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American Hippo
American Hippo: River of Teeth, Taste of Marrow, and New Stories | Sarah Gailey
38 posts | 30 read | 35 to read
In 2017 Sarah Gailey made her debut with River of Teeth and Taste of Marrow, two action-packed novellas that introduced readers to an alternate America in which hippos rule the colossal swamp that was once the Mississippi River. Now readers have the chance to own both novellas in American Hippo, a single, beautiful volume. Years ago, in an America that never was, the United States government introduced herds of hippos to the marshlands of Louisiana to be bred and slaughtered as an alternative meat source. This plan failed to take into account some key facts about hippos: they are savage, they are fast, and their jaws can snap a man in two. By the 1890s, the vast bayou that was once America's greatest waterway belongs to feral hippos, and Winslow Houndstooth has been contracted to take it back. To do so, he will gather a crew of the damnedest cons, outlaws, and assassins to ever ride a hippo. American Hippo is the story of their fortunes, their failures, and his revenge. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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swynn
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Pickpick

(2018) Here's two novellas and a couple of short stories set in an alternate 19th century America where hippos inhabit the Mississippi. They're basically western capers with hippopotamuses and an inclusive cast. They're light and a lot of fun.

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paisleyjess
Mehso-so

This is actually a couple of short stories and I wish the format had been longer to allow for more detail and character development. Interesting premise and a lot of knife slinging.

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Soubhiville
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My husband did good. I told him I thought I‘d quit my job so I have time to read all my new books. He laughed out an “oh really” so I think that‘s a bust. Oh well, I‘m looking forward to digging in to all of my new additions!

Chelleo 😂 2y
Aims42 It was worth a shot 😉 Looks like some great reads await you!! (edited) 2y
MrsMalaprop Baha, we should start a movement 🤣💪🙌. 2y
TheBookHippie They look so good though… 2y
78 likes4 comments
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rachelsbrittain
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Wall of bookshelves!

Crazeedi How artistic and beautiful 3y
Nessavamusic So pretty! 3y
See All 7 Comments
Oryx Beautiful 3y
LeslieO Oh I love this color coding! 3y
Skyrimir Love the shelves! Where did you get them? 3y
71 likes7 comments
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AutumnRLS
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Just finished Half a King. Now I'm going back to American Hippo to read the second novella and a few short stories.

14 likes1 stack add
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Avanders
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Finished decorating the tree (buggy helped 😁), baking “grinch” cookies (chocolate chip w some cherry chips and green food coloring 😜) for 2-and-a-half year old‘s daycare tomorrow... and reading an Alternate History (I‘m behind but finishing up last round ☺️). Not too bad for a December Sunday evening... 🎄🎅🏼💙

#LMPBC #CreatureFeature #groupv @MaleficentBookDragon @BethM @Bklover @TK421

BethM Cherry chips! 😍 4y
rachelsbrittain Love Sarah Gailey / American Hippo so much 4y
Bklover Cherry chips sound yummy! 4y
See All 9 Comments
Avanders @BethM @bklover they‘re so yummy... and something about that bright red color doesn‘t hurt too 😁🥰🥰 @rachelsbrittain it‘s so funny to imagine America that way! 😁😁🦛🐎🦛🐎🦛 4y
BethM On an unrelated note- do you drink loose leaf tea? 4y
Avanders @BethM oh I certainly do 😁😉 4y
Chrissyreadit How is American Hippo? 4y
Avanders @Chrissyreadit 😬 uh... #unpopularopinion I‘m really not loving it... but I‘m going to keep plugging along for a couple more days... Other people do seem to really enjoy this... 4y
Chrissyreadit 😂🤣 4y
76 likes9 comments
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Eyelit
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Pickpick

This was so much fun! Takes place in an alternate history where hippo ranching is a thing (and this actually almost happened, btw) and the entire South is kind of a den of miscreants as a result. This story follows Winslow Houndstooth, his hippo Ruby, and his gathered gang pulling of one last (not a) caper. We also get a follow up to the adventure and some short stories in this universe. I could do with more of these characters!

Schnoebs I‘ve only read the first book but I absolutely loved it! 4y
64 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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AutumnRLS
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Last week's book haul.

night_shift I really want that Caitlin Doughty book! Nice stack! 4y
AutumnRLS @UnidragonFrag thanks! I can't wait to read it. I loved from Here To Eternity. 4y
night_shift I actually haven't read that one yet, but I do own it and it's in a more immediate TBR list. She's just so cool! I've listening to some of her talks and watch her YouTube channel. I just noticed American Hippo in that stack.. that one is really good! 4y
See All 6 Comments
AutumnRLS @UnidragonFrag I have Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, but haven't read it yet. She's a fascinating person and a fantastic writer! I'm very excited about American Hippo. It's been on my radar for a while now and I loved Magic For Liars. 4y
night_shift Magic for Liars was kinda meh for me, but hippos as steeds is probably one of my fave things ever 😂 4y
18 likes6 comments
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elizabethlk
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Pickpick

Our latest #litereads week has ended with our completion of A Lady's Maid by Sarah Gailey. This story is a Victorian comedy of manners full of secret android technology. It was completely to my taste, and I had a lot of good laughs throughout. You can read my full review in the link below. Drop a comment to share your own thoughts on this story!

https://wp.me/p9KSXu-kB

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Avanders
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Yee-haw!! Rec‘d the last book for #LMPBC #creaturefeature ! 🦛🕺🏽🎠
Thank you @BethM for such an amazing package!! I‘m super geeked to read the WI books & the undead home improvement book! (None of which I‘ve read... but FYI you can always check my goodreads — it should be public 😉). I‘m sooooo excited for the Christmas Door County coffees!! ♥️♥️♥️ And the Halloween bookmark is so adorable!! 😍😍 Thank you for a perfect happy package! 🥰🥰🥰

BethM Ahhh good reads! I never think of that! I had some of the mistletoe magic and really liked it- it‘s dark chocolate flavored! 4y
Avanders @BethM mmmm sounds amazing. 🤤🤤🤤 I also always love the Door County coffees, so I‘m sure I‘ll love whatever it is... all the better for being Christmas flavored! 😍😄 4y
sharread Shotgun lovesongs! Awesome book! 🤩 4y
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Addison_Reads I love American Hippo! 💚 4y
Bklover Awesome treats!!!! 4y
Avanders @sharread @Addison_Reads I can‘t wait to read both!! 😘😘 @bklover I agree!! ♥️♥️ 4y
77 likes6 comments
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elizabethlk
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Our new (and late, I'm sorry!) #litereads pick is A Lady's Maid by Sarah Gailey. This steampunk short story was published a couple of years ago by the B&N SFF blog. You can find the link to read the full story in my full introductory post (in the link below). Drop a comment to share your thoughts on the story described as "A Victorian comedy of manners: Androids, bad clams, bad men, and one ambitious kitchen girl."

https://wp.me/p9KSXu-ky

elizabethlk Tagged a different work from the author since A Lady's Maid isn't on here. 4y
24 likes1 comment
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BethM
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#lmpbc and #cbbc mailed!

Chrissyreadit Yay! 😍😍😍 4y
Avanders 🥳🤩 4y
35 likes2 comments
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BethM
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Pickpick

A delightful romp, if not a creature feature. I imagine this is similar to how Quentin Tarntino would write a book. Ruby was easily my favorite. I was hoping that after Taste if Marrow the stories would be a continuation, but were instead background. They were still good though. One more book to go #lmpbc group V:)

Avanders Yay I can‘t wait to read this one! 👏🏽👏🏽☺️ 4y
40 likes1 comment
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BethM
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My body decided I was going to sleep all day, but as a result I am feeling a little bit better. Hopefully getting some reading in tonight. I love Kevin Hearne so his quote gives me so much hope for this!

Pogue I loved the first book. I am waiting for a hold for the second one. 4y
45 likes1 comment
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BethM
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Thanks for all the extras @Bklover ! Thinking good thoughts for your life 😘 #lmpbc

Avanders Wow that is a beautiful copy of Moriarty! 4y
BethM @Avanders I agree- and am just now seeing the face 🤦‍♀️ 4y
Bklover Oh I‘m glad you got it! And thanks for the kind thoughts. I bought that book because I loved the cover. There‘s a whole series of them. 4y
Avanders Lol sometimes it takes distance to see those subtle things 😆 4y
38 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Maike
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Pickpick

So I‘ve been missing in action for about a year and it has been a bit of a rough one. I moved to a new place but only some months later had to end a relationship of five years - so I‘ll have to move again soon. My dad had a heart attack, followed by a difficult operation. Aaaand I tore both ligaments in my ankle.
But I‘m ready to dive into Litsy again and want to recommend this fabolous hippo western novella collection. 😉

shanaqui Hope everything is back on track for you now! 5y
Lizpixie I hope things get better for you soon lovely! Thinking of you and your family.😘♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 5y
jmtrivera 💜💜💜 Glad you're back. 5y
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ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Welcome back - hope things are on the way up for you!! also - I loved the first book in this series - need to read more! (edited) 5y
sherryvdh Hope things are getting better. 💙 Happy to have you back! 5y
Jas16 I hope that better days are ahead. Welcome back!💜 5y
julesG Just now realized you're back! 😘😘 4y
Maike @julesG finally 😊😘 4y
44 likes2 stack adds9 comments
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Bklover
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@TK421 I loved this box! Jelly Flops are my new favorite thing. I love the idea of giving a home to the not-quite-perfect jelly beans! Thanks for the tea as well, and @MaleficentBookDragon I LOVE the bookmark!

“Lmpbc #groupVRound6
@BethM @Avanders @MaleficentBookDragon @TK421
OMG you guys- I just spent five minutes trying to figure out who the fifth member of this group is!😳😳🙄🤯

BethM 😂that‘s ok! 5y
TK421 I'm glad you like the jelly beans! Those hippo bookmarks are awesome right? 5y
Avanders Lol!!! I‘ve done that a few times myself... @MaleficentBookDragon @bklover @bethm @tk421 and.... and..... and...... 😂😂 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @Bklover @TK421 I know. I could not resist the bookmarks. They were too perfect to pass up. 5y
90 likes4 comments
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TK421
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@Bklover I forgot to post this the other day. I sent the next #LMPBC book out to you on Friday. You should have it next week. 😊
@Avanders @MaleficentBookDragon
@BethM

Bklover I need to send mine to @BethM 5y
47 likes1 comment
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TK421
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Pickpick

@MaleficentBookDragon I really enjoyed your #LMPBC selection! American Hippo was a fun Western romp where the constant threat of feral hippo attacks keeps you on edge. The cast was likeable enough, Archie was my favorite. The hippos were great. After reading this you want to give Ruby a hug. If you have ever wondered how an extremely pregnant assassin could saddle a hippo, this is the book for you!
@Avanders @Bklover @BethM

Avanders 👏🏽👏🏽can‘t wait to read it! 🦛🤠 5y
BethM Hahah that sounds awesome! 5y
Bklover Yay! Sounds fun! 5y
MaleficentBookDragon I loved Archie too. 5y
50 likes1 stack add4 comments
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TK421
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@MaleficentBookDragon I received your #LMPBC package yesterday! It's a hippoxtravaganza! I can't wait to read American Hippo! Thanks for the bookmark, toy hippo, zombie mints (not pictured), cow books, and I love the hippo drawing on the box! So is the drawing of the hippo very bad, or is it a drawing of a very bad hippo?
@MaleficentBookDragon @Avanders @Bklover @BethM @suvata
#LMPBC #creaturefeature

Tex2Flo That drawing is BEYOND! Wonder what it would look like as one of those toys that companies makes from chldren's drawings... 5y
LibrarianRyan ahhhhhhh 5y
Avanders 👏🏽👏🏽😍 5y
MaleficentBookDragon I think he is a little of both. 5y
BethM Hahah I love it! 5y
48 likes5 comments
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rachelsbrittain
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I loved this one on audiobook, but I'm loving it just as much in print

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rachelsbrittain
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So excited read this baby in print for the first time!

Schnoebs I read and loved the first novella 5y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
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MaleficentBookDragon
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Pickpick

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first novella was a delightful western caper. The second novella was okay, but felt rushed. The next story was meh. I really liked the last story; how Archie met Carter. I had a couple issues with the writing style but the idea and story are solid. Not quite the creature feature horror book I was looking for, but a fun ride all the same.
#LMPBC #GroupV
@BethM. @Avanders @TK421 @Bklover

TK421 I'm looking forward to reading this one. 😊 5y
Avanders Yay! 👏🏽👏🏽♥️ And also, 👆🏽what @TK421 said ☺️ (edited) 5y
Bklover Can‘t wait! 5y
57 likes3 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
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The Shuddering #bookhangover continues. A cozy was just not working for me. Perhaps another creature feature story will. #LMPBC #GROUPV
@Bklover @BethM @tk421 @Avanders

TK421 I've heard that hippo books are a known cure for book hangovers. 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @TK421 it is. I'm sucked in already. 5y
Bklover Yay! Can‘t wait to read it! 5y
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DogEaredBooks I loved this book! Enjoy! 5y
Avanders 👏🏽👏🏽 yay! 5y
Avanders Oh also — I saw the cozy you sent — thank you!!!! ♥️♥️ I have been soooo busy and haven‘t posted squat, but I really appreciate it!! 🥰🥰🥰 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @Avanders you're welcome. I went on another kindle cozy binge.😁 5y
65 likes1 stack add8 comments
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rachelsbrittain
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So in love with this cover and excited to reread this awesome duology-- plus I think it has some bonus short stories at the end?

(Also hint hint about an upcoming episode of the podcast...)

BookmarkTavern Bonus short stories?! I do not need a third copy of these books. I do not need a third copy of these books. Dang, I‘m going to need another copy of these books, aren‘t I? 5y
38 likes1 stack add1 comment
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MaleficentBookDragon
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It looks like we have a great bunch of creatures to read about over the next 5 months. @BethM can you email us your address? MaleficentBookDragon@gmail.com
#LMPBC #GROUPV

LauraJ Your group is going to be fun! 5y
Marmie7 Fun choices! 5y
BethM Sent! Thanks for doing the graphic! 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @BethM Well, it was do this graphic or one for news, so...😉 5y
Avanders 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 so fun!! 5y
46 likes5 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
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My choice for #LMPBC #GROUPV #ROUND6 is American Hippo. I'm very excited for our Creature Feature group!
One question - do we want to send just the book or the book with a couple bookish gifts? I'm up for either.
@Avanders @BethM @TK421 @Bklover

LibrarianRyan Can‘t wait to hear how you like this. I keep picking this book up at the store but I have yet to buy it. 5y
TK421 I'm ready for some chaotic hippo action! 5y
BethM Either! 5y
Avanders Yay! 👏🏽👏🏽 I‘m also cool with whatever — just let me know the rules 😁🥰 5y
Bklover Either way- sounds like fun! 5y
52 likes1 stack add5 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
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In case you can't tell 😊 this is one of my favorite genres. Here are some more choices in case the others didn't do it for you. @TK421 @Avanders @Bklover @BethM
#LMPBC #GROUPV #ROUND6
@suvata

Bklover Wow! This will be so much fun! I have a question. I was going to post the Subterranean and Borne as well as I already have them. If not, not a problem. I haven‘t really started looking yet 5y
Avanders All sound fun!! I was recently reading about American Hippo and am totally intrigued ... but every one you posted is a good choice for me! 😄 5y
LibrarianRyan AMERICAN HIPPO!!! I should have joined this group. But I already have two. 😅 5y
Bklover American Hippo sounds awesome!! 5y
44 likes4 comments
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TheLibrarian
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Pickpick

All you need to know is that this is about an alternate America where hippos rule the swamp that was once the Mississippi River. I may be biased because hippos are my favorite animal, but I really enjoyed this book.

