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Glimpsing Stars #1.5
Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology
An anthology that explores what humans are made of when society falls to its knees. Darkest Worlds includes five original novellas by award-winning authors and best sellers of Young Adult and New Adult dystopia.
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders: Eighteen-year-old Nessa knows what it's like to be an endangered species. Growing up in a dying world where nine out of ten babies are born male, she survives by trusting no one. When Marlin, the nineteen-year-old gunslinger, kills the man who has been keeping her enslaved, Nessa decides he might be her meal ticket. What she doesn't realize is love is still possible, even in their decimated world.
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty. Obedience. Patriotism. Moon Stewart has no doubt that the New Amanian way of life is the right way. The only way. But was there ever a time when she felt differently? In this companion novella to the dystopian bestseller World of Shell and Bone, the secrets of Moon's past are revealed, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of their favorite antagonist.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer's Daughter: When a dissident working undercover as an interrogator is ordered to torture a confession from the only girl he's ever loved, he chooses to defy both the totalitarian regime and the resistance by helping her escape--but she has an agenda of her own...
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge, a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award: Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn't know is that he's falling in love with her.
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason, author of the daynight series: Homeless Alexa Knight agrees to help the do-gooder non-profit The Second Chance Institute in return for medical care for her sick mother. The SCI is wooing the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes--where "everything is provided" from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there's a catch...
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders: Eighteen-year-old Nessa knows what it's like to be an endangered species. Growing up in a dying world where nine out of ten babies are born male, she survives by trusting no one. When Marlin, the nineteen-year-old gunslinger, kills the man who has been keeping her enslaved, Nessa decides he might be her meal ticket. What she doesn't realize is love is still possible, even in their decimated world.
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty. Obedience. Patriotism. Moon Stewart has no doubt that the New Amanian way of life is the right way. The only way. But was there ever a time when she felt differently? In this companion novella to the dystopian bestseller World of Shell and Bone, the secrets of Moon's past are revealed, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of their favorite antagonist.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer's Daughter: When a dissident working undercover as an interrogator is ordered to torture a confession from the only girl he's ever loved, he chooses to defy both the totalitarian regime and the resistance by helping her escape--but she has an agenda of her own...
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge, a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award: Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn't know is that he's falling in love with her.
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason, author of the daynight series: Homeless Alexa Knight agrees to help the do-gooder non-profit The Second Chance Institute in return for medical care for her sick mother. The SCI is wooing the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes--where "everything is provided" from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there's a catch...
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2013
17 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Katie French
62 books411 followersKatie French is an Amazon best-selling author in Young Adult dystopian romance. Her book, The Breeders, has had nearly 50,000 downloads and counting and was a semi-finalist in the 2014 Kindle Book Awards. It's currently free on Amazon. She also has a kids series starting with Portia Parrott and the Great Kitten Rescue for ages 5-9.
She works as a high school English teacher, a job that she loves even when it exhausts her. In her free time she writes manically, reads great books, and takes care of her two beautiful and crazy children. She aspires to spend as much time in yoga pants as possible. You can join her mailing list at www.katiefrenchbooks.com and receive two free full-length novels. Contact her at katie@katiefrenchbooks.com.
She works as a high school English teacher, a job that she loves even when it exhausts her. In her free time she writes manically, reads great books, and takes care of her two beautiful and crazy children. She aspires to spend as much time in yoga pants as possible. You can join her mailing list at www.katiefrenchbooks.com and receive two free full-length novels. Contact her at katie@katiefrenchbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 19, 2013
INITIAL THOUGHTS
My initial thoughts approaching this anthology were that although I had read a couple of the novellas in it I was looking forward to reading the other novellas. I truly think that anthology's are a treasure trove, a easy way to discover New Authors, and New Series too.
MY OVERALL REVIEW
I actually purchased the e-book of this one form Amazon.co.uk for £1.98 and I have to say it's worth every penny! The cover is really fitting for the novellas as it shows a dystopian-esque world background. The title also fits very well.
So would I pick this up from a bookstore shelf (if in paperback) on the strength of the cover alone? My honest answer would be yes!
So on the whole and as an Anthology did I enjoy the book? Yes, loved it. Would I recommend the book? Yes, I'm already nagging Rachel saying oh you must read it! Would I read any of the Series that the novella's were from? Yes, I've already read The Breeders by Katie French. I have purchased Daynight by Megan Thomason and The Torturer's Daughter by Zoe Cannon. I also have The Scourge by a.G. Henley on my book list to read. I also plan on purchasing the World Of Shell And Bone by S.K. Falls soon as finances allow. I'm also hoping to Interview some of the Authors from this anthology too.
Overall score out of 5? 5 an excellent anthology.
INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders: Eighteen-year-old Nessa knows what it’s like to be an endangered species. Growing up in a dying world where nine out of ten babies are born male, she survives by trusting no one. When Marlin, the nineteen-year-old gunslinger, kills the man who has been keeping her enslaved, Nessa decides he might be her meal ticket. What she doesn’t realize is love is still possible, even in their decimated world.
MY REVIEW
This novella is part of the Breeders Series, Nessa is literally a "slave" for Big Mike who reckons he is protecting her. You see in this world women are a rare commodity. When Nessa is rescued by Marlin she is not sure whether to trust this attractive guy. In the end she does develop some trust and ends up pregnant and then she is unsure as to how Marlini will react so is scared to tell him. Marlin and Nessa are constantly on the run from the Breeders, who as their name suggests just want the women to Breed. With Nessa pregnant it becomes much more difficult to avoid the Breeders so eventually she is caught . . .and then what happens . . .
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes!
Would I like to read the series/more by Katie French? Yes, I already have!
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Definitely recommend both!
A score out of 5? 5
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty. Obedience. Patriotism. Moon Stewart has no doubt that the New Amanian way of life is the right way. The only way. But was there ever a time when she felt differently? In this companion novella to the dystopian bestseller World of Shell and Bone, the secrets of Moon's past are revealed, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of their favorite antagonist.
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in 2078 after the "War Of The Nations" which happened in 2013. In this world at the age of 18yrs people are assigned an apartment by the government. The main character is Moon (all the residents seem to name their offspring after planets). Moon has an older sister name Neptune, she is one year older Moon and somewhat of a disappointment to her mother. The mother of Moon and Neptune always wanted a much respected job in the government but missed out due to not having enough credits. You are given credits for giving names of "dissidents" and "wrong doers" to the government. You quite literally gain credits by turning in your family and friend's and neighbour's for misdemeanors.
So when daughter Neptune show's what her mother thinks of as dissident tendencies/leanings she forces other daughter Moon to report Neptune. Then later Moon gets the sought after job her mother wanted. Has Moon ever forgiven her mother for making her "turn in" her own sister? . . .
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by S.K. Falls? Yes, I intend to.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Yes, I intend to read more of the series.
A score out of 5? 5
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer’s Daughter: When a dissident working undercover as an interrogator is ordered to torture a confession from the only girl he’s ever loved, he chooses to defy both the totalitarian regime and the resistance by helping her escape—but she has an agenda of her own...
MY REVIEW
This novella also has a government/rebellion theme going on. The dissident that is the undercover interrogator is shown into a cell or "torture"room where he comes face to face with a face from his past. A face he loved and still has feelings for so much so he refuses to torture her, goes so far as rescuing her and rings his dissident contacts who tells him to take the girl back. . . . . . so does he take her back? . . . . .is it some sort of test? . . . . part of a bigger plan?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Zoe Cannon? Yes, I've already purchased The Torturer's Daughter in e-book format.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Yes I recommend the series purely on the strength of this novella.
A score out of 5? 5
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge, a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award: Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn’t know is that he's falling in love with her.
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in a kind of cave man type of era. There are three main races. The Groundling's who live on the ground and have control of the water. It is a sightless Groundling who has the job water bearer and collects the water. The Loftie's who live in the trees with wooden planks between the trees for walk ways who protect the water bearer from the Scourge, they are called Keeper's. The Scourge are kind of like zombies, but they bite and kill so are feared. However for some reason they cannot touch a sightless person, which is why a sightless Groundling is the one to collect the water.
A new water bearer and new keeper are chosen and the novella tells us about their burgeoning relationship. . . are they even allowed to have feelings for each other?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by A.G. Henley? As I already have The Scourge I will definitely be reading it.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? The novella gives a great taster of what is to come in the book (hopefully)
A score out of 5? 5
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison, author of Frost: A young Farther prisoner named Eva escapes into the monster-filled wilderness of the Frost with a band of fellow inmates, all of whom are harboring secrets...but little do they know that Eva has secrets of her own. Set in the world of The Frost Chronicles.
MY REVIEW
This novella begins with Eva as a prisoner being loaded into a cage to be transported to a possible type of work/prison. The rumor is you get sent there and just work until you drop down dead. Eva escapes with three other prisoners who are search of a mystical sounding machine. when this machine is found there are fights between the escapee's as to who gets it. It seems at least two of the escapees including Eva are some sort of undercover agents for a rebellion group. We also find out that Eva is related to someone rather important in this dystopian world. This novella is definitely a taster of the Frost Series.
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Kate Avery Ellison? I am tempted to buy book one in the Frost Chronicles.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? I'd recommend reading this, especially if you are not sure if you will like this series/author.
A score out of 5? 4.5
Clean Slate Complex by Megan Thomason, author of the Daynight series: Homeless Alexa Knight agrees to help the do-gooder non-profit The Second Chance Institute in return for medical care for her sick mother. The SCI is wooing the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes--where "everything is provided" from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there's a catch......
MY REVIEW
This novella is about a charity type company that helps the poor and seemingly gives them a better life. Initially they are in one Complex until they are considered fit and well. Then they are shipped off to various destinations to repay the charity and help them work in the organisation. Alexa is helped by the charity as her mother is really sick and they cannot afford hospital fees. Her three brothers who are large muscular types are quickly taken away from Alexa and given jobs in security. The brothers "working" is the way the hospital fees will be paid off. But though this sounds like a charity it is a much sinister organisation and an when an insider shows Alexa this,she is horrified, though until her mother is well there is little she can do. . . . . So what are the people at Clean Slate Complex really up to?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I really did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Megan Thomason? I have already purchased Daynight and have heard that Bk#2 Arbitrate is due out soon too.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Definitely yes! I imagine my daughter is really sick of me saying you must read this you must read that.
A score out of 5? 5
My initial thoughts approaching this anthology were that although I had read a couple of the novellas in it I was looking forward to reading the other novellas. I truly think that anthology's are a treasure trove, a easy way to discover New Authors, and New Series too.
MY OVERALL REVIEW
I actually purchased the e-book of this one form Amazon.co.uk for £1.98 and I have to say it's worth every penny! The cover is really fitting for the novellas as it shows a dystopian-esque world background. The title also fits very well.
So would I pick this up from a bookstore shelf (if in paperback) on the strength of the cover alone? My honest answer would be yes!
So on the whole and as an Anthology did I enjoy the book? Yes, loved it. Would I recommend the book? Yes, I'm already nagging Rachel saying oh you must read it! Would I read any of the Series that the novella's were from? Yes, I've already read The Breeders by Katie French. I have purchased Daynight by Megan Thomason and The Torturer's Daughter by Zoe Cannon. I also have The Scourge by a.G. Henley on my book list to read. I also plan on purchasing the World Of Shell And Bone by S.K. Falls soon as finances allow. I'm also hoping to Interview some of the Authors from this anthology too.
