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Many Lives Spinoff
UnCommon Origins: A Collection of Gods, Monsters, Nature, and Science
UnCommon Origins presents 22 depictions of moments on the precipice, beginnings both beautiful and tragic. Fantastical stories of Creation, Feral Children, Gods and Goddesses (both holy and horrific), and possibilities you never dared imagine come to life.
Including stories from some of the most talented Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism authors around, UnCommon Origins will revisit the oldest questions in the
Where did we come from?
and
What comes next?
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos - In the bustle of the big city, a young girl discovers that the otherworldly can appear in the most mundane of places. Speak peace to all strangers, for we may not know what we are waiting for until it arrives.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey - Gemina followed eir lover in an experiment to be born on another world and live as an alien species. But on a harsh, unfriendly world, e finds love and loss, hope and self, and a life e never could have imagined.
Glass Heart by Sacha Hope - England, 1850. Wolt's wife is dying from disease. He is desperate to find a cure for her affliction... not knowing that he created a monster instead.
Cultural Gleanings by Deanne Charlton - A woman awakes speaking a foreign language that feels familiar. How well can she and her husband communicate through pantomime? And what are those tiny noises?
Fringling by J.D. Harpley - Slave to the Klekan on a foreign planet far from his race's birthplace, Baylin discovers there's something powerful lurking within him. He fights the desire to slaughter his slavers and as the moral battle rages inside him, a new anomaly threatens to remove his identity and transform him into something entirely different.
Poseidon's Tears by E.L. Johnson - An Atlantian girl witnesses the destruction of Atlantis and discovers what happens to the survivors.
The Curl of Emma Jean by Michele Tracy Berger - Two sisters under stress come to different conclusions about a strange child and what she means for their family.
The Price by Samuel Peralta - In the City’s old quarter, a Visitor to a shop selling wartime memorabilia meets its singular Proprietor, and his uncommon offering.
Growing Simon by Jo West - In a world in which she does not appear to belong, Jane is an ordinary woman driven to extraordinary lengths to achieve her dream.
The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper by Jonathan Cromack - An English club style story set in the late 1800's whereby an academic stumbles upon an abandoned laboratory in the isolated country and horrifically discovers the nature of the scientist's research face to face.
The Last Star by D.L. Orton - Two beings watch the last star in our universe wink out and discover the answer to how it all ends. And, perhaps, how it all begins.
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler - Adaline has a secret growing within her, whether a gift or a curse remains to be seen.
The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress by Nillu Nasser Stelter - Jermaine Wyoming lives in a cemetery, isolated from the world, obsessed with the idea of replacing the memories of his harrowing childhood with new ones. Seventeen-year-old Lana Norse suffers from a debilitating disease that promises to rob her of her future. When the two meet, the boundaries of their worlds blur and it becomes difficult to tell what’s real from what is not.
In the Periphery by Erica Ruhe - Jayati Dawar is an advanced generation clone and part of a large-scale, deep-space mission to save humankind. But the violent death of her clone sister and surrogate mother, Samidha, raises disturbing questions about The Halcyon mission's true objective. With no one to trust and nowhere to hide, Jaya must rely on her own intuition and the cryptic dreams of her original Source Mother… a woman who died hundreds of years ago.
Exhale by Laxmi Hariharan - Sofia must mate with Kris and birth a race superior to humans, but she cannot accept her fate. Can she create her own destiny?
interdimensional investigations initiative (iii) - ifrit by Briant Meske - Previously, Dr. Inman of the Tessera University Institute of Science and Technology (TUIST) opened a portal to another dimensional and what flowed through was… everything ever conceived. Every ghost and ghoul, every mad scientist and robot and dinosaur ever given fictional form fled the fractured containment field. Sealing the rift required the herculean efforts of a fourteen-year-old boy, but now the doctor has become infatuated with the interdimensional incision, and his lust for knowledge cannot be undone…
Swim with the Beavers by Robert Allen Lupton - A raging river washes a young boy from of his pioneer family's wagon and the waters carry him downstream to be rescued by an unusual foster family. Do they save him or does he save them? Perhaps, they save each other.
The Least Child by Daniel Arthur Smith - After a two-month dry spell, a writer finds inspiration in ...
Including stories from some of the most talented Speculative Fiction and Magical Realism authors around, UnCommon Origins will revisit the oldest questions in the
Where did we come from?
and
What comes next?
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos - In the bustle of the big city, a young girl discovers that the otherworldly can appear in the most mundane of places. Speak peace to all strangers, for we may not know what we are waiting for until it arrives.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey - Gemina followed eir lover in an experiment to be born on another world and live as an alien species. But on a harsh, unfriendly world, e finds love and loss, hope and self, and a life e never could have imagined.
Glass Heart by Sacha Hope - England, 1850. Wolt's wife is dying from disease. He is desperate to find a cure for her affliction... not knowing that he created a monster instead.
Cultural Gleanings by Deanne Charlton - A woman awakes speaking a foreign language that feels familiar. How well can she and her husband communicate through pantomime? And what are those tiny noises?
Fringling by J.D. Harpley - Slave to the Klekan on a foreign planet far from his race's birthplace, Baylin discovers there's something powerful lurking within him. He fights the desire to slaughter his slavers and as the moral battle rages inside him, a new anomaly threatens to remove his identity and transform him into something entirely different.
Poseidon's Tears by E.L. Johnson - An Atlantian girl witnesses the destruction of Atlantis and discovers what happens to the survivors.
The Curl of Emma Jean by Michele Tracy Berger - Two sisters under stress come to different conclusions about a strange child and what she means for their family.
The Price by Samuel Peralta - In the City’s old quarter, a Visitor to a shop selling wartime memorabilia meets its singular Proprietor, and his uncommon offering.
Growing Simon by Jo West - In a world in which she does not appear to belong, Jane is an ordinary woman driven to extraordinary lengths to achieve her dream.
The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper by Jonathan Cromack - An English club style story set in the late 1800's whereby an academic stumbles upon an abandoned laboratory in the isolated country and horrifically discovers the nature of the scientist's research face to face.
