What do you think?
Rate this book
Clockwork Phoenix 2: More Tales of Beauty and Strangeness
CLOCKWORK PHOENIX 2: More Tales of Beauty and Strangeness "Story marries style. The result is a cornucopia of modern cutting-edge fantasy."
The second volume of this extraordinary new annual anthology series of fantastic literature dares to surpass the first, with works that sidestep expectations in beautiful and unsettling ways, that surprise with their settings and startle with the manner in which they cross genre boundaries, that aren't afraid to experiment with storytelling techniques, and yet seamlessly blend form with meaningful function. The effervescent offerings found within these pages come from some of today's most distinguished contemporary fantasists and brilliant rising newcomers.
Whether it's a touch of literary erudition, playful whimsy, extravagant style, or mind-blowing philosophical speculation and insight, the reader will be led into unfamiliar territory, there to find shock and delight.
Presenting "Clockwork Phoenix 2."
Contributors in this volume include:
Claude Lalumiere, Leah Bobet, Marie Brennan, Ian McHugh, Ann Leckie, Mary Robinette Kowal, Saladin Ahmed, Tanith Lee, Joanna Galbraith, Catherynne M. Valente, Forrest Aguirre, Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer, Kelly Barnhill, Barbara Krasnoff, and Steve Rasnic Tem
The second volume of this extraordinary new annual anthology series of fantastic literature dares to surpass the first, with works that sidestep expectations in beautiful and unsettling ways, that surprise with their settings and startle with the manner in which they cross genre boundaries, that aren't afraid to experiment with storytelling techniques, and yet seamlessly blend form with meaningful function. The effervescent offerings found within these pages come from some of today's most distinguished contemporary fantasists and brilliant rising newcomers.
Whether it's a touch of literary erudition, playful whimsy, extravagant style, or mind-blowing philosophical speculation and insight, the reader will be led into unfamiliar territory, there to find shock and delight.
Presenting "Clockwork Phoenix 2."
Contributors in this volume include:
Claude Lalumiere, Leah Bobet, Marie Brennan, Ian McHugh, Ann Leckie, Mary Robinette Kowal, Saladin Ahmed, Tanith Lee, Joanna Galbraith, Catherynne M. Valente, Forrest Aguirre, Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer, Kelly Barnhill, Barbara Krasnoff, and Steve Rasnic Tem
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Mike Allen
93 books155 followersMike Allen wears many creative hats, at least one of them tailor-made by his wife and partner-in-crime Anita.
An author, editor and publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror, Mike has written, edited, or co-edited thirty-nine books, among them his forthcoming dark fantasy novel TRAIL OF SHADOWS, his sidearms, sorcery, and zombies sequence THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO and THE GHOULMAKER’S ARIA, and his newest horror collection, SLOW BURN.
UNSEAMING and AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT, his first two volumes of horror tales, were both finalists for the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Story Collection, and his dark fable “The Button Bin” was a nominee for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Another collection, THE SPIDER TAPESTRIES, contains experiments in weird science fiction and fantasy.
As an editor and publisher, Mike has been nominated twice for the World Fantasy Award: first, for his anthology CLOCKWORK PHOENIX 5, the culmination of the Clockwork Phoenix series showcasing tales of beauty and strangeness that defy genre classification; and then, for MYTHIC DELIRIUM, the magazine of poetry and fiction he edited for twenty years.
He’s a three-time winner of the Rhysling Award for poetry. His six poetry collections include STRANGE WISDOMS OF THE DEAD, a Philadelphia Inquirer Editor’s Choice selection, and HUNGRY CONSTELLATIONS, a Suzette Haden Elgin Award nominee.
With Anita, he runs Mythic Delirium Books, based in Roanoke, Virginia. Their cat Pandora assists.
An author, editor and publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror, Mike has written, edited, or co-edited thirty-nine books, among them his forthcoming dark fantasy novel TRAIL OF SHADOWS, his sidearms, sorcery, and zombies sequence THE BLACK FIRE CONCERTO and THE GHOULMAKER’S ARIA, and his newest horror collection, SLOW BURN.
UNSEAMING and AFTERMATH OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT, his first two volumes of horror tales, were both finalists for the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Story Collection, and his dark fable “The Button Bin” was a nominee for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Another collection, THE SPIDER TAPESTRIES, contains experiments in weird science fiction and fantasy.
As an editor and publisher, Mike has been nominated twice for the World Fantasy Award: first, for his anthology CLOCKWORK PHOENIX 5, the culmination of the Clockwork Phoenix series showcasing tales of beauty and strangeness that defy genre classification; and then, for MYTHIC DELIRIUM, the magazine of poetry and fiction he edited for twenty years.
