Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsMore winning Tails
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017
Chris Pourteau and Samuel Peralta have put together another excellent science-fiction anthology -- this one a follow-up to Pourteau's amazing 2015 release, Tails of the Apocalypse. Thirteen authors have each created a gem with characters or situations from their previously released series. I've read works from many but not all of these authors, so I was able to both go back and enjoy new stories from "places" and characters I know, and also be exposed to new (for me) word artists.
Some of the stories are written from the point of view of an animal; some are written third-person with a focus on the animal, and still others have a human POV but the 'stars' of the story are the animal partners. Like "Tails of the Apocalypse", many of the stories come with high emotion -- often pathos -- to be expected from the dystopian focus, but there are uplifting moments nonetheless. The anthology opens with strength -- Harlow C. Fallon's "The Ones Who Walk Beside You" will get you started properly with Joe, his unusual gift and his friends the wolf and the horse; you won't want to stop reading after that. John L. Monk's "Monkey Do", starring Max the chimp, illustrates what can happen when all the human adults have died, but there remains a well-trained animal with dignity and dedication. Rysa Walker's dog Daphne has to sort out the incredibly confusing conflicting timelines and help save her pack from "The Circle-That-Whines". Ann Christy's "The Last Pride" shows that there are places in the animal kingdom for her PePrs as they help keep endangered species alive while fitting in. Jennifer Ellis' "Cry Wolf" shows how it is not only humans who see conflict in following orders while trying to do the right thing. Justin Sloan's "The Last Bobcat" is better than the humans he helps survive. Daniel Arthur Smith's "Eggby" lives for his master's treats, but has to avoid becoming one himself. Robert Calas' "The Weight of Hunger" is the darkest of the selections, IMHO; the kestrel falcon Eglantine must survive while not becoming one of "them". David Adams' "Khan" shows how a white tiger can fight for freedom even on another planet. Cheri Lasota's beautiful "Planetfall" reveals how a little dog makes a big difference on New Eden. E. E. Giorgi's Destiny and her pet weasel find the mysterious object that can change everything in "Octant VI". Hank Garner's young autistic Jackson looks for his folks and dog as the world is shaken beyond belief, but he has the help of a mysterious stranger because "He Knows the Way Home." Finally, David Bruns' "The Water Finder's Apprentice" finds more than water but needs the help of his canine sidekick to prevail.
I received an advance copy for an honest review, but I bought a copy to support the book.
