(A short story collection by Shawn Speakman.)
Unbound was mixed – exactly as intended – with some fascinating to me introductions to new authors, and interesting new short stories from old favorites. Before I downloaded it, I was looking forward to Harry Connolly’s story. I had no idea what it’d be, but I like basically all of the worlds that he writes.
(It turns out that it was a short story from The Great Way series – a sad tale about a doomed subject kingdom on the eve of its freedom from its oppressor.)
There were lots of other interesting stories – and a number of stories that were okay, but clearly set in worlds I hadn’t read before, but would probably have been amazing with context. (Much like The Way Into Oblivion likely was for others.)
I particularly liked Madwalls (by Rachel Caine) for the engaging lead character and parental relationship.
Dichotomy of Paradigms (by Mary Robinette) was almost campy in a good way – when you’re contracted to make a pirate look good, art goes interesting places.
Uncharming (by Deliah Dawson) was a very creepy look at a weird underworld,
Mark Lawrence’s A Good Name was an interesting take on a culture of honor, and went in an interesting direction to capture good lessons about maturity.
The Hall of the Diamond Queen (by Anthony Ryan) was very effective – I kept thinking about the Voice and implied history that set up the opening circumstances well after finishing.
The Ethical Heresy (by Sam Sykes) was also interesting; leaning very hard on the costs of compliance with injustice, with a fascinating (and relatable) viewpoint character.
The Siege of Tilpur (by Brian McClellan) was an interesting universe (with Powder Mages in a colonial setting); with a strong main character well positioned to demonstrate lots of angles to the setting.
Jury Duty by Jim Bucher was a fun Dresden interlude; it’s easy to slip back into that world.