Scan barcode
wunder's review
4.0
Yes, it really is dystopian/utopian SF with bicycles. In a few stories, the bikes are incidental, but in many of them the bikes are freedom. Not just a symbol of freedom, but an escape from danger or a path to safety that isn't dependent on gasoline or money or permission.
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
lizmart88's review
3.0
Fun anthology featuring primarily dystopian stories dry in the PNW. Many feature dystopian cities that are the result of feminism gone wrong - either by banning men or the opposite, full regulation of women. All feature bikes in some way!
Definitely a fun read and quick.
Definitely a fun read and quick.
resaunders26's review
4.0
What's not to love about Feminist Bicycle Science Fiction? This collection of short stories is creative and entertaining. Some of the stories left me wanting more. In particular - "Questions with the First" left me not really knowing what was going on or why. It created an interesting atmosphere, but left me hanging. But overall the stories were interesting and stoked my imagination.
My two favorite stories of this collection were "Signal Lost" - which felt like a frighteningly possible scenario in the not to distant future, and "Maaike's Aquatic Center for Bicycles Raised by Fishes" was just sweet and delightful. Both epitomize to me the value of this series.
I'm a huge fan of the Bikes in Space series. Totally worth the read.
My two favorite stories of this collection were "Signal Lost" - which felt like a frighteningly possible scenario in the not to distant future, and "Maaike's Aquatic Center for Bicycles Raised by Fishes" was just sweet and delightful. Both epitomize to me the value of this series.
I'm a huge fan of the Bikes in Space series. Totally worth the read.
brenna2themax's review
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I haven't read a short story collection in a while, but I'm glad I finally read this one. One short story in particular, "Fast Learner" by Kris Rose, was really amazing. Oh man, I loved this story. Every time I watch an apocalypse movie or show and people are trying to escape a city, but so is everyone else at the same time, I yell at the television "ride a bike!" Those fuckers never listen to me.
Perfect sci-fi and apocalyptic short stories for people who love their bikes. I'm excited to read the other collections by Elly Blue.
Perfect sci-fi and apocalyptic short stories for people who love their bikes. I'm excited to read the other collections by Elly Blue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Classism, Confinement, Drug use, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Minor: Cannibalism, Gun violence, Drug abuse, Sexual violence, and War
katenetz's review
4.0
I choose this book to fill my "A book you picked for the cover" reading list category. I hate picking books by the cover. But I love bikes and I love feminism and I love science fiction, so this seemed worth a shot. Turns out - it was worth it. Not every story was a home run, but there were a few really well written and thought-provoking pieces here. It was also cool to experience a collection of stories at a weird intersection of literature. Much to my surprise, I'd recommend this book.
thehighepopt's review
5.0
I love the underground short story feeling, raw and gritty, with little appeal to the masses but a lot of fun to read.
krayfish1's review
4.0
It is what it says in the title. Mostly dystopian hellscapes, so be ready for that.
megawattcole's review
3.0
Mixed bag of short stories. Some stories were especially good, one in particular would make for a decent Black Mirror episode [“Lost Signal”], but others didn’t catch me. Edition I read could use some editing [missing words, spelling errors]. Fun little collection though!
beulah_devaney's review
5.0
Bikes + Sci-Fi + Feminism = my sweet spot and this fun, thoughtful anthology delivers exactly what it promises. Which was a pleasant surprise as I usually skip over at least a few stories in an anthology, and any "theme" is usually ignored by half the contributors.
Biketopia is everything I could have asked for. They've got bikes in space, sentient bikes, aquatic bikes, bikes as dystopian currency, bikes as futuristic status symbols. A lot of the stories address the idea of bikes as a way to emancipate women, particularly in societies where women's freedoms are restricted. And there's even a series of book reviews at the end, all of which have made it onto my tbr list.
Biketopia is everything I could have asked for. They've got bikes in space, sentient bikes, aquatic bikes, bikes as dystopian currency, bikes as futuristic status symbols. A lot of the stories address the idea of bikes as a way to emancipate women, particularly in societies where women's freedoms are restricted. And there's even a series of book reviews at the end, all of which have made it onto my tbr list.
More...