Shoggoths in Bloom
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
A compilation of short science fiction and fantasy from Elizabeth Bear—tales of myth and mythic resonance, fantasies both subtle and epic in tone; hard science fiction and speculations about an unknowable universe. This collection, showcasing Bear's unique imagination and singular voice, includes her Hugo- and Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award-winning story "Tideline" and Hugo-winning novelette, "Shoggoths in Bloom," as well as an original, never-published story. Recipient of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, a World Fantasy and Philip K. Dick nominee, Bear is one of speculative fiction's most acclaimed, respected, and prolific authors.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Many novelists translate badly to short form, but Hugo award-winner Bear (Range of Ghosts) loses none of her depth or emotional power in this anthology of fierce, lonely tales about sacrifice, bravery, and loss. Missteps her use of real historical figures in "Sonny Liston Takes the Fall" seems to imply that Muhammad Ali owed his career to another boxer s mystical sacrifice are rare. Bear at her best is magical, as in "The Girl Who Sang Rose Madder," in which a former rock star has to choose between death as an artist and immortality as an undead hack musician. Other standouts include the title story, about a black professor in the 1930s who finds kinship with the Lovecraftian monsters he studies, and "The Cold Blacksmith," a bittersweet fairy tale about what it takes to mend a heart. As in her novels, Bear s world-building is absorbingly rich and strange, full of blue parrot cats, ruthless Mongol-ish princesses, and modern alleyways haunted by cockatrices and harpies, and adventurous readers will find her storytelling absolutely irresistible.
Customer Reviews
Impressive and Varied Collection
“Shoggoths in Bloom” is a 2012 anthology of short fiction by Elizabeth Bear. Before being collected in this volume most of these stories previously appeared in various anthologies, magazines, or websites. The final story “The Death of Terrestrial Radio” is original to this book, as is the introduction by Ms. Bear’s husband, the author Scott Lynch.
I had read some of Ms. Bear’s work before, but this volume displays the impressive range of her writing. These stories widely vary in subject matter and themes, and include fantasy as well as science fiction. They tackle serious issues, and not all of them have happy endings. They are mature and thought-provoking tales.
The titular novelette “Shoggoths in Bloom” has Lovecraftian elements, but is otherwise entirely plausible. It is one of those stories that stays with the reader long after finishing it. “Cryptic Coloration” is one of the fantasy stories, pretty much an urban fantasy. Another similar tale fantasy tale set in a cityscape is “The Horrid Glory of Its Wings.” This one will leave you with disturbing afterthoughts…
There are some straight up science fiction stories, these include “Gods of the Forge” the disturbing “Confessor” and the previously mentioned “The Death of Terrestrial Radio.” The setting in these tales are well developed and interesting, but they serve as backdrop for the ideas and the characters to inhabit.
I have to say that after reading this volume, I have a greater appreciation for Ms. Bear’s writing. I’ll be seeking out more of it in the future!