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Shapers of Worlds #2
Shapers of Worlds Volume II: Science fiction and fantasy by authors featured on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers
Explore twenty-four imaginative tales crafted by some of today’s best writers of science fiction and fantasy, all guests on Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers during its second year, including international bestsellers and winners of every major award in the field as well as newer authors just beginning what promise to be stellar careers.
There are brand-new stories from Kelley Armstrong, Marie Brennan, Garth Nix, Candas Jane Dorsey, Jeremy Szal, Edward Willett, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Lisa Foiles, Susan Forest, Matthew Hughes, Heli Kennedy, Helen Dale, Adria Laycraft, Edward Savio, Lisa Kessler, Ira Nayman, James Alan Gardner, and Tim Pratt, plus fiction by Jeffrey A. Carver, David D. Levine, Carrie Vaughn, Nancy Kress, Barbara Hambly, and S.M. Stirling.
A woman seeking the power to see the evil hiding within others regrets receiving it. Letters written by a wizard in the past threaten a queen’s reign in the present. Competing for Earth, a human wrestler faces an alien shapeshifter in an interstellar tournament. A guide in Tibet must weigh the good of his people when asked to lead a westerner to the fabled realm of Shangri. An activist imprisoned for illegal genetic modification works with the materials at hand and the threads of the multiverse to make the world—a world, at least—a better place. A demonic agent sent to help a human turns the tables on his summoner.
Like the “cabinets of curiosities” created by collectors of the sixteenth century, Shapers of Worlds Volume II displays a varied array of thought-provoking delights: tales of humour and sorrow, darkness and light, and hope and despair that are full of adventure, full of life, and sometimes full of regret. There are stories set in alternate histories, in possible futures, near and far, and in the here-and-now, taking place on Earth, on distant planets, or in fantastic realms. All arise from the innate need of human beings to create, to imagine . . . to shape worlds.
There are brand-new stories from Kelley Armstrong, Marie Brennan, Garth Nix, Candas Jane Dorsey, Jeremy Szal, Edward Willett, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Lisa Foiles, Susan Forest, Matthew Hughes, Heli Kennedy, Helen Dale, Adria Laycraft, Edward Savio, Lisa Kessler, Ira Nayman, James Alan Gardner, and Tim Pratt, plus fiction by Jeffrey A. Carver, David D. Levine, Carrie Vaughn, Nancy Kress, Barbara Hambly, and S.M. Stirling.
A woman seeking the power to see the evil hiding within others regrets receiving it. Letters written by a wizard in the past threaten a queen’s reign in the present. Competing for Earth, a human wrestler faces an alien shapeshifter in an interstellar tournament. A guide in Tibet must weigh the good of his people when asked to lead a westerner to the fabled realm of Shangri. An activist imprisoned for illegal genetic modification works with the materials at hand and the threads of the multiverse to make the world—a world, at least—a better place. A demonic agent sent to help a human turns the tables on his summoner.
Like the “cabinets of curiosities” created by collectors of the sixteenth century, Shapers of Worlds Volume II displays a varied array of thought-provoking delights: tales of humour and sorrow, darkness and light, and hope and despair that are full of adventure, full of life, and sometimes full of regret. There are stories set in alternate histories, in possible futures, near and far, and in the here-and-now, taking place on Earth, on distant planets, or in fantastic realms. All arise from the innate need of human beings to create, to imagine . . . to shape worlds.
546 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2021
20 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Edward Willett
170 books117 followersEdward Willett is an award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction for both children and adults.
Born in Silver City, New Mexico, Willett lived in Bayard, New Mexico and Lubbock and Tulia, Texas, before moving to Weyburn, Saskatchewan with his family when he was eight years old.
He studied journalism at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, then returned to Weyburn as a reporter/photographer for the weekly Weyburn Review, eventually becoming news editor. In 1988 he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, as communications officer for the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and in 1993 he became a fulltime freelance writer. He still resides in Regina.
Willett is now the author or co-author of more than 60 books, ranging from computer books and other nonfiction titles for both children and adults, to science fiction and fantasy for all ages.
His science fiction novel Marseguro (DAW Books) won the 2009 Aurora Award for best English-language science fiction or fantasy book by a Canadian author. He has also won a Saskatchewan Book Award for his YA fantasy Spirit Singer. He has been shortlisted for the Aurora Award and Saskatchewan Book Awards multiple times.
His most recent novels include Worldshaper and Master of the World, the first two books in his new series Worldshapers, and The Cityborn, a stand-alone science fiction novel from DAW Books; the Masks of Aygrima trilogy, YA/adult crossover novels published by DAW and written as E.C. Blake; the five-book YA fantasy series The Shards of Excalibur, published by Coteau Books; and the stand-alone YA fantasy Flames of Nevyana (Rebelight Publishing). He's also the author of the Peregrine Rising duology for Bundoran Press (Right to Know and Falcon's Egg).
Other novels include SF novel Lost in Translation (DAW Books), Terra Insegura (sequel to Marseguro, DAW Books), Magebane (DAW Books, written as Lee Arthur Chane), YA SF novels Andy Nebula: Interstellar Rock Star, Andy Nebula: Double Trouble, and The Chosen; and YA ghost story The Haunted Horn.
Shadowpaw Press recently released his short story collection Paths to the Stars and re-released Spirit Singer, a YA fantasy that won a Saskatchewan Book Award and other awards.
His non-fiction titles run the gamut from science books for children on topics as diverse as Ebola Virus and the Milky Way to local history books like Historic Walks of Regina and Moose Jaw for Red Deer Press, awarded a Municipal Heritage Award by the City of Regina in the education category and A Safe and Prosperous Future: 100 years of engineering and geoscience achievements in Saskatchewan, published by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). He's also written biographies for children of Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Andy Warhol, Orson Scott Card, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Ayatollah Khomeini.
You can find Ed online at www.edwardwillett.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter @ewillett.
His is represented by literary agent Ethan Ellenberg (www.ethanellenberg.com).
Besides being a writer, Willett is a professional actor and singer who has performed in dozens of plays, musicals and operas in and around Saskatchewan, hosted local television programs, and emceed numerous public events.
He's married to a telecommunications engineer and has one daughter.
Born in Silver City, New Mexico, Willett lived in Bayard, New Mexico and Lubbock and Tulia, Texas, before moving to Weyburn, Saskatchewan with his family when he was eight years old.
He studied journalism at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, then returned to Weyburn as a reporter/photographer for the weekly Weyburn Review, eventually becoming news editor. In 1988 he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, as communications officer for the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and in 1993 he became a fulltime freelance writer. He still resides in Regina.
Willett is now the author or co-author of more than 60 books, ranging from computer books and other nonfiction titles for both children and adults, to science fiction and fantasy for all ages.
His science fiction novel Marseguro (DAW Books) won the 2009 Aurora Award for best English-language science fiction or fantasy book by a Canadian author. He has also won a Saskatchewan Book Award for his YA fantasy Spirit Singer. He has been shortlisted for the Aurora Award and Saskatchewan Book Awards multiple times.
His most recent novels include Worldshaper and Master of the World, the first two books in his new series Worldshapers, and The Cityborn, a stand-alone science fiction novel from DAW Books; the Masks of Aygrima trilogy, YA/adult crossover novels published by DAW and written as E.C. Blake; the five-book YA fantasy series The Shards of Excalibur, published by Coteau Books; and the stand-alone YA fantasy Flames of Nevyana (Rebelight Publishing). He's also the author of the Peregrine Rising duology for Bundoran Press (Right to Know and Falcon's Egg).
Other novels include SF novel Lost in Translation (DAW Books), Terra Insegura (sequel to Marseguro, DAW Books), Magebane (DAW Books, written as Lee Arthur Chane), YA SF novels Andy Nebula: Interstellar Rock Star, Andy Nebula: Double Trouble, and The Chosen; and YA ghost story The Haunted Horn.
Shadowpaw Press recently released his short story collection Paths to the Stars and re-released Spirit Singer, a YA fantasy that won a Saskatchewan Book Award and other awards.
His non-fiction titles run the gamut from science books for children on topics as diverse as Ebola Virus and the Milky Way to local history books like Historic Walks of Regina and Moose Jaw for Red Deer Press, awarded a Municipal Heritage Award by the City of Regina in the education category and A Safe and Prosperous Future: 100 years of engineering and geoscience achievements in Saskatchewan, published by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). He's also written biographies for children of Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Andy Warhol, Orson Scott Card, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Ayatollah Khomeini.
You can find Ed online at www.edwardwillett.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter @ewillett.
His is represented by literary agent Ethan Ellenberg (www.ethanellenberg.com).
Besides being a writer, Willett is a professional actor and singer who has performed in dozens of plays, musicals and operas in and around Saskatchewan, hosted local television programs, and emceed numerous public events.
He's married to a telecommunications engineer and has one daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 12, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Shadowpaw Press for the chance to read Shapers of worlds volume II. I had already read about this book through one of the authors (Kelley Armstrong) during its Kickstarter promotion. This is a wonderful anthology for anyone who likes science fiction/fantasy. While I requested mainly because there was a new story by Kelley Armstrong, and Carrie Vaughn, I also enjoyed quite a few of the other stories. Anthologies are a great way to find new authors while reading their new fiction, or a new story from their series and are perfect when you want to read but are short on time.
January 27, 2022
All the Authors in this anthology were featured in the Aurora Award-winning Podcast, “The World Shapers”.
This anthology has sci-fi and fantasy short stories, and very good ones too. In the first story, we have Shadow Sight by Kelly Armstrong. A story about a girl, walking on a path, alone, while admiring The Shadow Moon overtake the Moon. On a dangerous first mission she can’t fail, this girl is determined to secure her place in her family’s clan. Little does she know that a terrible truth hides behind her family, a truth that might costs her life. A magical curse, or a gift that forces you to choose righteousness?
This short is the perfect beginning for this Anthology, as it makes wonder, think and become eager for more.
The second story, “Ghost and Fox” by Marie Brennan, is a complex, swift and mysterious story about a girl who died, or didn’t, and lived again.
Told quite fast, this short offers a lot to the imagination and commands attention in every word, thanks to the mysterious setting. Very well thought out with a novella-worth of implications and events told in less than 2k words. Uttermost impressive! This story will linger in our minds long after we finish reading it, and make us come back to it to relive it. Excellent!
“LETTERS FROM AN IMPRISONED WIZARD TO A YOUNG QUEEN, AND ASSOCIATED EXPLICATORY CORRESPONDENCE” By Garth Nix, the third story, is a total gem! Not only there’s drama, hyperbole, tension but there’s also a soft humor mixed in the thrilling nature of it. This fantasy story with a subtle romantic plot, stirred in a temporal misunderstanding, is refreshing. There are creatures that will make you laugh, a powerful wizard with crazy ire that is out of place, and a clueless Queen with her life at risk. Entertaining from beginning to end.
This is one of those collections that we would pay $50 for the paperback. The editor, Edward Willett , made a fabulous job in “collecting” these “cabinets of curiosity”.
Some stories will leave you asking “what?!” in a curious and entertained way as you read, trying to find the context of the story while your eyes become unwilling to stop reading for you to think it out. Hahahahahahah. One of those stories is “Going to Ground” by Candas Jane Dorsey, that about a human, that makes sentient spiders out of body hair that is incarcerated for making sushi. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
It’s great to see how stories like this, so well crafted, can make you question all that you have defined as possible and add to the potential of existence and dreaming, while filling you with laughs and nostalgia of times you never lived but understand. Exquisite!
Stories were humans are not the heroes, but the ones that need to learn, make you think upon our own nature . The punishment and lessons that a prisoner has to endure, because of a futile war show us how our stubbornness can, at times do us great harm. “Beneath a Bicameral Moon” by JeremySzal, about an imprisoned female warrior on a alien planet, shows how strong women are and the misconceptions of men towards them. The mystery and implications on history between planets and the people is great. The tension that the author built is amazing and we, along with the characters are desperate to know the answers. So we continue to read. We do continue to read, but not to find the truth, but the lies. EPIC!!
Jeffrey Carver, author of the Reefs of Time, reviewed on our blog and featured on our E-mag, has a cool story here too! Filled with humor and exaggeration, this story “Shapeshifter Finals” is about an intergalactic wrestling tournament happening on Earth! Take your time to imagine that, hahahahahaha.
The names of the characters are priceless, hahahahahaha, and the humor of narrative eye-catching to say the least. We have our main character, Hog, and other earthlings, fighting alien centipedes, creatures that can extend their limbs, and shape-shifters. And that’s not even the start of their possible problems on the ring, hhahahhahahaah. An incredible story with a surprising finale that will asking when will we have one of these in our little planet.
Do you like cats? If you do, you’ll like “Thibauld’s Tale” by Edward Willett. This cool Sci-fi is about a cat, that isn’t a cat, but is a cat, and a plan to free the Moon! Yes. It will make much more sense when you read it. LOL
Androids cops that say movie references for fun; explorations on the moons of Saturn with amazing detail of landscape and conditions in there, including the gravity and the effects of it, the rivers, the ice, the conditions, and all the dangers of exploring such a moon would bring. It’s freaking amazing! This is a treasure for sci-fi lovers! And if you are a space-nerd, or space-geek, you won’t get enough of these stories! They are so good!
Once again we HAVE to congratulate Edward for picking up these GEMS! This anthology will leave you completely hooked!
There is one story that will make you crack with laughter starting from the title – I HID IN THE BATHROOM WHEN THE ALIENS ARRIVED – Hahahhahahahahahahahahahah. The way the author, Lisa Foiles, tells the story is funny, and dumb, as hell, hahahahahhahahahaha, love it!
I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard. HAHAHHAHAHA, priceless humor.
But the story isn’t funny for no reason, it has a valuable lesson, with an emotional ending. We will miss you Vicky.
We have stories with deep conflicts, including family struggles that traverse the boundaries of Earth. Magic realms in myths from all over the world, and space , wild witches, The Seven Gods and Shangri, Necromancers and much, MUCH more.
This Anthology is oh, so priceless for the Sci-fi and Fantasy lovers. A book that you want the hardcover of at full price. THIS IS GLORIOUS!! Excellent taste from the Editor. EXCELLENT COLLECTION!!
Cover Score: 8.7/10
Book Score: 9.4/10
This anthology has sci-fi and fantasy short stories, and very good ones too. In the first story, we have Shadow Sight by Kelly Armstrong. A story about a girl, walking on a path, alone, while admiring The Shadow Moon overtake the Moon. On a dangerous first mission she can’t fail, this girl is determined to secure her place in her family’s clan. Little does she know that a terrible truth hides behind her family, a truth that might costs her life. A magical curse, or a gift that forces you to choose righteousness?
This short is the perfect beginning for this Anthology, as it makes wonder, think and become eager for more.
The second story, “Ghost and Fox” by Marie Brennan, is a complex, swift and mysterious story about a girl who died, or didn’t, and lived again.
Told quite fast, this short offers a lot to the imagination and commands attention in every word, thanks to the mysterious setting. Very well thought out with a novella-worth of implications and events told in less than 2k words. Uttermost impressive! This story will linger in our minds long after we finish reading it, and make us come back to it to relive it. Excellent!
“LETTERS FROM AN IMPRISONED WIZARD TO A YOUNG QUEEN, AND ASSOCIATED EXPLICATORY CORRESPONDENCE” By Garth Nix, the third story, is a total gem! Not only there’s drama, hyperbole, tension but there’s also a soft humor mixed in the thrilling nature of it. This fantasy story with a subtle romantic plot, stirred in a temporal misunderstanding, is refreshing. There are creatures that will make you laugh, a powerful wizard with crazy ire that is out of place, and a clueless Queen with her life at risk. Entertaining from beginning to end.
This is one of those collections that we would pay $50 for the paperback. The editor, Edward Willett , made a fabulous job in “collecting” these “cabinets of curiosity”.
