For various reasons, I figured this anthology of space opera meets Cthulhu mythos was worth a deeper review. Here's a look at all the stories.
Foreword, by Larry Correia
Correia provides a fun introduction here, answering the question "Lovecraft in space?" with a resounding "Yes!"
“Arise Thou Niarlat From Thy Rest” by D. J. Butler
This story requires the reader to pay attention, but the rewards are worth it. Butler explores a mythos angle I have not read very often - not only are the Old Ones ancient, but in the case of this story, they exist simultaneously across space and time. Butler weaves three points in time, and three disparate threads into a cohesive tale as a priest of ancient times attempts to manifest the Old Ones by way of a future colonizing spaceship and a 1930s private investigator's case gets caught in the middle.
This story requires the reader to pay attention, but the rewards are worth it. Butler explores a mythos angle I have not read very often - not only are the Old Ones ancient, but in the case of this story, they exist simultaneously across space and time. Butler weaves three points in time, and three disparate threads into a cohesive tale as a priest of ancient times attempts to manifest the Old Ones by way of a future colonizing spaceship and a 1930s private investigator's case gets caught in the middle.
“Space Opera” by Michael R. Collings
Collings gives us a nice twist, too, as alien invaders bring worlds to their heels until they tackle the wrong world. The insect nature and alienness of the protagonists is wonderfully realized throughout this tale. And in the end, just when you might think the aliens are Lovecratian, the aliens themselves are caught in the dead center of a new Dunwich Horror.
Collings gives us a nice twist, too, as alien invaders bring worlds to their heels until they tackle the wrong world. The insect nature and alienness of the protagonists is wonderfully realized throughout this tale. And in the end, just when you might think the aliens are Lovecratian, the aliens themselves are caught in the dead center of a new Dunwich Horror.
“The Menace Under Mars” by Nathan Shumate
A terraforming team on Mars discovers underground evidence of a previous civilization. A good atmosphere of tension building runs through this story. We all know what a "rock that just appears to be an artifact" on the Martian moon Demios really means. Broken minds and alien possessions soon follow.
A terraforming team on Mars discovers underground evidence of a previous civilization. A good atmosphere of tension building runs through this story. We all know what a "rock that just appears to be an artifact" on the Martian moon Demios really means. Broken minds and alien possessions soon follow.
“Gods in Darkness” by David J. West
David J. West turns the Cold War space race on its ear in this tale. Rather than jumping into the future with far flung worlds, West keeps us in the past with clandestine space flights between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, as cosmonauts and astronauts are tangled by a Jack Parsons inspired character and his sorcerous, nefarious plans. In orbit, no one can hear you scream. It's been mentioned elsewhere and I agree - pulpiest tale of the group and this is a good thing.
David J. West turns the Cold War space race on its ear in this tale. Rather than jumping into the future with far flung worlds, West keeps us in the past with clandestine space flights between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, as cosmonauts and astronauts are tangled by a Jack Parsons inspired character and his sorcerous, nefarious plans. In orbit, no one can hear you scream. It's been mentioned elsewhere and I agree - pulpiest tale of the group and this is a good thing.
“The Shadows of Titan” by Carter Reid and Brad R. Torgersen
On Titan, a crew discovers an ancient pyramid and a creature in suspended animation. The hot-shot captain puts everyone in danger as the alien presence enters her body and mind. The survivors must battle to keep the aliens from gaining passage to Earth.
On Titan, a crew discovers an ancient pyramid and a creature in suspended animation. The hot-shot captain puts everyone in danger as the alien presence enters her body and mind. The survivors must battle to keep the aliens from gaining passage to Earth.
“The Fury in the Void” by Robert J. Defendi
Somewhere in the far future and far reaches of outer space, two spaceships - one Russian and one Greek, battle out old heresies and wars. But something is toying with their minds, driving them to rage and madness. This story was appropriately violent, and had echoes of Warhammer 40K to me, in a good way.
Somewhere in the far future and far reaches of outer space, two spaceships - one Russian and one Greek, battle out old heresies and wars. But something is toying with their minds, driving them to rage and madness. This story was appropriately violent, and had echoes of Warhammer 40K to me, in a good way.
“Flight of the Runewright” by Howard Tayler
This was a highly original tale. Having read some Brian Lumley mythos stories lately, I would say this ranks right up with those. A cruise ship laden with Necronomical symbols offers the faster, surest way to escape the Earth and travel further through the spheres than mere atomic drives or faster-than-light or rockets could ever provide. As the protagonist takes his insane twin brother's place on the lottery for the voyage, things are not what they seem.
You can get the e'book through usual channels, and a print edition is now also available.
This was a highly original tale. Having read some Brian Lumley mythos stories lately, I would say this ranks right up with those. A cruise ship laden with Necronomical symbols offers the faster, surest way to escape the Earth and travel further through the spheres than mere atomic drives or faster-than-light or rockets could ever provide. As the protagonist takes his insane twin brother's place on the lottery for the voyage, things are not what they seem.
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I really enjoyed this entire anthology. The only weak spot was that the plots felt too similar between "The Menace Under Mars" and "The Shadows of Titan." I've seen some reviews exaggerate this and state you can't read all these in one pass due to similarity. I disagree. All together, this is an exceptional, original anthology with distinctive entries. It was a welcome change on mythos stories. Very enjoyable and worth reading.You can get the e'book through usual channels, and a print edition is now also available.
Much thanks Paul.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed all the stories I've read in there so far. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great collection with some cool stories right down my alley. I don't have this but will have to order it.
ReplyDeleteI waited to read your review until after I'd had a chance to read the book and write my review for Amazing Stories. I agree that the Mars and Titan stories aren't that much alike. They take a key idea and go in completely different directions. You're more widely read in the Mythos than I am, so I'm glad to see we have similar views on the book.
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