Alexander’s Reviews > Solarpunk: Short Stories from Many Futures > Status Update

(I will review everything once I have the time)

The Spider and the Stars by D.K. Mok is a cute way to end the whole anthology. Good story, pretty happy in tone. Still, though, worldbuilding comes first. 4/5

I really didn't want to give The Lighthouse Keeper by Andrew Dana Hudson five stars, as it's just a thin plot as a vessel for lots of worldbuilding again... and yet, this time it somehow just works. Maybe because the plot is small in scale, or maybe the execution is just that good. Either way, it gets a reluctant full rating of 5/5.

Have Space Bike, Will Travel by Ingrid Garcia is Solarpunk... in SPAAAAAAACE. And I love that, and that there's a lot of queer disabled people at the forefront. But it needs just a bit too much worldbuilding before getting to the juicy bits of plot. 4/5

Lizard Skin by Lucie Lukačovičová has a great balance between plot and worldbuilding that makes both very interesting to read. Unfortunately it fizzles out a little by the end. 4/5

Drawing the Line by Gustavo Bondoni is cute, using a lovely plot as a backdrop for a utopia... that I'm not sure I agree with. 4/5

The Spiral Ranch by Sarena Ulibarri has a good, satisfying plot that doesn't just feel like something to put the worldbuilding on, which is appreciated. Still, the ending feels a little unresolved. 4/5

Oil and Ivory is queer, it's intimate, it's got a good plot, what else can I give it but a 5/5

Anticipation of Hollowness by Renan Bernardo is small, intimate, lovely, and very good. 5/5

Sorry, had to sensitivity read, which meant this took a backseat until I'd finished that. But I have now.
Anyway. For the Snake of Power by Brenda Cooper is a great story about oppression and the differences between the rich and the poor. An enjoyable read. 4/5