SYNTH #4: An Anthology of Dark SF

SYNTH #4

by C.M. Muller, Mike Adamson, Forrest Aguirre

SYNTH is a new anthology series of dark SF published quarterly, with each issue containing eight thought-provoking visions of the future . . . tales of utopia and dystopia, of inner and outer space; tales that are bleak, tales that are bold . . .

ISSUE #4 features the dark visions of Mike Adamson, Forrest Aguirre, Donna Scott, Daniel Marrone, David Gill, Vicki Lindem, Steve Toase, and Jay Caselberg. It is edited by CM Muller, creator of the award-winning Nightscript anthology series.

If you are a fan of Black Mirror, Philip K. Dick, J.G. Ballard, Alphaville, and the like, then SYNTH may well be your next literary fix.

For more information, please www.synthanthology.wordpress.com

149 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

I live in St. Paul, Minnesota with my wife and two sons—and, of course, all those quaint and curious volumes of forgotten lore. I am related to the Norwegian writer Jonas Lie and draw much inspiration from that scrivener of old. My tales have appeared in Shadows & Tall Trees, Supernatural Tales, Vastarien, and a host of other venues. In addition to writing, I also edit and publish the annual journal Nightscript. My debut story collection, Hidden Folk, was released in 2018.

Reviews

[Bill Hsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Years ago, I became allergic to the "data dump" approach to world building exposition that was common in the SF of my youth. Most of the stories here take a more circumspect approach, and are quite enjoyable. Maybe not as dark or crafted as Tiptree (but who is?), but there are interesting ideas in thoughtful treatments. I liked the intergenerational interactions in Forrest Aguirre's "Creatures of Breathtaking Beauty" (hi Forrest), and the intrigue of the ending is quite lovely. The concept and setup of Donna Scott's "Toast" is very attractive, but I was disappointed that she decided to explain so much. On the other hand, David Gill's "Everything Happens for a Reason" mostly kept us guessing, up to another ambiguous ending. (I've noticed quite a few effective and ambiguous endings in Muller-edited anthologies; how much editorial direction does he give?)

I didn't care for the cliche explosion of "In the Garden at Gethsemane". "From My Rotting Body Flowers Shall Bloom" is the kind of overwriting beloved by many SF fans, not me. But my friends know how picky I am.

[Des Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a metal and flesh virus, feeding off a metal crane’s tumour, one to the other and back again, we hope, and the ability or not to ‘return’, along with rot and stench. Counter jib and counterweight. A wonderful reading experience that transcends reading itself and one that will make you inspired as well as sad. Only reading it will justify the experience of so doing.

The detailed review of this book posted elsewhere under my name is too long or impractical to post here.
Above is one of my observations at the time of the review.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, please.