Artifacts And Enigmas: Mysteries From Redemption By Darran M. Handshaw - An Excellent And Entertaining Collection Of Short Stories

Artifacts and Enigmas: Mysteries from Redemption by Darran M. Handshaw

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Not long ago, I read and reviewed the first book in the Chronicles of Actaeon series by Darran. When I learned there was a short story collection in that universe, I was all in.

Artifacts and Enigmas is a science fiction/mystery collection of eleven stories. Each one is separate, but they also tie in together by the end of the book. The book is set in more of a fantasy-like setting, but the characters explain events in scientific terms. The stories are from the point of view of two characters who are learned and expert in their given roles. Together, they go about solving and explaining a variety of bizarre crimes and is loaded with fascinating plot twists and turns, making it a very entertaining read.

In the ancient, ruined city of Redemption, Knight Investigator Aethelgard goes about his business solving crimes. He uses his powers of observation and deduction, and nothing gets by his keen senses. But when he is confronted with crimes involving Artifacts of the Ancients, he finds himself in need of help from his friend and Prince Engineer Actaeon, who is an expert in the areas of uncovering the mysteries of science. Together, these two are a team that gets to the bottom of all sorts of criminal activity that threatens the people of Redemption as their city is rebuilt.

Underlying everything lurks Aethelgard's longtime nemesis, who must be defeated.

My favorite plot point throughout all eleven stories is the friendship Aethelgard and Actaeon enjoy. For the most part, their relationship is excellent, although they don't always agree. Their friendship is tested along the way, but because of their sense of purpose and their understanding of the way the world works, and how people think and behave, they can resolve their differences to the benefit of both, and the people of Redemption.

My takeaway from Artifacts and Enigmas is the importance of teamwork. Each of the two principal characters have their areas of expertise, and when they are together, they are an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

I enjoyed this collection of stories. They are all high quality and fun to read. I didn't find any of the tales predictable, and each one has plot twists, making the reading experience enjoyable. This collection is highly entertaining and very well written. I recommend Artifacts and Enigmas for readers who like stories in the combined Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre, or for those who are seeking something uncommon in science fiction.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Darran M. Handshaw is the author of The Engineer and The Dark Heart of Redemption. In addition to writing, Darran works as an R&D Concept Engineer at a technology company where he invents and designs new products. He holds more than 110 patents in data capture, vision systems, and emergency services. Darran also volunteers as a firefighter with his local fire department, where he serves as an Ex-Chief and active firefighter and teaches fire prevention to the children of his community. Darran hails from Long Island, NY, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Stefanie, and incredible son, Corwin, who fill his life with love, wisdom, and endless adventures.

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Home on Derange by David Gerrold - Thirty Stories Designed To Be Entertaining And Perhaps Disturbing

Home on Derange by David Gerrold

I purchased Home on Derange directly from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In the introduction to this volume, David Gerrold writes:

"I suppose you are entitled to a warning.

"This is it.

"None of these stories are meant to be taken seriously."

He then proceeds to explain how the thirty entries in this anthology came into existence.

Home on Derange is a collection of thirty stories or other writings intended to be fun, and they most certainly are. It is a book full of varied speculations on life moving from the mundane into the extreme through the masterful use of language. If you enjoy reading tales with a twist, here is a book full of them. I found these stories so rich, I couldn't read them one right after the other. After almost every story, I had to set the book aside because my mind needed time to wrap itself around what I had read.

While I enjoyed every story in this book, I found a few favorites that stood out to me.

The first story is entitled "The Great Pan American Airship Mystery." A group of high-powered personalities take a trip on a passenger blimp across the United States. In their midst, there may be a threat as they discuss the more macabre aspects of their business.

Another of my favorites is "Crystallization." It is a look at a major city's problem of freeway gridlock if taken to the extreme. If you live in a rural area, this one will make you glad you do.

"The Kennedy Enterprise" is a speculation on what might have happened if the Kennedy family had gotten involved in Hollywood instead of entering politics. I found this one the most fun as I pictured JFK the way he was described. I couldn't help but laugh.

Those three represent only ten percent of what is contained in Home on Derange.

My takeaways from Home on Derange are twofold.

As a reader, I loved all the plot twists and swerves I found in this collection. These stories are all on the fringe and each one is bizarre. It is always nice to get away from serious sci-fi for a short time and enjoy something different. I found this an entertaining volume I will read again because there is so much to be found in those pages.

As an aspiring writer, I was mesmerized at the use of language. According to the author, every story, every chapter, every paragraph, and every sentence should be surprising to the reader. I loved the way he used the language to paint pictures of situations I found the characters.

Home on Derange is a marvelous collection of stories to read for fun and entertainment, as well as a diversion from life. If you're down, these stories will help one appreciate that no matter how bad one's own situation may be, it could be worse. A lot worse. They are all masterfully written and easy to digest a little at a time. It is not designed to be read from cover to cover in a single sitting. Each vignette is intended to be savored individually.

If you enjoy speculative fiction in small bites, this one is for you.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

David Gerrold lives in California with his son, daughter-in-law, and his toddler grandson. He is the winner of numerous awards for his writing. You can follow him on Facebook or through his Patreon page. He is a self-described curmudgeon, and you are highly advised not to tread on his lawn.

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