Anthology
Edited by Ellen Datlow
Publisher: Tor Books
Source: From publisher for review
Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2Jkufgf
From master anthologist Ellen Datlow comes an all-original of weird tales inspired by the strangeness of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass" and "What Alice Found There".
Between the hallucinogenic, weird, imaginative wordplay and the brilliant mathematical puzzles and social satire, Alice has been read, enjoyed, and savored by every generation since its publication. Datlow asked eighteen of the most brilliant and acclaimed writers working today to dream up stories inspired by all the strange events and surreal characters found in Wonderland.
Featuring stories and poems from Seanan McGuire, Catherynne M. Valente, Delia Sherman, Genevieve Valentine, Priya Sharma, Stephen Graham Jones, Richard Bowes, Jeffrey Ford, Angela Slatter, Andy Duncan, C.S.E. Cooney, Matthew Kressel, Kris Dikeman, Jane Yolen, Kaaron Warren, Ysbeau Wilce, and Katherine Vaz.My thoughts:
As with most anthologies this was a mixed bag of captivating stories and some that I skimmed. I do think you will recognize some of the authors like Seanan McGuire (and that story was so good!) and find some new ones to check out. There is also some poetry for those that enjoy it (not too much for those that don't). Some of these stories really transported me into the world and I will warn you that much of it is dark and some ventured into horror. I'm not surprised as the original work really had a darkness to it and some of the authors expounded on it. I really enjoyed how some of these stories were turned on it's ear and you found yourself with logical explanations to the illogical. Most though fully immersed itself into wonderland or just outside of it and all of it will make you mad as a hatter in the end of it. Really that is a good thing... LOL
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. This is a book I do think I'll reread and I do know that there were a couple of stories I wish were expounded into full series. I don't want to say which of those I enjoyed the most as I do think you need to explore this book as I did... knowing it would be fantastical and dark but not knowing which direction it would take.
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Anthologies can always be so hard, they really are hit and miss on the stories inside. Glad there were some good ones though!
ReplyDeleteI think that most are hit and miss. This one was interesting!
DeleteI don't read many anthologies but I like that this one uses Alice as a central theme. That's a neat way to tie the stories together and it seems like there's so much one could do with Alice. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed this overall, Melissa.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, Alice is perfect for an anthology if you think about it. So many ways to go with a story.
DeleteAnthologies are tough but when you find a hidden gem...and it's a ood way to discover new authors.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
I so agree!
DeleteAnthologies are always a bit hit or miss, but I think they are fun. I'm glad you found some stories that you really loved in this one.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I agree! This one had a few great ones in it.
DeleteIt was an ok one for me
ReplyDeleteI think it averaged out to a bit more than ok for me, but pretty much the same. :)
DeleteI agree!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteSome of it was very engaging! :)
DeleteSometimes i find new authors this way. I hope McGuire publishes here story separately later.
ReplyDeleteThere were a couple stories you may like... library? :)
Deleteouch I don't have much luck with anthologies myself always end up skimming most of it, glad to hear that some of the authors had really good parts!
ReplyDeleteI always have a hit and miss luck with them so I don't mind anthologies at all.
DeleteI don't read anthologies too often but I'm always glad when some of the stories works out well for me :D
ReplyDeleteI don't often either but I usually find a few in them I enjoy.
Deleteyeah. that's the thing with anthologies; in as much as you get variation, it doesn't guarantee you that you'll enjoy all of them. Did you have a favourite besides the one Ms. McGuire wrote?
ReplyDeleteOh yea, there were a couple others that really had me engaged. I just didn't want to list them as to not create a bias towards those that didn't quite speak to me. It always seems that what I don't like someone else will and vise versa. :)
DeleteI agree with your thoughts about anthologies; although, they are a great way to sample writing by a mixture of authors in one go.
ReplyDeleteI think that is why I like them most of all.
DeleteAnthologies are so hit or miss, but it's such a great way to discover new authors. I'm glad you found some here you really enjoyed! Great review.
ReplyDeleteI agree! :) Thanks.
DeleteWhat a unique concept for an anthology! I'm glad you enjoyed this one :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBrittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
I thought so as well. Thanks!
DeleteWell when it leaves you thinking you'll reread at some point it's a good thing :) sounds like some were really nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI think so. It was crazy here so I'm sure I missed something.
DeleteAnd that is the way of anthologies :D
ReplyDeleteBut yay for McGUire
Agreed on both accounts! :)
DeleteI'm not sure if my comment went through, if so sorry for the double. :) I think this looks pretty good, I've liked McGuire's stuff so I'd be curious about hers at the very least.
ReplyDeleteNo double! :) There were a couple of interesting ideas you might really like!
DeleteOkay, this looks like an anthology I should try.
ReplyDeleteI think you might like some of the ideas in these stories. Very unusual. :)
DeleteAnthologies are usually a hit or miss for me but I'm glad that you enjoyed it Melissa :)
ReplyDeletexx
Vanessa @ Blushing Geek
Usually both in the same book for me. :)
DeleteAnthologies ARE such a mixed bag and that's why I'm not generally a fan. The stories you like you wish were longer and those you like less you wish weren't there at all. But I still keep reading them!
ReplyDeleteJen Ryland Reviews
True, but I like them because a good short story teller is a good author and a great way to find another great read. :)
DeleteI like anthologies. I think it's because you get a bunch of novellas and the book is therefore in bite sized chunks and you can get to the conclusion of each story in a single sitting.
ReplyDeleteIf one is junk you can skip but still get value in the book. :)
I agree. :)
DeleteI've never read anything by McGuire, but maybe I should! Though they tend to be uneven, I love discovering new authors by reading anthologies and short story collections.
ReplyDeleteI've barely scratched the surface of her writing and I already know I want more! :)
DeleteGlad there were some good ones in this anthology, that cover is creepy!
ReplyDeleteLOL! That cover is creepy but so was Alice in Wonderland. :D
DeleteVery interesting concept for an anthology. I like anthologies for finding new-to-me authors and series. Maybe those couple you really enjoyed will be expanded? *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI like them for that reason as well. I'm just surprised there aren't more in the Alice universe. Does seem perfect for more anthologies like this one.
DeleteI don't really read anthologies, but this does seem intriguing! Will have to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteLibrary? Might be a way to try them out!
DeleteI do love dark stories (and horror), but personally I'm not a fan of anthologies. It's just so hard for me to get into short stories, knowing they won't be given enough time to develop into full ones.
ReplyDelete- Aimee @ Aimee, Always
Oh but a author that can tell a good short story (completely not a novella in a series) is someone who really can write!
DeleteI don't think this is for me! I love that you were able to discover some stories you enjoyed (even if you wish they had been expanded on). It's nice to discover new things! This cover is a little scary, though!
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Not everyone likes an anthology! :) I do like them for the discovery.
DeleteOooh. I haven't read an anthology in a while. I need to get to one. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I think you'd like this one Mel!
DeleteI do love the cover to this anthology! I'm glad you enjoyed most of the stories.
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
It is a good cover! Plus I do like retellings! :)
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