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Gunnie Rose #0.0 - The Gunnie
Unfettered II: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy
Life can kick us when we are down.
In Shawn Speakman’s case, he is fighting back.
Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Speakman beat the disease as well as the massive medical debt he amassed from its treatment. He did this by publishing Unfettered, an anthology featuring short stories donated by some of the best science fiction and fantasy writers working today.
The fight will not stop there. In an effort to pay forward the aid he received—and to memorialize his mother who passed away from stomach cancer in early 2016—Speakman has again collaborated with celebrated genre authors to publish Unfettered II. All proceeds from the anthology will either help eliminate medical debt for other authors or be donated to cancer research hubs around the world.
Twenty-one original new tales comprise this amazing collection and, as the title suggests, the writers were again free to contribute whatever they wished.
Here is the line-up for Unfettered II:
Foreword by Terry Brooks
"Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village" by Bradley P. Beaulieu (Song of Shattered Sands)
“Day One” by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files)
“Figures” by Rachel Caine
“The Hedgewitch” by Sarah Beth Durst (The Queens of Renthia)
“The King’s Despatcher” by David Farland (Runelords)
“The Gunnie” by Charlaine Harris
“Bulletproof” by Mark Lawrence (Gunlaw)
“The Raven” by Erin Lindsey (Bloodbound)
“And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls” by Seanan McGuire
“The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ” by Aidan Moher
“Castle Coeurlieu” by Naomi Novik
“A Slow Kill” by Peter Orullian (Vault of Heaven)
“Aokigahara” by J.A. Pitts
“A Duel of Evils” by Anthony Ryan (Raven’s Shadow)
“The Thrill” by Brandon Sanderson (Stormlight Archive)
“Victim with a Capital V” by Scott Sigler
“The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch” by Shawn Speakman (Annwn Cycle)
“Little Wren and the Big Forest” by Michael J. Sullivan (The Legends of the First Empire)
“Magic Beans” by Django Wexler
“The Decoy” by Janny Wurts (Wars of Light and Shadow)
Todd Lockwood (Cover Artist)
Don Maitz (Interior Illustrator)
With the help of New York Times bestselling authors as well as talented newcomers, Speakman has taken the platform Unfettered created to not only confront medical debt but to support the battle against one of our gravest illnesses. Unfettered II is a fantastic sequel anthology but it is more than that; it is proof that we are stronger together than we are apart.
After all, isn’t that what genre fiction is all about?
In Shawn Speakman’s case, he is fighting back.
Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Speakman beat the disease as well as the massive medical debt he amassed from its treatment. He did this by publishing Unfettered, an anthology featuring short stories donated by some of the best science fiction and fantasy writers working today.
The fight will not stop there. In an effort to pay forward the aid he received—and to memorialize his mother who passed away from stomach cancer in early 2016—Speakman has again collaborated with celebrated genre authors to publish Unfettered II. All proceeds from the anthology will either help eliminate medical debt for other authors or be donated to cancer research hubs around the world.
Twenty-one original new tales comprise this amazing collection and, as the title suggests, the writers were again free to contribute whatever they wished.
Here is the line-up for Unfettered II:
Foreword by Terry Brooks
"Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village" by Bradley P. Beaulieu (Song of Shattered Sands)
“Day One” by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files)
“Figures” by Rachel Caine
“The Hedgewitch” by Sarah Beth Durst (The Queens of Renthia)
“The King’s Despatcher” by David Farland (Runelords)
“The Gunnie” by Charlaine Harris
“Bulletproof” by Mark Lawrence (Gunlaw)
“The Raven” by Erin Lindsey (Bloodbound)
“And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls” by Seanan McGuire
“The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ” by Aidan Moher
“Castle Coeurlieu” by Naomi Novik
“A Slow Kill” by Peter Orullian (Vault of Heaven)
“Aokigahara” by J.A. Pitts
“A Duel of Evils” by Anthony Ryan (Raven’s Shadow)
“The Thrill” by Brandon Sanderson (Stormlight Archive)
“Victim with a Capital V” by Scott Sigler
“The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch” by Shawn Speakman (Annwn Cycle)
“Little Wren and the Big Forest” by Michael J. Sullivan (The Legends of the First Empire)
“Magic Beans” by Django Wexler
“The Decoy” by Janny Wurts (Wars of Light and Shadow)
Todd Lockwood (Cover Artist)
Don Maitz (Interior Illustrator)
With the help of New York Times bestselling authors as well as talented newcomers, Speakman has taken the platform Unfettered created to not only confront medical debt but to support the battle against one of our gravest illnesses. Unfettered II is a fantastic sequel anthology but it is more than that; it is proof that we are stronger together than we are apart.
After all, isn’t that what genre fiction is all about?
584 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 2016
322 people are currently reading
4196 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Speakman
31 books729 followersShawn Speakman grew up in the beautiful wilds of Washington State near a volcano and surrounded by old-growth forests filled with magic. After moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, he befriended New York Times best-selling fantasy author Terry Brooks and became his webmaster, leading to an enchanted life surrounded by words.
He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years and now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for several authors, and is a freelance writer for Random House.
He also contributed the annotations for The Annotated Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, published in 2012.
Shawn is a cancer survivor, knows angel fire east, and lives in Seattle, Washington.
He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years and now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for several authors, and is a freelance writer for Random House.
He also contributed the annotations for The Annotated Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, published in 2012.
Shawn is a cancer survivor, knows angel fire east, and lives in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 3, 2017
This anthology is a precious gift, for the contributes, the editing, the cover, the interior art, the dedication and the cause.
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik: I liked Novik's novel Uprooted, and here I found again that mix of historical fiction and gothic fairytale I've so appreciated in her standalone. I also love her care for details and the way she writes female protagonists.
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian: this story features a Machiavellian assassination. It’s carefully planned, well-worded and chilling to the bone. Exciting!
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire: a short story about inevitable doom, with two PoVs. Odd and nice.
Day One by Jim Butcher: the story was okay, but being without a Harry Dresden background I felt like I was missing too many references.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu: very, very good. Beaulieu is really skilled at short format, this is the second short story of his I read, and I immersed very easily in the investigation. High time for Twelve Kings in Sharakhai.
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts: A sci-fi short story, not my usual read, but fascinating and thought-provoking.
The Decoy by Janny Wurts: She is my favourite adult fantasist, and with reason. Here she regales new and returning readers alike with a tale of unique balance, which shows another facet of the rift between the human cultures in Athera but it’s primarily a harrowing and upbeat standalone. I didn't anticipate the final twist and I had goose bumps by the time I reached the last word.
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland: very good story, a prequel in the established universe of the author, whose first book of the Runelords series is now in my TBR. Traditional fantasy, straightforward and very catchy.
Figures by Rachel Caine: I’m familiar with Caine because I'm reading The Great Library trilogy. She is talented, and her very very short story is original and interesting.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ by Aidan Moher: Moher is a known ex fantasy blogger now turned writer. A broke mercenary priest is called to save the day. Okay read.
Magic Beans by Django Wexler: Wexler is an author I've had my eyes on for a while, and I've already appreciated a short story of his. His main series is epic/military fantasy, so imagine my surprise when I read this hilarious short piece featuring a magic coffee-maker and sex.
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst: cool setting, I like tree dwellings and spirits with a “dismember first, apologize later” policy. The story is simple and flows nicely.
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler: a fantasy story with a weird western vibe set in a San Francisco where metals don't exist anymore. The author managed to convey the right atmosphere even without guns. Raw and hard, I really liked it.
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan: I've not had a chance to try Ryan's first trilogy, but this is the second short story of his I read and this time he chose the form of an historical document. My lack of context notwithstanding, it was ultimately satisfying because I liked the style and the military parts. Successful experiment.
The Raven by Erin Lindsey: a prequel about the main villain of Lindsey's Bloodbound series (which just moved higher up my TBR). I'm probably biased, because if done well, I love morally questionable protagonists. At first I thought it simplistic, then I became very absorbed in the story, the pace was just right. Very good!
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence: I'm current with everything Lawrence has penned, but I miss a few of his short stories and his Gunlaw novel; I'm happy this piece is in the anthology, so I could read something new. It's a weird western about the nature of strength and making the right stand, I liked the setting.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris: this is the second fantasy story featuring guns of the anthology, whose plot is probably inspired by the Mexican/US border reality. It's a brutal tale, skilfully written (well, considering the author's fame I expected no less) and emotionally involving.
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan: another writer I like. This is a dark fairy-tale from his Riyria universe, a "simple and charming fable, which is so popular around campfires and as a bedtime story". I'm always sold to an author who calls sheep "wooly puffballs".
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson: this is my first Sanderson experience. I met the guy in Lucca this year, and he was fun and very audience-minded, able to skim around the language barrier with ease. This tale is an excerpt from his upcoming book (meaning he warned this may not be the final cut) but it's self-contained and it was easy to read even If I missed the context.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman: Speakman is the editor of this anthology, an author, a cancer survivor, a son: nothing of this factors in my review but anyway, this is a well-written fantasy story, full of hope, framed by a beautiful landscape and shaped around the author's love for his mother and her final battle against cancer. This is the third short story (more Nix please) of his I read, and it's always a pleasure.
The first anthology ever where I could not find a single story that I disliked. Only a couple were a simple pass, the rest ranged from nice to amazing. Absolutely recommended!
The butterflies carried her will and farewell.
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik: I liked Novik's novel Uprooted, and here I found again that mix of historical fiction and gothic fairytale I've so appreciated in her standalone. I also love her care for details and the way she writes female protagonists.
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian: this story features a Machiavellian assassination. It’s carefully planned, well-worded and chilling to the bone. Exciting!
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire: a short story about inevitable doom, with two PoVs. Odd and nice.
Day One by Jim Butcher: the story was okay, but being without a Harry Dresden background I felt like I was missing too many references.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu: very, very good. Beaulieu is really skilled at short format, this is the second short story of his I read, and I immersed very easily in the investigation. High time for Twelve Kings in Sharakhai.
