The fifth and final installment in the Shapers of Worlds Anthology series is here. Shapers of Worlds Volume V draws to a conclusion the collection of short stories featuring some of today’s top voices in the science fiction and fantasy worlds. These stories you find inside will be the perfect final selections for the Shapers of World anthology collection. These stories will surprise you, glue you to the pages, and have you finding new favorite authors to check out and devour their works respectively.
Shapers of Worlds Volume V features a cover that depicts a science fiction-themed element. A backdrop of what appears to be a cityscape has a ball of electrical energy boiling in the middle of the cover. All around this ball are pieces of the buildings on either side of it. It appears that the ball of electricity is devouring everything around it. This is further implied by a person like being at the base of it, appearing to be pulled apart, and into it a piece at a time.
Simplistic in its colors of black, white, darker creams, varying shades of dark greens and teals, this cover draws the eye of readers and piques their interest in what will be found within its covers. Will there be twisted discoveries made within? Or will the path leading to the electric orb simply take apart the world we know, piece by piece?
Shapers of Worlds Volume V is an anthology with a dynamic collection of science fiction and fantasy stories by a wide cast of authors. Each selection presents readers with a unique story that will draw readers in and pull them to the edge of their seats. Each story has a beautifully illustrated picture to accompany it that further brings each tale to life.
Shapers of Worlds Volume V kicks things off with a tale about a rusalka. This short story, written by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, is quite the contribution to this anthology. A tale told by a young woman as to how she came to be what she is. The story is riveting, and a touch heartbreaking at what this young woman endures in her short years in this world. Her story, while tragic, will draw you in with questions, but will ultimately leave you satisfied.
One story that really stood out for us was “The Bones of Heroes” by Chadwick Ginther in Shapers of Worlds Volume V. Author Ginther blends horror with fantasy that we’re sure will have you page-turning to find out what happens next. Of course, the lure of a story about dragons is sure to draw most fantasy-loving readers to this story. The deeper you go, though, those who enjoy horror will be quick to settle in and not wish to be disturbed as they page-turn to find out what happens next.
Looking for something that will have your jaw on the floor when you’re done reading it? Well, that will be a hard story to settle on. Editor Willett knew what he was doing when he pieced this anthology together. Shapers of Worlds Volume V has quite the selection to choose from, and there are quite a few stories that will have you wondering… “What did I just read?!” In a good way!
Shapers of Worlds Volume V is packed with dynamic tales that take you to distant worlds, into twisted places where there is no way of getting out…at least…not alive…and into dream worlds where little is as it seems. This anthology is packed with twists, surprises, and unique characters.
Some of the stories that you’ll find will leave you with questions and put you on a quest to discover more. The big question that will arise with some of the stories found in Shapers of Worlds Volume V is this – will some of these authors choose to expand their stories to full-length novels? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Can you imagine being Cupid in a world where technology dominates? Dating apps being all that people focus on? Romance? Basically dead. We should probably thank author Brad C. Anderson that Cupid doesn’t need people’s devotion to survive. The struggle he endures to find perfect matches is hard enough! But of course, in Shapers of Worlds Volume V, the challenges are more. Yes, this is going to be one of those stories where you tilt your head to the side and give a heavy frown. LOL!
Picture yourself as a talking animal – you escape an island where a particularly infamous doctor has been experimenting on you and others for years. Freedom is at hand, but now you find yourself in the middle of a Martian invasion?! Can you imagine?! Well, that’s exactly what author Brian Trent decides to put his characters through. Editor Willett knew exactly what he was doing when he put this story in the Shapers of Worlds Volume V, so prepare to be intrigued!
Readers will find within each story throughout Shapers of Worlds Volume V a beautifully illustrated image that adds a bit of pop to each story. You never know where these images will appear in a story, but when they do, you’ll find yourself pausing to study them. To take in the detail that each holds, and seeing just how they connect to their particular story.
Shapers of Worlds Volume V keeps readers on their toes with each unique story that they are presented with. The big question constantly is – “Where is this particular author going to take you?” Are you going to be swept away to a deep space planet? A familiar place on Earth, but with a huge twist that you’re not going to see coming? Will you experience thrills? Or will you find yourself trapped inside a nightmare with no escape?
When is the Truth not the truth? When is it that a rumspringa isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you? When is that the only “good gornak is a dead gornak”? When is it that Cupid is practically put out of a job thanks to the wiles of technology? You’ll find all these answers and more in Shapers of Worlds Volume V.
Looking for an anthology with a dynamic cast of stories? Then look no further than Shapers of Worlds Volume V. There is a story for everyone in this anthology. From dangerous AI to false truths propagated as the truth to murderous creatures fighting to end slavery across the world, these stories will ensnare you. Readers who enjoy stories that range from science fiction to fantasy with everything in between mixed in, you’re going to want to grab Shapers of Worlds Volume V.
Pros:
- Engaging
- Unique collection of stories
- Interesting characters
- Ranges from dark to humorous
- Covers a range of subjects and situations
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 