The Laundry is a super-secret department of British Intelligence that handles issues of a magical/occult nature. The stories in this series follow a particular operative, Bob Howard, as he handles the often dangerous assignments that come his way as part of the job. In this case, that job is unicorns.
I know, sounds ridiculous on the surface, doesn’t it? Trust me, My Little Pony…er, Unicorn, this ain’t!!! Charles Stross channels H.P. Lovecraft in a story that is both humorous and deliciously creepy. Equoid can be read as a stand-alone entry in this series and makes a great introduction to Bob Howard.
Today on SF Signal I review the Charles Stross novella, Equoid. I have not previously read any of Stross’ Laundry stories and the positive buzz I read about this story made me want to read it before I solidify my nominations for the Hugo Awards.
The novella can be read for free here, or formatted or your e-reader for $1.99.
My more thorough, non-spoiler review can be read here.
Sneak peek? You are going to want to add this to your TBR list. And you will never feel the same way about unicorns again…ever!
(Image credit: David Palumbo)
You have me very curious. Very curious.
I am going to head over to SF Signal to read your review.
It is quite the story. I should have read it when it came out last year, it would have been a perfect story to do a read and review of in October.
I’m a fan of THE LAUNDRY series so I need to read this new novella. Thanks for the non-spoiler review!
Yes, if you are a fan it is a must-read. I ended up paying the buck 99 just for the ease of reading it formatted for the Kindle. Reading short stories online is fine, but I don’t like reading longer works like this that way if I can help it.
I am not exactly sure what is happening, but I end up quite often with the stories published on Tor.com unread. Although most of those I managed to read were quite excellent and the art accompanying each story is always at the highest standards. Yet I fail to keep up with their stories. It might be that I fail to stare at a screen for a long time and I tend to lose my focus at some point. Even with my Kindle I tend to make small pauses from it, it still feels like a screen. 🙂
Anyway, I believe it is finally the time to read “Equoid”, especially since you wrote, as always, such an excellent review.
It is so hard to keep tabs on all the short fiction being released every month. Which is a good problem, in my opinion, but it does mean that things pass by unnoticed.
I am so impressed that Tor commissions art for each of these stories, and you are correct, they are top-notch illustrations.
Definitely but Equoid on your shortlist.
The artwork drew me to this, and I read it earlier this week. Didn’t even know what it was about but I loved the combination of humour and Lovecraftian horror. Added the first Laundry novel to my tbr list shortly after.
You can also get it for free on Kindle with Tor.com’s 2013 Best of collection: http://www.amazon.com/Some-Best-From-Tor-com-Edition-ebook/dp/B00FUWFAFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391185519&sr=8-1&keywords=some+of+the+best+tor.com+2013
Oh, great call Lauren, thanks for the link.
Yes, the art is very eye-catching, which it often is for these Tor stories.
I’m looking forward to picking up the first Laundry book sometime soon.
Oh perfect. Thanks for the link. I hate reading on my computer, and now I have something for those times all I have is my phone on me.
I’m the same way. I don’t mind reading posts on blogs, news articles and the like, but I’m not fond of experiencing story on a computer screen. Not fond at all.
i love the ridiculous! going to check this out!
I would very much enjoy your assessment of this one.
I’m with you on reading length articles or stories on a monitor. I usually pay for the download to my iPad or print it out.
I’ve done that with other Tor.com stories in the past. Not often, but sometimes the length makes me want to read it comfortably…and snuggling with the ‘puter ain’t comfy.