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Warchild
Omake: Stories from the Warchild Universe
In the first collection of original stories based in the universe of the award winning novels WARCHILD, BURNDIVE, and CAGEBIRD, characters both familiar and new flesh out the worlds and lives impacted by a generational interstellar war. Included are the author's story notes, a glossary of the striviirc-na language, and the first chapter of the fourth novel in the mosaic series, MATRYOSHKA.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2020
7 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Karin Lowachee
62 books358 followersKarin was born in South America, grew up in Canada, and worked in the Arctic. Her novels have been translated into French, Hebrew, and Japanese, and her short stories have been published in numerous anthologies and magazines, some of which were edited by John Joseph Adams, Nalo Hopkinson, Nisi Shawl and Ann VanderMeer. When she isn't writing, she serves at the whim of a black cat.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 4, 2020
About 15 years after reading Warchild, I found myself once more visiting this detailed and dark universe created by Karin Lowachee. And let me tell you, I fell in love with it now like I did back then.
This short stories collection is a must for everyone who've read the original trilogy. Others probably won't understand what is going on.
What I loved most about this new collection is the writing. My God, that writing! You need to read it to believe it. Oh, and the characters... such a strong and deep set of characters in each and every story. So well done.
In case it wasn't clear, I'm in love with this book. Give it a try, or at least give Warchild a try. You welcome.
This short stories collection is a must for everyone who've read the original trilogy. Others probably won't understand what is going on.
What I loved most about this new collection is the writing. My God, that writing! You need to read it to believe it. Oh, and the characters... such a strong and deep set of characters in each and every story. So well done.
In case it wasn't clear, I'm in love with this book. Give it a try, or at least give Warchild a try. You welcome.
November 30, 2020
update: well, fuck this was so good; it's very rare that i give most stories in a collection 4 or 5 stars
i love the characters in this series so much
favourite stories: sympathizer, meridian, erret, aki, jos, sergeant o'neil
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i really should know better... but i'm weak and can't resist
i love the characters in this series so much
favourite stories: sympathizer, meridian, erret, aki, jos, sergeant o'neil
___________________________________
i really should know better... but i'm weak and can't resist
November 28, 2020
When this short story collection was announced, I was ecstatic and now that it's finally out, I wish there was a physical version I could put on my shelf next to the books, because it deserves its spot there!
It was just so nice to be back in this universe with these characters, a lot of which we've never had as point of view characters before - Enas, Niko, Cairo, Erret and many more (I've decided that the two stories from Rick O'Neil's perspective were written specifically for me! Everyone has that super minor character somewhere they for some reason love despite the character only ever having like two scenes and one mention... and Rick is mine.). Plus in the end we get a glimpse at the main character(s) of the fourth book and I'm very much looking forward to holding it in my hand one day (hopefully as a paper version).
Some of the stories were (partly) known to the old fandom already, but I was really glad to have them in the official canon now - especially the one with the Halloween party. I simply adore it.
We get to see some events of the books, some from before and some after (!) through the eyes of people who were there, gaining different perspectives and witness how they think... and suddenly I 100% get why there will never be a book from Erret's POV (It would be a disaster).
What I'm saying here is basically: Everyone who has read and enjoyed the original novels will also love this short story collection and everyone else should go read the books... and then come back and also read this short story collection because you'll want more!
It was just so nice to be back in this universe with these characters, a lot of which we've never had as point of view characters before - Enas, Niko, Cairo, Erret and many more (I've decided that the two stories from Rick O'Neil's perspective were written specifically for me! Everyone has that super minor character somewhere they for some reason love despite the character only ever having like two scenes and one mention... and Rick is mine.). Plus in the end we get a glimpse at the main character(s) of the fourth book and I'm very much looking forward to holding it in my hand one day (hopefully as a paper version).
Some of the stories were (partly) known to the old fandom already, but I was really glad to have them in the official canon now - especially the one with the Halloween party. I simply adore it.
We get to see some events of the books, some from before and some after (!) through the eyes of people who were there, gaining different perspectives and witness how they think... and suddenly I 100% get why there will never be a book from Erret's POV (It would be a disaster).
What I'm saying here is basically: Everyone who has read and enjoyed the original novels will also love this short story collection and everyone else should go read the books... and then come back and also read this short story collection because you'll want more!
January 28, 2021
So, so, so stupidly good - even though I'd read half of these vignette/shorts before, even as Karin takes my heart from its silver platter and stomps it to a pile of goo.
This collection just showcases how
1) rich and deep the Warchild universe runs, and there are infinite facets of the characters and the overarching plot left to explore.
