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alrightmax's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
razzberry_pi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
a bit of a mixed bag since it is a collection of stories
definitely more focused on themes of pregnancy and parent/motherhood than i was expecting which isnt generally something i relate much to or seek out.
i would also very much disagee that the stories are laid out dystopian to utopian as the description claims, many things placed towards the beginning seem much more tolerable than a few in the middle/end
definitely more focused on themes of pregnancy and parent/motherhood than i was expecting which isnt generally something i relate much to or seek out.
i would also very much disagee that the stories are laid out dystopian to utopian as the description claims, many things placed towards the beginning seem much more tolerable than a few in the middle/end
the top three stories for me were
- The Listener
- The Propogator
- Sister, Fly-or-Die
with an honourable mention to The Lost Roads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, and Police brutality
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Religious bigotry, Transphobia, and Fire/Fire injury
erin_napkin's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I'm glad I read this! Definitely outside of my comfort zone/normal readings. A bit heavy in places but overall it was comforting knowing others are just as concerned about issues and this book is a good medium to share those issues.
lorialdenholuta's review against another edition
5.0
It's always a good day when I add a new author to my 'favorite writer's' list. Sim Kern's made this a good day indeed. Their collection of short stories speaks of who we are as humans, how we reproduce, our identities, our family dynamics—set against the overwhelming backdrop of climate change in a transformed world.
Some stories are difficult to read. Others are a delight. All of them are compelling and I did not skip a one. My favorites are the dreadfully escalating situation in "Unwhole", and the oddly sweet and nostalgic "The Lost Roads" which I'd like to place in the hands of every Baby Boomer on Earth.
I notice they have a YA Sci-Fi trilogy coming out in November—I'll be eager to read it. I'm very happy I picked up this book as an Advance Reader Copy and made the literary acquaintance of Sim Kern.
Some stories are difficult to read. Others are a delight. All of them are compelling and I did not skip a one. My favorites are the dreadfully escalating situation in "Unwhole", and the oddly sweet and nostalgic "The Lost Roads" which I'd like to place in the hands of every Baby Boomer on Earth.
I notice they have a YA Sci-Fi trilogy coming out in November—I'll be eager to read it. I'm very happy I picked up this book as an Advance Reader Copy and made the literary acquaintance of Sim Kern.
ginger_curmudgeon's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
After reading “Depart, Depart!” and now this short story collection, Sim Kern an auto-buy author for me. These stories are so well written. The stories all take place in the future, most of them with some sort of dystopian quality.
The title story starts the collection giving a glimpse into a future where it’s not safe to be outside and small things we take for granted are now luxuries or are now black market goods. The story sets the tone for what to expect in the rest of the book.
At their core, all of the characters in these stories are attempting to navigate life in a new version of our world, are trying to better the world, and are trying to live their day-to-day lives.
Each of the stories involves the environment in some way, whether it’s a domed future, a future on another planet, or an attempt to reverse the destruction caused by humans.
I like the way Kern writes characters. There’s a lot of diversity across the cast of characters in these stories. They are all flawed, but their flaws give them strength and keep them grounded in their humanity.
I can’t decide on a favorite story. After each story I read, I would think “maybe this is my favorite”. They’re all my favorite. One of the aspects of the book I like the most is the use of “The Lost Roads” as the final story. It’s about history, connection, and rectifying mistakes. It also ends the book on a hopeful note.
mimicry's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I decided to pick this up after seeing the author on a WorldCon panel. It was a good decision. This is an outstanding collection. There’s hope woven into every story, which is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more lately.
It’s hard to pick favorites in a collection this well put together, but the standouts for me are “The Propagator”, “The Night Heron”, “The End of the Nuclear Era”, and “The Lost Roads”. I love the worldbuilding in each story, and the collection itself is very well laid out.
It’s hard to pick favorites in a collection this well put together, but the standouts for me are “The Propagator”, “The Night Heron”, “The End of the Nuclear Era”, and “The Lost Roads”. I love the worldbuilding in each story, and the collection itself is very well laid out.
snowypineapples's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I loved this collection of stories, I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read more from this authour in the future
kp_writ's review against another edition
5.0
Perhaps the most solid short story collection I've seen from a single author. I first encountered this author at a virtual reading event hosted by my local bookshop, and I knew I'd have to buy this book for what sounded like such unique worldbuilding. The author uses very specific elements or questions and crafts a world so seamlessly around them. Relatable characters, extremely relevant theme, beautiful prose - it's all just so well done. I was also pleasantly surprised by the theme of (queer) parenthood too, as it isn't something I see (or look for) very often. But I think it fits very well and highlights similar anxieties that are themes in cli-fi in general. I feel like this collection has redefined speculative fiction and sci-fi/cli-fi for me. Extremely inspiring. Will be returning to this to take lessons on craft.
skilah's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0