Julie E. Czerneda & Jana Paniccia, Under Cover of Darkness

Under Cover of Darkness

Julie E. Czerneda & Jana Paniccia

Daw, February 2007, $7.99

ISBN: 0756404045

The premise of this enjoyable anthology is that covert groups working behind the scenes influence, and even cause major events to happen. The fourteen tales run the gamut from suspense thriller to science fiction, and even fantasy as the contributors develop secret societies that also range from total controlling to stand-by chronicler/watcher. The entries are interesting, though the short story format does not allow for major background development, especially of the clandestine societies (this reviewer would not mind several expanded into novellas). Still, these are exciting tales, whether they have the Freemasons pulling strings, the Scoria changing their existence, the Dancer in Toronto or elves warring in London. Suspense readers and conspiracy fans especially will appreciate this fine compilation of new stories of covert factions working behind the scenes.