What Follows – Edited by April Steenburgh and C. Lennox (2014) – How would an Immortal deal with the End Times? The world will inevitably come stumbling into apocalypse, and They will be there to witness it. Dryads, demi-gods, deities of every pantheon- is it possible for the Eternal to handle an ending with grace? Should it come through disease, disaster, or religious fervor, discover What Follows…
Stories by Lyn Thorne-Alder, M.J. King, Joyce Chng, Kate Larking, Nina Waters, K Orion Fray, E.V. O’Day, Crystal Sarakas, Sarah Lyn Eaton, and Ross Bennett.
In the spirit of transparency, let me note that I know three of the authors included here personally. In the long run, that really doesn’t ease their path at all, LOL.
It is hard to give each author here their own little review without spoiling the reading experience. Each author has chosen their own Immortal race to explore the concept of the end times and each delivers a fascinating exploration of that world. The stories here range from Egyptian gods to the Selkies of Scots/Irish folklore to various forms of faerie to Muses and demons (among others). You might think that the End Of All Things would be easier for an Immortal. These authors will show you otherwise.
What I like most about this collection is the way it takes advantage of the broad discretion they are given in the concept. There are no two stories alike here, no tired retread of concepts used so many times before. I won’t guarantee that you will like all the stories. But you will be challenged and/or charmed and/or intrigued by every one. Most of the immortal beings here were familiar to me but I got a surprise in the final chapter (Selkies were new to me).
If I have a reservation about the book it is the lack of a foreword or introduction outlining the concept of the collection. I’m told that is being rectified even as I speak the words. Something to help set the reader up for what follows will really take this a collection to the next level.
If you enjoy apocalyptic literature, if you enjoy stories about supernatural beings or if you are simply in the mood to explore some new concepts and new writers this is a collection you should be adding to your shelves (virtual or otherwise).
As of the time of the writing of this review, this book is only available in e-book format. I’m told a print version is in the works.
Rating – **** Recommended
Stories Are My Life 
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