Some stories will leave you asking “what?!” in a curious and entertained way as you read, trying to find the context of the story while your eyes become unwilling to stop reading for you to think it out. Hahahahahahah. One of those stories is “Going to Ground” by Candas Jane Dorsey, that about a human, that makes sentient spiders out of body hair that is incarcerated for making sushi. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
It’s great to see how stories like this, so well crafted, can make you question all that you have defined as possible and add to the potential of existence and dreaming, while filling you with laughs and nostalgia of times you never lived but understand. Exquisite!
Stories were humans are not the heroes, but the ones that need to learn, make you think upon our own nature . The punishment and lessons that a prisoner has to endure, because of a futile war show us how our stubbornness can, at times do us great harm. “Beneath a Bicameral Moon” by JeremySzal, about an imprisoned female warrior on a alien planet, shows how strong women are and the misconceptions of men towards them. The mystery and implications on history between planets and the people is great. The tension that the author built is amazing and we, along with the characters are desperate to know the answers. So we continue to read. We do continue to read, but not to find the truth, but the lies. EPIC!!
Jeffrey Carver, author of the Reefs of Time, reviewed on our blog and featured on our E-mag, has a cool story here too! Filled with humor and exaggeration, this story “Shapeshifter Finals” is about an intergalactic wrestling tournament happening on Earth! Take your time to imagine that, hahahahahaha.
The names of the characters are priceless, hahahahahaha, and the humor of narrative eye-catching to say the least. We have our main character, Hog, and other earthlings, fighting alien centipedes, creatures that can extend their limbs, and shape-shifters. And that’s not even the start of their possible problems on the ring, hhahahhahahaah. An incredible story with a surprising finale that will asking when will we have one of these in our little planet.
Do you like cats? If you do, you’ll like “Thibauld’s Tale” by Edward Willett. This cool Sci-fi is about a cat, that isn’t a cat, but is a cat, and a plan to free the Moon! Yes. It will make much more sense when you read it. LOL
Androids cops that say movie references for fun; explorations on the moons of Saturn with amazing detail of landscape and conditions in there, including the gravity and the effects of it, the rivers, the ice, the conditions, and all the dangers of exploring such a moon would bring. It’s freaking amazing! This is a treasure for sci-fi lovers! And if you are a space-nerd, or space-geek, you won’t get enough of these stories! They are so good!
Once again we HAVE to congratulate Edward for picking up these GEMS! This anthology will leave you completely hooked!
There is one story that will make you crack with laughter starting from the title – I HID IN THE BATHROOM WHEN THE ALIENS ARRIVED – Hahahhahahahahahahahahahah. The way the author, Lisa Foiles, tells the story is funny, and dumb, as hell, hahahahahhahahahaha, love it!
I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard. HAHAHHAHAHA, priceless humor.
But the story isn’t funny for no reason, it has a valuable lesson, with an emotional ending. We will miss you Vicky.
We have stories with deep conflicts, including family struggles that traverse the boundaries of Earth. Magic realms in myths from all over the world, and space , wild witches, The Seven Gods and Shangri, Necromancers and much, MUCH more.
This Anthology is oh, so priceless for the Sci-fi and Fantasy lovers. A book that you want the hardcover of at full price. THIS IS GLORIOUS!! Excellent taste from the Editor. EXCELLENT COLLECTION!!
Cover Score: 8.7/10
Book Score: 9.4/10
October 31, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Shapers of Worlds Volume II is the second anthology of short fiction from authors featured on the Shapers of Worlds podcast edited by Edward Willett. Due out 2nd Nov 2021 from Shadowpaw Press, it's a hefty 522 pages and will be available in ebook format. Other editions available in physical print format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which didn't grab me personally, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 4 star range(ish) with a a fair smattering of really standout stories. This is a well curated solid anthology of stories in the 3-5 star range. There are 24 stories in the anthology and most are previously unpublished fiction from very well known to new-to-me authors. The common thread is that the authors were all featured on the editor's podcast last year.
One reason I prefer collections and anthologies is that short fiction is really challenging. It's spare and the author doesn't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting. Well written short fiction is a delight. I also love collections because if one story doesn't really grab me, there's another story just a few pages away. I can only recall a few times where I've read a collection (or anthology) straight through from cover to cover.
Four stars on average. It's a diverting read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Shapers of Worlds Volume II is the second anthology of short fiction from authors featured on the Shapers of Worlds podcast edited by Edward Willett. Due out 2nd Nov 2021 from Shadowpaw Press, it's a hefty 522 pages and will be available in ebook format. Other editions available in physical print format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
The stories are varied, there were (as always) some which didn't grab me personally, but all were well written and competently plotted. They were mostly in the 4 star range(ish) with a a fair smattering of really standout stories. This is a well curated solid anthology of stories in the 3-5 star range. There are 24 stories in the anthology and most are previously unpublished fiction from very well known to new-to-me authors. The common thread is that the authors were all featured on the editor's podcast last year.
One reason I prefer collections and anthologies is that short fiction is really challenging. It's spare and the author doesn't have a wealth of wordage to develop characters or the plotting. Well written short fiction is a delight. I also love collections because if one story doesn't really grab me, there's another story just a few pages away. I can only recall a few times where I've read a collection (or anthology) straight through from cover to cover.
Four stars on average. It's a diverting read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 21, 2021
Edward Willett has compiled an impressive collection of sci fi and fantasy stories that I was fortunate to get to read courtesy of NetGalley.
The compilation starts off with the excellent story, Shadow Sight, by Kelley Armstrong, setting the tone for those that follow. Other offerings that stand out for me are: the creepy Ghost and Fox by Marie Brennan; the entertaining Letters from an Imprisoned Wizard to a Young Queen, and Associated Explicatory Correspondence by Garth Nix; the compelling Beneath a Bicameral Moon by Jeremy Szal; the uniquely fun Shapeshifter Finals by Jeffrey A. Carver; the page turner Thibauld's Tale by Edward Willett; the police procedural with a twist The Cancellation by Bryan Tomas Schmidt; the relatable River of Ice by David D. Levine; the humorous I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived by Lisa Foiles; the thought provoking The Cat and the Merrythought by Matthew Hughes; the sad tale Salvage by Carrie Vaughn; the diabolical The Chthonic Op by Tim Pratt; the satisfying The Little Tailor and the Elves by Barbara Hambly; and the intriguing A Murder in Eddsford by S.M. Stirling.
There was only one story that I could not get into, despite trying, and which I ultimately passed. That is, however, a good proportion that very few anthologies achieve. I won't say which one, since the blame likely lies with me and others will enjoy it where I did not.
Overall this book is a treasure trove of sci fi and fantasy that promises more than one satisfying story for everyone.
The compilation starts off with the excellent story, Shadow Sight, by Kelley Armstrong, setting the tone for those that follow. Other offerings that stand out for me are: the creepy Ghost and Fox by Marie Brennan; the entertaining Letters from an Imprisoned Wizard to a Young Queen, and Associated Explicatory Correspondence by Garth Nix; the compelling Beneath a Bicameral Moon by Jeremy Szal; the uniquely fun Shapeshifter Finals by Jeffrey A. Carver; the page turner Thibauld's Tale by Edward Willett; the police procedural with a twist The Cancellation by Bryan Tomas Schmidt; the relatable River of Ice by David D. Levine; the humorous I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived by Lisa Foiles; the thought provoking The Cat and the Merrythought by Matthew Hughes; the sad tale Salvage by Carrie Vaughn; the diabolical The Chthonic Op by Tim Pratt; the satisfying The Little Tailor and the Elves by Barbara Hambly; and the intriguing A Murder in Eddsford by S.M. Stirling.
There was only one story that I could not get into, despite trying, and which I ultimately passed. That is, however, a good proportion that very few anthologies achieve. I won't say which one, since the blame likely lies with me and others will enjoy it where I did not.
Overall this book is a treasure trove of sci fi and fantasy that promises more than one satisfying story for everyone.
July 18, 2023
Wonderful anthology! I’ve liked the first one and the second didn’t deceived me. Honestly, all the stories are good. Those few that I’ve liked less are still 3 stars for me. The majority are 4 stars. Here are my favorites:
Thibauld’s Tale, by Edward Willett. That was fun! I need to read his serie!
The Cancellation, by Bryan Thomas Schmidt. A nice sci-fi detective story. Another one I would like to read his serie.
I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived, by Lisa Foiles. Funny, a bit absurd, yet touching.
The Lost Cipher of Dr. John Dee, by Lisa Kessler. What started as maybe a fantasy adventure mixed with an investigation turned into nice dialogues with touching moments.
Salvage, by Carrie Vaughn. From what I could see, it’s the shortest story here. A sci-fi investigation that leans on the touching side rather than the adventurous one. I think that one is my ultimate favorite.
A Murder in Eddsford, by S.M. Stirling. Another sci-fi detective story, but more of the steampunk side, in a dystopic future. Another serie to read one day!
Overall, a solid anthology.
Thibauld’s Tale, by Edward Willett. That was fun! I need to read his serie!
The Cancellation, by Bryan Thomas Schmidt. A nice sci-fi detective story. Another one I would like to read his serie.
I Hid in the Bathroom When the Aliens Arrived, by Lisa Foiles. Funny, a bit absurd, yet touching.
The Lost Cipher of Dr. John Dee, by Lisa Kessler. What started as maybe a fantasy adventure mixed with an investigation turned into nice dialogues with touching moments.
Salvage, by Carrie Vaughn. From what I could see, it’s the shortest story here. A sci-fi investigation that leans on the touching side rather than the adventurous one. I think that one is my ultimate favorite.
A Murder in Eddsford, by S.M. Stirling. Another sci-fi detective story, but more of the steampunk side, in a dystopic future. Another serie to read one day!
Overall, a solid anthology.
February 17, 2024
Anthologies are the best way to find a new/different author and/or genre. The authors must flex their writing skills to build a complete story and characters in fewer pages than most chapters. They often flex into new genre, displaying a knack for story telling that will fascinate the readers. I always recommend anthologies to those readers looking for something different. I keep a book of anthologies in my bag and next to the bed for those times I have a short period of time to read. I always find an author that will lead me to check out their back library.
October 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this collection in which the focus is not on heroic deeds. daring missions, or technology, but on the development of worlds and settings. There are a number of gems here including The Cat and the Merrythought by Matthew Hughes, The Little Tailor and the Elves by Barbara Hambly, and stories by Carrie Vaughan, Kelly Armstrong, Garth Nix, Helen Dale, and Marie Brennan. There's something for everyone here, and the collection has spurred me to find other works by the authors in it.
January 9, 2022
What an interesting mix of stories - however some were more enjoyable than others
This omnibus allowed me to read the latest short stories from some of my
favourite Authors and introduced me to new ones
The lack of excitement in some of the stories was my only complaint -
but well worth reading overall
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This omnibus allowed me to read the latest short stories from some of my
favourite Authors and introduced me to new ones
The lack of excitement in some of the stories was my only complaint -
but well worth reading overall
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
partly-read-anthologies
November 2, 2021"Shadow Sight" by Kelley Armstrong
3.5 stars
Standalone short story. Interesting concept for a magical ability and how the main character and her family choose to use it. I would've liked this to be a little longer and go into a little more detail, but that's just me always wanting more when I enjoy what I read.
3.5 stars
Standalone short story. Interesting concept for a magical ability and how the main character and her family choose to use it. I would've liked this to be a little longer and go into a little more detail, but that's just me always wanting more when I enjoy what I read.
October 30, 2021
Very fun anthology - I don’t usually like them, but this one had some gems. I particularly enjoyed Casey’s Empire By Nancy Kress. She is one of my favorite authors, and I had never seen this short story before and I’m so glad I did!
November 14, 2021
I never heard of the podcast -- I'll have to check it out -- but I liked this collection better than the previous one. A good mix of stories. I found some new authors to explore too.
Thanks very much for the free review copy!!
Thanks very much for the free review copy!!
December 3, 2021
It's the second book I read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed.
New and favorite authors, a mix of different stories that I loved even if they're not all at the same level.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
New and favorite authors, a mix of different stories that I loved even if they're not all at the same level.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 9, 2023
A very interesting compilation of short stories. I found most of them very intellectual. I really loved the short story by Kelley Armstrong, although almost all of them were enjoyable. If you like supernatural and/or magical, you will enjoy this set.
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