Comments on: REVIEW: Never After by Laurell K. Hamilton

By: LG

LG — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:33:22 +0000

I don’t generally buy anthologies, I get them from a library. When I read them, I tend to assume that the authors won’t necessarily be at their best – there are way too many authors who just can’t write short stories, even though they might write perfectly decent novels. If there’s something about the feel or the setup of a story that seems appealing, even if the plot was rushed and the characters underdeveloped, I might still check out a full novel by the author. I try to think of it as a taste of what the author has to offer. I’ve read something by all these authors except Yasmine Galenorn, and I might check her out sometime.

I like Liu some of the time, Shinn some of the time, and I used to like Hamilton. The title of the anthology made me think for sure that Hamilton’s contribution would either be set in her Meredith Gentry world or would feature Anita maybe being proposed to by one of her many guys (if she hasn’t been already – I’m behind on the series because it’s become I’ve gotten to the point where I actually kind of dread her stuff). From the sounds of things, Hamilton failed miserably at communicating her message – for those who’d like a “womanly skills are important and have meaning” story, I’d recommend Anne Bishop’s book Dreams Made Flesh, particularly the story focusing on Lucivar and Marian. I’m not sure how much in the dark those who haven’t read the trilogy would be, though.

By: Chrissy

Chrissy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:16:16 +0000

I just hate it when an anthology bloats one name so much above the others. It actually aggravates me enough to pass on them quite often.

But LKH has gone so far past jumping the shark that I pass on her automatically now.

I might pick it up to support Liu, though. She’s a rare unique voice in the current market. And I like Gaelnorn.

*sigh*

By: Naomi

Naomi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:06:25 +0000

Are you sure it was an LKH story? I don’t see any mention of ankle-length hair or sexxing for the good of humanity anywhere.

By: AnimeJune

AnimeJune — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:03:52 +0000

I’m actually surprised that Yalenorn isn’t one of the kinky ones – the terrrrible Dragon Wytch book in series had more sex than plot.

By: K. Z. Snow

K. Z. Snow — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:59:35 +0000

Enjoyable and informative review, Nonnie. Hope you do more.

It seems Hamilton continues to prove herself . . . uh . . . entertaining. I wonder how she got into an antho with such good writers. (Oh wait, that’s right; the reason is there on the cover. She’s the HOOK. Sheesh.)

By: Charlene Teglia

Charlene Teglia — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:12:44 +0000

I really enjoyed this anthology, and The Tangleroot Palace was my hands-down favorite. Marjorie Liu is amazing.