Book Review: Ahab

 “‘… have you ever stopped to think that perhaps these noble intentions I see in other are truly there, they just need to be drawn out? Would we all not be better versions of ourselves if others held us to higher standards?’”

 

Wow. Just wow. I enjoyed this story way more than I expected!

A long, long time ago in a country far, far away, I read the source book, Melville’s Moby-Dick. Can I just say that I enjoyed this retelling for different reasons? While Moby-Dick focusses on whaling in the 19^th century and the impact it had on society, the economy, and nature as a whole, Ahab explores the potential future of the 26^th century after a devastating war between humankind and sentient machines (the whales, or MICs as their called).

 

Book: Ahab by E.B. Dawson
Genre: Sci-fi, space opera, retelling
My rating: 4/5 stars
Mini description: whales in space, space whales!

Told from both the perspective of Ahab and his first mate James Starbuck, Ahab was a delightfully complex story. I particularly enjoyed the dual perspective and the juxtaposition of Ahab’s stubbornness and determination next to Starbuck’s idealism and loyalty. Though not as nearly as long as its source book, I found the book to be the perfect length. And the font size was legible!

I particularly liked how Dawson incorporates sailing with space travel. While the former is tried and true, the latter is relatively new, so there’s no saying what exactly it will look like in the future.

Even though the story takes place in the 26^th century, it’s reminiscent of the 1800’s, which is both interesting and frustrating. From a story-telling standpoint, I though the details of the society were really cool, but from a woman’s perspective, a society that doesn’t advocate women’s rights is super frustrating, even if some of the characters stand up for them.

Another element I liked about the book is how it’s not so straightforward with its answers. The ending actually left me wondering if that was all, yet the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.

So I actually feel kinda bad for giving the book 4 stars instead of 5, and the only reason for that is because some parts of the story felt unnecessary. At one point, Ishmael shows up, which I found to be really cool how Dawson worked him in, until he’s never mentioned again. Was the only purpose of the chapter for the brief cameo? Plot-wise, his appearance doesn’t make much sense.

In all, I gave Ahab 4/5 stars for excellent character development and story telling albeit some unnecessary plot points. I would recommend the book to those who have and have not read Moby-Dick and are interesting in space opera. I look forward to reading more of Dawson’s work.

 

Interested in the book? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these classic retellings: The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen (Turandot, Italian opera), The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant (Les Miserables, French classic), The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (The Snow Maiden, Russian fairytale).

 

Let’s chat! Have you read Ahab yet, or has it made it to your TBR? Have you read the original Moby-Dick? What are some of your favorite classic retellings?

 

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Similar book reviews: The Court of Miracles, Strange Waters, and The Beast of Talesend

Book Review: Of Myth and Monster

This story is my favorite. No, this one! No… Argh! I like them all!

I always get excited when the Phoenix Fiction Writers come out with something new, whether it be an anthology or a book by an individual author. The only problem is, they often come out with stuff so fast that I can’t keep up! Which means there’s plenty to read of course, and my TBR will never be sad.

Of the authors who are a part of PFW, I am most familiar with the works of Hannah Heath, Kyle Robert Shultz, and Nate Philbrick. Anthologies like this one keep introducing me to new authors with their wonderful stories. Last year, they came out with Strange Waters (5/5 stars), and this year, they recently released Of Myth and Monster.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

 

Book: Of Myth and Monster by Hannah Heath, Kyle Robert Shultz, Beth Wangler, E. B. Dawson, C. Scott Frank, Grace Crandall, Deck Matthews, Nate Philbrick, and J. E. Purrazzi

Genre: Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Short Stories

My rating: 5/5 stars

Year published: 2020

Short description: magic-filled and meaningful

 

“Mistakes Were Made” by Hannah Heath

The first story in the anthology features a fantasy adventure of a college student who accidentally loses her friend’s homework to a mythological creature. I particularly like how the story is a prequel to her series on Wattpad, So I Accidentally Killed the Chosen One. Readers get a glimpse at some of the characters before their main adventure begins.

Though I sometimes struggle to imagine the settings of Heath’s stories, I always enjoy the characters. Guillerma and Mundo make quite the contrast, and now I’m curious to see if Mundo will have a large role in the rest of the series as well.

Then there’s gems like this one that describes the stress of college finals perfectly:

“I pull myself together and scramble to my feet only to be jostled by a guy wrapped in what looks like coffee-stained bed sheets.

“‘No sleep, no time, gotta study,’ he mutters as he stumbles down the hallway, an art project tucked under one arm and VR goggles tucked beneath the other.”

Overall thoughts: funny and relatable

 

“The Boy Who Listened” by Kyle Robert Shultz

“I just can’t fully express them in a way that everyone else can understand. If I tried, I’d probably just make it harder for people to listen to me. So I keep those feelings inside, and people think that’s brave, but it’s not. Not always, at least. Sometimes I don’t want to be brave.”

Of all Shultz’s stories and books that I’ve read, this one is probably my favorite so far. While he typically writes humorous stories, this one is a little more series, and the themes were excellent! I actually found myself empathizing with the main character, Noah. At first, I thought he perceives things one way, but as the story went on, I realized it was much deeper. He just wants people to be able to understand him, even though he has difficulty communicating.

Then the Greek deities as teachers tied in with a magical academy provided a familiar basis for a fantasy story. I particularly like how Athena turns into a sleepy owl during the day and a librarian at night.

Overall thoughts: relatable and heartfelt

 

“H.E.R.O.” by Beth Wangler

“‘Fear devours,’ she could almost hear her mom saying. ‘Tell it you’re not on the menu and keep living.’”

The first sci-fi/fantasy story in the collection! This one jumps right into the action, providing a report about events before the beginning of the story, then gradually builds up the main action. Which is amazing!

I particularly like the way it intersperses reports and news clippings with the main narrative, which progresses rather quickly but not at a rushed pace. I particularly enjoyed how the story incorporates various fantasy species into a futuristic society, especially seeing a civilian minotaur on a train, a pygmy phoenix as a pet, and a siren on Hestia’s team.

The themes were excellent too, and I just love Hestia’s perspective. Though I’m curious to see how her life would play out afterward.

Overall thoughts: stunning

 

“The Gods of Troy” by E. B. Dawson

Yet another story that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements. Though this one actually takes place in space with the interdimensional gods of Troy determined to destroy Odysseus. An interesting approach on The Odyssey, what with the crew sailing a wooden ship through space and wielding swords. The story itself only covers the mouth of Scylla, though it hints at a later quest of destroying Hades. I’m curious to see how Dawson writes more of this fictional universe.

Overall thoughts: complex world-building

 

“The Unicorn Tamer” by C. Scott Frank

“Wub-Nub contemplated this. And then contemplated harder. After giving himself a very minor headache somewhere between his left eye and his right shoulder blade, he decided he should probably stop contemplating it before he inflicted permanent damage.”

I’ve never read anything by Frank before, but I heard he joined the Phoenix Fiction Writers not too long ago. This particular sci-fi-fantasy story hints at a certain story that shall-not-be-named but is pretty obvious from furry creatures that live on a moon and slightly resemble but are not Ewoks. At first, I found it a little annoying as I am not a fan of Star Wars nor Ewoks, but I ultimately liked the way Frank developed his world with a grumpy protagonist, Wub-Nub, the island he lives on, and the fantastical creatures there. There’s even a point where the characters break the fourth wall.

The only thing I can’t stand is the ending. HOW DARE IT END LIKE THAT!!! I’m still mad, thank you very much.

Overall thoughts: humorous yet infuriating

 

“Lamp of Silver” by Grace Crandall

“How could any life not be something to rejoice over? Another set of ears to share the sounds of the world with, another pair of eyes to drink in the light?”

This story is beautiful. The writing style simply drew me in, and the themes concerning life and death were excellent! Another story set aboard a ship, but this one takes a more traditional, sea-faring approach. Oh, yeah, and it’s about pirates. Yasser, the protagonist, first encounters magic on an island when he meets a not a genie but a memento, who is insistent on telling him an important fact of life.

Overall thoughts: meaningful

 

“The Staff of Callewhyr” by Deck Matthews

The story of Renlyn, a monk on a journey he didn’t ask for, with Arnak, a protector who lost his uncle. Or did he? From a tiresome ride on horseback to a boat ride across a subterranean lake, this fantasy story features complex characters as well as a complex world. At first, I was concerned that the ending would be too easy, and I wondered how Renlyn of all people would manage to get out a scrape, but Matthews sets up the story rather well. Like many of the other stories in the collection, the ending is complete but rather open ended, and I’m curious to read more about Renlyn and Arnak.

Overall thoughts: more intricate world-building

 

“Aura” by Nate Philbrick

“… the hillside settled into a palpable silence. Trees rose through the fog like the dark masts of a hundred ships lost at sea. The trail beneath our feet swiftly faded and vanished without a hint of what lay ahead.”

A story about loss, love, and loyalty. Oliver just wanted to study journalism when he got recruited for a war. Months later, he’s on a journey to help find a doctor who will heal Mónica of her tuberculosis. Not only does the story have great characters, but it also has a great setting. Up in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Oli and Món encounter a touch of magic and a group of orphans. This story almost made me cry. Seriously so heartbreaking and yet so, so good!

Overall thoughts: heartfelt

 

“The Eyes of the Barghest” by J. E. Purrazzi

The perfect conclusion to a collection of epic sci-fi-fantasy stories. This one is pure fantasy, though, and it’s set amid the snow-filled woods as Eyva and her sister Brit are heading to a fjord to escape the plague that has taken their family from them. This story had me shivering. It didn’t help that the AC in my house is on high. Then the whole mythical element of the barghest was so well-executed and heartbreaking.

Overall thoughts: memorable

 

I still don’t have a favorite among these stories. They’re all good!

Of Myth and Monster just released yesterday, which is super exciting!

Interested in the book? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: Strange Waters by the Phoenix Fiction Writers (Dawson, Frank, Garrett, Heath, Phibrick, Pierce, Purrazzi and Shultz), The Beast of Talesend by Kyle Robert Shutlz, and The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.

 

Let’s chat! Has Of Myth and Monster made it to your to-be-read list yet? Have you read it yet? Have any monstrous fantasy/sci-fi recommendations?

 

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Similar book reviews: The Light at the Bottom of the World to The Art of Feeling, Strange Waters, and Fawkes

Book Review: Strange Waters

I’ve been on a sci-fi kick lately. When the Phoenix Fiction Writers announced a collection of short stories with water-related sci-fi—oh my goodness so much yes! As somebody who has lived in Hawai’i and is in love with the sound of lapping waves, the smell of sea salt, and the thrill of the ocean and how freakishly big it is, I was a little excited for this collection. Of course, I can be a little picky about my underwater stories and my sci-fi, but I was still looking forward to this one.

Thus I found myself with yet another advanced reader copy for the latest Phoenix Fiction Anthology, so I present you with my humble estimation of the book. All opinions are my own.

Book: Strange Waters by Kyle Robert Shultz, E.B. Dawson, Hannah Heath, Beth Wangler, Nate Philbrick, J.E. Purrazzi, and K.L. + Pierce

Genre: Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Short Stories

My rating: 5/5 stars

Year published: 2019

Short description: WATER-BASED SCI-FI!!! (and fantasy)

“Backpack Boy” by Nate Philbrick

Oh, my goodness. Featuring fear and bravery, pain and adventure, I found this story is so sweet and heartbreaking simultaneous. I called the parallels within the plot, but they in no way detracted from my ability to enjoy the story. I particularly liked the boy’s stuffed elephant as a character who encouraged the boy as he went along. And Philbrick’s description, as always is brilliant:

“The elephant was crayon-blue once upon a time, but a hundred adventures have sapped the colour. He’s a bit lumpy and old, but the boy loves to press his cheek into the ruffles under the elephant’s chin, where it’s soft and warm like Mum’s knit sweaters.”

Overall thoughts: most heartfelt

“Finer Things” by C. Scott Frank

I’m a little biased because I don’t care for romance, and one of the descriptions for this story is “star-crossed lovers.” Suffice to say I wasn’t much of a fan, and I didn’t find the sci-fi elements or the character development to be very believable. But maybe that’s just the skeptical, non-romantic in me speaking.

Overall thoughts: squishy but with good themes

“Roanoke” by J. E. Purrazzi

Wow, that ending though! A sci-fi adventure set on an aquatic world with a ship called The Wells. I need to go back and re-read the story when I’m feeling a little more awake, so I can get a better feel for the narrative and the beautiful descriptions. I sure hope there is more to this world than this one story because now I’m hooked!

Overall thoughts: dynamic world-building

“Kamynosa’s Labyrinth” by Beth Wangler

I’d been reading the stories one at a time, one each day, and I was just going to read the description when I blinked, and I’d finished it. Suffice to say I was hooked by the plot, the beautiful descriptions, and the characters. Can I also say that the style was reminiscent of The Princess Bride, referencing a longer text and giving us gems like this one:

“I will not bore you with a detailed exposition upon the nuances of the Labyrinth and its history, which Professor Daus-sun has described in great detail elsewhere. Suffice it to say that Kamynosa, curls perfectly tamed and best coral-stamped skirt twisted around her hips, read aloud the script whose origins were ancient even then.

Overall thoughts: beautiful prose

“Barnaby Brown and the Glass Sea” by. E. B. Dawson

Highly entertaining, though the ending was a more abrupt than I would have anticipated. Full of wit and characters who may or may not thrive in an academic society, this story is about the joy and frustrations of discovery, even if that discovery just so happens to be a stowaway. I sure hope there is more to the story of Barnaby Brown because it can’t end like that!

Overall thoughts: most witty

“Through the Lens” by K. L. + Pierce

Not my favorite of the stories. While I liked the combination of fantasy and sci-fi, I was a little confused as to why certain characters behaved the way they did. I think if the story had more pages to develop the characters, it might have made more sense. All the same, I enjoyed the sibling dynamic and the lengths Dion was willing to go to for his sister.

Overall thoughts: dedicated siblings

“Ric Vayne and the Curse of Ghoul Nebula” by Kyle Robert Shultz

Highly entertaining, as is usual for Shutlz’s work. At first, I was a little appalled at the drunken state of Ric Vayne during the opening, but as the story went along, he grew on me. The way he cared for Ovo and her freedom was so endearing. Though are we going to talk about how he nicknamed her Ovo because he thought she looked like an owl but couldn’t explain how the name “Ovo” looks like an emoji of a bird? No? Maybe it’s just me…

Overall thoughts: engrossing story

“The Underground” by Janelle Garrett

Fascinating. Honestly, the description didn’t have me too hooked—a girl is kidnapped by dragons, and her brother is trying to rescue her. Haven’t we heard this one before? But as the story went on, I got the sense that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. While I’m still not sure of all the details, as it’s a part of a series, The Steward Saga, I have a theory that it’s not just fantasy.

Overall thoughts: intriguing

“This Pain Inside” by Hannah Heath

Brilliant, as is usual for Heath’s work. A powerful story with well-developed characters and excellent themes, this one is actually set in an underwater society. I particularly liked the way Heath combined the science of what it might be like to live so deep and the fantastic abilities that come from the Ne, and I’d like to see the concept fleshed out into a longer piece.

Overall thoughts: excellent themes

Interested in Strange Waters? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: Antiheros by the Phoenix Fiction Writers (Shultz, Dawson, Heath, Wangler, Philbrick, Purrazzi, and Pierce), Skies of Dripping Gold by Hannah Heath, Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman.

Let’s chat! Has Strange Waters made it to your to-be-read list yet? Have you read it yet? Have any underwater fantasy/sci-fi recommendations?

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Similar posts: Book Review: Antiheroes, Author Interview: Hannah Heath, and Book Review: The Beast of Talesend

Phoenix Fiction Writers Giveaway

Today I am celebrating my 200^th blog post! *throws confetti* *inhales confetti* *coughs up confetti* Maybe I should imagine throwing something else…

Anyway, I’d like to thank my readers once again for your support, and because my blogiversary giveaway got way more attention than I’d expected, I’m here to share another giveaway with you! International entries welcome.*

This time, however, I’d like to feature some indie authors, specifically the Phoenix Fiction Writers. They’re a group of speculative fiction authors who write short stories to novels that cover fairy tale retellings to original works. Though I haven’t read all of their stories yet (slow down, guys!), I have enjoyed the ones I’ve read so far.

The following books are organized by authors’ last names.

*Print entries only available in the US. International entries are welcome for e-books only. Some books may have restrictions for certain countries. If the book of your choice is not available in your country, you may have to select a substitute.

Beast in the Machine by E. B. Dawson

A sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

There are only two reasons people move to Ilford: to study at the renowned scientific research center, or to escape society. Dr. Richter intends to further his research. But his daughter Isabelle finds there is a strange enmity between the scientists and the villagers, and it has something to do with the reclusive man who hired her, Dr. Sebastian Prince. 

I haven’t actually read this one yet, but what a stunning cover! I’m a huge fan of sci-fi, so that’s a plus.

“Sounds of Deceit” by Hannah Heath

One sorcerer. Four assassins. Uncover the stories of the warriors who will one day band together to kill the most powerful being in their world.

Death and destruction. Those are the consequences of being a magician under Elgar's rule. Ailith once thought that she could be the exception, but now she sees that her skillset only brings about pain, even upon those she intends to protect. Convinced that there is only one solution, Ailith buries herself in obscurity and turns her back on the warrior life.

It is a simple decision at first, but one that grows more and more complicated as Elgar, a tyrannical sorcerer, continues his reign of death and injustice. When Ailith is offered an opportunity to fight against Elgar once again, she must decide: Will she continue to live in fear of her powers? Or will she embrace them, no matter the consequences?

Heath’s latest short story in her Terebinth Tree Chronicles. For those new to the series and to her work, her other stories are also available as potential prizes: “Skies of Dripping Gold” (stand alone, see short story review), “Colors of Fear” (Terebinth Tree, #1), and “Flames of Courage” (Terebinth Tree, #2).

Two Lives Three Choices by K. L. + Pierce

When two new students arrive at Krysta’s school, she quickly discovers she must: choose her friends. Seeing one of the new students sitting alone, Krysta must decide whether she’s willing to risk a friendship she already has for someone she hardly knows. That choice causes Krysta to have visions, revealing that the new arrivals are more than they seem. Choose her side. The new students, Alec and Dion, are more than rivals. They are bitter enemies involved in the war that Krysta is suddenly thrust in the middle of. Unable to run, she must now choose where her loyalties lie. Choose whether she’s willing to die for those she loves. Because when a friend is in danger, Krysta knows she can save them. But saving her friend’s life could cost Krysta her own. Those three choices will define the life Krysta leads… and the one that she leaves behind.

More sci-fi! Aside from her short story, I haven’t read much of Pierce’s work yet, but I’m curious to see how her full-length novel plays out.

The Beast of Talesend by Kyle Robert Shultz (Signed copy!)

Fairy tales aren’t real. Private detective Nick Beasley knows that. This is 1922 E.A. (Ever After), an age of big cities, automobiles, and airships. Nobody in the Afterlands believes in magic and monsters anymore. Especially not Nick, who’s made a name for himself in the city of Talesend by debunking fraudulent “magical” phenomena.

But when a misadventure with alleged enchantress Lady Cordelia Beaumont goes awry, leaving Nick with claws, a tail, and quite a lot of fur, he begins to rethink his stance on magic.

There’s only one way for Nick to regain his humanity. He and Cordelia will have to retrieve a powerful magical artifact from a ruthless crime lord—who happens to be Cordelia’s father. Otherwise, Nick won’t be the only monster roaming through Talesend.

The fate of the Afterlands lies in the hands of a renegade enchantress and an extremely hairy detective. What could possibly go wrong?

Typically, I’m not a huge fan of fairy tale retellings because I find them uber predictable, but there are a few stellar ones for which I’m willing to make exceptions. The Beast of Talesend is one of them (see book review). I started the series last year, and I’m eagerly awaiting book 4.

Child of the Kaites by Beth Wangler

Desert fantasy retelling of the story of Moses, with magic swords, homicidal storms, and griffins.

The kaites are spiritual beings who can dwell in rocks, plants, and water.

They saved baby Rai from the watery death faced by her people. They raised her in the blessed region. They told her she would be the Leader of a Revolt.

She was going to free her people from slavery.

At least, that's what Rai used to believe. Then she grew up.

Living as an exile under an assumed identity, Rai can't lead a conversation, let alone a slave revolt. Her role in life is to be an historian. She will lead her people by reminding them of who they are, nothing more.

Yet the Izyphorn empire's evils continue. Her people are still enslaved. Babies are dying every day.

Someone needs to do something.

Reunions with childhood friends and encounters with an enigmatic stranger force Rai to reexamine what her purpose is. Is she called to be a humble historian or a mighty warrior...

Or are those the same thing?

Did somebody say griffins? I have yet to read this one, but it sounds incredible. I have read a couple of Wangler’s short stories, and I enjoy her writing style!

Antiheroes: A Phoenix Fiction Writer’s Anthology

Seven science fiction and fantasy stories about antiheroes:

• A man determined to get justice for his family, no matter the cost
• A gynoid with two conflicting programming directives
• A teenage boy determined to protect the people who have become his friends
• A monster slayer who is not everything she appears to be
• A young cyborg who makes an unthinkable choice in hopes of a better future
• A mischievous shopkeeper trying to stay one step ahead of trouble
• A blood hunter who discovers a lie that will change the course of her life

This collection turned out to be a delightful read. A collection of sci-fi and fantasy short stories by each of the Phoenix Fiction Writers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s chat! Which Phoenix Fiction book are you most interested in reading? Have you read any of them before? What’s your take on fairy tale retellings? Do you prefer sci-fi or fantasy? How about both?

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Similar posts: Confessions of a Bookworm Tag, Book Review: Antiheroes, Book Review: The Beast of Talesend, and Short Story Review: “Skies of Dripping Gold”

Book Review: Antiheroes

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank the Phoenix Fiction Writers for their anthology and for helping me practice how to properly spell the word “antiheroes.” (Nailed it!) All opinions are my own.

As this book is not a traditional novel but rather a short story anthology, I found myself confronted with the unique pursuit that was writing a review. With so many different authors and stories, it hardly seems adequate to evaluate one story based on another. So, I thought I’d break up my review in a similar fashion to the short stories with mini reviews and a precursor review of the book as a whole.

Book: Antiheroes by Kyle Robert Shultz, E.B. Dawson, Hannah Heath, Beth Wangler, Nate Philbrick, J.E. Purrazzi, and K.L. + Pierce

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Short Stories

My rating: 4/5 stars

Awards: None (yet!)

Year published: 2018

Seven-word description: A story a day keeps boredom away.

Some of the stories work well as stand alone narratives, referencing but not depending on other novels, other stories are a little harder for me to grasp. Overall, the fantasy stories made more sense, not that the science fiction ones were bad. I’m just saying that, as independent stories with unique world building and character development, the fantasy ones worked better for me.

Fantasy

“The Wolf at the Door” by Kyle Robert Shultz

“Don’t read this. Don’t look at a single word past this introduction.”

I’m sorry to say I followed the advice, at least for a few minutes. I was sitting at my computer when I first downloaded the e-book, then moved to my bed for more comfortable reading. Author of the Beaumont and Beasley series, Shultz is brilliant at writing fairy tale retellings. Though this story references characters from the series, it can be understood and read on its own.

Reminiscent of the tale of Red Riding Hood, the story follows one Wilhelmina Grimm to a village in the woods. And that ending, though! I definitely didn’t expect that.

Overall Thoughts: Best Plot Twist

“Vengeance Hunter” by Hannah Heath

“Quila turned away. ‘I would rather starve than live on the blood of innocents.’”

I don’t usually read stories about vampires, but wow! That one was good.

I was first introduced to Heath’s writing by her short story “Skies of Dripping Gold”, and I’ve been hooked on her stories ever since. Her themes are amazing. Yes, even in a story told from the perspective of an antihero who harvests blood for her people. Creepy. *shudders*

My only question: is it plausible to harvest blood from a person after they’re dead without compromising the blood? I mean, sure, it’s a story about vampires, but still.

Overall Thoughts: Best Themes

“The Word Thrower” by Beth Wangler

“Words are sharp; wield them kindly.”

Several of Wangler’s books are on my TBR list, but I haven’t read much more than her short stories. While I may not have much to compare Wangler’s work to (yet), I still enjoyed this story and the way it explores how words have power and how they might have even more power if certain people have the ability to speak and have their words become reality.

I’m still not sure whether or not Dax counts as an antihero, though. I mean, I’m pretty sure I get what the author is going for, but still. *shrugs*

Overall Thoughts: Most Thought Provoking

“The Astounding Mortal Peril of Denna Dorwen” by Nate Philbrick

“When six o’clock tea-time settled over the Dragon Tooth Curiosity Shop, Denna Dorwen found herself suspended by the blouse from a peg on the wall, contemplating her own imminent doom.”

Well that was entertaining! I was first introduced to Philbrick’s work when I read his novel Where the Woods Grow Wild, a light-hearted fantasy adventure with great characters. Philbrick doesn’t disappoint with this short story, either. His writing style is witty and entrancing, and the plot twists took me by surprise. Seriously, I should have seen that coming!

The only thing is that I’m not sure whether to root for Denna or not. I’m leaning toward not. Antiheroes are so complicated.

Overall Thoughts: Best Antihero

Science Fiction

“Stealing Freedom” by J.E. Purrazzi

I’m sorry to say I don’t remember this one very much. I like the idea that Koya seems to be some sort of cyborg with some pretty cool abilities, but nobody seems to view his physical appearance in a positive light. That and he doesn’t seem to take a very active role in his own story. The story ended on a sort of cliffhanger, though, so perhaps there’s more to be told.

Overall Thoughts: Most International

“Gynoid” by K.L.+Pierce

This story is about a balance between logic and emotion, human and artificial intelligence. I liked the uniqueness of the writing style. Though it threw me off at first, I came to appreciate it more as the story went on. And the narrative introduced me to some terms I hadn’t understood before.

I’m not sure I fully understand this story. There were organizations I’m quite sure what their purpose was, much less what their acronyms stand for. Perhaps it’s meant to be a part of another novel I haven’t read?

Overall Thoughts: Most Scientific

“Striker” by E.B. Dawson

“I may not be religious, but I think my mother would have said that no scientific procedure can remove a man’s soul; he has to give it up willingly. And I’m not gonna do that.”

I had read one of Dawson’s novels before and didn’t care for it, but her short story in this anthology had to be my favorite in the sci-fi category. The plot follows Danny, a government agent with enhanced abilities known as a Striker, as he goes rouge and embarks on a self-imposed mission of vengeance. With stellar world building (pun intended), well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this story is everything I enjoy about sci-fi.

My only complaint is the cliffhanger. I need more!

Overall Thoughts: Best Suspense

In all, I gave the Antiheroes anthology 4/5 stars for some great stories and some confusing ones, some heroic actions and some less than heroic. But hey, we’re talking about antiheroes here. Whoever asked for perfection? I’d recommend this anthology to readers of science fiction and fantasy looking for some interesting and thought-provoking stories.

Interested in Antiheroes? Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: Colors of Fear by Hannah Heath, The Beast of Talesend by Kyle Robert Shultz, and Where the Woods Grow Wild by Nate Philbrick.

Let’s chat! Has Antiheroes made it to your to-be-read list yet? Have you read it yet? Have any fantasy/sci-fi anthology recommendations?

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Similar posts: Short Story Review: “Skies of Dripping Gold”, Author Interview: Hannah Heath, and Book Review: The Beast of Talesend