- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Stupefying Stories: October 2011 [NOOK Book]
( 2 )
Ganellon
Posted January 25, 2012
This is the second issue of a new series of e-books from Rampant Loon Press. Each volume is an anthology of fantasy and science fiction short stories and this is the first issue I had a chance to read. I found this to be a solid collection, and each tale was short enough that I could read several in one sitting. - First Impressions by Aaron Bradford Starr - This was a story of first contact gone wrong. While the ending did not break any new ground among sci-fi themes, it was well done and I enjoyed the humor. - The Bamboo Garden by Clare L. Deming - This was the most amazing, magnificent, and imaginative fantasy story I've ever read. Disclaimer...I wrote it, so how objective do you think I'm going to be? It's a fantasy tale in a non-traditional setting, and I think it's a good one. - Home Security by Gary McKenzie - When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This takes on a new meaning when Roy purchases a home security system from a shady fellow. I felt the characters were well-drawn and the idea was original. - Borrowed Feathers by Sarah Frost - A creepy look at the aftermath of an alien invasion. Humans are taken by the aliens, but birds of all kinds are gathered up and brought to one woman, trapped in a skyscraper and wondering how to go on. This was a rather chilling tale with lots of unanswered questions, but a fascinating read. - If This Be Magic by Anatoly Belilovsky - Two men, out for a night on the town, discover that magic takes many forms when they encounter a strange house and a man that intrigues their dates. I felt like I missed something in this story, like a reference I didn't understand. I think that the men were nicely set up to be unlikable, and the end was fitting. - The Oily by E. A. Black - Lara and Nate return to their childhood home where they confront haunted memories and secrets of Winwood House and the neighboring swamp. I don't usually like ghost stories, but this was one of my favorite selections in the book. - In Fall, After the Harvest by S. Travis Brown - Dave resists his company's new health and fitness initiative when almost everyone eventually gives in. This was the shortest piece but was funny, with an unexpected twist. - The King of Ash and Bones by Rebecca Roland - A ruined king seeks revenge in a fantasy setting where magic is transferred by implanted worms. I really enjoyed the idea behind the magic and I would love to see more of this world. - Watch This! by Henry Vogel - Two uncouth hillbillies lacking in common sense find themselves in an unexplained line. Humorous, and fitting with the cover of the issue.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Vidad
Posted October 6, 2011
Solid storytelling all the way through.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
LendMe™
Overview
The inaugural issue of Philip K. Dick Award-winning SF author Bruce Bethke's new monthly original anthology series, STUPEFYING STORIES features all-new tales of the fantastic, frightening, and weirdly funny by authors such as Vox Day, Anatoly Belilovsky, Caileigh Marshall, Daniel Eness, Chris Bailey Pearce, Ryan M. Jones, Allan Davis Jr., and more. If you're looking for imaginative fiction so fresh and new it doesn't have a marketing label yet, you'll find it in STUPEFYING STORIES.