The Phantom Games : Dimensions Unknown 2020

Dimensions Unknown

by John Paul Catton, Charles Kowalski, Cody Martin

33 authors, musicians and artists from around the world … 16 insightful tales of Science Fiction and Fantasy … 17 eye-witness accounts of a real-life world under siege … This anthology was planned as a celebration of the greatest sporting event in the world and its 2020 host country, Japan. After being heavily updated to reflect the changes that have turned things upside down, it’s now a document of how our lives have been transformed, and what we should expect in the immediate future. We are slowly awaking from the nightmare that was 2020 ... Let the Phantom Games begin.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2020

Reviews

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short story collections as I find gems and new authors. This collection was supposed to be centered around the 2020 Olympic games but we all know what a mess that year ended up being. So like the rest of the world the authors picked themselves up, reevaluated, revised and ran. From non-fiction to Science Fiction to reflection to folklore this collection had it all.

Just a few highlights of my favorites –

Fox Fire by Gerri Leen – a twist of folklore and myth. This story did the perfect job of leaving me with the desire for more by this author. The weaving of words that created images was skillfully done.

The Tofu Maker by Shogo Oketani – a sweet story from a young boy’s perspective. A lesson on appreciating what you have when you have it.

Be Happy by C. W. Hawes – As a glass not half full but usually completely full kind of person, I have found a bond with this author!

Not So Fast, Not So High, Not So Strong by Charles Kowalski – a study in reflection and respect for Mother Nature.

…anything’s possible, Sunday… by Michele Baron – start a story with a Laura Ingalls Wilder quote and I’m ½ way to enjoying it. Throw the story into the future and I was hanging on for the ride.

The perfect box of assorted chocolates – pick one or many and enjoy.

[Michelle (Chelle's Book Ramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was a bit hesitant about agreeing to review this book, mostly because due to personal reasons I'm not in a great headspace at the moment and I'm actually not reading that much lately.. But I'm glad that I said yes and took a chance on a great ride. First It's a unique concept, gather together stories to bring to life the spirit of the Olympics (which were canceled last Year due to the Pandemic) and mix it with Japanese Folklore. To be honest they had me already at Japanese Folklore, but it's not just that it also show us the impact this past year had on everyone.

There are 16 tales for you to enjoy on various topics, some are better than other as it's often the case with anthologies. My personal Favorite was Fox Fire a fantasy inspired by Kitsune. But I also enjoyed a lot of the commentaries and different perpectives about the missing Olympics and the reality we now live in.

It is a book I would recommend to anyone who wants to take their mind of any issue they may have it certainly worked wonders with me, and I'm sure that you'll find a favorite among these stories..particularly if you enjoy Science Fiction.

[Marie Matsui · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Phantom Games has beautifully adapted to and acknowledged the difficult times we are living in, including the cancellation of the very games the book was based on. It contains some excellent essays on the topic, included surely in short order before publishing. However, the book also provides relief from the current struggles, through immersive short stories on the themes of the Olympics and Japan. My favourite short story was Fox Fire , because I absolutely love kitsune and Japanese folklore. Gerri Leen did an wonderful job of describing the different types of kitsune, a topic not often covered in fantasy including kitsune. I received a free copy of this book, but my review is entirely voluntary and unconditional.

[Terry Yearley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was told that this book was an SF anthology, but I didn't really know what to expect. It turned out to be a strange mixture of foreigners' interpretations of Japanese folklore and visions of the future. Anyway, I enjoyed reading the stories. Oh, there's also a rant by an American about how the US is a 'dumpster fire' and Japan is an 'exceptional country' - I loved that one.

https://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Games-...

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series of short stories, all Japanese or Olympic themed. Great ideas, loved Ice Dream of the Crow, The Red Bird and Olympia Nights but there are no poor stories at all.
I received a complementary copy and an leaving a voluntary review

[Wendy Uchimura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing selection of stories by well-known writers connected with the English literary scene in Japan. Commentaries on the vanished Olympics and the strange real events of 2020 are interweaved among tales of yokai, aliens, temples, and historical, fantastical worlds. My favourite pieces would have to be the poignant telling of Kuriko by Stewart C. Baker, the creepy tale of The Arakawa Meat Wagon by Ross Baxter, a futuristic view on spirituality with The God Symbiote by Donald L. Flynn, and a romantic kitsune twist with Fox Fire by Gerri Leen. This book also includes the must-read commentary on the pain felt by black communities particularly this year with You Might Be Dead and Not Know It by Baye McNeil.

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.