The Tide Runners - Marie-Hélène Lebeault - Tidepost Chronicles Book 1

The Tide Runners

Tidepost Chronicles Book 1

Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Cedar Sanderson (Illustrator)

Raconteur Press 

ISBN 9798253036358

ASIN B0GWTWMC87

ASIN B0GV2D351P

Prior to reading this novel I have read one offering from Lebeault in the anthology Alien Family Traditions, that story still resonates with me today, but I only realized that when I went to research for this review. With how much I read I am surprised I have not encountered the author previously. Many of the book and series titles have intrigued my interest. But back to the work at hand.

The description of this volume states:

“In Tidemark Harbor, silver tidegates open to the Thousand Worlds and swallow those who misjudge them. Twelve-year-old Beck North wears his missing father’s tideclock, a bronze heirloom that tastes danger before it strikes. On Oath Day, it thrums against his chest like a heartbeat out of rhythm.

His first run should be simple: three sealed dispatches through the Breathing Reefs, a living coral maze that inhales and exhales with crushing force. But the passages are stuttering. Fresh spiral symbols glow in the shadows. Voices whisper of stolen satchels and no survivors. Every time the clock skips, Beck feels the same dread that claimed his father in the Far Reaches.

With quick-witted Tack and razor-sharp Zuri at his side, Beck races to deliver the truth before something ancient and patient tears the gate network apart and their names are already on its list.

The Tide Runners: One wrong current could sever every world forever.”

About the author we are informed: 

“Marie-Hélène Lebeault is a celebrated Canadian Speculative Fiction author. Specializing in young adult novels, her works are imbued with themes of magic, fantasy, and time-travel, paired with vital coming-of-age narratives. Beyond her passion for crafting captivating stories, Marie-Hélène enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as unwinding on the beach with a book. A retired educator, she has enriched the literary landscape with over 30 young adult titles, including the acclaimed Evers Series, Blood Magick Trilogy, Defenders of the Realm, and the Chronicles of the Starborne Cadets, alongside a charming series of picture books aimed at younger readers. Residing in Quebec with her adult children, Marie-Hélène continues to inspire readers with tales of adventure and the magic of discovery, leaving a lasting impact on the world of young adult and children’s literature.”

The chapters in this volume are:

1. Oath Day

2. First Assignment

3. Breathing Coral

4. The Drowned Market

5. Symbols on the Shore

6. Shortcut Temptation

7. Rival Ambush

8. Sky-Reef Crossing

9. Edge of the Ribs

10. Friendly Cultists

11. Hollow Mast Traverse

12. Clock Trouble

13. Graveyard Shadows

14. Gate Thinning

15. Ferry Cove Arrival

This was an addictive read from the first paragraph to the last. It was so hard to put down when work or family commitments came up. I devoured this volume in a few sittings over 2 days. From the very beginning in draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. The concept is intriguing, and the execution wonderfully done. There are 11 full page illustrations by the amazing Cedar Sanders and a few smaller illustrations as well. 

In a realm where worlds are connected by gates, and those who navigate these gates are Tide Runners the sands seem to be shifting. People have gone missing, rumours abound. Sometimes truth is stranger than what is believed to be reality. And at the heart of the turmoil is young Beck North and his running mates Tack and Zuri. But will their adventures lead them to the truth about Beck’s father or be their and possibly the inter-world transport systems destruction? To find out read this beginning of what looks like an amazing new series.

The characters are wonderfully written and not just our main trio, Beck’s mom, the harbour master and many they encounter along the way. The pace is excellent, and the descriptions of the process and method of using the gates and pathways is thrilling! As mentioned very, very, very hard to put down. 

This is an excellent story, and is great on its own. Knowing it is the start of the series is awesome! I look forward to other stories in this series and other stories by the author. A great read for tweens, teen, young adults and even adults. 

