Book Review: Anomic Bombs by Thomas Norford

Synopsis

Do you fit in? Me neither. I wrote these stories for weirdos like you and me.

A messed up kid keeps a mightily upset alien prisoner in his barn. Carnage ensues.
A hunter pairs up with a mysterious girl to track down a terrifying humanoid predator. Carnage ensues.
Aliens commandeer the body of the wrong Taylor Swift. Carnage ensues.
A marshmallow toasting fork turns out to be a sacred relic of an alien empire. Carnage ensues.
You get the idea.
One of these short stories isn’t very short, but I included it anyway. Because it doesn't fit in.

The Review

If you're on the hunt for an eclectic mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and a splash of horror, Anomic Bombs by Thomas Norford might just be your next read. Norford has a remarkable talent for conjuring worlds that are as alien as they are engaging, making this collection a treasure trove for fans of otherworldly adventures.

The collection opens with “Love and Other Bioweapons,” a story entirely from an alien perspective. Norford's knack for depicting alien cultures and mindsets is evident here, as he explores a deeply strange but curiously relatable alien society. This first story sets the tone for the rest of the collection, teasing readers with inventive ideas and memorable characters.

The standout tale for me was “The Sacred Furcula of Yukiang the Bird-Whale,” a classic hero’s journey that takes readers on a madcap adventure through a world crammed with alien creatures, ferocious monsters, and wily robots. This story’s humour and winks at the reader are spot-on. Norford’s wit shines here, delivering sly jokes that balance the intensity of the action. Hissaq and Tavian, the protagonists, feel like old friends by the end, and their tale lingered with me long after I’d turned the final page.

Norford doesn’t just stick to new territory, though. For those familiar with his earlier work, “Scourge of the Unblessed” offers a return to the universe of The Starved God. There’s a rewarding sense of continuity here, deepening the experience for returning readers without alienating newcomers.

As with any good short story collection, there’s something for everyone, from psychological sci-fi horror in “Lamia” to the sheer absurdity of “Child of Destiny,” which throws in a pop star with alien possession for good measure. Each story stands out on its own, but together, they create a multifaceted experience that feels both fresh and timeless.

Anomic Bombs delivers a vibrant, wryly humorous, and occasionally chilling ride through realms only Norford could dream up. Highly recommended!