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A review by nematome
Firebirds Rising: An Anthology of Original Science Fiction and Fantasy by Sharyn November
4.0
This is going to be a bit of a cheat review because I’ve acknowledged to myself that the only reason I checked out this anthology was to read the Joss and Mavkel story The Real Thing by Alison Goodman. I may choose to keep renewing this thing like a jerk so I can keep it and read the Kelly Link or Tamora Pierce stories, but for now I feel perfectly comfortable giving this anthology four stars based solely on the The Real Thing alone.
I love this story, but it’s bittersweet because it’s such a beautiful glimpse of everything that a Joss Aaronson series could have been. I’ve just visited Alison Goodman’s website and apparently she’s working on a “new series” so I have to assume that poor Joss has been set aside, at least temporarily if not forever.
I think that Joss and Mavkel will be marked down in the imaginary log where I keep track of these things as one of my favorite human/alien teams of all time. Joss is fierce, independent, and determined. She’s flawed in all of my favorite ways: she’s too blunt, too self-contained, and just a little bit damaged. Mavkel is a little bit damaged too: he’s desperate for the intense connection that he used to have with his now dead twin Kelmav. I thought that it was interesting that Singing the Dogstar Blues has no romance in it whatsoever. I found that refreshing and bold. Joss’ adventure really stood on its own without relying on any kind of hastily inserted love interest.
However, this story gives us a thrilling glimpse into all of the complications and humor that arise when Joss finds herself going on a date with a young comp kid and Mavkel is highly curious about the whole affair. There is also more information here about the tension that’s building between the comp kids (genetically engineered to be superior, but only allowed into the academy in small percentages) and the naturally conceived students from wealthy families.
Alas, all this story does for me is dramatically increase my desperation for another Joss and Mavkel adventure. Curse you for a horrible tease, Alison Goodman! Would it help if I begged? I’m not above begging here.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Spoon – Don’t You Evah
Joss, I will miss you terribly, but at least we’ll always have Spoon.
I love this story, but it’s bittersweet because it’s such a beautiful glimpse of everything that a Joss Aaronson series could have been. I’ve just visited Alison Goodman’s website and apparently she’s working on a “new series” so I have to assume that poor Joss has been set aside, at least temporarily if not forever.
I think that Joss and Mavkel will be marked down in the imaginary log where I keep track of these things as one of my favorite human/alien teams of all time. Joss is fierce, independent, and determined. She’s flawed in all of my favorite ways: she’s too blunt, too self-contained, and just a little bit damaged. Mavkel is a little bit damaged too: he’s desperate for the intense connection that he used to have with his now dead twin Kelmav. I thought that it was interesting that Singing the Dogstar Blues has no romance in it whatsoever. I found that refreshing and bold. Joss’ adventure really stood on its own without relying on any kind of hastily inserted love interest.
However, this story gives us a thrilling glimpse into all of the complications and humor that arise when Joss finds herself going on a date with a young comp kid and Mavkel is highly curious about the whole affair. There is also more information here about the tension that’s building between the comp kids (genetically engineered to be superior, but only allowed into the academy in small percentages) and the naturally conceived students from wealthy families.
Alas, all this story does for me is dramatically increase my desperation for another Joss and Mavkel adventure. Curse you for a horrible tease, Alison Goodman! Would it help if I begged? I’m not above begging here.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Spoon – Don’t You Evah
Joss, I will miss you terribly, but at least we’ll always have Spoon.