Review: Giving The Devil His Due

Title: Giving The Devil His Due
Edited by Rebecca Brewer
Pages: 290
ISBN: 9781947041905
Publisher: Running Wild Press
Published: 1 September 2021
Genre: Short stories / Horror
Source: Review copy from publisher

What if a young girl had the power to stop her tyrannical father from battering her mother ever again? What if a student had a secret weapon to end sexual assault by her predatory professor permanently? What if a housewife had unusual means to get back at her controlling husband and walk away from her marriage alive?

In Giving the Devil His Due, The Pixel Project’s first charity anthology, sixteen acclaimed fantasy, science fiction, and horror authors take readers on an unforgettable journey to alternative worlds where men who abuse and murder women and girls meet their comeuppance in uncanny ways.

(Cover art by Emir Orucevic)

Stories are powerful things. They shape how we experience and view our world, shining light on monsters real and imagined and giving hope that those monster can be slain. Giving The Devil His Due is a short story anthology filled with unsettling, powerful and thought-provoking stories which deal with abuse in all its varied forms.

Stories included in the anthology:

• Hell on the Homefront Too • Stephen Graham Jones - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Steering Wheel Club • Kaaron Warren - ⭐⭐⭐
• Sweet Justice • Kenesha Williams - ⭐⭐⭐
• The Moon Goddess’s Granddaughter • Lee Murray - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Kindly Sea • Dana Cameron - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Just Us League • Angela Yuriko Smith - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• American Murder • Peter Tieryas - ⭐⭐
• As We Stand and Pray • Jason Sanford - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Finding Water to Catch Fire • Linda D. Addison - ⭐⭐⭐
• Escape from Pleasant Point • Leanna Renee Hieber - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Daughter of Echidna • Nicholas Kaufmann - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Devil’s Pocket Change • Hillary Monahan - ⭐⭐⭐
• The Tawny Bitch • Nisi Shawl - ⭐⭐⭐
• Happy Birthday Baby • Kelley Armstrong - ⭐⭐⭐
• Devil’s Hollow • Errick Nunnally - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• The Little Thing • Christina Henry - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Giving The Devil His Due edited by Rebecca Brewer brings together stories from some of the top names in speculative fiction. The sixteen stories collected here hit hard and will give you a new perspective on the abuse and violence so many women worldwide have to endure on a daily basis.

"Too ashamed to show her the battleground of your body with its legacy of bruises, you went home." (p 43)

I enjoyed all the stories on offer here, but three stories really stood out to me. Hell on the Homefront Too by Stephen Graham Jones: Short, brutal and powerful. The perfect opening to the anthology which sets the scene for all the stories to come.
The Moon Goddess’s Granddaughter by Lee Murray: A slower, more melancholy story about the loss of freedom and the struggle to recapture lost dreams and break the shackles of an abusive relationship. Memorable and touching in the extreme. 
The Little Thing by Christina Henry: Vengeance comes in the most unexpected of forms. A very, very satisfying ending to both the story and the anthology.

In an unjust world justice has many incarnations. Some more wrathful than others...

Giving the Devil His Due shines a powerful spotlight on a topic which is so often ignored and does so in a powerful, impactful way. If you are looking for some great stories while supporting a great cause then look no further. Highly recommended!

100% of the net proceeds from the sales of the anthology will go towards supporting The Pixel Project’s anti-violence against women programs, campaigns, and resources.

The Rating: 8/10 (Great!)

Review: Hold Up the Sky by Cixin Liu

Title: Hold Up The Sky
Author: Cixin Liu
Pages: 407
ISBN: 9781838937621
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Published: 1 October 2020
Genre: Science Fiction / Short Stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

In Hold Up the Sky, Cixin Liu takes us across time and space, from a rural mountain community where elementary students must use physics to prevent an alien invasion; to coal mines in northern China where new technology will either save lives or unleash a fire that will burn for centuries; to a time very much like our own, when superstring computers predict our every move; to 10,000 years in the future, when humanity is finally able to begin anew; to the very collapse of the universe itself.

Hold Up the Sky by Cixin Liu is a fascinating short story collection featuring 11 science fiction tales translated from the original Chinese. For longtime science fiction fans most of the stories will seem familiar, but Liu brings a uniquely different cultural perspective to the genre. Some stories might seem deceptively simple at first, only to reveal the true immensity of their scope as you reach the end. Throughout his work Liu deals with the interconnectedness between humanity and the universe and how the future and transformation of both are inextricably intertwined.

Stories included in the collection are:

• The Village Teacher
• The Time Migration
• 2018-04-01
• Fire in the Earth
• Contraction
• Mirror
• Ode to Joy
• Full-Spectrum Barrage Jamming
• Sea of Dreams
• Cloud of Poems
• The Thinker

Overall I enjoyed most of the stories, but like with any short story collection there were a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. In one instance I think this might be a case where the true impact of the story might have been actually lost in translation as it deals with poetry where the form and function can’t be translated easily and might have diminished the impact of the story.

There were three stories that really stood out to me, each of which shows the vast scope of Liu’s imagination. Mirror: What would the world be like if every moment could be known? A fascinating premise where a digital model can mirror reality exactly with far reaching consequences. Full Spectrum Barrage Jamming: Electronic warfare is taken to the extreme. Captures the visceral impact of war and the sacrifices necessary for victory. And finally there’s The Thinker: A chance encounter leads to a discovery with vast implications.

Hold Up the Sky is a really enjoyable story collection with some truly fantastic and imaginative ideas. If you are looking for science fiction outside the Western norms then this is a great start. Recommended!

The Rating: 7/10 (Very Good)

Thanks to Charlene from Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copy.

Thoughts on the SCKA Short Work Nominees

Since this seemed to be the quickest SCKA category to get through I decided to tackle the short works first. I'm easing into the whole thing. Dipping my toes in before I jumped into the large time investment required to tackle the novel categories.

All the stories nominated are of an exceedingly high standard and you can't fault any of them on quality. In the end it all boils down to personal taste and if a story resonates with you or not. Since these aren't really reviews as such, I'll settle for just sharing some quick thoughts on each story. 

Do Not Look Back My Lion by Alix E. Harrow
I love Alix E. Harrow's work and this story is no exception. It tells the tale of a society devoted solely to war and the impact it has on those that are left behind having to face the reality of pledging their children from birth to the machinations of bloodshed and death. Interesting role reversals in gender dynamics and a very touching relationship at its core. A melancholy yet hopeful read.

Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger
An interesting take on racism and prejudice mirrored in the lives of dolls. Interesting concepts, but perhaps somewhat too long. My interest flagged towards the end.

In Regards to Your Concerns About Your Scare BnB Experience by Effie Seiberg
 A client representative deals with a disgruntled client after a disastrous stay at a BnB. A fun, lighthearted story which delivered a giggle and a few smiles. Compared to the other stories on offer it lacked impact.

Even When The World Has Told Us We Have Ended by Cat Hellisen
 After the world has ended, a living human becomes the Muse for the dead, downloading inspiration into their reconstructed minds. Beautiful, haunting prose and a story that's quite unlike anything I normally encounter. This story can be read and interpreted in so many ways and that's where its power lies.

The Ocean That Fades Into Sky by Kathleen Kayembe
 This is the only story that just didn't work for me and I can't exactly pinpoint why. I lost interest halfway through. Might have to come back to it at some later stage.

The Blanched Bones, The Tyrant Wind by Karen Osborne
Short, sweet and powerful story about seizing your own destiny and throwing off societal expectations.

In This Moment, We Are Happy by Chen Qiufan
A look at the changing face of reproduction and what the future might hold. Touching and thought-provoking in equal measure.

