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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