He’s a three-time winner of the Rhysling Award for poetry. His six poetry collections include STRANGE WISDOMS OF THE DEAD, a Philadelphia Inquirer Editor’s Choice selection, and HUNGRY CONSTELLATIONS, a Suzette Haden Elgin Award nominee.
With Anita, he runs Mythic Delirium Books, based in Roanoke, Virginia. Their cat Pandora assists.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 18, 2022
I bought this for the Forrest Aguirre and Gemma Files stories, both of which were excellent, but the rest are also good -- definitely an above-average anthology. My next two favorite stories were the ones by Ann Leckie and Kelly Barnhill.
September 26, 2011
4 1/2 stars. This is an excellent collection, both strange and satisfying, and now I want the other two in the series. (My poor groaning book budget, s-sob.)
Was interested to read in the author segments at the back of the book that Mike Allen, the editor, wanted to see more strange and experimental fiction, but at the same time often found many experimental works to feel "incomplete and unsatisfying," and "forgettable because they lack emotional punch." Apparently he was seeking out stories that occupied a middle ground between a more traditional narrative arc and the spirit of the strange and experimental.
This is perfect for me, since I love the bizarre and the experimental in fantasy, but I also often feel unengaged and let down by the seeming lack of any point in many examples of this type of fiction. I usually tend to assume that maybe I'm just not getting the story, rather than that the story truly lacks any point (or perhaps that looking for a point is missing the... point), but either way, the effect is the same - I don't really connect with the piece or care very much about it. I didn't feel that way about a single story in this collection - they all felt complete and satisfying from start to finish.
Was interested to read in the author segments at the back of the book that Mike Allen, the editor, wanted to see more strange and experimental fiction, but at the same time often found many experimental works to feel "incomplete and unsatisfying," and "forgettable because they lack emotional punch." Apparently he was seeking out stories that occupied a middle ground between a more traditional narrative arc and the spirit of the strange and experimental.
This is perfect for me, since I love the bizarre and the experimental in fantasy, but I also often feel unengaged and let down by the seeming lack of any point in many examples of this type of fiction. I usually tend to assume that maybe I'm just not getting the story, rather than that the story truly lacks any point (or perhaps that looking for a point is missing the... point), but either way, the effect is the same - I don't really connect with the piece or care very much about it. I didn't feel that way about a single story in this collection - they all felt complete and satisfying from start to finish.
November 23, 2009
My favorite story is Catherynne Valente's "The Secret History of Mirrors." I loved the mythology of it and the Snow White references. I also liked "Never nor Never" by Forrest Aguirre and its discussion of time and "Alice in Wonderland." I would want to give this between 4 and 5 stars. A lot of the stories aren't exactly my "taste." I prefer a more fantasy feel.
November 6, 2010
I actually started this book a few weeks ago, within the last month of school, but my reading of it had been sporadic. I got distracted by other books, or library items, which were pressured with a due date.
I'm going to try doing a story-by-story review again.
Three Friends - Claude Lalumiere
This story centers around The Girl Who Eats Fire, The Boy Who Speaks With Walls and The Kid Whose Laughter Makes Adults Run Away. The Girl disappears and The Boy has to rescue. It's a strong beginning to the anthology. I also loved his author blurb at the back of the book!
Six - Leah Bobet
To me this book wasn't really fantasy-ish. There's a hint of something dreadful when I read the encounter with the alchemists on their train, but that's how the story ends. I found this story to be more about a boy's growing up journey and trying to be strong. It's a good moral story, but not one I felt really belonged in this anthology. I read her blurb and she states the idea of "what life might be for children in the usually adult fantasy-of-competence genre of apocalyptic fiction" was a big part of starting it. Yes, I can see that now, but I still
felt it would have been better as a longer story/novella and explore the idea more.
Once a Goddess - Marie Brennan
Nefret is released as from being the goddess Hathirekhmet at the beginning of this story, and has to live a normal life. This story talks about her struggles and discoveries of trying to adjust to a normal life, trying to retain her Goddess-hood again and what happens during. I thought it was rather profound, and though not fantasy-ish, either, I liked the mystical and spiritual background hovering around.
Angel Dust - Ian McHugh
I had a tough time keeping the different races/species straight in this story, but I liked how McHugh explored what a statue-magically-turned-into-flesh experiences. Particularly since she had a mate (another statue). Nice ending, though the poppies brought to mind all the poppies that grow in fields covered in blood/death after a war... That may have been what McHugh was going for, but it was a somewhat unpleasant reminder.
The Endangered Camp - Ann Leckie
I totally loved this story. A small ship of explorers try to start a new life on Mars. They're the hope of their species, since Earth is on the verge of doom. This is a story on the journey there. Oh, man, this was an awesome story with twists and imaginative characters and setting and background.
At the Edge of Dying - Mary Robinette Kowal
Another story I especially adored. Kahe and Mehahui live in a world where people close to death get great power from the Goddess Hia. They're in the middle of a war, and Kahe is a great sorcerer who brings himself to the brink of death often in order to win battles. (Poisoning, strangulation, etc.) I love how this story plays out and the strength of the characters (which showed good writing, too) and the twists in it. I didn't feel cynical about the ending at all.
Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameel - Saladin Ahmed
This book was a little uncomfortable for me to read, for personal reasons. The narrator is a learned physicker of the Caliph sent as a punishment to Beit Zujaaj. Once there he hears stories about Abdel Jameel, a hermit and someone the townspeople scorn. Abdel Jameel turns up one day to ask for his help, for Abdel Jameel's wife.
The Pain of Glass - Tanith Lee
I've enjoyed most of Tanith's Lee short stories I've read in various anthologies. I don't believe I've yet to read one of her full-length books. Or stories set in her Flat Earth milieu. I really liked this short story. It was written in a style that was conversational (to me, at least). Sometimes I can get irked by this style, depending on my mood and how the author goes about it, but it was done very well here. I loved the plot, with the introduction of a mysterious and powerful glass drinking vessel and an indulgent prince/regent and the effects of the goblet, followed by a retelling of the goblet's history in reverse chronology before returning again to the present. Unfortunately I had to finish the story a few days after I started it, but I love this story.
The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain - Joanna Galbraith
I thought this story was particularly cute and sweet, without being too saccharine. The idea of fish singing was rather neat. I'm not familiar with a lot of the songs Galbraith referenced, but I managed to get the idea of the sort of tempo/genre they'd be in context.
The Secret History of Mirrors - Catherynne M. Valente
Sept. 28
I loved the little tricks in meaning Valente plays in this story, especially with the italicized story. I found the three "origin of the mirror" stories imaginative, though I think my most liked is the second one. However the little snippets of the queen and her daughter are my favorite parts of the story.
Never Nor Ever - Forrest Aguirre
Oct. 22 - Tweedledee and Tweedledum story I do not understand... One of my least favorites
each thing I show you is a piece of my death - Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer
Oct. 22 - Reading this story late at night = bad, bad idea if you're especially sensitive to what you read. Reminded me of Blair Witch and Ringu... Creeped me out sooo much!
Open the Door and the Light Pours Through - Kelly Barnhill
Nov. 5 - The twist in this story is pretty evident early on. It's a sweet tale, though not one that stood out to me.
Rosemary, That's For Remembrance - Barbara Krasnoff
Nov. 5 - I do not want to visit a hair saloon after this story...
When We Moved On - Steve Rasnic Tem
Nov. 5 - It seemed like a fitting ending to an anthology, with its theme of moving on and starting a journey. I did find the last paragraph a bit cliche...
I'm going to try doing a story-by-story review again.
Three Friends - Claude Lalumiere
This story centers around The Girl Who Eats Fire, The Boy Who Speaks With Walls and The Kid Whose Laughter Makes Adults Run Away. The Girl disappears and The Boy has to rescue. It's a strong beginning to the anthology. I also loved his author blurb at the back of the book!
Six - Leah Bobet
To me this book wasn't really fantasy-ish. There's a hint of something dreadful when I read the encounter with the alchemists on their train, but that's how the story ends. I found this story to be more about a boy's growing up journey and trying to be strong. It's a good moral story, but not one I felt really belonged in this anthology. I read her blurb and she states the idea of "what life might be for children in the usually adult fantasy-of-competence genre of apocalyptic fiction" was a big part of starting it. Yes, I can see that now, but I still
felt it would have been better as a longer story/novella and explore the idea more.
Once a Goddess - Marie Brennan
Nefret is released as from being the goddess Hathirekhmet at the beginning of this story, and has to live a normal life. This story talks about her struggles and discoveries of trying to adjust to a normal life, trying to retain her Goddess-hood again and what happens during. I thought it was rather profound, and though not fantasy-ish, either, I liked the mystical and spiritual background hovering around.
Angel Dust - Ian McHugh
I had a tough time keeping the different races/species straight in this story, but I liked how McHugh explored what a statue-magically-turned-into-flesh experiences. Particularly since she had a mate (another statue). Nice ending, though the poppies brought to mind all the poppies that grow in fields covered in blood/death after a war... That may have been what McHugh was going for, but it was a somewhat unpleasant reminder.
The Endangered Camp - Ann Leckie
I totally loved this story. A small ship of explorers try to start a new life on Mars. They're the hope of their species, since Earth is on the verge of doom. This is a story on the journey there. Oh, man, this was an awesome story with twists and imaginative characters and setting and background.
