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Broken Metropolis: Queer Tales of a City That Never Was
Broken Metropolis: Queer Tales of a City That Never Was (edited by dave ring) explores the edges of urban fantasy through queer narratives in the tradition of Swords of the Rainbow (Alyson Publications, 1996) and Bending the Landscape (Overlook Books, 1997). This collection contains ten of those edges, each one bright and gleaming, from Claire Rudy Foster’s story of a scientist learning to accept not only herself but the very real impact of astrology on her love life, to Caspian Gray’s tale of a young man looking for an urban legend in the halls of a hospital ward so that he can save the matriarch of his found family. Queer communities hold multitudes, and fantasy writing is a place to explore the magic of possibility. Come explore some of those possibilities in a city that never was.
Stories from: Jacob Budenz, kx carys, Meghan Cunningham, Claire Rudy Foster, Caspian Gray, V. Medina, H. Pueyo, M. Raoulee, D.M. Rice, Victoria Zelvin
Stories from: Jacob Budenz, kx carys, Meghan Cunningham, Claire Rudy Foster, Caspian Gray, V. Medina, H. Pueyo, M. Raoulee, D.M. Rice, Victoria Zelvin
145 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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August 12, 2018I got a print reviewer copy, but so many stories are actually trans stories that I'm not sure if I should write a review or if people will scrutinize that for idk, Transcendent 4 spoilers. I need to think about this a bit. It would feel a bit unfair re: the non-trans stories if I didn't review it for that reason, so I'll probably review it (possibly only after Worldcon)... in any case, it was a nice book!
August 12, 2019
(This review originally appeared at Mad Scientist Journal.)
Broken Metropolis, edited by dave ring, is an anthology of short stories and poetry centered on urban fantasy with queer characters. Though the collection only includes ten pieces, their impact makes this book seem like more.
As is the case with many anthologies, some of the stories proved more appealing to me than others. Three in particular really stood out. The first was “The City of Cats” by Victoria Zelvin, a lovely magical realism story of cats in a city and the people who are connected to those cats. “Your Heart in My Teeth” by V. Medina is another fabulous magical realism story about the heart of a city. And finally, “Under Her White Stars” by Jacob Budenz is a skillful tale about magic, consequences, and more magic.
If you’re interested in reading urban fantasy with queer characters as the protagonists and victors, Broken Metropolis will be right up your alley.
The publisher provided us with a free copy of this anthology in exchange for review consideration.
Broken Metropolis, edited by dave ring, is an anthology of short stories and poetry centered on urban fantasy with queer characters. Though the collection only includes ten pieces, their impact makes this book seem like more.
As is the case with many anthologies, some of the stories proved more appealing to me than others. Three in particular really stood out. The first was “The City of Cats” by Victoria Zelvin, a lovely magical realism story of cats in a city and the people who are connected to those cats. “Your Heart in My Teeth” by V. Medina is another fabulous magical realism story about the heart of a city. And finally, “Under Her White Stars” by Jacob Budenz is a skillful tale about magic, consequences, and more magic.
If you’re interested in reading urban fantasy with queer characters as the protagonists and victors, Broken Metropolis will be right up your alley.
The publisher provided us with a free copy of this anthology in exchange for review consideration.
August 25, 2018
Broken Metropolis is a quirky collection of urban fantasy short stories starring LGBTQ+ characters. Ranging from a living city to a soul-eating convenience store owner to a motorcycle run on magical fumes, the worlds truly shine, highlighting the originality and inventiveness of the authors and the editor. Some stories are stronger than others, but the combined effort is an inclusive, well-thought-out collection that will entertain and inspire.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
June 30, 2025
Realizing this is a set of short stories written by different folks, there were definitely some in the collection that I enjoyed more than others. Some of the short stories felt slightly underdeveloped/ lacked focus and at times left me confused on what I just read and really what the point was behind the narrative. I did enjoy a few of the stories due to their ability to bring the reader in quickly and keeping me engaged. This was a fine entry into my pride month reads but not something I think I will come back to again.
September 21, 2018
"Broken Metropolis" imagines queer futures in cities that don't yet exist, or maybe are in existence in places we don't even know. Love the cat lady retelling and "The Plague Eater"! Dave Ring knows how to put a collection together.
December 18, 2018
I published this, so maybe I'm biased. No, I'm definitely biased. But it's dope!
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October 17, 2020I'll be reviewing soon for Independent Book Reviews. Stay tuned.
November 18, 2018
This anthology is a terrific read with entertaining, gripping, gritty and beautiful stories of urban fantasy. I loved how each story explores a different facet of life, love, and magic (dark and light) in the community. Highly recommended reading!
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April 9, 2019Ten stories traverse queer love, loss, and courage in a highly readable, urban fantasy anthology that is refreshingly replete with #OwnVoices. Read my full review at Out in Print
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews