Broken Metropolis: Queer Tales of a City That Never Was by Dave Ring

Broken Metropolis: Queer Tales of a City That Never Was Reviews

• 
  Bogi Takács

  I got a print reviewer copy, but so many stories are actually trans stories that I'm not sure if I should write a review or if people will scrutinize that for idk, Transcendent 4 spoilers. I need to think about this a bit. It would feel a bit unfair re: the non-trans stories if I didn't review it for that reason, so I'll probably review it (possibly only after Worldcon)... in any case, it was a nice book!
• 
  Dawn Vogel

  (This review originally appeared at Mad Scientist Journal.)
  
  Broken Metropolis, edited by dave ring, is an anthology of short stories and poetry centered on urban fantasy with queer characters. Though the collection only includes ten pieces, their impact makes this book seem like more.
  
  As is the case with many anthologies, some of the stories proved more appealing to me than others. Three in particular really stood out. The first was “The City of Cats” by Victoria Zelvin, a lovely magical realism story of cats in a city and the people who are connected to those cats. “Your Heart in My Teeth” by V. Medina is another fabulous magical realism story about the heart of a city. And finally, “Under Her White Stars” by Jacob Budenz is a skillful tale about magic, consequences, and more magic.
  
  If you’re interested in reading urban fantasy with queer characters as the protagonists and victors, Broken Metropolis will be right up your alley.
  
  The publisher provided us with a free copy of this anthology in exchange for review consideration.
• 
  Realms & Robots

  Broken Metropolis is a quirky collection of urban fantasy short stories starring LGBTQ+ characters. Ranging from a living city to a soul-eating convenience store owner to a motorcycle run on magical fumes, the worlds truly shine, highlighting the originality and inventiveness of the authors and the editor. Some stories are stronger than others, but the combined effort is an inclusive, well-thought-out collection that will entertain and inspire.
  
  Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
• 
  Marlena Chertock

  "Broken Metropolis" imagines queer futures in cities that don't yet exist, or maybe are in existence in places we don't even know. Love the cat lady retelling and "The Plague Eater"! Dave Ring knows how to put a collection together.
• 
  Michael B Tager

  I published this, so maybe I'm biased. No, I'm definitely biased. But it's dope!
• 
  Kathy Brown

  I'll be reviewing soon for Independent Book Reviews. Stay tuned.
• 
  Maria Haskins

  This anthology is a terrific read with entertaining, gripping, gritty and beautiful stories of urban fantasy. I loved how each story explores a different facet of life, love, and magic (dark and light) in the community. Highly recommended reading!
• 
  Andrew Peters

  Ten stories traverse queer love, loss, and courage in a highly readable, urban fantasy anthology that is refreshingly replete with #OwnVoices. Read my full review at
  Out in Print