Elva Birch

Nice idea, nice characters, but a weak story.

It was full of teen angsty inner monologues which became quite tiresome. There were several potential antagonists, but the ‘threats’ involved were too easily dealt to develop much in the way of tension. And to top it off, a deus ex machina popped up at the end to resolve any remaining issues.

On a personal note, I’m not keen on shifter communities that are such a zoo of different animal forms. It just doesn’t work for me, unless the writing is exceptionally good.… (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)