Book Review: A Yuletide Universe

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Yuletide Universe     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Brian M. Thomsen
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction   Fantasy   Mystery   Holiday   [Short Stories]
Aspect, Nov 2003, $12.95

This sixteen story collection runs the gamut of speculative fiction from fantasy to science fiction to horror. The tales are broken into four major categories with several entries in each one. The sections are Santa Shorts (this reviewer’s personal favorite grouping), Santa Substitutes, Variations on Holiday Theme, and Classic Tales of Christmas Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Whimsy. With one exception, the stories are all reprints from various publications ranging as far back as 1964. In fact two are from the first half of the twentieth century; two from the 1960s; two from the 1970s; five from the 1980s; and four from the 1999s. The contributors are some of the best writers of fantasy, horror or science fiction around past and present.

A YULETIDE UNIVERSE is a strong anthology that will elate readers that enjoy a wide gamut of well written stories from the three genres or just appreciate holiday tales. Whether it is Baum, Harte, Gaiman, Ellison, or Barker etc. this is a sure shot stocking stuffer for those appreciate solid seasonal speculative stories.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner