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After arriving in a small town, the Secret Eater discovers a wicked plan. A Russian immigrant learns that you cannot escape the justice of the rusalki, no matter how far you run. The village Guardian is ordered to take a child to the One Lake as an offering, but is torn between her duty and the lore of the Goddess.
LIBRA is a collection of twisted poems and dark stories inspired by this fascinating Zodiac sign, as well as retellings of the myths behind the sign. The tales span multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, and fantasy, and are told by award-winning authors and new stars of the Australian and New Zealand speculative fiction scene.
LIBRA is a collection of twisted poems and dark stories inspired by this fascinating Zodiac sign, as well as retellings of the myths behind the sign. The tales span multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, and fantasy, and are told by award-winning authors and new stars of the Australian and New Zealand speculative fiction scene.
212 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 25, 2020
Disclaimer: I was a guest editor of this anthology and I have a story in this anthology.
I don't usually post reviews of the books I have been involved with, however, Libra has been my favourite book in Aussie Speculative Fiction's Zodiac Series so far. With only two more books in the series yet to be released, this is not a throw away statement.
Zoey Xolton's opening salvo and Sasha Hanton's foreword are welcome staples of the Zodiac Series that give context and colour to the subject matter.
LJ McLeod's "The Scales Always Balance" is a gripping read of a grandfather's confession that does not shy away from either gruesome details or the heart-breaking emotion.
Poetry in the offerings of Munira Tabassum Ahmed ("When Themis Does not Return") and the excellent Barbara Smith ("The Competition Between Good and Evil") serve to tantalise the mind and touch the heart.
I always gravitate towards Nikky Lee's work, and the Magical Western "The Secrets She Eats" continues with Lee's talent for creating unique Voice as well as enthralling tales. My only disappointment with this piece is that it isn't part of a larger story.
"We Bring Balance" is a much shorter than usual offering from Stephen Herczeg, but still fits his well known dynamic action, large-scale intrigue, and eyes-widening horror into a more diminutive package.
Kel E. Fox's "Invisible Scales" once again demonstrates the ease with which Fox uses superb language to weave very human tales with extra-human dimensions.
The story of malcontent angel Gilbert in "Eternal Peace" by Jo Mulaczyk provides some much needed levity and hopefullness in the midst of what can often be a very dark and confronting series of anthologies.
Emilie Morscheck's "The Divine Principles" about a clone investigating her own death is intriguing from the first sentence, packs a lot of subtle world-building into a short piece, and will keep you guessing until the end.
Cage Dunn's "Thorn of Lore" is a novella unto itself, and is an engaging adventure fantasy that deals with the themes of justice, law, and culture. It is particularly notable the way that Dunn threads the story amidst a recognisable Australian backdrop, with particular attention paid to land and environment, to leave a sweet taste on the tongue whilst enjoying the adventure of stoic and duty-bound Damescena and her prisoner-turn-ward.
But the stand out for me was "Adrift" by Brianna Bullen. The story of one isolated in deep space, with only their memories to keep them company, and the constant need to 'push the button' was an engrossing, at times horrifying, and mind-bending exploration of punishment and control, with excellent use of disjointed time. An absolute stand out that will keep me awake at night.
I very much enjoyed working on this project and with each new offering I was struck by the talent of the authors and quality of the stories given. I am so happy to see this anthology out in the world, and I know I will be taking this book off my shelf time and again to re-enjoy these stories and the minds of these wonderful authors.
I don't usually post reviews of the books I have been involved with, however, Libra has been my favourite book in Aussie Speculative Fiction's Zodiac Series so far. With only two more books in the series yet to be released, this is not a throw away statement.
Zoey Xolton's opening salvo and Sasha Hanton's foreword are welcome staples of the Zodiac Series that give context and colour to the subject matter.
LJ McLeod's "The Scales Always Balance" is a gripping read of a grandfather's confession that does not shy away from either gruesome details or the heart-breaking emotion.
Poetry in the offerings of Munira Tabassum Ahmed ("When Themis Does not Return") and the excellent Barbara Smith ("The Competition Between Good and Evil") serve to tantalise the mind and touch the heart.
I always gravitate towards Nikky Lee's work, and the Magical Western "The Secrets She Eats" continues with Lee's talent for creating unique Voice as well as enthralling tales. My only disappointment with this piece is that it isn't part of a larger story.
"We Bring Balance" is a much shorter than usual offering from Stephen Herczeg, but still fits his well known dynamic action, large-scale intrigue, and eyes-widening horror into a more diminutive package.
Kel E. Fox's "Invisible Scales" once again demonstrates the ease with which Fox uses superb language to weave very human tales with extra-human dimensions.
The story of malcontent angel Gilbert in "Eternal Peace" by Jo Mulaczyk provides some much needed levity and hopefullness in the midst of what can often be a very dark and confronting series of anthologies.
Emilie Morscheck's "The Divine Principles" about a clone investigating her own death is intriguing from the first sentence, packs a lot of subtle world-building into a short piece, and will keep you guessing until the end.
Cage Dunn's "Thorn of Lore" is a novella unto itself, and is an engaging adventure fantasy that deals with the themes of justice, law, and culture. It is particularly notable the way that Dunn threads the story amidst a recognisable Australian backdrop, with particular attention paid to land and environment, to leave a sweet taste on the tongue whilst enjoying the adventure of stoic and duty-bound Damescena and her prisoner-turn-ward.
But the stand out for me was "Adrift" by Brianna Bullen. The story of one isolated in deep space, with only their memories to keep them company, and the constant need to 'push the button' was an engrossing, at times horrifying, and mind-bending exploration of punishment and control, with excellent use of disjointed time. An absolute stand out that will keep me awake at night.
I very much enjoyed working on this project and with each new offering I was struck by the talent of the authors and quality of the stories given. I am so happy to see this anthology out in the world, and I know I will be taking this book off my shelf time and again to re-enjoy these stories and the minds of these wonderful authors.
November 14, 2020
LIBRA is the tenth title in the Zodiac series, where each star sign is explored through the lens of speculative fiction.
Like the previous collections in the series, LIBRA includes poetry (such as the excellent 'When Themis Does Not Return' by Munira Tabassum Ahmed) as well as a diverse bunch of short stories across the sci-fi, horror and fantasy genres. Nikky Lee's story 'The Secrets She Eats' and Cage Dunn's 'Thorne of Lore' will surely delight fantasy fans, sci-fi fans are in for a treat with 'Adrift' by Brianna Bullen and Stephen Herczeg's 'We Bring Balance'.
It is a great collection, make sure you check it out!
Like the previous collections in the series, LIBRA includes poetry (such as the excellent 'When Themis Does Not Return' by Munira Tabassum Ahmed) as well as a diverse bunch of short stories across the sci-fi, horror and fantasy genres. Nikky Lee's story 'The Secrets She Eats' and Cage Dunn's 'Thorne of Lore' will surely delight fantasy fans, sci-fi fans are in for a treat with 'Adrift' by Brianna Bullen and Stephen Herczeg's 'We Bring Balance'.
It is a great collection, make sure you check it out!
October 21, 2021
[star ratiings per story]
[5] I am Libra by Zoey Xolton
[5] The Scales Always Balance by LJ McLeod
[2] When Themis Does Not Return by Munira Tabassum Ahmed
[5] The Secrets She Eats by Nikky Lee
[5] We Bring Balance by Stephen Herczeg
[4] Invisible Scale by Kel E. Fox
[4] Eternal Peace by Jo Mularczyk
[4] The Competition Between Good and Evil by Barbara Smith
[4] Adrift by Brianna Bullen
[4] The Divine Principles by Emilie Morscheck
[5] Thorne of Lore by Cage Dunn
[5] This is the Dawning (Part X) by Helena McAuley
[5] I am Libra by Zoey Xolton
[5] The Scales Always Balance by LJ McLeod
[2] When Themis Does Not Return by Munira Tabassum Ahmed
[5] The Secrets She Eats by Nikky Lee
[5] We Bring Balance by Stephen Herczeg
[4] Invisible Scale by Kel E. Fox
[4] Eternal Peace by Jo Mularczyk
[4] The Competition Between Good and Evil by Barbara Smith
[4] Adrift by Brianna Bullen
[4] The Divine Principles by Emilie Morscheck
[5] Thorne of Lore by Cage Dunn
[5] This is the Dawning (Part X) by Helena McAuley
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews