Editor: L.J. Hachmeister
Authors: Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, D.J. Butler, E.A. Copen, Lucienne Diver, Hailey Edwards, Alex Erickson, A.J. Hartley, John Hartness, Faith Hunter, Sam Knight, Seanan McGuire, L.E. Modesitt, R.R. Virdi, L.J. Harchmeister
Publisher: Source 7 Productions, LLC
Released: March 7, 2023
Received: Own

Book Summary:

Instinct: An Animal Rescuers Anthology is, as the title suggests, a collection of sixteen different stories set in fantasy worlds. All but one (I believe) of those stories are set in an existing fantasy series, including Dresden Files, Jane Yellowrock, Mercy Thompson, Cainsville, The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy, Archform, Triorian Universe/Laws of Attraction, The Abandoned Lands, Talons & Feathers, Abbott in Darkness, The Latter Day-Olympians, The Bowscroft Series, Furever Pets, Quincy Harker, and Tales of Tremaine. Seanan McGuire’s story is the standalone story for those curious. In other words, if you’re a fan of any of these series and want a chance to see a bit of their story told through the perspective of an animal within this world, check this anthology out!

Bonus points: Book sale profits go to the Lifeline Puppy Rescue.

*I would like to say my deepest condolences regarding the loss of L.J. Hachmeister. Thank you for everything you’ve done. You will be missed.

My Review:

Admittedly, I mainly bought Instinct to read the stories from a few of my favorite series (Jane Yellowrock, Mercy Thompson, etc.) I also wanted to see what Seanan McGuire came up with for the standalone story in this anthology. Granted, I would have bought this anthology anyway once I learned the profits went to a rescue. I’m a sucker like that.

This anthology is worth buying even if you only like one of the listed series, as the perspective will be fairly unique. I should encourage an ounce of caution, as in several instances, the story is…heavy on animal death and abuse (the Mercy Thompson one is an excellent example of this. Think of the kitten in that world, and you’ll know what I mean).

I ended up reading all the tales in this anthology, even the ones for series I don’t actively read. It’s always fun to see what authors submit to anthologies, plus you never know whose writing you might end up falling in love with!

Highlights:

• Anthology
• Fantasy Author Collection
• Animals!
• Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Trigger Warnings:

• Animal Injury
• Animal Death

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