American Hippo contains 2 novellas and 2 super short stories.

Tamra Super adorable lights! 5y
TheLibrarian @Tamra Thank you! And they squeak. 5y
rachelsbrittain Loved these books! 5y
61 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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TheLibrarian
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#bookhaul from Changing Hands in #phoenixaz - such a great bookstore with a bar (coffee and beer) in it.

I‘m really excited about the tagged because I love hippos!!

TheNerdyProfessor I loved Fruit of the Drunken Tree! 5y
jen_hayes7 Changing Hands is awesome!! Great picks!! 5y
88 likes2 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
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Thank you, thank you @catiewithac ! I love everything in my #scififantasyswap 📦! American Hippo was on the top of my wish list since I discovered it last month. I am a HUGE Pocky fan (I may have eaten 4 packages so far 😊). I opened this last night and put the night light in my bathroom. I love how it changes colors 💚💙 ❤. The socks are amazing and go well with the Steampunk book. 👇

MaleficentBookDragon @catiewithac and finally, the shark magnet is on my fridge. 🦈🦈🦈 👍
And thank you @Avanders for an amazing swap. Happy Birthday!🎉🎂🎉
5y
catiewithac I had a lot of fun shopping for you! 😉 5y
bullbunny I also love Pocky!! 5y
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LibrarianRyan Those socks are amazeballs 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @bullbunny they are the best. 5y
bullbunny My favorite are almond crunch, strawberry, than cookies and creme. But the chocolate banana is good too 5y
MaleficentBookDragon @bullbunny I love the plain chocolate and want to try the strawberry next time I see them. 5y
bullbunny @MaleficentBookDragon our Smiths store has the four flavors. Idk where you are located but west side we have a store called that XD 5y
Avanders 🧬🦄♥️♥️👏🏽 And thank you!! 🥰😍😘 5y
68 likes10 comments
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TieDyeDude
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Pickpick

Beautiful sketches like this separate the different stories in this collection, which brings together two novellas and two short stories. An alternate history where the United States imported hippopotami to the Mississippi River for meat and, for a select few, transportation
But that's just background for a fun, violent heist story with a crew of badasses
LGBTQ, nonbinary, and none-of-your-business characters respectfully portrayed and normalized

Suet624 Love this review! 5y
TieDyeDude @Suet624 Thanks! 5y
31 likes2 comments
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AshHisson
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Pickpick

I adore this collection. It‘s so well written and the story is gripping. I‘m a little obsessed with hippos now. 5/5 #alternatehistory

DivineDiana It looks interesting, but I‘m wondering if any hippos are harmed? 6y
AshHisson @DivineDiana Yes, I‘m afraid so. (edited) 6y
21 likes2 comments
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Waynegjr
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Can‘t. Wait. To. Read. This.

33 likes1 stack add
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ReadingEnvy
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Pickpick

Oh goodness this was a lot of fun. A hippo-Western alternate history with a team of diverse assassins? I can guarantee you've never read anything like it. This is River Teeth plus another novella and two stories in the same universe. eARC from publisher, but I'm a bit behind, it came out May 22.

vivastory I've only read the first one, but I loved it. Might have to buy this one 6y
ReadingEnvy @vivastory I'd say the second novella and how it continues with the characters is totally worth it. 6y
vivastory Is there going to be more? Or is the series finished? 6y
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ReadingEnvy @vivastory I can't find the answer to that but one of the extra stories is also available (possibly in another version but it certainly starts the same) here: https://www.tor.com/2018/04/18/worth-her-weight-in-gold-sarah-gailey/ 6y
TheBookStacker Just ordered it! Looks amazing! 6y
vivastory Great. Thanks! 6y
65 likes7 stack adds7 comments
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shanaqui
Pickpick

Received to review! If you've read the novellas before, then this is less worth picking up: there are two short stories, one featuring Houndstooth and Ruby, one Archie and Ruby... and a certain Marshal. They're fun, but perhaps not worth the price of admission if you have the two novellas already.