Overall score out of 5? 5 an excellent anthology.
INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders: Eighteen-year-old Nessa knows what it’s like to be an endangered species. Growing up in a dying world where nine out of ten babies are born male, she survives by trusting no one. When Marlin, the nineteen-year-old gunslinger, kills the man who has been keeping her enslaved, Nessa decides he might be her meal ticket. What she doesn’t realize is love is still possible, even in their decimated world.
MY REVIEW
This novella is part of the Breeders Series, Nessa is literally a "slave" for Big Mike who reckons he is protecting her. You see in this world women are a rare commodity. When Nessa is rescued by Marlin she is not sure whether to trust this attractive guy. In the end she does develop some trust and ends up pregnant and then she is unsure as to how Marlini will react so is scared to tell him. Marlin and Nessa are constantly on the run from the Breeders, who as their name suggests just want the women to Breed. With Nessa pregnant it becomes much more difficult to avoid the Breeders so eventually she is caught . . .and then what happens . . .
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes!
Would I like to read the series/more by Katie French? Yes, I already have!
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Definitely recommend both!
A score out of 5? 5
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty. Obedience. Patriotism. Moon Stewart has no doubt that the New Amanian way of life is the right way. The only way. But was there ever a time when she felt differently? In this companion novella to the dystopian bestseller World of Shell and Bone, the secrets of Moon's past are revealed, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of their favorite antagonist.
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in 2078 after the "War Of The Nations" which happened in 2013. In this world at the age of 18yrs people are assigned an apartment by the government. The main character is Moon (all the residents seem to name their offspring after planets). Moon has an older sister name Neptune, she is one year older Moon and somewhat of a disappointment to her mother. The mother of Moon and Neptune always wanted a much respected job in the government but missed out due to not having enough credits. You are given credits for giving names of "dissidents" and "wrong doers" to the government. You quite literally gain credits by turning in your family and friend's and neighbour's for misdemeanors.
So when daughter Neptune show's what her mother thinks of as dissident tendencies/leanings she forces other daughter Moon to report Neptune. Then later Moon gets the sought after job her mother wanted. Has Moon ever forgiven her mother for making her "turn in" her own sister? . . .
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by S.K. Falls? Yes, I intend to.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Yes, I intend to read more of the series.
A score out of 5? 5
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer’s Daughter: When a dissident working undercover as an interrogator is ordered to torture a confession from the only girl he’s ever loved, he chooses to defy both the totalitarian regime and the resistance by helping her escape—but she has an agenda of her own...
MY REVIEW
This novella also has a government/rebellion theme going on. The dissident that is the undercover interrogator is shown into a cell or "torture"room where he comes face to face with a face from his past. A face he loved and still has feelings for so much so he refuses to torture her, goes so far as rescuing her and rings his dissident contacts who tells him to take the girl back. . . . . . so does he take her back? . . . . .is it some sort of test? . . . . part of a bigger plan?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Zoe Cannon? Yes, I've already purchased The Torturer's Daughter in e-book format.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Yes I recommend the series purely on the strength of this novella.
A score out of 5? 5
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge, a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award: Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn’t know is that he's falling in love with her.
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in a kind of cave man type of era. There are three main races. The Groundling's who live on the ground and have control of the water. It is a sightless Groundling who has the job water bearer and collects the water. The Loftie's who live in the trees with wooden planks between the trees for walk ways who protect the water bearer from the Scourge, they are called Keeper's. The Scourge are kind of like zombies, but they bite and kill so are feared. However for some reason they cannot touch a sightless person, which is why a sightless Groundling is the one to collect the water.
A new water bearer and new keeper are chosen and the novella tells us about their burgeoning relationship. . . are they even allowed to have feelings for each other?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by A.G. Henley? As I already have The Scourge I will definitely be reading it.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? The novella gives a great taster of what is to come in the book (hopefully)
A score out of 5? 5
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison, author of Frost: A young Farther prisoner named Eva escapes into the monster-filled wilderness of the Frost with a band of fellow inmates, all of whom are harboring secrets...but little do they know that Eva has secrets of her own. Set in the world of The Frost Chronicles.
MY REVIEW
This novella begins with Eva as a prisoner being loaded into a cage to be transported to a possible type of work/prison. The rumor is you get sent there and just work until you drop down dead. Eva escapes with three other prisoners who are search of a mystical sounding machine. when this machine is found there are fights between the escapee's as to who gets it. It seems at least two of the escapees including Eva are some sort of undercover agents for a rebellion group. We also find out that Eva is related to someone rather important in this dystopian world. This novella is definitely a taster of the Frost Series.
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Kate Avery Ellison? I am tempted to buy book one in the Frost Chronicles.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? I'd recommend reading this, especially if you are not sure if you will like this series/author.
A score out of 5? 4.5
Clean Slate Complex by Megan Thomason, author of the Daynight series: Homeless Alexa Knight agrees to help the do-gooder non-profit The Second Chance Institute in return for medical care for her sick mother. The SCI is wooing the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes--where "everything is provided" from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there's a catch......
MY REVIEW
This novella is about a charity type company that helps the poor and seemingly gives them a better life. Initially they are in one Complex until they are considered fit and well. Then they are shipped off to various destinations to repay the charity and help them work in the organisation. Alexa is helped by the charity as her mother is really sick and they cannot afford hospital fees. Her three brothers who are large muscular types are quickly taken away from Alexa and given jobs in security. The brothers "working" is the way the hospital fees will be paid off. But though this sounds like a charity it is a much sinister organisation and an when an insider shows Alexa this,she is horrified, though until her mother is well there is little she can do. . . . . So what are the people at Clean Slate Complex really up to?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I really did.
Would I like to read the series/more by Megan Thomason? I have already purchased Daynight and have heard that Bk#2 Arbitrate is due out soon too.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? Definitely yes! I imagine my daughter is really sick of me saying you must read this you must read that.
A score out of 5? 5
December 30, 2013
A great anthology of shorts from different dystopian stories. The first few were a bit hard to get through. The last three were my favorites, enough so that I plan on reading the books that go with the shorts. One, I learned, I already own.
I like the differences in each of the books. Even though they're all dystopian, they all have a different feel. They all had a different way of the world going to hell. A different system of life. It's amazing how different they were. You have women dying out and being used and abused and sent off to breed like animals, people living in trees like that one town in Pokemon, to a seemingly normal world like ours that turns into some creepy government kidnapping and trying to create a perfect world.
Others, I was fine seeing the little snippet of this alternate world rather than reading a whole novel about it. I don't see myself reading World of Shell and Bone, but Moon (the short featured in the anthology), was just enough of the world for me. I'm completely satisfied with the little bit I was given, and I don't think I want to know more. Whereas The Keeper was lacking something, but still managed to pull me in enough for me to want to read The Scourge.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this anthology, if just for finding a couple new books to read.
I like the differences in each of the books. Even though they're all dystopian, they all have a different feel. They all had a different way of the world going to hell. A different system of life. It's amazing how different they were. You have women dying out and being used and abused and sent off to breed like animals, people living in trees like that one town in Pokemon, to a seemingly normal world like ours that turns into some creepy government kidnapping and trying to create a perfect world.
Others, I was fine seeing the little snippet of this alternate world rather than reading a whole novel about it. I don't see myself reading World of Shell and Bone, but Moon (the short featured in the anthology), was just enough of the world for me. I'm completely satisfied with the little bit I was given, and I don't think I want to know more. Whereas The Keeper was lacking something, but still managed to pull me in enough for me to want to read The Scourge.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this anthology, if just for finding a couple new books to read.
November 25, 2013
This is an anthology from various dystopia series. Proceeds from the book go to Girls Write Now, a charity that promotes literacy of inner-city girls. Since the book is a collection of different stories from different authors, I'm going to review each separately.
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders
The world has a severe shortage of women. The government will go to any costs to repopulate and thus the "Breeders" are doctors and scientists who will go to any length to try to fix the problem. Nessa is rare in that she is a free woman. She meets a mysterious man, and soon they have a baby. Now they are a major target for the Breeders and must run for their lives before they are captured. While it was dystopian, it had a very wild-west feeling to it with stagecoaches, etc. I would have liked to see a bit more backstory here so I knew more about the world and what happened. I am certainly interesting in learning more about what happens to Nessa in the future.
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty
I haven't read any other books in this series. It was really an interesting take on a girl growing up in a society where everyone is suspected of being a dissident and people are executed for even the smallest suspicion. She must choose loyalty between her sister and her mother, and her life. It was a really bleak existence and I could really feel her despair and numbness at being in the situation. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series later on. If reminds me a lot of the world of the next story (The Torturer's Daughter) where everyone is on edge because the government will take anyone on suspicious of disloyalty.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer's Daughter
Having read both books in the series, I found this story very interesting. It follows a guy (working undercover for the resistance) who is being trained to be an interrogator...only the first person who has to interrogate is his former love. This was very intriguing... we don't learn that much about the regime or Raleigh, but we get a little insight into how the resistance works and it is a good standalone story about two kindred spirits and what they do when put in an impossible position by the dystopian regime. Definitely worth a read if you liked the other two books.
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge
This is a short story about two peoples...one who lives in caves and another who live in the trees. A third group...some kind of monsterous creatures called the Scourge lurk in the forest and try to kill everyone. Only a sightless water fetcher can get water for both peoples without being attacked. The Keeper is from the trees and charged with protecting the water fetcher.
I found the world building to be great and the story very intriguing. This is a dystopia as it is set after the fall of our civilization, but there is a lot of fantasy elements here too and mystery...like why the water fetcher is protected from the scourage. There is a bit of a connection between the keeper and the water fetcher, and no doubt a romance is brewing...which I am interesting in seeing in future stories.
The only negative I would mention (and it isn't much of one) is I have no idea what the Scourge people are....how they became what they are, how they seem to have unlimited numbers, why their primary goal seems to be attacking people, etc. I'm sure a lot of that is covered in the other books, but I haven't read them yet.
The mysteries and questions from this book only make me more interested in reading the other books, which I am looking forward to doing. This is one of two books in this anthology that I immediately want to explore further.
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison, author of Frost
This was a really intriguing and engrossing story. We start off with Eva, a girl was a mysterious past. She and other prisoners are removed from their jail cells and sent to certain death working as slaves in fields, but they escape in middle of the night into a forest. There are two really developed characters here, a bit of romance that can never be, some mysterious creatues, an evil government, ancient relics and a quest for a powerful device. It has a bit of dystopia, a bit of fantasy, and a lot of intriguing questions. Eva seems a bit weak in the beginning, but we soon learn there is much more to her than meets the eye. This one made me immediately want to go out and read the full book (Frost).
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason, author of Daynight
Clean Slate Complex is a short story set after the events in Daynight. Here we follow Alexa, a homeless girl who is "saved" by the Second Chance Institute. While they have provided for her basic needs, she learns that the cost to her and everyone else is extremely great. She befriends the son of the couple who runs the place and soon learns the horrifying truth of those who are "transferred out" of the institute.
I found the character of Alexa to be compelling. She reminds me a lot of Kira from Daynight... fierce, challenging, questioning everything. There is a little bit of romance (and maybe some love triangle), as well. The novella does a good job introducing Second Chance Institute while still leaving Thera to be a bit of a mystery (in case you didn't read Daynight).
Overall it is a fairly short story and I don't see much to dislike about it. It is a good followup to Daynight and one should really read this before going into book 2, Arbitrate. I enjoyed reading this a lot and did it just a day. I think all Daynight readers should give this a read.
Bottom Line
This anthology is an amazing collection of dystopias from some great authors. All of the stories include difficult decisions, strong female characters, and some really thought-provoking themes. If you have read any of these series or authors, it's just a given to read a short story set in those worlds, but it is a major bonus to get such great works here. It has introduced me to several great authors and series which I plan to explore further. And this is great that proceeds go to help literacy.
NOTE: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed at http://www.michaelscifan.us
Nessa: A Breeders Story by Katie French, author of The Breeders
The world has a severe shortage of women. The government will go to any costs to repopulate and thus the "Breeders" are doctors and scientists who will go to any length to try to fix the problem. Nessa is rare in that she is a free woman. She meets a mysterious man, and soon they have a baby. Now they are a major target for the Breeders and must run for their lives before they are captured. While it was dystopian, it had a very wild-west feeling to it with stagecoaches, etc. I would have liked to see a bit more backstory here so I knew more about the world and what happened. I am certainly interesting in learning more about what happens to Nessa in the future.
MOON by S.K. Falls, author of World of Shell and Bone: Loyalty
I haven't read any other books in this series. It was really an interesting take on a girl growing up in a society where everyone is suspected of being a dissident and people are executed for even the smallest suspicion. She must choose loyalty between her sister and her mother, and her life. It was a really bleak existence and I could really feel her despair and numbness at being in the situation. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series later on. If reminds me a lot of the world of the next story (The Torturer's Daughter) where everyone is on edge because the government will take anyone on suspicious of disloyalty.
The First Unforgivable Thing by Zoe Cannon, author of The Torturer's Daughter
Having read both books in the series, I found this story very interesting. It follows a guy (working undercover for the resistance) who is being trained to be an interrogator...only the first person who has to interrogate is his former love. This was very intriguing... we don't learn that much about the regime or Raleigh, but we get a little insight into how the resistance works and it is a good standalone story about two kindred spirits and what they do when put in an impossible position by the dystopian regime. Definitely worth a read if you liked the other two books.
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge
This is a short story about two peoples...one who lives in caves and another who live in the trees. A third group...some kind of monsterous creatures called the Scourge lurk in the forest and try to kill everyone. Only a sightless water fetcher can get water for both peoples without being attacked. The Keeper is from the trees and charged with protecting the water fetcher.
I found the world building to be great and the story very intriguing. This is a dystopia as it is set after the fall of our civilization, but there is a lot of fantasy elements here too and mystery...like why the water fetcher is protected from the scourage. There is a bit of a connection between the keeper and the water fetcher, and no doubt a romance is brewing...which I am interesting in seeing in future stories.
The only negative I would mention (and it isn't much of one) is I have no idea what the Scourge people are....how they became what they are, how they seem to have unlimited numbers, why their primary goal seems to be attacking people, etc. I'm sure a lot of that is covered in the other books, but I haven't read them yet.
The mysteries and questions from this book only make me more interested in reading the other books, which I am looking forward to doing. This is one of two books in this anthology that I immediately want to explore further.
Survival Lessons by Kate Avery Ellison, author of Frost
This was a really intriguing and engrossing story. We start off with Eva, a girl was a mysterious past. She and other prisoners are removed from their jail cells and sent to certain death working as slaves in fields, but they escape in middle of the night into a forest. There are two really developed characters here, a bit of romance that can never be, some mysterious creatues, an evil government, ancient relics and a quest for a powerful device. It has a bit of dystopia, a bit of fantasy, and a lot of intriguing questions. Eva seems a bit weak in the beginning, but we soon learn there is much more to her than meets the eye. This one made me immediately want to go out and read the full book (Frost).
clean slate complex by Megan Thomason, author of Daynight
Clean Slate Complex is a short story set after the events in Daynight. Here we follow Alexa, a homeless girl who is "saved" by the Second Chance Institute. While they have provided for her basic needs, she learns that the cost to her and everyone else is extremely great. She befriends the son of the couple who runs the place and soon learns the horrifying truth of those who are "transferred out" of the institute.
I found the character of Alexa to be compelling. She reminds me a lot of Kira from Daynight... fierce, challenging, questioning everything. There is a little bit of romance (and maybe some love triangle), as well. The novella does a good job introducing Second Chance Institute while still leaving Thera to be a bit of a mystery (in case you didn't read Daynight).
Overall it is a fairly short story and I don't see much to dislike about it. It is a good followup to Daynight and one should really read this before going into book 2, Arbitrate. I enjoyed reading this a lot and did it just a day. I think all Daynight readers should give this a read.
Bottom Line
This anthology is an amazing collection of dystopias from some great authors. All of the stories include difficult decisions, strong female characters, and some really thought-provoking themes. If you have read any of these series or authors, it's just a given to read a short story set in those worlds, but it is a major bonus to get such great works here. It has introduced me to several great authors and series which I plan to explore further. And this is great that proceeds go to help literacy.
NOTE: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed at http://www.michaelscifan.us
May 13, 2017
Interesting stories that are promos for novels
White these are fun reads, they ultimately serve as teasers for books or series. I would have preferred standalone stories. More like 3.5 stars.
White these are fun reads, they ultimately serve as teasers for books or series. I would have preferred standalone stories. More like 3.5 stars.
September 25, 2013
I started this book and couldn't put it down. On the most part all the stories is about a time after something happens that changes the world. I found that the most common thread of all the stories is the characters have to make great decisions in difficult times. I found myself wondering, what would I do in this situation? I understood the title after I got though these stories because of some dark situation and worlds. I also would like to read some of the series that these stories are a part of. I was concerned that since the stories was a small part of the series they represented that I may not be able to follow what was going on. I was relived to discover I was wrong. I was able to follow each one just fine.
Katie French does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story of Nessa. Imagine a world where the female population is reduced to near extinction. In this story men want to posses them and the breeding camps wants them so they can have babies. Nessa has a battle ahead of her, but in the end it is all about her making the decision on where the road takes her next. I will surely read this series to see what happens is this world.
S.K. Falls brings us the story Moon. This world of acid rain and a place where worth is based on your job placement has possibility of death around every corner. If there is something wrong with someone or are suspected of being a radical they get gassed. Anyone can report anyone at anytime. Moon has to face great odds with an overbearing mother and a sister who has a mind of her own. While not one of my personal favorites, she tell the story well and the situations are easy to follow and understand. This is a good work.
Zoe Cannon dose a bang up job on The First Unforgivable Thing. This story is about Lucas the interrogator in training and the love of his life, a now prisoner, Simone. Internal Defense verses the resistance. Lucas and Simone has a choice to make and it changes their lives forever. I would like to see where this story leads and will be starting the series.
A.G. Henley is already one of my favorite authors. I have read her series already and am awaiting her next book. In the the series the story is told from Fennel's point of view. The Keeper is told from Peree's point of view. A world where people live in trees and on the ground according to hair and and skin color. A threat of death by infected humans called the Scourge. Peree has to make a difficult decision in the end. What's important?
Kate Avery Ellison takes us on a trip through a place of dictatorship and betrayal in Survival Lessons. A place where speaking against the leader or general offenses gets people put in concentration camps and worse. The story follows four prisoners and their trip to find an item that many would kill to get their hands on. Eva has to decide who to trust and what her next move is. This story is well written with unexpected turns.
Megan Thomason takes us on a great adventure with a homeless girl in Clean Slate Complex. The story starts out a little slow but builds quickly. Alexa and her family lives in a van and ends up having to go to Second Chance Institute. She is taken on a trip of change, hidden motives, and possibility of betrayal. She has to make hard decisions through the entire story. It is a good read and I will be reading other by this author.
In the end I would have to say I was introduced to some great authors and am glad I got this book. I would definitely recommend it to others.
Katie French does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story of Nessa. Imagine a world where the female population is reduced to near extinction. In this story men want to posses them and the breeding camps wants them so they can have babies. Nessa has a battle ahead of her, but in the end it is all about her making the decision on where the road takes her next. I will surely read this series to see what happens is this world.
S.K. Falls brings us the story Moon. This world of acid rain and a place where worth is based on your job placement has possibility of death around every corner. If there is something wrong with someone or are suspected of being a radical they get gassed. Anyone can report anyone at anytime. Moon has to face great odds with an overbearing mother and a sister who has a mind of her own. While not one of my personal favorites, she tell the story well and the situations are easy to follow and understand. This is a good work.
Zoe Cannon dose a bang up job on The First Unforgivable Thing. This story is about Lucas the interrogator in training and the love of his life, a now prisoner, Simone. Internal Defense verses the resistance. Lucas and Simone has a choice to make and it changes their lives forever. I would like to see where this story leads and will be starting the series.
A.G. Henley is already one of my favorite authors. I have read her series already and am awaiting her next book. In the the series the story is told from Fennel's point of view. The Keeper is told from Peree's point of view. A world where people live in trees and on the ground according to hair and and skin color. A threat of death by infected humans called the Scourge. Peree has to make a difficult decision in the end. What's important?
Kate Avery Ellison takes us on a trip through a place of dictatorship and betrayal in Survival Lessons. A place where speaking against the leader or general offenses gets people put in concentration camps and worse. The story follows four prisoners and their trip to find an item that many would kill to get their hands on. Eva has to decide who to trust and what her next move is. This story is well written with unexpected turns.
Megan Thomason takes us on a great adventure with a homeless girl in Clean Slate Complex. The story starts out a little slow but builds quickly. Alexa and her family lives in a van and ends up having to go to Second Chance Institute. She is taken on a trip of change, hidden motives, and possibility of betrayal. She has to make hard decisions through the entire story. It is a good read and I will be reading other by this author.
In the end I would have to say I was introduced to some great authors and am glad I got this book. I would definitely recommend it to others.
December 28, 2013
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW.
Book 1 , The Breeders. A story about love, loss and doing anything protect the ones you love. A fast paced tale about Nessa and her short tragic life in a post apocalyptic world.
For a short story you get a lot of feeling and honesty from the characters.
Book 2 Moon.
This is a story about love, loss and loyalty but somewhere along the line it got confusing. Moons actions at the end of the book didn't make much sense to me. I understand she became the person her mother wanted her to be, but the sudden switch in attitude was bizarre.
Book 3 The First Unforgivable Thing.
This story brought tears to my eyes. Having to turn on someone you love so much to save the world. Lucas had so much heart and the greatest of intentions and in the ned had to make the hardest decision of his life.
Book 4 The Keeper.
This one ended really fast and i felt like i missed out on a lot of the story line. I am really interested to read more of this authors work now though and find out more about the Loftys and the Groundlings and the Fleshies. I also really, really wanna know why the flesh eaters don't attack the Sightless.
Book 5 Survival Lessons
This book was fast paced, action packed and full of twists, and if there is one thing i love it is a twisty story. Who can you trust and who is dodgy as all hell??? Definitely want to continue with this series.
Book 6 Clean Slate Complex.
i would love to read this series. Alexa seems like a strong, intelligent character and i really want to see where this story line goes, if she can trust JB, and just what exactly happens to all those that enter the warehouse.
All in all this was a great book of teasers for some amazing series of books and i am going to be sure to check them very soon. Would totally recommend if you are looking for a new series to read and need more than just a synopsis to work off.
Book 1 , The Breeders. A story about love, loss and doing anything protect the ones you love. A fast paced tale about Nessa and her short tragic life in a post apocalyptic world.
For a short story you get a lot of feeling and honesty from the characters.
Book 2 Moon.
This is a story about love, loss and loyalty but somewhere along the line it got confusing. Moons actions at the end of the book didn't make much sense to me. I understand she became the person her mother wanted her to be, but the sudden switch in attitude was bizarre.
Book 3 The First Unforgivable Thing.
This story brought tears to my eyes. Having to turn on someone you love so much to save the world. Lucas had so much heart and the greatest of intentions and in the ned had to make the hardest decision of his life.
Book 4 The Keeper.
This one ended really fast and i felt like i missed out on a lot of the story line. I am really interested to read more of this authors work now though and find out more about the Loftys and the Groundlings and the Fleshies. I also really, really wanna know why the flesh eaters don't attack the Sightless.
Book 5 Survival Lessons
This book was fast paced, action packed and full of twists, and if there is one thing i love it is a twisty story. Who can you trust and who is dodgy as all hell??? Definitely want to continue with this series.
Book 6 Clean Slate Complex.
i would love to read this series. Alexa seems like a strong, intelligent character and i really want to see where this story line goes, if she can trust JB, and just what exactly happens to all those that enter the warehouse.
All in all this was a great book of teasers for some amazing series of books and i am going to be sure to check them very soon. Would totally recommend if you are looking for a new series to read and need more than just a synopsis to work off.
December 29, 2013
*Note: I received a free copy of Darkest Worlds: A Dystopian Anthology in exchange for an honest review.*
Overall, I really liked the short stories included in this anthology, but there were points when some aspects of the stories started to blend together or feel similar. Of the six stories included in this anthology, three of them really stood out to me and made me want to read more by the authors. The three stories that I really enjoyed are "Moon" by S.K. Falls, "The First Unforgivable Thing" by Zoe Cannon, and "The Keeper" by A.G. Henley.
"Moon" really stood out to me because it has a heavy dose of McCarthyism in the author's particular brand of dystopia. I found myself switching "radical" with "communist" pretty much every time it cropped up in the story. It really struck a chord with me because it seems so influenced by an actual time in our history; those elements made it feel much closer to home. I'm very interested in the seeing more of this world.
I think part of the I enjoyed "The First Unforgivable Thing" is because it's so character driven and claustrophobic. It also feels very immediate as if it could be happening now, regardless of the type of regime in power. I also liked that this one also ended on a somewhat hopeful note of defiance.
What I love about "The Keeper" is that it feels so alien and foreign, almost making it feel like a fantasy. I want to get to know more of the world of the Lofties and the Groundlings.
Again, I enjoyed all stories in this anthology but half of them really stood out. If you're going to read this dystopian anthology, be sure you don't skip out on "Moon" by S.K. Falls, "The First Unforgivable Thing" by Zoe Cannon, and "The Keeper" by A.G. Henley!
Overall, I really liked the short stories included in this anthology, but there were points when some aspects of the stories started to blend together or feel similar. Of the six stories included in this anthology, three of them really stood out to me and made me want to read more by the authors. The three stories that I really enjoyed are "Moon" by S.K. Falls, "The First Unforgivable Thing" by Zoe Cannon, and "The Keeper" by A.G. Henley.
"Moon" really stood out to me because it has a heavy dose of McCarthyism in the author's particular brand of dystopia. I found myself switching "radical" with "communist" pretty much every time it cropped up in the story. It really struck a chord with me because it seems so influenced by an actual time in our history; those elements made it feel much closer to home. I'm very interested in the seeing more of this world.
I think part of the I enjoyed "The First Unforgivable Thing" is because it's so character driven and claustrophobic. It also feels very immediate as if it could be happening now, regardless of the type of regime in power. I also liked that this one also ended on a somewhat hopeful note of defiance.
What I love about "The Keeper" is that it feels so alien and foreign, almost making it feel like a fantasy. I want to get to know more of the world of the Lofties and the Groundlings.
Again, I enjoyed all stories in this anthology but half of them really stood out. If you're going to read this dystopian anthology, be sure you don't skip out on "Moon" by S.K. Falls, "The First Unforgivable Thing" by Zoe Cannon, and "The Keeper" by A.G. Henley!
December 27, 2013
I received the Kindle version of this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review. This is a great collection of Dystopian stories. All the stories are eminently readable even though they are tied into larger works. I am a tough critic so 4 stars is a great rating. I reserve 5 stars for absolute must read books across genres such that even if your not a dystopia fan, a 5 star dystopia is something you should read anyway.
I guess the best comment I can make in favor of this book is that it ultimately succeeded in making me want to read the series on which the stories are based as well as other works by the authors. For the most part, the authors do an admirable job documenting the society without bogging the reader down. Not an easy task in short stories. The characters were either sympathetic or at least interesting such that you want to know what happens to them.
I had already wanted to read The Breeders and The Scourge series, but now I am likely to explore all the series.
The only concern I have reading the original series is with the story Moon by S.K. Falls. The Dystopia is a female dominated world that is failing. That isn't the problem, but the alluding to Feminism might be. Most women that profess feminism really mean a ideological or political dogma that they would enforce through the power of government. Of course, that is how all Dystopian societies are created. They tend not to mind the dictatorial nature of the society, only the details! I can't say that is the case with this author/series, but be forewarned.
