Only one profession is at once more reviled and revered than any other. That of the hired blade. The paid killer.
The assassin.
The When Swords Fall Silent anthology showcases the imaginations and talents of more than a dozen of the best modern science-fiction and fantasy authors, with each tale centered around one or more characters burdened with a bloody task they will see to completion no matter the cost. Featuring writers such as Michael J. Sullivan, Terry Mancour, Andrew Rowe, Marie Brennan, and many more, every story takes you for a vicious ride through a world of shadow and death, each as unique in perspective and execution as the contracts carried out within.
As so often with anthologies, When Swords Fall Silent has some stories I loved, some I liked, and one that didn’t really work for me.
Overall the quality was really high, and I enjoyed the read!
Here’s a bit about each story:
May Luck Be with You by Michael J. Sullivan:
What a joy, especially if you are a fan of Royce (in this case minus Hadrian).
This is an origin story, and I loved to see where he came from and what brought him on his way to where we meet him in the main series.
War Powers by Jonathan French:
I’m not a fan of nazi stories, or alternate history blended with scifi.
I’ve had enough Nazis in German school curriculums, and sadly again when I watch the news these days… However the characters are good, and so I still enjoyed it, despite not being a favourite.
Mortopia by M.L. Wang:
This one also definitely lived through the characters. The story I found a bit weird, and I’m not sure the setting in the far future really managed to convince me. The morality question posed was intriguing though!
The Twists of Fate by Peter Flannery:
Another one that is fine, just not exactly my favourite flavour. I’m not really into Fae mostly, but I did like the bit of banter and dialogue enough to keep me happy.
Tabula Rasa: Training Day by Luke Chmilenko:
While I generally like LitRPG and progression fantasy, this one didn’t do it for me at all. For a quick story the character creation was way too long winded. I’m fine with it for a good long book, when I want to know all.the other options, so I understand the world. Here it just felt slow. I also didn’t really click with any of the characters.
Dead Run by RJ Barker:
One of my favourites! Weird, dark and unexpected, just like I came to expect from this author. I really enjoyed the setting, but the characters are what made this one stand out!
Pearl’s Price by Marie Brennan:
I was a bit neutral for most of this story, however the end really hit the nail on the head, and turned the story into something special I will think off for a while yet.
Sons of Nightfall by Philip C. Quaintrell:
Another one I really enjoyed! Ex assassin turned ranger now going up against other assassins? Count me in! I also really enjoyed the side characters and the banter. I hope this has a series that goes along with it, because I want to read more!
Why I’m Tired of Stones and Symphonies by Andrew Rowe:
I loved the unexpected direction this one went. Can’t really say much without spoilers, but definitely a favourite!
Sword in the Shadows by Jay Boyce:
I have no real idea what this was about, but I liked the characters and the glimpse into the wider world. An assassin whose disguise is being a librarian? I’m intrigued!
The Ax of Lahareed by David Dalglish:
I liked the rebellion theme here, and the world was my main draw.
Ghost of the White Wood by JA Andrews:
I love the author’s series, so having a little extra is a treat. It works well as a stand alone story, but you definitely get more out of it, if you know how it connects to the bigger picture.
A Simple Thing by Bryce O’Connor:
I adored the tone and voice here. The story itself was not that special, but the narration had me easily hooked! I’d happily read the whole “journal”, not just the little snippet.
Mission of Mercy by Terry Mancour:
While the twist was a bit predictable, I still really liked the set up and the questions about ethics and guilt.
