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mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
As we pass the halfway mark of the year, we find the first of the new 'best of' anthologies flooding the market. Currently I have 4 monster tomes that I've been reading through, jumping around between favorite authors and intriguing titles. I'm not one to read an anthology from cover-to-cover, but I try to give the bulk of the stories a fair shot.
First up was Space Opera from Rich Horton.
Next we have The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year #8, edited by Jonathan Strahan, which collects 624 pages of stories from an absolutely stellar cast of authors. That selection alone would have been more than enough for me to pick this up for a read, but it certainly helps that Strahan has developed a reputation with me of being a consistently dependable editor. I'd read just about anything he puts together, and come away from it amazed and entertained by the stories chosen.
Some Desperado by Joe Abercrombie reminds me I really need to get around to reading his First Law trilogy - this was a weird bit of violent, western style fantasy with a strong heroine.
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman was pretty much everything you could expect from a fairytale retelling with his unique twists - a new version of Sleeping Beauty (with an appearance from Snow White), that focuses more on the dark side of things.
Water by Ramez Naam was a story I initially thought was trying too hard, but which I came to really enjoy - - it's a really interesting exploration of invasive technology, the ethics of advertising, and the dangers of ad-supported cerebral software that already has access to your thoughts and emotions.
The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling by Ted Chiang was another favorite, and a story that pairs very well with Water - Chiang looks at our memories, how we form them, how we capture them, and how we distort or sanitize them. Pair that with an exploration of how new technology so often frightens those who don't understand it, and you've got a great tale.
The Book Seller by Lavie Tidhar was another mixed concept kind of story, this time with vampires, robots, genetic engineering, and the musty, dusty appeal of old books.
The Sun and I by K J Parker was a fun tale the ultimately takes itself too seriously, but which I still enjoyed. Here, Parker looks at what happens when a gang of criminals set up a false religion to bilk the ignorant, only to find that they're really onto something, leaving them stuck running a Church.
Entangled by Ian R Macleod was one of the collection's harder science fiction tales, a fascinating look at a far future world in which we've evolved into a sort of hive-mind, with one man futilely flitting around the outside.
In Metal, In Bone by An Owomoyela takes a hard look at the morality, the victims, and the consequences of violent warfare, with a disturbing focus on how the never-ending cycle of violence can make victims of even those who've come to offer their aid.
Being a general collection, rather than one built around a theme, The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year #8 had more misses than I'm used to from Strahan's editorial pen, but the hits are more than strong enough to make up for them.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
First up was Space Opera from Rich Horton.
Next we have The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year #8, edited by Jonathan Strahan, which collects 624 pages of stories from an absolutely stellar cast of authors. That selection alone would have been more than enough for me to pick this up for a read, but it certainly helps that Strahan has developed a reputation with me of being a consistently dependable editor. I'd read just about anything he puts together, and come away from it amazed and entertained by the stories chosen.
Some Desperado by Joe Abercrombie reminds me I really need to get around to reading his First Law trilogy - this was a weird bit of violent, western style fantasy with a strong heroine.
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman was pretty much everything you could expect from a fairytale retelling with his unique twists - a new version of Sleeping Beauty (with an appearance from Snow White), that focuses more on the dark side of things.
Water by Ramez Naam was a story I initially thought was trying too hard, but which I came to really enjoy - - it's a really interesting exploration of invasive technology, the ethics of advertising, and the dangers of ad-supported cerebral software that already has access to your thoughts and emotions.
The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling by Ted Chiang was another favorite, and a story that pairs very well with Water - Chiang looks at our memories, how we form them, how we capture them, and how we distort or sanitize them. Pair that with an exploration of how new technology so often frightens those who don't understand it, and you've got a great tale.
The Book Seller by Lavie Tidhar was another mixed concept kind of story, this time with vampires, robots, genetic engineering, and the musty, dusty appeal of old books.
The Sun and I by K J Parker was a fun tale the ultimately takes itself too seriously, but which I still enjoyed. Here, Parker looks at what happens when a gang of criminals set up a false religion to bilk the ignorant, only to find that they're really onto something, leaving them stuck running a Church.
Entangled by Ian R Macleod was one of the collection's harder science fiction tales, a fascinating look at a far future world in which we've evolved into a sort of hive-mind, with one man futilely flitting around the outside.
In Metal, In Bone by An Owomoyela takes a hard look at the morality, the victims, and the consequences of violent warfare, with a disturbing focus on how the never-ending cycle of violence can make victims of even those who've come to offer their aid.
Being a general collection, rather than one built around a theme, The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year #8 had more misses than I'm used to from Strahan's editorial pen, but the hits are more than strong enough to make up for them.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
andreashibly's review against another edition
3.0
Sleeper and the Spindle (Gaiman, of course), Herons of Mer de L’ouest, The Sun and I*, The Promise of Space, Master Conjurer (cute), Entangled, Kormak the Lucky
raven_morgan's review against another edition
4.0
It’s nigh impossible to try to keep up with everything published in the speculative fiction field these days. This is where “Year’s Best” anthologies come in very useful. Absolutely, each editor is going to have a different idea of what consititutes “best”, dependent upon personal interest and worldviews, but any of the annual anthologies are a damn good place to begin looking for an idea of the shape of the speculative fiction field in any given year.
In the introduction to volume eight of “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year”, Johnathan Strahan expresses a desire to only include stories that are absolutely speculative in nature. The resultant stories in this volume reflect that wish admirably.
Many of the individual stories in this volume didn’t grab me, or simply weren’t for me (see the personal interest and worldview note above). However, there were some absolutely remarkable stories included.
The first standout for me was Yoon-Ha Lee’s “Effigy Nights”. Absolutely gorgeous language, and a truly unique fantasy world. There is a feeling of this being only a small glimpse into a much greater, and vastly enchanting world.
Proving that speculative fiction can contain much quieter elements, M. John Harrison’s “Cave and Julia” shows the reader a strange and haunted world, with memorable characters and sparsely beautiful language.
Possibly the standout story for me was “Water” by Ramez Naam. Science fiction works here as a warning, extrapolating into what seems like an all too possible future for advertising. Keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished reading this one.
Ted Chiang’s “The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling” presents a world in which digital memory is real – Remem allows anyone to record their life, to be able to go back and rewatch memories any time they wish. Paralleling this story is another one, where written language is introduced into a culture previously only possessing an oral tradition. Extremely clever and engaging storytelling.
A darker world is presented in Priya Sharma’s “Rag and Bone”, evoking both Victorian literature with a steampunk edge. There is something horribly fascinating about the world Sharma presents, everything edged with hidden menace.
Lavie Tidhar’s “The Book Seller” will appeal to many writers and readers, evoking a love of science fiction with a love of books. Absolutely gorgeous science fiction.
Several of the stories held deep emotional impact. James Patrick Kelly’s “The Promise of Space” is a quiet and sorrowful tale of the reality of space travel. Sofia Samatar’s “Selkie Stories are for Losers” translates mythology into reality. Both of these stories, in particular, lingered emotionally for me long after I had finished reading.
Karen Tidback’s “Sing” drew the reader into a fascinating science fictional world – this world feels truly novel, the characters who inhabit it finely drawn. This is science fiction of wonder at its best.
The final story which really stood out for me was Caitlin R Kiernan’s “The Road of Needles.” I will confess to being a long time fan of Kiernan’s fiction, and this story will be no disappointment to anyone who loves her way with words and imagery. Probably among her best.
Overall, this volume presents a varied collection of what truly feels like the best science fiction and fantasy for the year. Not all of the stories appealed to me, but those that did, truly did. Definitely recommended collection, especially if (like pretty much everyone) you don’t have the time to keep up with all of the short fiction published in the year.
In the introduction to volume eight of “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year”, Johnathan Strahan expresses a desire to only include stories that are absolutely speculative in nature. The resultant stories in this volume reflect that wish admirably.
Many of the individual stories in this volume didn’t grab me, or simply weren’t for me (see the personal interest and worldview note above). However, there were some absolutely remarkable stories included.
The first standout for me was Yoon-Ha Lee’s “Effigy Nights”. Absolutely gorgeous language, and a truly unique fantasy world. There is a feeling of this being only a small glimpse into a much greater, and vastly enchanting world.
Proving that speculative fiction can contain much quieter elements, M. John Harrison’s “Cave and Julia” shows the reader a strange and haunted world, with memorable characters and sparsely beautiful language.
Possibly the standout story for me was “Water” by Ramez Naam. Science fiction works here as a warning, extrapolating into what seems like an all too possible future for advertising. Keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished reading this one.
Ted Chiang’s “The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling” presents a world in which digital memory is real – Remem allows anyone to record their life, to be able to go back and rewatch memories any time they wish. Paralleling this story is another one, where written language is introduced into a culture previously only possessing an oral tradition. Extremely clever and engaging storytelling.
A darker world is presented in Priya Sharma’s “Rag and Bone”, evoking both Victorian literature with a steampunk edge. There is something horribly fascinating about the world Sharma presents, everything edged with hidden menace.
Lavie Tidhar’s “The Book Seller” will appeal to many writers and readers, evoking a love of science fiction with a love of books. Absolutely gorgeous science fiction.
Several of the stories held deep emotional impact. James Patrick Kelly’s “The Promise of Space” is a quiet and sorrowful tale of the reality of space travel. Sofia Samatar’s “Selkie Stories are for Losers” translates mythology into reality. Both of these stories, in particular, lingered emotionally for me long after I had finished reading.
Karen Tidback’s “Sing” drew the reader into a fascinating science fictional world – this world feels truly novel, the characters who inhabit it finely drawn. This is science fiction of wonder at its best.
The final story which really stood out for me was Caitlin R Kiernan’s “The Road of Needles.” I will confess to being a long time fan of Kiernan’s fiction, and this story will be no disappointment to anyone who loves her way with words and imagery. Probably among her best.
Overall, this volume presents a varied collection of what truly feels like the best science fiction and fantasy for the year. Not all of the stories appealed to me, but those that did, truly did. Definitely recommended collection, especially if (like pretty much everyone) you don’t have the time to keep up with all of the short fiction published in the year.
darkbackground's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
adammassey's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
jenbooks's review against another edition
3.0
A couple of really good stories, but mostly pretty meh. Average 3.3 stars.
"Some Desperado" by Joe Abercrombie 2 - How is this sci fi or fantasy??
"Zero for Conduct" by Greg Egan 3.5
"Effigy Nights" by Yoon Ha Lee 2.5
"Rosary and Goldenstar" by Geoff Ryman 2 - meh
"The Sleeper and the Spindle" by Neil Gaiman 5
"Cave and Julia" by M. John Harrison 1 - wtf
"The Herons of Mer de l’Ouest" by M Bennardo 3
"Water" by Ramez Naam 4
"The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling" by Ted Chiang 4
"The Ink Readers of Doi Saket" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt 1 - ugh
"Cherry Blossoms on the River of Souls" by Richard Parks 5
"Rag and Bone" by Priya Sharma 4
"The Book Seller" by Lavie Tidhar 1 - bleh
"The Sun and I" by K J Parker 5 - now that's more like it.
"The Promise of Space" by James Patrick Kelly 4 - nice!
"The Master Conjurer" by Charlie Jane Anders 4
"The Pilgrim and the Angel" by E. Lily Yu 4
"Entangled" by Ian R Macleod 3.5
"Fade to Gold" by Benjanun Sriduangkaew 4
"Selkie Stories are for Losers" by Sofia Samatar 4
"In Metal, In Bone" by An Owomoyela 3.5
"Kormak the Lucky" by Eleanor Arnason 3.5
"Sing" by Karin Tidbeck 2.5
"Social Services" by Madeline Ashby 4
"The Road of Needles" by Caitlín R Kiernan 2.5
"Mystic Falls" by Robert Reed 4
"The Queen of Night’s Aria" by Ian McDonald 3
"The Irish Astronaut" by Val Nolan 3.5
"Some Desperado" by Joe Abercrombie 2 - How is this sci fi or fantasy??
"Zero for Conduct" by Greg Egan 3.5
"Effigy Nights" by Yoon Ha Lee 2.5
"Rosary and Goldenstar" by Geoff Ryman 2 - meh
"The Sleeper and the Spindle" by Neil Gaiman 5
"Cave and Julia" by M. John Harrison 1 - wtf
"The Herons of Mer de l’Ouest" by M Bennardo 3
"Water" by Ramez Naam 4
"The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling" by Ted Chiang 4
"The Ink Readers of Doi Saket" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt 1 - ugh
"Cherry Blossoms on the River of Souls" by Richard Parks 5
"Rag and Bone" by Priya Sharma 4
"The Book Seller" by Lavie Tidhar 1 - bleh
"The Sun and I" by K J Parker 5 - now that's more like it.
"The Promise of Space" by James Patrick Kelly 4 - nice!
"The Master Conjurer" by Charlie Jane Anders 4
"The Pilgrim and the Angel" by E. Lily Yu 4
"Entangled" by Ian R Macleod 3.5
"Fade to Gold" by Benjanun Sriduangkaew 4
"Selkie Stories are for Losers" by Sofia Samatar 4
"In Metal, In Bone" by An Owomoyela 3.5
"Kormak the Lucky" by Eleanor Arnason 3.5
"Sing" by Karin Tidbeck 2.5
"Social Services" by Madeline Ashby 4
"The Road of Needles" by Caitlín R Kiernan 2.5
"Mystic Falls" by Robert Reed 4
"The Queen of Night’s Aria" by Ian McDonald 3
"The Irish Astronaut" by Val Nolan 3.5
soless's review against another edition
5.0
Gathered from across publishing media – from traditional print to online magazines and single-serving digital downloads – The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year, Vol. 8. paints a picture of the current state of science fiction and fantasy. So, if a year’s best anthology is a snapshot of the last 365 days of fiction, what did our favorite genres look like in 2013? Well, they looked a lot like Tumblr, a little like Facebook, a bit like Twitter, and every so often, they looked just like Wikipedia. #explanation_forthcoming
DISCLOSURE: I reviewed an ARC of this book for Innsmouth Free Press. Full review over here.
DISCLOSURE: I reviewed an ARC of this book for Innsmouth Free Press. Full review over here.
kayswear's review
4.0
Lots of overlap with Dozios' annual collection, but maybe a little more emphasis on fantasy, which is fine. Many good stories here.
michelle_e_goldsmith's review
5.0
I thought this contained a good mix of stories showing the breadth of talent for the year. They were also arranged to flow smoothly between genres and styles without jarring the reader.