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aqua (n) - water, used in compound names, or substances in water.
synthesis (n) - The combining of elements into a unified entity.
aquasynthesis (n) - a combining of worlds within a pool of water; an anthology of short stories from Splashdown authors.
Gizile follows her mysterious teacher, Tok, as they look into the ice of an ocean pool to contemplate a series of strange and mystical visions: astonishing tales of technology and transcendence, aliens and elves, space and time, dragons and demons, prophecies and scriptures, humor and horror, the gifted and the enslaved, virtual and supernatural reality, insanity and inspiration.
Dive into the creations of the Splashdown wordsmiths. Visit the edges of story worlds you love already, and taste their delights if you are new to Splashdown's universe.
Aquasynthesis is a collection of short stories from the authors at Splashdown Books. They range from a miracle-working ring, to learning sentient computers, to a Lucky Penny, to an obsession with ears, all tied together with short snippets from the viewpoint of a girl watching a pool of water freeze and melt.
If you think that sounds weird...well...it's speculative fiction.
Let me quickly review some of my favorite stories in the mix:
Dude by Kat Heckenbach: This story made me laugh so hard! It was a creative, non-traditional use of an elf and I loved it. This was easily my favorite story in the entire collection. Kat's two other stories, Between the Pages and The Artist, were also amazing. Her book, Finding Angel, is under contract, so I know it's one I have to get!
When the Game Became Too Real by Ryan Grabow: I. Need. Air. Gulp. An adrenaline-laced story with the protagonist stuck in virtual reality, based on his forthcoming novel, Caffiene. Yeah. I'm gonna need this book too.
The Kissing Part by Fred Warren: A companion story to his novel The Muse, this is a cute story that reminds me of something my little sister did to one of my stories once.
Summer Snaps: a deleted scene from Keven Newsome's Winter, the book that launched Darkwater, the supernatural imprint of Splashdown. It's a supernatural thriller about a Christian Goth named Winter who receives visions from God. I wasn't too sure about the book--I mean, Christian Goths? Really?--but reading the story made me interested. Add Winter to my must-buy pile.
The Unjust Judge by Adam Graham: The story about a man who refuses to mete out justice and a widowed alien who refuses to give up...sounds just like something the author of Tales of the Dim Knight would write. Serious and funny all at once, and an excellent story.
The Field Trip by P. A. Baines: Ha! A story about two aliens learning about earth...and the difference a comma can make. Oosha. (Oops.) ;)
Overall thoughts: Some of the stories were better-written than others, but all made me curious to check out the authors I haven't read before. For people concerned about content, most of the book is clean. One story (Bob by P. A. Baines) contains a mild cuss-word, and Caprice Hokstad's story Fettered Soul contains a little sensuality (but nothing happens, not even a kiss. Oh yeah, and I really like this story too. Add two more books to my "must-buy" pile.). Aquasynthesis should be fine for those over 16.
If you like Christian speculative fiction and want a book you can read in short snippets, I'd definitely recommend Aquasynthesis. It will give you a good introduction to the fan-tabulous authors at Splashdown!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DeAnnaJulieDodson
Posted September 4, 2011
I'm not in general a science fiction fan, but this anthology, with each tale tied to the next as a series of learning opportunities, surprised me with the range and depth of the stories and high quality of the writing. Well done!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DLWatson
Posted September 1, 2011
What do you get when a publishers' authors band together to create a collection of short stories and then tie them together with a narrative thread? The result is Aquasynthesis by Splashdown Books. I don't usually read anthologies of short stories, however, after an email exchange with Splashdown's owner and founder, Grace Bridges, I decided to read the book out of curiosity. I must say, the quality of the writing was pretty good. Know that most of the stories have a definite Christian bent, so if you like inspirational sci-fi and fantasy short stories, you should give this one a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ct1030
Posted August 29, 2011
When I purchased this book I expected to read an anthology to taste each writer's style. But I never expected the stories to be tied together with narration! Stories in a story, I fell in love with this book! I don't especially want to ruin the wonder for new readers so will just say that this book had me wide eyed, open mouthed, sullen, surprised, in awe, giggling, and just riveted to each chapter waiting to exhale! A good read, highly recommended.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 5, 2011
Some lessons are harder than others. That's what Gizile learns when her terse instructor takes her to a small pool of frigid water on a rocky coast. Story after story plays by, teaching her truths that are sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden, and often not what she wants to hear. Aquasynthesis is a collection of short stories by all the authors of Splashdown Books. The individual stories range the whole gamut of the speculative fiction arena. Each gives insight human nature, and not always the pretty side. Greatness is squashed for the sake of convenience. Crazy alien kids go on a field trip. Victory is achieved through sacrifice. Some people prefer to live in their ignorance. The stories are well-written and intensely fascinating. There's a great deal of humor mixed in with the lessons Gizile is learning including one-liners, puns, and wild circumstances. The stories are bound together by the narrative of Gizile and her teacher, Tok. As that particular story continues throughout the book, we see further into Gizile's life and find out what Tok wants her to overcome. The lesson is an important one for us all. So look into the water and learn.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
aqua (n) - water, used in compound names, or substances in water.
synthesis (n) - The combining of elements into a unified entity.
aquasynthesis (n) - a combining of worlds within a pool of water; an anthology ...