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foxconfessor's review against another edition
4.0
Great stories and illustrations in this one! One or two were a bit meh, and I have to admit I skipped the essays, but overall I thought this was a great collection.
lyleblosser's review against another edition
4.0
It is good to be reminded that this collection exists. A long-standing contest open to both authors and artists, this year's volume of winners contained a great eclectic mix of science fiction and fantasy (and some which quite effectively straddle that line). If I had to pick a favorite, out of the numerous enjoyable tales, it would be "Mara's Shadow" by Darci Stone which nicely developed the mystical and rational for an engaging and ultimately very personal story. Others entries of note: "The Minarets of An-Zabat" by Jeremy TeGrotenhuis developed a culture full of mysticism and beauty with an Arabian Nights feel; "The Howler on the Sales Floor" by Jonathan Ficke was unique in bringing out the humor in what could have been a horrifying situation; and "The Face in the Box" by Janey Bell was unexpectedly tender. Honestly, there wasn't a clunker in the mix. Add in several themes and articles by better-known talents (L. Ron Hubbard, of course, but also Orson Scott Card, and Brandon Sanderson, to name just a few) make this a well-rounded offering. Truly, something for everyone.
aix83's review against another edition
3.0
Most of these stories were pretty mediocre with the notable exception of The Howler on the Sales Floor, which has a Cthulhu-type protagonist trapped in an office job and having been summoned by HR for a tough talk about his people skills. It was so much fun and very well done that it was worth the slog through the other stories.
sonaderon's review against another edition
5.0
I normally avoid reading books online, but having this on my phone while taking the train across the country was perfect.
Awesome stories from some of my favorite writers.
Awesome stories from some authors I had never read before.
And since it's a bunch of short stories, they are perfect stopping points at each train stop.
Awesome stories from some of my favorite writers.
Awesome stories from some authors I had never read before.
And since it's a bunch of short stories, they are perfect stopping points at each train stop.
08151991j's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book, either though I found some of the stories a bit confusing, but sometimes I take things literally. The stories provided in this book should be taken figuratively. Three stories I enjoyed most in this anthology are: "Mara's Shadow," "Odd and Ugly," and "A Bitter Thing."
"Mara's shadow" is about the discovery of a new infectious disease with the power to kill people. Worms infest the humans and consume humans internally. This disease was first introduced in early civilization, and was considered as a curse called Mara's Shadow. This disease kills the protagonists husband, so she decides to search for a cure before the symptoms of the disease occur in her son.
"Odd and Ugly" is about girl who falls in love with a Kapra tree, but the tree does not feel like he is attractive enough. Eventually the girl finds out, and she dates another guy. The new guy in the girl's life becomes hostile and demanding. Once the tree giant learns that the girl is about to marry him, he objects to their marriage and proposes to marry her himself.
"A bitter Thing" is about a girl named Ami who meets a lost (Hexie) Alien from another planet. She feels obligated to let the (Hexie) live with her and she falls in love with him. Hexie's plan isn't about staying with Ami forever. The Hexie creates a computer program that has the ability to hypnotize other Aliens. Hexie's captain eventually finds out about this, and tells Hexie to report to him immediately. Ami wants to go with Hexie, but Hexie warned Ami that the captain would not let her live.
"Mara's shadow" is about the discovery of a new infectious disease with the power to kill people. Worms infest the humans and consume humans internally. This disease was first introduced in early civilization, and was considered as a curse called Mara's Shadow. This disease kills the protagonists husband, so she decides to search for a cure before the symptoms of the disease occur in her son.
"Odd and Ugly" is about girl who falls in love with a Kapra tree, but the tree does not feel like he is attractive enough. Eventually the girl finds out, and she dates another guy. The new guy in the girl's life becomes hostile and demanding. Once the tree giant learns that the girl is about to marry him, he objects to their marriage and proposes to marry her himself.
"A bitter Thing" is about a girl named Ami who meets a lost (Hexie) Alien from another planet. She feels obligated to let the (Hexie) live with her and she falls in love with him. Hexie's plan isn't about staying with Ami forever. The Hexie creates a computer program that has the ability to hypnotize other Aliens. Hexie's captain eventually finds out about this, and tells Hexie to report to him immediately. Ami wants to go with Hexie, but Hexie warned Ami that the captain would not let her live.
frakalot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Ugh... don't judge me. In fact, I'm here because I don't want to judge LRH's writing by my opinion of him. I hate cancel culture and today I decided to give LRH's scifi a try, based on a friend's suggestion.
So for now, that's all I'm here to review, but the publication appears to be promoting new unpublished authors so I would like to read and review all of their stories at some point.
'The Death Flyer' by LRH. (3-stars)
Well, this is not my typical fare. We have a story about a phantom train, not very original in concept but I must admit written quite nicely. Simple but very descriptive language. I haven't partaken of very much paranormal fiction since childhood but this didn't seem to have anything particularly surprising about it. I enjoyed the scene building at the start more than anything else, I think.
Unfortunately this was not at all scifi, so...? Maybe I'll have to try another. Goddamit.
So for now, that's all I'm here to review, but the publication appears to be promoting new unpublished authors so I would like to read and review all of their stories at some point.
'The Death Flyer' by LRH. (3-stars)
Well, this is not my typical fare. We have a story about a phantom train, not very original in concept but I must admit written quite nicely. Simple but very descriptive language. I haven't partaken of very much paranormal fiction since childhood but this didn't seem to have anything particularly surprising about it. I enjoyed the scene building at the start more than anything else, I think.
Unfortunately this was not at all scifi, so...? Maybe I'll have to try another. Goddamit.
jandrews560's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't really like many of he stories...as far as fantasy and science fiction goes, I could see so many better choices than these...just my opinion but, I had to force myself to finish most of them.