I guess the best comment I can make in favor of this book is that it ultimately succeeded in making me want to read the series on which the stories are based as well as other works by the authors. For the most part, the authors do an admirable job documenting the society without bogging the reader down. Not an easy task in short stories. The characters were either sympathetic or at least interesting such that you want to know what happens to them.
I had already wanted to read The Breeders and The Scourge series, but now I am likely to explore all the series.
The only concern I have reading the original series is with the story Moon by S.K. Falls. The Dystopia is a female dominated world that is failing. That isn't the problem, but the alluding to Feminism might be. Most women that profess feminism really mean a ideological or political dogma that they would enforce through the power of government. Of course, that is how all Dystopian societies are created. They tend not to mind the dictatorial nature of the society, only the details! I can't say that is the case with this author/series, but be forewarned.
December 23, 2013
I was given this free novel for an honest review. I misunderstood what the Anthology was, I kinda quickly read the preview, saw dystopian, darkest worlds, short stories....and sold! I'm actually not a short story lover, I hate the idea of falling in love with characters only to have them for 44 pages and moving onto something else, when I have the old characters still stuck in my head. And of course, after the first short story sure enough I was like what??? I want to know more! But when it ended and told me it was a short novella of an actual series, it peaked my interest to look for more. Breeders was actually in my to read list.
When I got into the second story I recognizes the theme right away as having loved World of Shell and Bone. I was happy to know there was a second book waiting for me to read.
And on and on it went for each story waiting for me to discover their first book.
While it was nice to have my eyes opened to new dystopian books, ones that I had thought about reading and wasn't sure, I felt let down over my own conclusions of what I thought the book was really about. I thought maybe they might be short stories with a same central theme linking character's together. However, it had been my mistake by skimming the initial preview.
Thank you for sharing your short stories and opening up new books I'm excited to explore!
When I got into the second story I recognizes the theme right away as having loved World of Shell and Bone. I was happy to know there was a second book waiting for me to read.
And on and on it went for each story waiting for me to discover their first book.
While it was nice to have my eyes opened to new dystopian books, ones that I had thought about reading and wasn't sure, I felt let down over my own conclusions of what I thought the book was really about. I thought maybe they might be short stories with a same central theme linking character's together. However, it had been my mistake by skimming the initial preview.
Thank you for sharing your short stories and opening up new books I'm excited to explore!
January 6, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a fan of shorts, so take that into consideration when you read my review. The first two stories didn't suck me in. I was easily distracted while reading them. I liked the idea behind them, but didn't want to continue reading another book in the series. The last three definitely got me. I plan on reading more from these three authors. They had unique ideas and I felt like there was more to these characters than I got to see in the brief time I met them. Though I normally wouldn't have read a book of short stories, I'm glad I got to find more authors whose writing I enjoy.
I'm not a fan of shorts, so take that into consideration when you read my review. The first two stories didn't suck me in. I was easily distracted while reading them. I liked the idea behind them, but didn't want to continue reading another book in the series. The last three definitely got me. I plan on reading more from these three authors. They had unique ideas and I felt like there was more to these characters than I got to see in the brief time I met them. Though I normally wouldn't have read a book of short stories, I'm glad I got to find more authors whose writing I enjoy.
July 30, 2015
6 stories:
Nessa - 3 stars - not really into the violent raping
Moon - 2 stars - she is really messed up
The First Unforgiveable Thing - 4 stars - has some good potential, probably will pick up the series
The Keeper - 5 stars - He is so fantastic, I want to read more!
Survival Lessons - 4 stars - interesting dynamic and twists, probably will pick up series
clean slate complex -4 stars - sci-fi mode/who can she really trust/love, maybe pickup this series
Nessa - 3 stars - not really into the violent raping
Moon - 2 stars - she is really messed up
The First Unforgiveable Thing - 4 stars - has some good potential, probably will pick up the series
The Keeper - 5 stars - He is so fantastic, I want to read more!
Survival Lessons - 4 stars - interesting dynamic and twists, probably will pick up series
clean slate complex -4 stars - sci-fi mode/who can she really trust/love, maybe pickup this series
March 7, 2016
I had misinterpreted the term "Anthology", or even looked over it without thinking. This is a collection of pieces of different dystopian novels. that said, I really enjoyed some of them, so much that I will be searching for the full versions of the ones that I like. This is a great way to check out a few different novels at once. I'm glad that I read this, because it's open the door to so many different intriguing worlds that I can't wait to wrap my mind around.
February 27, 2014
I have read other terrific books by A.G Henley and Katie French, and these stories were no exception. It was also nice to read some stories from authors that I haven't heard of. I like that the proceeds go to a charity. All of the stories are really good, and I can't wait to read more by these authors!
February 16, 2014
If you're a dystopian fan, this is a great intro to the worlds of a variety of authors. There's a little something for everyone here, and this book definitely piqued my interest in reading the full-length books of these authors. This anthology offered such a tantalizing glimpse at their worlds that I'm eager to read more.
October 24, 2013
I very much enjoyed this anthology. I loved how it gave me a glimpse into a bunch of different worlds. It definitely piqued my interest in several of the authors. Plus, the proceeds from the book go to such a good cause. Win, win, win. More complete review with a breakdown of each novella to come.
October 9, 2015
Darkest Worlds
Alright you win, I am now hooked on the stories told here. I have already purchased half of them. I just hope these were story enhancers and not the first part is the book.
Alright you win, I am now hooked on the stories told here. I have already purchased half of them. I just hope these were story enhancers and not the first part is the book.
December 28, 2013
Amazing short stories. The characters grab you in. I'm going to read the authors other work. I highly recommend this book.
January 11, 2015
Quite good, especially considering that it was free! ;-)
Read
June 23, 2016I love it this book,it kept me hooked and its very great
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews