Steampunk! Edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant

The Blurb On The Back:

Welcome to Seampunk!

Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. A world of automatons, ornate clockworks and time travel, where scientists and dreamers, intrepid orphans and schoolgirls solve dastardly crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships.

Fantastically strange stories from fourteen masters of speculative fiction:
M. T. Anderson, Holly, Black, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Cory Doctorow, Dylan Horrocks, Elizabeth Knox, Kelly Link, Garth Nix, Christopher Rowe, Delia Sherman, Ysabeau S. Wilce, and graphic novel artists Shawn Cheng and Kathleen Jennings.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Link and Grant have compiled a fascinating compendium of boundary-pushing stories that would be a great introduction to anyone new to the steampunk genre.

Zombies vs Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

The Blurb On The Back:

Which is better, the zombie or the unicorn?

Some of today’s finest writers have chosen their side, creating dazzling stories about both creatures.

Team Unicorn edited by Holly Black:
Kathleen Duey, Meg Cabot, Garth Nix, Mango Lanagan, Naomi Novik and Diana Peterfreund.

Team Zombie edited by Justine Larbalestier:
Libba Bray, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Scott Westerfeld and Carrie Ryan.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier have compiled a YA anthology aimed at proving whether zombies are better than unicorns. It’s a thoroughly entertaining anthology that riffs on the traits associated with both creatures to original and entertaining effect.