You define life or it defines you. In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both. Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay.
That’s when New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story that Shawn could sell to help alleviate those bills—and suggested he ask the same of his other writer friends. Unfettered is the result: an anthology built in order to relieve that debt, featuring 23 short stories by Patrick Rothfuss, Terry Brooks, Tad Williams, Carrie Vaughn, Jacqueline Carey, Peter V. Brett, Peter Orullian, R. A. Salvatore, Todd Lockwood, Black Charlton, Daniel Abraham, Kevin Hearne, Mark Lawrence, David Anthony Durham, Jennifer Bosworth, Robert V.S. Redick, Eldon Thompson, Naomi Novik, Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson, Michael J. Sullivan, Lev Grossman, Terry Brooks, and, of course, Shawn Speakman.
With the help of stalwart friends and these wonderful short stories, Shawn has taken the gravest of life’s hardships and created something magical. Unfettered is not only a fantastic anthology in its own right, but it’s a testament to the generosity found in the science fiction and fantasy community—proof that humanity can give beyond itself when the need arises. After all, isn’t that the driving narrative in fantasy literature?
A great book for a great cause When I first heard of the book, and saw the author list, I immediately put it in my ‘must buy’ list. What intrigued me was the whole concept behind the book- that the writers would be able to contribute stories that have no specific theme, which isn’t very common in an anthology. I think that it led to some more quality work than might have otherwise been submitted. I especially like the brief intro…
Glad to have it. I notice many of the reviews have nothing to do with the quality of the book but the concept for which it was written. Mine will be on the quality of reading. It is very hard for me to give anything a perfect score. I have not read every story yet, but I have read enough to know I am glad I purchased this book. Of what I have read, Brandon Sanderson’s River of Souls and Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire stand out. I really enjoyed both of those…
A Wonderful Anthology (Originally posted on The ArchedDoorway)Normally in my reviews I’ll take a step back, and try to remove all bias. They’re formulaic: a description, the good, the bad, something else good, a general summary, and the release date of the novel, or the sequel, if there is one. That’s not something I did here. Be warned, this is a long one.Unfettered is a fantasy anthology, containing stories from many of the biggest names in fantasy out there right now. It’s a wonderful…