Lauren Esker

A superior shifter novel.

In this world shape-shifting is not caused by a virus or infection, but is a genetic inheritance - though not all members of the same family shift into the same creature, which my mind boggles at. It also boggles at the notion of a man shifting into an arachnid. So far, so normal (for the genre).

Where this differs is the quality and depth of the characterisation and the intricate plot, which at times was very dark, verging on horror.

Definitely an author to follow.… (meer)

At best, this collection could be said to be patchy. Even Yoon Ha Lee, whose Ninefox Gambit I devoured last year, felt a little shackled by the "magical pet" theme. That said, two or three of the stories alone are worth the price. Rachel Manija Brown's Watercat Café had a beautifully realised world and thoroughly drew me in. I was very disappointed when it ended. Marie Cardno's How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster) was an entirely delightful curveball. I also enjoyed Beach Dirt on Bare Feet (possibly in part because of the British setting?) and The Mating Call of the Teleporting Warbler, with all the snarky humour and long history of a well-established couple was a sweet ending to the collection.… (meer)