Lost Lore: A Fantasy Anthology in Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"

May 02, 2018 J.M. (Joe) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, anthologies

Strong offerings make this anthology worth your time.

Lost Lore accomplishes its task of introducing readers to several amazing indie voices in dark epic fantasy. I’m excited to add so many new authors to my to-read pile!

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Jan 30, 2018 Steve Thomas added it

I'll be adding to this review as I read through the stories. Since each of these stories is meant to introduce the author's world, I'll be focusing on how how effective they are are getting me interested in that world.

"And They Were Never Heard From Again" by Benedict Patrick: This one grew on me as I reflected on it. The bulk of the story is set-up. It's hinting at the magic system while justifying why the characters would do something very clearly stupid. The Halfwen stuff didn't quite work fo I'll be adding to this review as I read through the stories. Since each of these stories is meant to introduce the author's world, I'll be focusing on how how effective they are are getting me interested in that world.

"And They Were Never Heard From Again" by Benedict Patrick: This one grew on me as I reflected on it. The bulk of the story is set-up. It's hinting at the magic system while justifying why the characters would do something very clearly stupid. The Halfwen stuff didn't quite work for me and needlessly put Felton in a very bad light. There may have been a faster and more graceful way to achieve the setup, but the payoff was good. Once it really started to showcase the world and magic system, I became very intrigued. Ultimately, I liked it and it was a good pitch for "They Mostly Come Out at Night."

"Barrowlands" by Mike Shel: This one didn't do much for me. Hesk and a pair of ruffians are on a dungeoneering/grave-robbing adventure and meet a mysterious stranger. Decent setup. The whole time, I felt like I was missing a greater context that would lend some significance to the goings-on, and that missing piece made the story fall a little flat for me.

"Into The Woods" by Timandra Whitecastle: This one was weird. Really weird. It's kind of a mash-up of fairy tales, where a girl is visiting her grandmother, who tells her a messed up story and leaves her to reflect on her coming of age, or something. There was some body horror imagery that I had a hard time following, and I won't say I totally get it, but I liked it. I think.

"I, Kane" by Laura M. Hughes. This one was a stand-out. Diabolos Kane is a condescending, egotistical, and strangely attentive dragon bonding with the man who is taking dictation during his interrogation. The entire story is one long rant, and it was just a joy to read. Very amusing. I'd love to see more from this world.

"Palesword" by T.L. Greylock: This one follows a priestess and her lifelong clash with a problematic priest. The setting is basically alternate history Scandinavia with a lot of Norse mythology. The story read like the origin story of a villain or side-character, and I'm pretty curious if I'm right about that.

To be continued... ...more

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Mar 13, 2018 Fee Roberts rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, anthologies, contacted-by-author, read-2018

I was invited by Steven Kelliher to participate in a group read of Lost Lore: A Fantasy Anthology by, Terrible Ten. Having read Steven's work, I agreed. I'm glad I did. This is a great anthology with each story having its own style of fantasy. I rated each book separately.

No Fairy Tale by Ben Galley - ****
And They Were Never Heard From Again by Benedict Patrick - ****
A Tree Called Sightless by Steven Kelliher - ****
Barrowlands by Mike Shel - *****
Into the Woods by Timandra Whitecastle - **
Pater ...more

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