A review by wisecraic
The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie by Henry Herz, Bryan Thomas Schmidt
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
**I was provided an electronic ARC through the publisher via NetGalley.**
Actual rating: 2.5
Editors Bryan Thomas Schmidt and Henry Herz present The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie, an anthology comprised of speculative short fiction and poetry inspired by the life and work of Marie Curie. Genres range from historical fantasy to more paranormal or scifi with tinges of horror.
I have always considered anthologies to be, by nature, a mixed bag. I would say that is true of this anthology more than others. Even authors whose other work I have enjoyed, I found to be just fine or not to my taste in this collection. The one standout of this collection, for me, was Jonathan Maberry's The Night Flyers, which was my sole 4 star of the included works.
As a scientist by education and experience, it was interesting to see the authors various takes incorporating a historical and scientific lens to speculative fiction. For me, however. I simply wasn't a fan of the execution and did not find the works memorable. I am not entirely sure what my expectation was, but I, nevertheless, find myself disappointed.
I have long enjoyed historical-inspired fiction (Lady Janies series, Iron Widow, Solomon's Crown, Dead Djinn Universe, Winternight Trilogy, etc.), but I think the shortness of the pieces actually worked against them due to lack of time to absorb and become invested in the changes.
While this one was not for me, I would still recommend this book to interested parties.
Actual rating: 2.5
Editors Bryan Thomas Schmidt and Henry Herz present The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie, an anthology comprised of speculative short fiction and poetry inspired by the life and work of Marie Curie. Genres range from historical fantasy to more paranormal or scifi with tinges of horror.
I have always considered anthologies to be, by nature, a mixed bag. I would say that is true of this anthology more than others. Even authors whose other work I have enjoyed, I found to be just fine or not to my taste in this collection. The one standout of this collection, for me, was Jonathan Maberry's The Night Flyers, which was my sole 4 star of the included works.
As a scientist by education and experience, it was interesting to see the authors various takes incorporating a historical and scientific lens to speculative fiction. For me, however. I simply wasn't a fan of the execution and did not find the works memorable. I am not entirely sure what my expectation was, but I, nevertheless, find myself disappointed.
I have long enjoyed historical-inspired fiction (Lady Janies series, Iron Widow, Solomon's Crown, Dead Djinn Universe, Winternight Trilogy, etc.), but I think the shortness of the pieces actually worked against them due to lack of time to absorb and become invested in the changes.
While this one was not for me, I would still recommend this book to interested parties.