Anthonology

I had no idea what to expect from this anthology. It's a long time since I read any Piers Anthony, and that was mostly fantasy. I have to say I was favourably impressed.

Each story is preceded by a preamble setting out his personal view of how he came to write the story; get it published (or otherwise); and how it was received. This gives a deal of insight into his character - and I'm sure everyone will come away with a strong view on that! He's a little too ... forthright? outspoken? ...to my mind, but it certainly means that his work is distinctive. And by distinctive, I mean Adult! There's some strong stuff in here, so it's very much buyer beware.

I've labelled it as science fiction, but there's a feel of fantasy as well. If you like show more Piers Anthony for either of the two modes of writing, then you'll get something from it. I think the writing style is good - very easy to read. Some of the subject matter however is really hard to read.

I can't make a recommendation as to whether anyone would like it. I did, but I'd imagine that there would be a lot more people who disliked it than liked it. All I can say is - read it yourself and make up your own mind. show less

Of the stories in this collection there were a few that were quite clever, although somewhat derivative, some ordinary, and some so vile that I wish I had never opened this book. I understand the "point" of the stories in question, but the loving detail in the descriptions of torture were beyond anything that the story needed to make its point.

Didn’t really enjoy this. A couple of stories were really unpleasant.

Collection of various Fantasy / Scifi stories of Piers Anthony and others.

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