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts: A sci-fi short story, not my usual read, but fascinating and thought-provoking.
The Decoy by Janny Wurts: She is my favourite adult fantasist, and with reason. Here she regales new and returning readers alike with a tale of unique balance, which shows another facet of the rift between the human cultures in Athera but it’s primarily a harrowing and upbeat standalone. I didn't anticipate the final twist and I had goose bumps by the time I reached the last word.
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland: very good story, a prequel in the established universe of the author, whose first book of the Runelords series is now in my TBR. Traditional fantasy, straightforward and very catchy.
Figures by Rachel Caine: I’m familiar with Caine because I'm reading The Great Library trilogy. She is talented, and her very very short story is original and interesting.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ by Aidan Moher: Moher is a known ex fantasy blogger now turned writer. A broke mercenary priest is called to save the day. Okay read.
Magic Beans by Django Wexler: Wexler is an author I've had my eyes on for a while, and I've already appreciated a short story of his. His main series is epic/military fantasy, so imagine my surprise when I read this hilarious short piece featuring a magic coffee-maker and sex.
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst: cool setting, I like tree dwellings and spirits with a “dismember first, apologize later” policy. The story is simple and flows nicely.
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler: a fantasy story with a weird western vibe set in a San Francisco where metals don't exist anymore. The author managed to convey the right atmosphere even without guns. Raw and hard, I really liked it.
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan: I've not had a chance to try Ryan's first trilogy, but this is the second short story of his I read and this time he chose the form of an historical document. My lack of context notwithstanding, it was ultimately satisfying because I liked the style and the military parts. Successful experiment.
The Raven by Erin Lindsey: a prequel about the main villain of Lindsey's Bloodbound series (which just moved higher up my TBR). I'm probably biased, because if done well, I love morally questionable protagonists. At first I thought it simplistic, then I became very absorbed in the story, the pace was just right. Very good!
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence: I'm current with everything Lawrence has penned, but I miss a few of his short stories and his Gunlaw novel; I'm happy this piece is in the anthology, so I could read something new. It's a weird western about the nature of strength and making the right stand, I liked the setting.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris: this is the second fantasy story featuring guns of the anthology, whose plot is probably inspired by the Mexican/US border reality. It's a brutal tale, skilfully written (well, considering the author's fame I expected no less) and emotionally involving.
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan: another writer I like. This is a dark fairy-tale from his Riyria universe, a "simple and charming fable, which is so popular around campfires and as a bedtime story". I'm always sold to an author who calls sheep "wooly puffballs".
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson: this is my first Sanderson experience. I met the guy in Lucca this year, and he was fun and very audience-minded, able to skim around the language barrier with ease. This tale is an excerpt from his upcoming book (meaning he warned this may not be the final cut) but it's self-contained and it was easy to read even If I missed the context.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman: Speakman is the editor of this anthology, an author, a cancer survivor, a son: nothing of this factors in my review but anyway, this is a well-written fantasy story, full of hope, framed by a beautiful landscape and shaped around the author's love for his mother and her final battle against cancer. This is the third short story (more Nix please) of his I read, and it's always a pleasure.
The first anthology ever where I could not find a single story that I disliked. Only a couple were a simple pass, the rest ranged from nice to amazing. Absolutely recommended!
The butterflies carried her will and farewell.
July 15, 2018
Little Wren and the Big Forest
The forest near Wren's house is something of a mystery. Only her father ever enters, but only just slightly. When Wren's brother enters the forest following a sheep, he doesn't reappear. Wren's father and mother follow until only Wren remained. Now Wren could follow her mother's instructions or she could enter the forest to see if she can find her family. Wren may be little, but she's no coward.
Little Wren and the Big Forest is a fairy tale about the dwarf Gronbach. He's a vile clever creature who cares only for himself. Wren is a simply written girl like any protagonist of a fairy tale. The story is simple, but it's point is achieved, do not trust Gronbach.
The forest near Wren's house is something of a mystery. Only her father ever enters, but only just slightly. When Wren's brother enters the forest following a sheep, he doesn't reappear. Wren's father and mother follow until only Wren remained. Now Wren could follow her mother's instructions or she could enter the forest to see if she can find her family. Wren may be little, but she's no coward.
Little Wren and the Big Forest is a fairy tale about the dwarf Gronbach. He's a vile clever creature who cares only for himself. Wren is a simply written girl like any protagonist of a fairy tale. The story is simple, but it's point is achieved, do not trust Gronbach.
November 17, 2017
==Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan==
A charming story about courage and love, involving a little girl, Wren, and the mythical villain dwarf from ancient times, Gronbach. Best to be read after Age of Myth to have a better visual of the surrounding world.
It is part of the anthology Unfettered II , by editor Shawn Speakman, but also, courtesy of the author, it may be downloaded from Instafreebie: https://www.instafreebie.com/public/L...
A charming story about courage and love, involving a little girl, Wren, and the mythical villain dwarf from ancient times, Gronbach. Best to be read after Age of Myth to have a better visual of the surrounding world.
It is part of the anthology Unfettered II , by editor Shawn Speakman, but also, courtesy of the author, it may be downloaded from Instafreebie: https://www.instafreebie.com/public/L...
October 22, 2016
I am biased.
But this anthology is about as wonderful and magical as any I've read. And I've read more than a few. I really enjoy having these Unfettered anthologies being themeless. It allows every contributor to do something that they otherwise wouldn't be able to do and it shows in the quality of the stories.
Add that this is my way of memorializing my mother -- who is featured on the cover - and it makes Unfettered II really special. My own short story contribution is about her last days as she struggled with cancer and its effects, all set within my fantasy world. I think she would have enjoyed meeting my two main characters. I'm just sad she didn't get to read it.
All proceeds from this book go to charity -- either helping authors alleviate medical debt or going to fund cancer research. So it has a feel good component too that cannot be ignored.
I hope you'll start telling others about it now.
It's an anthology for a worthy cause.
But this anthology is about as wonderful and magical as any I've read. And I've read more than a few. I really enjoy having these Unfettered anthologies being themeless. It allows every contributor to do something that they otherwise wouldn't be able to do and it shows in the quality of the stories.
Add that this is my way of memorializing my mother -- who is featured on the cover - and it makes Unfettered II really special. My own short story contribution is about her last days as she struggled with cancer and its effects, all set within my fantasy world. I think she would have enjoyed meeting my two main characters. I'm just sad she didn't get to read it.
All proceeds from this book go to charity -- either helping authors alleviate medical debt or going to fund cancer research. So it has a feel good component too that cannot be ignored.
I hope you'll start telling others about it now.
It's an anthology for a worthy cause.
Read
October 22, 2016I wanted to review this only to say thank you to Shawn for including me in it, and to the other authors for contributing such great stories.
For my part, I have a SHATTERED SANDS story in the anthology. The story focuses on Dardzada, an apothecary who, for a time, is the foster father of Çeda (the heroine of TWELVE KINGS IN SHARAKHAI). I wanted to tell his tale because he became really interesting to me as I wrote about him in TWELVE KINGS. He cares for Çeda very much, but goes about it in the wrong ways. He’s extremely strict, and when Çeda rebels because of it, becomes even worse. Çeda eventually leaves and runs the streets with her best friend, Emre. But Dardzada continues to play a role in her life, and I wanted to flesh out his tragic story.
I’m always trying to do two things with the short stories I write. First, I’m trying to explore a particular character that interests me, finding out more about them along the way. And second, I’m trying to deepen the world. Sharakhai is such a metropolitan place. There are hundreds of influences from thousands of miles away in every direction. So part of the fun for me is to simply show more of this world while doing so through a few unique characters.
I hope you enjoy the story, and the rest in this unfettered set of tales.
For my part, I have a SHATTERED SANDS story in the anthology. The story focuses on Dardzada, an apothecary who, for a time, is the foster father of Çeda (the heroine of TWELVE KINGS IN SHARAKHAI). I wanted to tell his tale because he became really interesting to me as I wrote about him in TWELVE KINGS. He cares for Çeda very much, but goes about it in the wrong ways. He’s extremely strict, and when Çeda rebels because of it, becomes even worse. Çeda eventually leaves and runs the streets with her best friend, Emre. But Dardzada continues to play a role in her life, and I wanted to flesh out his tragic story.
I’m always trying to do two things with the short stories I write. First, I’m trying to explore a particular character that interests me, finding out more about them along the way. And second, I’m trying to deepen the world. Sharakhai is such a metropolitan place. There are hundreds of influences from thousands of miles away in every direction. So part of the fun for me is to simply show more of this world while doing so through a few unique characters.
I hope you enjoy the story, and the rest in this unfettered set of tales.
June 29, 2017
A good short story by MJS. 3.5 stars
You can't help but like little Wren, she is adorable, unfortunate and simple. I love the setting to this story. Something about mysterious, dark forests haunt me, in an enchanted/wondrous sort of way. I can't help but sense that there has to be magic in the strange and mystical spaces between the trees.
This story had the feel of a bedtime fairytale. One that mothers and grandmothers would tell hundreds of years ago when tucking the little ones into quilts on beds of straw.
There were some descriptions, mostly vocabulary and verbs that I thought were too sophisticated to use for Wren's 8 year old viewpoint. That was a little distracting and yanked me from the narrative a few times. Still, the writing is very good and the story itself is marvelous. Especially for those of us who care to know about Elan's fables and lore.
You can't help but like little Wren, she is adorable, unfortunate and simple. I love the setting to this story. Something about mysterious, dark forests haunt me, in an enchanted/wondrous sort of way. I can't help but sense that there has to be magic in the strange and mystical spaces between the trees.
This story had the feel of a bedtime fairytale. One that mothers and grandmothers would tell hundreds of years ago when tucking the little ones into quilts on beds of straw.
There were some descriptions, mostly vocabulary and verbs that I thought were too sophisticated to use for Wren's 8 year old viewpoint. That was a little distracting and yanked me from the narrative a few times. Still, the writing is very good and the story itself is marvelous. Especially for those of us who care to know about Elan's fables and lore.
August 24, 2017
A varied, well written collection of short stories to dip into between long books. Details of each one noted in other reviews. I enjoyed all stories, but some appealed more than others, depending on my own favourite writers or themes.
December 26, 2016
As per usual, Shawn Speakman delivers a great anthology. I didn't outright not like any of the stories in this one (but I did find a couple a little boring- as is bound to happen). Here's a little more about which were my favorites:
My favorite story of this particular bunch was Magic Beans by Django Wexler. His coffee-shop erotica. I appreciate a story with both a sex closet and a dragon in it.
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson was also super exciting. It not only ramped up my excitement for Oathbringer by a thousand percent, but reiterated what a badass Dalinar is. Excited!
Day One by Jim Butcher was amazeballs. Because Waldo Butters is amazeballs and a story about him is just a thing I love. That is all.
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence reminded me how much I fucking loved Gunlaw. I should really read it again.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris was surprisingly awesome. The Sookie Stackhouse series disappointed me a great many times (especially near the end -.-) so, I had just thought to never bother reading her stuff again. This story has convinced me that it might be okay to bother again after all.
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael Sullivan was also a favorite. I just love the way the man tells a story. Elan's Rumplestiltskin was awesome.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tou Ma by Aiden Moher was an awesome story. I want to read more stories about Farid!
Finally, The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch. This story made me very teary eyed. What a beautiful memorial story. I can't even get my thoughts in order about it. It was just... it was bittersweet.
I hope there will be more anthologies from Grim Oak. I hope they don't all have very sad backstories... But, I hope for more.
My favorite story of this particular bunch was Magic Beans by Django Wexler. His coffee-shop erotica. I appreciate a story with both a sex closet and a dragon in it.
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson was also super exciting. It not only ramped up my excitement for Oathbringer by a thousand percent, but reiterated what a badass Dalinar is. Excited!
Day One by Jim Butcher was amazeballs. Because Waldo Butters is amazeballs and a story about him is just a thing I love. That is all.
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence reminded me how much I fucking loved Gunlaw. I should really read it again.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris was surprisingly awesome. The Sookie Stackhouse series disappointed me a great many times (especially near the end -.-) so, I had just thought to never bother reading her stuff again. This story has convinced me that it might be okay to bother again after all.
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael Sullivan was also a favorite. I just love the way the man tells a story. Elan's Rumplestiltskin was awesome.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tou Ma by Aiden Moher was an awesome story. I want to read more stories about Farid!
Finally, The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch. This story made me very teary eyed. What a beautiful memorial story. I can't even get my thoughts in order about it. It was just... it was bittersweet.
I hope there will be more anthologies from Grim Oak. I hope they don't all have very sad backstories... But, I hope for more.
July 22, 2023
I want to read this ASAP.
But I need it to be available on Amazon Kindle!
But I need it to be available on Amazon Kindle!
April 7, 2017
I received this book though Goodreads Giveaways for an honest review. I really wanted this book for Mark Lawrence and there are so many authors I was excited to check out so as much as I want to review the stories I,m not going to my rating is good enough. So yeah Cancer sucks ass and my heart goes out to Shawn Speakman and all those fighting the good fight, and to those we've lost and to every one affected by it. Cancer can come after anyone non of us are immune. The cover of this book is beautiful. Speakman your mom looks like an Angle. The Foreword by Terry Brooks is also beautiful it made me cry as well as the Introduction and oh did I cry.
July 29, 2022
Unfettered 2
3 stars actual
Castle Coeurlieu
Naomi Novik
3 stars
Isabeau is a child-bride of 12 years. Thankfully her husband is not evil and sends her to one of his estates instead of forcing himself on her. At the castle Jerome, the Comte's 13 year old son from his late wife, befriends her. He and others recount stories about the keep in the middle of the castle grounds. Over the centuries many odd things have occurred there. The story has a feel like a campfire story. It takes place during the days of the Black Death plague. The plague left its mark on Jerome and he knows he will not live long enough to become an adult.
A Slow Kill
Peter Orullian
4 stars
Jak Mylen is an assassin who has been working as a farmhand for Murar Narya, the man who owns the farm. Jak is a member of the Dannire-a sect of assassins that have an air of mystery about them. He recounts some of his kills to Murar. The first kill is done with poetic justice in mind. Overall the pacing was well done.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls
Seanan McGuire
2.5 stars
The story is about two dragons, siblings with the titles of "Prince" & "Princess". The titles have nothing to do with gender. Prince is the leader of their brood; whereas Princess is the dreamer. He sees the future in his dreams. The storyline goes back and forth between the siblings. The title references that when the dragons in the story die they become precious stones that humans mine. It is a sad story that offers no hope. The idea that dragons are where gems come from is cool though.
Day One
Jim Butcher
4 stars
A Dresden short story, specifically Butters.
It has been two months since Waldo Butters-the polka loving, geeky medical examiner became the newest Knight of the Cross. The fact that he is Jewish doesn't matter. After all Sanya is Agnostic-despite meeting archangels. Also his "sword" when he wielded it for the first time manifested as a lightsaber. It is no surprise then that his first assignment from God appears in the form of video game imagery. People who have read Dresden will get the most out of this story; however, anyone who likes a story with an underdog not let his limitations (Butters is small, frail and nearly legally blind) rule him should enjoy it as well.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village
Bradley P. Beaulieu
3 stars
Dardzada is a apothecary in the village. Layth is his half-brother and a high ranking member of the Silver Spears, the equivalent of a police force. The men dislike each other, so when Layth comes into Dardzada’s shop and runs all of his customers out Dardzada is angry. Layth is accompanied by a young spear, Ezren who has been investigating the death of local man’s son Gazi. The boy had been missing for six weeks when his body was found. The man Amir says his wife believes her son looks like he aged years in the weeks he was missing. Amir wants Dardzada to find out what happened to his son. Since Layth has the weight of his office Dardzada has no choice but to go with Ezren and see what happened to Gazi himself.
Aokigahara
John A. Pitts
2.5 stars
In a distant future Michi Kimura is a Japanese scientist whose life revolves around computers and the internet. She has not left her house in over a decade. She gets so engrossed in her work that she has to have alarms to remind her to get up and move. She even has them to remember to eat. She receives an e-mail that soon upends her perfectly ordered life. The story starts with Michi’s view that “love” doesn’t actually exist. The fact that she named her smart house “mother” because she still mourns her own even after 20 years escapes her. Her mother’s love made her feel safe, and she is still trying to feel that connection. Once she leaves her house the story becomes too technical.
The Decoy: A Wars of Light and Shadow Story
Janny Wurts
2.5 stars
Falion is one of the royal relay messengers. He is of mixed standing. His mother's people are mocked, and his father considers him a failure. Once he was put on a horse though he excelled. He is tasked with getting to the queen-regent and telling her to flee from a revolt that has already taken the lives of several of the royalty. The first part of the story is somewhat dull. Upon arriving he is attacked by childhood friends. At first he believes this to be a cruel prank. He soon realizes they are actually trying to save his life.
The King's Despatcher
David Farland
4 stars
Princess Avahn was rescued by Dval after the carriage she was in wrecked. With her mother already dead she would have joined her if not for Dval. As a way of thanking him, Avahn got him apprenticed to Goreich, the general in charge of training soldiers. While in training Dval Gustafas is mercilessly mocked and cruel pranks happen daily. He is from a different people, so of course the bullies single him out. The fact that he is a fast learner, is only 11, and is better than them cause jealousy to add another reason for them to hate. What I liked is that many stories would have had Goreich ignore the abuse-writing it off as a way to build strength. Goreich instead holds the bullies accountable. Avahn’s side of the story is sad. She is only 9 and her father, King Harrill has gone slightly mad with his grief for her mother. We don’t meet the title character, whose name is Gustafas, until the last part of the story. Like Goreich, Gustafas see the potential in Dval. Even though he is in a small portion of the story Gustafas, as well as Goreich are my favorite parts.
Figures
Rachel Caine
2 stars
An unnamed narrator describes what getting shot feels like. They also tell what shooting is like. It's all related by referencing numbers. All of this is done because people arguing on the internet solve their problems with violence. The narrator is a "seal", someone who is hired by one of the parties to try and kill the other. Thankfully it is only a few pages long.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ
Aidan Moher
3 stars
Farid didn't want to take the job that Tóu Mǎ needed done, but no money and his pushy fire djinn changed his mind. So now he gets to battle a warlock that has been menacing Tóu Mǎ's village. The warlock has trapped the souls of the village. There is a steam-punk feel to some of the instruments, including his arm that contains the djinn. The djinn doesn’t have a name, but it seemed cat-like to me physically, with the personality of a dog.
Magic Beans
Django Wexler
3 stars
It is a funny story, but I can see it offending some. There is a sexual component that goes through the entire story.
Brian brings his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend Danny some curry to the coffee shop that she owns. While there Danny starts a pot of coffee using a new piece of equipment, as well as untested beans. While the coffee is brewing they have the best sex ever. After which Danny breaks up with Brian while eating the food he brought for her at four in the morning. That was in bad taste. The book really picked up when the dragon arrived, knocking on the door. Somehow the coffee shop was transported to where the dragon lives. Now Brian, Danny and the few customers that where in the shop when it transported have to figure out where they are, what caused it to ow did it happen, and how do they get back home. I wish there was more with the dragon. Dragons make most things better.
The Hedgewitch
Sarah Beth Durst
3.5 stars
Hanna needs to replace the charms that keep the elemental spirits from entering her home. Ever since she heard them laughing at her father’s death she has been terrified of them. Leaving her house scares her, but without the charms she is no longer safe. Hanna summons the courage to go to town and see the hedgewitch. When she arrives there Rowell the witch, says she cannot help Hanna. Rowell claims she is dying, after all Rowell is very old. The hedgewitch decides that Hanna shall be her apprentice and replace her when she dies. Rowell sees abilities in Hanna that Hanna herself never knew she had. All Hanna wanted was to buy some charms. Now she gets to be Rowell’s replacement. Rowell is a fun character. Overall it was a lovely read.
Victim with a Capital V
Scott Sigler
2.5 stars
Lisa is in a bar when she hears the laughter of the monster who raped her when she was 10 years old. Needless to say this warrants a trigger warning. In the ten years since she survived the attack she has been training so she will never be a victim again. Lisa came to the city to celebrate the new year. It is December 31, 3999. Instead of the excitement she expected Lisa gets noise and drunks and bad memories. A chance encounter gives her some companions. Fish is intrigued by this small but deadly woman. When we first meet him he is a drunken ass. Jimmy isn't as bad. If only he wouldn't kowtow to Fish. The second part of this story is in Unfettered 3.
A Duel of Evils or The Fall of Kethia
Anthony Ryan
1 star
So boring I started skimming. A quarter through and it hadn't improved. I wrote those words 5 years ago. I was going to try again to read the story, just so I could say what it was about. The first page was too boring. Perhaps those who have read the series that this is from will get enjoyment.
The Raven
Erin Lindsey
3.5 stars
Period piece, but even so I enjoyed it. Just wish it had a different ending. "The Raven" is Tom, a prince whose brother Eric is the king. The story begins with Tom looking over a battlefield and hoping his brother will do as Tom thinks he should. We are then taken through a series of vignettes showing the brothers from young children and on into adulthood. The author's notes say that all we see is what happened at the beginning of the first book of the series. This is from the antagonist’s perspective.
Bulletproof
Mark Lawrence
3 stars
The universe in which the story takes place is inhabited by many different types of creatures. It is a space-faring one. The story is an odd take on westerns. Mikeos is a boy of ten. His mother is a prostitute who is addicted to the local drug. The death of Mikeos’ father 2 years earlier has left her barely functioning. Mikeos spends his time trying to take care of her. When the gunslinger Remos Jax comes to town Mikeos is excited to meet him. Remos is accompanied by what appears to be a little girl named Lilly. She is more than she seems. The reason Remos Jax came to town was to duel one of the “Sects” (one of the species in the area) for the title of “gunslinger”. It is the law of the area. I don’t care for westerns, but it was a good story. I wish we were given more info about Lilly though. Her character was the most interesting.
The Gunnie
Charlaine Harris
4 stars
A modern western that I was surprised to find I liked.
Lizbeth is a "gunnie", someone who provides protection to migrants in a reimagined USA where FDR was assassinated and the country collapsed. Lizbeth has been a gunnie for five years, and after the group she was shepherding comes under attack it is up to her to rescue them and escort them to their destination.
Little Wren and the Big Forest A Legends of the First Empire Short Story
Michael J. Sullivan
3 stars
A fairy tale about an eight year old girl named Wren. Her family lives next to a forest. Wren and her big brother Lee looks after the sheep the family keeps. After they see a sheep go into the forest Lee looks scared. The forest always seems frightening, but he knows that if they lose one of the sheep that his father will whip him, so he goes in after it. Wren winds up alone as one after the other of her family members enters the forest looking for the others who don't return. The story had a Brothers Grimm feel about it.
The Thrill
Brandon Sanderson
1.5 stars
Since I haven't read the series this is a part of maybe I would feel differently. I doubt it though. Having to slog through exposition and violence before coming to only two lines of dialogue before more of the same means I won't be finishing this.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch
Shawn Speakman
4 stars
This is a story that Shawn wrote for his mother. It is an allegory of his love for her and the pain of losing her. Kathy seems to have been a very special lady.
3 stars actual
Castle Coeurlieu
Naomi Novik
3 stars
Isabeau is a child-bride of 12 years. Thankfully her husband is not evil and sends her to one of his estates instead of forcing himself on her. At the castle Jerome, the Comte's 13 year old son from his late wife, befriends her. He and others recount stories about the keep in the middle of the castle grounds. Over the centuries many odd things have occurred there. The story has a feel like a campfire story. It takes place during the days of the Black Death plague. The plague left its mark on Jerome and he knows he will not live long enough to become an adult.
A Slow Kill
Peter Orullian
4 stars
Jak Mylen is an assassin who has been working as a farmhand for Murar Narya, the man who owns the farm. Jak is a member of the Dannire-a sect of assassins that have an air of mystery about them. He recounts some of his kills to Murar. The first kill is done with poetic justice in mind. Overall the pacing was well done.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls
Seanan McGuire
2.5 stars
The story is about two dragons, siblings with the titles of "Prince" & "Princess". The titles have nothing to do with gender. Prince is the leader of their brood; whereas Princess is the dreamer. He sees the future in his dreams. The storyline goes back and forth between the siblings. The title references that when the dragons in the story die they become precious stones that humans mine. It is a sad story that offers no hope. The idea that dragons are where gems come from is cool though.
Day One
Jim Butcher
4 stars
A Dresden short story, specifically Butters.
It has been two months since Waldo Butters-the polka loving, geeky medical examiner became the newest Knight of the Cross. The fact that he is Jewish doesn't matter. After all Sanya is Agnostic-despite meeting archangels. Also his "sword" when he wielded it for the first time manifested as a lightsaber. It is no surprise then that his first assignment from God appears in the form of video game imagery. People who have read Dresden will get the most out of this story; however, anyone who likes a story with an underdog not let his limitations (Butters is small, frail and nearly legally blind) rule him should enjoy it as well.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village
Bradley P. Beaulieu
3 stars
Dardzada is a apothecary in the village. Layth is his half-brother and a high ranking member of the Silver Spears, the equivalent of a police force. The men dislike each other, so when Layth comes into Dardzada’s shop and runs all of his customers out Dardzada is angry. Layth is accompanied by a young spear, Ezren who has been investigating the death of local man’s son Gazi. The boy had been missing for six weeks when his body was found. The man Amir says his wife believes her son looks like he aged years in the weeks he was missing. Amir wants Dardzada to find out what happened to his son. Since Layth has the weight of his office Dardzada has no choice but to go with Ezren and see what happened to Gazi himself.
Aokigahara
John A. Pitts
2.5 stars
In a distant future Michi Kimura is a Japanese scientist whose life revolves around computers and the internet. She has not left her house in over a decade. She gets so engrossed in her work that she has to have alarms to remind her to get up and move. She even has them to remember to eat. She receives an e-mail that soon upends her perfectly ordered life. The story starts with Michi’s view that “love” doesn’t actually exist. The fact that she named her smart house “mother” because she still mourns her own even after 20 years escapes her. Her mother’s love made her feel safe, and she is still trying to feel that connection. Once she leaves her house the story becomes too technical.
The Decoy: A Wars of Light and Shadow Story
Janny Wurts
2.5 stars
Falion is one of the royal relay messengers. He is of mixed standing. His mother's people are mocked, and his father considers him a failure. Once he was put on a horse though he excelled. He is tasked with getting to the queen-regent and telling her to flee from a revolt that has already taken the lives of several of the royalty. The first part of the story is somewhat dull. Upon arriving he is attacked by childhood friends. At first he believes this to be a cruel prank. He soon realizes they are actually trying to save his life.
The King's Despatcher
David Farland
4 stars
Princess Avahn was rescued by Dval after the carriage she was in wrecked. With her mother already dead she would have joined her if not for Dval. As a way of thanking him, Avahn got him apprenticed to Goreich, the general in charge of training soldiers. While in training Dval Gustafas is mercilessly mocked and cruel pranks happen daily. He is from a different people, so of course the bullies single him out. The fact that he is a fast learner, is only 11, and is better than them cause jealousy to add another reason for them to hate. What I liked is that many stories would have had Goreich ignore the abuse-writing it off as a way to build strength. Goreich instead holds the bullies accountable. Avahn’s side of the story is sad. She is only 9 and her father, King Harrill has gone slightly mad with his grief for her mother. We don’t meet the title character, whose name is Gustafas, until the last part of the story. Like Goreich, Gustafas see the potential in Dval. Even though he is in a small portion of the story Gustafas, as well as Goreich are my favorite parts.
Figures
Rachel Caine
2 stars
An unnamed narrator describes what getting shot feels like. They also tell what shooting is like. It's all related by referencing numbers. All of this is done because people arguing on the internet solve their problems with violence. The narrator is a "seal", someone who is hired by one of the parties to try and kill the other. Thankfully it is only a few pages long.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ
Aidan Moher
3 stars
Farid didn't want to take the job that Tóu Mǎ needed done, but no money and his pushy fire djinn changed his mind. So now he gets to battle a warlock that has been menacing Tóu Mǎ's village. The warlock has trapped the souls of the village. There is a steam-punk feel to some of the instruments, including his arm that contains the djinn. The djinn doesn’t have a name, but it seemed cat-like to me physically, with the personality of a dog.
Magic Beans
Django Wexler
3 stars
It is a funny story, but I can see it offending some. There is a sexual component that goes through the entire story.
Brian brings his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend Danny some curry to the coffee shop that she owns. While there Danny starts a pot of coffee using a new piece of equipment, as well as untested beans. While the coffee is brewing they have the best sex ever. After which Danny breaks up with Brian while eating the food he brought for her at four in the morning. That was in bad taste. The book really picked up when the dragon arrived, knocking on the door. Somehow the coffee shop was transported to where the dragon lives. Now Brian, Danny and the few customers that where in the shop when it transported have to figure out where they are, what caused it to ow did it happen, and how do they get back home. I wish there was more with the dragon. Dragons make most things better.
The Hedgewitch
Sarah Beth Durst
3.5 stars
Hanna needs to replace the charms that keep the elemental spirits from entering her home. Ever since she heard them laughing at her father’s death she has been terrified of them. Leaving her house scares her, but without the charms she is no longer safe. Hanna summons the courage to go to town and see the hedgewitch. When she arrives there Rowell the witch, says she cannot help Hanna. Rowell claims she is dying, after all Rowell is very old. The hedgewitch decides that Hanna shall be her apprentice and replace her when she dies. Rowell sees abilities in Hanna that Hanna herself never knew she had. All Hanna wanted was to buy some charms. Now she gets to be Rowell’s replacement. Rowell is a fun character. Overall it was a lovely read.
Victim with a Capital V
Scott Sigler
2.5 stars
Lisa is in a bar when she hears the laughter of the monster who raped her when she was 10 years old. Needless to say this warrants a trigger warning. In the ten years since she survived the attack she has been training so she will never be a victim again. Lisa came to the city to celebrate the new year. It is December 31, 3999. Instead of the excitement she expected Lisa gets noise and drunks and bad memories. A chance encounter gives her some companions. Fish is intrigued by this small but deadly woman. When we first meet him he is a drunken ass. Jimmy isn't as bad. If only he wouldn't kowtow to Fish. The second part of this story is in Unfettered 3.
A Duel of Evils or The Fall of Kethia
Anthony Ryan
1 star
So boring I started skimming. A quarter through and it hadn't improved. I wrote those words 5 years ago. I was going to try again to read the story, just so I could say what it was about. The first page was too boring. Perhaps those who have read the series that this is from will get enjoyment.
The Raven
Erin Lindsey
3.5 stars
Period piece, but even so I enjoyed it. Just wish it had a different ending. "The Raven" is Tom, a prince whose brother Eric is the king. The story begins with Tom looking over a battlefield and hoping his brother will do as Tom thinks he should. We are then taken through a series of vignettes showing the brothers from young children and on into adulthood. The author's notes say that all we see is what happened at the beginning of the first book of the series. This is from the antagonist’s perspective.
Bulletproof
Mark Lawrence
3 stars
The universe in which the story takes place is inhabited by many different types of creatures. It is a space-faring one. The story is an odd take on westerns. Mikeos is a boy of ten. His mother is a prostitute who is addicted to the local drug. The death of Mikeos’ father 2 years earlier has left her barely functioning. Mikeos spends his time trying to take care of her. When the gunslinger Remos Jax comes to town Mikeos is excited to meet him. Remos is accompanied by what appears to be a little girl named Lilly. She is more than she seems. The reason Remos Jax came to town was to duel one of the “Sects” (one of the species in the area) for the title of “gunslinger”. It is the law of the area. I don’t care for westerns, but it was a good story. I wish we were given more info about Lilly though. Her character was the most interesting.
The Gunnie
Charlaine Harris
4 stars
A modern western that I was surprised to find I liked.
Lizbeth is a "gunnie", someone who provides protection to migrants in a reimagined USA where FDR was assassinated and the country collapsed. Lizbeth has been a gunnie for five years, and after the group she was shepherding comes under attack it is up to her to rescue them and escort them to their destination.
Little Wren and the Big Forest A Legends of the First Empire Short Story
Michael J. Sullivan
3 stars
A fairy tale about an eight year old girl named Wren. Her family lives next to a forest. Wren and her big brother Lee looks after the sheep the family keeps. After they see a sheep go into the forest Lee looks scared. The forest always seems frightening, but he knows that if they lose one of the sheep that his father will whip him, so he goes in after it. Wren winds up alone as one after the other of her family members enters the forest looking for the others who don't return. The story had a Brothers Grimm feel about it.
The Thrill
Brandon Sanderson
1.5 stars
Since I haven't read the series this is a part of maybe I would feel differently. I doubt it though. Having to slog through exposition and violence before coming to only two lines of dialogue before more of the same means I won't be finishing this.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch
Shawn Speakman
4 stars
This is a story that Shawn wrote for his mother. It is an allegory of his love for her and the pain of losing her. Kathy seems to have been a very special lady.
June 18, 2022
This book has a lot of short stories from my favorite fantasy authors' and I found couple of other stories also interested, so I will check out also these series. With known worlds and series it is certainly better to have read them before or know the setup, but if the short story works without background story it is even better. One of the funniest standalone story was "Magic Beans" by Django Wexler.
September 9, 2017
I picked up this anthology specifically for Janny Wurts and Jim Butcher. Enjoyed both of their stories. Wurts' short story is a great example of what her epic fantasy style is like (plus the story had a great 'history lesson' feel to it, which I really enjoyed). Butcher's is basically required reading for mega Dresden fans.
April 12, 2019
Unfettered is a special series of Anthologies. They are books that truly do good in the world. The proceeds from each help to alleviate medical debt within the SFF community. The contributors are given free reign to submit as the anthologies are theme-less.
With each book released I have encountered authors that I have known and loved for year. Sometimes they contribute tidbits within established worlds, letting you get a glimpse of their worlds and characters that would never fit in full length novels. These are precious, as you may get to spend time with old friends for a short period of time. I really enjoy the chance to learn more about secondary characters that don't get to tell their stories in the sprawling epics but are just as important as the primary heroes.
Another wonderful aspect of anthologies and especially Unfettered because of its unique no theme theme is that contributors get to explore and play outside of their worlds as well. They are not bound by anything and therefore can create wonderfully unique experiences. I love experiencing something completely unexpected from a beloved author.
Perhaps the unique magic of an anthology though, is the opportunity to meet new authors. It is like walking into a comfortable tavern where many of your friends and acquaintances await you. The great thing though is that they brought friends and its a great environment to meet them.
One of the stories that really stuck out for me in Unfettered Two is A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian. I have followed Peters Vault of Heaven universe closely from the beginning and while this story is set in that world, it reads terrifically whether you are familiar with his work or not. It is a neatly unique take on an assassin, ethics, philosophy and justice...or maybe not! You decide.
I am a huge fan of Jim Butchers Harry Dresden and Co. So I unabashedly do a happy dance when I come across snippets of that world. In Day One we get to see a very important developmental event for a wonderful supporting character to Harry Dresden. In this story though, the person that has to become a hero is not who you would expect. And that's wonderful.
I am not overly familiar with Bradley Beaulieus works(yet) but I have known who he is for a long time. His contribution Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village offers a chance for familiar readers to learn more about an established character. Not knowing the world I was stepping into did not hurt the experience one bit and certainly has move Mr. Beaulieu up my to read list. The pacing of the short story was spot on and I devoured it wanting to know more.
David Farland is an author who I admittedly know nothing about. His short story The King's Despatcher makes me want to correct that omission immediately. It is set in an existing universe of his but centuries before some of his prominent work. It is the beginning of a prequel series and as an outside reader has me hooked already. He was able to convey the beginning of some great characterization in a short period of time that leaves me really wanting to follow up on these people and what is going to happen to them.
The story by Rachel Cane is Figures and I love it. I haven't read any books by Rachel and I can't remember if i have read other short stories by her or not but this one makes me want to. It is a wonderful discussion on some of the aspects of our current culture and is not a drastic imagining of where we could go. It's a great story.
I am an avid follower of Django Wexlers Shadow Campaigns. This story has nothing to do with those. And. I. Love. It. Perhaps because I have in the past spent time behind a coffee bar this speaks to me a bit extra, I don't know. What I do know is Magic Beans is amazing. Coffee. Sex. Dragons. I think this entry has to end up on my list of all time favourite short stories. I don't have an actual list but I may have to create one so I can put Magic Beans on it. It is a hilariously sexy and fun romp that takes you places you did not expect. I need to show this story to a number of people and make them read it.
Scott Sigler is another author whom I have been aware of for a long time but haven't picked up yet. Victim with a Capital V is utterly fantastic. I want more stories following the characters introduced here. I want prequels. How did this world get to where it is. I would read full length novels of what Scott lays down here. I think that speaks to how well Victim is written but also the concept he creates.
Brandon Sandersons contribution focuses on my favourite character he has ever written and that is saying something. I mean, its Brandon Sanderson. In The Thrill, a sequence from the Stormlight Archives, we get to meet Dalinar Kholin as a younger man. These flashbacks show us recent history and help us to learn about the people who established the world we become familiar with in the first Stormlight novels(tomes, really).
There are more great stories in this book but the ones I've highlighted really stuck with me. Unfettered Two is one of the best anthologies I have picked up and continues a wonderful legacy of stories gathered to protect those who need protecting. It is the worthiest of causes and a damn good book.
With each book released I have encountered authors that I have known and loved for year. Sometimes they contribute tidbits within established worlds, letting you get a glimpse of their worlds and characters that would never fit in full length novels. These are precious, as you may get to spend time with old friends for a short period of time. I really enjoy the chance to learn more about secondary characters that don't get to tell their stories in the sprawling epics but are just as important as the primary heroes.
Another wonderful aspect of anthologies and especially Unfettered because of its unique no theme theme is that contributors get to explore and play outside of their worlds as well. They are not bound by anything and therefore can create wonderfully unique experiences. I love experiencing something completely unexpected from a beloved author.
Perhaps the unique magic of an anthology though, is the opportunity to meet new authors. It is like walking into a comfortable tavern where many of your friends and acquaintances await you. The great thing though is that they brought friends and its a great environment to meet them.
One of the stories that really stuck out for me in Unfettered Two is A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian. I have followed Peters Vault of Heaven universe closely from the beginning and while this story is set in that world, it reads terrifically whether you are familiar with his work or not. It is a neatly unique take on an assassin, ethics, philosophy and justice...or maybe not! You decide.
I am a huge fan of Jim Butchers Harry Dresden and Co. So I unabashedly do a happy dance when I come across snippets of that world. In Day One we get to see a very important developmental event for a wonderful supporting character to Harry Dresden. In this story though, the person that has to become a hero is not who you would expect. And that's wonderful.
I am not overly familiar with Bradley Beaulieus works(yet) but I have known who he is for a long time. His contribution Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village offers a chance for familiar readers to learn more about an established character. Not knowing the world I was stepping into did not hurt the experience one bit and certainly has move Mr. Beaulieu up my to read list. The pacing of the short story was spot on and I devoured it wanting to know more.
David Farland is an author who I admittedly know nothing about. His short story The King's Despatcher makes me want to correct that omission immediately. It is set in an existing universe of his but centuries before some of his prominent work. It is the beginning of a prequel series and as an outside reader has me hooked already. He was able to convey the beginning of some great characterization in a short period of time that leaves me really wanting to follow up on these people and what is going to happen to them.
The story by Rachel Cane is Figures and I love it. I haven't read any books by Rachel and I can't remember if i have read other short stories by her or not but this one makes me want to. It is a wonderful discussion on some of the aspects of our current culture and is not a drastic imagining of where we could go. It's a great story.
I am an avid follower of Django Wexlers Shadow Campaigns. This story has nothing to do with those. And. I. Love. It. Perhaps because I have in the past spent time behind a coffee bar this speaks to me a bit extra, I don't know. What I do know is Magic Beans is amazing. Coffee. Sex. Dragons. I think this entry has to end up on my list of all time favourite short stories. I don't have an actual list but I may have to create one so I can put Magic Beans on it. It is a hilariously sexy and fun romp that takes you places you did not expect. I need to show this story to a number of people and make them read it.
Scott Sigler is another author whom I have been aware of for a long time but haven't picked up yet. Victim with a Capital V is utterly fantastic. I want more stories following the characters introduced here. I want prequels. How did this world get to where it is. I would read full length novels of what Scott lays down here. I think that speaks to how well Victim is written but also the concept he creates.
Brandon Sandersons contribution focuses on my favourite character he has ever written and that is saying something. I mean, its Brandon Sanderson. In The Thrill, a sequence from the Stormlight Archives, we get to meet Dalinar Kholin as a younger man. These flashbacks show us recent history and help us to learn about the people who established the world we become familiar with in the first Stormlight novels(tomes, really).
There are more great stories in this book but the ones I've highlighted really stuck with me. Unfettered Two is one of the best anthologies I have picked up and continues a wonderful legacy of stories gathered to protect those who need protecting. It is the worthiest of causes and a damn good book.
July 30, 2018
Very weak. I found the quality of the stories to be much poorer than the first.i tried to read through them to get a sense of the authors and still had a hard time finishing most of them. The best, by a huge margin is by Sanderson. I can't believe how boring the opening piece was. Mostly young adult, like for 12 year olds perhaps. Just...skip it
August 31, 2020
I only read the Brandon Sanderson part so this is a review only on that.
The Thrill - Brandon Sanerson -> ★★★★☆
The Dalinar Flashbacks from the new Stormlight Archive book Oathbringer, are real treats. They show some glimpses of the dark man Dalinar was in his youth, as well as a first glimpse to his forgotten wife.
The fighting scenes are quite impressive but maybe not as polished as I would have expected (hoping for this to be cleaned up in the review process), also since the scenes are from three different chapters in the soon to be published book there is a bit of lack of continuity. The courtroom scene is also quite interesting where you see Gavilar/Sadeas and their respective wives interacting with Dalinar, and you start to really fully understand the dynamics between them in the later books.
A good read overall, but I think it will be much better to read this in the grand context of Oathbringer!
The Thrill - Brandon Sanerson -> ★★★★☆
The Dalinar Flashbacks from the new Stormlight Archive book Oathbringer, are real treats. They show some glimpses of the dark man Dalinar was in his youth, as well as a first glimpse to his forgotten wife.
The fighting scenes are quite impressive but maybe not as polished as I would have expected (hoping for this to be cleaned up in the review process), also since the scenes are from three different chapters in the soon to be published book there is a bit of lack of continuity. The courtroom scene is also quite interesting where you see Gavilar/Sadeas and their respective wives interacting with Dalinar, and you start to really fully understand the dynamics between them in the later books.
A good read overall, but I think it will be much better to read this in the grand context of Oathbringer!
May 12, 2021
A good collection of short stories by various authors. I loved how there were numerous storylines as the authors weren’t hemmed in due fulfilling a specific goal or genre requirement. My two favourite stories were Magical Beans by Django Wexler and The Hedgewitch by Susan Beth Durst. There was an introduction and unique picture to each story which enhanced the enjoyment it.
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik - 3.5 Stars
A great story about a young teenage girl who has been married off to an older man and goes to live in a castle. I loved the gothic feel to the story, the fairytale quality and the MC.
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian - 3.5 Stars
A great story about an assassin reminiscing about old missions. I initially thought the story was just going to be a collection of tales unrelated to each other but they come together perfectly in the end.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain For Our Souls by Seanan McGuire - 3 Stars
A short story about old legends, power and fear. A strange story that took a while to get into.
Day One by Jim Butcher - 3 Stars
Waldo Butters, a ME, has been tasked to fight evil. I enjoyed the story as there was lots of action and mythology. Fans of the Harry Dresden series will get more out of it than a casual reader as they’ll have more background information on the world and characters.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Bealieu - 3.5 Stars
A good story featuring the MC looking for a missing boy. The MC was from his The Song of the Shattered Sands series so fans will get more out of it than a casual reader. I found the middle dragged a bit as he went from one location to another looking for clues but the conclusion was amazing. It was depressing, yet rewarding.
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts - 3 Stars
An interesting and thought-provoking SF story that makes us question what it means to be alive and how to enjoy every minute. I found the story a little boring and bogged down with internet terminology.
The Decoy by Janny Wurt - 2 Stars
A medieval fantasy novel featuring upheaval in a Kingdom. I really couldn’t get into the story, not sure why.
The King’s Dispatcher by David Farland - 4 Stars
A great prequel for the Runelands series. I really liked the Mad King as he offered a different antagonist than the usual ones in this novel. He wasn’t evil in the typical sense, just misguided and unstable.
Figures by Rachel Caine - 3 Stars
Story was about the Internet and how some people abuse it. Story would have been better if it was longer, too short to fully flesh out her idea.
The Red-Rimmed Eye of Tou Ma by…..
Story from the Patchwork Priest series. The plot was okay but I didn’t like the background. I found there were too many elements from too many genres in the story which didn’t flow well. Magic and steampunk and medieval elements don’t mix well.
Magical Beans by Django Wexler - 5 Stars
The best story in the novel. It was hilarious, well written and unbelievably unique. I really had no idea where the story was going so every page was a complete mystery. I strongly, strongly recommend this story.
The Hedgewitch by Susan Beth Durst - 4.5 Stars
A story in the Queen of Blood series. Great story with plenty of action and a great MC. My second favourite story in the anthology.
Victim with a Captial V by Scott Sigler - 1.5 Stars
Story takes place centuries in the future after steel has failed and technology has reverted to the copper era. There is no explanation why this has occurred which made the background nonexistent. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot was bland, a typical vengeance story. I really didn’t like this story.
A Duel or Evils or The Fall of Kethia by Anthony Ryan - 0.5 Stars
Fans of the Raven’s Shadow series might enjoy more from this story than a first time reader. It was written as a historical account of the history of the empire and read like a really, really boring history textbook. I couldn’t get past the first few pages.
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence - 0.5 Stars
I’m not a big fan of Lawrence’s writing as it find it too gory and violent. As such when I got bored after a page I had no real desire to continue. A typical Western meets fantasy story.
The Raven by Erin Lindsey - 4 Stars
A prequel to the Bloodbound Trilogy. Another great story as I loved reading about the brothers/Princes growing up. They had their conflicts as they were different which caused some clashes. They were also loyal and loving towards each other. This story makes me want to read the series.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris - 3.5 Stars
Western meets alternative history. Story followed a crew/gang that were tasked with leading a group of farmers North for a better future. Really good story with lots of action and a great MC. I plan to continue the series as the background was briefly mentioned and now I’m curious about how the USA fell apart.
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan - 4.5 Stars
A fairytale story that was amazing, reminds me again why I love Sullivan’s writing so much.
The Thrill by Brandon sander - 0.5 Stars
An excerpt from the Oathbringer book. Since I plan to read that series I didn’t see the point of reading some chapters taken from that series.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman - 2.5 Stars
A classic epic fantasy story about a group of adventurers on a quest to bring back spring. Cute story, loved the introduction. Lower rating was because it was a standard generic epic fantasy story, nothing unique.
January 31, 2017
I received this as a bonus for supporting the kickstarter.
This story is a fairy tale cliche. The writing was good but in the end, its an average read. Not bad but not good either.
This story is a fairy tale cliche. The writing was good but in the end, its an average read. Not bad but not good either.
November 29, 2022
My husband and I listened to this short story collection on audio during several short road trips. Different narrators are used for each story, and most are excellent. Even though many stories occur within series, we were still able to enjoy them without knowing many of the backstories. We enjoyed a few of the books, but not all.
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik - B - This story grabbed me from the beginning. The ending just seemed a bit abrupt.
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian - A - This was an excellent story of a righteous assassin - our favorite in the collection.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire - F I didn’t enjoy this story of two dragons preparing for their end. The idiotic gender swap (i.e., the prince was female, and princess was male) really turned me off.
Day One by Jim Butcher - B+ - I liked this story, and especially new Knight of the Cross, Butters. It made me pick up the Dresden Files series again.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu - B+ My husband enjoyed this more than I did, since I initially had a hard time getting engaged in the story and characters. But once I got engaged, I was hooked.
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts - C - This was short and just ok.
The Decoy by Janny Wurts - B- - Whenever I see Janny Wurts’s name, I think of one of my favorite fantasy series, The Empire Trilogy, co-written with Raymond Feist. Sadly, this one didn’t didn’t grab me as much as I hoped.
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland - B - We really enjoyed this prequel to the Runelords series.
Figures by Rachel Caine - F - This extremely short story was awkward, silly, and filled with profanity.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ by Aidan Moher - C - This was slow to start for us, and just ok.
Magic Beans by Django Wexler - A- - We really enjoyed this often humorous story featuring magic beans and a coffee maker that combines otherworldly transport with sex.
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst - B - This was a short story set in the Renthia realm. I’m not a fan of that series, but this was pretty good.
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler - F - Neither my husband nor I enjoyed this story, so we skipped to the next one.
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan - D - I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Anthony Ryan’s series, but I just couldn’t connect with this one.
The Raven by Erin Lindsey - B - This was an engaging story of two brothers, one who is king, and one who is his advisor. I wasn’t a fan of the large time jumps telling of their childhood, but I did enjoy the brothers’ connection and the story.
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence - C - This story was a bit choppy for me. It features a boy who cares for his addicted mother, who later meets a gunslinger who comes to his town for a competition.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris - C - I’ve read “The Gunnie,” Charlaine Harris’s first book in the series. This one is ok, but the writing, characters, or plot just didn’t grab me (similar to the full-length novel).
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan - Didn’t finish - I couldn’t maintain interest in this story.
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson - Didn’t finish - I couldn’t maintain interest in this story.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman - B
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik - B - This story grabbed me from the beginning. The ending just seemed a bit abrupt.
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian - A - This was an excellent story of a righteous assassin - our favorite in the collection.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire - F I didn’t enjoy this story of two dragons preparing for their end. The idiotic gender swap (i.e., the prince was female, and princess was male) really turned me off.
Day One by Jim Butcher - B+ - I liked this story, and especially new Knight of the Cross, Butters. It made me pick up the Dresden Files series again.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu - B+ My husband enjoyed this more than I did, since I initially had a hard time getting engaged in the story and characters. But once I got engaged, I was hooked.
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts - C - This was short and just ok.
The Decoy by Janny Wurts - B- - Whenever I see Janny Wurts’s name, I think of one of my favorite fantasy series, The Empire Trilogy, co-written with Raymond Feist. Sadly, this one didn’t didn’t grab me as much as I hoped.
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland - B - We really enjoyed this prequel to the Runelords series.
Figures by Rachel Caine - F - This extremely short story was awkward, silly, and filled with profanity.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ by Aidan Moher - C - This was slow to start for us, and just ok.
Magic Beans by Django Wexler - A- - We really enjoyed this often humorous story featuring magic beans and a coffee maker that combines otherworldly transport with sex.
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst - B - This was a short story set in the Renthia realm. I’m not a fan of that series, but this was pretty good.
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler - F - Neither my husband nor I enjoyed this story, so we skipped to the next one.
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan - D - I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Anthony Ryan’s series, but I just couldn’t connect with this one.
The Raven by Erin Lindsey - B - This was an engaging story of two brothers, one who is king, and one who is his advisor. I wasn’t a fan of the large time jumps telling of their childhood, but I did enjoy the brothers’ connection and the story.
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence - C - This story was a bit choppy for me. It features a boy who cares for his addicted mother, who later meets a gunslinger who comes to his town for a competition.
The Gunnie by Charlaine Harris - C - I’ve read “The Gunnie,” Charlaine Harris’s first book in the series. This one is ok, but the writing, characters, or plot just didn’t grab me (similar to the full-length novel).
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan - Didn’t finish - I couldn’t maintain interest in this story.
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson - Didn’t finish - I couldn’t maintain interest in this story.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman - B
November 25, 2017
This anthology is a good example of why we need fewer white dudes in charge. Few heroines, and the ones written by men were questionable. I don't think there were any POC. It gets bland. A lot of the stories were also cliches.
Castle Coeurlieu **
Felt scattered and a little lost. Took a long time to get going, and once the pace picked up, the story just sort of shambled to a stop.
A Slow Kill *****
As two men who both happen to be assassins dig a ditch together, one tells the other stories of some of his kills. The way they came together was perfection.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls **
A pair of royal dragons face the doom of their people. Somehow this story took something incredible and left me thinking "okay...and?"
Day One ****
Butters goes on his first mission as a Knight! I'm not sure how fun this would be for people who aren't a fan of the series, but... I am. So there you go.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village *
I'm not sure if this is melodramatic or if the reading is melodramatic in addition to being GODDAMN AWFUL, but I can't stand the audio narrator's bad, bad accents and weirdly strained voices. That plus a story that, at least at the beginning is so boring that I keep getting distracted...
Aokigahara **
The writing is kind of pretty but the story is very subtle. A woman who has retreated from all but the virtual world is drawn out by a suicidal programmer for... reasons? I guess they make an AI together, but I'm so confused as to who the other woman is and why she did literally anything she did in that story.
The Decoy **
I'm guessing that this is another story that makes more sense in the context of the series it came from.
The King’s Despatcher **
Again I finished this story feeling like I'd just been given some random backstory for a series or something. Not particularly satisfying.
Figures **
Silly, as it was intended to be. Unfortunately, the the whole thing is just a buildup to a punchline and the joke hinges on mocking online activism. The reader was excellent.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Maˇ ***
Neat story about redeeming a wronged village. A little too long and draggy in places. Pretty sure they appropriated and then messed up the djinn, though.
Magic Beans ****
Lighthearted and charming, featuring a cast of college students.
The Hedgewitch ****
A girl gets a push from a bossy hedge witch to face her fears and become a part of her community.
Victim with a Capital V *
Character development(?) through rape and attempted rape. Offensive as hell.
A Duel of Evils *
The tired conceit of a scholar recounting events past, made somehow even more dull by the fact that the recounting is nothing but an ordinary if bloody siege.
The Raven ****
Two brothers, the golden boy and the pragmatist, find themselves naturally opposed when the fate of their kingdom is at stake. Tom's character is so rich and complex.
Bulletproof ***
Forgettable. There's a duel that's supposed to decide the fate of the world, but it's almost background and over fast. A young man is learning lessons about life.
The Gunnnie ****
I liked this one. It felt like a complete story, not necessarily dependant on a larger series, and I appreciated the though and practical heroine.
Little Wren and the Big Forest ***
A little girl, underestimated by her family, goes into a cursed wood to save them all. Enjoyable but not extraordinary.
The Thrill ***
It's almost funny how incapable Sanderson is of writing short. Decent story, although the hero is not very likeable.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch ****
Good story. Felt complete, kept my interest, and I enjoyed the cast. Satisfying ending.
Castle Coeurlieu **
Felt scattered and a little lost. Took a long time to get going, and once the pace picked up, the story just sort of shambled to a stop.
A Slow Kill *****
As two men who both happen to be assassins dig a ditch together, one tells the other stories of some of his kills. The way they came together was perfection.
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls **
A pair of royal dragons face the doom of their people. Somehow this story took something incredible and left me thinking "okay...and?"
Day One ****
Butters goes on his first mission as a Knight! I'm not sure how fun this would be for people who aren't a fan of the series, but... I am. So there you go.
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village *
I'm not sure if this is melodramatic or if the reading is melodramatic in addition to being GODDAMN AWFUL, but I can't stand the audio narrator's bad, bad accents and weirdly strained voices. That plus a story that, at least at the beginning is so boring that I keep getting distracted...
Aokigahara **
The writing is kind of pretty but the story is very subtle. A woman who has retreated from all but the virtual world is drawn out by a suicidal programmer for... reasons? I guess they make an AI together, but I'm so confused as to who the other woman is and why she did literally anything she did in that story.
The Decoy **
I'm guessing that this is another story that makes more sense in the context of the series it came from.
The King’s Despatcher **
Again I finished this story feeling like I'd just been given some random backstory for a series or something. Not particularly satisfying.
Figures **
Silly, as it was intended to be. Unfortunately, the the whole thing is just a buildup to a punchline and the joke hinges on mocking online activism. The reader was excellent.
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Maˇ ***
Neat story about redeeming a wronged village. A little too long and draggy in places. Pretty sure they appropriated and then messed up the djinn, though.
Magic Beans ****
Lighthearted and charming, featuring a cast of college students.
The Hedgewitch ****
A girl gets a push from a bossy hedge witch to face her fears and become a part of her community.
Victim with a Capital V *
Character development(?) through rape and attempted rape. Offensive as hell.
A Duel of Evils *
The tired conceit of a scholar recounting events past, made somehow even more dull by the fact that the recounting is nothing but an ordinary if bloody siege.
The Raven ****
Two brothers, the golden boy and the pragmatist, find themselves naturally opposed when the fate of their kingdom is at stake. Tom's character is so rich and complex.
Bulletproof ***
Forgettable. There's a duel that's supposed to decide the fate of the world, but it's almost background and over fast. A young man is learning lessons about life.
The Gunnnie ****
I liked this one. It felt like a complete story, not necessarily dependant on a larger series, and I appreciated the though and practical heroine.
Little Wren and the Big Forest ***
A little girl, underestimated by her family, goes into a cursed wood to save them all. Enjoyable but not extraordinary.
The Thrill ***
It's almost funny how incapable Sanderson is of writing short. Decent story, although the hero is not very likeable.
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch ****
Good story. Felt complete, kept my interest, and I enjoyed the cast. Satisfying ending.
May 26, 2019
So small secret...I'm getting annoyed by these short story collections like this. And I feel bad for being super annoyed with this one since it is Shawn's tribute to his mother who passed away from cancer (That's her on the cover.) But honestly, I wish they would require the authors to write something new and not "new" from a long running series. For one, some of the series I haven't got to yet. Two, I read these collections to see if I like the writer's writing style--which still works, but hell, I don't want to read a story involving some side thing that happens between book 5 and 6....especially when book two ended with believing one of the characters in that story were dead...I would have found out in book 3 but again, I haven't got that far.
So, I'm frustrated that this seems to be a reoccurring thing. And sometimes it feels really heavy handed--looking at the Brandon Sanderson click-bait here--because yeah, I read everything from Sanderson...so what better way to sell this book by putting him in there with a short story from Stormlight Archive? (Side note--the story in this anthology was one I got to see Sanderson read at WorldCon 2015--whoop whoop) But I guess if it helps sell more copies in which all the proceeds go to charity then it is good to get a "show-runner" in the book. But still, wish it would have been all new stories in un-existing works by all authors...
And don't get me wrong, there are some new ones here.
Some are super good. Most are good, and very few were something I struggled to read. Magic Beans stole the show for me though
So, I'm frustrated that this seems to be a reoccurring thing. And sometimes it feels really heavy handed--looking at the Brandon Sanderson click-bait here--because yeah, I read everything from Sanderson...so what better way to sell this book by putting him in there with a short story from Stormlight Archive? (Side note--the story in this anthology was one I got to see Sanderson read at WorldCon 2015--whoop whoop) But I guess if it helps sell more copies in which all the proceeds go to charity then it is good to get a "show-runner" in the book. But still, wish it would have been all new stories in un-existing works by all authors...
And don't get me wrong, there are some new ones here.
Some are super good. Most are good, and very few were something I struggled to read. Magic Beans stole the show for me though
Read
September 24, 2019Ratings for each story individually (much more good than bad):
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik 4 stars
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian 4 stars
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire 1 star
Day One by Jim Butcher 5 stars
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu 5 stars
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts 2 stars
The Decoy by Janny Wurts 5 stars
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland 4 stars
Figures by Rachel Caine 1 star
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Maˇ by Aidan Moher 3 stars
Magic Beans by Django Wexler 1 star
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst 4 stars
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler 2 stars
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan 3 stars
The Raven by Erin Lindsey 4 stars
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence 2 stars
The Gunnnie by Charlaine Harris 3 stars
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan 2 stars
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson 2 stars
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman 4 stars
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik 4 stars
A Slow Kill by Peter Orullian 4 stars
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls by Seanan McGuire 1 star
Day One by Jim Butcher 5 stars
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village by Bradley P. Beaulieu 5 stars
Aokigahara by John A. Pitts 2 stars
The Decoy by Janny Wurts 5 stars
The King’s Despatcher by David Farland 4 stars
Figures by Rachel Caine 1 star
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Maˇ by Aidan Moher 3 stars
Magic Beans by Django Wexler 1 star
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst 4 stars
Victim with a Capital V by Scott Sigler 2 stars
A Duel of Evils by Anthony Ryan 3 stars
The Raven by Erin Lindsey 4 stars
Bulletproof by Mark Lawrence 2 stars
The Gunnnie by Charlaine Harris 3 stars
Little Wren and the Big Forest by Michael J. Sullivan 2 stars
The Thrill by Brandon Sanderson 2 stars
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch by Shawn Speakman 4 stars
Currently reading
July 26, 2020Castle Coeurlieu
A Slow Kill (Vault of Heaven)
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls
Day One (Dresden Files)
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village (Song of Shattered Sands)
Aokigahara
The Decoy (Wars of Light and Shadow)
The King's Despatcher (Runelords)
Figures
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ
Magic Beans
The Hedgewitch (The Queens of Renthia)
Victim with a Capital V
A Duel of Evils (Raven's Shadow)
The Raven (Bloodbound)
Bulletproof (Gunlaw)
The Gunnie
Little Wren and the Big Forest (The Legends of the First Empire)
The Thrill (Stormlight Archive)
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch (Annwn Cycle)
Completed so far:
Castle Coeurlieu - 3 stars - Too many hints of seperate pieces that weren't fleshed out enough. I always like when an author doesn't spoodfeed the reader and leaves them some of those discovery "aha" moments...it just seems some of these weren't worked through.
A Slow Kill (Vault of Heaven) - 5 stars
A Slow Kill (Vault of Heaven)
And Men Will Mine the Mountain for Our Souls
Day One (Dresden Files)
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitsian Village (Song of Shattered Sands)
Aokigahara
The Decoy (Wars of Light and Shadow)
The King's Despatcher (Runelords)
Figures
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of Tóu Mǎ
Magic Beans
The Hedgewitch (The Queens of Renthia)
Victim with a Capital V
A Duel of Evils (Raven's Shadow)
The Raven (Bloodbound)
Bulletproof (Gunlaw)
The Gunnie
Little Wren and the Big Forest (The Legends of the First Empire)
The Thrill (Stormlight Archive)
The Last Flowers of the Spring Witch (Annwn Cycle)
Completed so far:
Castle Coeurlieu - 3 stars - Too many hints of seperate pieces that weren't fleshed out enough. I always like when an author doesn't spoodfeed the reader and leaves them some of those discovery "aha" moments...it just seems some of these weren't worked through.
A Slow Kill (Vault of Heaven) - 5 stars
June 1, 2017
I liked this one even more than the first Unfettered. In the first one, there were some stories that I didn't like or didn't enjoy, but in this one there was none of that. There were some stories I enjoyed more than others, everyone has their favorite authors, but I can't say I didn't enjoy them. There was no eye-rolling, no sighs of frustration at how a story turned out. I think a reason for that is that the writers are free to choose what they want to write, there are no restriction on them to fit a story to a theme so they can write with more freedom then they would otherwise have.
I liked this book, the stories were not overly long, each one felt like a story the author wanted to tell and this was the anthology for it, plus a sneak peek at the flashback scenes from the 3rd book of the Stormlight Series? Hello, that's a no brainer.
I liked this book, the stories were not overly long, each one felt like a story the author wanted to tell and this was the anthology for it, plus a sneak peek at the flashback scenes from the 3rd book of the Stormlight Series? Hello, that's a no brainer.
December 19, 2017
NOTE: I only read "Day One" by Jim Butcher.
So happy to finally see Butters getting his own story!
The medical examiner, now a Knight of the Cross, tells the tale of some of his training, and the adventure of his first Calling. Stan, a homeless man that seems consumed by fear, is on a bench in the park... with an "!" over his head (apparently God speaks to you in the way you would most easily understand and for Butters that is video games. Getting him to the hospital, Butters finds that 7 other people in the hospital are all suffering from huge fear consumption. The culprit: a Baku, a modern day dream spirit made flesh by the belief of children. Trusty lightsaber of Faith in hand, Butters wins the day, but at the cost of his glasses.
Now the wait begins for Peace Talks OR Brief Cases.... but what a great ride its been.
So happy to finally see Butters getting his own story!
The medical examiner, now a Knight of the Cross, tells the tale of some of his training, and the adventure of his first Calling. Stan, a homeless man that seems consumed by fear, is on a bench in the park... with an "!" over his head (apparently God speaks to you in the way you would most easily understand and for Butters that is video games. Getting him to the hospital, Butters finds that 7 other people in the hospital are all suffering from huge fear consumption. The culprit: a Baku, a modern day dream spirit made flesh by the belief of children. Trusty lightsaber of Faith in hand, Butters wins the day, but at the cost of his glasses.
Now the wait begins for Peace Talks OR Brief Cases.... but what a great ride its been.
October 6, 2025
Stories I liked in order of appearance in the book
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik
A slow kill by Peter Orullian
And Men will Mine the Mountain for our Souls by Seanan McGuire
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitian Village by Bradley P Beaulieu
The Kings Despatcher by David Farland
The hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst
The last flowers of the spring witch by Sean Speakman
“Every day is a war, every moment a battle.”
“I miss those days, warm in the shards of our eggshells, content in our lack of responsibilities, fluid in our identities and our futures.”
“To win his friendship was to know brotherhood and generosity for all your days, for he never forsook a friend.”
“There were few balms for the darkness in the world but a smiling and giggling baby had the ability to chase it from the hardest of hearts.”
Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik
A slow kill by Peter Orullian
And Men will Mine the Mountain for our Souls by Seanan McGuire
Brightwine in the Garden of Tsitian Village by Bradley P Beaulieu
The Kings Despatcher by David Farland
The hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst
The last flowers of the spring witch by Sean Speakman
“Every day is a war, every moment a battle.”
“I miss those days, warm in the shards of our eggshells, content in our lack of responsibilities, fluid in our identities and our futures.”
“To win his friendship was to know brotherhood and generosity for all your days, for he never forsook a friend.”
“There were few balms for the darkness in the world but a smiling and giggling baby had the ability to chase it from the hardest of hearts.”
September 2, 2020
Maybe 3.5 stars. I like short story collections where the short stories are in and of themselves complete but over half of this collection were stories that were spin-offs or tie-ins to other books & series written by the authors. In some cases this was relatively non-intrusive and didn't play much into the story (Little Wren and the Big Forest and A Slow Kill for example) but in others the backstory details largely drowned the short story (The Raven and The King's Despatcher in particular). There were a few real gems like Victim with a Capital V, Magic Beans, A Slow Kill, and Figures but most of the stories were just okay and largely forgettable.
July 9, 2017
I plan to finish reading this, but I don't even need to finish to know this will get 5 stars. I read one story, “Castle Coeurlieu” by Naomi Novik, which was great, before impatiently skipping to "The Thrill" by Brandon Sanderson, which is a short story in his "Stormlight Archive" series, taking place during the conquering/uniting of Alethkar. I couldn't be more impressed. Brandon always knocks it out of the park with his Cosmere stories.
Now back to my book. Crossing my fingers that I find another series worth reading based on a story in this anthology. I found The Demon Cycle in Unfettered I, and that was excellent.
Now back to my book. Crossing my fingers that I find another series worth reading based on a story in this anthology. I found The Demon Cycle in Unfettered I, and that was excellent.
September 8, 2025
Read it for Rose & Dresden
If you've already read the Gunny Rose books her story in this anthology is the first chapter of the first book ... with some shifts
I was deeply interested in finding the differences between the two & appreciating how Harris evolved Lizbeth & the timeline between the publication of this story & the books
It's a bit of a master class in character development & revision
I'm so very glad I read this - your mileage may vary ... if you're interested in the craft of novel writing you'll enjoy this too
If you've already read the Gunny Rose books her story in this anthology is the first chapter of the first book ... with some shifts
I was deeply interested in finding the differences between the two & appreciating how Harris evolved Lizbeth & the timeline between the publication of this story & the books
It's a bit of a master class in character development & revision
I'm so very glad I read this - your mileage may vary ... if you're interested in the craft of novel writing you'll enjoy this too
August 26, 2017
Listened to this on Audiobook.
Great anthology, and the narrators (particularly whoever narrated "A Slow Kill") give the tales a great amount of depth.
The only downside I have is that several stories are set upon existing fantasy worlds and, if you have no background on them, you will miss lots of references.
The upside of the downside is that I now really want to read the Dresden Files.
Great anthology, and the narrators (particularly whoever narrated "A Slow Kill") give the tales a great amount of depth.
The only downside I have is that several stories are set upon existing fantasy worlds and, if you have no background on them, you will miss lots of references.
The upside of the downside is that I now really want to read the Dresden Files.
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