The broad range of science fiction allows for many different styles of stories and how to tell them. Trace the Stars collected stories from 16 authors covering many of these styles. The stories come from a wide range of authors, including some highly established authors like Kevin J. Anderson and David Farland.I was given a copy of Trace the Stars from one of the editors for review purposes.
The Anthology
Good anthologies do more than present a collection of stories, they organize so even though the stories are different, the collection gives the reader more. The editors, Joe Monson and Jaleta Clegg, accomplish this. Every story stands on its own, but as a collection they give a general theme of the challenges we could face as we reach out beyond our own planet. The struggles are with the environment, contact with other cultures, and those of our own creation.
Some of the stories are based on historical events we can recognize. Others are variations of works many readers may not be familiar with, yet. Others are original stories taking a look at situations from around a different corner.
You don't have to read the stories in the order they are listed. Nor do you have to read the whole collection without reading something else. If you have a favorite author with a story here go ahead and read it first. But this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the work of authors you may not yet know. Because of the diversity of style, there are some that are similar in the telling while others have a different feel.
Why This Collection
Trace the Stars is an anthology created in conjunction with the writing symposium Life, the Universe and Everything (LTUE) (website). LTUE is an annual event for established and aspiring writers. The focus is on speculative fiction, but is not limited to it.
The symposium has a mission of teaching writing. As such, there is a strong attendance of students of all ages. For those out there who have attended a writing symposium, they can be costly because of the talent brought in to teach and share about creating the written words others want to read. Most students wouldn't be able to afford to spend the money to attend.
This is where the anthology helps. The proceeds from the Trace the Stars will help keep the cost of LTUE affordable. Along with generally keeping the cost down, they make a special effort for student. Last year the price for students started at $5.
Overall
I enjoyed the stories and the order of presentation in Trace the Stars.
Not only do they differ in styles, they differ in length. They run from roughly 4 to 40 pages long. You can find a story to read when you only have a few minutes.
Trace the Stars does cover topics of war, but there is nothing too graphic and all of the stories are suitable for young adult readers. Some of them are suitable tales for possibly younger readers.
I give Trace the Stars 4 out of 5.
Trace the Stars is available on Amazon (link).
About the Authors
Edited by
Joe Monson—joemonson.com
Jaleta Clegg (Also has a story in the collection)—jaletac.com
The information about the authors in the book is nine pages. Some of the names I know people will recognize. LTUE always brings together a large group of authors because of the history of the BYU writing center. I have included links to sites provided in the book to find out more about the author along with links to any works I have reviewed (including other anthologies, novels, and games) and articles written. I hope you find new authors you enjoy.
Angles of Incidence by Nancy Fulda—nancyfulda.com
The Road Not Taken by Sandra Tayler—onecobble.com Twitter @SandraTayler
Planet Mercenary, RPG Review (link)
Log Entry by Kevin J. Anderson—woodfirepress.com
The Ghost Conductor of the Interstellar Express by Brad R. Torgersen—bradtorgersen.com
A Veil of Leaves by M.K. Hutchins—mkhutchins.com
Freefall by Eric James Stone—ericjamesstone.com
Launch by Daniel Friend—http://dcfeditor.wixsite.com/dcfeditor
Glass Beads by Emily Martha Sorensen—emilymarthasorensen.com
Sweetly the Dragon Dreams by David Farland—mystorydoctor.com
Working on Cloud Nine by John M. Olsen—johnmolsen.com johnmolsen.blogspot.com
Crystal King: book one of the Riland Throne series, Book Review (link)
Crystal Queen: book two of the Riland Throne series, Book Review (link)
Fido by James Wymore—jameswymore.wordpress.com
Knowing Me by Eric G. Swedin—swedin.org
Making Legends by Jaleta Clegg—jaletac.com
Neo Nihon by Paul Genesse—www.paulgenesse.com
Sakura: Intellectual Property, Book Review (link)
The Golden Cord: book one of The Iron Dragon Series, Book Review (link)
The Dragon Hunters: book two of The Iron Dragon Series, Book Review (link)
The Secret Empire: book three of The Iron Dragon Series, Book Review (link)
Risk: The Lord of the Rings, House Rules (link)
The Last Ray of Light by Wulf Moon—driftweave.com
Cycle 335 by Beth Buck—bethbuckauthor.wordpress.com Twitter @ithilien19
Sea of Chaos by Julia H. West—juliawest.com
If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
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