REVIEWS – John Joseph Adams

Category: REVIEWS

REVIEW: “A phantasmagoric murder mystery that wails, chants, laments, and changes shape as audaciously as the mythical beings populating its narrative.” —Kirkus, on THE CITY OF LOST FORTUNES (starred review)

“A phantasmagoric murder mystery that wails, chants, laments, and changes shape as audaciously as the mythical beings populating its narrative. […] The engaging style, facility with folklore, and, above all, impassioned love for the city its characters call home keeps you enraptured by the book’s most chilling and outrageous plot twists.” —Kirkus (starred review), on THE CITY OF LOST FORTUNES [review]

REVIEW: “This collection shows Howey’s true range and impact as a writer.” –B&N, on MACHINE LEARNING by Hugh Howey

“This collection shows Howey’s true range and impact as a writer. […] His stories take a more modern approach in their consideration of classic themes, hitting all the harder as a result.” –Barnes & Noble, on MACHINE LEARNING by Hugh Howey [review]

REVIEW: “Sharp, imaginative blasts from possible futures and alternate presents.” —Barnes & Noble, on BASFF 2017

“[The stories] are sharp, imaginative blasts from possible futures and alternate presents that reflect and comment on our world in ways realistic fiction simply can’t.” —Barnes & Noble [review]

REVIEW: “Showcases some of the best writing in the field from 2015. […] Diverse [and] highly accessible.” —Rain Taxi, on BASFF 2016

“This anthology showcases some of the best writing in the field from 2015. Readers of speculative fiction will recognize some of the authors included in this volume—such as Kelly Link, Sofia Samatar, and Ted Chiang—but the anthology is diverse and includes some uncommon names as well. […] Overall, the stories are highly accessible, with interesting ideas privileged over adventure.” —Rain Taxi, on BASFF 2016 [review]

REVIEW: “The first great anthology of the year, jam-packed with smart, entertaining sci-fi adventure stories.” —SF Bluestocking, on COSMIC POWERS

“The first great anthology of the year, jam-packed with smart, entertaining sci-fi adventure stories that bring a nicely modern sensibility to old ideas and tropes.” —SF Bluestocking, on COSMIC POWERS [review]

REVIEW: “Fun and entertaining […] A whole range of fantastic stories, from shorter adventures to longer and more thoughtful tales. […] Make[s] for a wonderful trip out into the darkness of space while you search for the next adventure.” —The Verge, on COSMIC POWERS

“Fun and entertaining […] A whole range of fantastic stories, from shorter adventures to longer and more thoughtful tales. […] Make[s] for a wonderful trip out into the darkness of space while you search for the next adventure.” —The Verge, on COSMIC POWERS [review]

REVIEW: “One kickass good anthology […] Highly recommended.” –File 770, on COSMIC POWERS

“One kickass good anthology […] Every one of these stories is, as advertised, far-future, galaxy-spanning, and involves people confronting huge problems caused by technology, in some cases so advanced as to be, as Arthur C. Clarke said, “indistinguishable from magic.” […] Highly recommended.” –File 770, on COSMIC POWERS [review]

REVIEW: “Astonishingly good […] Rich in great stories.” —Rocket Stack Rank, on COSMIC POWERS

“Astonishingly good […] Rich in great stories.” —Rocket Stack Rank, on COSMIC POWERS [review]

The reviewer singled out “Zen and the Art of Starship Maintenance” by Tobias S. Buckell as the best story in the book, giving it 5/5 stars. They also highly recommended the stories by Charlie Jane Anders, Adam-Troy Castro, Seanan McGuire, and Yoon Ha Lee. Each story gets a minireview at the link.

REVIEW: “Resonates with a buoyancy that can often be lost in contemporary science fiction […] great reading for fans of the space cowboy antics of Guardians of the Galaxy.” —RT Book Reviews, on COSMIC POWERS

“The newest short story collection edited by Adams resonates with a buoyancy that can often be lost in contemporary science fiction, reminding us that futuristic doesn’t always have to mean gritty. But don’t take that to mean that these stories lack depth or feeling. The authors deftly balance the adventure and sense of wonder with solid worldbuilding and characters who quickly become familiar friends by the time their tales end. This collection will prove to be great reading for fans of the space cowboy antics of Guardians of the Galaxy, Firefly and Cowboy Bebop.” —RT Book Reviews [review]

REVIEW: “Designed to capture the cosmic scale of superpowered space comics in prose, this collection lands the cosmic element.” —Publishers Weekly, on COSMIC POWERS

“Designed to capture the cosmic scale of superpowered space comics in prose, this collection lands the cosmic element […] The varying styles make this anthology pleasant to read.” —Publishers Weekly, on COSMIC POWERS [review]

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