Sirius: The Dog Star Reviews

• Good, fast moving anthology

  
  By A1WXFL6IXQKAM5 on 2004-07-20
  "Sirius" was a delight.
  
  Definitely, an anthology for dog-lovers was needed; there had been five "Catfantastic" ones, after all -- so, finally, the dog has had its day and we're reaping the benefit.
  
  The best and most memorable stories here were by India Edghill (a historical fantasy about Charles II's dog), Julie Czerneda (an alien learns to appreciate a dog), Elaine Quon (a funny story about a dog/human bodyswitch), Michelle West (good short story using the backstory from previous published novels), Doranna Durgin (fine short story using backstory from previously published novel(s)) and Rosemary Edghill (an alternate-world adventure where dogs have a far greater role in society and security; by the way, the last line here was absolutely perfect).
  
  There was only one story I'd call marginal here, and that was the leadoff story by Tanya Huff. I'd not have expected that, as Ms. Huff is one of my favorite writers, and is an excellent short story writer. However, this story (about a dog searching for its long-lost master; the s/f spin is that the master was lost through a worldgate) felt flat, almost as if Ms. Huff had tried too hard or something, and I would have appreciated the touches of humor Ms. Huff usually brings. Instead, this story was almost too downbeat, and even the somewhat happy ending couldn't completely save it. I felt this story ("Finding Marcus") was more depressing than Jane Lindskold's, where at least I knew going in that her story would be dark fantasy.
  
  But out of sixteen stories, to have only one I considered to be a clinker isn't bad, which is why this anthology gets four solid stars and a recommended tag.
  
  Barb Caffrey
  
  P.S. I hope another anthology about dogs is planned, because as well as bringing back all the authors from this one, I'd like to see a story by Jennifer Roberson (she of the "Cheysuli" universe), as she's also one of my favorites -- and the only one I expected to see here that I didn't!
  
  

• whimsical speculative fiction

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2004-06-02
  This sixteen story collection of speculative fiction runs the full gamut as some tales are pure outer space or futuristic science fiction; others are alternate history; some are fantasy with even a historical fantasy included, and finally even private sleuth Zachary Johnson earns his keep. Though the compilation includes several sub-genres, the two common threads that run through the tales are a dog is the star or a key player and that each contributor provided a five bark story. The authors are some of the top of the line and a few brought their normal brand into the anthology. All the writers provided a superb entry starring canines with fully developed personalities inside exciting plots. Paraphrasing Groucho: "Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend; inside a dog is to dark to read" for that is the whimsical approach that turns that turns SIRIUS THE DOG STAR into a treat for dog lovers.

  Harriet Klausner
  
  

• Every dog has his day

  
  By A243R4XQ7CCZJI on 2005-07-02
  As stated elsewhere, this book provides a fine counterpoint to the plethora of cat-related fantasy anthologies. Those feline-centered works have collectively generated a group of standard cliches (cat as familiar, cat as shapeshifter or transformed human, cat as otherworldly harbinger) that, to some degree, are repeated in this collection, albeit with a fresh template. The stories are a lively mix, however, and if nothing else provide a fresh perspective on their themes.
  
  I suppose my favorite is "Final Exam" by Rosemary Edghill, which is very imaginative and whose only weakness is some very stilted and unrealistic expository dialogue. I also enjoyed "Improper Congress" by Elaine Quon, which provides a risque SF take on a well-worn fantasy theme ("animal isn't what it at first seems"). Not faring so well in my opinion was the long concluding piece by Michelle West, which I believe occurs in one of her existing worlds; it made me feel a bit excluded from things, and I had difficulty finishing it. The opening story, "Finding Marcus" by Tanya Huff, is noteworthy only for its canine perspective on events; lacking that, it wouldn't be a story at all, for very little actually happens and nothing is resolved.
  
  "Sirius," though bracketed by weaker beginning and ending pieces, cuts some fresh tread in themes and plots that have been worn smooth over time.
  
  

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