Black Matter by Vivian Shaw
Necromancy meets Air Crash Investigation. A dark, enjoyable tale with engaging writing and fascinating premise

This Book Will Find You by Sam Beckbessinger, Lauren Beukes & Dale Halvorsen
Magic. Blood. Mayhem. A very dark, horrific tale dealing with the cycle of violence in an abusive relationship. Wonderful twist in the ending. Absolutely freaking loved this story!

The Migration Suite: A Study in C Sharp Minor by Maurice Broaddus
Tracing the journey of a family throughout its many generations throughout the past and into the future. A touching look at reclaiming your freedom and finding your home.

***

Have you read any of these? Which stories were your favourite?

Subjective Chaos Kind of Awards 2020: The Nominees

Toss a pebble to* your author

O, readers of plenty,

O, readers of plenty.

Creators of worlds

with magical words

they astound and thrill

It's time to pay the bill

Subjective kind of chaos

The time is here

Toss a pebble to your author

O, readers of plenty,

O, readers of plenty.

The lines don't scan all that well and trying to make them rhyme was a chore, but at least it has a semblance of a meme-worthy vibe to it. Although the chorus is the best bit, even if I have to say so myself. (*Important note: Do not toss pebbles AT authors. The pebbles should be given TO authors.)

With that incoherent introduction and magical musical interlude out of the way it's time to announce the nominees for The 2020 Subjective Chaos Kind of Awards (SCKA). With the powers of eight book bloggers combined and using various other esoteric means the nominees for this year's awards have been narrowed down to the following works:

*Drum roll*

BEST FANTASY

• The Ten thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
• The True Queen by Zen Cho
• Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri
• Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron
• Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• The Bone Ships by RJ Barker
• The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

BEST SCIENCE FICTION

• Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O'Keefe
• Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
• A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
• Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
• The Outside by Ada Hoffman
• Steel Frame by Andrew Skinner
• All City by Alex DiFrancesco
• Fleet of Knives by Gareth L. Powell

BEST BLURRED BOUNDARIES

• The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen
• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
• The Migration by Helen Marshall
• The Institute by Stephen King
• David Mogo, Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
• The Last Supper Before Ragnarok by Cassandra Khaw
• The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg
• The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris

BEST NOVELLA

• Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
• This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
• The Deep by Rivers Solomon
• Walking to Aldebaran by Adrian Tchaikovsky
• Incompleteness Theories by Wole Talabi
• To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
• We Are Made of Diamond Stuff by Isabel Waidner

BEST SERIES

• The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
• Elemental Logic by Laurie J. Marks
• Empires of Dust by Anna Smith Spark
• Children of Time Duology by Adrian Tchaikovsky
• The Rosewater Trilogy AKA Wormwood Trilogy by Tade Thompson
• Swords and Fire by Melissa Caruso
• Luna Series by Ian McDonald
• The Winnowing Flame by Jen Williams

BEST SHORT WORK

• Do Not Look Back My Lion by Alix E. Harrow
• Doll Seed by Michele Tracy Berger
• In Regards to Your Concerns About Your Scare BnB Experience by Effie Seiberg
• Even When The World Has Told Us We Have Ended by Cat Hellisen
• The Ocean That Fades Into Sky by Kathleen Kayembe
• The Blanched Bones, The Tyrant Wind by Karen Osborne
• In This Moment, We Are Happy by Chen Qiufan
• Black Matter by Vivian Shaw
• This Book Will Find You by Sam Beckbessinger, Lauren Beukes & Dale Halvorsen
• The Migration Suite: A Study in C Sharp Minor by Maurice Broaddus

That's a lot of books. A whole lot! Over the coming months the judges will narrow things down to a shortlist and then ultimately crown a winner in each category. Each winner will be awarded an exclusive, hand-picked pebble from an exotic locale.

A huge congratulations to all the nominees! I'm excited to dive right in and discover new authors, some wonderful stories and brand new worlds.

Let the reading commence...

On My Radar: The New Voices of Science Fiction

There's nothing better than finding a brand new author whose work you can fall in love with from the very start. Short story anthologies are great for discovering new authors and The New Voices of Science Fiction from Tachyon Publications looks like it will be the perfect gateway to some of the newest, most vibrant voices in science fiction. (Plus who could resist a cute robot cover like that?!)

THE NEW VOICES OF SCIENCE FICTION
Edited by Hannu Rajaniemi and Jacob Weisman
ISBN: 9781616962913
Release date: November 2019

What would you do if your collective of tiny bots suddenly decide to mutiny? Would you find bioprinted steak delicious, even after it was signed by the artist? Is an 11 second attention-span long enough to bond with a cryogenically-revived tourist? Would you sell your native language to send your daughter to college?

The avant garde of science fiction has appeared, arriving via time machines and portals that may (or may not) work properly. In this space-age sequel to award-winning anthology, The New Voices of Fantasy, The New Voices of Science Fiction has launched the rising stars of the last five years of science fiction, including Rebecca Roanhorse, Amal El-Mohtar, Alice Sola Kim, Sam J. Miller, E. Lily Yu, Rich Larson, Vina Jie-Min Prasad, Sarah Pinsker, Darcie Little Badger, S. Qiouyi Lu, Kelly Robson, Suzanne Palmer, Nino Cipri, and more. Their wide-ranging tales were hand-selected by cutting-edge author Hannu Rajaniemi (The Quantum Thief) and genre expert Jacob Weisman (Invaders).

So go ahead, join the starship revolution. The new kids hotwired the AI

Cover art by Matt Dixon
Cover design by Elizabeth Story

***

I'm definitely going to add this one to my wishlist!

On My Radar: Not One Of Us edited by Neil Clarke

I must confess that this caught my eye based purely on the cover (cover art by Jacques Leyreloup), but the selection of authors and stories included in the anthology also sound pretty darn amazing. This is definitely going on my wishlist!

NOT ONE OF US edited by Neil Clarke
ISBN: 978-1597809573
Release Date: 6 November 2018

They Are Strangers from Far Lands . . .

Science fiction writers have been using aliens as a metaphor for the other for over one hundred years. Superman has otherworldly origins, and his struggles to blend in on our planet are a clear metaphor for immigration. Earth’s adopted son is just one example of this “Alien Among Us” narrative.

There are stories of assimilation, or the failure to do so. Stories of resistance to the forces of naturalization. Stories told from the alien viewpoint. Stories that use aliens as a manifestation of the fears and worries of specific places and eras. Stories that transcend location and time, speaking to universal issues of group identity and its relationship to the Other.

Nearly thirty authors in this reprint anthology grapple both the best and worst aspects of human nature, and they do so in utterly compelling and entertaining ways. Not One of Us is a collection of stories that aren’t afraid to tackle thorny and often controversial issues of race, nationalism, religion, political ideology, and other ways in which humanity divides itself.

Table of Contents

• Touring with the Alien by Carolyn Ives Gilman
• Laws of Survival by Nancy Kress
• At Play in the Fields by Steve Rasnic Tem
• Ants of Flanders by Robert Reed
• Taking Care of God by Liu Cixin
• Water Scorpions by Rich Larson
• The Three Resurrections of Jessica Churchill by Kelly Robson
• Men are Trouble by James Patrick Kelly
• They Shall Salt the Earth with Seeds of Glass by Alaya Dawn Johnson
• Bits by Naomi Kritzer
• And Never Mind the Watching Ones by Keffy R. M. Kehrli
• Dark Heaven by Gregory Benford
• Nine-Tenths of the Law by Molly Tanzer
• Five Stages of Grief After the Alien Invasion by Caroline M. Yoachim
• Time of the Snake by A.M. Dellamonica
• The Fear Gun by Judith Berman
• Tendeléo’s Story by Ian McDonald
• The Choice by Paul McAuley
• Passage of Earth by Michael Swanwick
• Reborn by Ken Liu
• Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang

Review: Road Brothers by Mark Lawrence

Title: Road Brothers
Author: Mark Lawrence
Pages: 276
ISBN: 9780008267896
Series: Broken Empire
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2 November 2017
Genre: Fantasy / Short Stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy it from:
The Book Depository

This is a collection of fourteen stories of murder, mayhem, pathos, and philosophy, all set in the world of the Broken Empire.

