Book 71 of my 2023 Reading Challenge
read from June 5 - July 24
Alternate History Short Stories
My Opinion
3 stars
This is another collection of short stories from Flame Tree Publishing that I buy specifically for the cover/spine art. I've tried to pick ones that will also interest me but I admit the main draw is how cool they look on my bookshelves. The stories range from new (first publication) to old (approx 28 BCE).
I felt like these were very hit or miss and I think part of it depended on how well I knew the accurate history to be able to recognize the alternatives. Also, I've mentioned in other reviews of these books that I don't love it when some of the stories continue online on their website but this book was even worse...I read a story that directed me to their website for the rest but it wasn't there! There were only 2 stories that would've had further reading and neither were on the website; one I didn't know about beforehand but the other one I did and skipped completely.
My favorites were The Weight of the Sunrise, Men of Their Time, and Carrots for Nine.
What Can a Woman Do?
It's sad that a story about girls being educated and women becoming leaders is "alternate history" but it's true that things probably would not have played out the same way in real life, especially during that time period.
The Syllabus
Really interesting concept and using a class syllabus was a creative and effective way to give a lot of information on a wide range of topics.
The Bondage Tribe
The story was descriptive so I could feel Lester's emotions. It was a very quick read so I was surprised when it was already over.
Herd Mentality
Calling them the Einsteins immediately conveyed who they were (intelligent and creative) without a lot of explanation. I was a little unsettled at the end wondering if their plan was truly for the good of the world or if it was for domination.
The Ifs of History
I'm not the short story police but that didn't feel like it qualified for 2 reasons. First, it was almost 40 pages of small print. Second, it wasn't a story; it was a list of events that may have changed history if they had happened differently with a little explanation as to why the author thought so.
Once I saw it was published in 1907 it made sense why it said something along the lines of how would-be soldiers would either still be alive today or died after long and peaceful lives if the Civil War hadn't happened...if someone who fought in the Civil War is still alive today we need to have a much different conversation.
The Riddle of the Sands
You know what's more frustrating than this series occasionally having stories continue online, especially with no announcement beforehand? When you take the time to go online but the rest of the story isn't there.
I wasn't super invested in the story so I'll get over it but I wasn't even clear what the "alternate history" was here so I would've at least skimmed it to see what was going on.
The Savior of Worlds
My favorite so far!
It was a fascinating concept with a heartpounding conclusion.
The Sixth-Gun Conspiracy Letters
That was short and unexpected. It's definitely closer to what I thought an "Alternate History" story would be. Good read.
P's Correspondence
I'll admit I didn't put a lot of effort into reading it but I did not understand either the story itself or how it fit into this collection.
Tippecanoe
Although the story takes place later, the title gives a sense of the location and outcome of the battle. I'm glad Salem survived.
Aristopia
Interesting concept but an abrupt ending.
The Weight of the Sunrise
Great story. That was a lovely story and even though it felt long for a short story, I didn't mind.
The Untold Story of History's First Flight
I'm glad they were successful and there weren't extra complications. Although this particular story may be fiction I'm sure there are similar stories from women and minorities that are true; there's no way white men invented everything.
The Leviathan and the Fury
The length and pacing was good but I didn't really understand it due to my own lack of knowledge. I had to look up what a leviathan is and don't see how a sea serpent factors into the story even once I learned.
The Husband of Henry VIII
That was short and engaging. I wasn't expecting the twist at the end and it was an added bonus for an already interesting situation.
The History of Rome
Mercifully short since there are so many words used to express a simple thought. It's interesting that even back then (the story was published around 28 BCE) writers were looking at their current world and imagining how one tweak here or there could change everything.
A Journey to the New World
Good story that shows chaos of one wrong move in a tense situation.
Where in Time and Space is Mark Twain?
That's a really good premise for a full novel and/or series.
First of October
I picked the wrong mole and it didn't end as expected. I was deeply invested for such a short story.
Earthquake Weather
There was a hazy feel to the story that was enhanced by all the talk of dust rising during the earthquake.
Regent
Since I know the history fairly well I knew the characters and how things actually went. It was interesting to have Henry VIII's lack of qualms about discarding his wives be a good thing in this scenario.
The Intervention
Oh noooo, he was so close to changing everything!!! I was expecting a "what if Hitler died" story but this was an entirely unexpected and unique angle.
The Last Tsar
The story was fine but I don't know enough about Russia's history to recognize the changes.
I Will Not Be
I could feel the desperation. Beautiful love story.
Opening England
My gut reaction was that I didn't like the way the king was treated but then I realized that's exactly how the British invaded everyone in real life and it was my own bias to automatically side with them as the "civilized" ones.
A Modern Utopia
I didn't read it. I knew ahead of time it would be continued online and after verifying again that this book's stories are not continued on their website (even though it says they will be and I've had no issues with other books in the series), I didn't bother reading it.
Men Like Gods
That was very long for a short story. It didn't feel as long as I expected because it was mostly interesting but I did waver in and out of paying attention to everything. The ending was abrupt - I wanted to know if they stayed or left.
Mary, Quite Contrary
A good story that kept my interest.
Men of Their Time
That one made me uncomfortable with how realistic it was. It hits way too close to home.
Carrots for Nine
That was an excellent story. I was holding my breath the entire time and there were lots of little details thrown in throughout to keep things plausible.
Random Quest
That was a lovely story!
Winifred
I could feel the tension and stress as they were trying to navigate.
Butterfly Burning
Having a blurb of the historical event before the story of an alternative ending was very helpful; I think I would've enjoyed some of the other stories more if they had done the same. It was an interesting story and I immediately looked up the dancer and read more about the actual tragedy.
