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Parallels: Felix Was Here
Enter the realm of parallel universes!
What if the government tried to create the perfect utopia? Could a society linked to a supercomputer survive on its own? Do our reflections control secret lives on the other side of the mirror? Can one moment split a person's world forever?
Exploring the fantastic, ten authors offer incredible visions and captivating tales of diverse reality. Featuring the talents of L. G. Keltner, Crystal Collier, Hart Johnson, Cherie Reich, Sandra Cox, Yolanda Renee, Melanie Schulz, Sylvia Ney, Michael Abayomi, and Tamara Narayan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will expand your imagination and twist the tropes of science fiction. Step through the portal and enter another dimension!
What if the government tried to create the perfect utopia? Could a society linked to a supercomputer survive on its own? Do our reflections control secret lives on the other side of the mirror? Can one moment split a person's world forever?
Exploring the fantastic, ten authors offer incredible visions and captivating tales of diverse reality. Featuring the talents of L. G. Keltner, Crystal Collier, Hart Johnson, Cherie Reich, Sandra Cox, Yolanda Renee, Melanie Schulz, Sylvia Ney, Michael Abayomi, and Tamara Narayan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will expand your imagination and twist the tropes of science fiction. Step through the portal and enter another dimension!
- GenresShort Stories
218 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2024
181 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Keltner
13 books43 followersL.G. Keltner spends most of her time trying to write while also cleaning up after her crazy but wonderful kids and hanging out with her husband. Her favorite genre of all time is science fiction, and she’s been trying to write novels since the age of six. Needless to say, those earliest attempts weren’t all that good.
Her non-writing hobbies include astronomy and playing Trivial Pursuit.
Her non-writing hobbies include astronomy and playing Trivial Pursuit.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 14, 2016
I won my copy of this excellent book from Sandra Cox’s giveaway.
L. G. Keltner — Felix Was Here — The story reminds me of the Stepford Wives. It also reminds me of the book The Invasion of Tearling, the Lily parts that I loved so much. A great short story that I can imagine being a movie or television series. 5 stars.
Sandra Cox — Rainers — This story is action, perfect tension, decent world building, brief insightful politics, and a sprinkling of romance. A liberal and a conservative working together to run things? What brilliance! 5 stars.
Sylvia Ney — WIN — Something about the story bothered me. Specifically, something about Brian’s character. Can’t put my finger on it. But to live in a world, in 2015, where the skill of reading books is almost gone– so sad! It about killed me when Navine didn’t recognize a library onsight. A very strange story. Not entirely unbelievable. 4.5 stars.
Michael Abayomi — Ground Zero — Interesting. Felt like a few minor spots could be tightened (phone began to ring — could just be phone rang). I’ve always heard it referred to as “the island of Manhattan” instead of Manhattan Island, but this is obviously a parallel universe, so I’m guessing that’s the reason for the difference. The speed Elijah managed to get out of the Empire State Building- wow. And in a hazmat suit yet! Impressive. 12 minutes. (10 minutes 36 seconds was the winning speed in the 2016 race-to-the-top in our real life universe.) 4.5 stars.
Crystal Collier — The Mirror People — Love the twist ending of Crystal’s story. Great concept all around. Very imaginative. 5 stars.
Yolanda Renée — Ever-Ton — Yolanda’s had great tension and plenty of “the feels.” (It still seems odd to me when Earth, as the name of the planet, isn’t capitalized. I guess that’s a style issue instead of a grammar rule nowadays.) 5 stars.
Cherie Reich — Folds in Life and Death — A beautiful story. Very touching and creative. 5 stars.
Hart Johnson — The Seventeen — Certainly interesting. Not my usual kind of story. It felt a little rushed, like parts were missing. Adverse effects from drug testing leading people to need to keep doing trials as the only means to support themselves, wow, that sounds scary and real. 4 stars.
Tamara Narayan — Scrying the Plane — Virtual reality with a massive multi-player interface? Minecraft? A reference to The Matrix? LOVE!!! The bus monitor hologram sounds like a great idea. Looking down at electronic devices long enough to wreck your neck… yeah, that sounds like something that’s coming if it’s not already here. 5.5 stars, out of 5, yes, because this was my favorite hands down.
Melanie Schulz — Haunted — A very different kind of story. I think it made sense in the end. Probably requires a second read-through to fully grasp the whole thing. 4.5 stars.
Average: 48 / 10 = 4.8 rounded to 5 stars.
L. G. Keltner — Felix Was Here — The story reminds me of the Stepford Wives. It also reminds me of the book The Invasion of Tearling, the Lily parts that I loved so much. A great short story that I can imagine being a movie or television series. 5 stars.
Sandra Cox — Rainers — This story is action, perfect tension, decent world building, brief insightful politics, and a sprinkling of romance. A liberal and a conservative working together to run things? What brilliance! 5 stars.
Sylvia Ney — WIN — Something about the story bothered me. Specifically, something about Brian’s character. Can’t put my finger on it. But to live in a world, in 2015, where the skill of reading books is almost gone– so sad! It about killed me when Navine didn’t recognize a library onsight. A very strange story. Not entirely unbelievable. 4.5 stars.
Michael Abayomi — Ground Zero — Interesting. Felt like a few minor spots could be tightened (phone began to ring — could just be phone rang). I’ve always heard it referred to as “the island of Manhattan” instead of Manhattan Island, but this is obviously a parallel universe, so I’m guessing that’s the reason for the difference. The speed Elijah managed to get out of the Empire State Building- wow. And in a hazmat suit yet! Impressive. 12 minutes. (10 minutes 36 seconds was the winning speed in the 2016 race-to-the-top in our real life universe.) 4.5 stars.
Crystal Collier — The Mirror People — Love the twist ending of Crystal’s story. Great concept all around. Very imaginative. 5 stars.
Yolanda Renée — Ever-Ton — Yolanda’s had great tension and plenty of “the feels.” (It still seems odd to me when Earth, as the name of the planet, isn’t capitalized. I guess that’s a style issue instead of a grammar rule nowadays.) 5 stars.
Cherie Reich — Folds in Life and Death — A beautiful story. Very touching and creative. 5 stars.
Hart Johnson — The Seventeen — Certainly interesting. Not my usual kind of story. It felt a little rushed, like parts were missing. Adverse effects from drug testing leading people to need to keep doing trials as the only means to support themselves, wow, that sounds scary and real. 4 stars.
Tamara Narayan — Scrying the Plane — Virtual reality with a massive multi-player interface? Minecraft? A reference to The Matrix? LOVE!!! The bus monitor hologram sounds like a great idea. Looking down at electronic devices long enough to wreck your neck… yeah, that sounds like something that’s coming if it’s not already here. 5.5 stars, out of 5, yes, because this was my favorite hands down.
Melanie Schulz — Haunted — A very different kind of story. I think it made sense in the end. Probably requires a second read-through to fully grasp the whole thing. 4.5 stars.
Average: 48 / 10 = 4.8 rounded to 5 stars.
May 3, 2016
A really good anthology! Ten different stories which surprised me.
There will be a full review soon.
Today (3rd of May 2016) is the publishing day of an anthology which I had the pleasure to read before in form of an ARC.
Anthologies are like a grab bag. Most of the time you do not know what you will get. The good thing is that normally all stories are related to one topic.
It is an excellent opportunity to discover new authors.
So what will you get with Parallels:Felix was here?
My summary:
Pensive and manifold views into parallel earth not without a glimmer of hope.
Even it sounds like the end of my review I can assure you it is not.
The ten stories of Parallels:Felix was here deliver ten different approaches to parallel worlds. Not all plots are new under the sun. It is nothing bad in picking up familiar plots as long as the execution is well done in an entertaining and sometimes thoughtful way.
I liked nine of the ten stories. I struggled with the tenth and last one.
This is what I thought about each of the stories
Felix was here
I admit that is is my favourite story. Strong characters in and emotional story set in an alternate future. A good intention does not always lead to a satisfying result and in the end the people who have to cope with such intentions have to pay the price.
Rainers
After reading the story you will think about rainstorms in a different way. And other dimensions could look very similar except few details ...
WIN
A look into a not so far away future. Access to an always available pool of information by using an implant chip. But what do you do when something troubles the system?
Ground Zero
An intense and different approach to Ground Zero. I wanted to read more.
The Mirror People
People living on both sides of the mirror connected maybe not a totally new idea but the execution is well done which let you think about it afterwards.t
EVER-TON
A scientific story with an unusual premise: What happens when weight matters in the question of survival.
Folds in Life and Death
An interesting concept how to cope with life and death by using magic and paper.
The Seventeen
A medical thriller with a whistle blower.
Scrying the Plane
Virtual reality is a hot topic and this story takes it to a new level.
Haunted
The most difficult story for me. It confused me and kept me think about it after I finished it.
I find it most difficult to describe short stories without giving away to much.
All in all a really interesting anthology.
There will be a full review soon.
Today (3rd of May 2016) is the publishing day of an anthology which I had the pleasure to read before in form of an ARC.
Anthologies are like a grab bag. Most of the time you do not know what you will get. The good thing is that normally all stories are related to one topic.
It is an excellent opportunity to discover new authors.
So what will you get with Parallels:Felix was here?
My summary:
Pensive and manifold views into parallel earth not without a glimmer of hope.
Even it sounds like the end of my review I can assure you it is not.
The ten stories of Parallels:Felix was here deliver ten different approaches to parallel worlds. Not all plots are new under the sun. It is nothing bad in picking up familiar plots as long as the execution is well done in an entertaining and sometimes thoughtful way.
I liked nine of the ten stories. I struggled with the tenth and last one.
This is what I thought about each of the stories
Felix was here
I admit that is is my favourite story. Strong characters in and emotional story set in an alternate future. A good intention does not always lead to a satisfying result and in the end the people who have to cope with such intentions have to pay the price.
Rainers
After reading the story you will think about rainstorms in a different way. And other dimensions could look very similar except few details ...
WIN
A look into a not so far away future. Access to an always available pool of information by using an implant chip. But what do you do when something troubles the system?
Ground Zero
An intense and different approach to Ground Zero. I wanted to read more.
The Mirror People
People living on both sides of the mirror connected maybe not a totally new idea but the execution is well done which let you think about it afterwards.t
EVER-TON
A scientific story with an unusual premise: What happens when weight matters in the question of survival.
Folds in Life and Death
An interesting concept how to cope with life and death by using magic and paper.
The Seventeen
A medical thriller with a whistle blower.
Scrying the Plane
Virtual reality is a hot topic and this story takes it to a new level.
Haunted
The most difficult story for me. It confused me and kept me think about it after I finished it.
I find it most difficult to describe short stories without giving away to much.
All in all a really interesting anthology.
June 22, 2016
Parallels is a collection of ten imaginative sci-fi tales that explore the realm of parallel universes. Stories include Rainers, in which the protagonist goes through a cave and ends up in a parallel universe filled with creepy zombie-like characters that come out when it rains, Win, a story about a society dependent on neurochips linked to a super computer, and The Mirror People, where each person's mirror reflection is actually a real person living in an alternate universe.
Many of the stories feel like they should be part of a longer story. The endings leave things a little unresolved, making the reader want more. Rainer and Ground Zero are good examples of these.
Parallels is a good book for those who enjoy sci-fi and are looking for a quick, interesting read.
Many of the stories feel like they should be part of a longer story. The endings leave things a little unresolved, making the reader want more. Rainer and Ground Zero are good examples of these.
Parallels is a good book for those who enjoy sci-fi and are looking for a quick, interesting read.
May 12, 2016
Really? I'm the first one to review this anthology? REALLY? ARRRRRGH... the pressure! I don't know if I can handle it...
Okay, let's get serious. This is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of somewhat mind-bending stories, based on what you might call alternative realities. Each well-written tale whisks readers away from the world of the ordinary, and transports them to a world where anything is possible, and the bizarre seems plausible. With these stories , all sprung from the minds of highly imaginative and talented writers, every reader is bound to find something to like. I sure did. (I liked all of them!)
However, thanks to one of the stories in this book, I may never look at a mirror in quite the same way again. (I never DID trust them... the older I get, the more they LIE!)
Highly recommend.
Okay, let's get serious. This is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of somewhat mind-bending stories, based on what you might call alternative realities. Each well-written tale whisks readers away from the world of the ordinary, and transports them to a world where anything is possible, and the bizarre seems plausible. With these stories , all sprung from the minds of highly imaginative and talented writers, every reader is bound to find something to like. I sure did. (I liked all of them!)
However, thanks to one of the stories in this book, I may never look at a mirror in quite the same way again. (I never DID trust them... the older I get, the more they LIE!)
Highly recommend.
May 16, 2016
I enjoyed these short stories. They were fun with different perspectives and some did not finish as I thought they might.
My favorite was "Haunted" I think because of the surprise and feeling it left. I love the effect it had on me, in some ways it affected me the same way the movie "Sixth Sense" did the first time I saw it.
I was hooked from the first page, propelled through the rest of the story to the end. I also liked The "Mirror People" and "Scrying Plane" and "Rainers" very interesting stories. Different. For short stories, these were fun, interesting and compelling reads.
I received this ARC copy free for an honest review. I am definitely going to check some of these authors other works too.
My favorite was "Haunted" I think because of the surprise and feeling it left. I love the effect it had on me, in some ways it affected me the same way the movie "Sixth Sense" did the first time I saw it.
I was hooked from the first page, propelled through the rest of the story to the end. I also liked The "Mirror People" and "Scrying Plane" and "Rainers" very interesting stories. Different. For short stories, these were fun, interesting and compelling reads.
I received this ARC copy free for an honest review. I am definitely going to check some of these authors other works too.
May 7, 2016
Usually I prefer full-length novels and didn't quite know what to expect from these, even if I was quite curious. Overall, I liked all of them. They're short and very quick to read. I also liked the settings, the settings of the stories, and the cast of characters.
I think this collection will appeal to anyone who likes to read novellas and science fiction romances. It's the perfect combination of that.
I think this collection will appeal to anyone who likes to read novellas and science fiction romances. It's the perfect combination of that.
September 14, 2017
A longer review follows. This was the first Insecure Writers Support Group anthology that I started reading, although in truth I finished the second one that I started first. Perhaps that was because I found the second collection had more riveting tales. This was more of a mixed 'bag' but there are some stand-out stories that I will mention in my full review, as well as some disappointing ones after some hype. I would still recommend this collection.
October 26, 2016
My favorite stories were "WIN," "Felix Was Here" and Haunted. Glad I bought this book. Great short stories...
June 30, 2016
Parallels: Felix Was Here explores the realms of alternate history and parallel universes in ten short stories. In the title story "Felix Was Here" by L.G. Keltner, Betty learns her idyllic city has some serious secrets. What I loved best was how Keltner built in Betty's memories of Felix and her need to find if he was real or not. Harper tumbles into a parallel universe where the rain has deadly consequences in Sandra Cox's "Rainers." I enjoyed the chemistry between Harper and Noah as well as what an alternate United States might look like. "Rainers" is a frightening and pulse-quickening tale that will lead the reader in suspense. In "WIN," Sylvia Ney explores the cost of technology as young David must teach those without the WIN system how to function in the world. I loved how Ney shows how learning is still so important, even with information at our fingertips. Michael Abayomi's "Ground Zero" shows the aftermath of a nuclear bomb. The abilities Elijah has intrigued me, and I would love to read more. Quinn discovers what unplaceable really means in Yolanda Renée's "Ever-Ton," a chilling, post-apocalyptic story. I loved the world building jammed pack in this short story. In "Folds in Life and Death" by Cherie Reich, Tecumseh's curse claims Allyson's brother, and she's left to pick up the pieces. I can't judge this story fairly because I wrote it, but if you like origami magics and alternate history set in 2001, then you might like it too. A drug trial goes awry in Hart Johnson's "The Seventeen." Johnson tells quite the horrific tale with such a unique take on a drug that's contagious. Virtual reality has real life consequences in Tamara Narayan's "Scyring the Plane." This story has me rethinking how awesome virtual reality sounds, and I really felt for the family's slow internet problems. Narayan nailed the teenage voice too. In Melanie Schulz's "The Haunted," Andy can't escape the feelings of nothingness, even though she doesn't understand why. This ending of this story made my skin break out in goosebumps and was quite the haunting story. I enjoyed every single story in Parallels: Felix Was Here and recommend the anthology.
May 23, 2016
I won a copy of this anthology and wasn't surprised by the quality of the stories as I am familiar with many of the contributors, all of whom are fine writers. This is an interesting and diverse mix; everything from zombiesque creatures, to space travel, to mirror worlds. Some may haunt you for a bit, leaving a trace of a chill behind. Others may leave you with a little smile, or a sliver of hope.
July 13, 2016
With both the dark and the profound, this book has truly imaginative short stories about alternate realities. Sure I loved some stories more than others, which is normal when reading a collection in which different authors contributed, but they were all strong in their own way and I can see why they were selected for this anthology. I read some familiar authors, while I was introduced to ones I haven't read before. If you like speculative fiction, you can feed your need with this book.
