PAPER CITIES: AN ANTHOLOGY OF URBAN FANTASY is what you’d expect to find on Tori Amos’ bookshelf. Editor Ekaterina Sedia’s put together an anthology of cityscapes, where the locations are often at the world’s end. Writers are sometimes the main characters, with pretentious titles like “dreamcatcher” or “storyteller” (try claiming that to the IRS and see how quick you catch an audit!). Instead of meeting tomorrow, characters meet “in the morn.” These tales often span innocent, mystical times … and remind me of the reasons why I never liked Shakespeare or Doug Henning.

The much heralded BOOKGASM 100-page rule does not work with anthologies. When a collection of stories hits the desk, all of them get read. This is ultimately a good thing, for ever stinker, there’s something to redeem it. PAPER CITIES is no exception.
 
I’ve read urban fantasy stories, and they have their merit, but I had no idea about the history of these works until I read the excellent foreward by Jess Nevins. I usually read the foreword last, and they gave me some much-needed education and a unique appreciation of the genre. It could have gone on for a few more pages. Nevins traces the history back to ARABIAN NIGHTS, and I’m sure Neil Gaiman has done his share to carry the torch.
 
One of the better pieces — and completely demented subject matter — is Vylar Kaftan’s surreal “Godivy.” It’s about three stories, involving romantic overtures to a photocopier, a stripper, a mermaid and office-worker malaise so cleverly documented in THE OFFICE. And it’s only three pages long! Brillant, and I could probably ramble about the meaning for several days, but it stands apart from the rest of the stories in its originality and ending. Kaftan’s a voice I want to hear more from.
 
“Ghost Market” by Greg van Eekhout takes a nice parting shot at cheap celebrity. At least I think that’s what the meaning was. As with so many other stories in these anthology, the meaning seems deeper than the surface, functioning as metaphors for urban plight. Again, another short read, but compelling and to the point and fun to reread.
 
Lastly, “The Age of Fish, Post-Flowers” by Anna Tambour is a wonderfully confusing look at a post-apocalyptic world, where the city has been invaded by giant worms. Yeah, pretty cool, right? The kinda monster story you’d stay up reading all night. Unfortunately — and this is by design — Tambour cleverly steers away from the usual horror to focus on the day-to-day boredom of leaving in the shadow of a nightmare. It’s interesting and witty, but stumbles. I’d buy Anna’s book if she would expand it 200 or 300 pages.
 
As for the rest of PAPER CITIES? Urban fantasy has its followers. Sedia’s collection will please them, but won’t win over any converts. –Matt Adder

Buy it at Amazon.