Thoughts on Tails of the Apocalypse

Tails of the Apocalypse will make you cry; no doubt about that. The short stories in this book do not have happy endings, yet this is still highly recommended because of the tenderness of the narrative.

The title of the book gives itself away. It has 14 short stories that are set in the post-apocalyptic world with few human survivors and their furry or winged faithful companions. The stories talk about the bond that humans share with animals, but in this book, the bond ends abruptly yet poignantly with tenderness and hope thrown in between despite the characters’ desperate situation.

Most of the stories are part of bigger anthologies, and this book is a clever way of introducing those anthologies on the radar of readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre. If you are just a plain emotional masochist at the same time an animal lover, this book is perfect so you can cry your eyes out.

The Water Finder’s Shadow by David Bruns

This story is set in a world where water is scarce but the most precious currency. Polluk, a water finder, is waiting for his faithful dog to pass away as he also loses his ability to locate water. The description of an ill old dog is all too familiar to those who have witnessed their beloved pet grow old right before their eyes. Polluk’s love and dedication to his dog, Shadow is the gem of this short story. It’s a bittersweet tale of how Shadow’s passing gave way to Polluk’s freedom. The simple but heart-warming narrative makes the story brilliant and unforgettable.

When You Open the Cages for Those Who Can’t (a Breakers short story) by Edward Robinson

This is a story about a young girl named Raina who is one of the few survivors of a plague that consumed almost the entire population including her parents. She tries her best to take care of the cats and dogs left in the animal shelter where her mother used to work. Despite being helpless herself, she bravely takes on the task of a caretaker to these abandoned animals. The story stands out because it’s about making a choice between taking care of herself first or leaving the animals behind. Her attempts to provide the love and security to these animals makes her a brave individual because she risks her safety. In the end, she realizes that in a world where all hope is gone, she sets the animals free and prays that somehow they will find a place where they’ll be safe. It’s a story about letting go — as difficult as it is, she has done the right thing out of love, compassion, and the need to survive.

Protector by Stefan Bolz

It is a story about a young boy and a wolf pup who are both scared but stay strong where everything can be taken away from them in an instant. Jack saved a pup when it was trapped. In a place where wolf meat means survival, Jack chooses compassion when he set the wolf free. Jack and the pup go on a parallel journey, but the pup vows to protect Jack and his tribe. Jack’s life changes completely when he is one of the few survivors from a savage attack in their village. The author didn’t need to use dramatic words to describe the savagery, survival, and faithfulness of the characters. Despite the simplicity and innocence in the narrative, the emotional impact will hit you when you least expect it. It’s a very sad ending, but it offers a glimpse into a future where the pup’s heroic deed is sung until he becomes a legend.

The Poetry of Santiago by Jennifer Ellis

In this story, a stray cat is a hero. The setting is in present-day Pompeii where Mt. Vesuvius’ wrath always looms. The tale is told in the eyes of a stray. It cleverly depicts how difficult it is for stray animals to survive in a city where they have to compete for food and shelter. It’s a story being told by an old cat complete with meaningful insight. That narrative makes the story endearing and will make you read until it’s sad but a heart-warming ending. The stray cat, named Santiago by an old man, tries to warn his master of impending doom by leading him away from danger. The old man and Santiago shared a magical bond because of their past and their present. Although their future together is doomed, the story is a memorable tale of a shared experience of loss and a feeble attempt to survive.

Demon and Emily (a Symphony of War short story) by David Adams

The story opens with the lines, “I’m Demon. I’m a good boy.” Right off the bat, I fell for the story — hook, line, and sinker until its end. Demon tells his story amidst the confusion and fear of something dangerous that he could not understand. All he knows is that he needs to protect Emily and her family from danger. The child-like description as events unfold makes you wonder if dogs indeed think life in a very simple but kind point of view. His selfless act and dedication to Emily make you want to read the story until its utterly devastating end.

Keena’s Lament (a Weston Files short story) by Hank Garner

This story combines the story of the Biblical Flood and the Nephilim myth seamlessly. It is a story of a Nephilim who finds an abandoned puppy and names it Keena. The narrative of this story is poetic but not overly dramatic. The Nephilim’s bond with Keena despite its simplicity is loaded with history and tenderness. In the end, when the Nephilim lays his best friend to rest, their story is only the beginning of something magical and wonderful.

Tomorrow Found (a Wasteland Saga short story) by Nick Cole

This story portrays that mothers — no matter what species - are tender, brave, and above all, selfless. The mother dog is willing to let her runt go to ensure its survival. She knows that in the company of a human being, her helpless pup will live a long life despite the world’s impending doom. Eventually, a man, almost broken and on the brink of hopelessness, found the pitiful runt and together they set on a dangerous journey to look for the past. This story ends with a hopeful note when the unlikely heroic duo found a library that will explain the past and also help usher in a less bleak future.

Pet Shop (an After the Cure short story) by Deirdre Gould

Parrots — even a surly one can be heroes, too. This story is set in a zombie apocalypse where zombies are the source of income for survival. It is a simple story about a parrot named Shirley and a compassionate but reluctant hero named Joe save each other from man’s cruelty and greed. Joe makes a decision to be compassionate that almost costs him his life. In the end, he is able to find hope with a bird. The story is very simplistic — it’s the good guys vs. the bad guys. Still, this story cannot be dismissed because the plot digs deep on what a person should choose he/she be presented with difficult choices. In the end, the story tells us that kindness still matters and that what makes this story poignant and hopeful.

Kael Takes Wing (a Mayake Chronicles short story) by E.E. Giorgi

The story is set where humans are physically impaired but enhanced through robotics. The story is about an injured brown falcon adopted by humans. The story has tenderness and hope that is cleverly woven into a story of broken but unbeatable humanity. What struck me the most is the scene where the falcon found his nest showing signs that the mother passed away. The bird says goodbye with quiet but sad acceptance. The beauty of the scene is a reminder that despite death, life is still worth living.

The Bear’s Child by Harlow C. Fallon

This story is smartly written without losing its heart-wrenching emotional punch. The main character, Anya, suffers from a disease that slowly consumes the body and the mind. The first part of the narrative is written in an angry and bitter tone, yet as the story progresses, it becomes tender and bittersweet.

Anya finds peace and comfort in the welcoming presence of a bear who lost her cubs. The bear’s death made Anya realize what she could have with the family she hates and lost in a savage attack. The story also banks on the beauty of life after death when the bear describes how peaceful it would be to leave the cruel world behind and join her cubs in a place where they will never go hungry. The author cleverly suggested the possibility that Anya’s communication with the bear is only a hallucination because of her disease. Hallucination or not, the story successfully suggests that all living creatures share a meaningful connection.

Wings of Paradise by Todd Barselow

Todd’s debut as a writer with this short story shows his caliber as a skillful storyteller that can weave an engaging tale. He deftly used metaphors in the story to stir emotions from the reader. The story is set in the post-apocalyptic Philippines after mankind is almost wiped out from the place of the planet. He was able to put Davao at the forefront of the narrative as his animal characters — bats (indigenous to the province) and budgies (inspired by his beloved birds) lead the story about showing either forgiveness or cruelty to the remaining human beings. The characters are well-developed — complete with morals, complexities, and intelligence as they decide on the fate of humanity. Todd successfully portrayed what it’s like to depend on other creatures’ mercy in order for humans to survive. In a world he created, the humans are the prey and victim of its own greed and callousness. Despite the grimness of the story, the younger bats and budgies’ decision to show mercy makes the story hopeful and triumphant.

Ghost Light by Steven Savile

The story is set after a nuclear bomb has been detonated that wiped out almost the entire human race except for a few survivors of a doomed flight. The story is about those survivors who see shadows in the dark and these shadows have morphed into creatures that wait for their death. The main character decides to find his way home on foot as he sees the image of his faithful dog guiding him along the way. The author was able to play with our minds as the story ended in an M. Night Shyamalan twist. Despite that narrative style, the story still successfully portrays the loyalty of our furry friends until our dying days and that emotionally can shred the readers’ hearts into pieces.

Kristy’s Song (a Pennsylvania short story) by Michael Bunker

The story is set in a time where living in a world without microchips in the brain tags an individual as a rebel. It’s a story about everyday struggle to survive with a faithful companion who wants nothing in return but a sandwich, a few scratches, and a song. Despite the loving narrative, you will be at the edge of your seat as the main character runs for her life every day. Luckily, she has her dog Kristy who instinctively knows her way around the city so they can avoid drones that will catch them. It’s a fast-paced story with a heart. The ending of the story will leave you smiling and hopeful for the characters, yet you know deep inside that they will only be safe for a day or two.

Unconditional by Chris Pourteau

This is the ultimate story of loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love between a boy and his dog. The dog waits for his master’s return after the whole family was taken by the Storm of Teeth. The longing and anxious waiting of the dog for his master’s return is painful to read. The simplicity of the narrative, as the story is written in the perspective of a dog, makes it tender but sad. The ending makes you feel emotionally devastated but oddly relieved because the dog makes a painful choice for his master who returns as an undead being.

My Opinion about the Book

Overall, the stories are triumphant in portraying the animals’ loyalty and friendship. It makes me want to hug my dogs even if they chewed some of my favorite shoes. This book also reminds me of the love and friendship I shared with my dogs who are now doing stupid and fun doggy things on Rainbow Bridge. I know I’ll feel their wet kisses on my face someday.

To all the writers, thank you for the wonderful stories. It shows how you care for your faithful furry friends and that makes you all precious human beings.