The Last Star by D.L. Orton - Two beings watch the last star in our universe wink out and discover the answer to how it all ends. And, perhaps, how it all begins.
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler - Adaline has a secret growing within her, whether a gift or a curse remains to be seen.
The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress by Nillu Nasser Stelter - Jermaine Wyoming lives in a cemetery, isolated from the world, obsessed with the idea of replacing the memories of his harrowing childhood with new ones. Seventeen-year-old Lana Norse suffers from a debilitating disease that promises to rob her of her future. When the two meet, the boundaries of their worlds blur and it becomes difficult to tell what’s real from what is not.
In the Periphery by Erica Ruhe - Jayati Dawar is an advanced generation clone and part of a large-scale, deep-space mission to save humankind. But the violent death of her clone sister and surrogate mother, Samidha, raises disturbing questions about The Halcyon mission's true objective. With no one to trust and nowhere to hide, Jaya must rely on her own intuition and the cryptic dreams of her original Source Mother… a woman who died hundreds of years ago.
Exhale by Laxmi Hariharan - Sofia must mate with Kris and birth a race superior to humans, but she cannot accept her fate. Can she create her own destiny?
interdimensional investigations initiative (iii) - ifrit by Briant Meske - Previously, Dr. Inman of the Tessera University Institute of Science and Technology (TUIST) opened a portal to another dimensional and what flowed through was… everything ever conceived. Every ghost and ghoul, every mad scientist and robot and dinosaur ever given fictional form fled the fractured containment field. Sealing the rift required the herculean efforts of a fourteen-year-old boy, but now the doctor has become infatuated with the interdimensional incision, and his lust for knowledge cannot be undone…
Swim with the Beavers by Robert Allen Lupton - A raging river washes a young boy from of his pioneer family's wagon and the waters carry him downstream to be rescued by an unusual foster family. Do they save him or does he save them? Perhaps, they save each other.
The Least Child by Daniel Arthur Smith - After a two-month dry spell, a writer finds inspiration in ...
360 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2015
9 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
P.K. Tyler
38 books151 followersPK Tyler is the author of Speculative Fiction and other Genre Bending novels. She is an artist, wife, mother and number cruncher. She graduated Smith College in 1999 with a degree in Theatre.
After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.
Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not penning her science fiction books she twists her mind by writing horror and erotica stories.
Like Genre-Bending Literary Fiction? Click here: http://www.pavartiktyler.com/specficr...
"Tyler is essentially the indie scene's Margaret Atwood; she incorporates sci-fi elements into her novels, which deal with topics such as spirituality, gender, sexuality and power dynamics." - IndieReader
After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.
Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not penning her science fiction books she twists her mind by writing horror and erotica stories.
Like Genre-Bending Literary Fiction? Click here: http://www.pavartiktyler.com/specficr...
"Tyler is essentially the indie scene's Margaret Atwood; she incorporates sci-fi elements into her novels, which deal with topics such as spirituality, gender, sexuality and power dynamics." - IndieReader
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 3, 2016
UnCommon Origins is the second UnCommon Anthology. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to read one to understand the other. Both tell tales based upon different topics. With UnCommon Origins we’re given a collection of stories about deities, monsters, nature and science. You get a bit of everything, really.
Before I go any farther, though, I’d like to say a massive thank you to P.K. Tyler for sending me an advance read in exchange for an honest review. It was much appreciated – I had fun with these.
I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of anthologies. I have such trouble when it comes to rating them, as nine times out of ten I feel as though the collection is a mixed bag. Such was the case here. Some of the stories I really enjoyed, whereas others I felt very little about. Hence the three star rating. So, keep in mind that the rating is the collective rather than the individual. If I were rating the stories individually, we would have all kinds of ratings being handed out.
All of the stories are well written, the authors having their own style of writing and storytelling. As with many anthologies, I have found a couple of authors I’ll be looking into. Such a thing is always wonderful. However, for me, some of the stories were more engaging than others. Some of them I was pulled into from the start whereas others I felt dragged on some. Some were so interesting that I wanted full-length novels whereas others failed to hold me for the handful of pages. This is just a personal thing, though. Each story was wonderfully unique and brought something more to the table.
If you’re a fan of anthologies, you’re sure to enjoy this one. As I said, though, anthologies aren’t all my thing.
Before I go any farther, though, I’d like to say a massive thank you to P.K. Tyler for sending me an advance read in exchange for an honest review. It was much appreciated – I had fun with these.
I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of anthologies. I have such trouble when it comes to rating them, as nine times out of ten I feel as though the collection is a mixed bag. Such was the case here. Some of the stories I really enjoyed, whereas others I felt very little about. Hence the three star rating. So, keep in mind that the rating is the collective rather than the individual. If I were rating the stories individually, we would have all kinds of ratings being handed out.
All of the stories are well written, the authors having their own style of writing and storytelling. As with many anthologies, I have found a couple of authors I’ll be looking into. Such a thing is always wonderful. However, for me, some of the stories were more engaging than others. Some of them I was pulled into from the start whereas others I felt dragged on some. Some were so interesting that I wanted full-length novels whereas others failed to hold me for the handful of pages. This is just a personal thing, though. Each story was wonderfully unique and brought something more to the table.
If you’re a fan of anthologies, you’re sure to enjoy this one. As I said, though, anthologies aren’t all my thing.
October 19, 2016
I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review.
Uncommon Origins is a collection of short stories, each including at least one type of supernatural aspect; events, characters, etc. As a reviewer, I find these types of books difficult to review without providing a short review for each story, especially with each story is written by a different author. But who has time for that, so I’ve decided to sum all stories up with a quick review. All of the stories are written by talented authors, include well developed characters, and provide readers with the imagery to allow us to become involved in the story.
Each story is unique, with a different “type” of supernatural interest. I can’t speak for all readers, but some stories were of more interest to me than others. Some were downright scary, while others were more fantasy than anything else. Personally, there were a few I could not finish due to the graphic description of gruesomeness, where I found myself laughing out loud to others. With that being said; there IS something for everyone in this book.
Overall, I loved it. I rate it with 4 Boundless Stars....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Uncommon Origins is a collection of short stories, each including at least one type of supernatural aspect; events, characters, etc. As a reviewer, I find these types of books difficult to review without providing a short review for each story, especially with each story is written by a different author. But who has time for that, so I’ve decided to sum all stories up with a quick review. All of the stories are written by talented authors, include well developed characters, and provide readers with the imagery to allow us to become involved in the story.
Each story is unique, with a different “type” of supernatural interest. I can’t speak for all readers, but some stories were of more interest to me than others. Some were downright scary, while others were more fantasy than anything else. Personally, there were a few I could not finish due to the graphic description of gruesomeness, where I found myself laughing out loud to others. With that being said; there IS something for everyone in this book.
Overall, I loved it. I rate it with 4 Boundless Stars....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
August 17, 2017
Title: Uncommon Origins
Author: Anthology
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 361
Rating: 4
Heat: 0
Thoughts: The stories were a mixture of cloning, mythology, science experiments, and completely off the wall crazy stuff. Some make you wonder, some make you think, and others you know are too far-fetched to even consider. But each story was interesting and fun to read.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Anthology
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 361
Rating: 4
Heat: 0
Thoughts: The stories were a mixture of cloning, mythology, science experiments, and completely off the wall crazy stuff. Some make you wonder, some make you think, and others you know are too far-fetched to even consider. But each story was interesting and fun to read.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
Though containing nearly two dozen short stories varying in length, theme, plot, character types, narrator, storytelling and everything else, they all have one common variable – the uncommon origin of some characters. The diversity never lets you get bored; surely you will find more and less entertaining and interesting stories, but the anthology covers variety of topics and subgenres related to sci-fi and fantasy to keep the reader interested and willing to continue reading. Writing down my personal rating for each single short story, I´ve recorded the five-star rating for more than half of the stories, which is amazing. To point out some of my favorites, here is a short list.
HANGING GARDEN OF BROOKLYN – the story of a lost bond and finding a way to each other, feeling a close connection to a stranger and giving him chance, despising own pride, the story of Eden on Earth sets up for a great start into the anthology.
GLASS HEART – a bit horror story about a scientist gone mad from grief for his deceased wife and finding accidentally a liquid that is intended to preserve the form of her dead body but wakes a vampire instead. The change from delicate woman full of joy and optimism to hungry, cold-hearted beast is pictured in an awesome way.
LAST STAR is a short story about the death of old universe and a birth of new one, a nice parallel that could be used in everyday life – each end is a new beginning.
EXHALE is a short story about destiny and endeavor to change one´s fate, but the closeness and connection could not be fought. Once is someone meant to be your mate, you cannot be happy with anyone else. Great work with emotions and decision-making, stubbornness and pride defeated by heart.
IFRIT - beside the nice plot about human recklessness and greed for information, I would like to highly appreciate the word play in each sentence. A masterpiece in short.
Just to mention other five-star rated stories: cultural gleanings (relaxing and pretty awesome tale about a woman who started to speak Danish one morning, maybe my top favorite here for the whole setup and characters and their coping with hard situation), Poseidon´s tears, growing Simon, My darlings, Tombstone man…, In the periphery, Swim with the beavers (totally enchanting and breathtaking), Least child, Becoming mage.
Recommended to all SF/F fans. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
HANGING GARDEN OF BROOKLYN – the story of a lost bond and finding a way to each other, feeling a close connection to a stranger and giving him chance, despising own pride, the story of Eden on Earth sets up for a great start into the anthology.
GLASS HEART – a bit horror story about a scientist gone mad from grief for his deceased wife and finding accidentally a liquid that is intended to preserve the form of her dead body but wakes a vampire instead. The change from delicate woman full of joy and optimism to hungry, cold-hearted beast is pictured in an awesome way.
LAST STAR is a short story about the death of old universe and a birth of new one, a nice parallel that could be used in everyday life – each end is a new beginning.
EXHALE is a short story about destiny and endeavor to change one´s fate, but the closeness and connection could not be fought. Once is someone meant to be your mate, you cannot be happy with anyone else. Great work with emotions and decision-making, stubbornness and pride defeated by heart.
IFRIT - beside the nice plot about human recklessness and greed for information, I would like to highly appreciate the word play in each sentence. A masterpiece in short.
Just to mention other five-star rated stories: cultural gleanings (relaxing and pretty awesome tale about a woman who started to speak Danish one morning, maybe my top favorite here for the whole setup and characters and their coping with hard situation), Poseidon´s tears, growing Simon, My darlings, Tombstone man…, In the periphery, Swim with the beavers (totally enchanting and breathtaking), Least child, Becoming mage.
Recommended to all SF/F fans. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2016
Truly uncommon collection
First of all a huge thank to the book r3views and the author Laxmi Hariharan for sharing me the copy of the book to read and review
The book was given to me so that I could read and review Laxmi Hariharan’s Short story, Exhale which forms one of the story of this anthology, Uncommon Origins. Coincidentally or ironically , hers was one of the very few stories that I actually loved as rest of the stories were outright creepy or failed to bring out its true color in the limited space it was given.
Stories like hanging garden’s , aplanetary, Fringling, Curl of Emma Jean , The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper , The Tombstone Man, In the Periphery, Apple and Becoming Mage had a build up that was really good but the very ending seemed to be hasty and somewhat left a lot of things in air but at the same time also formed some of the good ones in the anthology
Stories like Glass Heart, , Exhale on the other hand was some of the truly gem stories in the anthologies as not only does they keep the story’s integrity tight but have managed to begin and end well with a proper story narration and not weirding it out like the rest.
Cultural Gleanings, Poseidon’s Tears , Beaver, The Least Child were light and cute ones that also forms the better part of the anthologies
Stories like The Price, Growing Simon, The Last Star, My Darlings, Interdimensional Investigations, consciousness, Her, left me confused with no idea as to what to take away from the story. Either that or it was just too deep and vast that I couldn’t comprehend the story well
The overall theme of the book is a bit unconventional and because of which it would be a little difficult to adhere to everybody’s liking but there are certain stories that makes this book worth picking up.
First of all a huge thank to the book r3views and the author Laxmi Hariharan for sharing me the copy of the book to read and review
The book was given to me so that I could read and review Laxmi Hariharan’s Short story, Exhale which forms one of the story of this anthology, Uncommon Origins. Coincidentally or ironically , hers was one of the very few stories that I actually loved as rest of the stories were outright creepy or failed to bring out its true color in the limited space it was given.
Stories like hanging garden’s , aplanetary, Fringling, Curl of Emma Jean , The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper , The Tombstone Man, In the Periphery, Apple and Becoming Mage had a build up that was really good but the very ending seemed to be hasty and somewhat left a lot of things in air but at the same time also formed some of the good ones in the anthology
Stories like Glass Heart, , Exhale on the other hand was some of the truly gem stories in the anthologies as not only does they keep the story’s integrity tight but have managed to begin and end well with a proper story narration and not weirding it out like the rest.
Cultural Gleanings, Poseidon’s Tears , Beaver, The Least Child were light and cute ones that also forms the better part of the anthologies
Stories like The Price, Growing Simon, The Last Star, My Darlings, Interdimensional Investigations, consciousness, Her, left me confused with no idea as to what to take away from the story. Either that or it was just too deep and vast that I couldn’t comprehend the story well
The overall theme of the book is a bit unconventional and because of which it would be a little difficult to adhere to everybody’s liking but there are certain stories that makes this book worth picking up.
June 13, 2016
I have not managed to read all the stories in this collection, but the ones that I have read are superb so far. Really enjoyable. The standard of quality is very high and, overall, I would award 5*.
In no particular order...that's the way I like to read compilations!
Exhale - Laxmi Hariharan 5*
Totally terrifying experience for Sofia, finding out that her grandmother was not what and who she was expected to be. Frightening, but once accepted, very beautiful. Well written and gorgeously worded.
My Darlings - PK Tyler 5*
What a terrific story! The reader feels everything Adaline feels. Wonderfully squeamish. She will do whatever it takes to keep her darlings safe. Excellent. Loved the ending.
The Last Star - DL Orton 5*
Loved this. So sad, yet beautiful. A relationship so long, yet shorter than the blink of an eye. I need to read more by this author.
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn - Rhoads Brazos 4*
Exciting, atmospheric, visual, enlightening. Very unusual tale fusing modern and ancient.
The Price - Samuel Peralta 5*
Horrifying, yet strangely alluringly. Excellent. I haven't read anything but quality writing from this author.
Consciousness - Zig Zag Claybourne 5*
Wonderfully, wonderfully surreal story with, at the same time, true insights. Ingenious!
The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress - Nillu Nasser Stelter 5*
Being a person with a serious illness without a cure, I could fully integrate myself into this tale. Dreams are the only time that you are fully fit, healthy, no longer in a wheelchair, and can do what you like. Loved this so much!
I was given a free copy for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In no particular order...that's the way I like to read compilations!
Exhale - Laxmi Hariharan 5*
Totally terrifying experience for Sofia, finding out that her grandmother was not what and who she was expected to be. Frightening, but once accepted, very beautiful. Well written and gorgeously worded.
My Darlings - PK Tyler 5*
What a terrific story! The reader feels everything Adaline feels. Wonderfully squeamish. She will do whatever it takes to keep her darlings safe. Excellent. Loved the ending.
The Last Star - DL Orton 5*
Loved this. So sad, yet beautiful. A relationship so long, yet shorter than the blink of an eye. I need to read more by this author.
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn - Rhoads Brazos 4*
Exciting, atmospheric, visual, enlightening. Very unusual tale fusing modern and ancient.
The Price - Samuel Peralta 5*
Horrifying, yet strangely alluringly. Excellent. I haven't read anything but quality writing from this author.
Consciousness - Zig Zag Claybourne 5*
Wonderfully, wonderfully surreal story with, at the same time, true insights. Ingenious!
The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress - Nillu Nasser Stelter 5*
Being a person with a serious illness without a cure, I could fully integrate myself into this tale. Dreams are the only time that you are fully fit, healthy, no longer in a wheelchair, and can do what you like. Loved this so much!
I was given a free copy for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2016
This anthology offers a diverse selection of stories from different genres of speculative fiction. Some of the writing styles were quite different, and while I appreciated some stories a lot more than others, overall, I enjoyed the diversity and frequent surprises.
I enjoyed the mythology incorporated in several of the stories. As someone coping with a serious illness, I could particularly relate to Nillu Nasser Stelter’s “The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress.” I found D.L. Orton’s “The Last Star” quite touching. I was amused by Brent Meske’s wordplay in “Ifrit.”
Watch out for P.K. Tyler’s “My Darlings,” though. That story seriously squicked me out! I’m worried I’m going to have nightmares about it. Maybe give it a pass if you’re squeamish. On the other hand, if you like really creepy horror stories and aren’t easily grossed out, you may love it.
If you have eclectic tastes and you’ve been yearning for stories with more diversity and originality, give UnCommon Origins a try.
Note that I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the mythology incorporated in several of the stories. As someone coping with a serious illness, I could particularly relate to Nillu Nasser Stelter’s “The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress.” I found D.L. Orton’s “The Last Star” quite touching. I was amused by Brent Meske’s wordplay in “Ifrit.”
Watch out for P.K. Tyler’s “My Darlings,” though. That story seriously squicked me out! I’m worried I’m going to have nightmares about it. Maybe give it a pass if you’re squeamish. On the other hand, if you like really creepy horror stories and aren’t easily grossed out, you may love it.
If you have eclectic tastes and you’ve been yearning for stories with more diversity and originality, give UnCommon Origins a try.
Note that I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2016
This review is for Exhale by Laxmi Hariharan. Exhale is a short story that seems to bridge her Ascension series, and her Many Lives series. This story follows Sofia whose world is turned upside down when her grandmother tells her that she is not entirely human. She is an ascended being. As if that's not strange enough, she is told that the fate of the world falls on her bearing a child, to integrate the human andthe ascended. Sofia has to figure out what path she will take, and if she even believes what her grandma says. I've read a few Laxmi's Many Lives stories, and she creates very unique characters, and intense situations. She has a way of making a short story seem much bigger, giving a lot of information without it feeling too rushed. I really enjoyed this short story and look forward to reading the rest of this anthology.
June 10, 2016
This review is for "My Darlings" by P. K. Tyler, one of 22 stories in the UnCommon Origins anthology.
Adaline will soon become a mother, but we get the impression there is something unusual about her situation. While the author hints at peculiarities in Adaline's behavior, you will never guess what she does in the name of motherhood.
This deftly crafted story will keep you wondering. Repulsive yet compelling, you won't be able to put it down until the very end.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 June): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Adaline will soon become a mother, but we get the impression there is something unusual about her situation. While the author hints at peculiarities in Adaline's behavior, you will never guess what she does in the name of motherhood.
This deftly crafted story will keep you wondering. Repulsive yet compelling, you won't be able to put it down until the very end.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (11 June): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
June 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this anthology.The standouts for me are Aplanetary by Holly Heisey who did an amazing job at world building and creating a strong main character I felt invested in.I would love to read more about this universe she has created.The Hanging Gardens Of Brooklyn was interesting and reminded me that we all need forgiveness.Becoming Mage by Melanie Lamaga was unique and amusing.The Last Star by D.L. Orton was interesting and beautiful expressed.I have definitely found a few new authors to add to my TBR list.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2016
Just what was expected!
It's an anthology, so I expected some good, some great, some so-so and some outright bad short stories I wasn't surprised! But I absolutely did not like the summaries at the beginning of each story! They ruined the overall surprises of each tale. So, even though I liked 90% of this unusual collection, the summaries cost the rating one point and the other was lost due to a couple of really bad stories!
It's an anthology, so I expected some good, some great, some so-so and some outright bad short stories I wasn't surprised! But I absolutely did not like the summaries at the beginning of each story! They ruined the overall surprises of each tale. So, even though I liked 90% of this unusual collection, the summaries cost the rating one point and the other was lost due to a couple of really bad stories!
July 23, 2016
There is just something amazing and fantastical when authors attempt to write and create their own ideas of myths and fairytales. This book contains some really original stories and showcases the author's vivid imagination and ideas. With many to choose from, there is bound to be a favorite for everyone.
June 23, 2017
UnCommon Origins, how completely this describes this rare mix anthology. Several very short stories that can blow your mind, others that are just weird, and others seem based on some normalcy until you reach the crux. One war story caught me off guard because I'm sure I have heard of the making of the product before, I think it could be truth.
These macabre stories are certainly versatile, not alike in any form except to suspend belief. Differing in such a way as to make the reader want to carry on. This is the second Uncommon Origins anthology. P.K. Tyler has done a good job putting this together.
These macabre stories are certainly versatile, not alike in any form except to suspend belief. Differing in such a way as to make the reader want to carry on. This is the second Uncommon Origins anthology. P.K. Tyler has done a good job putting this together.
June 15, 2016
This anthology really has a little bit of everything all tied together with the common thread of “origins” and is sure to have at least a story or two that will resonate with all those who enjoy sci-fi and speculative fiction. As is the case with many anthologies, not all the stories were easy for me to get into or connect with, but they were all well written and thought out nonetheless. I enjoyed the diversity of the collection, never knowing what I was going to get next. Of course, there were a few that really stood out for me and I’ll leave my thoughts on just a few of those below.
“Aplentary” by Holly Heisey – This was a bit of an odd story for me at first but quickly turned into a favorite. It’s not too flashy or over the top, but more a subtle story that weaves it way into your mind and heart. It exams the nature of who we really are and how we relate to those around us. This one really struck a chord with me and left me pondering and rethinking it long after I put my kindle my down. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
“Fringeling” by J.D. Harpley – This one sort of snuck its way into me. I wasn’t sure if I liked it at first, but I kept reading and as it progressed it really made me think. Power, survival, knowledge, morality…in the grand scheme of things what does it mean and what would you do with it? Baylin was a very well written character that I could easily relate to. His reactions and feelings were so confusing, chaotic and believable that I was right there with him as he struggled to cope with his new power and knowledge against the backdrop his own life experience. Overall, a heartbreaking story that will stick with you.
“My Darlings” by P.K. Tyler – This one isn’t for the squeamish, but oh boy did I enjoy it. It starts out harmless enough, deftly alluding to a deeper and stranger quality to Adaline’s condition, but then it starts to reveal a little more and takes you down a dark and twisted road about a mother’s love. It left me wondering about the true depth of the maternal instinct and a mother’s love and whether I would have done the same. My only complaint is that the ending, which I loved, left me wanting more. A wonderfully written story with just the right pace and a definite must read in the collection.
Overall, a well-crafted anthology that is sure to provide various bits of escapism, deeper insights, and fodder for the imagination in us all. (I received and ARC of this book by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my very own)
“Aplentary” by Holly Heisey – This was a bit of an odd story for me at first but quickly turned into a favorite. It’s not too flashy or over the top, but more a subtle story that weaves it way into your mind and heart. It exams the nature of who we really are and how we relate to those around us. This one really struck a chord with me and left me pondering and rethinking it long after I put my kindle my down. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
“Fringeling” by J.D. Harpley – This one sort of snuck its way into me. I wasn’t sure if I liked it at first, but I kept reading and as it progressed it really made me think. Power, survival, knowledge, morality…in the grand scheme of things what does it mean and what would you do with it? Baylin was a very well written character that I could easily relate to. His reactions and feelings were so confusing, chaotic and believable that I was right there with him as he struggled to cope with his new power and knowledge against the backdrop his own life experience. Overall, a heartbreaking story that will stick with you.
