Heroes can save the world, but villains can CHANGE it. We’ve assembled a great mix of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Come with us while we explore villains of all stripes — sons and daughters, lovers and fighters, minions and masterminds, in this giant volume of thirty great stories by award winners, rising stars, and bold new voices. With masterful tales by: Camille Alexa Erik Scott de Bie Chaz Brenchley Eugie Foster David Sakmyster Marie Bilodeau Richard Lee Byers K.D. McEntire Peadar Ó Guilín Jim C. Hines Ari Marmell Karin Lowachee Jay Lake Julie Czerneda J.M. Frey Clint Talbert Rachel Swirsky Tony Pi Leah Petersen J.P. Moore Ryan McFadden Todd McCaffrey Erik Buchanan Gregory A. Wilson Rosemary Jones Gabrielle Harbowy Ed Greenwood Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon Chris A. Jackson Steve Bornstein
When the Villain Comes Home
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Richard K.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great premise for a story collection, and I bought it based on that and a couple of the authors, particularly Jay Lake who is a favorite of mine. However, I found less than half of the stories to my personal liking. Others may like them better than I, and readers who have read and liked the previous collection about heroes may see a connection I did not, since I have not read that one. I read a good many SF and Fantasy story collections and anthologies, but this one just didn't connect with me.
By AndreaGS
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I didn't expect the variety I got when I bought this book. Villains are...villains, right?
Instead, the stories each had their own very unique villain, each with different intentions upon returning home. Some villains wished to reform, some wished to show the people back home what they'd become, and some hadn't changed a whit.
This and the When the Hero Comes Home anthology are among the best anthologies I've read, and this one edges out the Hero anthology for me. I usually skip around, or don't read some stories, but so many of these authors kept me engrossed. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say Villainelle, by Chaz Brenchley. The ending is a kicker.
The length of the stories within are perfect for someone who has to put down and pick up a book. I read a story or two before turning in for the night.
Would highly recommend.
Instead, the stories each had their own very unique villain, each with different intentions upon returning home. Some villains wished to reform, some wished to show the people back home what they'd become, and some hadn't changed a whit.
This and the When the Hero Comes Home anthology are among the best anthologies I've read, and this one edges out the Hero anthology for me. I usually skip around, or don't read some stories, but so many of these authors kept me engrossed. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say Villainelle, by Chaz Brenchley. The ending is a kicker.
The length of the stories within are perfect for someone who has to put down and pick up a book. I read a story or two before turning in for the night.
Would highly recommend.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I stole the review title from the blurb on the book cover. But, it is fitting and stealing is a form of villainy so I shall steal it proudly and then go home!
In all seriousness, I enjoy this anthology and found the theme extremely intriguing. Some of the stories go to dark and often scary places, but in beautiful ways and for realistic reasons, not just to be dark and violent.
But then there are stories like PINKTASTIC AND THE END OF THE WORLD which is light and sweet and proves that even villains need love and organic vegetables. But, again, with purpose and thought, not just to be a silly tale in a book about baddies.
Pretty much every story in the book gave me at least one "huh, that's really interesting," moment. Which is unusual for me, as I'm not always a big fan of the short story format, so I am giving these authors props for their mad skillz.
If I had to pick a top five here, they would be
PINKTASTIC AND THE END OF THE WORLD - by Camille Alexa
STARKEEP by Gabrielle Harbowy (this one really fascinated me, without giving away much, there was an ambiguity in it - specifically about who the villain was that made this tale a standout to me - well played!)
OK, now I have to admit, I don't have the book in front of me. So I shall go on author names -
Marie Bilodeau's story - one of the dark ones, but like a black diamond, rare, beautiful and a little scary
Clint Talbert - another dark tale, but well written enough to keep me from looking away
Peadar O'Guilin - I was going to love this one no matter what, as I am a fan of Peader's YA novels, so it was no surprise this story made my top five.
I recommend this anthology to lovers of the short story form, and those new to it both.
In all seriousness, I enjoy this anthology and found the theme extremely intriguing. Some of the stories go to dark and often scary places, but in beautiful ways and for realistic reasons, not just to be dark and violent.
But then there are stories like PINKTASTIC AND THE END OF THE WORLD which is light and sweet and proves that even villains need love and organic vegetables. But, again, with purpose and thought, not just to be a silly tale in a book about baddies.
Pretty much every story in the book gave me at least one "huh, that's really interesting," moment. Which is unusual for me, as I'm not always a big fan of the short story format, so I am giving these authors props for their mad skillz.
If I had to pick a top five here, they would be
PINKTASTIC AND THE END OF THE WORLD - by Camille Alexa
STARKEEP by Gabrielle Harbowy (this one really fascinated me, without giving away much, there was an ambiguity in it - specifically about who the villain was that made this tale a standout to me - well played!)
OK, now I have to admit, I don't have the book in front of me. So I shall go on author names -
Marie Bilodeau's story - one of the dark ones, but like a black diamond, rare, beautiful and a little scary
Clint Talbert - another dark tale, but well written enough to keep me from looking away
Peadar O'Guilin - I was going to love this one no matter what, as I am a fan of Peader's YA novels, so it was no surprise this story made my top five.
I recommend this anthology to lovers of the short story form, and those new to it both.
