Customer Reviews

Sirius: The Dog Star

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Sirius" was a delight.

Definitely, an anthology for dog-lovers was needed; there had been five "Catfantastic" ones, after all -- so, finally, the dog has had its day and we're reaping the benefit.

The best and most memorable stories here were by India Edghill (a historical fantasy about Charles II's dog), Julie Czerneda (an alien learns to appreciate a dog), Elaine Quon (a funny story about a dog/human bodyswitch), Michelle West (good short story using the backstory from previous published novels), Doranna Durgin (fine short story using backstory from previously published novel(s)) and Rosemary Edghill (an alternate-world adventure where dogs have a far greater role in society and security; by the way, the last line here was absolutely perfect).

There was only one story I'd call marginal here, and that was the leadoff story by Tanya Huff. I'd not have expected that, as Ms. Huff is one of my favorite writers, and is an excellent short story writer. However, this story (about a dog searching for its long-lost master; the s/f spin is that the master was lost through a worldgate) felt flat, almost as if Ms. Huff had tried too hard or something, and I would have appreciated the touches of humor Ms. Huff usually brings. Instead, this story was almost too downbeat, and even the somewhat happy ending couldn't completely save it. I felt this story ("Finding Marcus") was more depressing than Jane Lindskold's, where at least I knew going in that her story would be dark fantasy.

But out of sixteen stories, to have only one I considered to be a clinker isn't bad, which is why this anthology gets four solid stars and a recommended tag.

Barb Caffrey

P.S. I hope another anthology about dogs is planned, because as well as bringing back all the authors from this one, I'd like to see a story by Jennifer Roberson (she of the "Cheysuli" universe), as she's also one of my favorites -- and the only one I expected to see here that I didn't!

This sixteen story collection of speculative fiction runs the full gamut as some tales are pure outer space or futuristic science fiction; others are alternate history; some are fantasy with even a historical fantasy included, and finally even private sleuth Zachary Johnson earns his keep. Though the compilation includes several sub-genres, the two common threads that run through the tales are a dog is the star or a key player and that each contributor provided a five bark story. The authors are some of the top of the line and a few brought their normal brand into the anthology. All the writers provided a superb entry starring canines with fully developed personalities inside exciting plots. Paraphrasing Groucho: "Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend; inside a dog is to dark to read" for that is the whimsical approach that turns that turns SIRIUS THE DOG STAR into a treat for dog lovers.

Harriet Klausner

Martin Greenberg and Alexander Potter assemble sixteen science fiction stories that showcase dogs, with and without dog owners. The introduction is a rambling semi-justification of why a non-dog lover, or a dog non-lover, or whatever Potter is, would edit a dog story anthology. I read it twice and I'm still not sure. Nor am I sure why he copyrighted it. Don't let it stop you from getting to the stories.

The stories are an interesting mix. They are all about dogs, at least. Three stood out for me.

Rosemary Edghill's "Final Exam" introduces a future society in which dogs play an important role in the punishment phase of the criminal justice system. Maybe hair-raising isn't quite the right description. Maybe.

Bethlyn Damone plays on our sympathy for a lone fugitive set upon by a pack of dogs in "Life's a Bichon." Still, it's good to see dogs pull together as a team.

Elaine Quon's "Improper Congress" is a story with style. The three main characters go to some trouble to work out their relationships with each other. The journey is the reward.

There are enough good stories to make this book worth borrowing from the library or a friend. I'm not sure whether the reader is a dog lover--I count myself one--really makes any difference in enjoying the stories. They stand or fall by the same criteria we use to judge other science fiction.

Greenberg once again publishes a nice collection of short stories. The short stories in the first 2/3 of the book were mostly 4-star or 5-star storries. Most of the stories in the last 1/3 of the book were disappointing. That is an excellent ratio of high quality short stories! My only real complaint (other than the weak ending) was that author of the first-person historical story was WAY to coy. This story would have benefitted hugely if the author said clearly early on that the main character was a dog and not (as implied) his daughter or mistress.