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CRYO
The Alien Chronicles
Intelligent life on other planets: it's the brass ring of space exploration. Do extra-terrestrial species exist? Will we ever make contact? Perhaps, have we made contact already?
In the latest addition to the Future Chronicles series of sci-fi anthologies, the answer to all of these question is a resounding yes. From first contact to last stand, these original short stories range from quiet tales of personal connection to adrenaline-infused inter-species space conflicts. Each tale promises to present you with a different look at what intelligent alien life might be like -- and how we Earthlings might respond to it.
The Alien Chronicles features stories by bestselling authors Hugh Howey (WOOL), B. V. Larson (the Starforce series), and Jennifer Foehner Wells (Fluency), plus twelve more of today's top authors in science fiction.
In the latest addition to the Future Chronicles series of sci-fi anthologies, the answer to all of these question is a resounding yes. From first contact to last stand, these original short stories range from quiet tales of personal connection to adrenaline-infused inter-species space conflicts. Each tale promises to present you with a different look at what intelligent alien life might be like -- and how we Earthlings might respond to it.
The Alien Chronicles features stories by bestselling authors Hugh Howey (WOOL), B. V. Larson (the Starforce series), and Jennifer Foehner Wells (Fluency), plus twelve more of today's top authors in science fiction.
400 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2015
114 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 21, 2018
Fun Collection of First Contact Stories
A fun, well written collection of first contact stories. I enjoyed all the stories and plan to read more of the individual authors work.
A fun, well written collection of first contact stories. I enjoyed all the stories and plan to read more of the individual authors work.
June 22, 2020
I have never read a short story collection where I genuinely liked every story, until now. That is a damned impressive feat. Highly recommend if you are in the mood for some fun and often creepy scifi.
April 14, 2015
Anthologies are always puzzling me when it comes to writing a review.
While I did a story-by-story recap on my last, I ended up with a mile long review. I want to avoid it this time around. I'll go short and sweet.
Most stories were good and had a nice twist or two at the end that left me thinking or smiling and sometimes both. Out of the fifteen stories, there were only two I didn't like: Vessel and Emily May. The first one, while still original, I found it bland. The second one had a great blurb, but I couldn't get into the story. Something about the writing didn't appeal to me.
On the other hand, it is hard to name the ones I loved the most because there were many. A few stick out more than the others. I absolutely loved Trials, Second Suicide, and The Grove. So many including the ones I named could have made great full novels and even movies.
If you like alien stories, you're sure to find something you like in this anthology. Well worth reading.
While I did a story-by-story recap on my last, I ended up with a mile long review. I want to avoid it this time around. I'll go short and sweet.
Most stories were good and had a nice twist or two at the end that left me thinking or smiling and sometimes both. Out of the fifteen stories, there were only two I didn't like: Vessel and Emily May. The first one, while still original, I found it bland. The second one had a great blurb, but I couldn't get into the story. Something about the writing didn't appeal to me.
On the other hand, it is hard to name the ones I loved the most because there were many. A few stick out more than the others. I absolutely loved Trials, Second Suicide, and The Grove. So many including the ones I named could have made great full novels and even movies.
If you like alien stories, you're sure to find something you like in this anthology. Well worth reading.
December 31, 2014
The Alien Chronicles is the third offering in the Future Chronicles line. And once again, the editors have put together a stellar lineup of stories, fifteen in this volume, from some great indie authors. Here is my take on the stories. I’m mostly judging them based on how well they handled the theme of aliens.
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force (Blair S. Babylon) 4 stars
The writing is beautiful, and an alien race of giant beetles embroiled in a civil war with dozens of factions is interesting, but I felt that the plot didn’t do enough with the alien nature of the Chitterers. With only the most minor changes, this same story could be told about warring factions in the Middle East in the 21st century. I did enjoy the story, though.
Uncle Allen (Will Swardstrom) 5 stars
This one starts out as a tale about family and the old farm and family history and secrets. The aliens appear only in a story told by one of the characters, but they have a huge impact. The ending is a classic bit of fridge horror. Although I opened that proverbial fridge door immediately.
The Kholorian Conspiracy (Geoffrey Wakeling) 3 stars
Probably just me, but I couldn’t get into this one. The significance of the ancient alien artifact took too long to reveal, and was too understated. Good use of alien races and future tech, though.
318 (Autumn Kalquist) 3 stars
Great story as always from Autumn, but there are no aliens in this story; only a mutant human. Well worth reading, but doesn’t fit the theme of the anthology very well.
Crawlies (Annie Bellet) 5 stars
Wonderful story, great use of aliens and an alien starship. Loved it.
The Insect Requirement (B. V. Larson) 5 stars
Delightfully creepy story. Not one sentient alien in the story, but hordes of all other kinds. And one human who collaborates with the aliens in a most reckless manner.
Hanging with Humans (Patrice Fitzgerald) 5 stars
A nice change of pace, with some light comedy. Unless you count the ending as other than funny . . . This one is a hoot! Excellent use of alien races.
Emily May (Moira Katson) 3 stars
Good story about space/time going all wrong, but not an alien in it.
Remembering Valeria (W.J. Davies) 4 stars
This story would be better classified as an A.I./robot story, but it makes good use of aliens also. Good story.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn (Peter Cawdron) 5 stars
Classic alien abduction tale. The aliens are mostly off-camera, but they are essential to the plot. You have to read the story to see the significance of the title. It’s not hentai manga.
Trials (Nicolas Wilson) 5 stars
One human, and an alien race with some very unusual methods of arriving at consensus! Toughest negotiations you’re ever likely to see. Gripping tale well told.
Vessel (Samuel Peralta) 5 stars
Another very short piece from Samuel, just under 1,600 words. I especially enjoyed this one because I read the National Geographic article which inspired it about the same time as the author did. Delightfully ambiguous in its implications. Is the ending good or bad for the human race? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
The Grove (Jennifer Foehner Wells) 5 stars
Loved this story! Told from the point of view of an alien plant lifeform. The protagonist meets a member of an alien race who has been enslaved by a third alien race. Jennifer tells us in the afterword this is an origin story for a character in another novel. I can’t wait to read that!
Life (Daniel Arenson) 5 stars
A very alien lifeform indeed, which appears in the story solely in the form of a photograph. Bill Gaines would have loved to publish this as a story in one of the EC comics! I enjoyed it immensely.
Second Suicide (Hugh Howey) 5 stars
A tale of alien invasion of Earth, told from the point of view of one of the tentacle monsters serving in the invasion fleet. When you’re in the alien military, life’s a bitch, and then you die, and then they resurrect you in a new body, and it’s back to work! But how long can this go on? Hugh delivers a story worthy of his awesome rep.
Overall, 4.47 stars average. Doubtless, some of the stories I liked less than the rest will be your favorites, and vice-versa. If you enjoy good science fiction, and especially some wonderfully divergent aliens, you must not miss this anthology!
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force (Blair S. Babylon) 4 stars
The writing is beautiful, and an alien race of giant beetles embroiled in a civil war with dozens of factions is interesting, but I felt that the plot didn’t do enough with the alien nature of the Chitterers. With only the most minor changes, this same story could be told about warring factions in the Middle East in the 21st century. I did enjoy the story, though.
Uncle Allen (Will Swardstrom) 5 stars
This one starts out as a tale about family and the old farm and family history and secrets. The aliens appear only in a story told by one of the characters, but they have a huge impact. The ending is a classic bit of fridge horror. Although I opened that proverbial fridge door immediately.
The Kholorian Conspiracy (Geoffrey Wakeling) 3 stars
Probably just me, but I couldn’t get into this one. The significance of the ancient alien artifact took too long to reveal, and was too understated. Good use of alien races and future tech, though.
318 (Autumn Kalquist) 3 stars
Great story as always from Autumn, but there are no aliens in this story; only a mutant human. Well worth reading, but doesn’t fit the theme of the anthology very well.
Crawlies (Annie Bellet) 5 stars
Wonderful story, great use of aliens and an alien starship. Loved it.
The Insect Requirement (B. V. Larson) 5 stars
Delightfully creepy story. Not one sentient alien in the story, but hordes of all other kinds. And one human who collaborates with the aliens in a most reckless manner.
Hanging with Humans (Patrice Fitzgerald) 5 stars
A nice change of pace, with some light comedy. Unless you count the ending as other than funny . . . This one is a hoot! Excellent use of alien races.
Emily May (Moira Katson) 3 stars
Good story about space/time going all wrong, but not an alien in it.
Remembering Valeria (W.J. Davies) 4 stars
This story would be better classified as an A.I./robot story, but it makes good use of aliens also. Good story.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn (Peter Cawdron) 5 stars
Classic alien abduction tale. The aliens are mostly off-camera, but they are essential to the plot. You have to read the story to see the significance of the title. It’s not hentai manga.
Trials (Nicolas Wilson) 5 stars
One human, and an alien race with some very unusual methods of arriving at consensus! Toughest negotiations you’re ever likely to see. Gripping tale well told.
Vessel (Samuel Peralta) 5 stars
Another very short piece from Samuel, just under 1,600 words. I especially enjoyed this one because I read the National Geographic article which inspired it about the same time as the author did. Delightfully ambiguous in its implications. Is the ending good or bad for the human race? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
The Grove (Jennifer Foehner Wells) 5 stars
Loved this story! Told from the point of view of an alien plant lifeform. The protagonist meets a member of an alien race who has been enslaved by a third alien race. Jennifer tells us in the afterword this is an origin story for a character in another novel. I can’t wait to read that!
Life (Daniel Arenson) 5 stars
A very alien lifeform indeed, which appears in the story solely in the form of a photograph. Bill Gaines would have loved to publish this as a story in one of the EC comics! I enjoyed it immensely.
Second Suicide (Hugh Howey) 5 stars
A tale of alien invasion of Earth, told from the point of view of one of the tentacle monsters serving in the invasion fleet. When you’re in the alien military, life’s a bitch, and then you die, and then they resurrect you in a new body, and it’s back to work! But how long can this go on? Hugh delivers a story worthy of his awesome rep.
Overall, 4.47 stars average. Doubtless, some of the stories I liked less than the rest will be your favorites, and vice-versa. If you enjoy good science fiction, and especially some wonderfully divergent aliens, you must not miss this anthology!
March 6, 2015
Once again I got sucked into a book of short stories, of which many were just what I was looking for. As I've done previously, I'm just going to highlight the stories I enjoyed the most, aside from Second Suicide by Hugh Howey. I previously reviewed Second Suicide separately while I was on my Hugh Howey kick and see no reason to repeat too much of what I've already said.
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force by Blair S. Babylon
This story was well told. I did see the end coming before the reveal, but definitely not at the beginning where it would have made the story less enjoyable. This was a great story to start out this anthology and I enjoyed it. The narrator introduces us to Blake right out of the gate and what a story Blake has to tell. Blake was a "guest" of a rebel force of aliens and our narrator is obviously entranced by her story. I'll leave you to figure out why, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am interested in reading more by this author.
The Kholorian Conspiracy by Geoffrey Wakeling
There were elements of mystery and suspense in addition to the story's main characters being aliens. All around this was a fun read. The main character, Seralah, is part of an archaeological dig where an ancient artifact is stolen. Seralah. The author did a great job of making the reader feel at home in this alien culture and I really enjoyed it. Seralah ends up in precarious circumstances as she investigates the theft. I believe The Kholorian Conspiracy was five chapters, which is one of the longer stories in the anthology. The story well written and the characters are engaging. I very much enjoyed my time spent in this universe. The author states in the afterword that The Kholorian Conspiracy loosely ties into his CRYO series, which I am interested in checking out when I have some free time.
318 by Autumn Kalquist
This story is an exploration of some of humankind's less flattering characteristics. It is a story about destroying and using what you don't understand and rationalizing that behavior. It is also about the desire of the human spirit to be free; uncontrolled by others who may think what they are doing makes them above the law so to speak. I was drawn into this story right away. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Hanging with Humans by Patrick Fitzgerald
This was really a fun story and I enjoyed it. Glendorp Freundzap is an alien who wins a trip to Earth in disguise as part of a game show. In some ways this was a silly story, but that was part of its charm. I think to explain too much about it would take away the fun of reading the story so I'm going to have to stop here. In my opinion this is one of the better stories in the book.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn by Peter Cawdron
I found this story to be quite humorous. Imagine if you were to find that your neighbors were aliens on an intergalactic mission. What would you be able to tell people about them? Would anyone believe you? What would you say? What would you do to help your alien friend? These questions and more are explored by the author in this entertaining tale.
Second Suicide by Hugh Howey (see previous review)
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I read and reviewed Second Suicide previously. It is the last story in this anthology and a great way to finish off this collection of stories. Please see the review from February 2015 if you would like a more in-depth review of this story.
Once again, a good anthology with David Gatewood as the editor. I've enjoyed the future chronicles series of anthologies and have found some excellent new authors to keep an eye out for along the way. I have only highlighted a few of the stories in this anthology as I'm always afraid of explaining too much when it comes to shorter fiction, but I enjoyed the book greatly. Short stories are one of my favorite pastimes and I hope you take the time to enjoy these stories as much as I did
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force by Blair S. Babylon
This story was well told. I did see the end coming before the reveal, but definitely not at the beginning where it would have made the story less enjoyable. This was a great story to start out this anthology and I enjoyed it. The narrator introduces us to Blake right out of the gate and what a story Blake has to tell. Blake was a "guest" of a rebel force of aliens and our narrator is obviously entranced by her story. I'll leave you to figure out why, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am interested in reading more by this author.
The Kholorian Conspiracy by Geoffrey Wakeling
There were elements of mystery and suspense in addition to the story's main characters being aliens. All around this was a fun read. The main character, Seralah, is part of an archaeological dig where an ancient artifact is stolen. Seralah. The author did a great job of making the reader feel at home in this alien culture and I really enjoyed it. Seralah ends up in precarious circumstances as she investigates the theft. I believe The Kholorian Conspiracy was five chapters, which is one of the longer stories in the anthology. The story well written and the characters are engaging. I very much enjoyed my time spent in this universe. The author states in the afterword that The Kholorian Conspiracy loosely ties into his CRYO series, which I am interested in checking out when I have some free time.
318 by Autumn Kalquist
This story is an exploration of some of humankind's less flattering characteristics. It is a story about destroying and using what you don't understand and rationalizing that behavior. It is also about the desire of the human spirit to be free; uncontrolled by others who may think what they are doing makes them above the law so to speak. I was drawn into this story right away. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Hanging with Humans by Patrick Fitzgerald
This was really a fun story and I enjoyed it. Glendorp Freundzap is an alien who wins a trip to Earth in disguise as part of a game show. In some ways this was a silly story, but that was part of its charm. I think to explain too much about it would take away the fun of reading the story so I'm going to have to stop here. In my opinion this is one of the better stories in the book.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn by Peter Cawdron
I found this story to be quite humorous. Imagine if you were to find that your neighbors were aliens on an intergalactic mission. What would you be able to tell people about them? Would anyone believe you? What would you say? What would you do to help your alien friend? These questions and more are explored by the author in this entertaining tale.
Second Suicide by Hugh Howey (see previous review)
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I read and reviewed Second Suicide previously. It is the last story in this anthology and a great way to finish off this collection of stories. Please see the review from February 2015 if you would like a more in-depth review of this story.
Once again, a good anthology with David Gatewood as the editor. I've enjoyed the future chronicles series of anthologies and have found some excellent new authors to keep an eye out for along the way. I have only highlighted a few of the stories in this anthology as I'm always afraid of explaining too much when it comes to shorter fiction, but I enjoyed the book greatly. Short stories are one of my favorite pastimes and I hope you take the time to enjoy these stories as much as I did
January 9, 2015
An anthology of great short stories depicting alien life. This is not normally something that I would read, but I wanted to expand from my comfortable reading zone and I'm sure glad I did. The stories that resonated with me are:
Guests of the Chatterer Liberation Force by Blair Babylon
A group of kids at a college party where Wellington hears Blake tell a story of the time she and her friend Ellis were taken hostage by the CLF, an alien terrorist group. Story of how two people deal with trauma. Fantastic read and I was blown away by the ending.
Uncle Allen by Will Swardstrom
Story of Rachel visiting her grandmother and Uncle Allen. Her grandmother is in the beginning stages of dementia so she is helping out at the house. While cleaning out the attic, Rachel finds a key and a journal page having to do with Allen's birth. The two try to figure out what it all means.
Emily May by Moira Katson
A freighter hired to haul a salvage freighter in space. An odd time warp, ghost ship story that leaves you with questions.
12 other wonderful stories also included. I will gladly step out of my comfort zone if I can read more stories like these.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Guests of the Chatterer Liberation Force by Blair Babylon
A group of kids at a college party where Wellington hears Blake tell a story of the time she and her friend Ellis were taken hostage by the CLF, an alien terrorist group. Story of how two people deal with trauma. Fantastic read and I was blown away by the ending.
Uncle Allen by Will Swardstrom
Story of Rachel visiting her grandmother and Uncle Allen. Her grandmother is in the beginning stages of dementia so she is helping out at the house. While cleaning out the attic, Rachel finds a key and a journal page having to do with Allen's birth. The two try to figure out what it all means.
Emily May by Moira Katson
A freighter hired to haul a salvage freighter in space. An odd time warp, ghost ship story that leaves you with questions.
12 other wonderful stories also included. I will gladly step out of my comfort zone if I can read more stories like these.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2015
This was a good addition to the "Chronicles" series of anthologies. I did not like all the stories so I gave it the 3 stars. The ones I did like deserve 4 or 5 stars on their own. Highlights include stories by Autumn Kalquist, B. V. Larson and Daniel Arenson.
May 15, 2016
This was a mixed bag. Some of the stories felt more like advertisements to purchase the author's novels than complete stories that stand on their own. Others were pleasantly surprising and had nothing to do with the author's other works. A few gems in a bag with colorful glass.
February 9, 2015
Aliens! Short stories! I love short stories. And aliens.
December 19, 2021
Alien Chronicles is an excellent anthology. Usually, such anthologies with multiple authors are more of a mixed bag. This contained only one story I really didn't like. The first 3 stories were all great and started the collection off strong.
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force
by Blair S. Babylon
Great story featuring interesting aliens and also explores two contrasting reactions after an extended traumatic experience. I also enjoyed the author's commentary afterwards sharing how she came up with the idea for this story.
Uncle Allen
by Will Swardstrom
Emotional story of a woman caring for her declining grandmother and discovering a mystery regarding her uncle.
The Kholarian Conspiracy
by Geoffrey Wakeling
An alien archaeologist studying a mysterious artifact finds herself in danger, but also blocked from finding out more.
318
by Autumn Kalquist
I disliked this story's emotionless narrative, although I think that was intended and makes sense for what the character was going through. Also, turns out not to actually have aliens.
Crawlies
by Annie Bellet
Exciting story about Sadie, an ambitious orphan who finds unexpected help and friendship with aliens she feared.
The Insect Requirement
by B. V. Larson
A story with a nasty leader, but a fascinating concept. Lots of planets have been discovered, but none truly habitable for humans. This newly discovered planet is the real deal . . . except for one minor, if unpalatable, adjustment humans must make to live there.
Hanging with Humans
by Patrice Fitzgerald
This was the one story I really didn't like. An alien comes to Earth as part of game show. It introduces some interesting ideas if they were explored (a sentient species who mate like praying mantises), but the story here is cavalier.
Emily May
by Moira Katson
An interesting time-travel horror story on a spaceship.
Remember Valeria
by W. J. Davies
Interesting story featuring bird-like aliens, a new idea for me, but I can't say if it's really the first. The botched virus that led to mass murder was very disturbing. I'm confused as to why Nordic names were used given where he ended up in the end.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn
by Peter Cawdron
Don't be put off by the title. The title makes sense, but its more of a flippant comment. Its an amusing story.
Trials
by Nicolas Wilson
I love the concept for this story, wherein individual explorers travel to newly discovered planets to establish alliances. The protagonist travels to a planet rated 9 out of 10 on the danger scale. While it ends unclear on survival, the author's commentary reveals this to be an untold story from his Nexus series. I will definitely check out the series.
Vessel by Samuel Peralta
I enjoyed the thoughtful exploration of an unusual perspective, but would have liked it further developed into a story. Also, not really aliens.
The Grove by Jennifer Foehner Wells
Fabulous story! It combines the kind of thought-provoking conceptual development of the previous story with a very exciting plot.
This story continues or I think maybe more just linked to the third book in the author's Confluence series: Inheritance, which I will have to read soon. Hopefully, I won't be too lost without having read the first 2 books.
Life by Daniel Arenson
How would we humans actually react upon seeing an alien? This story provides an interesting answer with a twist at the end.
Second Suicide by Hugh Howey
This story ends the anthology on a high note!
No one can truly die as they'll just put your consciousness into a new body . . . but it's not so great as it sounds. The characters are stuck endlessly in the military of an aggressively expanding empire. Suicide will only get you a hefty fine.
Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force
by Blair S. Babylon
Great story featuring interesting aliens and also explores two contrasting reactions after an extended traumatic experience. I also enjoyed the author's commentary afterwards sharing how she came up with the idea for this story.
Uncle Allen
by Will Swardstrom
Emotional story of a woman caring for her declining grandmother and discovering a mystery regarding her uncle.
The Kholarian Conspiracy
by Geoffrey Wakeling
An alien archaeologist studying a mysterious artifact finds herself in danger, but also blocked from finding out more.
318
by Autumn Kalquist
I disliked this story's emotionless narrative, although I think that was intended and makes sense for what the character was going through. Also, turns out not to actually have aliens.
Crawlies
by Annie Bellet
Exciting story about Sadie, an ambitious orphan who finds unexpected help and friendship with aliens she feared.
The Insect Requirement
by B. V. Larson
A story with a nasty leader, but a fascinating concept. Lots of planets have been discovered, but none truly habitable for humans. This newly discovered planet is the real deal . . . except for one minor, if unpalatable, adjustment humans must make to live there.
Hanging with Humans
by Patrice Fitzgerald
This was the one story I really didn't like. An alien comes to Earth as part of game show. It introduces some interesting ideas if they were explored (a sentient species who mate like praying mantises), but the story here is cavalier.
Emily May
by Moira Katson
An interesting time-travel horror story on a spaceship.
Remember Valeria
by W. J. Davies
Interesting story featuring bird-like aliens, a new idea for me, but I can't say if it's really the first. The botched virus that led to mass murder was very disturbing. I'm confused as to why Nordic names were used given where he ended up in the end.
Alien Space Tentacle Porn
by Peter Cawdron
Don't be put off by the title. The title makes sense, but its more of a flippant comment. Its an amusing story.
Trials
by Nicolas Wilson
I love the concept for this story, wherein individual explorers travel to newly discovered planets to establish alliances. The protagonist travels to a planet rated 9 out of 10 on the danger scale. While it ends unclear on survival, the author's commentary reveals this to be an untold story from his Nexus series. I will definitely check out the series.
Vessel by Samuel Peralta
I enjoyed the thoughtful exploration of an unusual perspective, but would have liked it further developed into a story. Also, not really aliens.
The Grove by Jennifer Foehner Wells
Fabulous story! It combines the kind of thought-provoking conceptual development of the previous story with a very exciting plot.
This story continues or I think maybe more just linked to the third book in the author's Confluence series: Inheritance, which I will have to read soon. Hopefully, I won't be too lost without having read the first 2 books.
Life by Daniel Arenson
How would we humans actually react upon seeing an alien? This story provides an interesting answer with a twist at the end.
Second Suicide by Hugh Howey
This story ends the anthology on a high note!
No one can truly die as they'll just put your consciousness into a new body . . . but it's not so great as it sounds. The characters are stuck endlessly in the military of an aggressively expanding empire. Suicide will only get you a hefty fine.
June 28, 2017
Guest of the chittering liberation - 3/5
Uncle Alan - 3/5
The Klorian conspiracy - 4/5
318 - 3/5
Crawlies - 4/5
The insect requirement - 2/5
Hanging with humans - 3/5
Emily May - 4/5
Remember Valeria - 4/5
Alien space tentacle porn - 5/5
Trials - 4/5
Vessel - 2/5
The grove - 4/5
Life - 5/5
Second suicide - 4/5
I'm not going to write a review for every story. I don't think that's very necessary.
318 - This was a good story but I don't see how genetically modified humans qualify as 'alien'. Personally I don't think they do, which makes me wonder why this story is in this anthology.
The insect requirement - The one was also good but the writing was confusing. Once you got into the story it became easy but a few times during the story I didn't understand what I was reading. the writing just wasn't clear on what was happening during a few paragraphs. The writing itself was still good but the descriptions definitely need work. The story itself was just good.
Hanging with humans - The thought that an Alien reality TV show would be earths end is just terrifying. It really makes you feel small and scared of possibly advanced aliens we have yet to discover.
Life - My favorite story of the whole anthology. Also, in my own opinion, it was the most creative.
I'm not sure I would recommend this unless Science Fiction is your favorite genre. Personally this anthology fell a bit flat. There were many stories worth reading but also many more that weren't. It's definitely a mixed bag.
Uncle Alan - 3/5
The Klorian conspiracy - 4/5
318 - 3/5
Crawlies - 4/5
The insect requirement - 2/5
Hanging with humans - 3/5
Emily May - 4/5
Remember Valeria - 4/5
Alien space tentacle porn - 5/5
Trials - 4/5
Vessel - 2/5
The grove - 4/5
Life - 5/5
Second suicide - 4/5
I'm not going to write a review for every story. I don't think that's very necessary.
318 - This was a good story but I don't see how genetically modified humans qualify as 'alien'. Personally I don't think they do, which makes me wonder why this story is in this anthology.
The insect requirement - The one was also good but the writing was confusing. Once you got into the story it became easy but a few times during the story I didn't understand what I was reading. the writing just wasn't clear on what was happening during a few paragraphs. The writing itself was still good but the descriptions definitely need work. The story itself was just good.
Hanging with humans - The thought that an Alien reality TV show would be earths end is just terrifying. It really makes you feel small and scared of possibly advanced aliens we have yet to discover.
Life - My favorite story of the whole anthology. Also, in my own opinion, it was the most creative.
I'm not sure I would recommend this unless Science Fiction is your favorite genre. Personally this anthology fell a bit flat. There were many stories worth reading but also many more that weren't. It's definitely a mixed bag.
August 18, 2017
I love the Chronicles anthology series, and this is no exception. There's a variety of stories here, most at least above-average, with some being gems. The best are "Guest of the Chitterer Liberation Force," "Trials," "The Grove," and "Second Suicide." The last is my personal favorite, with an excellent '90's Outer Limits' style twist ending.
I also enjoyed "Uncle Allen," "Crawlies" and "Alien Space Tentacle Porn." I like these authors' writing styles and will keep an eye out for their other work.
"318" also deserves recognition: It's very dark, very well wrtten. But there's no aliens in it, so it seems an odd choice for the anthology.
I high recommend this anthology and look forward to reading others of the series.
I also enjoyed "Uncle Allen," "Crawlies" and "Alien Space Tentacle Porn." I like these authors' writing styles and will keep an eye out for their other work.
"318" also deserves recognition: It's very dark, very well wrtten. But there's no aliens in it, so it seems an odd choice for the anthology.
I high recommend this anthology and look forward to reading others of the series.
June 22, 2017
A good selection of short stories. As with all anthologies, different readers will find different stories stand out, but there's something for all fans of science fiction, and all are well written and well edited.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed most of the stories in this book. They were varied, extremely unique and well told. The last one was fabulous!!
December 20, 2018
a fairly average collection of stories.
July 10, 2020
Some good shorts. Some not so good shorts. Favorite was Life.
September 7, 2020
Mixed bag, some were great, some were really forgettable.
September 27, 2021
Great collection
Another excellent collection of short stories, not a bad one amongst them. I’ll definitely be looking up these authors for more of their writing.
Another excellent collection of short stories, not a bad one amongst them. I’ll definitely be looking up these authors for more of their writing.
September 16, 2022
Excellent. Lots of bugs to work out lol.
September 7, 2015
The Alien Chronicles is an anthology composed of various authors in the sci-fi genre. Needing a break from the traditional novels/series that's well over 400-500+ pages, I thought this particular "Chronicles" series should provide some relief. There are a couple of other in the series but I decided to stick with the Aliens theme first just to get a feel for how it goes. If its to my liking, I'll definitely be reading the other themed Chronicles series in the future.
Due to it being an anthology, there's definitely going to be some stories that you will finding yourself liking more than others. I found that to hold true during my reading as well. The very good news is that the stories I enjoyed reading vs. the ones that I didn't like favors that of the former. The other good news is that even if you find yourself not liking a particular story, you could either skip over it entirely or continue reading like I did with the knowledge that it won't continue on for much longer anyways. That's one of the reasons why I decided to pick this up in the first place rather than read another 500+ page novel.
One of the stories I enjoyed the most was from Huge Howey called Second Suicide. What makes The Alien Chronicles so fun to read is due to how the story can be written and told from different perspectives. One story could put you in the footsteps of a scientist that recently discovered sustainable life on a bug infested planet to one where you'll get to read the thoughts of an alien getting ready to invade planet Earth. Rather than always seeing it from the human perspective of an incoming alien invasion which we've no doubt seen and read in countless movies and books, it's refreshing and fun to see it from the other side of the fence. Would the aliens have nerves of steel like we think they do or are they similar to us in that nervousness sets in as well?
If you like alien and not sure of what to read next, give The Alien Chronicles a try. If anything, you'll find a short story that you'll enjoy from a specific author in which you'll then be able to see their other current works. I honestly had a blast reading this anthology and I'll definitely be looking at the other themed series. Although not every story will be up my alley, that's definitely okay with me because well, it's a short story and they're meant to be short.
Due to it being an anthology, there's definitely going to be some stories that you will finding yourself liking more than others. I found that to hold true during my reading as well. The very good news is that the stories I enjoyed reading vs. the ones that I didn't like favors that of the former. The other good news is that even if you find yourself not liking a particular story, you could either skip over it entirely or continue reading like I did with the knowledge that it won't continue on for much longer anyways. That's one of the reasons why I decided to pick this up in the first place rather than read another 500+ page novel.
One of the stories I enjoyed the most was from Huge Howey called Second Suicide. What makes The Alien Chronicles so fun to read is due to how the story can be written and told from different perspectives. One story could put you in the footsteps of a scientist that recently discovered sustainable life on a bug infested planet to one where you'll get to read the thoughts of an alien getting ready to invade planet Earth. Rather than always seeing it from the human perspective of an incoming alien invasion which we've no doubt seen and read in countless movies and books, it's refreshing and fun to see it from the other side of the fence. Would the aliens have nerves of steel like we think they do or are they similar to us in that nervousness sets in as well?
If you like alien and not sure of what to read next, give The Alien Chronicles a try. If anything, you'll find a short story that you'll enjoy from a specific author in which you'll then be able to see their other current works. I honestly had a blast reading this anthology and I'll definitely be looking at the other themed series. Although not every story will be up my alley, that's definitely okay with me because well, it's a short story and they're meant to be short.
February 20, 2017
It is very rare that you get an anthology in which you enjoy almost every single story in the book, this is that rare book.
March 5, 2015
They ARE Out There
This anthology is a fresh take on the question, ‘Do Aliens Exist?’ Personally I think they do.
Each story offers a unique view of a universe filled with aliens. The talented authors approach this interesting subject in vastly different ways. There are what I refer to as hard science fiction, and soft science fiction stories. Wondering how the next tale portrays the writer’s vision held my interest. This is a page-turner, in every sense of the word.
A quote from one of the hard science fiction stories, “Odin stood before Sigurd in the shiny metallic transportation chamber of their ship, the Vitellius…Sigurd tapped the room’s lone computer terminal with a talon…”
This quote is from one of the soft science fiction stories, “Her mug fell from her hand…In only a few minutes, the last bytes of data would arrive---arrive from out there…”
Give this anthology a try. You may discover your next favorite author!
This anthology is a fresh take on the question, ‘Do Aliens Exist?’ Personally I think they do.
Each story offers a unique view of a universe filled with aliens. The talented authors approach this interesting subject in vastly different ways. There are what I refer to as hard science fiction, and soft science fiction stories. Wondering how the next tale portrays the writer’s vision held my interest. This is a page-turner, in every sense of the word.
A quote from one of the hard science fiction stories, “Odin stood before Sigurd in the shiny metallic transportation chamber of their ship, the Vitellius…Sigurd tapped the room’s lone computer terminal with a talon…”
This quote is from one of the soft science fiction stories, “Her mug fell from her hand…In only a few minutes, the last bytes of data would arrive---arrive from out there…”
Give this anthology a try. You may discover your next favorite author!
May 9, 2015
I finally read this last week. It's been lounging about on my Kindle for sometime, and I'd forgotten it. I've been pushed for time lately, so I sorted through my Kindle looking for short things to read, and found his book, again. It turned out to be just what I needed. None of the stories are too long to read in a single sitting. I loved four or five of them. Of the rest, only two were not to my taste, and the rest were pretty good.
I remember that I bought this anthology because a few of these authors are familiar to me, and I always like their work. They did not disappoint me. But I was surprised that my favorite of the bunch is a story by an author I've never heard of before now. I loved Crawlies, by Annie Bellet. That story had all the SF elements I enjoy the most, stuffed into a short story and flavored with the best kind of humor.
I enjoyed the greater majority of the stories, and I have a new author to stalk. Ahem, just kidding. Anyway, I'm glad I remembered to read this.
I remember that I bought this anthology because a few of these authors are familiar to me, and I always like their work. They did not disappoint me. But I was surprised that my favorite of the bunch is a story by an author I've never heard of before now. I loved Crawlies, by Annie Bellet. That story had all the SF elements I enjoy the most, stuffed into a short story and flavored with the best kind of humor.
I enjoyed the greater majority of the stories, and I have a new author to stalk. Ahem, just kidding. Anyway, I'm glad I remembered to read this.
January 8, 2015
I completed reading this book with an advance copy I received in exchange for doing a review of this book. The stories are short and well written. One additional item that make the book really great is the explanation after most stories about how the author brought the story into existence. All the stores have links to the Author's home page. I felt three of the stories were not as good a fit with the anthology as the rest of the 15 stories. The BIG question that remains is: "If we were to meet aliens from another world today: Are we ready?" See what the authors think. What do you think? I thought all the stories were well written, but downgraded the collection because of the three stories that were a poor fit with the rest.
May 1, 2015
WOW! This was such a fun book to read, the different take and angles from each author was so fun and so interesting that I wished some stories were much longer. I really really enjoy books like this, it keeps the entire story fresh and keep you wanting more.
Some of the stories gave me the chills, especially about the ones where the invade and take over planets, that gave me the chills.
If you like sci-fi and a varying collection of authors in a single book, you should definitely get this book!
Some of the stories gave me the chills, especially about the ones where the invade and take over planets, that gave me the chills.
If you like sci-fi and a varying collection of authors in a single book, you should definitely get this book!
February 7, 2015
I never, ever read an anthology straight through. Until now. This is a terrific collection of short stories; there was really only one that didn't connect for me. I like that it had a focus, rather than containing a hodge-podge of sci-fi. I will note that reading this on the Kindle has a significant draw-back in that one cannot flip easily to the table of contents and check off the names of authors whose work one wants to peruse.
January 9, 2015
318
Finally some insight into the mystery of what Infinitek does with the Protected. 318 has been a lab rat for so long that she believes the lies that she's not human. As she gets tortured daily in the name of science, she's given up on feelings and hope. But someone comes along that just might remind her of what she's missing in life.
Finally some insight into the mystery of what Infinitek does with the Protected. 318 has been a lab rat for so long that she believes the lies that she's not human. As she gets tortured daily in the name of science, she's given up on feelings and hope. But someone comes along that just might remind her of what she's missing in life.
May 15, 2015
I am not a fan of short stories and could not get into this book at all. Hence the reason it took me over a month to finish. I liked some of the story lines, but as soon as it got interesting, the story was over. Was on a streak of bad books that I couldn't finish so struggled through this one just to say I finished it. Should have quit.
April 8, 2015
This collection of Chronicles are becoming a pleasant habit. after the first two (Robot Chronicles and Telepath Chronicles)
The authors are some of the best indie authors on the scene.
Each story has its own blend on the theme and everyone will find something to enjoy (I really hope everything, as I did).
Strongly suggested.
The authors are some of the best indie authors on the scene.
Each story has its own blend on the theme and everyone will find something to enjoy (I really hope everything, as I did).
Strongly suggested.
April 20, 2016
Good value eBook with some excellent short stories. I liked Vessel, Life, The Insect Requirement, Guests of the Chitterer Liberation Force and Alien Space Tentacle Porn. Maybe my favourite was the hilarious Hanging with Humans, which appealed to my love of the BBC's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio series. Worth 4.5 stars for those stories mentioned.
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