Book Review: Bioluminescent: A Lunarpunk Anthology
Having previously enjoyed Sim Kern’s Real Sugar Is Hard To Find short story collection published by Android Press, I couldn’t resist taking a look at what Android is calling “The first ever lunarpunk anthology of short stories”.
The stories start with October in the Chair by Neil Gaiman, because of course it does! If I were editing an anthology and was able to include something from one of the best fantasy writers of our time, I’d certainly do so. And it’s a fantastical, well-told tale. I could almost see Ray Bradbury peering over my shoulder, nodding at the pages and murmuring, ‘That’s quite good’.
But as much as I loved Neil’s story, A Chant for Circularity by Aaron Wilmott is the one that will linger in my mind the longest. This cautionary tale takes place, for the most part, on the dark side of the moon. Through beautiful descriptions and a well-thought-out premise, the author delivers a lesson in balance that we can (and should) learn how to put into practice in our Earthbound lives.
Poetry often follows on the heels of the longer stories. In just a few dozen lines, Eva Papasoulioti’s Periselene filled my head with starkly beautiful imagery and heartbreak.
I’ve highlighted my own standout tales. Your favorites will be your own to choose. Each story or poem has its own personality – the theme is often interpreted very loosely, which I like. The overall mood of the collection is distinctly mystical and dreamlike.
My thanks to Android Press for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Bioluminescent: A Lunarpunk Anthology releases on January 24, 2023. Visit Android Press for more details.