Alien Sex: 19 Tales by the Masters of Science Fiction and Dark Fantasy
by Ellen Datlow (Editor)
Alien Sex (1)
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Harlan Ellison, Richard Christian Matheson, Connie Willis, and many more contribute to a compelling psychological exploration of the many shades of love An incubus disguised as a high school girl puts a disturbing spin on the teacher/student fantasy. An engineer creates a robot with unexpected consequences during the end of the world. A man becomes the pet of alien invaders. From stories of aliens in other worlds to those living among us, these tales will move you out of your comfort zone show more and open you up to experiencing something-or someone-completely different. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Ellen Datlow, including rare photos from the editor's personal collection. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Not every story in this collection is a winner, but I'm still glad that it exists. If science fiction is, as some of its fans claim, the last literary genre that still questions what it means to be a human being, then sex is something it needs to consider. This genre's got a not-entirely-undeserved reputation for being more concerned with gee-whiz technology than the intricacies of human relationships, but, theoretically, at least, its willingness to play around with the limits of human experience that more literary authors would simply consider "the way things are" might illuminate some interesting alternatives to the way we live now, or at least provide an interesting counterpoint to our own mundane experiences.
Well, it doesn't show more always work out that way here. A lot of what's wrong with these stories are the same things that a lot of readers think is wrong with sci fi in general: underwritten characters, indifferent prose, too-obvious real-world comparisons, stories that would work better as essays. But there are some gems here, too. The stories by James Tiptree, Jr., Connie Willis, and, perhaps especially, Lisa Tuttle and Geoff Ryman are both wonderfully imaginative and even, at times, genuinely affecting. These stories suggest that considering the erotic side of science fiction might indeed open up new horizons for earthbound humans such as ourselves. show less
Well, it doesn't show more always work out that way here. A lot of what's wrong with these stories are the same things that a lot of readers think is wrong with sci fi in general: underwritten characters, indifferent prose, too-obvious real-world comparisons, stories that would work better as essays. But there are some gems here, too. The stories by James Tiptree, Jr., Connie Willis, and, perhaps especially, Lisa Tuttle and Geoff Ryman are both wonderfully imaginative and even, at times, genuinely affecting. These stories suggest that considering the erotic side of science fiction might indeed open up new horizons for earthbound humans such as ourselves. show less
This is a pretty good mix of stories. All of them are stories about people and beings having sex with an alien of some sort. Not all are aliens from outer space but also just alien-ness of the sex act with new and different partners. There are some real gems here and my favorites are below.
"How's the Night Life on Cissalda?" by Harlan Ellison - The ultimate in sexual intercourse comes for a visit.
"Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" by Larry Niven - The reality of Superman's sex life.
"Roadside Rescue" by Pat Cadigan - A weird story that turns out to be sexual.
"All My Darling Daughters" by Connie Willis - An excellent story that seems to be light-hearted at first but turns out to be VERY intense.
"Saving The World At The Moon Motel" by show more Roberta Lannes - A troublesome relationship leads to an incredible result.
"Love and Sex Among the Invertebrates" by Pat Murphy - The next generation of beings after humans. show less
"How's the Night Life on Cissalda?" by Harlan Ellison - The ultimate in sexual intercourse comes for a visit.
"Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" by Larry Niven - The reality of Superman's sex life.
"Roadside Rescue" by Pat Cadigan - A weird story that turns out to be sexual.
"All My Darling Daughters" by Connie Willis - An excellent story that seems to be light-hearted at first but turns out to be VERY intense.
"Saving The World At The Moon Motel" by show more Roberta Lannes - A troublesome relationship leads to an incredible result.
"Love and Sex Among the Invertebrates" by Pat Murphy - The next generation of beings after humans. show less
Author: Various Authors
Published by: Roc Publisher
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"Alien Sex" by 19 Various Authors was a bit dark anthology, sci-fi and fantasy short-story reads. I picked it because of its title ... yes, I did and I found it somewhat interesting... some of it like nothing I have ever heard of or would think of. Like I have said many times .... to get into the minds of some of these authors...leaving me to say WOW! But any way each and everyone of these short stories had some type of anthology that was indeed very different
than anything I would ever imagine...yes really pushing how one views the idea of sex and gender relationship are meant to be...a lot of it very show more uncomfortable.
Therefore, I will say right up front, this read is not for the weak minded heart at all. So please beware before you pick up "Alien Sex." Be ready for dark area that will be well presented that may shock, disgust and even offend. There are some stories that are funny...now I will leave you to look for those. So, is this what we humans are really looking for? Well, I will let you decide for yourself. I wouldn't say these are bedtime stories for the soft hearted, however, if you are into this type of read... you have come to the right place. There are nineteen different authors and I am sure you may find one that you like. Are these well written... I would have to say Yes, they are... I think the authors did a good job at relaying what ever it was they set out to say to the reader. Did I understand it all... No, but the authors seemed to know what they were trying to say and do. So, be ready for a good read whether it's a anthology, sci-fi and or fantasy. It's all here for you in "Alien Sex." show less
Published by: Roc Publisher
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"Alien Sex" by 19 Various Authors was a bit dark anthology, sci-fi and fantasy short-story reads. I picked it because of its title ... yes, I did and I found it somewhat interesting... some of it like nothing I have ever heard of or would think of. Like I have said many times .... to get into the minds of some of these authors...leaving me to say WOW! But any way each and everyone of these short stories had some type of anthology that was indeed very different
than anything I would ever imagine...yes really pushing how one views the idea of sex and gender relationship are meant to be...a lot of it very show more uncomfortable.
Therefore, I will say right up front, this read is not for the weak minded heart at all. So please beware before you pick up "Alien Sex." Be ready for dark area that will be well presented that may shock, disgust and even offend. There are some stories that are funny...now I will leave you to look for those. So, is this what we humans are really looking for? Well, I will let you decide for yourself. I wouldn't say these are bedtime stories for the soft hearted, however, if you are into this type of read... you have come to the right place. There are nineteen different authors and I am sure you may find one that you like. Are these well written... I would have to say Yes, they are... I think the authors did a good job at relaying what ever it was they set out to say to the reader. Did I understand it all... No, but the authors seemed to know what they were trying to say and do. So, be ready for a good read whether it's a anthology, sci-fi and or fantasy. It's all here for you in "Alien Sex." show less
I haven't yet finished this book because most of the stories earlier on are really quite bad. There certainly exists science fiction that treats sex and sexuality in a deeply interesting and engaging light, but this just isn't it.
Non fraintendete, non è una raccolta di banali storie porno ma una raccolta seria di racconti che mescolano sesso e fantascienza o fantasy.
E sono storie molto carine!
E sono storie molto carine!
1) Her Furry Face by Leigh Kennedy - excellent
2) War Bride by Rick Wilber - good
3) How's The Night Life On Cissalda? By Harlan Ellison
4) The Jamesburg Incubus by Scott Baker
5) Man Of Steel, Woman Of Kleenex by Larry Niven - good
6) The First Time by K.W. Jeter
7) The Jungle Rot Kid On The Nod by Philip Jose Farmer
8) Husbands by Lisa Tuttle
9) When The Fathers Go by Bruce McAllister
10) Dancing Chickens by Edward Bryant
11) Roadside Rescue by Pat Cadigan - excellent
12) Omnisexual by Geoff Ryman
13) All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis - good
14) Arousal by Richard Christian Matheson
15) Scales by Lewis Shiner
16) Saving The World At The New Moon Hotel by Roberta Lannes
17) And I Awoke And Found Me Here On The Cold Hill's Side by James Tiptree show more Jr. - excellent
18) Picture Planes by Michaela Roessner
19) Love And Sex Among The Invertebrates by Pat Murphy show less
2) War Bride by Rick Wilber - good
3) How's The Night Life On Cissalda? By Harlan Ellison
4) The Jamesburg Incubus by Scott Baker
5) Man Of Steel, Woman Of Kleenex by Larry Niven - good
6) The First Time by K.W. Jeter
7) The Jungle Rot Kid On The Nod by Philip Jose Farmer
8) Husbands by Lisa Tuttle
9) When The Fathers Go by Bruce McAllister
10) Dancing Chickens by Edward Bryant
11) Roadside Rescue by Pat Cadigan - excellent
12) Omnisexual by Geoff Ryman
13) All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis - good
14) Arousal by Richard Christian Matheson
15) Scales by Lewis Shiner
16) Saving The World At The New Moon Hotel by Roberta Lannes
17) And I Awoke And Found Me Here On The Cold Hill's Side by James Tiptree show more Jr. - excellent
18) Picture Planes by Michaela Roessner
19) Love And Sex Among The Invertebrates by Pat Murphy show less
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Author Information
Ellen Datlow is the editor of science fiction, fantasy, and horror anthologies. She was the fiction editor of Omni magazine and Omni Online from 1981-1998. Then she was the editor of the webzine Event Horizon: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror from September 1998-December 1999. She has won the World Fantasy Award seven times, the Bram Stoker show more Award twice with her co-editors and the Hugo Award for Best Editor in 2002 and 2005. She currently lives in New York City and edits fiction for Scifi.com. In 2011 she was given the Life Achievement Award by the Horror Writers Association.She is a long time trustee of the Horror Writers Association. She has been the co-host of the Fantastic Fiction reading series at the KGB Bar since 2000, a series which features luminaries and up-and-comers in speculative fiction. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Awards and Honors
Awards
Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
Urania - Millemondi [Mondadori] (15 1998 Millemondiestate)
Jalavan SciFi (20)
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Contains
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Alien Sex: 19 Tales by the Masters of Science Fiction and Dark Fantasy
- Original title
- Alien Sex
- Original publication date
- 1990; 2012-09 (ebook) (ebook)
- Epigraph
- All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis (p. 176)
BARRETT: I'll have her dog . . . Octavius.
OCTAVIUS: Sir?
BARRETT: Her dog must be destroyed. At once.
OCTAVIUS: I really d-don't se... (show all)e what the p-poor little beast has d-done to . . .
-The Barrett's of Wimpole Street
All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis (p. 197)
ARABEL: Is it necessary always to use the ugliest word?
HENRIETTA: Yes, Arabel - when you're describing the ugliest thing.
from The Barr... (show all)ett's of Wimpole Street
By Rudolf Besier - Dedication
- For my sister,
Lori - First words
- Foreword by William Gibson(p. xv-xvi)
This far into the twentieth century, writing science fiction or horror about sex is a tricky proposition.
Introduction (p. 1-3)
Sexuality, human or otherwise, has not traditionally been a major concern in science fiction-possibly because the genre was originally conceived for young adults.
Her Furry Face by Leigh Kennedy (p. 5-22)
Douglas was embarrassed when he saw Annie and Vernon mating.
War Bride by Rick Wilber (p. 23-29)
James packs his bag.
How's the Night Life on Cissalda? by Harlan Ellison (p. 30-42)
When they unscrewed the time capsule, preparatory to helping temponaut Enoch Mirren to disembark, they found him doing a disgusting thing wit... (show all)h a disgusting thing.
The Jamesburg Incubus by Scott Baker (p. 43-73)
At forty-three, Laurent St. Jacques (ne Lawrence Jackson, he'd changed his name in hope of improving his image after the third and last college at which he'... (show all)d taught French failed to renew his contract) was tall, willowy, elegant, and thoroughly unattractive, as he himself was only too aware.
Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex by Larry Niven (p. 74-82)
He's faster than a speeding bullet.
The First Time by K. W. Jeter (p. 83-97)
His father and his uncle decide it was about time.
The Jungle Rot Kid on the Nod by Philip Jose Farmer (p. 98-104)
If William Burroughs instead of Edgar Rice Burroughs had written the Tarzan novels . . .
Husbands by Lisa Tuttle (p. 105-117)
My first husband was a dog, all snuffling, clumsy, ardent devotion.
When the Fathers Go by Bruce McAllister (p. 118-144)
When he told me he had fathered a child Out There, I felt sure he was lying.
Dancing Chickens by Edward Bryant (p. 145-155)
What do aliens want?
Roadside Rescue by Pat Cadigan (p. 156-164)
Barely fifteen minutes after he'd called Area Traffic Surveillance, Ethan Carrera saw the big limousine transport coming toward him.
Omnisexual by Geoff Ryman (p. 165-175)
There were birds inside of her.
All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis (p. 176-198)
The first thing my new roommate did what tell me her life story.
Arousal by Richard Christian Matheson (p. 199-204)
She stared.
Scales by Lewis Shiner (p. 205-219)
There's a standard rat behavior they call the Coolidge Effect.
Saving the World at the New Moon Motel by Roberta Lannes (p. 220-226)
The brass bell clanged over the screen door of the New Moon Cafe.
And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill's Side by James Tiptree, Jr. (p. 227-236)
He was standing absolutely still by a service port, staring out at the belly of the Orion docking above us.
Picutre Planes by Michaela Roessner (p. 237-240)
The doorway makes a picture-
Within the room she stands framed,
Leaning over slightly.
Love and Sex Among the Imvertebrates by Pat Murphy (p.241-251)
This is not science. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Foreword by William Gibson (p. xv-xvi)
Because these are things we speak of when we speak of sex, whether in the best of times or the worst.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Introduction (p. 1-3)
The stories here may intrigue, horrify, and possibly offend you, but I guarantee they won't bore you.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Her Furry Face by Leigh Kennedy (p.5-22)
Angrily driving away, Douglas thought, why should an ape understand me any better than a human?
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)War Bride by Rick Wilbur (p. 23-29)
About noon.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)How's the Night Life on Cissalda? by Harlan Ellison (p. 30-42)
There wasn't a cockroach in the world who could claim the same.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The Jamesburg Incubus by Scott Baker (p. 43-73)
And in those two children and their many, many descendants, the blue-green mold lived happily ever after.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex by Larry Niven (p. 74-82)
Bateman would refuse to be seen with him; strange new jokes would circulate the prisons . . . And the race of Krypton would be safe at last.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The First Time by K. W. Jeter (p. 83-97)
Rage and shame at what he knew now, rage and shame that now he knew he'd never die.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The Jungle Rot Kid on the Nod by Philip Jose Farmer (p. 98-104)
The Kid ride with a one-way ticket on the Hegelian Express thesis antithesis synthesis, sucking in them cool blue orgone bubbles and sucking off the Eternal Absolute . . .
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Husbands by Lisa Tuttle (p. 105-117)
This time, it will work out for the best.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)When the Fathers Go by Bruce McAllister (p. 118-144)
Or perhaps neither of us said a thing, and no lie was ever spoken.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Dancing Chickens by Edward Bryant (p. 145-155)
Chickens, dancing.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Roadside Rescue by Pat Cadigan (p. 156-164)
. . . "That, too."
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Omnisexual by Geoff Ryman (p. 165-175)
All the stars began to sing.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)All My Darling Daughters by Connie Willis (p. 176-198)
I hope, for their own sakes, that somebody put them out of their misery.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Arousal by Richard Christian Matheson (p. 199-204)
She passed out for a few moments but the sound of the maids beginning to vaccum and cars honking outside awoke her and she couldn't stop her body from starting to respond again.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Scales by Lewis Shiner (p. 205-219)
Time is already moving much too fast.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Saving the World at the New Moon Motel by Roberta Lannes (p. 220-226)
She would.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill's Side by James Tiptree, Jr. (p. 227-236)
I snapped the recorder shut and ran to squeeze in behind them.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Picutre Planes by Michaela Roessner (p. 237-240)
She would find a way to escape him.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Love and Sex Among the Invertebrates by Pat Murphy (p. 241-251)
I dream of the future, and my dreams are filled with the rattle of metal claws.
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- Fiction and Literature, Science Fiction, Horror
- DDC/MDS
- 813.0876208353 — Literature & rhetoric American literature in English American fiction in English By type Genre fiction Adventure fiction Speculative fiction Science fiction Collections and anthologies Anthologies Themes and subjects Humanity Behaviour and activities
- LCC
- PS648 .S5 .A43 — Language and Literature American literature American literature Collections of American literature Prose (General)
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