(4) YA From the perspective of leading female authors, this collection of nine short stories offers varied examples of what dystopic futures may resemble. A brief introduction from editors Marr and Armstrong adds context. Inconsistent quality limits impact, but fans of dystopias will likely appreciate the wide-reaching explorations of the concept in short fiction.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(3) YA Illustrated by Charles Vess. Ten authors--well-known names in speculative fiction--and both editors share unexpected takes on fairy/folktales and classic literature. A few standouts: Marr's selkie-centric "Awakened" (inspired by Chopin's The Awakening), Rick Yancey's dystopian "When First We Were Gods" (inspired by Hawthorne's "The Birthmark"), and Neil Gaiman's sinister "The Sleeper and the Spindle" (inspired by "Sleeping Beauty"). Charles Vess contributes six delicate line drawings.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) YA Protagonists of these sixteen short stories run the gamut from lovelorn ifrits to vampire rock stars to cannibal Girl Scouts. Humor rules Margaret Stohl's "IV League," in which a busload of southern "Drinker" teens embark on a New England college tour; Mary Pearson's story of a captured gargoyle is deeply poignant; Carrie Ryan's zombie dystopia "Scenic Route" is both chilling and hopeful. Entertaining and original.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano