Nov 20 2011
Anywhere But Earth
Am reading from this excellent anthology from Coeur de Lion publishing. I picked up my e-copy on Amazon, but you can also find it on Smashwords and on the CDL website. I’ve read two stories so far, ‘Beautiful’ by Cat Sparks and ‘Hatchway’, Simon Petrie.
Both stories are impressive in detail and mise en scene. The beautiful are gorgeous shimmering creatures and everyone wants at least one at their party … and Mija, being the hostess with the most, has five at hers. We follow Nin as she enters the room, and through her eyes we see the sumptuous setting. Cleverly working in necessary back story, Sparks takes us on a tale of self-actualisation, a kind of ugly duckling story. Very beautiful!
‘Hatchway’ is another story of discovery, one even darker in tone. Kalpana is going for a walk on the moon, that’s Titan actually, and considerable preparation is required. You see, she’s not wearing the proper T-suit. Instead, she only has a single layer. If she’s fast, she’ll survive, as long as she knows the password for the other hatchway so she can get back in to safety. It’s something of an initiation rite and the other kids are helpful. Or are they?
Great stories and I look forward to reading more.