Within these pages, you will find tales of men such as Red Kent, Sir Makin, Rike, Burlow and the Nuban, telling of their origins and the events that forged them. There is Jorg himself, striding the page as a child of six, as a teenage wanderer and as a young king. And then there is a tale about Prince Jalan Kendeth - liar, cheat, womaniser and coward.

To the new reader, welcome to a lawless world where wit and sword are the most useful weapons, and danger lurks as much in candle-lit palaces as in dark alleys and dense woodland. To those who have already journeyed with Jorg, we hope you will enjoy renewing old acquaintances with your favourite characters.

When I finished Emperor of Thorns earlier this year it left me craving more. I put off finishing the series for so long, and now it was finally done. Jorg's journey was at an end and it was time to leave that world behind, but then by a miraculous twist of fate a copy of Road Brothers arrived at my door.

Road Brothers collects fourteen stories set in the world of the Broken Empire, thirteen of which focus on Jorg and his band of brothers. The stories revisit some of the most memorable (and some less memorable) characters from the series, expanding on their backstories and providing a better glimpse into what shaped them into the characters we know and love (or loathe). And of course Jorg makes a triumphant return with stories featuring him in various stages of his life.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories collected here. Some standouts were:

Sleeping Beauty - Jorg faces remnants of Builder technology in a a fairy tale mash-up with homage to Goldilocks, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel. The only difference is that this Sleeping Beauty burns with a fiery vengeance.

"Good lives are built of moments - of times when we step back and truly see. The dream and the dreamer. There's the rub. Does the dream ever let go? Aren't we all only sleepwalking into old age, just waiting, waiting, waiting for that kiss?" (p 50)

The Weight of Command - This story focuses on Burlow, one of the lesser liked characters from the series, but still manages to provide an endearing glimpse into his life as he gets caught up in a challenge over leadership.

"Life on the road is an exercise in choice. A man is made of what he chooses to leave behind. Sometimes too many of them." (p 85)

Mercy - A tale of revenge and how restraint is the only escape from the hunger for vengeance.

Choices - Gorgoth tries to care for his family while forced to make tough decisions. A truly touching backstory which plays with the concept of free will and destiny. A tender, heart-breaking glimpse at the humanity of ostensibly monstrous beings.

No other Troy - Jorg besieges a city and triumphs in a way only he can - by being utterly audacious and ruthless.

"They're dead because they didn't understand the world, because they thought that honour and fair play were some deep foundation on which existence rests, But they were wrong..." (p 197)

The Secret - A delightfully simple tale about assassination with a deadly twist.

Know Thyself - Possibly the most poignant story in the collection. A glimpse into the life of Jorg and his younger brother before true tragedy befalls them. A tale that, unwittingly, sets the groundwork for all that follows.

Even rationing myself to only two stories a day, Road Brothers came to an end far too quickly. There are some amazing stories collected here. They provide even more depth and substance to familiar characters and some expose new facets entirely. It was a true pleasure to return to Jorg and his band of brothers. With their journey now truly at an end I can't help but feel bereft all over again.

I would advise newcomers to hold off on reading Road Brothers until they have finished the Broken Empire series. There are a variety of spoilers and the whole experience will be so much better for it. You'll be thankful to have one last treasure to unearth once Jorg's journey is done.

The Verdict:
Road Brothers is a welcome return to the world of the Broken Empire series. The stories collected here offer a glimpse into the world of Jorg and the Brothers, expanding on their tales in one last bittersweet reunion. Who could pass up one final journey with Jorg and his band of brothers? This is an absolute must for fans of the series!

The Rating: 7.5/10 (Very good)

Thanks to Charlene from Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copy.

Review: Obelisk

Title: Obelisk
Author: Stephen Baxter
Pages: 309
ISBN: 9781473212763
Publisher: Gollancz
Published: August 2016
Genre: Science fiction / Short stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy it from:
The Book Depository

A remarkable collection of short stories and novellas from one of our greatest SF authors.

This collection contains stories set in the worlds of the bestselling duology Ultima and Proxima, which expand on the characters and worlds of that series, including two brand new short stories. There are also a selection of alternate histories and possible futures, building on Baxter's work with Terry Pratchett on the Long Earth series.

Stephen Baxter is one of those authors I turn to when I want to explore fascinating ideas with just the right touch of hard science fiction mixed in.  Obelisk,  his latest collection of short stories contains 17 stories two of which are previously unpublished works. The collection is divided into four sections, each section deals with a different theme tying the stories together.

The first section PROXIMA-ULTIMA contains four stories set in the universe of the Proxima and Ultima duology and expands on the characters and events of the novels.  Two stories stood out here:
On Chryse Plain: Two worlds collide. After an accident Earthers and Martians are forced to band together in order to survive in an unforgiving environment. ★★★
Obelisk: A disgraced pilot returns to Mars after a tragic accident claims the lives of his passenger; he finds a new purpose to build a legacy, but it comes at a cost. A huge emotional gut-punch at the end, with a beautiful description of the journey to Mars:
"... he passively allowed Mars to swim out of the darkness before him. In the light of the distant sun, it struck him from afar as a malformed, lopsided, murky world, oddly unfinished, like a piece of pottery made by an inadequate student." ★★★★

OTHER YESTERDAYS deals with a selection of alternate-history stories. While I enjoyed most of them it's only the last three stories in the section that really captivated me.
Darwin Anathema: Darwin is put on trail posthumously for his heretical work on the Origin of Species in a world governed by an anti-intellectual church system. Deals brilliantly with the conflict between religion and science. ★★★★
Mars Abides: A haunting tale about the first human expedition to Mars which takes an unexpected melancholy turn. This is perhaps my favourite story in the collection with an excellent plot and interesting characters.  ★★★★★
Eagle Song: An alien beacon observed throughout the ages sets humanity on a desperate course. I loved how this story plays with the progression of time and progress in knowledge while the previous generation's beliefs became part of the mythology connected to the beacon. The sad, thought-provoking ending hits hard. ★★★★

OTHER TODAYS covers stories set in the present day.
The Pevatron Rats: A strange but interesting concept lies at the core of this remarkable tale about time-traveling rats and the dire consequences it holds for the world. ★★★★
The Invasion of Venus: Humanity has to reevaluate its position in the universe when alien forces clash. ★★★

The last section, OTHER TOMORROWS, deals with visions of the future and it is here where Baxter truly shines. I enjoyed all the stories in this section.
Turing's Apples: A signal form an alien civilization changes the lives of two brothers irrevocably. I particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition in personality between the two brothers and how the story, while dealing with vast timescales manages to highlight the importance of living in the moment. ★★★★
Artefacts: This is a strange and complex tale dealing with the nature of reality and sentience. It forces you to contemplate the big questions. Why are we here? What is it all for? Why is the universe like it is? I'm not sure I've quite managed to understand it completely yet. ★★★
Vacuum Lad: A superhero story of sorts. Fun, with an interesting reveal towards the end. ★★★
Rock day: A haunting cautionary tale about human folly. This one is bound to stir up your emotions. ★★★★
Star Call: Another story that deals with long timescales. A boy gets an unusual gift from his father - the opportunity to communicate with a ship AI as it travels to Alpha Centauri. The progression of time is used to excellent effect. The story takes a sad turn, but at least the ending is hopeful (as hopeful as most of the stories in the collection gets). The AI crawls into your heart and you can't help but empathise with her plight. ★★★★★

The Verdict:
Stephen Baxter's Obelisk is a solid collection of some stellar short fiction. The stories collected here are compelling, often bleak and extremely thought-provoking fare. They highlight possible futures where humanity has to deal with the consequences of climate change, changing political landscapes and severe shifts in belief systems. These stories will linger long after being read; the ideas at their core demand deeper contemplation and introspection - a sure sign of good science fiction at work. While not all the stories appealed to me there are some true gems in this collection. Definitely well worth a read!