“My Darlings” by P.K. Tyler – This one isn’t for the squeamish, but oh boy did I enjoy it. It starts out harmless enough, deftly alluding to a deeper and stranger quality to Adaline’s condition, but then it starts to reveal a little more and takes you down a dark and twisted road about a mother’s love. It left me wondering about the true depth of the maternal instinct and a mother’s love and whether I would have done the same. My only complaint is that the ending, which I loved, left me wanting more. A wonderfully written story with just the right pace and a definite must read in the collection.
Overall, a well-crafted anthology that is sure to provide various bits of escapism, deeper insights, and fodder for the imagination in us all. (I received and ARC of this book by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my very own)
June 13, 2016
I received a copy for review in exchange for an honest review
With this being a anthology let me say I struggle to rate this. For me it is around a 3-4 stars on most stories and some I have not read yet as I need to be in a mood to read to read them. Plus I am in the middle of a move so the reading has been cut to a quarter of the time I usually read. I will eventually get to the other stories.
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos - This story I really could not get into, there was not enough of the before story to know what was truly going on for me. With that said I would still recommend others to give it a try even though it wasn't my cup of tea.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey - I loved this story, it was able to pull me into it within the first few pages and kept me there till the end. I really hope that the author decides to make a sequel to this so I can see just where the characters ended up in life.
Glass Heart by Sacha Hope - I loved this story, and hope that the author does decide to take it into more depth in further books
Cultural Gleanings by Deanne Charlton - This story was really fun to read, the fact that I have a medical background and know everything that they put this poor woman through and she still kept her happy demenor. I hope that the author chooses to do more with this.
Fringling by J.D. Harpley - Can I beg for a continuation in a second book lol, I loved this. I want to see just how well Baylin handles the battle inside of him and if he wins.
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler - This story pulled me in and made me remeber being pregnant myself, and everything I would do to make my child happy. Sometimes we have the weirdest cravings LOL and needless to say Adaline definately has the weirdest of all towards the end.
Exhale by Laxmi Hariharan
What would you do if you found out you were not completely human. Well in Exhale Sofia finds out she is an ascended being and that ironically the fate of the world is on her shoulders. I have read a few of Laxmi's stories and she always has a very unique way of putting intense situations with very unique characters.
Needless to say this is an interesting collection melded together in a anthology which gives readers a viraity of authors to read from, and possibly find a new genre that they would not have attempted to read in the first place.
With this being a anthology let me say I struggle to rate this. For me it is around a 3-4 stars on most stories and some I have not read yet as I need to be in a mood to read to read them. Plus I am in the middle of a move so the reading has been cut to a quarter of the time I usually read. I will eventually get to the other stories.
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos - This story I really could not get into, there was not enough of the before story to know what was truly going on for me. With that said I would still recommend others to give it a try even though it wasn't my cup of tea.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey - I loved this story, it was able to pull me into it within the first few pages and kept me there till the end. I really hope that the author decides to make a sequel to this so I can see just where the characters ended up in life.
Glass Heart by Sacha Hope - I loved this story, and hope that the author does decide to take it into more depth in further books
Cultural Gleanings by Deanne Charlton - This story was really fun to read, the fact that I have a medical background and know everything that they put this poor woman through and she still kept her happy demenor. I hope that the author chooses to do more with this.
Fringling by J.D. Harpley - Can I beg for a continuation in a second book lol, I loved this. I want to see just how well Baylin handles the battle inside of him and if he wins.
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler - This story pulled me in and made me remeber being pregnant myself, and everything I would do to make my child happy. Sometimes we have the weirdest cravings LOL and needless to say Adaline definately has the weirdest of all towards the end.
Exhale by Laxmi Hariharan
What would you do if you found out you were not completely human. Well in Exhale Sofia finds out she is an ascended being and that ironically the fate of the world is on her shoulders. I have read a few of Laxmi's stories and she always has a very unique way of putting intense situations with very unique characters.
Needless to say this is an interesting collection melded together in a anthology which gives readers a viraity of authors to read from, and possibly find a new genre that they would not have attempted to read in the first place.
June 15, 2016
Wonderfully imaginative anthology
This is a really high quality Sci-fi and fantasy anthology, and it is a great deal! I was very pleased by the great writing and variety of moods/tones of the many stories. I have not finished reading it yet, but the following are my reviews of some of the stories.
1.) "The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn" by Rhoads Brazos: This was a fantasy story that would be rated PG, I think. A spunky, good-hearted girl lives in the inner city. The details of her unpleasant life were just gritty enough to assess real, and then she sees something unusual going on across the street. It was a fascinating story.
2.) "Aplanetary" by Holly Heisey: This story is brilliant! I would give it more than five stars if I could. It is Sci-fi with some transgender elements, but mainly it is about love of others and accepting yourself. It even brought a tear to my eye. I will definitely read more from this author, and I am so glad that I read it! FYI, the words that look like typos on the description were done on purpose to refer to a third gender, I think.
3.) "Glass Heart" by Sacha Hope: This is a Victorian Gothic Sci-fi, in the same subgenre as "Frankenstein". This is probably the longest story in this anthology. I usually refuse to read stories that have someone dying of cancer. However, the description assured me that the dying wife would get accidentally changed into a monster, so I kept reading. It is rather angsty but compelling. The method of the monster-making was definitely original and unique. Pretty cool but a little too depressing for my taste.
4.) "My Darlings" by P.K. Tyler: This is a rather short but intense story of Sci-fi horror. This one is rather creepy and not for those with weak stomachs. It is told from the perspective of a woman pregnant with some unusual babies. I love the lyrical language and the mix of the very mundane with really weird stuff. This is the second story that I have read by PK Tyler, and I was really impressed by both of them.
I received a free ARC from the editor in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a really high quality Sci-fi and fantasy anthology, and it is a great deal! I was very pleased by the great writing and variety of moods/tones of the many stories. I have not finished reading it yet, but the following are my reviews of some of the stories.
1.) "The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn" by Rhoads Brazos: This was a fantasy story that would be rated PG, I think. A spunky, good-hearted girl lives in the inner city. The details of her unpleasant life were just gritty enough to assess real, and then she sees something unusual going on across the street. It was a fascinating story.
