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trueperception's review against another edition
2.0
When I first heard about this anthology, it sounded like something I would really enjoy. Unfortunately, most of the stories were just bad. There were a few that were good enough to make me want to check out the authors' other works, but overall this book was a flop.
aix83's review against another edition
2.0
This short was the first story in the Evil is a Matter of Perspective: An Anthology of Antagonists collection. But the protags are presented as the bad guys although it's an informed attribute. They're said to be demons and kind of go around with scorpions on their bodies but they don't do anything evil. Evil is when you do evil, not when you're a bit unshaved and your shoes don't match. It's also not when you walk around thinking "uh, I'm so evil, look at me how evil I am", which is the vibe you get from the MC in the opening.
Whatever, maybe it just shouldn't have been in that collection.
The dialogue is talking heads interspersed with descriptions of the magic in action but no character grounding. It's also plotless, just a slice of life story set in this alternate earth with magic. It wasn't immersive and I didn't root for the characters, it was hard to tell them apart because they didn't do anything special. The story is either an excerpt from a book or a character study.
The magic system looked kind of interesting but the story didn't do anything cool with it and so it didn't save it.
Merged review:
A lot of pretty generic worldbuilding, a lot of description of things that look blandly nice but fail to pique interest, and not a lot of action, unless you count fight scenes thrown in for excitement as action - they are action, but they're not plot. I think it's supposed to be a major plot reveal that the character is looking for her dog but it's anticlimactic. Also the character hugs the dog "to her breasts" at the end of the story, which reeks of het male writer. Many writers don't seem to understand what a short story is. This was a long, slogging slice of life without much going on.
Whatever, maybe it just shouldn't have been in that collection.
The dialogue is talking heads interspersed with descriptions of the magic in action but no character grounding. It's also plotless, just a slice of life story set in this alternate earth with magic. It wasn't immersive and I didn't root for the characters, it was hard to tell them apart because they didn't do anything special. The story is either an excerpt from a book or a character study.
The magic system looked kind of interesting but the story didn't do anything cool with it and so it didn't save it.
Merged review:
A lot of pretty generic worldbuilding, a lot of description of things that look blandly nice but fail to pique interest, and not a lot of action, unless you count fight scenes thrown in for excitement as action - they are action, but they're not plot. I think it's supposed to be a major plot reveal that the character is looking for her dog but it's anticlimactic. Also the character hugs the dog "to her breasts" at the end of the story, which reeks of het male writer. Many writers don't seem to understand what a short story is. This was a long, slogging slice of life without much going on.
canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook and I very much enjoyed it.
selinadragonair's review against another edition
4.0
This anthology did a great job of introducing authors I did not know and presenting awesome storys about morally grey characters from authors I wanted to read more:
The Broken Dead - Michael R. Fletcher -- 4/5
I have read „Beyond Redemption“ so I was familiar with his unique sytle and story (and funny way of using broken german names for the characters). Liked the anthology very much, although the backstory felt like a different genre or story setting.
Every Hair Casts a Shadow - Teresa Frohock -- 2/5
I liked that there were so many characters interacting with each other, but I had the feeling I needed to know the books to enjoy this short story.
The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore - Alex Marshall -- 4/5
The story was all right, but it was the fluent writing that made me want to read Alex Marshalls The Crimson Empire series in the future.
A Royal Gift - Mark Adler -- 2/5
The author has a beautiful prose but what he writes about doesn’t interest me, sadly.
Old Blood by Adrian Tchaikovsky -- 4/5
I have read „Children of Time“ and loved it. I enjoyed this novella, but maybe it would have been better to read „Shadow oft he Apt“ before.
Black Bargain - Janny Wurts -- 2/5
I appreciate a challenging and exalted writing style, but Janny Wurts was wayy to much for me (especially because english is my second language). There were so many words I have never heard before. What was she even writing about?
Just like Steven Erikson and Scott Bakker not my cup of tea, I guess.
The Syldoon Sun - Jeff Salyards -- 3/5
I liked everything in this one: story, pace, writing, characters. I am content even without the urge to read more oft he author.
The Darkness Within the Light - Shawn Speakman -- 2/5
Again, I enjoyed the writing and the path of the villain, just not the setting of the story. Where is my cup of tea?
The Greater of Two Evils - Marc Turner -- 5/5
Here it is. Amazing writing, amazing characters, amazing story. I will definitely read Marc Turners „When the Heavens fall“!
Exceeding Bitter - Kaaron Warren -- 3/5
A nice horror story. The setting didn't quite fit with the rest of the novellas.
A Game of Mages - Courtney Schafer -- 5/5
This is the story I bought the anthology for in the first place. I love Courtney Schafers books and this story is no exception. She has an impressive way of giving characters depth, love the dynamic between the characters and the view from the perspective of the villains. Perfect addition to the main series.
The Shattered Prince and the Demon Veiled - Bradley P. Beaulieu -- 4/5
I have read „Twelve Kings of Sharakhai“ and even If I have little knowledge (or rather bad memory) of how this novella fits in the main story, I liked it nonetheless. It gives a very good impression of Beaulieus way of writing and characterisation.
A Storm Unbound - E.V. Morrigan -- 1/5
What was so special about this short story?! Except the mention of a shardblade there was practically no worldbuilding, just an assassin girl killing. For me this was the weakest story oft he anthology.
The Game by Matthew Ward -- 4/5.
I instantly liked Wards writing style and the main characters way of thinking. Had a nice Locke-Lamora-touch. Would probably read more of this author. (Is there a book in which this novella takes place??)
Blood Penny - Deborah A. Wolfe -- 5/5
Debora Wolfes story was the surprise of the anthology for me. Beautiful prose, interesting characters, dark and twisted story with an unexpected ending. „The Dragons Legacy“ is on my TBR pile now.
Better than Breath - Brian Staveley -- 4/5
Very short but good story. Might check out Staveleys series.
Foundation of Bones - Mazarkis Williams -- 3/5
The story was all right, but not that remarkable. I am more interested in Mazarkis Williams „Tower and Knives“ trilogy.
The Aging of a Kill - Peter Orullian -- 2/5
This was a long story! Although I liked the idea of the story and the set up, there was something about the prose, the dialogues and the descriptions that just didn’t impress me.
The Carathayan - R. Scott Bakker -- 3/5
A nice story, I guess. Like Janny Wurts and Steven Erikson, I appreciate a formidable prose, but only to an extent. I already tried Scott Bakkers „Prince of Nothing“ and it was not my cup of tea.
The Broken Dead - Michael R. Fletcher -- 4/5
I have read „Beyond Redemption“ so I was familiar with his unique sytle and story (and funny way of using broken german names for the characters). Liked the anthology very much, although the backstory felt like a different genre or story setting.
Every Hair Casts a Shadow - Teresa Frohock -- 2/5
I liked that there were so many characters interacting with each other, but I had the feeling I needed to know the books to enjoy this short story.
The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore - Alex Marshall -- 4/5
The story was all right, but it was the fluent writing that made me want to read Alex Marshalls The Crimson Empire series in the future.
A Royal Gift - Mark Adler -- 2/5
The author has a beautiful prose but what he writes about doesn’t interest me, sadly.
Old Blood by Adrian Tchaikovsky -- 4/5
I have read „Children of Time“ and loved it. I enjoyed this novella, but maybe it would have been better to read „Shadow oft he Apt“ before.
Black Bargain - Janny Wurts -- 2/5
I appreciate a challenging and exalted writing style, but Janny Wurts was wayy to much for me (especially because english is my second language). There were so many words I have never heard before. What was she even writing about?
Just like Steven Erikson and Scott Bakker not my cup of tea, I guess.
The Syldoon Sun - Jeff Salyards -- 3/5
I liked everything in this one: story, pace, writing, characters. I am content even without the urge to read more oft he author.
The Darkness Within the Light - Shawn Speakman -- 2/5
Again, I enjoyed the writing and the path of the villain, just not the setting of the story. Where is my cup of tea?
The Greater of Two Evils - Marc Turner -- 5/5
Here it is. Amazing writing, amazing characters, amazing story. I will definitely read Marc Turners „When the Heavens fall“!
Exceeding Bitter - Kaaron Warren -- 3/5
A nice horror story. The setting didn't quite fit with the rest of the novellas.
A Game of Mages - Courtney Schafer -- 5/5
This is the story I bought the anthology for in the first place. I love Courtney Schafers books and this story is no exception. She has an impressive way of giving characters depth, love the dynamic between the characters and the view from the perspective of the villains. Perfect addition to the main series.
The Shattered Prince and the Demon Veiled - Bradley P. Beaulieu -- 4/5
I have read „Twelve Kings of Sharakhai“ and even If I have little knowledge (or rather bad memory) of how this novella fits in the main story, I liked it nonetheless. It gives a very good impression of Beaulieus way of writing and characterisation.
A Storm Unbound - E.V. Morrigan -- 1/5
What was so special about this short story?! Except the mention of a shardblade there was practically no worldbuilding, just an assassin girl killing. For me this was the weakest story oft he anthology.
The Game by Matthew Ward -- 4/5.
I instantly liked Wards writing style and the main characters way of thinking. Had a nice Locke-Lamora-touch. Would probably read more of this author. (Is there a book in which this novella takes place??)
Blood Penny - Deborah A. Wolfe -- 5/5
Debora Wolfes story was the surprise of the anthology for me. Beautiful prose, interesting characters, dark and twisted story with an unexpected ending. „The Dragons Legacy“ is on my TBR pile now.
Better than Breath - Brian Staveley -- 4/5
Very short but good story. Might check out Staveleys series.
Foundation of Bones - Mazarkis Williams -- 3/5
The story was all right, but not that remarkable. I am more interested in Mazarkis Williams „Tower and Knives“ trilogy.
The Aging of a Kill - Peter Orullian -- 2/5
This was a long story! Although I liked the idea of the story and the set up, there was something about the prose, the dialogues and the descriptions that just didn’t impress me.
The Carathayan - R. Scott Bakker -- 3/5
A nice story, I guess. Like Janny Wurts and Steven Erikson, I appreciate a formidable prose, but only to an extent. I already tried Scott Bakkers „Prince of Nothing“ and it was not my cup of tea.
bookaneer's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, a good anthology and a must read for all grimdark fans.
I liked 11 stories out of 19, so I guess three stars are enough.
My top three stories are: The Greater of Two Evils (Turner), A Storm Unbound (Morrigan), The Aging of a Kill (Orullian). It so happens that they showcase strong and interesting female characters.
My bottom three are: Old Blood (Tchaikovsky), Black Bargain (Wurts) and The Tattered Prince and the Demon Veiled (Beaulieu). Well, actually the last story by Bakker is kind of annoying as well.
Well, lucky that I read Tchaikovsky before this, or else I would have backed away from his works. Which is what I am planning to do with Wurts and Bakker. I read one of Beaulieu's works before which I disliked, reading his story in this collection just cemented my judgment.
Individual random comments about each story:
The Broken Dead by Michael Fletcher.
Very interesting worldbuilding and sufficiently dark. I need to read Manifest Delusions someday.
Every Hair Casts a Shadow by Teresa Frohock. This is also a new author for me. I liked the Spanish Civil War setting but unsure about the use of angels and demons. Would probably make a good visuals. An okay story - not really crazy about the plot.
The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore by Alex Marshall
Started out so-so but it gets really dark at the end. I am not particularly fond of the writing/narrative style.
A Royal Gift by Mark Alder
It so happens that I am currently reading a book about The Plantagenets so I was excited to know that the story's about Edward the Black Prince. Too bad it ended too abruptly.
Old Blood by Adrian Tchaikovsky
I don't get it.
Black Bargain by Janny Wurts
Too many worldbuilding with lack of clear plot - my head hurts.
The Syldoon Sun by Jeff Salyards
Interesting set-up, and I always like military fantasy stuff. The ending was rather unclear to me though.
The Darkness within the Light (The Annwyn Cycles) by Shawn Speakman
Surprisingly I like this one. Read one of his works years ago and did not like it. Grimdark faerie world is cool.
The Greater of Two Evils by Marc Turner
Probably my favorite so far. I love any kind of water magic and the MC is such as a bad ass. I think I want to try his trilogy.
Exceeding Bitter by Kaaron Warrren
This is a ghost story and it is so sad.
A Game of Mage by Courtney Schafer
I liked this one too, with its Eastern flavor. Great pacing.
The Tattered Prince and the Demon Veiled (Beaulieu) - I don't like it. It's overly long and just convoluted. I read his Sharakai first book and almost DNFed it. I guess his writing style is not for me.
A Storm Unbound (Morrigan): fantastic character! great action. and that ending!
The Game (Ward): I like the world - the start of the story reminds me of the movie Gladiator where Maximus faces his judgment. I may try on his novels someday.
Blood Penny (Wolf); I am familiar with her work, and I found myself also liking this. She's a great wordsmith and I enjoy her writing and characters.
Better than Breath (Staveley): also not a stranger to the author, this is a great GD story. great characterization as well.
A Foundation of Bones (Williams): a bit of a snoozefest, to be frank.
The Aging of a Kill (Orullian): very unique and intriguing. I love these kind of conversation between adversaries and flashbacks in between. One of my favorites of the bunch.
The Carathayan (Bakker): That's weird. Not my kind of weird. Sufficiently dark but it's too disturbing. Also, there were too many exclamation points.
I liked 11 stories out of 19, so I guess three stars are enough.
My top three stories are: The Greater of Two Evils (Turner), A Storm Unbound (Morrigan), The Aging of a Kill (Orullian). It so happens that they showcase strong and interesting female characters.
My bottom three are: Old Blood (Tchaikovsky), Black Bargain (Wurts) and The Tattered Prince and the Demon Veiled (Beaulieu). Well, actually the last story by Bakker is kind of annoying as well.
Well, lucky that I read Tchaikovsky before this, or else I would have backed away from his works. Which is what I am planning to do with Wurts and Bakker. I read one of Beaulieu's works before which I disliked, reading his story in this collection just cemented my judgment.
Individual random comments about each story:
The Broken Dead by Michael Fletcher.
Very interesting worldbuilding and sufficiently dark. I need to read Manifest Delusions someday.
Every Hair Casts a Shadow by Teresa Frohock. This is also a new author for me. I liked the Spanish Civil War setting but unsure about the use of angels and demons. Would probably make a good visuals. An okay story - not really crazy about the plot.
The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore by Alex Marshall
Started out so-so but it gets really dark at the end. I am not particularly fond of the writing/narrative style.
A Royal Gift by Mark Alder
It so happens that I am currently reading a book about The Plantagenets so I was excited to know that the story's about Edward the Black Prince. Too bad it ended too abruptly.
Old Blood by Adrian Tchaikovsky
I don't get it.
Black Bargain by Janny Wurts
Too many worldbuilding with lack of clear plot - my head hurts.
The Syldoon Sun by Jeff Salyards
Interesting set-up, and I always like military fantasy stuff. The ending was rather unclear to me though.
The Darkness within the Light (The Annwyn Cycles) by Shawn Speakman
Surprisingly I like this one. Read one of his works years ago and did not like it. Grimdark faerie world is cool.
The Greater of Two Evils by Marc Turner
Probably my favorite so far. I love any kind of water magic and the MC is such as a bad ass. I think I want to try his trilogy.
Exceeding Bitter by Kaaron Warrren
This is a ghost story and it is so sad.
A Game of Mage by Courtney Schafer
I liked this one too, with its Eastern flavor. Great pacing.
The Tattered Prince and the Demon Veiled (Beaulieu) - I don't like it. It's overly long and just convoluted. I read his Sharakai first book and almost DNFed it. I guess his writing style is not for me.
A Storm Unbound (Morrigan): fantastic character! great action. and that ending!
The Game (Ward): I like the world - the start of the story reminds me of the movie Gladiator where Maximus faces his judgment. I may try on his novels someday.
Blood Penny (Wolf); I am familiar with her work, and I found myself also liking this. She's a great wordsmith and I enjoy her writing and characters.
Better than Breath (Staveley): also not a stranger to the author, this is a great GD story. great characterization as well.
A Foundation of Bones (Williams): a bit of a snoozefest, to be frank.
The Aging of a Kill (Orullian): very unique and intriguing. I love these kind of conversation between adversaries and flashbacks in between. One of my favorites of the bunch.
The Carathayan (Bakker): That's weird. Not my kind of weird. Sufficiently dark but it's too disturbing. Also, there were too many exclamation points.
stianstandnesgronlund's review against another edition
Bought this for the R Scott Bakker story, but read the first couple of other ones as well.
They didn't catch my interest do I skipped to the one I was interested in and read no more.
They didn't catch my interest do I skipped to the one I was interested in and read no more.
alwroteabook's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This was one of the finest anthologies I've had the pleasure to read. Not all stories are equal, with some better than others, but there are no duds. The editor, Adrian Collins, and the crew at Grimdark Magazine, deserve the majority of the credit for putting together such a good collection, but RJ Bakker's foreword and closing story kickoff and end the fun in fine fashion. In between are a number of stories from various dark fantasy authors (I'm not sure they all count as Grimdark, but they're darn good), some of whom you've already heard of, and the rest you'll look forward to hearing more from.
reubend1ca9's review
4.0
Aside from one or two stories this is a pretty solid collection. Recommended if you like dark fantasy, grimdark or other violent entertainment.