Thomas Marcinko’s new anthology, Astronauts and Heretics, treats the reader to seven highly entertaining and imaginative stories.
The first story, Faith in a Higher Power, tells of a world where super powers are strictly regulated and many treat their ‘gifts’ as an addiction. Despite this, the tale is playful and upbeat.
Next comes Whiter Teeth, Fresher Breath – a strange alien tale about raves and the sexual possibilities of dental appliances.
In Henry the Human Flea, the reader is faced with the true meaning of heroism.
Deep Space Sein is a hilarious mashup of Star Trek and Seinfeld.
The Nixon Wrangler’s Tale tells of a strange future filled with replicants from our past.
Next, the author satirizes one possible future on Earth when everyone has A Close Personal Relationship with Junior.
In Heretics, religious missionaries transmit copies of themselves to an alien species and get more than they bargained for in the process.
Most of the stories poke fun at, as well as question, our society’s religious or cultural values. If you are offended by religious satire, you might want to skip A Close Personal Relationship. However, this anthology gives the reader a few serious or creepy stories, a healthy dose of satire, as well as a few good laughs. The content was well written and original. If you are looking for a witty and diverting read, you’ll be sure to enjoy Astronauts and Heretics.
[…] Functional Nerds (Catherine Russell) on Thomas Marcinko’s Astronauts and Heretics. […]