Book Review: The Eclective: The Pride Collection

by: Jack Wallen, Shéa MacLeod, PJ Jones, Alan Nayes, M. Edward McNally, Rex Jameson, Heather Marie Adkins

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
The fourth short story anthology from the Eclective brings together seven writers from across genres, each contributing a unique take in recognition of LGBT Pride Month. Go Team Everybody.

"Saving Suzanna" by Rex Jameson - As Sara and Morgan struggle to escape the ruins left by the Northern Organizational Militia's campaign of terror, they hear the cries of an infant through the darkness. If they keep running north, they may save themselves… but if they stay and fight, they may just save their future.

"Shero: Glam, Bam, Thank You, Ma’am!" by Jack Wallen - Don't judge a book by it's cover and don't judge a queen by her smooth moves alone! Shero is honored to serve as judge for a local drag queen pageant. When all hell breaks loose, can Shero save the queens from a disaster worse than a loose gaff or broken heel?

"Gay Angels in Heaven" by Alan Nayes - A teenager learns having pride in who she is is far more important than what others think of her.

"Moon Blossoms" by P.J. Jones - Outcast from their colony, two sprites learn to accept that their love is not a sin against nature but a thing of beauty.

"Urbs in Horto" by M. Edward McNally - There are many gardens in the city of Chicago, and none are as different as they may seem.

"Be Careful What You Wish For" by Shéa MacLeod - Cross-dresser Ryan Roberts has always dreamed of being a real woman for just one day. He'll soon discover that when it comes to cupcake-addicted ancient Welsh goddesses, you should be careful what you wish for.

"Love & Disaster" by Heather Marie Adkins - Becca is finally marrying the woman of her dreams, but she’s frightened of what the future holds in a world that doesn’t accept their love.

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I'm a huge fan of Rex Jameson and I've known M. Edward McNally for ages on Facebook. I've never gotten around to reading his stuff until now.

I truly enjoyed all the stories. Saving Suzanna by Rex Jameson was so very dark and scary, especially given the political climate right now. I literally took the rest of the night off to digest this one. Gay people were being hunted like animals, and they all knew it would be a matter of time until other "undesirables" would be hunted as well. I'm straight, but as a pagan this was quite sobering.

That was followed by "Shero: Glam, Bam, Thank You, Ma’am!" by Jack Wallen, at first it seemed a strange placement. But having something so light, funny and LOUD was great. It lightened the mood considerably.

The rest were fairly serious but not overly so. I had never read such a story of fantasy as "Moon Blossoms" by P.J. Jones. 2 female sprites that find love, even at the cost of losing their homes.

Another funny one was "Be Careful What You Wish For" where Branwen grants a cross-dressing man his wish of being a woman for a day. Do you think he is happy and enjoys every minute of it? Us women know better. ;)

It's only 99cents at Amazon, and the entire book is in recognition of LGBT Pride Month.