At the Edge of Dying - Mary Robinette Kowal
Another story I especially adored. Kahe and Mehahui live in a world where people close to death get great power from the Goddess Hia. They're in the middle of a war, and Kahe is a great sorcerer who brings himself to the brink of death often in order to win battles. (Poisoning, strangulation, etc.) I love how this story plays out and the strength of the characters (which showed good writing, too) and the twists in it. I didn't feel cynical about the ending at all.
Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameel - Saladin Ahmed
This book was a little uncomfortable for me to read, for personal reasons. The narrator is a learned physicker of the Caliph sent as a punishment to Beit Zujaaj. Once there he hears stories about Abdel Jameel, a hermit and someone the townspeople scorn. Abdel Jameel turns up one day to ask for his help, for Abdel Jameel's wife.
The Pain of Glass - Tanith Lee
I've enjoyed most of Tanith's Lee short stories I've read in various anthologies. I don't believe I've yet to read one of her full-length books. Or stories set in her Flat Earth milieu. I really liked this short story. It was written in a style that was conversational (to me, at least). Sometimes I can get irked by this style, depending on my mood and how the author goes about it, but it was done very well here. I loved the plot, with the introduction of a mysterious and powerful glass drinking vessel and an indulgent prince/regent and the effects of the goblet, followed by a retelling of the goblet's history in reverse chronology before returning again to the present. Unfortunately I had to finish the story a few days after I started it, but I love this story.
The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain - Joanna Galbraith
I thought this story was particularly cute and sweet, without being too saccharine. The idea of fish singing was rather neat. I'm not familiar with a lot of the songs Galbraith referenced, but I managed to get the idea of the sort of tempo/genre they'd be in context.
The Secret History of Mirrors - Catherynne M. Valente
Sept. 28
I loved the little tricks in meaning Valente plays in this story, especially with the italicized story. I found the three "origin of the mirror" stories imaginative, though I think my most liked is the second one. However the little snippets of the queen and her daughter are my favorite parts of the story.
Never Nor Ever - Forrest Aguirre
Oct. 22 - Tweedledee and Tweedledum story I do not understand... One of my least favorites
each thing I show you is a piece of my death - Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer
Oct. 22 - Reading this story late at night = bad, bad idea if you're especially sensitive to what you read. Reminded me of Blair Witch and Ringu... Creeped me out sooo much!
Open the Door and the Light Pours Through - Kelly Barnhill
Nov. 5 - The twist in this story is pretty evident early on. It's a sweet tale, though not one that stood out to me.
Rosemary, That's For Remembrance - Barbara Krasnoff
Nov. 5 - I do not want to visit a hair saloon after this story...
When We Moved On - Steve Rasnic Tem
Nov. 5 - It seemed like a fitting ending to an anthology, with its theme of moving on and starting a journey. I did find the last paragraph a bit cliche...
October 2, 2016
3 stars - Metaphorosis Reviews
An anthology of speculative fiction edited by Mike Allen.
I didn't care much for the first Clockwork Phoenix. While some of the stories were good, others felt forced. Overall, they all sounded similar. This second collection is more varied, though few of the stories really stand out. There's less 'grotesque for the sake of grotesquerie', but more pretentious and more experimental work. At least two of the stories were thoroughly irritating in their snobbish in-crowd feel.
Here are the stories I found most interesting:
Three Friends by Claude Lalumiere - archetypal children in a mysterious setting
Six by Leah Bobet - what happens to the sixth of seven sons of a seventh son
Angel Dust by Ian McHugh - exotic fantasy brings statues to life
The Pain of Glass by Tanith Lee - high desert fantasy
The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain by Joanna Galbraith - fish plot to save the world from neglect
This volume has a less cohesive voice, but it also includes more accessible stories, and they work better. It's not enough to make me forgive the stories that I found profoundly aggravating, but it's a step up. If the series follows this trend, the fifth book may well be quite good. This volume, though, is a decidedly mixed grab bag of stories - some interesting, many not.
An anthology of speculative fiction edited by Mike Allen.
I didn't care much for the first Clockwork Phoenix. While some of the stories were good, others felt forced. Overall, they all sounded similar. This second collection is more varied, though few of the stories really stand out. There's less 'grotesque for the sake of grotesquerie', but more pretentious and more experimental work. At least two of the stories were thoroughly irritating in their snobbish in-crowd feel.
Here are the stories I found most interesting:
Three Friends by Claude Lalumiere - archetypal children in a mysterious setting
Six by Leah Bobet - what happens to the sixth of seven sons of a seventh son
Angel Dust by Ian McHugh - exotic fantasy brings statues to life
The Pain of Glass by Tanith Lee - high desert fantasy
The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain by Joanna Galbraith - fish plot to save the world from neglect
This volume has a less cohesive voice, but it also includes more accessible stories, and they work better. It's not enough to make me forgive the stories that I found profoundly aggravating, but it's a step up. If the series follows this trend, the fifth book may well be quite good. This volume, though, is a decidedly mixed grab bag of stories - some interesting, many not.
November 27, 2023
Just read “each thing i show you is a piece of my death” for horror book club. I love an epistolary/found footage horror story, and there was one really, really good scare that I was thinking about all day after I read it. I wish it hadn’t come so early, though, because I was waiting for there to be more scares on that caliber and there actually just weren’t any more at all. Everything afterward was character fallout. But part of setting up the tone was showing all these obnoxious emails from the two main characters and it made it hard to care that their lives had been ruined. Still, cool concept and decent execution; that one scare is going to stay with me.
Read
September 6, 2025Delightful! I picked this up for Ann Leckie not realizing I had already read her contribution as part of her own short story anthology, Lake of Souls (which is great btw, big fan of Leckie). The rest of the stories were weird and fun and interesting. Great bites of fantasy, mythology, spec fic. Pick it up!
September 7, 2012
For whatever reason I have read volume 1 and 3 but never this one. Probably there was a negative review somewhere that influenced me but in light of the upcoming volume 4, which has been financed through a kickstarter project by the community, it was time to complete my collection. I didn't regret it - it's the best volume with 6 five star and 4 four star stories! My favorites are in bold.
Claude Lalumière, Three Friends (5/5)
Engaging story about three friends with unusual talents: "The Boy Who Speaks With Walls", "The Girl Who Eats Fire" and "The Kid Whose Laughter Makes Adults Run Away". It's basically about friendship and growing up but the surreal setting and the great characters makes it strange and beautiful.
Leah Bobet, Six (2/5)
A rather weak story about the 6th child of a family in which the 7th has the highest value. The setting is nice but the I found the style annoying. Instead of he or she, the author too often uses "Six" so it reads like a story for children (Six does this, Six does that, Six makes this, ...)
Marie Brennan, Once a Goddess (4/5)
A girl who was once the avatar of a goddess must return to normal life. After being away for many years she struggles hard to get along but finally finds a new task for her. An interesting story that requires some work from the reader. My only complain is that it doesn't manage to leave its own boundaries, there is nothing that will stick with me.
Ian McHugh, Angel Dust (4/5)
Fantastic story about a statue that suddenly comes alive. She gets help from a minotaur but a war is coming into town and brings nothing but chaos. A bittersweet story with a cool background.
Ann Leckie, The Endangered Camp (5/5)
Very interesting story about dinosaurs who want to travel to Mars. This summary might sound a bit flat but believe me, the execution is great.
Mary Robinette Kowal, At the Edge of Dying (5/5)
A sorcerer gets his magical power from the goddess of Death. The closer he is to dying, the more powerful he is. When war comes to the kingdom, he has an idea how to turn the tables quickly. It ends in a clash of sorcerers... Another story with a great setting and an engaging love story. Very touching!
Saladin Ahmed, Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela (5/5)
A young physician has been sent as punishment far away into a small village. While quarrelling with his fate he is sent for by Abdel Jameela, a man who lives in isolation and who seems to hide a dark secret. Fantastic story, the best of the whole volume!
Tanith Lee, The Pain of Glass (4/5)
Nice story about a special piece of glass. In flashbacks we learn more about the unusual circumstances that led to its creation until the story moves forward again. I liked it and with a bit less drama in the middle part it would have earned one more star.
Joanna Galbraith, The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain (5/5)
A story about a special fountain and a swarm of very special fishes. In a light mood it tells about love, inspiration and sacrifice.
Catherynne M. Valente, The Secret History of Mirrors (2/5)
Catherynne has a talent with words, no doubt about it, but I struggle to put the pieces together to understand the meaning. It's an unusual take at the story of Snow White but I am afraid I don't get it.
Forrest Aguirre, Never nor Ever (2/5)
Another story that left me puzzled. It's unusual and it challenges the reader so I welcome that it has been included but I am afraid it's not for me.
Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer, each thing i show you is a piece of my death (5/5)
Wow, what a scary piece. Told in a mix of reports, emails and chats we learn about the mysterious "Background Man" who suddenly appears in film material. Amazing how creepy it gets by just adding one part after the other until we see the whole picture.
Kelly Barnhill, Open the Door and the Light Pours Through (4/5)
Most readers will have an idea what it's all about after a couple of pages but nevertheless I enjoyed it.
Barbara Krasnoff, Rosemary, That's For Remembrance (3/5)
Looking through the eyes of a woman who is old now and suffers from Alzheimer. Maybe it is like that, maybe not, for me the story was too short and doesn't show enough to be memorable. The reader leaves the scene when it starts to get more interesting - the interaction with the rest of the world, but obviously this wasn't the focus anyway.
Steve Rasnic Tem, When We Moved On (2/5)
Well written but I didn't get the point.
I can highly recommend this volume.
Claude Lalumière, Three Friends (5/5)
Engaging story about three friends with unusual talents: "The Boy Who Speaks With Walls", "The Girl Who Eats Fire" and "The Kid Whose Laughter Makes Adults Run Away". It's basically about friendship and growing up but the surreal setting and the great characters makes it strange and beautiful.
Leah Bobet, Six (2/5)
A rather weak story about the 6th child of a family in which the 7th has the highest value. The setting is nice but the I found the style annoying. Instead of he or she, the author too often uses "Six" so it reads like a story for children (Six does this, Six does that, Six makes this, ...)
Marie Brennan, Once a Goddess (4/5)
A girl who was once the avatar of a goddess must return to normal life. After being away for many years she struggles hard to get along but finally finds a new task for her. An interesting story that requires some work from the reader. My only complain is that it doesn't manage to leave its own boundaries, there is nothing that will stick with me.
Ian McHugh, Angel Dust (4/5)
Fantastic story about a statue that suddenly comes alive. She gets help from a minotaur but a war is coming into town and brings nothing but chaos. A bittersweet story with a cool background.
Ann Leckie, The Endangered Camp (5/5)
Very interesting story about dinosaurs who want to travel to Mars. This summary might sound a bit flat but believe me, the execution is great.
Mary Robinette Kowal, At the Edge of Dying (5/5)
A sorcerer gets his magical power from the goddess of Death. The closer he is to dying, the more powerful he is. When war comes to the kingdom, he has an idea how to turn the tables quickly. It ends in a clash of sorcerers... Another story with a great setting and an engaging love story. Very touching!
Saladin Ahmed, Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela (5/5)
A young physician has been sent as punishment far away into a small village. While quarrelling with his fate he is sent for by Abdel Jameela, a man who lives in isolation and who seems to hide a dark secret. Fantastic story, the best of the whole volume!
Tanith Lee, The Pain of Glass (4/5)
Nice story about a special piece of glass. In flashbacks we learn more about the unusual circumstances that led to its creation until the story moves forward again. I liked it and with a bit less drama in the middle part it would have earned one more star.
Joanna Galbraith, The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain (5/5)
A story about a special fountain and a swarm of very special fishes. In a light mood it tells about love, inspiration and sacrifice.
Catherynne M. Valente, The Secret History of Mirrors (2/5)
Catherynne has a talent with words, no doubt about it, but I struggle to put the pieces together to understand the meaning. It's an unusual take at the story of Snow White but I am afraid I don't get it.
Forrest Aguirre, Never nor Ever (2/5)
Another story that left me puzzled. It's unusual and it challenges the reader so I welcome that it has been included but I am afraid it's not for me.
Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer, each thing i show you is a piece of my death (5/5)
Wow, what a scary piece. Told in a mix of reports, emails and chats we learn about the mysterious "Background Man" who suddenly appears in film material. Amazing how creepy it gets by just adding one part after the other until we see the whole picture.
Kelly Barnhill, Open the Door and the Light Pours Through (4/5)
Most readers will have an idea what it's all about after a couple of pages but nevertheless I enjoyed it.
Barbara Krasnoff, Rosemary, That's For Remembrance (3/5)
Looking through the eyes of a woman who is old now and suffers from Alzheimer. Maybe it is like that, maybe not, for me the story was too short and doesn't show enough to be memorable. The reader leaves the scene when it starts to get more interesting - the interaction with the rest of the world, but obviously this wasn't the focus anyway.
Steve Rasnic Tem, When We Moved On (2/5)
Well written but I didn't get the point.
I can highly recommend this volume.
February 15, 2010
A collection of 15 stories of fantastical transformation, Clockwork Phoenix 2 walks the line between readability and art to build a collection which is haunting, inspiring, and glorious. As with most short story collections some stories are more successful than others, but as a whole these are all far above par. From a girl who was once a goddess's avatar to a lover made of glass to middle-aged Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the wildly different content disrupts the flow from one story to another, but be patient with the transitions and you'll be rewarded. Fantastical, beautiful, harrowing, and all of them vibrantly unique, the stories in Clockwork Phoenix 2 are a delight to read, and this collection is a resounding success. I recommend it.
Coming into this collection, I had not read the original Clockwork Phoenix and worried that I would miss something for being new to the anthology. Rest assured, this volume stands alone, although it can take a little while to divine from the title and the stories just what it is meant to be. For me, the uniting theme that emerges is transformation. In "Once a Goddess," a woman transitions from goddess's avatar to ordinary human; in "Angel Dust," a stone statue comes alive; in "Never Nor Ever" Tweedledum and Tweedledee meditate on death. Transformationbe it a change role, shape, or place or the cycle of life, death, and rebirthis a broad and weighty theme. But this theme may not be intentionalAllen never indicates one way or the other, instead commenting on the style of the stories, which he describes as "adventures both in how they read and what they said." This too unites the collection: all the stories are imaginative and brave both in style and in content, and so the 15 wildly disparate tales nonetheless feel at home together in a single volume.
Indeed the joy and the danger of this collection is the great distance between each story. Each one is a sight to a magical world (even if it looks like modern America) in which a great event (read: change, read: magic) is not only possible, it may be happening right now. From comic book settings to a steam-powered spaceships to Middle Eastern villages; from child superheros to magicians to mirror-making lesbian nuns; steampunk and mythpunk and epistalorythe setting, content, and style of each story is unique. And while the quality of the stories varies, there are no duds. "Once a Goddess," "At the Edge of Dying," "Never Nor Ever," and "each thing i show you is a piece of my death" were my favorites, but each selection is a joy to read. The magical worlds and transformative events of each story make them wondrous and eye-opening twice over. However, the transition between these different worlds can be disorientating. The danger of short story collections is the temptation to finish a story and jump right into the next, which is exacerbated here by Allen's skillful arrangement. Hurry onto the next story in Clockwork Phoenix 2 and you'll forget to appreciate the previous and have a difficulty adjusting to the next, and the collection may feel cobbled together. Better to force yourself to pause at the end of the story and let it sink in.
But do that, and Clockwork Phoenix 2 is wonderful. Unfamiliar to the series, confused by the title, I came to it knowing only that I liked two of the authors. I was entirely unsure what I was getting into, but Clockwork Phoenix 2 delighted me. Pacing myself and reveling in the phoenix-like transformations and imaginative styles that unite the collection, each story came alive. They are vivid, fantastical, magical; some are escapist, many are dark and twisted; each story is a pleasure to read and the collected volume is an absolute success. This is one of the better short story anthologies that I've read, and I'm pleased that I had the chance to do so. For something unusual, magical, and transformative, seek out Clockwork Phoenix 2. I recommend it enthusiastically.
Coming into this collection, I had not read the original Clockwork Phoenix and worried that I would miss something for being new to the anthology. Rest assured, this volume stands alone, although it can take a little while to divine from the title and the stories just what it is meant to be. For me, the uniting theme that emerges is transformation. In "Once a Goddess," a woman transitions from goddess's avatar to ordinary human; in "Angel Dust," a stone statue comes alive; in "Never Nor Ever" Tweedledum and Tweedledee meditate on death. Transformationbe it a change role, shape, or place or the cycle of life, death, and rebirthis a broad and weighty theme. But this theme may not be intentionalAllen never indicates one way or the other, instead commenting on the style of the stories, which he describes as "adventures both in how they read and what they said." This too unites the collection: all the stories are imaginative and brave both in style and in content, and so the 15 wildly disparate tales nonetheless feel at home together in a single volume.
Indeed the joy and the danger of this collection is the great distance between each story. Each one is a sight to a magical world (even if it looks like modern America) in which a great event (read: change, read: magic) is not only possible, it may be happening right now. From comic book settings to a steam-powered spaceships to Middle Eastern villages; from child superheros to magicians to mirror-making lesbian nuns; steampunk and mythpunk and epistalorythe setting, content, and style of each story is unique. And while the quality of the stories varies, there are no duds. "Once a Goddess," "At the Edge of Dying," "Never Nor Ever," and "each thing i show you is a piece of my death" were my favorites, but each selection is a joy to read. The magical worlds and transformative events of each story make them wondrous and eye-opening twice over. However, the transition between these different worlds can be disorientating. The danger of short story collections is the temptation to finish a story and jump right into the next, which is exacerbated here by Allen's skillful arrangement. Hurry onto the next story in Clockwork Phoenix 2 and you'll forget to appreciate the previous and have a difficulty adjusting to the next, and the collection may feel cobbled together. Better to force yourself to pause at the end of the story and let it sink in.
But do that, and Clockwork Phoenix 2 is wonderful. Unfamiliar to the series, confused by the title, I came to it knowing only that I liked two of the authors. I was entirely unsure what I was getting into, but Clockwork Phoenix 2 delighted me. Pacing myself and reveling in the phoenix-like transformations and imaginative styles that unite the collection, each story came alive. They are vivid, fantastical, magical; some are escapist, many are dark and twisted; each story is a pleasure to read and the collected volume is an absolute success. This is one of the better short story anthologies that I've read, and I'm pleased that I had the chance to do so. For something unusual, magical, and transformative, seek out Clockwork Phoenix 2. I recommend it enthusiastically.
March 24, 2013
Clockwork Phoenix 2 is the second volume in what is so far a three volume series of anthologies subtitled "tales of beauty and strangeness." If you know anything about the stuff I like to read, this sounds like a collection I'd probably enjoy. I read the first awhile back and thought it was good, if not my favorite collection.
CP2 surprasses its predecessor by a large margin. Every story was easy to read, and many were page-turners. Some of these have even made it to my list of "favorite short stories". Blending pieces of the supernatural, horrific, and awesome, Allen created here quite the mosaic of beauty and strangeness, indeed.
Some highlights:
- every thing I show you is a piece of my death- Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer- This is absolutely my favorite of this collection. It's haunting, chilling, and terrifying. But it's not overtly so. There are different kinds of horror, and this is the best kind. This is the perfect marriage of minimalist imagery with echoes of the surreal. It reminded me a bit of The Ring, a movie after which I refused to go see a horror flick again. There was that same unreal, mind-fucking quality here.
- Once a Goddess- Marie Brennan- Bringing to mind Tanith Lee's The Birthgrave, this is a lovely story about growing into womanhood. Like the aforementioned Lee piece, Once a Goddess takes a young woman once (and perhaps still) seen as a goddess and throws her out into the world not as she's grown to know it, but as it truly is. The most exciting piece of feminist literature is the one that shows women that they control their own destiny, even when it seems the chips are stacked against them, and that idea is displayed splendidly here.
- Angel Dust- Ian McHugh- Moving more into the realm of the fantastic, McHugh's short story (which could also be considered feminist) can be interpreted to mean many things. All at once there are themes of compassion, the nature of true love, reality vs. fantasy, the hardships of war... This is a straightforward but deep foray into the realm of free will and the power of choice.
CP2 ties together tales of hope, enrichment, strength, and fortitude. All throughout the collection there is an underlying harmony singing a beautiful song of what it means to be human. Highly recommended.
CP2 surprasses its predecessor by a large margin. Every story was easy to read, and many were page-turners. Some of these have even made it to my list of "favorite short stories". Blending pieces of the supernatural, horrific, and awesome, Allen created here quite the mosaic of beauty and strangeness, indeed.
Some highlights:
- every thing I show you is a piece of my death- Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer- This is absolutely my favorite of this collection. It's haunting, chilling, and terrifying. But it's not overtly so. There are different kinds of horror, and this is the best kind. This is the perfect marriage of minimalist imagery with echoes of the surreal. It reminded me a bit of The Ring, a movie after which I refused to go see a horror flick again. There was that same unreal, mind-fucking quality here.
- Once a Goddess- Marie Brennan- Bringing to mind Tanith Lee's The Birthgrave, this is a lovely story about growing into womanhood. Like the aforementioned Lee piece, Once a Goddess takes a young woman once (and perhaps still) seen as a goddess and throws her out into the world not as she's grown to know it, but as it truly is. The most exciting piece of feminist literature is the one that shows women that they control their own destiny, even when it seems the chips are stacked against them, and that idea is displayed splendidly here.
- Angel Dust- Ian McHugh- Moving more into the realm of the fantastic, McHugh's short story (which could also be considered feminist) can be interpreted to mean many things. All at once there are themes of compassion, the nature of true love, reality vs. fantasy, the hardships of war... This is a straightforward but deep foray into the realm of free will and the power of choice.
CP2 ties together tales of hope, enrichment, strength, and fortitude. All throughout the collection there is an underlying harmony singing a beautiful song of what it means to be human. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2010
There's a lot of good stuff in here; "Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela" is raw and beautiful and painful, "The Fish of Al-Kawthar's Fountain" has all the delight of an old, well-beloved folktale, "Never nor Ever" was a linguistic joy to read... but "each thing i show you is a piece of my death" is quite simply the scariest thing I have read in years. It haunted me ways I didn't expect, and was all the more powerful for it. The whole anthology is highly recommended, but I'd give it four stars for that story alone.
October 13, 2012
Like any collection of short stories, this book contains several stories that I really enjoyed and others that I found less compelling. All the stories are somewhat strange, as the title promises.
One story in particular lingered with me after finishing the book, possibly in part since it was towards the end. each thing i show you is a piece of my death (no caps used in original), by Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer. The book was worth buying for that story alone.
One story in particular lingered with me after finishing the book, possibly in part since it was towards the end. each thing i show you is a piece of my death (no caps used in original), by Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer. The book was worth buying for that story alone.
April 17, 2014
I was disappointed in this collection. Perhaps because I had previously read two of the stories by authors that made me interested in the collection.
The other stories are just eh. Not worth the effort. I skimmed through a couple with barely reading them because they just could not keep my interest.
The other stories are just eh. Not worth the effort. I skimmed through a couple with barely reading them because they just could not keep my interest.
Read
March 23, 2016Fiction C643 2009
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews