Available for purchase now: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-
Add it on Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/
To learn more about Beyond the Pale- www.birchtreepub.com
Here's a new collection of short stories; many of you will recognize at least a handful of the authors. The stories vary quite a lot, so I think there's something in it for every kind of reader.
My overall rating is three out of five stars!
This is an added update. After posting this review, I was told by the editor to please not share my rating anywhere like Amazon or Goodreads because it was only 3/5 stars. Well, you see, that's not how reviewing works. In my review I haven't said anywhere to not buy it, or it sucks, anything like that, I just put my honest opinions in it like I always do. As an author you're going to have to deal with that sort of thing. So I'm going to share this review far and wide.
-----------
Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela by Saladin Ahmed:
Not my cup of tea. I tried a few pages but couldn't get into it.
Children of the Shark God by Peter S. Beagle:
I'm not sure how to categorize this one. I haven't read any of his books before, but I've definitely heard about them. This story brings the classic moral-fairytale-esque idea and twists it all around for a completely original tale. There's something about the way he writes, like a true ancient storyteller with a vivid imagination. It's impressively creative, and now I really should get to reading The Last Unicorn...
Misery by Heather Brewer:
I've only read Heather's work in other anthologies, not her actual books, so I know I like her writing style. She's also an incredibly nice person. Misery, one of her two stories in here, is probably my favorite. It reads like a true black-and-white Twilight Zone episode, with almost a touch of The Giver. This story had me in goosebumps from the first sentence, and ended differently than I expected.
(Also I realized I'd read this one in another anthology before, no wonder I liked it! Again!)
Shadow Children by Heather Brewer:
It's okay, but nothing original and sort of predictable…also too short to succeed in grabbing me.
Red Run by Kami Garcia
Supernatural fan? It's like a condensed version of an episode. Twisty turny creepy.
Pale Rider by Nancy Holder
Halfway through I realized I'd read this one before too. Its difference stands out--unique paranormal/dystopian combination.
Frost Child by Gillian Philip
Not a fan. Read a few pages but couldn't get into it, but it also had to do with one of her stories, like a prequel. So maybe that's why I just didn't understand.
South by Gillian Philip
One of the shortest stories, but in my top three favorite. Reads like an old tale of the north, but all I could gather was it's at an icy island in the middle of nowhere. Similar to Peter Beagle's story from near the beginning. Both have that older-story feel.
A Knot of Toads by Jane Yolen
Second favorite! If I remember correctly, it took place in Scotland in the early 1900s. Witches and curses and despite it's grossness, I totally enjoyed it. Don't miss this one!
The Adventures of Lightning Merriemouse-Jones by Nancy and Belle Holder
This is a retelling of Dracula….with mice as characters.
I think I'll leave you with that.
-Jane
___________
Thank you to the editor for sending me a copy of this book to review; receiving a free copy has in no way influenced my opinions of the book. This is a review without bias.
