Reviewed by annieb123 on
A Very Scalzi Christmas is a collection of 15 short pieces by John Scalzi. Due out 30th Nov 2019 from Subterranean Press, it's 144 pages and will be available in a signed limited hardback format. According to the author's website, there -will- be ebook and audio versions for sale at some point.
This is a mixed box. There are 3 short stories, a number of conversational blog type entries (some collected here from his online blog or other outlet), some freeform commentary, a couple of 'interviews' with important seasonal people (Santa's reindeed wrangler, and lawyer, specifically), and assorted other pieces. The book is pure Scalzi: snarky, humorous, surprising, poignant.
This would be an excellent selection for Scalzi fans. I personally am a fan of Scalzi's work, and more than half the book left me satisfied and entertained. What I enjoyed almost as much as the written content was the wonderful artwork by Natalie Metzger. She has a clean and whimsically wonky style which suits the writing very well. It reminds me a little bit of Rick Geary in some ways. Anyhow, it really works in the context of this book.
Four stars; an entertaining short read with lots of illustrations.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 28 November, 2019: Reviewed