Alien Family Traditions
Edited by Sandra L. Medlock
Illustrated by Cedar Sanderson
Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 58
ISBN 9798296907530
ASIN B0FLFZQPMB
I enjoy reading anthologies for many reasons. First, short form fiction is a very different art form than the novel. The writing needs to be tighter. The intent more purposeful, and the skill and craft needed very different, at least for good short stories. Second, I read a few anthologies a year to get introduced to new authors. In this case I was only familiar with two authors prior to picking up the volume. I also love seeing short works by authors whose series I have already read. I have picked up several of the anthologies from Raconteur Press, but have to date only read four of them. I have had Alien Family Values for a while and after reading this know it will be towards the top of my ‘to be read’ pile. Once I found out that Corinna Turner had a story in this volume, I really wanted to read it, having read everything else she has published. And when I discovered Caroline Furlong had a piece I was intrigued having greatly enjoyed her one novel I have read. I was intrigued by the collection title and purpose, I always love me a good space science fiction story and as big fans of various Addams Family iterations including currently watching the black and white TV show with my 14 year old daughter the cover has immediate appeal. As does the theme of chosen family as well. And there are some great stories in this volume.
The description of this book states:
“In a galaxy torn by war, where battles shatter civilizations, the heart of family endures. From adoptions that bridge species to foster homes offering refuge to aliens and humans alike, love becomes the ultimate rebellion against conflict. Discover uplifting tales of unlikely kin—blood, chosen, or found—building havens of hope amidst chaos. In this heartwarming collection, explore the lives of those who choose compassion over strife, the consequences that reshape worlds, and the reasons why family, in all its forms, is the brightest light in the darkest times. A feel-good celebration of unity and resilience that will leave you inspired.”
The contributors are:
Sarah Arnette
Malory
Robert E. Hampson
Marie-Hélène Lebeault
Caroline Furlong
Z. M. Renick
Xavier Anderson
Ross Hathaway
Corinna Turner
Dean Stone
The stories are:
Introduction
1. Alien Education
2. The Map Is Not the Territory
3. Not By Blood
4. The Nest Protocol
5. Louder than Words
6. Sea Child
7. Lunar Engineer
8. Captain Crumbs
9. Twins of Flesh and Feather
10. Herdsman
In the introduction we are informed:
“Last year, I edited the first anthology of Alien Family Values by Raconteur Press, in which writers addressed families taking in war-torn orphans, fosters, and even infants of despised enemies, learning about other cultures and societies. For this volume, titled Alien Family Traditions, we chose the theme of “Chosen Kindred.” I asked for stories about parents and fosters learning about and embracing each other’s traditions and cultures. I wanted readers’ hearts to swell with hope and perhaps they’d mutter to themselves, “Gee, it’s dusty in here” as they read the stories.
I was amazed at the submissions. Choosing only ten for this anthology was a challenge. Saying “no” to some beautifully written stories that just didn’t fit the theme or variety in family values was a tough task. But here you are, with the anthology in your hand (or on your reader).
I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I enjoyed selecting them. I ask only two things of you: if you enjoyed the anthology, please leave a brief review with the bookseller. (Even if it’s a short “I liked it very much”; reviews included with a rating help boost the book in the public eye.) If you know or interact with any of these writers, please share your appreciation of their story with them. Having someone say, “Hey, I read your story, and I liked…” is an incredible boost and encouragement to new and veteran writers.
I hope you enjoy these stories. I loved them all.”
I too greatly enjoyed them all. There is really not a bad story in the bunch.
Sea Child by Z.M. Renick feels like a space fairy tale, a story of knights and sea creatures. It is a powerful story about honour and integrity. And sticking to one’s word even if the cost could be really high.
Not By Blood by Robert E. Hampson is a story of family by choice, and continuing that choice. In some ways it is the story of a foundling creating family and community. And through that family impacting the whole world!
Captain Crumbs by Ross Hathaway is a moving story about rescue, and support. It is about using baking and food for healing and to build community, about resilience and change. A wonderful read.
Alien Education by Sarah Arnette I loved the educational setting for most of this story; different species, different cultures, 4 adopted youth who work well together and are different than their classmates. After expulsion from one class, they find a new place, and one where they just might fit in. Raising teens is never easy, and in this story the parents find a way to foster both personal and family growth.
Herdsman by Dean Stone was one of my favourite stories. I see a lot of myself in the main character. And I hope I can see the growth and change he experienced. A stunning tale of an alien herdsman on an 18 month migration rescuing a human from an emergency pod that was malfunctioning, and how that child changes his life and the surprising events that follow.
