Tag Archives: Anthology

Working Holiday

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I have a couple of posts stacked up to edit and prepare to set up here, but work is getting in the way. Not the day job, but writing work!

My sluggish return to all things creative is getting a little bump. I am busy reviewing galley proofs for one of my stories to come back into print!

I’m very excited that “Data Dogs” will be available again in the Hearts for Hounds anthologies, raising money to assist shelters! If this is a way I can help out I am thrilled to be part of it!

A short post today with more to follow as the book(s) become available!

Wild Card

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Wild Cards by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had heard a lot about this series and really wanted to get into it and find out what it’s all about. I suspect that my timing could have been better. Reading about a virus that kills thousands in the middle of a global pandemic did not help me finish this book quickly.

The story takes place in an alternate history. Right at the end of WWII an alien virus is released on the population of earth. The virus is sweeping and can’t be escaped. Most of the people caught by the virus die. Those that don’t have their DNA rewritten to give them powers of some degree OR really mess them up. The entire “naming” is based around cards. IF you get a super power, you’re an ace. Get a crippling disability and you’re a joker. There’s no real escape – this changes the world.

I think that last bit was what made this so difficult to read right now. The world of 2020 is changing based on a pandemic. Reading about McCarthyism, Un-American Activities committees, pain, suffering, prejudice, riots… all in the context of this altered history felt like it paralleled the news to a very scary degree. Yes, the stories are fiction BUT the actions and reactions of the people in the stories felt all to real.

This is a shared world anthology. There were a number of really interesting stories – and all were really well done – that all worked with the world and the characters in that setting. I was glad to be able to read authors that I might not have found otherwise. Make no mistake, this book has a lot of grim, dirty and dark mixed in with the alternate history.

I’m on the fence about wanting to see this world / setting / series of characters adapted for the screen. I’ve heard that it’s in process, but I think there are other options that have already done it, maybe better? As for the series of stories – I’m interested enough that I’ll probably start to dig up some of the other books. IF you’re a fan of alternate history, or sort-of super heroes you might just be into this book. I’m glad I read it.



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