Crossed Genres Publications has just released a new spec fiction anthology with a wonderful premise: stable, functional, ‘alternative’ families in science fiction and fantasy. (Because we all know the trope of the Orphaned Hero, or the Hero with A Dysfunctional Family.) What if that wasn’t the case – what if the strong hero or cunning protagonist had a loving family willing to come to their defense and support at any time? And if it was any definition of family – genetic or acquired?
It’s glorious and a little sad that this had to be an anthology call, and not a general meme in mainstream SF&F. We saw a little of it (hilariously and darkly) in Harry Harrison’s classic ‘Stainless Steel Rat’ books. But these days – open an epic fantasy, space opera, or an urban fantasy, and you are likely to meet characters who really, really needed some chicken soup and a blankie during their formative years. Even if it came with knife lessons, or How-To-Rule-The-World 101.
The Amazon Kindle version can be seen here.
Added 11-3-2017: sadly, Crossed Genres ceased operation in 2015.
Here is the blog for my friend J.L. Forrest, who placed the story ‘The Collared Signal’ in this anthology. (Psst. His blog also has some killer free stories to read, too.)