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petealdin's review against another edition
4.0
Full disclosure: I have a story in this book. So read this with as many grains of salt as you think appropriate.
For the most part, I loved these stories. Honourable mentions: Gary B Philips' K (hilarious), Damien Angelica Walters' U (tear jerker), Beth Cato's D (believable, oppressive, dark), KV Taylor's J (masterful), Cory Cone's T (soooo nasty! I love it).
For the most part, I loved these stories. Honourable mentions: Gary B Philips' K (hilarious), Damien Angelica Walters' U (tear jerker), Beth Cato's D (believable, oppressive, dark), KV Taylor's J (masterful), Cory Cone's T (soooo nasty! I love it).
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot of story packed into this anthology. 26 to be precise....one for each letter of the alphabet. And I found myself purposefully not looking at titles so I could "guess" what the title would be at the end of each story (all were one word starting with the assigned letter somehow encapsulating the theme of the story). So that was fun.
It was fun seeing some familiar names and not-so-familiar names as well. There were quite dreamy and artistic stories, and some quite Twilight Zone-esque end of the world stories, a few seemingly set in alternate fantasy worlds (or unrecognizable earth futures), but most set on our planet.
The one that resonates most in my mind at the end (I like the longer ones) is Cory Cone's "T" wherein a Beethoven lover is left not-quite-alone at the end of the world with his piano, Victrola, and audience of stuffed rats. Very creepy. I also like Steve Bornstein's "Z" which chronicles the regrets of a high-powered working couple as a black hole barrels straight towards the Earth. It was so...realistic and simple (and thus relatable).
This is the kind of anthology you can definitely dip in and out of like a bag of multi flavored jelly beans and savor the individual flavor of each story.
It was fun seeing some familiar names and not-so-familiar names as well. There were quite dreamy and artistic stories, and some quite Twilight Zone-esque end of the world stories, a few seemingly set in alternate fantasy worlds (or unrecognizable earth futures), but most set on our planet.
The one that resonates most in my mind at the end (I like the longer ones) is Cory Cone's "T" wherein a Beethoven lover is left not-quite-alone at the end of the world with his piano, Victrola, and audience of stuffed rats. Very creepy. I also like Steve Bornstein's "Z" which chronicles the regrets of a high-powered working couple as a black hole barrels straight towards the Earth. It was so...realistic and simple (and thus relatable).
This is the kind of anthology you can definitely dip in and out of like a bag of multi flavored jelly beans and savor the individual flavor of each story.
aly36's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was a good collection for short stories. I am glad they are fun and I think the author has a good imagination. I enjoyed the book. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
jhenze's review against another edition
4.0
Having been at the book launch for D is for Dinosaur (book 4 of the series), I was quite intrigued by the idea behind this anthology series. And I was not disappointed. The main idea was vague enough to allow for a HUGE variety in tone and content which allowed me to get much more invested in the volume than many of the other anthologies I've read recently.
I will say a though you should be in a good headspace when you read this, as if you are like me you'll start thinking about how you'd deal with the end of the world. Thinking like that can go in dark and strange places.
The Stories that stuck with me
I - Kenneth Schneyer - I loved this take on the idea of long life. It went in a direction I've never seen or considered before, giving me a lot to think about
K - Gary B. Phillips - I am a sucker for stories told using alternate frameworks. This story utilized its unconventional format in a way that truly strengthened the story and ideas they were putting forward
W - Lilah Wild - I think I connected with this story the most, reading through created intense visuals that captured my attention and had me heavily invested in the fate of the characters.
Would recommend 100% and am looking forward to diving into the other volumes of the series
I will say a though you should be in a good headspace when you read this, as if you are like me you'll start thinking about how you'd deal with the end of the world. Thinking like that can go in dark and strange places.
The Stories that stuck with me
I - Kenneth Schneyer - I loved this take on the idea of long life. It went in a direction I've never seen or considered before, giving me a lot to think about
K - Gary B. Phillips - I am a sucker for stories told using alternate frameworks. This story utilized its unconventional format in a way that truly strengthened the story and ideas they were putting forward
W - Lilah Wild - I think I connected with this story the most, reading through created intense visuals that captured my attention and had me heavily invested in the fate of the characters.
Would recommend 100% and am looking forward to diving into the other volumes of the series
xan_van_rooyen's review against another edition
5.0
These five stars are for all the other stories in the anthology - not my own!
A wonderfully eclectic mix of short stories from some truly stupendous authors!
A wonderfully eclectic mix of short stories from some truly stupendous authors!
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