroid is actually an artificial object created by extraterrestrials. Crab mentality on a global scale ensues. I laughed a lot at this dark comedy. I'd like to say it's satirical, but I don't know that it would be.
Enjoyable
Strife Lingers In Memory (2002)
The Heir defeats The Enemy and returns with PTSD. By day he is a paragon of heroism but by night he's a tormented wretch. His newlywed wife feels overwhelmed until she accepts that only many years of tender love and care may soothe his mind. It also serves as a commentary on narratives. If it had more of the commentary I would've rated it higher.
Ok
A Hunter’s Ode To His Bait (2003)
A hunter buys a girl to use as bait for a beast that only approaches virgin maidens. This was a rather sensual tale.
Highly Enjoyable
Sun, Stone, Spear (2015)
Two young girls leave their village seeking to fulfill their dreams. The setting seem to be where was an apocalypse a long time ago and most, if not all, have reverted to the stone age without almost any knowledge of what came before. It's interesting, but entirely a tease.
Ok
Crows (2006)
A man awakens to a field of corpses. The battle has been lost. His lord lay dead beside him. He could only protect what remained from whatever may come.
Meh
Salvage (2014) [Trade Guild]
A Trade Guild crew inspects a derelict Trade Guild spaceship to determine the cause of its failure and salvage what they can. Nothing more or less. Not as fun as I thought it may be. This would've been better as part of a much longer story.
Meh
Draw Thy Breath In Pain (2005)
Horatio, a man literally possessed to tell his story, meets the playwright William Shakespeare and passes on the possession, forcing him against his will to write his story.
Enjoyable
The Girl With The Pre-Raphaelite Hair (1999)
A telepathic girl is seized by a mad scientist who puts an AI into her mind so that it can learn and become the first conscious AI.
Meh
Game Of Chance (2013)
A group of individuals outside of time try to alter the world through indirect means because any direct action taken by them results in their demise. It's also a story about how to effectively bring about societal change.
Ok
Roaring Twenties (2014)
An urban fantasy crime adventure in a warded nightclub exclusive to those with magic and the supernatural.
Ok
A Riddle In Nine Syllables (2000)
On planet Tiga 32-A the Chief Xeno-ecologist is parasitized. The story is told from her perspective. It's about never wanting to be a mother, motherhood, rape, abortion, birth, the conscious mind being overcome by primal biological instincts, and the nature of sentience. It's never stated, but the title probably refers to the scientific name given to the parasite.
Ok
1977 (2009) [Temporal Transit Authority]
A high and drunk woman dances at the club and hits on a random guy in an attempt to get over being cuckqueaned by her sister. Then she isn't there and a man is imploring her to teach him Disco.
Ok
Danaë At Sea (2005)
The voyage of convicts from England to Australia.
Meh
For Fear Of Dragons (2006)
In a certain kingdom every girl tries to become pregnant as soon as biologically possible because it's proof that they aren't a virgin. Only virgins can be given as the yearly sacrifice to the dragon. This year there's only one girl and she has a plan. A feminist story against tradition and religion.
Ok
The Art Of Homecoming (2013) [Trade Guild]
After an accidental diplomatic crisis on gas giant Cancri Four, Major Wendy Daring is given a monthlong leave to visit her sister, sister's wife, and sister's wife's twin brother on the intentional pastoral planet Ariana. She greatly enjoys herself, but can she forgo meeting several hundred more alien civilizations in exchange for this bucolic paradise?
Highly Enjoyable
Astrophilia (2012) [The Bannerless Saga]
A post-apocalyptic pastoral lesbian romance.
Highly Enjoyable
Bannerless (2015) [The Bannerless Saga]
The following is copypasted from my original reading of this story. This story was the reason why I read this collection and will be reading the relevant novels next. I had read three stories from Vaughn prior to this.
A very interesting post-apocalyptic pastoral crime investigation story. An investigator is sent to assess the claims of an unsanctioned pregnancy. It was surprisingly upbeat and hinted at a relatively positive world. When I finished, I wanted an entire novel. Apparently a few years later she wrote a novel of the same name, which I'll read eventually. I haven't liked anything else from her, so I may be disappointed, but I'm willing to take that risk. Sometimes there may only be a single work from an author that's enjoyable, which can be a bother because that makes it more difficult to know whether to look at more from an author or not.
Highly Enjoyable
Amaryllis (2010) [The Bannerless Saga]
A nautical story set aboard the Amaryllis, a 30-foot vessel, whose members are trying to earn a sanctioned pregnancy.
This is the fourth time I've come across this story. I've previously seen it in three anthologies and this collection. When I first read it, I thought it was fine enough, but nothing notable, though clearly its nominations and inclusions say otherwise. I'm able to appreciate it more now, but that also makes it an even stranger story to me. Although this is the first written in the setting it reads more a later bonus addition to the main story which covers outside matters, which it may be because it could be the latest set chronologically. The setting isn't properly established until Astrophilia and doesn't come into its own until Bannerless.
Enjoyable
October 13, 2022
This hefty collection contains lots of stories— both long & short. Many of them were truly memorable in every sense. Most of them had deep & sombre tones of tragedy & dystopia surrounding them. But at times the wry humour and warmth made some of them truly memorable. Accordingly, my choices would be~
1. The Best We Can;
2. A Hunter's Ode to His Bait;
3. Salvage;
4. A Riddle in Nine Syllables;
5. 1977;
6. For Fear of Dragons;
7. The Art of Homecoming;
8. Bannerless.
The prose is smooth and sharp, that draws you in and keeps you there till the end of story.
Recommended.
1. The Best We Can;
2. A Hunter's Ode to His Bait;
3. Salvage;
4. A Riddle in Nine Syllables;
5. 1977;
6. For Fear of Dragons;
7. The Art of Homecoming;
8. Bannerless.
The prose is smooth and sharp, that draws you in and keeps you there till the end of story.
Recommended.
August 23, 2025
I discovered Carrie Vaughn through her story in the anniversary edition of Wild cards I and the excellent Geeks Guide to the Galaxy podcast. She's best known for her Kitty Norville series (e.g., Kitty and the Midnight Hour), but the titular werewolf doesn't appear in this collection. Instead, what we get are 18 average to excellent, well-written fantasy and science fiction stories. It's a worthwhile read, and uplifting.
The stories are unconnected, save for the last three, which share the post-apocalyptic world of Vaughn's recent novel Bannerless, an expansion of the penultimate story. These are the best stories in the collection, and show off her skilled worldbuilding and characterization. "Astrophilia" deals with a post-fall society struggling to grow without outstripping supply, but at the same time maintaining that resource most vulnerable to short-term expediency: knowledge. "Bannerless" follows two murder detectives who uncover a secret that strikes at the heart of the nascent society's resource management strategy; it is prelude to the last story. "Amaryllis," the most decorated story of the collection (2011 Hugo finalist, and flagship story of Lightspeed Magazine issue #1), takes the central conflict of "Bannerless" to a new level, and simply left me in awe. It's no wonder Vaughn twice revisited this world, a place simultaneously compelling, frustrating, and cautionary.
I guess if there is a common theme among the stories here, it is a realistic exploration of hope in the face of adversity, scarcity or lack of agency. (There are some exceptions, notably "The Girl With the Pre-Raphaelite Hair".) I think it is relatively easy to describe hopeless situations, but much harder to map a realistic way out of them. Vaughn rarely leaves her memorable characters hanging out to dry. They tend to persevere, and with hope intact.
Besides the last three stories, my favorites in this collection include "The Best We Can", about a first contact opportunity that doesn't unite humanity; "A Riddle in Nine Syllables" (alluding to Sylvia Plath's poem "Metaphors") about the uncertain line between harboring an alien parasite and motherhood; and "The Art of Homecoming", about a military officer on forced leave struggling to define home.
And there is Vaughn's (dare I say infamous?) story, "A Hunter's Ode to His Bait". This is a unicorn story, but just drop all your preconceptions. Just, drop them. And read to the end.
The stories are unconnected, save for the last three, which share the post-apocalyptic world of Vaughn's recent novel Bannerless, an expansion of the penultimate story. These are the best stories in the collection, and show off her skilled worldbuilding and characterization. "Astrophilia" deals with a post-fall society struggling to grow without outstripping supply, but at the same time maintaining that resource most vulnerable to short-term expediency: knowledge. "Bannerless" follows two murder detectives who uncover a secret that strikes at the heart of the nascent society's resource management strategy; it is prelude to the last story. "Amaryllis," the most decorated story of the collection (2011 Hugo finalist, and flagship story of Lightspeed Magazine issue #1), takes the central conflict of "Bannerless" to a new level, and simply left me in awe. It's no wonder Vaughn twice revisited this world, a place simultaneously compelling, frustrating, and cautionary.
I guess if there is a common theme among the stories here, it is a realistic exploration of hope in the face of adversity, scarcity or lack of agency. (There are some exceptions, notably "The Girl With the Pre-Raphaelite Hair".) I think it is relatively easy to describe hopeless situations, but much harder to map a realistic way out of them. Vaughn rarely leaves her memorable characters hanging out to dry. They tend to persevere, and with hope intact.
Besides the last three stories, my favorites in this collection include "The Best We Can", about a first contact opportunity that doesn't unite humanity; "A Riddle in Nine Syllables" (alluding to Sylvia Plath's poem "Metaphors") about the uncertain line between harboring an alien parasite and motherhood; and "The Art of Homecoming", about a military officer on forced leave struggling to define home.
And there is Vaughn's (dare I say infamous?) story, "A Hunter's Ode to His Bait". This is a unicorn story, but just drop all your preconceptions. Just, drop them. And read to the end.
October 21, 2017
A collection of stories written over many years. They are a diverse bunch. All of them are written in a clean forthright style. The ideas in the stories are quite interesting often with heart, and the characters come across as real people when appropriate. Her sense of relationship and society is excellent, even in a somewhat silly story such as the Roaring Twenties. Some are bittersweet but many are also hopeful with the last three aiming for a somewhat Utopian society rising from the ashes of our current collective myopia.
As in any short story collection (18 in all), I have my favorites but just about every story is somewhere from above average to excellent.
As in any short story collection (18 in all), I have my favorites but just about every story is somewhere from above average to excellent.
November 7, 2016
This collection of stories is so diverse that they take you in from the opening story about First Contact to the end trilogy about a post catastrophe Earth were the seas rose to the reshaping of humanity. Carrie tells stories that keep her readers wanting more and keep them coming back for her other tales. I highly recommend this anthology to everyone who loves science fiction and fantasy.
December 23, 2016
Well written but it's a melancholy read. The first short is depressing, what if spot an alien ship in long orbit and did nothing about because of bureaucracy and lethargy. Another short does count as the strangest dragon slayer story though. Good if your in happy mood.
November 27, 2023
I have to save my five star rating for books I can recommend widely, and as this is short stories of speculative fiction I know there are too many people who won't read it. However, I loved it, will enjoy it again, and will continue to look for more by Vaughn.*
I appreciate how different each story is, and how short they are so that each packs a punch,
I could quote so much, but for now let me just say that I love the expression "By the Light" which is a bit like 'omg' and a bit like 'holy mother preserve me.'
*I wish I liked the Kitty book I'd tried. I think I'll have to reread Bannerless.
I appreciate how different each story is, and how short they are so that each packs a punch,
I could quote so much, but for now let me just say that I love the expression "By the Light" which is a bit like 'omg' and a bit like 'holy mother preserve me.'
*I wish I liked the Kitty book I'd tried. I think I'll have to reread Bannerless.
February 9, 2020
I had read a story by Carrie Vaughn in a recent issue of "Asimov's Science Fiction" magazine and loved her writing, so I looked for other stories. This anthology did not disappoint! Vaughn writes well in so many genres and voices. Her world-building is extraordinary. I'd like to read more stories that take place in the world of the stories "Bannerless" and "Amaryllis," worlds eerily like our own possible future.
July 13, 2017
I came to Carrie Vaughn's books back in 2006 with the first Kitty book. Since then I have read anything I can get my hands on. This collection reflects the wider spectrum of worlds and stories. I enjoyed all of the stories, though my personal favourite was Game of Chance .
December 30, 2019
These stories were strong, vibrant tales many set in a post-apocalyptic world. Others in fantasy worlds. They are wonderful and sometimes beautiful in ideas and writing.
Carrie Vaughn is more than just Kitty the Werewolf--much, much more.
Recommended.
Carrie Vaughn is more than just Kitty the Werewolf--much, much more.
Recommended.
January 8, 2023
Dystopias
Very good I like female characters
Thing is all dystopias I’ve read have 2 type female characters: the I don’t wanna even speak about children and the my dream is to be pregnant. Kinda funny
Very good I like female characters
Thing is all dystopias I’ve read have 2 type female characters: the I don’t wanna even speak about children and the my dream is to be pregnant. Kinda funny
June 30, 2024
I'd already read the three stories in the Amaryllis universe. They're okay. I don't usually care for fantasy in pre- or post-industrial stories, though, and most of the book is those. I love Carrie Vaughn's writing, and the science fiction stories.
August 2, 2017
I am not usually a short story reader (they're too short!) but I really enjoyed this collection. Her writing is straightforward and clear, and the story themes and setting were far-ranging.
January 2, 2018
Some were good, some were okay.
April 29, 2018
This lovely short story is available for free at http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com.
August 1, 2019
I thought there'd be more lesbians, the only story with em, I had already read somewhere else! I really gotta get the Bannerless book, i wanted more stories from that world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2019
A few of these stories I'd read elsewhere already, a couple I didn't care for, and many I loved.
January 18, 2020
Another short story set in the Bannerless universe. Very interesting! I love these vignettes.
September 10, 2020
Could really only care about the title story: the author really shines in the Bannerless world.
November 18, 2021
I am sort of done with stories where the idea of birthing more children in a dystopian world is glorified.
May 11, 2023
This was a great dystopian short story. I love it when women do anything to have a baby but it is better when we can see the aftermath of her decision.
October 1, 2019
A great collection of interesting night stories. The last three were particularly great.
March 2, 2017
Except for the first story (which was an okay story), the stories were beautifully written. and I wanted to read more. Will definitely read more from this author!
January 3, 2017
Fantastic collection of stories. Even if you haven't read any of her other great books you'll love this.
July 13, 2017
Great collection. Carrie Vaughn is a versatile writer - fantasy, science fiction, contemporary fiction, this anthology has them all. As with all short story collections, some are better than others but this one has more good stuff than most. Best of all are the last two stories, which are set in the same dystopian future and are connected to each other. The last one, which is the title story, won her the WSFA Small Press Award, and was nominated for a Hugo.
Merged review:
Great collection. Carrie Vaughn is a versatile writer - fantasy, science fiction, contemporary fiction, this anthology has them all. As with all short story collections, some are better than others but this one has more good stuff than most. Best of all are the last two stories, which are set in the same dystopian future and are connected to each other. The last one, which is the title story, won her the WSFA Small Press Award, and was nominated for a Hugo.
Merged review:
Great collection. Carrie Vaughn is a versatile writer - fantasy, science fiction, contemporary fiction, this anthology has them all. As with all short story collections, some are better than others but this one has more good stuff than most. Best of all are the last two stories, which are set in the same dystopian future and are connected to each other. The last one, which is the title story, won her the WSFA Small Press Award, and was nominated for a Hugo.
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