Robots vs. Fairies

December 4, 2017
Distinguished authors take sides in battles between robots and fairies by crafting serious (and seriously weird) reflections on whether magical or mechanical might would prove the stronger. In “Build Me a Wonderland,” Seanan McGuire envisions a Disney-styled playland where fae folk infiltrate and eliminate animatronic illusions to make a place where they can survive the coming climate apocalypse. Ken Liu creatively takes on big cities, rats, and unforeseen consequences in “Quality Time.” Madeline Ashby’s “Work Shadow/Shadow Work” is a poignant take on dealing with elders’ need for assistance as they become forgetful. Sarah Gailey’s “Bread and Milk and Salt” is a horrific rumination on the true natures of robots, fairies, and humans. Editors Parisien and Wolfe (The Starlit Wood) have cannily chosen a variety of stories that offer individual, distinctive insights into both living machines and magical creatures, along with glimpses of how humans might react to their face-off.

Starred review from May 1, 2018

This compendium of 18 short stories pit robots against fairies in order to determine which are the supreme beings in the universe. The supporters of Team Robot and Team Fairy ensure that whichever species becomes the new overlords, humans will have the means to understand how to best relate to them through this humorously styled guidebook. There is a retelling of Pinocchio and the Pied Piper, a hilarious conversation among three robots, and more. The anthology comes together well, using clever wordplay and balancing humor with tragedy, and the sinister with the silly, while delighting readers, who must ultimately decide to be on Team Robot or Team Fairy. Particular standouts include John Scalzi's, Seanan McGuire's, and Kat Howard's contributions. VERDICT A fabulous addition to short story collections.-Kristen Rademacher, Marist High School, Chicago

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2017

The Terminator vs. Tinkerbell. Who is the superior creature? This anthology of dueling genres (sf against fantasy) represents the battle royal for the title of supreme overlord. Seanan McGuire's "Build Me a Wonderland" proves that fae and automation can mix, even under the management of an efficiency expert. A man follows a group of tiny fairies as they travel through his home in Jeffrey Ford's "The Bookcase Expedition." A trio of robots explore items left from humanity in John Scalzi's humorous "Three Robots Experience Objects." These lively, action-packed, and emotional tales by the best writers in sf/fantasy allow readers to root for their favorite team or discover new pleasures in an unfamiliar genre. VERDICT Continuing their excellent teamwork (after The Starlit Wood), the editors highlight two popular character groups in speculative fiction. Exceptional storytelling and well-paced writing make this volume a total delight.--KC

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.