lonelyWastelands The New Apocalypse edited by John Joseph Adams, part 2
Not This War, Not This World
This acts as a sequel to 'Night Of The Living Dead'. Though there is a mention of GPS so it can't be 1968. What is a toe nailed nail? This explains the origin of the zombies. There is babble about a cold war weapon. It also reveals the zombies are aware. Zombies are an unwanted nuisance and there are in depth descriptions of guns as a sniper does not react well to the zombie apocalypse. The zombies are uncomfortably invasive. This is an okay tale of an isolated man under relentless pressure. While not terrifying – it is immediately urgent.
Best Lines:
“Failed stronghold.”
“Bullet drop.”
“Completely and irrevocably aware.”
“Spread by the people who were trying to outrun it.”
“Un-alive.”
“Cold, cold soil.”
“Self-sustaining war of attrition.”
“Bottomless hunger.”
“Other moans. Many many more.”
Where Would You Be Now
By Carrie Vaughn. After a vague apocalypse, a group of people have no food and the inevitable motorcycle gang shows up. How is there eye makeup in the apocalypse? This was okay.
Best Lines:
“Whatever might hurt them.”
“A way that didn't suggest friendship.”
The Elephant's Crematorium
Too miserable and it defies logic.
The Future Is Blue
I've read this before. In a flooded future a girl is hated for saving her people. Instead of being given thanks – she is belittled, mocked and degraded. She is forlorn. This was sad but very good.
Best Lines:
“Some people are just born to be despised.”
“Hazmat Heath.”
“All my dreams were burning.”
Bones Of Gossamer
An embarrassment.
As Good As New
This tale of an apocalypse and a genie has some credibility trouble but it is enjoyable.
Best Lines:
“Deathscape.”
“Wish-facilitator.”
“Seemed to enjoy complaining about it.”
“Unearned ambivalence.”
One Day Only
In a post-plague apocalypse, a woman decides to do a stand up comedy act. This was good.
Best Lines:
“Treacherous act of mercy.”
“Why did that simple caring repel her so much?”
Black, Their Regalia
Craving respite from a plague, a band do a ritual which turns out to be their artistic destiny leading to a spectacular twist of fate. This was good.
Best Lines:
“Community togetherness.”
“Plague prom.”
“When you scream in dark places, I listen, and I relish what I hear.”