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noemi's review against another edition
4.0
I hadn't heard of most of these authors coming in, except for Tony Pi (and as usual, Pi does not disappoint!) And now I have a whole new set of authors to read!
Lots of variation, from superheroes to high fantasy to space travel. Some stories are just fun, some are more introspective. In some stories, race and gender play a big role, while in others, they are not even mentioned.
Overall, a solid compilation. I would recommend to all fans of speculative fiction!
Lots of variation, from superheroes to high fantasy to space travel. Some stories are just fun, some are more introspective. In some stories, race and gender play a big role, while in others, they are not even mentioned.
Overall, a solid compilation. I would recommend to all fans of speculative fiction!
yonnyan's review against another edition
4.0
This collection was extraordinary. While there were a few stories that resonated and reached out to me as a reader a bit more intimately than others, overall the experience was fantastic. This collection really emphasises the importance and storytelling potential that's derived from diverse cultural backgrounds, specifically in regards to Asian cultures and customs.
One of my favourite tales consisted of a universe where djinns were artificially created intelligences that grew to be sentient, and unlike many other typical stories from the speculative genre, these beings weren't harmful towards humans. Instead, they sought to learn and live with them in harmony. The story also did a fantastic job of examining systematic prejudices towards people or things that societies don't understand. It was brilliant in scope and execution.
There are many other narratives like this one that are filled with original and imaginative world-building, multi-faceted characters, and unique plot twists that take culturally familiar themes and utilise them in ways to write wondrous, contemplative stories while commenting on current societal problems and conflicts in ways that aren't thought about in a normal means. It also does an excellent job of breaking stereotypes associated with many of the cultural inspirations implemented.
I highly recommend this collection to all fans of speculative fiction, in all of their forms and subgenres, as well as to people who are interested in challenging themselves by reading a title beautifully atypical of science-fiction storytelling.
Collection rating: 4 outta 5 djinns!
One of my favourite tales consisted of a universe where djinns were artificially created intelligences that grew to be sentient, and unlike many other typical stories from the speculative genre, these beings weren't harmful towards humans. Instead, they sought to learn and live with them in harmony. The story also did a fantastic job of examining systematic prejudices towards people or things that societies don't understand. It was brilliant in scope and execution.
There are many other narratives like this one that are filled with original and imaginative world-building, multi-faceted characters, and unique plot twists that take culturally familiar themes and utilise them in ways to write wondrous, contemplative stories while commenting on current societal problems and conflicts in ways that aren't thought about in a normal means. It also does an excellent job of breaking stereotypes associated with many of the cultural inspirations implemented.
I highly recommend this collection to all fans of speculative fiction, in all of their forms and subgenres, as well as to people who are interested in challenging themselves by reading a title beautifully atypical of science-fiction storytelling.
Collection rating: 4 outta 5 djinns!
debbieslibrary's review against another edition
3.0
As far as I read I enjoyed reading some short stories, it was either hit or miss for me. And after a few months, I just couldn’t find the energy to continue reading the short stories. It felt more as a chore continuing than for enjoyment. So I quitted reading at 55% into it, not that I didn’t like it but more that I had more interested in other books I had to get to and like I said this felt more as a chore. But I would still recommend this book if you enjoy short stories and you enjoy Science Fiction.
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