First Dates, Last Calls: Selected Short Fiction

by Alexandra Erin

Containing a mixture of previously published and new short fiction by Alfie Award-winning author Alexandra Erin, this collection examines human relationships through the speculative lens of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2019

Reviews

[Adam Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every SFF enthusiast should be reading Alexandra Erin (be it the abundant work offered on her website and news letter, her eclectic musings and commentary on Twitter, or in this book of excellent short stories). Erin's writing is incisive, fun, and empathetic. And more often than not, profound.

FIST DATES, LAST CALLS feels different from a lot of SFF fiction I've read. Not because it focuses less on life-and-limb danger, and deeds of daring do (though it does, for the most part), but because its stories feel more like exploration than narrative. Traditionally, Speculative Fiction applies a 'what if' to reality, creating spaces for characters to have meaningful experiences. FDLC, however, skips the mediator and applies its 'what if's directly to the characters themselves. The experiences are no less meaningful, but they are drawn in terms of theme and emotion rather than setting or plot.

All good SFF fiction should make you think. And FDLC absolutely does. It also makes you care.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first knew her from Twitter, and bought the book first just to support her. But once I started reading, I devoured the book faster than I thought I would, and enjoyed these stories so much

Turns out if you like what a person’s brain produces, you’ll probably like the other things their brain produces too.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic collection; Alexandra Erin's stories are lovely blends of light descriptions with dry humour and wickedly precise dialogue. Beautifully insightful and evocative, I am glad to have them collected and highly, highly recommend picking this one up.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading several of these stories on the author’s patreon over the years (including “You Remember This Story”). Alexandra Erin’s writing style is evocative, memorable, despite having a deceptively simple look.

I vividly remember “Women Making Bees In Public” and the conversations they have, as well as all the interruptions. I also remember reading “Inside, Looking Out” which I would hazard to say was my favorite of the collection. It’s such an imaginative setting, which I can’t describe without spoilers.

There’s not a bad story in the bunch, and I would highly recommend getting a copy!

[Lara Okafor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent short story collection. I loved every single one and will most likely be rereading.

I’ve been following Alexandra Erin since earlyish in the Tales of MU days and I still read her work with joy.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author did a better job of sucking me completely into each world in the course of a short story than some full novels I have read. Each one was a delight, and I loved the variety of styles on display. I highly recommend the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent eclectic collection of the short stories Erin does so well: some horror, some SF, some fantasy, all clever and biting. Plus some of her wonderful poetry! strong recommend.

[Barbara Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As individual pieces these are mostly strong. Alexandra Erin has a great way with words and the writing is authentic and well crafted. There is a bit of thematic repetition which detracts from the strength of the collection as a whole, but overall well worth reading.
(Off topic, but I highly recommend following the author on Twitter for very insightful US political analysis)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read some of these stories as a Patreon supporter, and it was great to read them again in a collection. Alexandra Erin is a great writer and I recommend this collection