Fellowship Fantastic

My review is based on one story, "Concerning a Gambit of Fraternity" by Steven Schend, which was really the only reason I purchased this book. I've read and re-read this story a number of times. It always reminds me of conversations with friends of mine (which I won't get into in this review). I've read a few other stories in it, some I enjoyed, others I did not, but "Concerning ..." was well worth the buying the entire book.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed the closeness of fellowship and friendship in any of its forms will find a story that resonates clearly in their hearts and minds. Greenberg and Hughes have collected thirteen stories that cover many speculative fiction genres, but that all explore the unique relationship that is a fellowship. These stories are comrades in literature, each supporting the others weaknesses, and filling in the gaps as to what fellowship means for the human heart. I recommend this anthology. The stories are solid, written by authors widely acknowledged as accomplished in the art of the short story. The reader will not be taking a chance on new authors only beginning their craft. Greenberg's legendary editorial talent shines through, and Kerrie Hughes is an editor who understands what it means to tie stories in an anthology together while still maintaining distinctiveness in the telling. You will not be disappointed should you choose to read this anthology. Share it with your friends and revel in the fellowship.

The underlying connecting concept between these thirteen short stories is the bond of fellowship usually found on an impossible quest as defined by Tolkien although can be as simple as friendship. The key is that each willingly risks their life for the other(s). Although there have been a ton of theme anthologies of late some edited by Martin H. Greenberg, they remain fresh and fun if one reads it over a few weeks. A one sitting experience leads to overdosing. FELLOWSHIP FANTASTIC contains thirteen new tales of bonded individuals going beyond the distance (even through portals into another world or an alternate earth) for their pal. The tales are well written and entertaining while the various settings keep the collection from becoming stale as brothers and sisters in arms protect one another. The best tales in my opinion are those that occur on this earth like Alan Dean Foster's "Overcast" that has a cloud follow a hiker and Arizona's "Scars Enough by Russell Davis. Still from Serbia to finding your best friend on another world to understanding that "Revenge is a Dish Best Served with Beers" (I disagree with author Fiona Paxton -make it wine), this is an enjoyable theme oriented anthology. Harriet Klausner