2.) "Aplanetary" by Holly Heisey: This story is brilliant! I would give it more than five stars if I could. It is Sci-fi with some transgender elements, but mainly it is about love of others and accepting yourself. It even brought a tear to my eye. I will definitely read more from this author, and I am so glad that I read it! FYI, the words that look like typos on the description were done on purpose to refer to a third gender, I think.
3.) "Glass Heart" by Sacha Hope: This is a Victorian Gothic Sci-fi, in the same subgenre as "Frankenstein". This is probably the longest story in this anthology. I usually refuse to read stories that have someone dying of cancer. However, the description assured me that the dying wife would get accidentally changed into a monster, so I kept reading. It is rather angsty but compelling. The method of the monster-making was definitely original and unique. Pretty cool but a little too depressing for my taste.
4.) "My Darlings" by P.K. Tyler: This is a rather short but intense story of Sci-fi horror. This one is rather creepy and not for those with weak stomachs. It is told from the perspective of a woman pregnant with some unusual babies. I love the lyrical language and the mix of the very mundane with really weird stuff. This is the second story that I have read by PK Tyler, and I was really impressed by both of them.
I received a free ARC from the editor in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2016
I was unfamiliar with UNCOMMON ORIGINS until I was given a copy of this brand-new edition, A COLLECTION OF GODS, MONSTERS, NATURE & SCIENCE in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of stories, styles, themes, and characters. I especially liked "My Darlings" by PK Tyler, "Glass Heart" by Sacha Hope, and "Cultural Gleanings" by Deanne Charlton. But the story that really appealed to my morbid sense of humor was "The Apple" by Shebat Legion. This is a quirky, post-apocalyptic tale of love and survival, personal sacrifice and hope . . . featuring mutants and the subtle theme of cannibalism. Legion's prose suggest a future where language has changed and evolved, and there a plenty of off-beat and yet likable characters in the short story. Legion has a unique way of seeing the world and telling a story, and reading between the lines is half the fun. "The Apple" is set in a future where a quest for vitamins has become of great importance, where some survivors of whatever holocaust wrecked the planet and the human race wear masks are ripe for the hunting, and those they don't can't be eaten. Written in the first-person, we see this world through the eyes of Jennysally, who can't have any children that live, and even kept a dead child once until it began to smell. Her boyfriend Tommybobby is the best scavenger in this "clan" of mutants, who all live in a cave, and the things he finds and brings back when he goes a-scavenging are most interesting, and sometimes quite disturbing. Other characters such as Briandanny is a hermaphrodite; Cindymindy has three living kids, and they all have tails; Barbiejean doesn't have many bones in her body. There's a lot of subtext in this story, and the plot is subtly told. It's odd and a little unsettling, but not without a sense of gallows humor, which are some of the reasons why Legion's tale struck my fancy, so to speak. All in all, this is a wonderful collection of unique stories, with something for everybody. Very different. Bravo to everyone involved.
June 15, 2016
This anthology comprises 22 different stories, taking you on 22 very different trips; some will chill you, some will make you sad, others will make you wonder. There is one thing that they all have in common: They are unforgettable. I cannot tell you more about this anthology as it would spoil the fun of reading it yourself.
With UnCommon Origins, the reader is presented a broad variety of stories. Each story takes you to its own world; I preferred a little break after completing a story, allowing the story to settle. I was drawn into most of the stories right away, there were only three I couldn't relate to at all. I could easily envision the characters and locations. I had a great time reading UnCommon Origins. It is a very complex read. This is for you if you like anthologies, with a supernatural streak, a touch of horror, occasional science fiction, unusual characters, surprises, and food for thought - all packed in short stories of different length.
I loved the set-up of this anthology: Each story is followed by an 'About the author' section.
My personal favourites (order according to the book, no ranking): The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn, Cultural Gleanings, The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper, The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress, Swim with the Beavers, The Least Child
This is a book to read again. Recommended.
With UnCommon Origins, the reader is presented a broad variety of stories. Each story takes you to its own world; I preferred a little break after completing a story, allowing the story to settle. I was drawn into most of the stories right away, there were only three I couldn't relate to at all. I could easily envision the characters and locations. I had a great time reading UnCommon Origins. It is a very complex read. This is for you if you like anthologies, with a supernatural streak, a touch of horror, occasional science fiction, unusual characters, surprises, and food for thought - all packed in short stories of different length.
I loved the set-up of this anthology: Each story is followed by an 'About the author' section.
My personal favourites (order according to the book, no ranking): The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn, Cultural Gleanings, The Terrible Discovery of Professor Charles Cooper, The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress, Swim with the Beavers, The Least Child
This is a book to read again. Recommended.
June 20, 2016
An intriguing collection of 22 short stories that explore the meaning of life and the philosophical beginning of time question: Where do we come from and why are we here? The stories in this collection vary from sci-fi, to Victorian Gothic, and horror, so there's a little for everyone.
I previously read the first volume Uncommon Bodies, and truly enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this second installation of the series.
Glass Heart – Sacha Hope, Cultural Gleanings – Deanne Charlton, Poiseidon's Tears – E. L. Johnson, The Curl of Emma Jean – Michele Tracy Berger, Growing Simon – Jo West, My Darlings – P.K. Tyler, and In The Periphery – Erica Ruhe. These stories were ones I particularly enjoyed. Each one had a twist, some were dark, others less so but filled with compelling characters that will reel in from the first sentence and leave you wishing there was more.
This collection is filled with lots of talent, some authors you may know, some you may not. But one thing they all have in common is the ability to tell a story worth reading.
I previously read the first volume Uncommon Bodies, and truly enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this second installation of the series.
Glass Heart – Sacha Hope, Cultural Gleanings – Deanne Charlton, Poiseidon's Tears – E. L. Johnson, The Curl of Emma Jean – Michele Tracy Berger, Growing Simon – Jo West, My Darlings – P.K. Tyler, and In The Periphery – Erica Ruhe. These stories were ones I particularly enjoyed. Each one had a twist, some were dark, others less so but filled with compelling characters that will reel in from the first sentence and leave you wishing there was more.
This collection is filled with lots of talent, some authors you may know, some you may not. But one thing they all have in common is the ability to tell a story worth reading.
June 14, 2016
I just love speculative fiction. This selection of short stories should offer something for everyone. I found the first story very imaginative where a young girl looking out the window is inspired to met a stranger and is exposed to a world she didn't know was there. (Hanging Gardens). The second story (Aplanetary) follows a couple that have the experience of leaving their world and living in another as a different species. They are not supposed to encounter each other but they do with regrettable consequences. - That was my favorite story. (Little Darlings) This is a story that starts with a woman that is very happy to have something growing inside of her. What exactly it is remains to be seen. This one gave me the shivers.
* I received a free Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a free Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2016
A genre crossing collection of short stories linked by the uncommon origins of the characters. Obviously it is unlikely that anyone would love every single story but I did enjoy reading each one, in fact it was quite difficult to choose a favourite so here are my top two:
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos, because of the utterly fascinating mix of modern day and myth & legend.
The Least Child by Daniel Arthur Smith because it was very sweet with a real shock right at the end.
With this being multi genre I'm sure it will appeal to a wide range of people.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn by Rhoads Brazos, because of the utterly fascinating mix of modern day and myth & legend.
The Least Child by Daniel Arthur Smith because it was very sweet with a real shock right at the end.
With this being multi genre I'm sure it will appeal to a wide range of people.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
June 5, 2016
I’m gonna be honest here – I haven’t read ALL of the anthologies.
But I did read one that I found particularly striking. The kind that makes you sit back and contemplate the meaning of light because of a most unexpected, sci-fi scenario. I’m talking about Fringling by J.D. Harpley. It’s a short story, so I refuse to spoil anything for you. Despite the length, it’s certainly a wild, tragic ride composed of love, remorse, and sorrow. Yet somehow, I left the story feeling better than ok, despite my mangled heart.
This anthology is on pre-sale for $2.99. Honestly, with so many authors and stories to choose from, what do you have to lose?
But I did read one that I found particularly striking. The kind that makes you sit back and contemplate the meaning of light because of a most unexpected, sci-fi scenario. I’m talking about Fringling by J.D. Harpley. It’s a short story, so I refuse to spoil anything for you. Despite the length, it’s certainly a wild, tragic ride composed of love, remorse, and sorrow. Yet somehow, I left the story feeling better than ok, despite my mangled heart.
This anthology is on pre-sale for $2.99. Honestly, with so many authors and stories to choose from, what do you have to lose?
June 15, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology, filled with re-imaginings of archetypes fit for our times of diverse identity. Playing with humans as other animals, immortals, shape-shifters, transcenders of gender, race, language and time... all so much fun with a goodly dose of horripilation at times. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review and I'm so glad because some of these are the best I've read in ages. Highlights for me were Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn, Aplanetary, The Tombstone Man and the Coming of the Tigress and Consciousness. All of them surprised me and made me wonder at the imagination deployed by the writers.
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June 30, 2016This is an anthology which means several short stories about all different myths as well as scientific type stories. If you like one kind of genre and have a hard time switching from one story arc to another this series is not for you. Most of the stories are average about a 3.5 to 4 but there are a couple outstanding stories as well. I would recommend you pick and choose stories and maybe go back to others later. I will not recommend favorites as it is extremely subjective and depends totally on your taste in the kind of myth, nature, god or science story you prefer.
June 2, 2016
Brilliantly diverse. Uncommon Origins is the second volume in the Uncommon series and lives up to its name in spades. There is nothing common about this collection of brilliantly diverse stories that tell of possible futures and alternative beginnings. This is a collection of thought provoking tales that will leave the reader with chills long after the book has been read. One such story by Shebat Legion, titled 'The Apple', is one of the most poignant yet terrifying story I have read.
September 5, 2016
My Darlings- PK Tyler
Can you say creepy! Seriously, the creep factor was high on this one. I enjoyed it, I really did, but I think I'm going to have nightmares about this story! The writing was superb and for such a short story the character development of the MC was astounding! I'm so glad that I got to read this because it was exceptional!
Reviews of the other stories coming soon!
*I received this book for free in return for an honest review.*
Can you say creepy! Seriously, the creep factor was high on this one. I enjoyed it, I really did, but I think I'm going to have nightmares about this story! The writing was superb and for such a short story the character development of the MC was astounding! I'm so glad that I got to read this because it was exceptional!
Reviews of the other stories coming soon!
*I received this book for free in return for an honest review.*
June 17, 2016
An excellent, varied collection of short stories. P.K. Tyler has brought together a diverse group of authors and the result is a diverse collection - from the Frankenstein-esque Glass Heart from Sacha Hope to Zig Zag Claybourne's somewhat surreal Consciousness and everything inbetween. Well worth picking up.
June 13, 2016
I got a advance copy of Shebat Legion's story "Apple" and it is by far the darkest story I have read she paints a bleak and near hopeless picture of a post-apocalyptic world where food is scarce on a good day, cannibalism is common, and mutations have started and not in the fun X-men way. I overall think this is a great story and is definitely worth a read.
June 14, 2016
I usually find with collections like these that I always tend to give about 3 stars rating because there are some stories I love and some I hate , however the majority of this collection I really enjoyed . I especially liked PK Tyler's short story best because it left me thinking err gross, I love it
June 16, 2016
I've only read a few stories so far....
All of the stories I have read were well-written and engaging. I am looking forward to reading the rest. So far I've read:
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler
Poseidon's Tears by E.L. Johnson
The Curl of Emma Jean by Michele Tracy Berger.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
All of the stories I have read were well-written and engaging. I am looking forward to reading the rest. So far I've read:
My Darlings by P.K. Tyler
Poseidon's Tears by E.L. Johnson
The Curl of Emma Jean by Michele Tracy Berger.
Aplanetary by Holly Heisey
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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