Louder Than Words by Caroline Furlong an intriguing story sent post war, but hostilities are not completely stopped. A young girl wishing she was human, and living with a human family. One in her birth clan wants her as a human loves her. After a kidnapping goes sideways things come to a head. A wonderfully written story.
The Nest Protocol by Marie-Hélène Lebeault a fascinating story, a queen of a hive adopting a human child and raising it within the hive structure. Discovering differences, similarities and changes on the theme and pattern. An excellent offering.
Lunar Engineer by Xavier Anderson A great story about one who prefers solitude even to an extreme level for a race who prefer it finding a new place and taking responsibility for two orphaned young men both appear in their teens. Feeling compelled to help, to step in, to step up and keep the boys together. Using his life as an engineer to help rebuild their life and the life in their greater community.
The Map Is Not The Territory by Malory in this work Gideon is a lone surveyor. He stumbles upon something that shouldn’t exist, a creature he develops a companionship with. This leads to some changed plans and a new direction for Gideon and the Telth calf. A wonderful story and great start to the collection.
Twins Of Flesh And Feather by Corinna Turner I have read novels and contributions to anthologies by Turner almost 100 times now. I knew I was in for a good story. But this one took me by surprise. This story is very different from anything else she has written, and one of the best in the series. Two youths raised as siblings, one human one winged catlike. The Parents never knew what they were really getting into. And the kids who just see each other’s as brothers might play a huge role in bringing peace to the planet. An excellent story, and I hope the beginning of a new series from her gifted pen.
I would be remiss to not mention the numerous excellent illustrations by the wonderful Cedar Sanderson. I really enjoy her artwork, but love her stories even more.
My father and step mom had fostered for almost 30 years. They adopted a sister who is 30 years my younger. Others legally changed their name to match ours after aging out of the system. Even in my own life I have had chosen other parents who have provided immense support and taught different wisdom throughout my life. And as a Catholic, having Mary as the ultimate mother has seen me through periods away from the church and through some very bleak and trying times. This collection captures the importance of that chosen family, family by need, family by circumstance and how important they can be. And the lasting impact they can have. It is a great collection.
The stories are in a wide range of interpretations on the theme of family and specifically family traditions in this collection. I do plan to read the other family volume from Raconteur, but first I will be dipping into Hairballs, Hiccups and Hope next. I enjoyed each story, and can easily recommend the anthology. It is a great collection of stories to read. And I am looking to track down other works from a couple of the contributors I had not encountered previously. This is a collection that is guaranteed to entertain and likely even warm your heart, no matter which colour the blood that pumps through it is. So from this family to your pick it up and give it a read, I strongly encourage you!
Raconteur Press Anthologies Series:
Knights of Malta
Saints of Malta
Space Cowboys
Space Cowboys 2: Electric Rodeo
Space Marines
Falcons of Malta
Pinup Noir
Space Marines 2
Moggies In Space
Your Honor, I Can Explain
Space Cowboys 3: Return of the Bookaroo
Or All Will Burn
Moggies Back in Space
PinUp Noir 2
You See, What Happened Was...
Space Cowboys 404: Cow Not Found
He Was Dead When I Got There
Or All Will Burn: Fierce Love
Full Steam Ahead!
Giant! Freakin'! Robots!
Space Marines III
Moggies in Space: A Galaxy Fur. Fur Away
What! You Again?: The Spurgle Chronicles
Wyrd West
Space Cowboys 5: Cattle Drive
Goblin Market
Hooves, Tracks and Sabers!: Tales of Alternate History
Alien Family Values
Moggie Noir
Or All Will Burn: At All Costs
Coffee Adventures: Quests for the Perfect Cuppa Joe
The Super Generation
Steam Rising: Tales of Steampunk and Wondrous Inventions
The Big Ones
Moggie Noir: Alley Cat Alibi
Road Trippin'
Cursed Canyon: Wyrd West
Giant Stompin' Robots
Coffee Capers: 10 Tales of Coffee and Adventure
Fission Chips: Space Cowboys 6
Goblin Bazaar
From the Brim to the Dregs
Giant Squeeing Robots
Sultry Murder Jazz: Pinup Noir
Plasma Pulp
Wyrd Warfare
Band of Monsters Wyrd Warfare
Magic Malfunction
Dames, Derringers and Detectives: Moggie Noir
Rawhide Revenants: Wyrd West
Goblin Souk
Vice Noir
Artifact Origins
Blades and Black Magic
Moggies of Mars
…
Raconteur Press Postcard Stories:
Postcards From Mars
Steam-Powered Postcards
Fanta-Fly Postcards
Postcards from Foolz
Single Servings of Liberty
Imagine THAT!
Last Call
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