June 19, 2016
Consider this a review of the other 9 stories, as I don't think I can properly rate myself, but I found this collection to be diverse and fabulous. Each story had its own flavor, and all opened lots of possibilities. Rainers is the story that really haunts me, but I enjoyed all of them.
December 27, 2016
Wonderful collection.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
May 19, 2016
Rarely have I enjoyed an anthology this much. It engaged, took me to new places, and left me pondering. With most anthologies, I find myself skimming through some stories to get to the next. Not so in this case. Each stood on its own.
Felix Was Here: Awesome alternate future story with deep characterization and a strong psychological conflict. It didn't end all tied up with a bow, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Rainers: Dual dimensions. Alter one aspect of reality, and what do you get? Definitely an interesting premise and a fun adventure. (Beware rainstorms, eh?)
WIN: An alternate reality where most everyone relies on a chip implant to obtain knowledge, but what happens if that infrastructure crumbles? I really liked the focus of this story--the focus on the one.
Ground Zero: Alternate reality. The build of tension in this story was great. I wanted it to keep going after that very last page.
The Mirror People: Can you imagine if your life was tied to someone's on the other side of the glass? High concept dual dimensions. I personally love this one.
EVER-TON: Sci-fi-ish futuristic premise. Privileged only gets you so far, but what happens when your favor with the upper echelons ends? A fun read with a meaningful conclusion.
Folds in Life and Death: Super interesting concepts here. I was fascinated by the magic of this alternate world.
The Seventeen: Medical thriller of a completely unique nature. This was cool--the angle taken and I loved how this one resolved itself.
Scrying the Plane: VR takes a new extreme. Fun sibling rivalry/love and a journey to anything being possible.
Haunted: I struggled to connect the threads in this story, guessing and scratching my head until the very end. Definitely a strong note to leave the book on, one that kept me thinking long after its conclusion.
Overall, a very worthwhile collection.
Content warning: Some language. Minor violence.
Merged review:
Rarely have I enjoyed an anthology this much. It engaged, took me to new places, and left me pondering. With most anthologies, I find myself skimming through some stories to get to the next. Not so in this case. Each stood on its own.
Felix Was Here: Awesome alternate future story with deep characterization and a strong psychological conflict. It didn't end all tied up with a bow, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Rainers: Dual dimensions. Alter one aspect of reality, and what do you get? Definitely an interesting premise and a fun adventure. (Beware rainstorms, eh?)
WIN: An alternate reality where most everyone relies on a chip implant to obtain knowledge, but what happens if that infrastructure crumbles? I really liked the focus of this story--the focus on the one.
Ground Zero: Alternate reality. The build of tension in this story was great. I wanted it to keep going after that very last page.
The Mirror People: Can you imagine if your life was tied to someone's on the other side of the glass? High concept dual dimensions. I personally love this one.
EVER-TON: Sci-fi-ish futuristic premise. Privilege only gets you so far, but what happens when your favor with the upper echelons ends? A fun read with a meaningful conclusion.
Folds in Life and Death: Super interesting concepts here. I was fascinated by the magic of this alternate world.
The Seventeen: Medical thriller of a completely unique nature. This was cool--the angle taken and I loved how this one resolved itself.
Scrying the Plane: VR takes a new extreme. Fun sibling rivalry/love and a journey to anything being possible.
Haunted: I struggled to connect the threads in this story, guessing and scratching my head until the very end. Definitely a strong note to leave the book on, one that kept me thinking long after its conclusion.
Overall, a very worthwhile collection.
Content warning: Some language. Minor violence.
Felix Was Here: Awesome alternate future story with deep characterization and a strong psychological conflict. It didn't end all tied up with a bow, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Rainers: Dual dimensions. Alter one aspect of reality, and what do you get? Definitely an interesting premise and a fun adventure. (Beware rainstorms, eh?)
WIN: An alternate reality where most everyone relies on a chip implant to obtain knowledge, but what happens if that infrastructure crumbles? I really liked the focus of this story--the focus on the one.
Ground Zero: Alternate reality. The build of tension in this story was great. I wanted it to keep going after that very last page.
The Mirror People: Can you imagine if your life was tied to someone's on the other side of the glass? High concept dual dimensions. I personally love this one.
EVER-TON: Sci-fi-ish futuristic premise. Privileged only gets you so far, but what happens when your favor with the upper echelons ends? A fun read with a meaningful conclusion.
Folds in Life and Death: Super interesting concepts here. I was fascinated by the magic of this alternate world.
The Seventeen: Medical thriller of a completely unique nature. This was cool--the angle taken and I loved how this one resolved itself.
Scrying the Plane: VR takes a new extreme. Fun sibling rivalry/love and a journey to anything being possible.
Haunted: I struggled to connect the threads in this story, guessing and scratching my head until the very end. Definitely a strong note to leave the book on, one that kept me thinking long after its conclusion.
Overall, a very worthwhile collection.
Content warning: Some language. Minor violence.
Merged review:
Rarely have I enjoyed an anthology this much. It engaged, took me to new places, and left me pondering. With most anthologies, I find myself skimming through some stories to get to the next. Not so in this case. Each stood on its own.
Felix Was Here: Awesome alternate future story with deep characterization and a strong psychological conflict. It didn't end all tied up with a bow, but the conclusion was satisfying.
Rainers: Dual dimensions. Alter one aspect of reality, and what do you get? Definitely an interesting premise and a fun adventure. (Beware rainstorms, eh?)
WIN: An alternate reality where most everyone relies on a chip implant to obtain knowledge, but what happens if that infrastructure crumbles? I really liked the focus of this story--the focus on the one.
Ground Zero: Alternate reality. The build of tension in this story was great. I wanted it to keep going after that very last page.
The Mirror People: Can you imagine if your life was tied to someone's on the other side of the glass? High concept dual dimensions. I personally love this one.
EVER-TON: Sci-fi-ish futuristic premise. Privilege only gets you so far, but what happens when your favor with the upper echelons ends? A fun read with a meaningful conclusion.
Folds in Life and Death: Super interesting concepts here. I was fascinated by the magic of this alternate world.
The Seventeen: Medical thriller of a completely unique nature. This was cool--the angle taken and I loved how this one resolved itself.
Scrying the Plane: VR takes a new extreme. Fun sibling rivalry/love and a journey to anything being possible.
Haunted: I struggled to connect the threads in this story, guessing and scratching my head until the very end. Definitely a strong note to leave the book on, one that kept me thinking long after its conclusion.
Overall, a very worthwhile collection.
Content warning: Some language. Minor violence.
September 16, 2021
The first story, Felix was Here, felt like a Stepford Wife type story with the wife having nightmares – flashbacks? – of someone named Felix after her friend bemoaned the fact that their friend was naming her baby Felix. Not sure how this is speculative fiction – moving to the suburbs? – but the story didn’t hook me. DNF.
The second story, Rianers, was fast-paced, full of action, had zombies, and a cute wolf cub! So much fun to read.
The third story, WIN, reminded me a bit of Terminator and how machines eventually ruled the planet. Awesome! And that David was seen as obsolete because he couldn’t be part of the machines and could only learn from books – brilliant! An entertaining story.
The fourth story, The Mirror People, read like a crime thriller with loads of fun twists as it’s from the murderer’s reflection’s perspective. Speculative fiction at its best.
The sixth story, Ever-Ton, is good. But it feels more dystopian – a true reflection of where we’re heading – than a parallel universe.
The seventh story, Folds in Life and Death, was pure speculative fiction. Good. And I’m guessing taking place in a parallel universe (I have no idea who the presidents of America are supposed to be or how many or how they died – and adding curses just feels like speculative fiction, not an alternate reality.)
The eighth story, The Seventeen, starts with a clear message that this was a world where no rules existed against human guinea pigs. And the story was awesome!
The ninth story, Scrying the Plane, I DNFed because I had an issue with the language. You can write a good story without taking the Lord’s name in vain.
The tenth story, Haunted, began with a woman throwing her meds at her therapist. The feeling this scene elicited didn’t sit right with me. DNF.
An interesting anthology about parallel universes. I would have liked to see more interaction between the two universes – like in Fringe.
The second story, Rianers, was fast-paced, full of action, had zombies, and a cute wolf cub! So much fun to read.
The third story, WIN, reminded me a bit of Terminator and how machines eventually ruled the planet. Awesome! And that David was seen as obsolete because he couldn’t be part of the machines and could only learn from books – brilliant! An entertaining story.
The fourth story, The Mirror People, read like a crime thriller with loads of fun twists as it’s from the murderer’s reflection’s perspective. Speculative fiction at its best.
The sixth story, Ever-Ton, is good. But it feels more dystopian – a true reflection of where we’re heading – than a parallel universe.
The seventh story, Folds in Life and Death, was pure speculative fiction. Good. And I’m guessing taking place in a parallel universe (I have no idea who the presidents of America are supposed to be or how many or how they died – and adding curses just feels like speculative fiction, not an alternate reality.)
The eighth story, The Seventeen, starts with a clear message that this was a world where no rules existed against human guinea pigs. And the story was awesome!
The ninth story, Scrying the Plane, I DNFed because I had an issue with the language. You can write a good story without taking the Lord’s name in vain.
The tenth story, Haunted, began with a woman throwing her meds at her therapist. The feeling this scene elicited didn’t sit right with me. DNF.
An interesting anthology about parallel universes. I would have liked to see more interaction between the two universes – like in Fringe.
October 16, 2021
I enjoyed this collection. I felt connected to it due to my familiarity with the IWSG but I could not have expected the stories within and all their diversity. I'm not a sucker for happy endings and don't expect most stories to be bright and uplifting, but the dark tone of most of these stories caught me off guard... but in a good way. I say I enjoyed the collection, but not sure if that's the right word. Some stories I did enjoy, but others I felt more of an appreciation for since there was little joy in them.
Felix Was Here- a great intro to the rest of the collection- 4.5
Rainers- Not not Zombies, not this world... not yet- 4
WIN- a cautionary tale with hope in the end. Must love books- 5
Ground Zero- too close to home, beautifully told, still confused about the end- 3.75
The Mirror People- a horror/thriller entry fans of Dexter will appreciate. I'm a fan.- 5
Ever-Ton- a cautionary tale with some disturbing undertones, but kind of humorous in the beginning (trigger warning: black face- with respect)- 4
Fold in Life and Death- interesting "magic" concept and alternate reality- 4
The Seventeen- a thriller that is cautionary and heartbreaking when people are dispensable- 5
Scrying the Plane- one for the teens, sad but not uncommon even in a fictional future- 3.75
Haunted- sad, disturbing, haunting- sticks with you for a while (not for everyone)- 4.5
Overall, I would recommend this to someone who enjoys science fiction, alternate realities, and thought-provoking concepts, but not sure everyone will appreciate it as much as I did. Still, I think it's worth reading at least once to decide whether you enjoy it or simply appreciate it for what it is.
Felix Was Here- a great intro to the rest of the collection- 4.5
Rainers- Not not Zombies, not this world... not yet- 4
WIN- a cautionary tale with hope in the end. Must love books- 5
Ground Zero- too close to home, beautifully told, still confused about the end- 3.75
The Mirror People- a horror/thriller entry fans of Dexter will appreciate. I'm a fan.- 5
Ever-Ton- a cautionary tale with some disturbing undertones, but kind of humorous in the beginning (trigger warning: black face- with respect)- 4
Fold in Life and Death- interesting "magic" concept and alternate reality- 4
The Seventeen- a thriller that is cautionary and heartbreaking when people are dispensable- 5
Scrying the Plane- one for the teens, sad but not uncommon even in a fictional future- 3.75
Haunted- sad, disturbing, haunting- sticks with you for a while (not for everyone)- 4.5
Overall, I would recommend this to someone who enjoys science fiction, alternate realities, and thought-provoking concepts, but not sure everyone will appreciate it as much as I did. Still, I think it's worth reading at least once to decide whether you enjoy it or simply appreciate it for what it is.
June 5, 2016
Review: PARALLELS: FELIX WAS HERE
An anthology of the Insecure Writers' Support Group, these ten stories explore parallel probabilities (and alternative history) in ways that are subtle, scary, unsettling, and quite unnerving, often Dystopian, and paranoia-instilling. Indeed, I am still experiencing subtle shivers and chills. I recommend reading this anthology one story at a time, letting each percolate.
I reviewed via StoryCartel.
An anthology of the Insecure Writers' Support Group, these ten stories explore parallel probabilities (and alternative history) in ways that are subtle, scary, unsettling, and quite unnerving, often Dystopian, and paranoia-instilling. Indeed, I am still experiencing subtle shivers and chills. I recommend reading this anthology one story at a time, letting each percolate.
I reviewed via StoryCartel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews