I enjoyed reading this well-written collection of ten tales about aliens, humans, and possible futures on Earth. All the tales are science fiction, but the author presents variations of length, tone, and point of view to keep the reader entertained all the way through.
Three of the ten stories are quite funny – “A Polite Letter of Complaint,” “A Politician Tells the Truth Before Armageddon,” and “An Urgent Announcement.” The story “Nuance” is an examination of a possible apocalyptic future.
In two of the stories, “Emissary” and “Instrumentality,” the author puts her own spin on the familiar controversy 'What qualifies as human?' Both stories are deep and thoughtful. Two other stories concentrate on emotions – “Pas de Deux” and “Lux in Tenebris, Rendition #7,620.” The second is the longest story in the collection and is a character study of a shape-shifting alien stranded on earth for thousands of years. And she’s not alone.
My favorite stories were “A Complicated Suicide” – a murder mystery, but not in the way you’d think – and “The Patchwork Girl,” which I enjoyed the most. It’s a fascinating story of a very likely future, full of technological gadgets and scientific innovation. It combines humor with a very good story arc.
Even for those who aren’t science fiction fans, there’s something in here for every taste.
(review of free book)