My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a quick reading short introduction to the Slingers series. It introduces the world of to-the-death “games” that have become a cult-like obsession on this rather desolate Earth and the city that orbits above.
With a book as short as this (about 54 pages), there is not a lot of room for world-building, but Wallace manages to convey the dark, almost desparate atmosphere in a compact manner that leaves a real sense of place and time. Characters are sharp and rounded, and they are the driving force in the story. Even in this short piece, you come away wanting to know more about the people, as well as the world they live in. Pacing is fast and sharp, and the action scenes are detailed and sometimes graphic. Wallace has a somewhat unique sense of humor, and it comes across well here. The only disappointment was that this story was far too short. I look forward to seeing how the things hinted at here play out in the rest of the series.
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Available now:
On pre-sale now through August 17, with release date of August 18. The price is discounted for the pre-sale and there is a free book offer. After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here.
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final envinronmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
And So On... 