The Rating: 7.5/10 (Very good)

Thanks to Charlene from Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copy.

Review: Galactic Empires

Title: Galactic Empires
Editor: Neil Clarke
Pages: 624
ISBN: 9781597808842
Publisher: Night Shade
Published: 17 January 2017
Genre: Science Fiction / Short stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy it from:
The Book Depository

Neil Clarke, publisher of the award-winning Clarkesworld magazine, presents a collection of thought-provoking and galaxy-spanning array of galactic short science fiction.

From E. E. "Doc" Smith’s Lensman, to George Lucas’ Star Wars, the politics and process of Empire have been a major subject of science fiction’s galaxy-spanning fictions. The idiom of the Galactic Empire allows science fiction writers to ask (and answer) questions that are shorn of contemporary political ideologies and allegiances. This simple narrative slight of hand allows readers and writers to see questions and answers from new and different perspectives.

The stories in this book do just that. What social, political, and economic issues do the organizing structure of “empire” address? Often the size, shape, and fates of empires are determined not only by individuals, but by geography, natural forces, and technology. As the speed of travel and rates of effective communication increase, so too does the size and reach of an Imperial bureaucracy. Sic itur ad astra — “Thus one journeys to the stars.”

Themed around galactic empires in their many varied forms Galactic Empires edited by Neil Clarke brings together some of the best voices writing in the genre today. The 22 stories collected here offer an amazing selection of tales that will enthrall and entertain with their varied styles and themes.

Initially I set out to read one story each day, but work commitments and the longer length of some of the stories soon proved that I was a tad too ambitious.  In the end reading the entire anthology took quite a bit longer than I expected, but I'm glad I took the time to savour each story. While I enjoyed all of them, there are a couple that stood out above the rest. Below you'll find some brief thoughts on each story.

“Winning Peace” by Paul J. McAuley: Two people from opposing sides become unlikely allies in the aftermath of war where the losing side are forced into indentured service. Plays wonderfully with the themes of greed and corruption in a rich setting of galactic scale. Loved the twist ending. Read before. 4/5

“Night’s Slow Poison” by Ann Leckie: A six month long journey through a perilous stretch of space, The Crawl, forces a guardsman to face his own past and results in a life or death decision. Leckie manages to capture the claustrophobic feel of people confined together as they slowly travel towards their destination. The ending is somewhat predictable, but still makes for a powerful conclusion. I can’t help but feel that this story would work far better for people already familiar with the Imperial Radch series. 3/5

“All the Painted Stars” by Gwendolyn Clare: A touching story about an alien fighter’s encounter with humans as they go in search of the legacy of a dying race left for humanity to discover. Told from the perspective of the alien the narrative has an endearing, almost funny quality to it as the creature tries to come to grips with the nuances of the strange human crew who find themselves completely out of their depth. I loved the uplifting outlook of the story, particularly the transformation from killer into nurturer and how redemption can be found in the most unexpected ways. 4/5

“Firstborn” by Brandon Sanderson: Forever living in the shadow of his older brother, a military genius without equal, Dennison Crestmar tries to live up to the expectations of his father and his Emperor. They want him to become a great commander just like his brother, but he just doesn’t seem to have the same aptitude. Some hard truths are revealed forcing him to become his brother’s greatest rival. This was one heck of a tale; a tense read with some great twists and a satisfying, albeit abrupt ending. Even perfect people can be flawed. 4/5

“Riding the Crocodile” by Greg Egan: A couple embarks on one final project before they decide to terminate their lives. This story might not have a lot of action, but I loved the concepts it plays with. The sheer timescales and technology involved is amazing and the galactic society, the Amalgam, is almost beyond imagining. 4/5

“The Lost Princess Man” by John Barnes: Deception within deception in this story about a con man in search of a lost Imperial Princess. It also speaks uncomfortable truths about our society “And the one real pleasure is getting one’s way over and against resistance. The only thing human beings really enjoy is making other people do what they don’t want to.” I loved the unexpected twists and turns; I definitely didn’t see that ending coming. 4/5

“The Waiting Stars” by Aliette de Bodard: A beautiful, touching tale about an unconventional rescue mission. It deals with identity and how another culture can be forcibly subsumed, being forced to abandon the very things that provide their own cultural identity. 4/5

“Alien Archeology” by Neal Asher: The discovery of an alien artefact sets the stage for an incredible adventure filled with alien races, AI, huge spaceships and double-crosses. It’s amazing how much action and intrigue Neal Asher can cram into such a short story. This is an excellent primer to his Polity universe. Even having read this one before it still had me on the edge of my seat throughout. 5/5

“The Muse of Empires Lost” by Paul Berger: In the aftermath of a collapsed empire two people with unusual talents meet. Their chance encounter might just usher in the rise of a new empire. I absolutely adored the world-building in this story. Unusual and utterly captivating with a character you’ll love to despise. The ending is outstanding. 5/5

“Ghostweight” by Yoon Ha Lee: A bittersweet tale about revenge and the nature of truth featuring strange war-kites and origami inspired technologies. Due to the unfamiliar terminology this story was quite confusing at first, but it soon hits its stride with some unsettling revelations. 3/5

“A Cold Heart” by Tobias S. Buckell: A search for stolen memories turns bloody. Filled with loads of action an extremely interesting world sets the stage for conflict and, ultimately, a chance at redemption. 4/5

“The Colonel Returns to the Stars” by Robert Silverberg: A retired Colonel is called back into service to face the protégé who betrayed him. Great use of distance, both physical and emotional, to drive the narrative with an unexpected ending. 3.5/5

“The Impossibles” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch: A lawyer has to defend her client in InterSpecies court and discovers some uncomfortable truths. A surprisingly captivating story dealing with the legal aspects of galactic civilizations. 4/5

“Utriusque Cosmi” by Robert Charles Wilson: A story about the end of the world, but not quite. While the premise is difficult to describe this is a brilliant read. Vastly complex and staggering in implication. 5/5

“Section Seven” by John G. Hemry: A group of operatives work their subtle magic in keeping a planet within the fold of the Federation. A fast-paced tale of espionage. 3/5

“The Invisible Empire of Ascending Light” by Ken Scholes: An Emporer gives up his throne in order to save his Empire. Quite an unusual, but touching story. 4/5

“The Man with the Golden Balloon” by Robert Reed: While exploring their ship two humans stumble upon a enigmatic agent of a galactic Union who imparts staggering truths about his machinations in their lives. A superb story, filled with tension and unexpected twists and turns. 5/5

“Looking Through Lace” by Ruth Nestvold: A group of xenolinguists encounters an alien culture far more complex than first suspected. An immensely interesting read dealing with social constructs and gender roles. 4/5

“A Letter from the Emperor” by Steve Rasnic Tem: A censor stationed on the fringes of a declining galactic empire finds compassion in the most unexpected way. A touching story about compassion and the malleability of truth. 3.5/5

“The Wayfarer’s Advice” by Melinda M. Snodgrass: A princess gets a brief respite after suffering unimaginable trauma that shifts her worldview forever. This brilliant, touching story is definitely my favourite in the anthology. 5/5

“Seven Years from Home” by Naomi Novik: Two galactic agents work on opposite sides of a conflict in order to entice the warring sides to join their empire. Beautifully written with an intriguing juxtaposition between the two cultures as they follow two very different paths. 5/5

“Verthandi’s Ring” by Ian McDonald: Two galactic empires battle each other on a truly epic scale. Strange, and thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed the malleability of identity and form used in the narrative. 4/5

The Verdict:
Galactic Empires edited by Neil Clarke is a stunning collection of short fiction dealing with galactic empires in all their varied forms. It showcases some of the best voices writing in the genre today with some remarkable stories that will stay with you for ages.

The Rating: 8 (Great!)

Review: Bazaar of Bad Dreams

Title: The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
Author: Stephen King
Pages: 507
ISBN: 9780141042374
Publisher: Hodder
Published: 3 November 2015
Genre: Short Stories / Horror
Source: Purchased

Buy it from:
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Stephen King delivers a collection of thrilling stories, introducing each one with a fascinating piece on when, where or how he came to write it. There is a treasure here for every reader: a man who keeps reliving exactly the same life, repeating his mistakes over and over again; a columnist who kills people by writing their obituaries; a poignant tale about the end of the human race and a firework competition between neighbours which reaches an explosive climax. And, exclusive to this paperback edition (and the eBook from 6 September), a brand new story 'Cookie Jar'. 'I made them especially for you,' says King. 'Feel free to examine them, but please be careful. The best of them have teeth.'

Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King is a great collection of short stories by a master of the craft. The stories range from creepy, poignant, to the unsettling and bizarre, but always with a twist or unexpected turn along the way. I loved how engaging and utterly vibrant the characters in each story were. King has the ability to bring his characters to life in just a couple of sentences, to make you care for them before their inevitable fate takes its toll. What sets this collection apart is the fact that each story is accompanied by commentary sharing the inspiration behind the story; an interesting, intimate look behind the curtain to see how our nightmares are made.

I loved all the stories in the collection. The standout stories for me were Mile 81, Bad Little Kid, Morality, Ur, Herman Woulk is Still Alive, The Little Green God of Agony and Obits. My undisputed favourite was the story that rounds out the collection, Summer Thunder, a story chronicling the last days after a nuclear holocaust. Considering recent world events it hits far too close to home and might be a terrifying prophetic glimpse into our future if things continue to deteriorate.

If you are new to Stephen King's work this would be a perfect starting point. Constant Readers might have come across most of the previously published works before, but they are all well worth revisiting. The 21 stories collected in Bazaar of Bad Dreams are terrific, haunting delights that will stay with you long after you turn that last page.

Addendum:
It's been two weeks since I finished reading Bazaar of Bad Dreams and I still find myself thinking about the somewhat strangely titled Herman Woulk is Still Alive. I think this might be due to the brilliant juxtaposition used in the heartbreaking story - the two aged poets enjoying the twilight years of their life versus the sharp contrast of the young mothers left hopeless, trapped by their circumstance and falling into a pit of despair so deep that it ultimately leads to devastating tragedy. I guess that earns it the runner-up spot for favourite story in the collection.

The Verdict:
The stories collected in Bazaar of Bad Dreams are terrific, haunting delights that will stay with you long after you turn that last page. This is a perfect read for those dark nights where you come to realise that the monster might be the one hiding under the covers... Highly recommended!

The Rating: 8 (Great!)

BBC Radio 4's Adaptation of Isaac Asimov's I, Robot

BBC Radio 4 has some truly brilliant adaptations of Isaac Asimov's I, Robot. The five dramatised stories chronicle the rise of robotics in the 21st century, told through the eyes of the enigmatic lawyer Stevie Byerley.

The episodes are:
Robbie - As a child, Stevie Byerley is raised by Robbie, a robotic childminder, because her parents are too busy working. The powerful bond she forms with the robot is unbreakable. Their relationship will change the course of Stevie's life.
Reason - After two years recovering from a devastating car crash, Stevie returns to work as a Legal Psychologist. Her first case is to try and reason with a robot that has developed religious delusions and a Messiah complex
Little Lost Robot - The Three Laws of Robotics are sacred because they define the limits of artificial intelligence, tamper with them at your peril. But Stevie finds that's exactly what's happened on a space station where a rogue robot has been reprogrammed and is now AWOL.
Liar - Stevie is urgently summoned to an advanced research lab in Siberia, where a robot has developed the ability to read human minds.
The Evitable Conflict - Stevie enjoys a meteoric rise to political power. Then in a final showdown with her oldest friend Quinn, she reveals the secret that has shaped her life and changed the course of civilisation forever.

They manage to bring the world of Asimov's short stories to vibrant life and at 15 minutes each, they fit into even the busiest schedule. The episodes are available for a limited time, so be sure to listen to them while you can. Trust me you definitely don't want to miss this!

Review: Slipping: Stories, Essays, & Other Writing

Title: Slipping: Stories, Essays, & Other Writing
Author: Lauren Beukes
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781616962401
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Published: 29 November 2016
Genre: Short Stories
Source: eARC copy from publisher

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A Punk Lolita fighter-pilot rescues Tokyo from a marauding art installation. Corporate recruits harvest poisonous plants on an inhospitable planet. An inquisitive adolescent ghost disrupts the life of a young architect. Product loyalty is addictive when the brand gets under the skin.

Award-winning Cape Town author and journalist Lauren Beukes (Zoo City, Moxyland, Broken Monsters) spares no targets in this edgy and satiric collection. Ranging from Johannesburg across the galaxy, Beukes is a fierce, captivating presence all across the literary landscape.

Slipping: Stories, Essays & Other Writing collects just over a decade’s worth of short fiction by Lauren Beukes. The 21 short stories and 5 non-fiction essays collected here showcases both her growing talent as author and her keen ability to transform the mundane trappings of the everyday into something unsettling, extraordinary and thought-provoking. Her fiction manages to deal with real issues in unusual and disconcerting ways; Beukes is not afraid to shine a light into the darkness we wilfully try to ignore in order to expose the hard truths hidden in the nooks and crannies of our daily lives. The themes she tackles covers the gamut of modern life - exploitation, the effect of social media on our lives, identity, relationships, censorship and social injustice.

The first story/poem in the collection, Muse, sets the tone of what is to come. In just 65 words Beukes manages to perfectly capture the essence of what it is like to be a writer (or any creative pursuit). Where everything you produce takes a bit of your lifeblood with it into the greater world.

The gloves arrived in the mail in a box lined with tissue paper.
There was no return address.
They were elbow-length. Lace-up. Finest suede.
Muse-skin, the attached note said.
These will get you unblocked, the note said.
It was only when she put them on and sat down to write
That she realized there were fishhooks in the fingertips
That drew blood with every keystroke.

My favourite story in the collection is undoubtedly the title story, Slipping. Competitive athletics is used as a test bed for experimental human augmentations. For the athletes recruited from underprivileged backgrounds it is a chance of a lifetime provided they are willing to push themselves to breaking point. The exploitation of the athletes hidden behind a facade of helpful promoters and concerned doctors is unnerving. Pearl doesn’t quite release that they don’t care as much for her as for the tech she embodies.

“Tomislav twists off the valves on either side, unplugs her stomach and eases it out of her. He sets it in a sterile biobox and connects it to a blood flow. By the time he turns back, she is already spooling up the accordion twist of artificial intestine, like a magician pulling ribbons from his palm. It smells of lab-mod bacteria, with the faintest whiff of feces.”

