Kicking It

So often an anthology is floated by one or two outstanding authors, carrying indifferent or amateurish writers along. Here, however, there is no baggage; every story is engaging, edgy, and kicks butt.

Faith Hunter I knew, and I elected to read this because of her contribution. I’ve been gifted with the acquaintance, now, of eight other wordsmiths, only a couple of whom I had ever heard of before. Gratitude, Faith Hunter!!

Manolos, murder, magic . . . Rob Butcher gives us boots of preserved avatar snakeskin, described so finely that I remembered the opalescent slither of a Hamadryad.

Rachel Caine evokes prejudice and tolerance using witchcraft and reincarnation.

Shannon K. Butcher limns a sweetly amoral thief, and Faith Hunter fills in some emotional background for her Jane Yellowrock’s family of witch friends. Lucienne Diver conflates bar hopping with divinities, or at least with their devolved avatars. Christina Henry breeds a gargoyle as a pocket pet to one of the Lightbringer’s distant get – a devilish combination.

Chloe Neill drifts vampirism close to Niven’s protector concept, but with heels. Kalayna Price gives overwork a mystic menace. Chris Marie Green stomps the concept of boot attachment to a heated end.

This collection is a titillating and eclectic read, well worth your time and shekels.