Thursday 28 March 2013

Shards and Ashes - Book Review


Shards and Ashes - Anthology
by Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, Veronica Roth, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, Rachel Caine, Nancy Holder, Beth Revis and Carrie Ryan


What is it about:
Gripping original stories of dystopian worlds from nine New York Times bestselling authors, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong.

The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few, and their courage is tested.

Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world.


What did I think of it:
Because this is an anthology I'll give a short commentary with each story about what I thought of it.

Hearken by Veronica Roth
This was a story with really intriguing world building. It was nicely written, but I didn't like the message that was a bit too clearly stamped upon the story. I wouldn't mind if Roth would write more in this world though.

Branded by Kelley Armstrong
This was a really cool story. Great world building, solid story and a great heroine. I really hope Armstrong will write more in this setting.

Necklace of Raindrops by Margaret Stohl
This story had a great plot, but that got a bit lost in the way it was written.

Dogsbody by Rachel Caine
I loved this story. It's disturbing and suspenseful. With a minimum of world building Caine succeeds in dragging me into the story and cheering on the lead character. Best story in the book in my opinion.

Pale Rider by Nancy Holder
I liked the world building at the start of the story, but soon the story went to places where I couldn't follow.

Corpse Eaters by Melissa Marr
This story couldn't really grab my attention.

Burn 3 by Kami Garcia
This was a really nice story. I liked the world building, it felt very believable. I might try other books by Garcia.

Love is a Choice by Beth Revis
A very intriguing story. It's set on a spaceship and I really liked the setting. I think I'll add Revis' books to my wishlist.

Miasma by Carrie Ryan
This was a lovely story. Bittersweet and just a bit disturbing. I wouldn't mind if Ryan wrote more in this setting.

Overall this is a great anthology with some really cool settings and stories. I can recommend this to anyone who loves a good Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic setting.

Why should you read it:
It's a great anthology with cool Dystpian YA stories.


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1 comment:

Aurian said...

Dystopian is just not my thing, but I like Rachel Caine books. Still, not going to buy it for just one story to like.