2) Karin's switching of the first person voice for different characters is impeccable (and I'll harp on about it forever). Genuinely one of the best I've encountered in SFF.
3) Jos needs more hugs in his life. Please.
The stories are unflinching about the realities of war and its casualties (as fans of the series should expect). There are no straight answers to trauma and the corners that were broken inside you as a child, or as an adult, and the stories make it clear that some are luckier than others - not everyone has an Omar or an Ilyana or a Niko to protect them and guide them onto a path of healing. But these stories are also about resilience. And defiance in the face of injustice and those who would harm you and your own. It's about finding moments of peace when you believe you have access to none. They're beautifully, painfully human and microcosms of everything I adore about the series as a whole.
It'd be easier for me to hammer together a spaceship out of plyboard and lint and make first contact with aliens than to dislike anything Karin Lowachee puts out.
This collection just showcases how
1) rich and deep the Warchild universe runs, and there are infinite facets of the characters and the overarching plot left to explore.
2) Karin's switching of the first person voice for different characters is impeccable (and I'll harp on about it forever). Genuinely one of the best I've encountered in SFF.
3) Jos needs more hugs in his life. Please.
The stories are unflinching about the realities of war and its casualties (as fans of the series should expect). There are no straight answers to trauma and the corners that were broken inside you as a child, or as an adult, and the stories make it clear that some are luckier than others - not everyone has an Omar or an Ilyana or a Niko to protect them and guide them onto a path of healing. But these stories are also about resilience. And defiance in the face of injustice and those who would harm you and your own. It's about finding moments of peace when you believe you have access to none. They're beautifully, painfully human and microcosms of everything I adore about the series as a whole.
It'd be easier for me to hammer together a spaceship out of plyboard and lint and make first contact with aliens than to dislike anything Karin Lowachee puts out.
February 1, 2021
I need book 4 now!
April 17, 2021
I gasped when I checked the author's social media and saw this had been released. My favorite book series and certainly one of my favorite authors. Will update with a proper review after reading but I just wanted to say I'm thrilled to buy this and support the author/this series. Thank you!
Edit: To the surprise of no one, this collection is incredible. If you're as attached to these characters as I am, you will love this absolute TREAT of a set.
As always, Erret is effervescent and burns brightly wherever he appears. He's so real and distinct and his interactions with other characters are always some of my favorite scenes. Never thought I'd come away from this legitimately invested in Dorr/Cairo cuddles as a thing, but well, here we are. Erret appearances continue to be a highlight and I loved seeing him pop up in multiple places here.
Jos. Oh my gosh, Jos. My weird ~thing~ for stoic, damaged, emotionally unavailable hotties aside, getting to be with Jos again for a while was so rewarding. I'm truly invested in this defies-labels ~thing he's got going with Evan over here, because it's so gentle and sweet and sometimes nurturing in a soul-healing kind of way but then Jos won't let anyone get close so he runs around flinging out the hurtful zingers and then Evan does sad puppy dog eyes and I cry all over again. It hurts so good!
In short: Jos' short story was the jewel in this crown. There is so much to love about it. More insight into his relationship with Evan, and his feelings about himself and others. His scenes with Ryan. The implication that Ryan visits with Yuri (I am so interested in this??). Halloween parties with the crew. Costumes, especially Dorr's! And of course, that heart-wrenching scene with Kris. :(
If you're a Warchild fan, grab this collection and support the author. It will tide you over until the fourth book (the impending release of which I am dying over) and is well worth the time and money. There's a reason I keep coming back to this series, over and over again. Karin's characters feel emotionally authentic. The books are filled with such soul and there's this burning chemistry between all of her characters that just WORKS and makes you want to see them interact, all the time, even in relatively mundane "slice of life" situations. This collection is a perfect example of that.
11/10.
Edit: To the surprise of no one, this collection is incredible. If you're as attached to these characters as I am, you will love this absolute TREAT of a set.
As always, Erret is effervescent and burns brightly wherever he appears. He's so real and distinct and his interactions with other characters are always some of my favorite scenes. Never thought I'd come away from this legitimately invested in Dorr/Cairo cuddles as a thing, but well, here we are. Erret appearances continue to be a highlight and I loved seeing him pop up in multiple places here.
Jos. Oh my gosh, Jos. My weird ~thing~ for stoic, damaged, emotionally unavailable hotties aside, getting to be with Jos again for a while was so rewarding. I'm truly invested in this defies-labels ~thing he's got going with Evan over here, because it's so gentle and sweet and sometimes nurturing in a soul-healing kind of way but then Jos won't let anyone get close so he runs around flinging out the hurtful zingers and then Evan does sad puppy dog eyes and I cry all over again. It hurts so good!
In short: Jos' short story was the jewel in this crown. There is so much to love about it. More insight into his relationship with Evan, and his feelings about himself and others. His scenes with Ryan. The implication that Ryan visits with Yuri (I am so interested in this??). Halloween parties with the crew. Costumes, especially Dorr's! And of course, that heart-wrenching scene with Kris. :(
If you're a Warchild fan, grab this collection and support the author. It will tide you over until the fourth book (the impending release of which I am dying over) and is well worth the time and money. There's a reason I keep coming back to this series, over and over again. Karin's characters feel emotionally authentic. The books are filled with such soul and there's this burning chemistry between all of her characters that just WORKS and makes you want to see them interact, all the time, even in relatively mundane "slice of life" situations. This collection is a perfect example of that.
11/10.
April 7, 2024
I happened to be rereading the original trilogy and I was thinking it was a shame that the author hadn’t written more in the universe. Lo and behold, I was digging around the internet and stumbled across this. I had to buy it and I’m glad I did. If you enjoyed/liked the original trilogy, you’ll appreciate getting glimpses into alternative character viewpoints and some scenes/scenarios that fill in some of the gaps in the novels. Jos is my favorite character so it was satisfying to get his POV in a more lighthearted story as well as seeing him through the eyes of his friends.
In addition to the Warchild stories, there’s a reprint from a short story collection that was fine but forgettable, as well as an excerpt from the fourth book in the series which was exciting - I didn’t even know there would be another one! Also includes a glossary for the Striv language.
In addition to the Warchild stories, there’s a reprint from a short story collection that was fine but forgettable, as well as an excerpt from the fourth book in the series which was exciting - I didn’t even know there would be another one! Also includes a glossary for the Striv language.
July 8, 2022
Fans of the Warchild universe will appreciate these vignettes and short stories featuring favorite characters from the books… and some new faces. The Warchild series has long been one of my favorites. Although the stories are technically standalone, most of them will be juicer if you at least read Warchild first… something I highly recommend if you enjoy masterful writing and character driven space opera!
November 8, 2025
The beginning stories in this volume were pretty stellar stuff. The latter half I have to say is more fanfic... Good for those who've read Warchild and are craving more details from characters background, but somehow not very engaging for us who have not.
January 24, 2021
Great anthology!
It was great to be in the warchild universe again. Run. Buy this book. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks,Karin Lowachee.
It was great to be in the warchild universe again. Run. Buy this book. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks,Karin Lowachee.
February 18, 2022
Enjoyed most of the stories, though I wish there was one from Sid’s pov!
June 12, 2022
A collection of perfect little teasers. Leaves me wanting more!!! Especially Dorr and Azarcon please!! Really ready for this universe to get expanding already.
June 7, 2024
Lowachee never disappoints when writing on the Mosaic series. I love how she tells stories from multiple peoples views. The insight from each character was amazing. I noticed she said she didn’t anticipate writing a whole novel from captain azarcon’s perspective; I really hope she reconsiders. I would love more insight.
I feel that her novels are even more important in todays society. We have so many problems with war, refugee camps and orphans. Governments try to help but in many cases hinders. But without government oversight the dregs of society occur. I wish we had better solutions.
These books are a most read.
06/07/2024
Wow! I had only read this one once. I am really glad I went back and read it again. The short stories are really interesting and fun. It allows a little more insight to certain people. At the back of the book the author has little notes about the characters. I was really sad to hear that she did not plan on writing a book from Dorr’s perspective.
I also saw in the end of this book that she was supposed I have another book out in 2021. I double checked and now it says 2025, I think. I really hope it is true. I looked at the author’s website and it showed that this book was going to be from Jascha’s perspective.
I feel that her novels are even more important in todays society. We have so many problems with war, refugee camps and orphans. Governments try to help but in many cases hinders. But without government oversight the dregs of society occur. I wish we had better solutions.
These books are a most read.
06/07/2024
Wow! I had only read this one once. I am really glad I went back and read it again. The short stories are really interesting and fun. It allows a little more insight to certain people. At the back of the book the author has little notes about the characters. I was really sad to hear that she did not plan on writing a book from Dorr’s perspective.
I also saw in the end of this book that she was supposed I have another book out in 2021. I double checked and now it says 2025, I think. I really hope it is true. I looked at the author’s website and it showed that this book was going to be from Jascha’s perspective.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews