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Tales From The Multiverse #2

Bob's Bar: Tales From the Multiverse Volume 2

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What happens when your favorite characters meet in a bar, again?

It’s not just the extreme cocktails, but the warrior spirit that flows into the multiverse, bringing characters from some of your favorite science fiction series. Who tells the best story? No one knows until the words have been spun.

And BOB, a Binary Operated Being has gathered a great cast of characters to make fun of each other while sharing sea stories, the tales that warriors tell after they’ve returned home. Some might call them fish stories, whoppers, tall tales, or worse, but in the end, those who were there, know the tales are true.

These characters share their stories among those who have been there, the same place, but completely different. They share a drink, camaraderie, and the words. Stop by Bob’s Bar and listen in – these are all new stories, original tales, by an all-star cast of science fiction authors.

Craig Martelle – Cain

Terry Mixon – Kelsey

Lindsay Buroker – Ridge

Jay Allan – Blackhawk

Barry J. Hutchison – Artur

M.D. Cooper – Rika

Michael Anderle – Bethany Anne

Richard Fox – Standish

Andrew Dobell – Amanda

Jonathan P. Brazee – Beth

Kevin McLaughlin - Charline


296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2018

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Jay Allan

80 books1,264 followers

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5 stars
280 (53%)
4 stars
159 (30%)
3 stars
60 (11%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
6,726 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2023
Entertaining space listening 🎶🔰

Twelve will written short stories by twelve different authors. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this series and various authors to readers of fantasy world 🌎 adventure thriller novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😀😕
4 reviews
September 5, 2021
Very good read. Worth your time. Of

At last! A fun read. Bob's Bar is an eclectic collection of well written stories strung together with a fun premise. I hope they do a few of these collections. It's worth your time to read and now I have several authors I can check in to for more reading.
Profile Image for Joe Pranaitis.
Author 23 books86 followers
January 7, 2020
Bob's Bar, is a place within the multiverse were people come and gather and tell their stories. Some of the returning authors in this anthology are M.D. Cooper with her character Rika, and Andrew Dobell's Magi, Amanda. The rest of characters are new with the exception of Bethany Ann. The eleven stories bring you in from the moment the first character walks into the bar and Bob asks what they would like to drink. As he takes their orders they decide what type of stories they will tell and decide on big fish tales. With the last story being a big fish. This is a great anthology and one that I recommend for everyone looking into dipping their toes into new universes and new characters.
Profile Image for Alun Roger Francis.
98 reviews
August 26, 2021
loved the barman.

This book was like walking into a room and standing next to a group of people trying out outdo each other with fantastic stories nice theme but a bit too easy to see I would have left after the second story but had to keep reading to see where it ended up BoB was the most interesting one for me
852 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2023
Still misses the best aspect of the concept

As per my review of book 1, the best aspect of this concept is the interaction between the main characters, the stories they tell are at best a poor second
The characters themselves have such large back stories, just having them chat amongst themselves would be. Afar more interesting read
Hopefully book 3, if there is one, picks up on this aspect and at least includes some more of it
1,023 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2026
***MINOR SPOILERS ***
I got this book to try new authors. I usually give this type of book 5 stars because it achieves that goal. In this case, I took a star off for the format. I have given an individual rating to each story. The basic story is that characters from different series are invited to BOB’s bar to tell stories to each other and for the Collector. The Collector does not appear in the story; BOB is its/his/her representative. Each character does tell a story, but they are frequently interrupted by the other characters making comments or asking questions. As a result, I did not think it was a good way to present the story. You were not able to settle into it and some of the stories did not feel as if they had flow.
Between the stories there are interludes while the characters speak to each other and decide who will tell the next story. Some of the conversation was meant to be funny but I did not care for it. I found myself not liking most of the characters during this part of the book.
While I still gave it 4 stars because of the variety, I came away from this book not sure if I would like any of these authors. However, a few did seem to have potential. The format did not help them shine so I am not recommending any of them other than Lindsay Buroker, who I have read and liked. Perhaps someone else might be more discerning. I did decide to read books by a couple of the authors to see if I like their work or not.
One thing I thought was odd but very irrelevant was that Bob was a mechanical being of some type and he cracked a glass. I would have thought he would have moved with precision. BOB also used some type of compulsion to get the group to tell the stories. This influence on someone’s will was not something I liked very much.
Cain is Able by Craig Martelle
Readers of the series will likely recognize the cast of characters in this story, but for a new reader, it might have been better to simplify it a bit. Cain and his crew arrive on a planet coincidentally at the same time as some bots. The story is very short without a lot of explanation for why bots are bad. At one point, the native of the planet (who looks like a deer and has antlers) has his antlers shot off by Cain. This seemed unnecessary. Cain and his crew destroy the bots quickly and the story was done.
Rating 3 stars
The Goddess of Retribution by Terry Mixon
Rating 3 stars
While Kelsey and her crew were visiting a planet, she goes off by herself to explore. When she hears a child scream, she runs to help. A priest is beating a child and she intervenes. When other members of the order come to the rescue of the first priest, she uses a stunner. The priests believe she is a goddess for some reason related to the stunner (this is not explained other than a mention of a blue light). She tells them to never beat children again and then stuns them all. She leaves while they are unconscious. The message of not hurting children is an essential one. For some, the fact that the bad guys were religious would be good, for others it would be another example of bashing a religion.
Ladies Night by Lindsay Buroker
Rating 4 stars
This short story is told by Ridgewalker from the Dragon Blood series. I recommend the series which I have read. I got this book because I wanted to read more in that world and by this author. I did like the story but it was too short.
Lindsay Buroker is an auto-buy for me. I do recommend trying one of her books.
Blackhawk at BOB’s Bar by Jay Allan
Rating 4 stars
Blackhawk tells the story of how he became a rebel. He does not normally tell the story and it seemed a bit surprising that he does. I assume it is because the compulsion used by BOB. It does not seem to fit his character. He was an imperial general who enforces the will of the emperor who is merciless. After directing the killing thousands of rebels, one day he has had enough. He begins to fight back but the reason for the change was never really explained. The person whose life influenced his did not seem to stand out in any way.
This author did seem to have potential so I decided to try a book though the mass murderer part made me a bit hesitant. I ended up getting the first Far Stars book from the library and did not like it at all though I admit I did not finish it. Spoiler about the book, not this story…a friend of Blackhawk is part of a conquering army. The friend allows his crew to rape and pillage when they have conquered a world. Perhaps that is slightly less evil than the emperor that Blackhawk talks about in this story at least in his opinion? I did not care for it and do not plan to continue reading this author.
Artur’s First Case by Barry J Hutchinson
Rating 2 stars
Not only did I not like Artur during the rest of the book when he was part of the table conversation, I did not like his story. He decides to take his first case as detective to (his point of view) shut someone up. He is sixes inch tall and (spoilers…) hides in someone’s rectum during the case. I think the author thought this was hilarious as he then went on to describe the explosive nature of Artur leaving the rectum. I thought it was juvenile.
Rika Reposed by M.D. Cooper
Rating 4 stars
In this story, Rika and her friends go to a wrestling match at a space station. One of them decides to participate. I thought this story had potential. Despite the short format of all the stories in this anthology, the author was able to give a little depth. I decided not to read any other books by this author because I did not care for the way the character interacted with the others during interludes, etc.
Bethany Anne’s Sea Story by Michael Anderle
Rating 2 stars
In this story, Bethany Anne is asked to be a referee for a football game. She has no experience at it, but she has an implanted AI device that assists her as well as physical enhancements. When she makes a call against one player, the player’s father begins berating her. She finds out this is typical behavior for this parent. She leaps over the fence and begins provoking the father. She says she really had to push him to get him to react by trying to strike her and almost gave up when he finally took a swing at her. She is able to stop it because of her enhancements. She ends up breaking his hand and kicking him in the privates. (The book, not just this story, has other references to hitting privates.) It might be good to stand up to bullies, but she took advantage of her strength to hurt him on purpose. Was that better – you decide? In addition, there is a reference to a woman who looked like her showing up at the end. This was not explained.
Standish’s Story by Richard Fox
Rating 3 stars
Standish’s story is about a private who time jumps back to earth with others to a time before an event happens. Stopping the event was necessary in the bigger picture of things, but it is not explained in detail and was not important to the story. When there is a break in his assignment, he goes off and takes all the liquor from a liquor store and hides it. When the incident is over, he starts selling liquor and becomes rich. I did not really relate to this character.
Dragon Race by Andrew Dobell
Rating 5 stars
Amanda is at an off the beaten track part of the universe when she finds a dragon hiding. The dragon is being hunted and Amanda decides to help. After a small skirmish, they are chased. In the end, the dragon is rescued.
This story seemed like it had potential and I decided to buy the first book in the Magi Saga series which features Amanda. Update: I tried Magi Dawn and did not care for it at all.
The Pumpkin Ace by Jonathan P. Brazee
Rating 3 stars
Floribeth or Beth wants to go to a wedding but is forbidden to do so by her military chain of command. She fakes a mechanical problem with her fighter and then has to go on a trial ride after it is “fixed” to make sure it is running ok. On the way to the wedding, she runs into an enemy and has to fight. As a result, she is given an award and considered an ace pilot. This story would be liked by people familiar with the universe, but was too short to really evaluate it for others.
The Galaxy’s Biggest Fish Story by Kevin McLaughlin
Rating 4 stars
Charline is on a planet that is mostly water on a mission to make contact with the inhabitants. The inhabitants are a slug like creature and she has to wade into the water to talk to them. They are swallowed by a whale. The story revolves around getting them out. The story had potential.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,590 reviews66 followers
February 19, 2019
I came to the world of BOB's Bar (Tales From The Multiverse) backwards, glomming onto its book 2 solely because one of my all-time favorite authors, Lindsay Buroker, had contributed a story. That tale, Ladies’ Night, Stars was as superb as I expected. It stars General Ridgewalker Zirkander (Ridge), a favorite character from the author’s Dragon Blood Series (first book of which, Balanced on the Blades’ Edge, is free on kindle by the way) and includes probably the coolest weapon in sci-fi and fantasy (and steampunk), the “sublime” sentient soulblade Jaxi (who has the neat trick of being able to telepathically chat with Ridge and his wife Sardelle (Jami’s regular sword bearer), another character fave, though absent from this tale. But enough drooling over that wonderful tale and let me turn back to BOB, short for Binary Operated Being and his inter-dimensionally floating bar busy gathering tales for the mysterious Collector. This is probably the best excuse for collecting wonderful short stories since Spider Robinson’s Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon and the bar motif works perfectly for that context. Even better in that this bar operates as a great excuse for bringing in characters from across sci-fi-dom. A neat way to introduce a reader to some she (or he) might not have come across from otherwise. Book 2 was so good that I immediately purchased Book 1 (yes, I know I did this backwards). Equally well done and equally fun. My only problem is that now there are a bunch of “new” (well, new to me at least) authors I need to try out. Bottom line here is that, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. Both of these anthologies definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each anthology is most definitely “one to read”, and each is easy to highly recommend.
618 reviews
December 9, 2025
WARNING: This book may cause spontaneous overload of your TBR pile!

OK, so if you were an avid reader as am I, you probably have a to be read list that is far longer than your conceivable lifespan. So really, you have absolutely no business picking up this book. All it’s going to do is give you MORE to read, more authors from whom you’ll have to start at the beginning of their work in order to be able to follow these new books, and basically less time to apply to your daily life that supposedly provides the income with which you buy all these books. In short, this is a pit-trap disguised as an anthology. You WILL enjoy these brief tales, and you WILL be sucked in. You have been warned.

That being said, misery (or even a contented soul enjoying himself as in this case) loves company. My recommendation, therefore, is that you ignore all of the foregoing and pick this up immediately. For one reason or another this is actually my third time reading through this anthology, and it’s just as enjoyable as the previous two forays. The only mystery is how I neglected to leave a review on previous visits, but that oversight is now rectified.

ENJOY!
Profile Image for Richard E..
180 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2018
Visiting BOB's Bar II

Second iteration of an anthology about 'What would happen if the primary characters of multiple universes run into each other at a bar?' Why they would Drink, they would converse and they would tell tall stories. "There I was, This ain't No Scheit" stories. To celebrate lost friends, to highlight escaping from a 'Kobayashi Maru' situation, to tell tales about 'THAT Guy (or Girl), to decompress from a harrowing universe and get a little downtime with 'birds of a feather'. "You know the difference between a fairy tale and a war story? A Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time' and a War Story starts out: 'I Could died this One Time, this ain't no scheit'. ". You get a peek thru the keyhole at other authors of Fantasy, SCI-FI and MilSci-FI. Then, IF you want to read more, there are hotlinks to the varied stories and authors. BEWARE, you will soon be zooming off to catch up with these characters and will may end losing sleep... R. Johns.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,600 reviews12 followers
April 12, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised with this book 2 of the BOB's Bar multi-story books.

I hadn't really enjoyed the first one, so kind of dreaded reading this one but, although almost all of the characters were new to me, there was a much better, and funnier - for the most part - vibe to it, so that the characters were more appealing, somehow.

I must confess, with the reading list I have at present, I can't see myself chasing after all the various characters in their actual series for some time, but I think I'll probably keep them in mind, once I've gone through all I've promised myself that I'll be reading now, and for the foreseeable future.

At this rate, I'll probably be around 70 before that happens, but isn't that a great target to reach for anyway? Lol
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews60 followers
December 28, 2018
kindle unlimited, too many characters and names in stories that didn't hold my attention, tho the first book wasn't much better {only knew of Cal/Splurt} and this one again had Hutchinson character but side one {Artur from Dan Deadman series} so basically overally just disappointing

What happens when your favorite characters meet in a bar, again?

It’s not just the extreme cocktails, but the warrior spirit that flows into the multiverse, bringing characters from some of your favorite science fiction series. Who tells the best story? No one knows until the words have been spun. And BOB, a Binary Operated Being has gathered a great cast of characters to make fun of each other while sharing sea stories, the tales that warriors tell after they’ve returned home. Some might call them fish stories, whoppers, tall tales, or worse, but in the end, those who were there, know the tales are true. These characters share their stories among those who have been there, the same place, but completely different. They share a drink, camaraderie, and the words. Stop by Bob’s Bar and listen in – these are all new stories, original tales, by an all-star cast of science fiction authors.
Profile Image for Charles Tillman.
Author 14 books11 followers
January 26, 2019
Excellent stories from some of the hottest authors in their genres

This installment of “Bobs Bar”. Brings a collection of tales from the various worlds of some of the best Science Fiction writers around. A place where the main characters from multiple timelines and worlds meet for an evening of drinks and “Sea Stories”

If you are looking for something new to read here is your chance to get a sample of each of these authors hottest characters all in one place. If you like dragons, space battles, dog fights, cyborgs, Vampires, Magic... you get the picture. It’s in here. All told from the main characters perspective with some funny interactions between an eclectic mix of characters and worlds.

Well worth the time to read and guaranteed to entertain.
7 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2018
Short Stories

I’m a great fan of short story sci-fi so this collection was right up my street. Several characters from different authors book series meet in a bar to tell some stories. BOB the barman produces the drinks and food to help the collection of characters begin their tales. He is collecting data for the mysterious ‘Collector’ and the bar is in a multiverse pocket. We meet queens, mechs, sentient swords and a telepathic cat and get to hear some tall tales which could be true. A great collection and it’s such a shame I can’t read the first book as it’s not available in the U.K. well worth the time I relaxed with this book.
225 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2019
The Gang meets.

I absolutely loved this installment better than the first because the stories were more fun to read! Plus, with BA & Amanda doing repeat appearances, it stayed informative & fun as well. I cannot wait to read the many series from the authors who contributed characters; my reading list grew today! And I can't wait to read more.

Perhaps the next installment could be repeat performance of Amanda, BA & 2 of the assorted others from each BOB's Bar book, mixed with whomever you fine authors can drag into this fun ride.

I'm a BOB's Bar fan for Life now! Please write several more!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,240 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2018
BOB's Bar would be an interesting place to visit

Solid 4 star rating!
The tales from each authors charcaters were fun to read. Bethany Ann is of course my all time favorite. It was great getting a glimpse of each character and their personalities. This creation of the combined authors stories does make a person want to go and find out more about the characters storylines. Great job!
Profile Image for Kara Prem.
786 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2019
Much like the first book, I like the premise, characters from several different authors' are all gathered together in a cosmic bar to share stories and determine which parts of each others' stories are exaggerations. I only knew one of the characters so this was tough to get into and the commentary didn't flow so well for me. I think if I had known more of the characters that I might appreciate the book more. Great idea overall.
Profile Image for Leif Dolan.
138 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2020
Where nobody knows your name

This mash up of stories and different charade is great! I get to need new writers and get introduced to new books that I will want to read!
I can think of a new book that I want right now! Bob's Bar 3. How long will it be until that book comes out? And what authors should be in it? I can think of a few and hope that they can be put together.

Thank you Bob!
Profile Image for Ed A.
165 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2018
Fun read

I enjoyed reading Bob’s Bar book one, and found that book two was just as fun to read. Most of the characters in both are favorites of mine, and reading short stories about the unfamiliar ones were good intros. Maybe next time Glynn Stewart and his Starship Mage, Damien Montgomery?
333 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2019
Just the Greatest

You can't pick a better way to see these Authors characters in action!! there are far fetched tales of getting even! and some of an accident gone right! and all that are entertaining an keep you reading! Great mix of stories from completely different universes thus the title !As good or better than the first one!!!
Profile Image for Scott.
1,525 reviews12 followers
December 20, 2018
Great collection of shorts

Lots of renowned authors sharing some of their best creations and their tall tales makes for a great meet up at a bar. What could be wrong with such a winning formulae. Nothing buf lots of stories that will satisfy everyone no matter their taste
Profile Image for Saidah Gilbert.
619 reviews18 followers
December 31, 2018
I borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited which turned out to be a good thing. I mainly wanted the book for the Lindsay Buroker story which was good as usual. I liked the format of the anthology but I lost interest in the stories so I returned it.
4 reviews
January 4, 2019
Better than expected

I read and follow a couple of the writer so it was kool seeing their characters interacting. Only reason for 4 stars vs 5 is liking the stories in book 1 better.

95 reviews
January 8, 2019
My Fave Bar

This visit to Bob's Bar was again very entertaining and fun! I even found a couple of authors whose books I will check out, along with a couple of tales from authors a already read. Check it out!
870 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2019
Another good selection of stories here. Compared to #1, there seemed a bit more variety in tone of the stories, with a few darker stories in here, compared to the generally lighter volume 1. Good stories again though, and encourage me to try and seek out new authors :)
87 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2019
Great read

Great 2nd Bob's bar. I enjoyed both books and am now reading many of the authors from each. Great way to introduce readers to new series. It was nice to include a couple from Bob's bar one.
Profile Image for Roger.
6,021 reviews28 followers
November 25, 2019
BOB's Bar: Tales From the Multiverse Volume 2. A 246 page, fun fantasy/sci-fic read from multiple authors. Thoroughly enjoyable tongue-in-cheek stories as told by well-known characters from the various authors. I hope there's a third volume. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,019 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2020
Round 2!

We see some old faces, but mostly a new batch of patrons in BOB’s Bar. More craziness, with hilarious sea stories. Not all stories will be to everyone’s taste, but there is something in there for everyone. A fun read, and I hope we see a third gathering.
Profile Image for EzaChulada Yoo.
37 reviews
November 3, 2020
Entertaining

Great 😊 job Every one!!! Loved 🥰 all the stories. You me never know what is going to be told in these stories. I LOL 😂 and was like Ewwwww when it came to Artur so hilarious 😆 had a blast and I do want some Nachos but with Fajita... yum 😋 ready fir book 📖 number 3
138 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2022
Katherine

I'm another Lindsay Buroker fan who read BOB's Bar because her story was included. This book was a good introduction to some other science fiction/fantasy authors. It led me to two of Jonathan Brazee's books that were well worth reading.
Profile Image for Queen Talk Talk.
1,331 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2023
A collection of stories.

Why go to Callihan's when Bob's bar comes to you? This is a nice sampling of a wide range of characters. May I request Skarr and Johnny Walker meet in the next one?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews