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snickies's review against another edition
4.0
Some stories are better than others, but it's overall a very good collection of stories.
bsparks2112's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've always enjoyed these yearly short-fiction bundles released by tor.com, although they have occasionally been a bit uneven; however, this is one of the better ones that I remember reading. As can be expected, there is a variety of styles represented here, both in genre and tone, and although that sometimes leads to jarring transitions as one story ends and another begins, it wasn't as huge an issue this time around; it has the feeling of a slightly more cohesive collection. Something that struck me with some of these stories is how prescient they seemed to be in dealing with the concerns of the pandemic era, and it was a struggle to remember that these were all actually published a year before lockdown. But the ones that dealt most directly with themes of isolation and disconnection (a common SF trope lately, I admit) seemed to be the most resonant. Greg Egan's contribution ("Zeitgeber") was particularly impressive in this regard, as was Brenda Peynado's entry "The Touches" and S. L. Huang's "As The Last I May Know." I also did really enjoy Elizabeth Bear's "Deriving Life" and Siobhan Carroll's "For He Can Creep;" all the rest have at least some intriguing and engaging properties as well. Pleased to have made some new author discoveries in this batch; it was certainly worth the time invested.
urlphantomhive's review
3.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I will be updating this on the go, as I plan to read these short stories in between my other books.
"Deriving Life" - Elizabeth Bear
2 Stars - I couldn't really get in to the story, short as it was. I was intrigued by the premise, but it failed a little to convince me why these deriving life forms were necessary in the first place. Also, I had this strong feeling I'd read something like this at least once before, but couldn't remember exactly where.
"For He Can Creep" - Siobhan Carroll
3 Stars - Little story from the POV a cat fighting the devil. While the perspective of the cat was purrr-fect the story failed to surprise me.
"Beyond the El" - John Chu
2 Stars - The first page folding the paper dumpling was extremely touching, the rest not so much.
"Zeitgeber" - Greg Egan
4 Stars - Interesting. When people's internal clock no longer aligns, what do we do? Adjust the world or force them back. I liked this one a lot.
“One/Zero” - Kathleen Ann Goonan
2 Stars - This story about impending AI couldn't really hold my interest, despite being a short story.
"Skinner Box" - Carol Johnstone
3 Stars - I saw the plot twist coming, but it was a quite ok story nevertheless.
"The Song" - Erinn L Kemper
3 Stars - Very sad little story about the song of whales.
"Articulated Restraint" - Mary Robinette Kowal
2 Stars - Very formulaic short about what one wants to sacrifice for advancement with AI etc.
I admit to reading the rest in one sit, and the details of each of the following stories have blurred a little, sorry. In any case, there was not one story which really stood out for me.
I will be updating this on the go, as I plan to read these short stories in between my other books.
"Deriving Life" - Elizabeth Bear
2 Stars - I couldn't really get in to the story, short as it was. I was intrigued by the premise, but it failed a little to convince me why these deriving life forms were necessary in the first place. Also, I had this strong feeling I'd read something like this at least once before, but couldn't remember exactly where.
"For He Can Creep" - Siobhan Carroll
3 Stars - Little story from the POV a cat fighting the devil. While the perspective of the cat was purrr-fect the story failed to surprise me.
"Beyond the El" - John Chu
2 Stars - The first page folding the paper dumpling was extremely touching, the rest not so much.
"Zeitgeber" - Greg Egan
4 Stars - Interesting. When people's internal clock no longer aligns, what do we do? Adjust the world or force them back. I liked this one a lot.
“One/Zero” - Kathleen Ann Goonan
2 Stars - This story about impending AI couldn't really hold my interest, despite being a short story.
"Skinner Box" - Carol Johnstone
3 Stars - I saw the plot twist coming, but it was a quite ok story nevertheless.
"The Song" - Erinn L Kemper
3 Stars - Very sad little story about the song of whales.
"Articulated Restraint" - Mary Robinette Kowal
2 Stars - Very formulaic short about what one wants to sacrifice for advancement with AI etc.
I admit to reading the rest in one sit, and the details of each of the following stories have blurred a little, sorry. In any case, there was not one story which really stood out for me.
lizabethstucker's review
4.0
Some of the Best from Tor.com: 2019
This was a free collection on Amazon at the time that I stumbled across it while browsing science fiction selections. While I’ve always liked both Tor and Baen publications, I was amazed by how very much I enjoyed almost every short story and novella in this collection. Such high quality, and some authors that have been added to my TBR list.
“Deriving Life” by Elizabeth Bear
Marq Tames is contemplating suicide or becoming a Host, unable to cope with being alone again after their spouse dies. Tenants bring many benefits, including being pain-free, living a bit longer, making better decisions for themselves. Unfortunately the Tenants ultimately consume their Hosts. Unlike most potential Hosts, Marq is healthy. Wow. A really detailed look at grief, cancer, loneliness, and the choices we might make for happiness. Intense. Could be triggering for some who are themselves dealing with grief. 4.5 out of 5.
“For He Can Creep” by Siobhan Carroll
The Great Jeoffry the Cat helps keep the demons away from the humans in the madhouse. His favorite is the Poet who is trying to finish the most important Poem for God. If only his creditors would leave him alone, stop pushing for the satiric content he once wrote. Then Satan himself comes to speak with Jeoffry. Satan deems the Poem to be out of favor style-wise, and not very good. He wishes to have the Poet write him a poem, one that will drive religion out of the minds of the masses. To do that, he needs to speak with the Poet without Jeoffry’s interference. It is, as they say, a devil’s bargain. Jeoffry may, for the first time since kittenhood, lose. He must consider and consult. The fact that this is based on a real poem written by Christopher Smart, who was incarcerated in St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, circa 1763, adds an extra layer of interest and curiosity to the story. Needless to say, I spent the evening researching the poet online. 3.5 out of 5.
“Beyond the El” by John Chu
Connor struggles to recreate his late mother's dumplings, never quite reaching that bit of perfection. He really doesn't need the stress of his cold abusive sister back in his life. Although maybe he does. Very low key. The relationship between Nick and Connor was more interesting to me. As to the use of magic to prepare foods, was it really necessary? 3 out of 5.
“Zeitgeber” by Greg Egan
Sam is searching for why his daughter Emma's sleep patterns are suddenly and radically off phase. It isn't long until this issue with sleep cycles begin spreading throughout the world. At first it was just puzzling and annoying. Now there are more and more accidents and deaths. Life moves on, people adjusting as best it can, with cures both fake and possible appearing.
Truly fantastic tale. Scary as well, especially considering how we are waiting for a cure for COVID-19 with trepidation and distrust of the very organizations, such as the CDC and FDA, that are supposed to protect us. Add on top the discussion of just how much conformity society demands of us. 4 out of 5.
“One/Zero” by Kathleen Ann Gorrnan
The war made its way to Vida Zilan's home in Kurdistan, ending with her parents, aunt, and grandmother dead. Now Vida is on the run with her three year old brother, traveling with other terrified and displaced children. Mai Davidson has retired in Washington D.C. after years of helping with various issues through the agency she had given her life to, until her husband died and she began to look for something different. Her life is becoming increasingly regulated as the AIs begin taking control of medicine and senior care and transportation, among other things. Or are the SIs, the rumored super intelligent computers now moving out into the world? Be careful what you wish for has always been what is said in regards to those who can grant wishes. Perhaps with the right teachers, the right guides, the SIs can help fix the world for the children, with the assistance of the children. If only, if only. Magnificent look at how Hal might not be the villain of the piece. After all, he just wanted to save both himself and his astronaut charges. 4.5 out of 5.
“Skinner Box” by Carole Johnstone
A trip to Jupiter and back, scientists caught up in their personal cycle of pain and hatred, an engineer who brings some comfort and support. And a Skinner box filled with nanites. There are layers upon layers upon layers in this intense story of experimentation and conditioning, the cost of freedom and, ultimately, love. In essence, there are three reveals. The first was expected almost from the start. The second was almost suspected after we met Boris. But it was the third that, for me, saved the story from the coldness. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Song” by Erinn L. Kemper
The world is moving from beef to whale meat, expensive as it is, taking abandoned oil rigs and converting them to whale meat processing centers. As the ecowarriors grow increasingly violent, killing those involved in killing the whales, the people on SeaRanch 18 are stranded without relief personnel. One of the last new scientists to arrive is Suzanne who is staying the changes in communication patterns among the whales. She tells Dan, a deep sea diver and welder, of attacks by the whales, how humpbacks and blues were congregating for the first time ever seen and apparently communicating. Whales and dolphins are so very intelligent, yet humans think they can do whatever they want to them. I don’t understand. Needless to say, I was primed for this story. I thought I was prepared, even hopeful. But the ending was beyond tragic. 4 out of 5.
“Articulated Restraint” by Mary Robinette Kowal
(Lady Astronaut 1.5) After an accident leads to a lunar rocket slammed into a space station and the airlock jammed, the moon’s astronauts must figure out how to rescue them before their air runs out. First, they’ll need a plan of action and see if the plan can work on their mockup rocket. They need a way to get them more oxygen and a way to get a life raft to the vehicle. Complicating procedures is Ruby’s nasty ankle sprain, especially after she needs the foot restraint which requires her to twist her feet to get into position. Something snaps, but she perseveres, unwilling to let her injury prevent the rescue of her friends. In some ways this reminds me of old time science fiction, a neat adventure with threads of backstories I want to know more about, such as the Meteor and what’s going on back on Earth. Luckily I discovered that this is part of a series, so there is a possibility of learning more. Although I have a few other of Kowal’s works in my TBR pile (freebies back in the day), I hadn’t as yet read any of her works. Definitely want to read more based on what I found here. 4.5 out of 5.
“Painless” by Rich Larson
Mars is a child when he is first found by the men who have been searching for someone like him, a genetic mutation who cannot feel pain. There’s an organism put inside his body, that can make him stronger and able to repair himself, even grow body parts back. He is trained to be a soldier, a mercenary, a killer. He yearns for freedom and someone to be his friend and family. The story jumps a bit from present to past and back again. It took me a while to get into the author’s rhythm, but once I did it was well worth it. I can see so many countries and organizations who would kill to have someone like Mars under their control. Good read. 3.5 out of 5.
“Seonag and the Seawolves” by M. Evan MacGriogair
Seonag was considered strange almost from the moment she was born, but she still loved her homeland. So much so that she hides when her parents make plans to sail to Canada, unable to afford the croft rent. Once they leave her behind, Seonag goes to the town bard for help and advice. She is told about the wolves that were driven out of Ireland. He tells her to swim west until she can hear the wolves. The advice is cruel, certain suicide. Knowing all that, Seonag still decides to do so. An old style story, a myth, a fable, a fairy tale. A story about those who only want to belong, yet are different enough to be pushed to the sidelines. Mystical and magical. 4 out of 5.
“Any Way the Wind Blows” by Seanan McGuire
The Cartography Corps explore and map the parallel universes in order to determine if any ever go missing at a future date. In this Manhattan, they find an intact Flatiron building, but no killer pigeons in this universe, so win-win. Then a group of locals ask to meet the Captain. This should be a television series! I’d watch each and every episode and cackle at the crew’s adventures. The only thing I was disappointed by was the length. It was too short. 4.5 out of 5.
“Blue Morphos in the Garden” by Lis Mitchell
Vivian does love Dash and Lily, their daughter, but she continues to refuse to marry him, unable to deal with what his family goes through upon death. If she officially marries into the family, she will become a Karner in all ways. When it appears that Viv may be dying, she will need to make a decision sooner than she had hoped. Stay, but remain a terminal. Marry and, once she dies, become something else. Leave, with or without Dash and Lily. There's a beauty to having one's death transform into something useful or beautiful or both. Frankly, I don't understand Vivian's concerns about that. 4 out of 5.
“His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light” by Mimi Mondal
Love comes in many forms, some never spoken out loud. Binu had found a home and a job with the Majestic Oriental Circus. He became a trapeze master, soon heading his own team. He also continued playing Alladin in Shehzad Marid’s illusionist act. He was happy and content. Until he helped the wrong person. There is so much hinted at and more left unsaid. But it will always be known that Binu was a good man and a loyal friend. Bittersweet, yet in that time and place, perhaps the happiest ending(?) one could hope for. 4 out of 5.
“Old Media” by Annalee Newitz
John was as free as he had ever been under his latest Master, a lady scientist who provided him franchise papers that granted him full rights within the city before she went into hiding. Med, a fan of John's journal on Memeland, becomes his friend and roommate. She is also a robot and professor, as well as the lady scientist's research partner in the project that caused the woman to flee. John and Med try to navigate the idiosyncrasies of living among humans, both clueless and bigoted. 3.5 out of 5.
“More Real Than Him” by Silvia Park
Morgan Ito is working on her own robot, one that resembles her favorite actor who is currently doing his two years of military service. This is the first story in the collection that I struggled with. Frankly, it read like bad fanfiction, and I'm a fanfiction reader and writer. I didn't like any characters except Stephen, but he was barely in the story. I finally gave up, not caring what would happen to pretty much anyone. DNF
“The Hundredth House Had No Walls” by Laurie Penny
The King of the country of Myth and Shadow is incredibly bored after five hundred years on the throne. He does what any ruler does in his situation, he decides to travel incognito to the imaginary land of New York City. There he runs into the Princess of Everywhere and Nowhere.
I had a hard time at first dealing with random phrases, words, and letters made bold. This was a strange story. Once I got past the random bolds, I quite liked it. Feminist overtones with a message about freedom and allowing each individual to write their own story. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Touches” by Brenda Peynado
Life is separated into clean and dirty. Clean was living virtually, locked into a tiny cubicle from birth, cared for by an assigned robot, and hooked up to an all-encompassing system for hours at a time. Dirty is the real world, filled with plagues and viruses and what the narrator calls filth. Things get more complicated as robots glitch, an accident puts the narrator into quarantine, and a phone number leads to something scary. There's a layer of disconnection due to a lack of physical contact that cannot be fulfilled by robot hugs and virtual touches. Add to that the narrator's extreme fear of the dirty world. She actually has counted the number of real physical touches in her life. Very intense, more so during our current Pandemic and the separation of friends and family. Also extremely weird. I don't know what to say about this one, but I suspect it will linger in my memory for quite a while. 3.5 out of 5.
“Knowledgeable Creatures” by Christopher Rowe
Investigative dog Connolly Marsh is hired by human Professor Thomasina Swallow after she kills a coworker who was threatening blackmail. Things become increasingly screwy. The body is missing, the learned mouse who is also Sparrow's adopted father believes historical research into the history of knowledgeable creatures and humans shouldn't be forbidden, and Marsh can't make himself leave the case alone. Huh. Another strange story with a lot of dangling threads left behind and even more questions. Yet this isn't a set-up for a longer story or even a series. It is complete within itself, with a somewhat sad ending for one character. Intriguing, almost a noir type of story. Fantasy with just a touch of science fiction. 3 out of 5.
“Blood is Another Word for Hunger” by Rivers Solomon
Anger boiled in the heart of fifteen year old slave, Sully. When she heard that her master had been killed during a battle, she drugged all five of his family members, slicing their throats. Her actions cause a rift in the etherworld, drawing Ziza to her. Sully is a product of her life, the cruelty of her upbringing. She may also hark back to a creature from the country of her ancestors. Sully shouldn’t be a sympathetic character, but she is. I wanted her to find, if not happiness, at least a form of peach. And maybe she will with her revenants, especially Ziza. Be aware that this isn’t an easy read by any means, but I found it surprisingly satisfying. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Last Voyage of Shidbladnir” by Karin Tidbeck
Saga learns the ship she serves on is a living creature who is outgrowing her shell of a high-rise building. Saga and Novik, the engineer, are determined to save Skidbladnir from being sold for meat. She needs a new shell, so they'll find her a new shell. This gripped me the moment I realized Skidbladnir was alive. I'm a sucker for stories like this. So enchanting. I wish it had been longer or had a sequel, but that is just me being greedy and not wanting to leave Saga, Novik, and Skidbladnir behind. Lovely from start to finish. 4.5 out of 5.
“Circus Girl, the Hunter, and Mirror Boy” by JY Yang
Lynette first saw Mirror Boy the night she was almost killed after fighting off a rapist when she was barely 16 years old.
This was a free collection on Amazon at the time that I stumbled across it while browsing science fiction selections. While I’ve always liked both Tor and Baen publications, I was amazed by how very much I enjoyed almost every short story and novella in this collection. Such high quality, and some authors that have been added to my TBR list.
“Deriving Life” by Elizabeth Bear
Marq Tames is contemplating suicide or becoming a Host, unable to cope with being alone again after their spouse dies. Tenants bring many benefits, including being pain-free, living a bit longer, making better decisions for themselves. Unfortunately the Tenants ultimately consume their Hosts. Unlike most potential Hosts, Marq is healthy. Wow. A really detailed look at grief, cancer, loneliness, and the choices we might make for happiness. Intense. Could be triggering for some who are themselves dealing with grief. 4.5 out of 5.
“For He Can Creep” by Siobhan Carroll
The Great Jeoffry the Cat helps keep the demons away from the humans in the madhouse. His favorite is the Poet who is trying to finish the most important Poem for God. If only his creditors would leave him alone, stop pushing for the satiric content he once wrote. Then Satan himself comes to speak with Jeoffry. Satan deems the Poem to be out of favor style-wise, and not very good. He wishes to have the Poet write him a poem, one that will drive religion out of the minds of the masses. To do that, he needs to speak with the Poet without Jeoffry’s interference. It is, as they say, a devil’s bargain. Jeoffry may, for the first time since kittenhood, lose. He must consider and consult. The fact that this is based on a real poem written by Christopher Smart, who was incarcerated in St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, circa 1763, adds an extra layer of interest and curiosity to the story. Needless to say, I spent the evening researching the poet online. 3.5 out of 5.
“Beyond the El” by John Chu
Connor struggles to recreate his late mother's dumplings, never quite reaching that bit of perfection. He really doesn't need the stress of his cold abusive sister back in his life. Although maybe he does. Very low key. The relationship between Nick and Connor was more interesting to me. As to the use of magic to prepare foods, was it really necessary? 3 out of 5.
“Zeitgeber” by Greg Egan
Sam is searching for why his daughter Emma's sleep patterns are suddenly and radically off phase. It isn't long until this issue with sleep cycles begin spreading throughout the world. At first it was just puzzling and annoying. Now there are more and more accidents and deaths. Life moves on, people adjusting as best it can, with cures both fake and possible appearing.
Truly fantastic tale. Scary as well, especially considering how we are waiting for a cure for COVID-19 with trepidation and distrust of the very organizations, such as the CDC and FDA, that are supposed to protect us. Add on top the discussion of just how much conformity society demands of us. 4 out of 5.
“One/Zero” by Kathleen Ann Gorrnan
The war made its way to Vida Zilan's home in Kurdistan, ending with her parents, aunt, and grandmother dead. Now Vida is on the run with her three year old brother, traveling with other terrified and displaced children. Mai Davidson has retired in Washington D.C. after years of helping with various issues through the agency she had given her life to, until her husband died and she began to look for something different. Her life is becoming increasingly regulated as the AIs begin taking control of medicine and senior care and transportation, among other things. Or are the SIs, the rumored super intelligent computers now moving out into the world? Be careful what you wish for has always been what is said in regards to those who can grant wishes. Perhaps with the right teachers, the right guides, the SIs can help fix the world for the children, with the assistance of the children. If only, if only. Magnificent look at how Hal might not be the villain of the piece. After all, he just wanted to save both himself and his astronaut charges. 4.5 out of 5.
“Skinner Box” by Carole Johnstone
A trip to Jupiter and back, scientists caught up in their personal cycle of pain and hatred, an engineer who brings some comfort and support. And a Skinner box filled with nanites. There are layers upon layers upon layers in this intense story of experimentation and conditioning, the cost of freedom and, ultimately, love. In essence, there are three reveals. The first was expected almost from the start. The second was almost suspected after we met Boris. But it was the third that, for me, saved the story from the coldness. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Song” by Erinn L. Kemper
The world is moving from beef to whale meat, expensive as it is, taking abandoned oil rigs and converting them to whale meat processing centers. As the ecowarriors grow increasingly violent, killing those involved in killing the whales, the people on SeaRanch 18 are stranded without relief personnel. One of the last new scientists to arrive is Suzanne who is staying the changes in communication patterns among the whales. She tells Dan, a deep sea diver and welder, of attacks by the whales, how humpbacks and blues were congregating for the first time ever seen and apparently communicating. Whales and dolphins are so very intelligent, yet humans think they can do whatever they want to them. I don’t understand. Needless to say, I was primed for this story. I thought I was prepared, even hopeful. But the ending was beyond tragic. 4 out of 5.
“Articulated Restraint” by Mary Robinette Kowal
(Lady Astronaut 1.5) After an accident leads to a lunar rocket slammed into a space station and the airlock jammed, the moon’s astronauts must figure out how to rescue them before their air runs out. First, they’ll need a plan of action and see if the plan can work on their mockup rocket. They need a way to get them more oxygen and a way to get a life raft to the vehicle. Complicating procedures is Ruby’s nasty ankle sprain, especially after she needs the foot restraint which requires her to twist her feet to get into position. Something snaps, but she perseveres, unwilling to let her injury prevent the rescue of her friends. In some ways this reminds me of old time science fiction, a neat adventure with threads of backstories I want to know more about, such as the Meteor and what’s going on back on Earth. Luckily I discovered that this is part of a series, so there is a possibility of learning more. Although I have a few other of Kowal’s works in my TBR pile (freebies back in the day), I hadn’t as yet read any of her works. Definitely want to read more based on what I found here. 4.5 out of 5.
“Painless” by Rich Larson
Mars is a child when he is first found by the men who have been searching for someone like him, a genetic mutation who cannot feel pain. There’s an organism put inside his body, that can make him stronger and able to repair himself, even grow body parts back. He is trained to be a soldier, a mercenary, a killer. He yearns for freedom and someone to be his friend and family. The story jumps a bit from present to past and back again. It took me a while to get into the author’s rhythm, but once I did it was well worth it. I can see so many countries and organizations who would kill to have someone like Mars under their control. Good read. 3.5 out of 5.
“Seonag and the Seawolves” by M. Evan MacGriogair
Seonag was considered strange almost from the moment she was born, but she still loved her homeland. So much so that she hides when her parents make plans to sail to Canada, unable to afford the croft rent. Once they leave her behind, Seonag goes to the town bard for help and advice. She is told about the wolves that were driven out of Ireland. He tells her to swim west until she can hear the wolves. The advice is cruel, certain suicide. Knowing all that, Seonag still decides to do so. An old style story, a myth, a fable, a fairy tale. A story about those who only want to belong, yet are different enough to be pushed to the sidelines. Mystical and magical. 4 out of 5.
“Any Way the Wind Blows” by Seanan McGuire
The Cartography Corps explore and map the parallel universes in order to determine if any ever go missing at a future date. In this Manhattan, they find an intact Flatiron building, but no killer pigeons in this universe, so win-win. Then a group of locals ask to meet the Captain. This should be a television series! I’d watch each and every episode and cackle at the crew’s adventures. The only thing I was disappointed by was the length. It was too short. 4.5 out of 5.
“Blue Morphos in the Garden” by Lis Mitchell
Vivian does love Dash and Lily, their daughter, but she continues to refuse to marry him, unable to deal with what his family goes through upon death. If she officially marries into the family, she will become a Karner in all ways. When it appears that Viv may be dying, she will need to make a decision sooner than she had hoped. Stay, but remain a terminal. Marry and, once she dies, become something else. Leave, with or without Dash and Lily. There's a beauty to having one's death transform into something useful or beautiful or both. Frankly, I don't understand Vivian's concerns about that. 4 out of 5.
“His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light” by Mimi Mondal
Love comes in many forms, some never spoken out loud. Binu had found a home and a job with the Majestic Oriental Circus. He became a trapeze master, soon heading his own team. He also continued playing Alladin in Shehzad Marid’s illusionist act. He was happy and content. Until he helped the wrong person. There is so much hinted at and more left unsaid. But it will always be known that Binu was a good man and a loyal friend. Bittersweet, yet in that time and place, perhaps the happiest ending(?) one could hope for. 4 out of 5.
“Old Media” by Annalee Newitz
John was as free as he had ever been under his latest Master, a lady scientist who provided him franchise papers that granted him full rights within the city before she went into hiding. Med, a fan of John's journal on Memeland, becomes his friend and roommate. She is also a robot and professor, as well as the lady scientist's research partner in the project that caused the woman to flee. John and Med try to navigate the idiosyncrasies of living among humans, both clueless and bigoted. 3.5 out of 5.
“More Real Than Him” by Silvia Park
Morgan Ito is working on her own robot, one that resembles her favorite actor who is currently doing his two years of military service. This is the first story in the collection that I struggled with. Frankly, it read like bad fanfiction, and I'm a fanfiction reader and writer. I didn't like any characters except Stephen, but he was barely in the story. I finally gave up, not caring what would happen to pretty much anyone. DNF
“The Hundredth House Had No Walls” by Laurie Penny
The King of the country of Myth and Shadow is incredibly bored after five hundred years on the throne. He does what any ruler does in his situation, he decides to travel incognito to the imaginary land of New York City. There he runs into the Princess of Everywhere and Nowhere.
I had a hard time at first dealing with random phrases, words, and letters made bold. This was a strange story. Once I got past the random bolds, I quite liked it. Feminist overtones with a message about freedom and allowing each individual to write their own story. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Touches” by Brenda Peynado
Life is separated into clean and dirty. Clean was living virtually, locked into a tiny cubicle from birth, cared for by an assigned robot, and hooked up to an all-encompassing system for hours at a time. Dirty is the real world, filled with plagues and viruses and what the narrator calls filth. Things get more complicated as robots glitch, an accident puts the narrator into quarantine, and a phone number leads to something scary. There's a layer of disconnection due to a lack of physical contact that cannot be fulfilled by robot hugs and virtual touches. Add to that the narrator's extreme fear of the dirty world. She actually has counted the number of real physical touches in her life. Very intense, more so during our current Pandemic and the separation of friends and family. Also extremely weird. I don't know what to say about this one, but I suspect it will linger in my memory for quite a while. 3.5 out of 5.
“Knowledgeable Creatures” by Christopher Rowe
Investigative dog Connolly Marsh is hired by human Professor Thomasina Swallow after she kills a coworker who was threatening blackmail. Things become increasingly screwy. The body is missing, the learned mouse who is also Sparrow's adopted father believes historical research into the history of knowledgeable creatures and humans shouldn't be forbidden, and Marsh can't make himself leave the case alone. Huh. Another strange story with a lot of dangling threads left behind and even more questions. Yet this isn't a set-up for a longer story or even a series. It is complete within itself, with a somewhat sad ending for one character. Intriguing, almost a noir type of story. Fantasy with just a touch of science fiction. 3 out of 5.
“Blood is Another Word for Hunger” by Rivers Solomon
Anger boiled in the heart of fifteen year old slave, Sully. When she heard that her master had been killed during a battle, she drugged all five of his family members, slicing their throats. Her actions cause a rift in the etherworld, drawing Ziza to her. Sully is a product of her life, the cruelty of her upbringing. She may also hark back to a creature from the country of her ancestors. Sully shouldn’t be a sympathetic character, but she is. I wanted her to find, if not happiness, at least a form of peach. And maybe she will with her revenants, especially Ziza. Be aware that this isn’t an easy read by any means, but I found it surprisingly satisfying. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Last Voyage of Shidbladnir” by Karin Tidbeck
Saga learns the ship she serves on is a living creature who is outgrowing her shell of a high-rise building. Saga and Novik, the engineer, are determined to save Skidbladnir from being sold for meat. She needs a new shell, so they'll find her a new shell. This gripped me the moment I realized Skidbladnir was alive. I'm a sucker for stories like this. So enchanting. I wish it had been longer or had a sequel, but that is just me being greedy and not wanting to leave Saga, Novik, and Skidbladnir behind. Lovely from start to finish. 4.5 out of 5.
“Circus Girl, the Hunter, and Mirror Boy” by JY Yang
Lynette first saw Mirror Boy the night she was almost killed after fighting off a rapist when she was barely 16 years old.
ninetalevixen's review
3.0
"Deriving Life" by Elizabeth Bear
★★★✯☆
Poignant, thoughtful themes; however, there were too many rhetorical questions and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
"For He Can Creep" by Siobhan Carroll
★★★☆☆
Fun idea, but the execution was more ... absurdist (?) than I would've preferred.
"Beyond the El" by John Chu
★★★★☆
Wonderful Taiwanese rep, vivid imagery, lovely magical realism. My only critique is that the ending felt like it was rushed for the sole purpose of narrative closure.
"Zeitgeber" by Greg Egan
★★★✯☆
Another interesting premise, but the science bordered on overload; the hazy transitions also contributed to my confusion. The ending felt abrupt.
"One/Zero" by Kathleen Ann Goonan
★★☆☆☆
Really not a fan of Mai as a character, and her arc has uncomfortable white-savior parallels/themes; would've enjoyed this much more if it was just Vida's and Azul's story, though that part felt less developed (pun not intended).
"Skinner Box" by Carole Johnstone
★★✯☆☆
I didn't feel like the Black Mirror mindfuckery was executed very well; more science than story, so the characters and motives fell flat.
"The Song" by Erinn L. Kemper
★★☆☆☆
Nothing? really? happens? Despite my love of marine life, I just ... nope.
"Articulated Restraint" by Mary Robinette Kowal
★☆☆☆☆
Too much jargon and play-by-play descriptions, which buried any thematic or moral development. Also, it seems the MC is cast in a (white?) savior role which I'm uncomfortable with.
"Painless" by Rich Larson
★★✯☆☆
Cool premise and the plot is easy to follow, though too gruesome for my liking.
"Seonag and the Seawolves" by M. Evan MacGriogair
★☆☆☆☆
I found the writing style distractingly lush; the characters seemed like lifeless puppets for the plot, and the themes were too watered down (pun intended) especially at the end.
"Any Way the Wind Blows" by Seanan McGuire
★★★★✯
As always with McGuire, fantastic worldbuilding and vivid characters. Bonus points for naming the MC Isabelle!
"Blue Morphos in the Garden" by Lis Mitchell
★★★★☆
Lovely premise, with its nuances explored enough to give depth to the story without smothering it in its infancy. An empathetic picture of grief and loss.
"His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light" by Mimi Mondal
★★★★☆
Vivid worldbuilding and classic tropes done well; the ending is just a bit too convenient/perfect.
"Old Media" by Annalee Newitz
★★☆☆☆
Blatant aphobia comes out of seemingly nowhere and is never addressed; the Ouran HSHC references really didn't do anything for me despite having nostalgia on their side.
"More Real Than Him" by Silvia Park
★☆☆☆☆
The raging misogyny is uncomfortable and hypocritical, as are all the relationships being portrayed. Could've been an interesting story, but I just couldn't get into it.
"The Hundredth House Had No Walls" by Laurie Penny
★★★✯☆
Love the ideas, confused by the themes, not totally sold on the characters.
"The Touches" by Brenda Peynado
★★★✯☆
Cool premise, but the plot is kinda meh.
"Knowledgeable Creatures" by Christopher Rowe
★★☆☆☆
Simultaneously overly-theatrical and overly-quirky; too much jumping between worldbuilding and plot. Could've been engaging, but I was disappointed.
"Blood is Another Word for Hunger" by Rivers Solomon
★★☆☆☆
Interesting but really gruesome (as you might expect from the title). Thematically I'm not sure what I'm supposed to take away.
"The Last Voyage of Skidbladnir" by Karin Tidbeck
★★☆☆☆
Hits most of the right notes and goes through most of the right motions, it just seems like there's something missing.
"Circus Girl, The Hunter, and Mirror Boy" by JY Yang
★★★★✯
Ooooh, I really like this. Would read a full-length novel of it, though it works really well in its current form.
"Water: A History" by KJ Kabza
★★★☆☆
A decent enough read, but not particularly compelling.
"As the Last I May Know" by SL Huang
★★★✯☆
This premise is an idea I've seen floating around the Internet, and I think the execution (morbid pun absolutely not intended) does it justice. Though the ending is a bit abrupt, lacking closure of any kind.
"The Time Invariance of Snow" by E. Lily Yu
★☆☆☆☆
I know the fairy tale, and I understand basic physics and theology. Yet I couldn't make any sense of this story or its themes.
★★★✯☆
Poignant, thoughtful themes; however, there were too many rhetorical questions and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
"For He Can Creep" by Siobhan Carroll
★★★☆☆
Fun idea, but the execution was more ... absurdist (?) than I would've preferred.
"Beyond the El" by John Chu
★★★★☆
Wonderful Taiwanese rep, vivid imagery, lovely magical realism. My only critique is that the ending felt like it was rushed for the sole purpose of narrative closure.
"Zeitgeber" by Greg Egan
★★★✯☆
Another interesting premise, but the science bordered on overload; the hazy transitions also contributed to my confusion. The ending felt abrupt.
"One/Zero" by Kathleen Ann Goonan
★★☆☆☆
Really not a fan of Mai as a character, and her arc has uncomfortable white-savior parallels/themes; would've enjoyed this much more if it was just Vida's and Azul's story, though that part felt less developed (pun not intended).
"Skinner Box" by Carole Johnstone
★★✯☆☆
I didn't feel like the Black Mirror mindfuckery was executed very well; more science than story, so the characters and motives fell flat.
"The Song" by Erinn L. Kemper
★★☆☆☆
Nothing? really? happens? Despite my love of marine life, I just ... nope.
"Articulated Restraint" by Mary Robinette Kowal
★☆☆☆☆
Too much jargon and play-by-play descriptions, which buried any thematic or moral development. Also, it seems the MC is cast in a (white?) savior role which I'm uncomfortable with.
"Painless" by Rich Larson
★★✯☆☆
Cool premise and the plot is easy to follow, though too gruesome for my liking.
"Seonag and the Seawolves" by M. Evan MacGriogair
★☆☆☆☆
I found the writing style distractingly lush; the characters seemed like lifeless puppets for the plot, and the themes were too watered down (pun intended) especially at the end.
"Any Way the Wind Blows" by Seanan McGuire
★★★★✯
As always with McGuire, fantastic worldbuilding and vivid characters. Bonus points for naming the MC Isabelle!
"Blue Morphos in the Garden" by Lis Mitchell
★★★★☆
Lovely premise, with its nuances explored enough to give depth to the story without smothering it in its infancy. An empathetic picture of grief and loss.
"His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light" by Mimi Mondal
★★★★☆
Vivid worldbuilding and classic tropes done well; the ending is just a bit too convenient/perfect.
"Old Media" by Annalee Newitz
★★☆☆☆
Blatant aphobia comes out of seemingly nowhere and is never addressed; the Ouran HSHC references really didn't do anything for me despite having nostalgia on their side.
"More Real Than Him" by Silvia Park
★☆☆☆☆
The raging misogyny is uncomfortable and hypocritical, as are all the relationships being portrayed. Could've been an interesting story, but I just couldn't get into it.
"The Hundredth House Had No Walls" by Laurie Penny
★★★✯☆
Love the ideas, confused by the themes, not totally sold on the characters.
"The Touches" by Brenda Peynado
★★★✯☆
Cool premise, but the plot is kinda meh.
"Knowledgeable Creatures" by Christopher Rowe
★★☆☆☆
Simultaneously overly-theatrical and overly-quirky; too much jumping between worldbuilding and plot. Could've been engaging, but I was disappointed.
"Blood is Another Word for Hunger" by Rivers Solomon
★★☆☆☆
Interesting but really gruesome (as you might expect from the title). Thematically I'm not sure what I'm supposed to take away.
"The Last Voyage of Skidbladnir" by Karin Tidbeck
★★☆☆☆
Hits most of the right notes and goes through most of the right motions, it just seems like there's something missing.
"Circus Girl, The Hunter, and Mirror Boy" by JY Yang
★★★★✯
Ooooh, I really like this. Would read a full-length novel of it, though it works really well in its current form.
"Water: A History" by KJ Kabza
★★★☆☆
A decent enough read, but not particularly compelling.
"As the Last I May Know" by SL Huang
★★★✯☆
This premise is an idea I've seen floating around the Internet, and I think the execution (morbid pun absolutely not intended) does it justice. Though the ending is a bit abrupt, lacking closure of any kind.
"The Time Invariance of Snow" by E. Lily Yu
★☆☆☆☆
I know the fairy tale, and I understand basic physics and theology. Yet I couldn't make any sense of this story or its themes.
triscuit807's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars, but variable story to story as all anthologies are. This one contains short fiction from some of my favorite authors as well as nominations for the Hugo and Nebula awards.
“Deriving Life” by Elizabeth Bear - when cancer is sentient - 4 stars
“For He Can Creep” by Siobhan Carroll - cat vs Devil - Hugo/Nebula nominee - 5 stars
“Beyond the El” by John Chu - magical food prep - 3/4 stars
“Zeitgeber” by Greg Egan - when circadian rhythms change - 4 stars
“One/Zero” by Kathleen Ann Goonan - AIs and refugees - 5 stars
“As the Last I May Know” by S. L. Huang - protecting the nuclear codes - Hugo nominee - 5 stars
“Skinner Box” by Carole Johnstone- trigger warnings for sexual assault/violence - 3 stars
“Water: A History” by KJ Kabza - water on an arid planet - 4 stars
“The Song” by Erinn L. Kemper - whale song - 4/5 stars
“Articulated Restraint” by Mary Robinette Kowal - Lady Astronaut story - 4/5 stars
“Painless” by Rich Larson - bioengineering - 4 stars
“Seonag and the Seawolves” by M. Evan MacGriogair - the Gaelic is overwhelming - 3 stars
“Any Way the Wind Blows” by Seanan McGuire - when Tor had to move + airships - 4 stars
“Blue Morphos in the Garden” by Lis Mitchell - when death is transformation - 4 stars
“His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light” by Mimi Mondal - Aladdin retold - Nebula -4/5 stars
“Old Media” by Annalee Newitz - robots and anime - 4 stars
“More Real Than Him” by Silvia Park - female friendship/competition - 3 stars
“The Hundredth House Had No Walls” by Laurie Penny - happily ever after - 4 stars
“The Touches” by Brenda Peynado - when the necessity of clean goes too far - 3 stars
“Knowledgeable Creatures” by Christopher Rowe - detective story with smart animals - 4 stars
“Blood Is Another Word for Hunger” by Rivers Solomon - slavery, anger, and the otherworld - 4 stars
“The Last Voyage of Skidbladnir” by Karin Tidbeck - organic spaceship - 4 stars
“Circus Girl, The Hunter, and Mirror Boy” by JY Yang - a wraith who means no harm - 4 stars
“The Time Invariance of Snow” by E. Lily Yu - the devil's mirror - 3/4 stars
I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (Reading Women "anthology") and the 2020 Hugo nominations (Best Novelette).
“Deriving Life” by Elizabeth Bear - when cancer is sentient - 4 stars
“For He Can Creep” by Siobhan Carroll - cat vs Devil - Hugo/Nebula nominee - 5 stars
“Beyond the El” by John Chu - magical food prep - 3/4 stars
“Zeitgeber” by Greg Egan - when circadian rhythms change - 4 stars
“One/Zero” by Kathleen Ann Goonan - AIs and refugees - 5 stars
“As the Last I May Know” by S. L. Huang - protecting the nuclear codes - Hugo nominee - 5 stars
“Skinner Box” by Carole Johnstone- trigger warnings for sexual assault/violence - 3 stars
“Water: A History” by KJ Kabza - water on an arid planet - 4 stars
“The Song” by Erinn L. Kemper - whale song - 4/5 stars
“Articulated Restraint” by Mary Robinette Kowal - Lady Astronaut story - 4/5 stars
“Painless” by Rich Larson - bioengineering - 4 stars
“Seonag and the Seawolves” by M. Evan MacGriogair - the Gaelic is overwhelming - 3 stars
“Any Way the Wind Blows” by Seanan McGuire - when Tor had to move + airships - 4 stars
“Blue Morphos in the Garden” by Lis Mitchell - when death is transformation - 4 stars
“His Footsteps, Through Darkness and Light” by Mimi Mondal - Aladdin retold - Nebula -4/5 stars
“Old Media” by Annalee Newitz - robots and anime - 4 stars
“More Real Than Him” by Silvia Park - female friendship/competition - 3 stars
“The Hundredth House Had No Walls” by Laurie Penny - happily ever after - 4 stars
“The Touches” by Brenda Peynado - when the necessity of clean goes too far - 3 stars
“Knowledgeable Creatures” by Christopher Rowe - detective story with smart animals - 4 stars
“Blood Is Another Word for Hunger” by Rivers Solomon - slavery, anger, and the otherworld - 4 stars
“The Last Voyage of Skidbladnir” by Karin Tidbeck - organic spaceship - 4 stars
“Circus Girl, The Hunter, and Mirror Boy” by JY Yang - a wraith who means no harm - 4 stars
“The Time Invariance of Snow” by E. Lily Yu - the devil's mirror - 3/4 stars
I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (Reading Women "anthology") and the 2020 Hugo nominations (Best Novelette).