Different Worlds, Different Skins, Volume 2: More Of Humanitys Encounters With Other Races by Will A. Sanborn


Different Worlds, Different Skins, Volume 2: More Of Humanitys Encounters With Other Races
Title : Different Worlds, Different Skins, Volume 2: More Of Humanitys Encounters With Other Races
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1456318977
ISBN-10 : 9781456318970
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 336
Publication : First published November 16, 2010

What if humanity shared Earth with other sentient species? What would first contact with an alien race be like? What wonders or horrors could be wrought by our experiments to create new life-forms, both biologic and mechanical? This continued anthology examines these ideas, showing humanity's interaction with the Other, in the form of anthropomorphic animals. The stories cover diverse genres, from science fiction and fantasy, to contemporary fables, exploring themes of race and culture and the endless possibilities of the human condition. Stories by Earl Bacon, Cebelius, Austen Crowder, Seth Drake, Phil Geusz, G.F.D., Jason Gillespie, Graveyard Greg, Renee Carter Hall, Saia Kferr, Paul Lucas, Annette C. Miller, Brian Miller, Benjamin "eSca" Reed, Ryx, Will A. Sanborn, James Steele, Stephen Soliz, Tim Susman, Phillip Velasquez, Viergacht, and Wirewolf. Cover artwork by Sara "Caribou" Palmer.

Different Worlds, Different Skins, Volume 2: More Of Humanitys Encounters With Other Races Reviews

  • James Steele

    A short story collection of mankind’s encounters with other sentient races, mostly intelligent animals. Some of the standouts are:

    “The Curse” A great introduction to the book’s theme. Man was at war with a race of lion-people, and one of them placed a curse on a family.

    “Swear Not by the Moon” A transformation story about people who can become animals. As they age, they start to lose their human side. Puts a whole new spin on the fear of growing old.

    “The Orphan Shreds” A unique perspective on one hyena’s method to make a statement for equality.

    “That Old Lie” Not the only story to present the religious side of sentient animals living alongside humans, but it’s the least heavy-handed. It’s a balanced debate between two characters on the merits of science verses religion.

    “Selkie” Easily the best story in the collection. Builds a unique world and tells an engaging story within that world all in the same breath. It’s about witchcraft, mythology, and a college girl who is the victim of a transformation spell. This storyverse should be a novel. Hell, a series.

    “More Than Just A Failure” A short, emotional piece. How would you feel if your life were about to end, and you knew you were a failed science experiment? I wanted to know more.

    “Transformation” A tale of jealousy and disappointment. Really, how would you react if you wanted something so badly, but your friend got it and you could never have it? Are you sure you’d be happy for him? It ends too quickly, but the emotions are very mature, so it stands out in terms of tone.

    “The Species of Alone” For three-quarters of the story it’s not clear what it’s about, or why it’s in this collection. Then--SLAM! Didn’t see that coming.

    There are others, but these are the big ones. There are a couple self-indulgent, or overly-preachy stories, but for the most part it’s a very good collection. There’s much variety, from sci-fi, to slice-of-life, to historical. All are (usually) mature and quite easy to read.

  • Andres Halden

    Solid anthology with a few surprise stellar stories. Recommended for anyone who wants a good introduction to furry fiction.

  • Timothy Pitkin

    Some great stories that I wish were full novels like Orphan Shreds and some really good stories that lasted just enough to get the point across like Transformation and the Hearts of the Brave.