Other highlights from the collection included:
The Green: Unskilled workers are used as disposable labour to harvest an alien biome. A tautly written science fiction story filled with strange alien life. Dark and gritty with an ending to die for.
Smileys: A protection racket takes an unexpected turn. A beautifully nuanced description of life in post-apartheid South Africa with a keen eye for all the social issues at play.
My Insect Skin: A completely harrowing tale of loss. It will tear your heart to shreds.
Easy Touch: The tables are turned on a 419 scammer. Deservedly so.
Dear Mariana: An obsessed stalker leaves a farewell note to her ex. A simple premise executed expertly to send chills down your spine. Utterly disturbing in the best way possible.
Unaccounted: A chilling take on the treatment of prisoners of war. If the prisoner is an alien do they deserve human rights? Who is accountable for their treatment?
Dial Tone: A sad tale about the lonely desperation of someone trying so desperately to connect.
And lastly there is Unathi Battles the Black Hairballs: A completely bonkers otaku adventure that is an insane homage to anime and Japanese culture. Bizarre and fun!

The inclusion of five non-fiction essays/articles were a rare treat. I’m far more familiar with Lauren Beukes’ fiction so it was interesting to see her more journalistic side. It’s clear that her time as journalist shaped her in many ways, providing her with both the keen observer’s eye and the story ideas that makes her such an accomplished fiction writer.

There are two essays that stood out. All the Pretty Corpses deals with the murder of a family friend and the total failure of the justice system. This tragic incident is what sparked the idea for The Shining Girls – “At least in fiction, unlike real life, you can get justice.” On Beauty: A Letter to My Fiver-Year-Old Daughter ends the collection on a hopeful note with a lesson we should all live by: “Real beauty is engaging with the world. It’s the courage to face up to it, every day. It’s figuring out who you are and what you believe in and standing by that. It’s giving a damn.”

The Verdict:
Slipping is a stunning, diverse collection of genre-spanning short fiction by one of South Africa’s best speculative fiction authors. The stories are gritty, disconcerting and thought-provoking. These are stories with impact; stories that will make you think and alter your perspectives. Stories that will make you sit up and take notice. While this might be a slim volume it packs one heck of a punch! If you are a fan of Lauren Beukes then this is an absolute must have.

The Rating: 7/10 (Very Good)

On My Radar: Galactic Empires

Next month Night Shade Books releases Galactic Empires an anthology of science fiction stories edited by Neil Clarke. With a line-up of authors featuring both accomplished veterans and the rising talents of the genre this is one anthology that you definitely won't want to miss out on.

GALACTIC EMPIRES edited by Neil Clarke
ISBN: 978-1-59780-884-2
Release Date: 17 January 2017
Pre-order a copy

Neil Clarke, publisher of the award-winning Clarkesworld magazine, presents Galactic Empires a collection of thought-provoking and galaxy-spanning short science fiction.

From E. E. “Doc” Smith’s Lensman, to George Lucas’s Star Wars, the politics and process of Empire have been a major subject of science fiction’s galaxy-spanning fictions. The idiom of the Galactic Empire allows science fiction writers to ask (and answer) questions that are shorn of contemporary political ideologies and allegiances. Here then is a diverse collection of stories that asks the questions that science fiction asks best. Empire: How? Why? And to what effect?

Contributors include: Neal Asher, Ann Leckie, Brandon Sanderson, Naomi Novik, and many more!

Table of Contents:

• “Winning Peace” by Paul J. McAuley
• “Night’s Slow Poison” by Ann Leckie
• “All the Painted Stars” by Gwendolyn Clare
• “Firstborn” by Brandon Sanderson
• “Riding the Crocodile” by Greg Egan
• “The Lost Princess Man” by John Barnes
• “The Waiting Stars” by Aliette de Bodard
• “Alien Archeology” by Neal Asher
• “The Muse of Empires Lost” by Paul Berger
• “Ghostweight” by Yoon Ha Lee
• “A Cold Heart” by Tobias S. Buckell
• “The Colonel Returns to the Stars” by Robert Silverberg
• “The Impossibles” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
• “Utriusque Cosmi” by Robert Charles Wilson
• “Section Seven” by John G. Hemry
• “The Invisible Empire of Ascending Light” by Ken Scholes
• “The Man with the Golden Balloon” by Robert Reed
• “Looking Through Lace” by Ruth Nestvold
• “A Letter from the Emperor” by Steve Rasnic Tem
• “The Wayfarer’s Advice” by Melinda M. Snodgrass
• “Seven Years from Home” by Naomi Novik
• “Verthandi’s Ring” by Ian McDonald

On My Radar: Bridging Infinity

BRIDGING INFINITY edited by Jonathan Strahan
ISBN UK: 978-1781084182
ISBN US: 978-1781084182
Release date: October 2016
Order a copy

Sense of wonder is the lifeblood of science fiction. When we encounter something on a truly staggering scale - metal spheres wrapped around stars, planets rebuilt and repurposed, landscapes re-engineered, starships bigger than worlds - the only response we have is reverence, admiration, and possibly fear at something that is grand, sublime, and extremely powerful.

Bridging Infinity puts humanity at the heart of that experience, as builder, as engineer, as adventurer, reimagining and rebuilding the world, the solar system, the galaxy and possibly the entire universe in some of the best science fiction stories you will experience.

Bridging Infinity continues the award-winning Infinity Project series of anthologies with new stories from Stephen Baxter, Elizabeth Bear, Gregory Benford, Zachary Brown, Pat Cadigan, Kameron Hurley, Scott Lynch, Vonda N. McIntyre, Hannu Rajaniemi, Allan Steele, and others.

***

I'm a huge fan of the Infinity Project series of anthologies and this latest installment has definitely gone on my wishlist. I  just love the absolute sense of wonder the hard science fiction stories collected in these anthologies manage to portray. These are the futures I want to live in.

Review: The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 28

Title: The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 28
Editor: Gardner Dozois
Pages: 663
ISBN: 9781472119995
Publisher: Little Brown
Published: November 2015
Genre: Science Fiction / Short Stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy it from:
The Book Depository

For decades now Gardner Dozois has been presenting his annual selection of the very best of recently published SF stories, both byoutstanding up-and-coming writers and undisputed masters of the genre. It has been voted Year's Best Anthology by the readers of Locus magazine an unparalleled eighteen times and remains the definitive anthology for both diehard sci-fi fans and newcomers to the genre.

Without fail, Dozois pinpoints the previous year's most exciting and ambitious science fiction, showcasing truly exceptional contemporary writing. Contributors include: Pavel Amnuel; Paolo Bachigalupi; Jessica Barber; Elizabeth Bear; Lauren Beukes; Chaz Brenchley; Karl Bunker; Jérôme Cigut; D. J. Cockburn; Aliette de Bodard; Cory Doctorow; Greg Egan; Timons Esaias; Paul Graham Raven; James Patrick Kelly; Ellen Klages; Nancy Kress; Jay Lake; Rich Larson; Ken Liu; Ian McDonald; Mary Anne Mohanraj; Susan Palwick; Gareth L. Powell; Robert Reed; Alastair Reynolds; Adam Roberts; Karl Schroeder; Vandana Singh; Allen M. Steele; Michael Swanwick; Rachel Swirsky; Lavie Tidhar; Peter Watts.

The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 28 includes, as ever, Dozois's extensive recommended reading guide and his illuminating and incisive summation of the year in science fiction.

True to its title The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 28 is a truly mammoth collection of some of the best science fiction short stories published during 2014. The 36 stories collected here offer a wide spectrum of tales from both the biggest names in science fiction as well as truly innovative works by new, up-and-coming talents in the genre.

Most anthologies are mixed bag, like a box of chocolates you never know what you’ll find and you often end up with a large percentage of stories that just don’t resonate with you as a reader. Dozois has done a stellar job in his selection process for this anthology. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every story included, which is surprising considering all the diverse voices and distinct themes of the stories collected here.

Trying to narrow my favourites down to a list of just 10 was a harrowing task, but here are the stories that stood out.
The Fifth Dragon by Ian Macdonald: This story still retains the impact it had on me when I first read it in Reach for Infinity. A story about love, and how dreams can be made concrete through determination and hard work.
The Days of the War, As Red as Blood, As Dark as Bile by Aliette de Bodard: A powerful story where peace comes at a terrible cost.
The Regular by Ken Lui: A futuristic crime thriller where a cyborg detective is on the hunt for a serial killer who prays on escorts. Well executed, with brilliant characters and a stunning ending.
The Man Who Sold the Moon by Cory Doctorow: A touching story about how a seemingly small invention can change the world.
Slipping by Lauren Beukes: Competitive athletics is used as a testbed for experimental human augmentations. For the athletes it is a chance of a lifetime provided they are willing to push themselves far enough.
In Babelsberg by Alastair Reynolds: A promotional tour by a sentient space probe takes a dark turn.
The Great Leap by Rachel Swirsky: A heartbreaking story exploring identity as a dying girl’s consciousness is copied into an artificial body by a father that is unwilling to lose his daughter.
Jubilee by Karl Schroeder: If I had to choose only one favourite this would be it. A brilliant and unusual love story where an entire society of couriers devote their lives to deliver the love letters of two teenagers locked in a cycle of synchronized hibernation to keep up with a universe where no FTL travel exists. An absolutely amazing premise, executed to perfection.
Prodigal Son by Allen M. Steele: A story filled with that unique sense of wonder and excitement only space exploration can provide as the Arkwright foundation sets out to provide humanity with a foothold in another star system.
Blood Wedding by Robert Reed: Two divergent evolutionary ideologies lead to a bloody clash during a wedding with far-reaching consequences and a very poignant ending.

While the stories were brilliant, I did experience a couple of issues with the particular edition I read. Lots of spelling errors seem to have slipped through the editing and proofing process. While it was not a huge problem, it was noticeable enough to distract me at times. The actual printed text also seemed rather faint; I'm not sure whether that is due to the font choice or the ink used in the printing process. Aside from that I can highly recommend this anthology.

As always the summation of the state of science fiction at the start of the anthology and the detailed author bios accompanying each story is an immensely useful resource, particularly if you find a new author whose work you would like to explore further.

The Verdict:
The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 28 is a truly mammoth collection of some of the best science fiction short stories of 2014. If you want to explore short fiction or want to discover some new authors this would be the place to start!

The Rating: 8 (Great)

Thanks to Charlene from Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copy.

Vintage Science Fiction: The Great SF Stories 25

Title: Isaac Asimov Presents The Great SF Stories 25
Edited by: Isaac Asimov and Martin H. Greenberg
Pages: 381
ISBN: 0886775183
Publisher: DAW
Published: 1992
Genre: Short Stories / Science Fiction
Source: Owned

In 1963, the world was in a state of turmoil and change. racial unrest and civil rights marches, President Kennedy's assassination, the establishment of the "hot line" between Washington and Moscow, the discovery of the quasar, and the first human organ transplants, all were seminal events. And the concerns of the time, the fears about where humankind might be heading, and the hopes for a better future are reflected in masterful stories by some of the science fiction's all-time greats.

When I started looking for something to read for the Vintage Science Fiction not-a-challenge hosted by the Little Red Reviewer I was rather perplexed to find that most of my collection consists of books from the 1990s onward. Luckily I stumbled on one title with sufficiently yellowed edges – a sure indication of a suitably geriatric book (or inferior paper) worthy of being called vintage.

It turned out that the book in question, Isaac Asimov presents The Great SF Stories 25, was actually published in 1992. Luckily the anthology consisted of stories published in 1963 so I was all set to go.

The table of contents reads like the who’s who of early science fiction and it was interesting to read stories by some lesser-known authors which I hadn’t encountered before.
Fortress Ship by Fred Saberhagen
Not In The Literature by Christopher Anvil
The Totally Rich by John Brunner
No Truce With Kings Paul Anderson
New Folk’s Home by Clifford D. Simak
The Faces Outside by Bruce McAllister
Hot Planet by Hal Clement
The Pain Peddlers by Robert Silverberg
Turn of the Sky by Rey Nelson
They Don’t Make Life Like They Used To by Alfred Bester
Bernie the Faust by William Tenn
A Rose For Ecclesiastes by Roger Zelazny
If There Were No Benny Cemoli by Philip K. DIck

Six stories really stood out for me. The best story in the collection turned out to be The Pain Peddlers by Robert Silverberg. It is a rather macabre tale of a TV executive preying on the pain of others in order to get the rights to broadcast that pain to his viewers allowing them to experience the pain themselves via intensifier helmets. In the end he gets what he had coming.

No Truce With Kings by Paul Anderson was my second favourite story. An otherworldly force is interfering in the politics of mankind leading to a civil war in a post-nuclear America. A powerful and evocative tale about freedom, belief and the cost of fighting for those beliefs.

New Folk’s Home by Clifford D. Simak was a strange one and I’m not really sure why I ended up liking it so much. While going on one last adventure before checking himself into an Old folk’s home a retired law professor discovers a mysterious house. A house that might just hold the key to his future. Who knew a story revolving around law could be so interesting?

Hot Planet by Hal Clement falls more firmly in the hard SF category. A scientific expedition to Mercury is endangered by sudden volcanic activity. I loved the focus on the scientists and the fact that they use science to resolve the situation. A modern audience might say they scienced the shit out of it.

They Don’t Make Life Like They Used To by Alfred Bester reminded me a lot of I Am Legend. The last two survivors of the human race cross paths in a devastated world. While the conclusion of the story was mostly predictable the impact of the story is in the differing ways these two people try to cope with the trauma of their existence. I also liked the somewhat odd touch that the characters felt compelled to leave IOUs in all the shops they looted.

Finally there was A Rose For Ecclesiastes by Roger Zelazny - a very touching and poignant tale that stays with you. The story grows in impact the longer you contemplate it. A gifted poet and linguist from Earth is sent to study the history of the Martian race. While reading their sacred texts he makes a startling discovery and unwittingly plays a part in fulfilling a prophecy that leaves him scarred.

Overall I enjoyed the collection of stories on offer. While some of them didn’t age all that well, particularly those relying heavily on the political climate and beliefs of the time, most of them still had the ability to resonate with me on some level. One thing I found exceptionally jarring, aside from the dated technology (vacuum tubes and tapes!), was how often the stories involved smoking. This was particularly ironic when, in one of the stories, a character gave a Martian a cigarette and proceeded to instruct her on the divine joy of smoking only for it to be later revealed that said Martian race is actually on the verge of dying out. I guess a couple of smokes couldn't hurt. 

The Verdict:
Isaac Asimov presents The Great SF Stories 25 is a very enjoyable read with some superb short fiction to discover. Some of the stories are very much a product of their time and haven’t aged well, but most have stood the test of time surprisingly well. If you are at all interested in vintage science fiction, then this anthology would be a good place to start.

The Rating: 6 / 10 (Good)

Fetch

And here is the last installment of micro fiction. I'd like to introduce you to a hellhound called Scraps...

Fetch

The dog found him where he lay curled up into a ball behind the dumpster, bruised and battered by his latest encounter with Bruce the Moose, the kid that made his life a living hell. Max was weird, forever lost in a book or a world of his own making. None of the other kids liked him. He’d made peace with that fact a long time ago. He just couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t just leave him alone.

He felt a wet tongue lapping at the blood on his hand where a broken bottle had sliced his palm. Cringing he looked up and stared transfixed into two glowing red eyes. A huge dog, the biggest he’d ever seen, looked down at him. It wagged its tail and proceeded to cover his face in slobber.

Scraps, that’s what he named it, followed him everywhere. It was odd how people never seemed to notice Scraps. They just detoured around them, giving Max strange looks and shaking their heads whenever he chatted to his constant companion.