Books by Marie-Hélène Lebeault:

Evers Series:

1. The Ancestors' Key (2020)

2. The Academy (2020)

3. The Time Walker (2020)

4. The World Jumper (2020)

The Traveler's Handbook (2024)

The Lost Key (2024)

…

Blood Magick Trilogy

1. The Blood Mage (2021)

2. Blood Magick (2022)

3. Blood Legacy (2022)

…

What Happens Next Series:

What Happens Next? (2021)

Utopia (2024)

…

Fairy Grandmother Series:

Millie Goes to Antarctica (2021)

Millie Goes to the North Pole (2021)

Millie Goes to China (2022)

Millie Goes to Africa (2022)

…

Chronicles of the Starborne Cadets

0.5. Confluence of Destinies (2024)

1.0 Stars Beyond Realms (2023)

2.0 Shadows of Orion (2024)

3.0 Echoes of the Void (2024)

4.0 The Nebula's Heart (2024)

5.0 The Starborne Paradox (2024)

…

Defenders of the Realm Series:

0.5. A Journey to Power (2023)

1.0 The Quest for the Emerald Rattleback (2023)

1.5. A Summer of Discovery (2023)

2.0 The Quest for the Sacred Tree (2023)

2.5. A Summer of Opposites (2023)

3.0 The Quest for the Phantom Feather (2023)

3.5. A Summer of Courage (2023)

4.0 The Quest for the Kraken's Ink (2023)

4.5. A Summer of Destiny (2023)

5.0 The Quest for the Cursed Mirrors (2023)

5.5. A Summer of Unity (2024)

…

Legends Reborn Series:

1. A Curse of Snow and Ash (2024)

2. A Curse of Thorns and Slumber (2025)

3. A Curse of Glass and Shadows (2025)

4. A Curse of Silver and Scars (2025)

…

North Pole University Series:

1. Holiday Shifters (2024)

2. Freshman Frost (2025)

3. Sophomore Solstice (2025)

4. Junior Jinx (2025)

5. Senior Spark (2025)

6. Wedded Bliss (2026)

7. Mistletoe Misfits (2026)

…

Tidepost Chronicles:

1. The Tide Runners (2026)

…

Other Works:

Clarity Castle (2021)

Ghost Stories: Stories to Keep you up at Night (2022)

Echoes of Tomorrow (2023)

Novellas and Short Stories

Under the Ice (2021)

…

Contributed to:

It Takes A Village (2024)

The Expanding Universe 10 (2024)

Alien Family Traditions (2025)

The Expanding Universe 11 (2025)

Behind the Revolving Door (2025)

Search for the Any Key (2026)

…

Pogue Too - Edited by Liska McCabe - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

Pogue Too

Edited by Liska McCabe

Illustrated by Cedar Sanderson

Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

Raconteur Press 

ISBN 9798247887423

ASIN B0GN1F1ZCS

ASIN B0D6772W4X

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 is significantly 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 one author prior to picking up the volume. I also love seeing short works by authors who series I have already read.

I am not sure I will ever catch up on reading and reviewing all the Raconteur Press Anthologies, but I will try. I have picked up several of the other anthologies from Raconteur Press, but have to date only read a few of them. I loved Pogue One so much this immediately jumped to the top of my reading list, and it did not disappoint!

I was intrigued by the collection title and purpose, I always love a good space military story. And there are some more great ones in this second volume. The description of this book states:

“Most military fiction regales the reader with fast-paced tales of strong men with sexy weapons who close with, engage, and destroy the enemy with lethal precision. What it tends to ignore, though, is the supply clerk who issues him the body armor that protects him in the fight, the intelligence shop that arms him with information, or the maintenance troops who keep the vehicles running (ideally). Because there are so many ways in which POGs (I served in the early 2000’s) support the fight, one anthology was simply not enough to convey it all, so we had to do another one.

This time, Ted Begley takes us along for the ride with a shuttle driver who has an eye for a bargain. Addison Reid shows us that sometimes a logistics officer knows what troops on the frontline really need, even better than they do, however inexplicable it may seem. An FNG (Freakin’ New Guy) and his first-line leader learn a valuable lesson about an ancient tradition in Jason Hobbs’ “Snipe Hunt.” B. K. Gibson reminds us that even if you don’t expect the unexpected, you’d better be prepared to adapt to it. Rounding out the collection, Malory demonstrates that a POG’s most underappreciated, yet critical skills are, as always, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The authors all do a fantastic job of capturing different facets of a POG’s life, from the professionalism to the competence to the humor and everything in between. As a former Air Defense Artillery officer, many of the stories in the following pages remind me of my own troops at different times, and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.”

The contributors are:

Liska McCabe

Ted Begley

Addison Reid

D. S. Ligon

Xavier Anderson

T. R. Benjamin

Z. M. Renick

Daryl F. Mallett

B K Gibson

Malory

The chapters or stories are:

Introduction

Another Man's Treasure – By Ted Begley

Al in Logistics – By Addison Reid

Manifest Destiny – By D. S. Ligon

Composting Status: Offline – By Xavier Anderson

The Shell Script of Destruction – By T. R. Benjamin

Masters of Mechamagic – By Z. M. Renick

Snipe Hunt – By Jason B. Hobbs

Revision 12 – By Daryl F. Mallett

Life of a Deliveryman – By B K Gibson

Sudden Death Overtime – By Malory

Also From Raconteur Press

Please, Tip Your Authors!

Endpiece

In the introduction we are informed by Liska McCabe:

“In every production, most eyes are drawn to the stage, but not a single scene would be performed without the people working in the shadows. From sets and costumes, to choreography, to lighting and sound, to rigging—without those support roles, a show simply cannot succeed. The military is no different, except there are fewer divas. Fewer, not none.

Most military fiction regales the reader with fast-paced tales of strong men with sexy weapons who close with, engage, and destroy the enemy with lethal precision. What it tends to ignore, though, is the supply clerk who issues him the body armor that protects him in the fight, the intelligence shop that arms him with information, or the maintenance troops who keep the vehicles running (ideally). Because there are so many ways in which POGs (I served in the early 2000’s) support the fight, one anthology was simply not enough to convey it all, so we had to do another one.

This time, Ted Begley takes us along for the ride with a shuttle driver who has an eye for a bargain. Addison Reid shows us that sometimes a logistics officer knows what troops on the frontline really need, even better than they do, however inexplicable it may seem. An FNG (Freakin’ New Guy) and his first-line leader learn a valuable lesson about an ancient tradition in Jason Hobbs’ “Snipe Hunt.” B. K. Gibson reminds us that even if you don’t expect the unexpected, you’d better be prepared to adapt to it. Rounding out the collection, Malory demonstrates that a POG’s most underappreciated, yet critical skills are, as always, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The authors all do a fantastic job of capturing different facets of a POG’s life, from the professionalism to the competence to the humor and everything in between. As a former Air Defense Artillery officer, many of the stories in the following pages remind me of my own troops at different times, and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

Strike Hard - Strike Deep,”

I have loved reading Military Science Fiction since the mid 1980’s when in high school, from my first reading of Starship Troopers by Heinlein to my eagerly awaiting each new volume in Pier’s Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant’s series. So reading a collection like this was like going back to the early days of overcoming my dual form of dyslexia and reading anything I could get my hands on.

 There are a few authors I encountered in this collection I plan on tracking down more and reading. And I should get around to reading the nearly fifty Raconteur Press Anthologies, of which I have picked dup about a dozen. My first reaction was, to whis was similar to the first, ‘Wow what an epic anthology’! My second was if I did not have so many other books I want to read I would go back and reread Pogue One. 

Frequently when you read an anthology there are a few stand out stories, a few that are just meh and the others are good solid stories. That was not the case with this collection. I really appreciated every story in the volume. If I had to pick a story to say was my favourite it would be ‘Revision 12’ by Daryl F. Mallett, followed by ‘Sudden Death Overtime’ by Mallory and third would be; ‘Another Man's Treasure’ by Ted Bagley. But I loved the humour in ‘AI in Logistics’ by Addison. Another standout story is ‘Life of a Deliveryman’ by B K Gibson. The one I keep thinking about is the one by Malory, as a former Rugby player, it really stuck home It also reminded me of a workmate from 20 years ago, I would arrive at 6am and he would invariably be watching Ghana playing Cricket or some match from around the world on one screen while working away on the other.  

There are also numerous full page illustrations between each story and a few extras, they by the amazing Cedar Sanderson, the only thing that would have made it better is if she had contributed a story as well. 

The stories continue in a wide range of interpretations on the theme of military science fiction adventures. I enjoyed each story, and can easily recommend the anthology. It was an awesome collection to read. And I am looking to track down other works from a couple of the contributors. This is a collection that is guaranteed to entertain!

Raconteur Press Anthologies Series:

Ghosts of Malta

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!

Pinup Noir 3

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

Pogue One

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

Alien Family Traditions

Blades and Black Magic

Moggies of Mars

Planks and Plunder

Glitched Grimm: Twisted Fairy Tales with Terror

Creature Feature

Mercs and Mayhem

Bourbon and Lead

Corsairs and Cutlasses

Daggers and Dark Powers

High Class Muscle

Uncanny Valet

Insert Coin

Plasma Pulp: Lost Worlds

Pogue Too

Mad Science: Bits and Pieces

…

Raconteur Press Postcard Stories:

Postcards From Mars

Steam-Powered Postcards

Fanta-Fly Postcards

Postcards from Foolz

Single Servings of Liberty 

Imagine THAT! 

Last Call

…

Other Raconteur Press Anthologies:

Best of 2024

Hairballs, Hiccups and Hope

…

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2026

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2026

It has been an excellent year for reading so far, not my best to date, but my second best. I averaged over a book and a half a day. Faster than the last few years, but I had the first few weeks off work, and so many books and series I am working through. 

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more. 

This quarter I read 151 books and I did not any to the ‘did not finish’ list, one of my highest quarters since I started keeping track, below is the comparison with the last 9 years:

     2026 - 151

     2025 - 132

     2024 - 119

     2023 – 160

     2022 – 145

     2021 – 97

     2020 – 96

     2019 – 123

     2018 – 91

     2017 – 100

     2016 – 52

One of the things that always causes a spike in the first quarter is I endeavour to pray a Stations of the Cross Friday of the year and each day through Lent. And this is the first Lent I have hit each day, at least so far. At the beginning of Lent this year I had 10 Stations I had never read. I have read 20 new ones and still have 4 I have year read, which I hope to do during Holy Week. But back to this year by the numbers:

Books Read: 151

First Time Reads: 122

Fiction: 37

Non-Fiction: 114

5/5 Stars: 111

5 Stars Fiction: 27

5 Stars Non-Fiction: 84

The first quarter of this year was great. I can state again that looking back 2016 is a bit of an outlier as late that year I switched jobs and have since had much better work – life balance. In the spring of 2016, I worked through Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now (now available on ClaitasU). The year before that I removed all games from my phone and tablet and my reading had doubled. This year I received a physical Kindle for Christmas; instead of reading on my phone; and my reading has gone up again.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the fourth quarter of 2024.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. The Forgotten Way: The Saint James Master Plan - Matthew Kelly

2. 15 Days of Prayer with …New City Press - Focolare Media

15 Days of Prayer with Blessed Chiara Badano - Florence Gillet

15 Days of Prayer with Chiara Lubich - Florence Gillet

15 Days of Prayer with Dorothy Day - Michael Boover

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Bernadette of Lourdes - François Vayne

3. Poetry of John Irvine

A Treasury of Irish Saints

A Voice in the Dusk

By Winding Roads

Green Altars: Poems

Lost Sanctuary and Other Poems

Selected Poems

4. Great Spiritual Teachers Series - Ave Maria Press

Living in the Presence of God The Everyday Spirituality of Brother Lawrence - John J. Kirvan

That You May Have Life: Let the Mystics Be Your Guide for Lent - John J. Kirvan

True Serenity 30 Days with Thomas à Kempis - John Kirvan

We Are Beloved 30 Days with Thea Bowman - Karianna Frey

5. Coached by Paul the Apostle Lessons in Transformation - Father Nathan Cromly 

6. Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

7. The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life - Michael Dubruiel

8. Just A Minute Meditations - Pauline Books and Media

Finding Inner Peace - Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP 

Embracing Hope in Christ - Kris Frank 

9. Art and Prayer - Mary Charles-Murray - CTS Deeper Christianity Series 

10. Lent for Little Folk - Roderick Vonhögen 

11. The Boston Rob Rulebook Strategies for Life - Robert C Mariano 

12. The Way of the Passion: 40 Stations with Jesus - Julien Chilcott-Monk 

Bonus Books New Stations of The Cross:

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books

The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory - Susan Tassone 

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - Amy Welborn, Michael Dubruiel, and Michael D. O'Brien

No Greater Love Stations of the Cross for Teens and Young Adults - Amy Welborn 

With Jesus in Jerusalem: The First Way of the Cross - Étienne Méténier

You Have Redeemed the World: Praying the Stations in the Holy Cross Tradition - Andrew Gawrych C.S.C. and Kevin Grove C.S.C. 

Stations of the Cross with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus - Fr. William F. Prospero and Fr. James Kubicki

Stations of Strength: Praying the Stations of the Cross in Times of Suffering - Alice Camille 

My Wounded Hands A Way of the Cross - Renzo Sala and Fulvia Simonato

Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics - Sister Anne Flannagan, FSP

Top Ten Fiction Books:

 1. A Stranger Among Us - Connor Gallagher

 2. Hypergifted - Gordon Korman - Ungifted Book 3

 3. Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild

 4. Tales From Wakken Wood - E. P. Cowley

 5. The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

 6. The Fixer - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Ruling Class

Lessons in Power

 7. Begotten - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Book 2

 8. Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

 9. The Ultimate Blindside - Leslea Wahl - Blindside Series Book 3 

10. Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer - S.J. Engelman

Bonus Books:

Conspiracy 365 - Gabrielle Lord

March

April

Ted Talk - Karina Fabian - A DragonEye, PI, Short Story

Pogue Too - Edited by Liska McCabe - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

I have averaged just over a book a day over the last decade; and closer to a book and a quarter over the last few years. In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.  

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section.

 

But if you want more options check out my favourite books year by year list.  

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:

151 - 2026 January-March

424 - 2025 

363 - 2024

455 - 2023 

438 - 2022

365 - 2021

317 - 2020 

392 - 2019

359 - 2018

380 - 2017 

272 - 2016 

177 - 2015 

130 - 2014 

88 -  2013

176 - 2012 

163 - 2011

302 - 2010

142 - 2009

98 - 2008

83 - 2007

191 - 2006

151 - 2005

60 - 2004

52 - 2003

97 - 2002

50 - 2001

41 - 2000

71 - 1999

73 - 1998

131 - 1997

101 - 1996

Relates Posts: 
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Reading Goals for 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2010 - Recap
Top 10 Fiction Books 2010
Top 10 Picture Books of 2010
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books of 2010
Top 10 Graphic Novels for 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2011 
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals for 2011 Update 
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2011 
Top Ten Fictions Books 4th Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals 2011 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books  4th Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2013
Top 10 Books Second Half 2013
Top Ten Fiction Books 2013
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2013 
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2014
Top Ten Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2015
Top Ten Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2015
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2016
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2016
Top Ten Non- Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Fiction Books 2016
Top Ten Catholic Books
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2017
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2017
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Fiction Books 2017
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2018
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2018
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Fiction Books 2018
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2019
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2019
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Fiction Books 2019
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2020

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020 

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2021

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2022

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2023 

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2023

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2024

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2025

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2026

...   

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Alien Family Traditions - edited by Sandra L. Medlock - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 58

Alien Family Traditions

Edited by Sandra L. Medlock

Illustrated by Cedar Sanderson

Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 58

Raconteur Press 

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:

Ghosts of Malta

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!

Pinup Noir 3

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

Pogue One

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

Alien Family Traditions

Blades and Black Magic

Moggies of Mars

Planks and Plunder

Glitched Grimm: Twisted Fairy Tales with Terror

Creature Feature

Mercs and Mayhem

Bourbon and Lead

Corsairs and Cutlasses

Daggers and Dark Powers

High Class Muscle

Uncanny Valet

Insert Coin

Plasma Pulp: Lost Worlds

Pogue Too

Mad Science: Bits and Pieces

…

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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Other Raconteur Press Anthologies:

Best of 2024

Hairballs, Hiccups and Hope

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