Infinity Wars is a unique and thought provoking anthology of short stories, that discusses and explores the themes of war and its impact of the individual, culture, and human existence in a myriad of ways. It is an interesting and well chosen collection, that uncovers the varied ways war impacts the definitions of human value and the growing presence of both robots and outer space in our future.
Review
Unlike most reviews, there is no typical summary associated with this review, since it is an anthology of short stories. Instead I will highlight some of my favorites: The Last Broadcasts by An Owomoyela – and its ethical dilemmas, Faceless Soldiers, Patchwork Ship by Caroline M Yoachim – and its alien lifeforms, Oracle by Dominica Phettaplace – and its cleverness, Conversations with an Armory by Garth Nix – and its humor, Heavies by Rich Larson – and its language, and Weather Girl by E.J. Swift. That being said, there were many that I really enjoyed that didn’t make this five star rating, mainly featuring: Carrie Vaughn, Nancy Kress, Elizabeth Bear, Aliette deBodard, Eleanor Arnason, and Peter Watts.
As a whole, this anthology has tales that range from the humorous to the series and everything in between from heartache to grief. It is a collection of fabulous writing, not only in its capacity to entertain, but to also stimulate the mind. Infinity Wars had less misses for me than other anthology collections, and I think it’s due to this quality, this potential for an intellectual discussion that you have after reading one of these stories. There’s so much to unpack, to interrogate, and to discuss afterwards, that it gives the entire story, if not the collection, a new life.
If you are at all interested in discussions of war – how its changed, how the way we view it has impacted our society, etc. – or what the roles of technology and outer space will have on it, then this is a must read.
You can pick up Infinity Wars on Amazon(US) or add it to Goodreads.
Disclaimer: I received this copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
Discussion
What’s your favorite book with a war in it?
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