They were playing in the woods when Bruce found them. “Whaddya doing weirdo?” he snarled as he shoved Max to the ground. Scraps howled and came crashing through the undergrowth. Bruce turned, his face went ashen and with a scream he fled into the trees.

“Go fetch, boy!” Scraps looked at him and bounded into the woods. He heard distant screams and a few minutes later Scraps returned depositing a bloody bone at his feet.

"Good job boy!"

The Whispering Silence

 As a special Halloween treat (or trick depending on how terrible you think my writing is) I'm going to share my micro fiction entries to Apex Magazine's Steal the Spotlight contest. The story ideas just wormed their way into my head and they didn't want to go away until I scribbled them down. I'm not an aspiring writer so I sincerely suspect they were meant for someone far more capable.

The Whispering Silence

The demon always came for him in the silences, those moments in-between thought. Night. Day. It made no difference. It was always there whispering offers of temptation - the world was his, theirs, for the taking. A simple yes would be all it took.

Even his dreams provided no solace, only visions of fire and flame. The world turned to ash at his touch. A multitude of voices howled from the flames, demanding to be allowed in. The only voice of dissent his own as he screamed, “No, no, NO!” until he woke in tears, gasping for breath. Night after night, it was always the same.

The whispers grew louder, more insistent and angry by the day. How much longer could his resolve manage to bar the way?

***

He stumbled upon the kitten in an alley as he wandered the streets in search of noise, people - anything to keep the whispers at bay. It was a pitiful mewling thing covered in dirt; clinging to life by a thread. It shivered in his hands, nuzzling at a finger that could provide no sustenance.

The demon stirred. Drawn by the life he held in his hands. How little it would take to snuff it out. A mere thought. It would be so easy to let go. To give in.

Unbidden a spark flickered between his fingers. The corners of his mouth curled up into a smile. Such a simple answer.

A spark, a flame. An inferno.
Agony. Ecstasy. Freedom...

If the writing didn't send you screaming for the hills, I'll introduce you to Scraps tomorrow...

Review: Reach for Infinity

Title: Reach for Infinity
Editor: Jonathan Strahan
Pages: 339
ISBN: 9781781082034
Publisher: Solaris
Published: 2014
Genre: Science fiction / Short stories
Source: Review copy from publisher

Buy it from:
The Book Depository

What happens when humanity reaches out into the vastness of space? The award-winning anthologies editor, Jonathan Strahan, is back with a stellar list of best-selling SF authors in a collection of all-new original stories.

The brightest names in science fiction contribute new original fiction to this amazing anthology, including new stories by Alastair Reynolds, Greg Egan, Ian McDonald, Ken Macleod, Pat Cadigan, Karl Schroeder, Hannu Rajaniemi, Karen Lord, Adam Roberts, Kathleen Ann Goonan, Aliette de Bodard, Peter Watts, and others!

I think the best description of the 14 stories included in Reach for Infinity comes from Strahan himself, “Many of the stories take place on Earth in the next hundred years, looking at points in time where people, or a person, look to make a critical difference and push forward towards something greater. Some of them take snapshots from places – deep within the future colonies of Mars or perched in the chromosphere of the sun – where humanity as a whole is pushing its boundaries and stretching its limits in order to achieve more. All of them are about, one way or another, reaching for infinity from within and without.” It perfectly captures the essence and tone of the stories you’ll find in the anthology.

For me the best thing about short stories, anthologies in particular, is the ability to discover work by unfamiliar authors. In this respect Reach for Infinity definitely delivered. Two of my favourite stories are from authors I haven’t encountered before, which was a pleasant surprise since most of the really big names in SF are represented.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and each one fits in well with the overall theme. As is always the case there were some stories that resonated more with me than others. For the sake of brevity I’ll highlight seven of my favourites. I know that’s half of the entire anthology, but I couldn’t trim it down further.

Break my fall – Greg Egan
A trip to Mars turns into a daring rescue operation when a CME threatens the lives of the passengers. The story portrays a very interesting concept of traveling between Earth and Mars and the ending is completely heart-wrenching. Great imagery and a stunning start to the anthology.

He rode up in airless silence, unable to turn his gaze to the side to look across at the stars. All he could see was the rock straight above him, cycling through its ten-second days and nights: a lighthouse, a prison, a safe port for all the loneliness and grief to come.

The Dust Queen - Aliette de Bodard
Salvaging childhood memories of home comes at a huge cost to the parties involved; a loss of self, of creativity, but also hope. Hope in the form of performances drawn in the dusts of Mars, a reminder of a future yet to come for the descendents of those watching over the terraforming of the planet. A touching, thought-provoking tale with a refreshing infusion of Vietnamese culture.

Going into someone’s brain is almost like being in space: that curious sensation of hanging, weightless, like floating in water without the water; of hanging in darkness with the stars around her like hairpin wounds in the fabric of the heavens.

The Fifth Dragon - Ian McDonald
This is a touching story about pioneers on the Moon, indebted to companies by the very act of living as they sculpt the lunar landscape into a new foothold for humanity. Two friends become lovers as the Moon takes its toll in bone-density, dreams and money, but it also offers countless opportunity for those brave enough to spot and embrace them.

The scan was routine. Every moon worker has one every four lunes. Achi was called, she went into the scanner. The machine passed magnetic fields through her body and when she came out the medic said, you have four weeks left.

Coffee is the drug of memory. I can remember the great cups of coffee of my life; the places, the faces, the words spoken. It never quite tastes the way it smells. If it did, we would drink it until our heads exploded with memory.

Report Concerning the Presence of Seahorses on Mars - Pat Cadigan
The populace of Mars emancipate themselves in a most peculiar way. I loved how the title only makes sense once you’ve read the story. The use of reality TV/crowd sourcing as funding for the Mars colonies might be quite prophetic if Mars One ever manages to get off the ground.

Amicae Aeternum - Ellen Klages
How do you bid farewell to an entire world? A young girl says goodbye to everything she knows, to everything she’ll never be able to do and to a friend she’ll have to leave behind. Her only solace is in an artefact of friendship she’ll take with her to the stars. This was definitely my favourite story in the anthology. It’s an extremely touching story of leave-taking with just the right mix of hope in the end. I think we all need to experience a day like this to rediscover the joy in the simple things around us.

The grass was chill and damp beneath her bare feet. She let them rest on it for a minute, the freshly-mowed blades tickling her toes, her heels sinking into the springy-sponginess of the dirt. She breathed deep, to catch it all – the cool and the green and the stillness – holding it in for as long as she could before slipping on her shoes.

A morning to remember. Every little detail.

Trademark Bugs: A Legal History - Adam Roberts
A disconcerting tale of corporations infecting people with designer germs in order to sell them the cure. I was sceptical of the legal style of the narration, but in the end it was an extremely effective way to tell the story, especially taking into account the increasingly litigious way large corporations handle trademark issues.

Wilder Still, the Stars - Kathleen Ann Goonan
Artificial people viewed as mere disposable tools turn out to be far more capable than their human creators. Through our creations, our successors we will inherit the stars. I loved the complexity of the themes at play – the love of astronomy and how our dreams can live on through others.

The Verdict:
Reach for Infinity has a stellar array of both authors and stories that explores humanity grasping for a place amongst the stars. Beautifully written, captivating, touching, but most importantly filled with that unique sense of wonder only great science fiction can provide. Don’t be scared off by the hard science fiction label. Science is used to set the stage, but these stories are overflowing with human emotion and spirit even if it sometimes takes unexpected forms. While some of the stories appealed more than others, they were all thoroughly enjoyable reads. If you are looking for a way to dip your toes into hard science fiction then this anthology would be a great starting point – a true showcase of what hard SF has to offer. Definitely recommended.

The Rating: 7/10 (Very good)