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sebrittainclark's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a super interesting collection. I loved all the modern short stories. The classic short stories were longer, and more difficult to read, but I really enjoyed looking at the sci-fi of the past.
2treads's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Bringing a collection like this into the canon is a way in which readers of Black science fiction can draw threads of similarity between style and voice of writers past and present. It is a way to interrogate form and see what ideas and how they relayed have evolved or remained the same. What is mirrored and what is foremagined.
These trace the times in which the authors lived and how they drew inspiration from within their own time but also looked forward and imagined what the world could become and what we could become beyond the world and systems we exist within.
As with any anthology there are stories that captured the attention, left an imprint and engaged the reader with the creativity and breadth of ideas that were conceptualized and related. All these stories contained some influence of identity and place of the writers and was evident in the prose and dialogue between characters.
These trace the times in which the authors lived and how they drew inspiration from within their own time but also looked forward and imagined what the world could become and what we could become beyond the world and systems we exist within.
As with any anthology there are stories that captured the attention, left an imprint and engaged the reader with the creativity and breadth of ideas that were conceptualized and related. All these stories contained some influence of identity and place of the writers and was evident in the prose and dialogue between characters.
jennhammel's review
challenging
informative
5.0
Overall, this collection is a must read for any science fiction lover looking to educate themselves on the history of the genre and diversify their reading.
The science fiction label within the collection is all encompassing and broad, including alternate history stories and stories that have just a *dash* of sci fi. Personally, I didn't mind at all, but it's something to note going in.
The foreword by Temi Oh was EXCELLENT.
"Our job as science-fiction writers is to keep eyes trained on the future. To shout like prophets, to return with solemn cautions or glad tidings. To fill everyone's hearts with hope. It's not always easy to conceive of the future." (Foreword by Temi Oh)
The introduction is highly informative. There are a few longer stories within the collection that are historical and were a bit challenging for me. It's hard to analyze and get through as an individual reader - but would be very interesting in a classroom. I definitely understand why these stories were included and agree that they belong in the collection, but casual readers be warned.
Nonetheless, there are TONS of short stories in this collection that are perfect for the casual reader.
My favorite stories included:
An Empty, Hollow Interview by James Beamon
The Comet by W.E.B. Du Bois
Élan Vital by K. Tempest Bradford
The Orb by Tara Campbell
The Line of Demarcation by Patty Nicole Johnson
Almost Too Good to Be True by Temi Oh
The Regression Test by Wole Talabi
Thank you to Flame Tree Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The science fiction label within the collection is all encompassing and broad, including alternate history stories and stories that have just a *dash* of sci fi. Personally, I didn't mind at all, but it's something to note going in.
The foreword by Temi Oh was EXCELLENT.
"Our job as science-fiction writers is to keep eyes trained on the future. To shout like prophets, to return with solemn cautions or glad tidings. To fill everyone's hearts with hope. It's not always easy to conceive of the future." (Foreword by Temi Oh)
The introduction is highly informative. There are a few longer stories within the collection that are historical and were a bit challenging for me. It's hard to analyze and get through as an individual reader - but would be very interesting in a classroom. I definitely understand why these stories were included and agree that they belong in the collection, but casual readers be warned.
Nonetheless, there are TONS of short stories in this collection that are perfect for the casual reader.
My favorite stories included:
An Empty, Hollow Interview by James Beamon
The Comet by W.E.B. Du Bois
Élan Vital by K. Tempest Bradford
The Orb by Tara Campbell
The Line of Demarcation by Patty Nicole Johnson
Almost Too Good to Be True by Temi Oh
The Regression Test by Wole Talabi
Thank you to Flame Tree Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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