by Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette de Bodard, Jacqueline Carey
edited by Yanni Kuznia
published by Subterranean Press
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Anthology,
Summary (Goodreads): In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.
With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.
“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.
And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.
My Thoughts: Goddess at the Crossroads (Iron Druid Chronicles 0.3) I keep seeing this series around but this is the first I've read from it. I liked the story. Found the main character interesting and enjoyed the story of him and Shakespeare going up against a coven of witches and a few other troubles. Definitely going to take the time to read this series (at some point).
Ashes (Anya Kalinczyk) This was my favorite of this book. I thought I was at least aware of books in this genre that take place in MI but somehow missed this series. I liked Anya, Sparky and Charon. Their interactions, abilities, and the overall story (even a short one) definitely peaked my interest and added yet another series to my tbr.
The Death of Aiguillon (Dominion of the Fallen) I tried to read The House of Shattered Wings but could not get into it at the time. the writing is good and the world the author created is interesting to me but it just wasn't working for me. This short worked better. The relationship between the Fallen and the people on the outside just trying to survive. Add in another creature of myth that resides in the river and the story works. I may try at a later date to read the full novel.
One Hundred Ablutions. This had more of a sci-fi feel for me than straight fantasy. The races felt more alien in nature. That aside, I've liked everything else I read from this author and this was the same. For me it fell into the old adage of "Be careful what you wish for you just might get it".
Overall Rating: 4
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