To begin, it was the cover of this anthology that initially caught my attention. Nevertheless, as I delved into the stories, I discovered a diverse collection of speculative fiction from the Nordic countries. When I say "diverse," I mean it in the truest sense; the stories share only the speculative genre, with no thematic or narrative continuity from one tale to the next. The unifying thread is the origin of the authors, all hailing from the Nordic region.

Despite the variety of genres—ranging from science fiction and fantasy to horror and paranormal fiction—there's a great deal of intriguing content in this anthology. It's clear that if you don't regularly read all these different genres, not every story will resonate with you. However, with such a broad range of narratives, there's something for everyone who has even a passing interest in speculative fiction.

I'm particularly enthusiastic about the increasing availability of translated fiction in the market, and I hope more readers will explore this anthology. The inclusion of such diverse voices is an enriching experience, and it's heartening to see these stories grace our bookshelves.

I would like to express my gratitude to both Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this anthology.

A quality collection of stories that does a great job highlighting how different cultures and backgrounds can impact the genres we love

I went into this collection relatively unaware of Nordic fiction, other than a very basic awareness of Nordic Noir.
It was, therefore, a great addition to this book to have a very informative introduction about the various Nordic countries, the Nordic "voice" in literature, and how the Nordic environment lends itself so well to works of speculative fiction.

I do think it is the nature of short story collections that not every story will resonate with every reader so there are some peaks and troughs in this work, particularly as it is speculative fiction, the range is so varied. I enjoyed most of the stories here, and I'm glad that I was able to read some things I normally wouldn't have considered for myself.

Almost every story in here I found really enjoyable, which does not often happen with short story collections, much less anthology collections all by different authors. Each story is very different, some are suspenseful ghost stories, some whimsical fables, and some are just plain weird (mostly in a good way). I felt like this collection really explores the full range of SFF, including all the weird things that usually only "technically" count (eg magical realism, ghost stories etc).
One story that I really enjoyed was False Fisherman - a whimsical and slightly dark story of a man who finds identity as a fisherman, even though he's never caught any fish.

I love this collection. I would definately buy this for anyone I know who is into Nordic fiction and I am hoping the library buy a few copies.

One of the best trends in SF, Fantasy and Horror has been the growing recognition is that these genres are not confined just to the USA and UK. Various traditions for these genres and a hist of new voices are being promoted and read by authors. Tolkien knew landscape shapes stories so we should not be surprised that those in other parts of the world bring their own unique spin on stories. The similarities and differences are always fascinating to explore. In Nordic Visions – The best of Nordic Speculative Fiction edited by Margret Helgadottir we have a really impressive set of tales covering the Scandinavian territories from Sweden all the way to Iceland and the Faroe Islands with a focus on who today are the prominent voices for the regions and a very fine selection of tales await the reader.

Among the stories I enjoyed were

She by John Ajvide Lindqvist – a young couple are just starting their dream life in their newly renovated home when the husband witnesses a 2am ghost. It’s a great piece of tension building as our narrator tries to rationalise the sight that he sees but then must accept the inevitable. Lindqvist pulls in Sweden’s recent dark past in an unusual way and it’s a fantastic opening tale.

Lost and Found by Maria Haskins – an impressive science fiction tale of a marooned women the sole survivor of her ship’s crash on an empty planet. Its eerie and as well as the outside we sense our main character is also avoiding her own truth about the situation. The haunting landscape makes the tale feel ominous and the finale is nicely open-ended as to what happens next.

Sing by Karin Tidbeck - is another fascinating tale of humans and their landscape but this time the focus is on a unique planet of settlers and what they have decided needs to be done to ensure survival. A young scientist befriends a shy tailor but his desire for the truth overpowers their blossoming relationship. There is a slow burn of horror in the tale as curiosity reveals a strange ecosystem and a desire for freedom takes hold. Another haunting tale.

The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen translated by Olivia Lasky – is deliciously strange but hovers more on the side of speculative fiction as a man decides to pretend to be a fisherman even if he never aims to catch fish. Obsession and destruction get explored and the finale is both funny and bleak.

Heather Country by Jakob Drud - one of my favourites is cyberpunk Scandinavian style with a two headed investigator on a motorbike investigating the theft of a prize pig famous for its manure. A tale so strange but remarkably works pulling in ideas pf genetics, capitalism and the urge to escape the man. Really loved the way it all comes together and pretty unforgettable!

The Abyss by Rakel Helsdal translated by Marita Thoomsen – is a wonderfully compelling slice of weird fiction. Our main character faces an endless climb or up down a set of bars. The tales changes shape in a dreamlike fashion with hints of why this is happening but never fully explained. The imagery is truly haunting and uncomfortable like a bad nightmare.

The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson – another fine horror tale as a young farmer and his wife are worried by a malevolent presence that gives their child horrific dreams. It’s a cleverly plotted tale where a simple apparent haunting has bigger under-currents and the ending is dark and nasty in all the best ways.

Hamraborg Babylon by Alexander Dan Vilhjalmsson translated by Quentin Bates – this is a seriously weird nightmarish ride of SF, Fantasy and horror very much in New Weird territory as our character makes her way to a forbidden city for unspecified purposes. It’s a compelling imagery clash of new world and old images like a trip into Hell with added tattoos, flesh markets and bone laden corridors. Its hypnotic writing and well worth your time to experience.

As You Wish by Tor Age Bringsvaerd translated by Olvia Lasky – an interesting SF/Horror mixture of miners on afar off world who have developed a stranger relationship with a local lifeform that can become your perfect ‘companion’. One character though refuses to let the alien take a pleasing form and that sets of a weird domino effect of changes. Issues of abuse, control and freedom collide in an unusual way with a fascinating finale making you ponder what happened next

The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad by Thore Hansen translated by Olvia Lasky – this tale has the initial feel of a children’s fable as a young boy discovers his dad’s secret but for me it’s a tale of the joy of fantasy being shared down the generations. How it brings escape from the ‘normal’ world and offers adventures you can only dream of – very charming!

A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margret Helgadottir - Another thought-provoking tale that mixes fantasy and SF imagines a future city isolated where humans gather from cataclysm. One of the local zoo’s lions has vanished and sinister hunter lies in wait. It’s a fascinating tale bring in climate change, our desire to destroy wildlife alongside our desire to exploit it. Full of imagery, metaphors and a sombre final act where the reader must decide which side to take. Really enjoyed this one!

There are a host of other stories but the striking them that comes about is how the balance of humanity, a punishing natural world often filled with darkness is somehow coming about in many of the tales. The characters are trying to survive in a world often not favourable to them and that can easily slip to triumph or catastrophe. Highly recommended for fans of exploring what the wider genre world has in it!

An interesting collection of short fiction but nothing feels like a complete story, just sketches. A broad swath of shorts, from a straightforward ghost story to pastoral doomed romances, and dystopian future tales. It hard to find a unifying theme, other than the feeling of being untethered from the familiar. An enjoyable tour of Nordic weird fiction but I’m not sure any of these will stay with me in the long term.

This is an exquisite collection of Nordic short stories. The Nordic countries have a thriving literature scene, which is much more than sagas and thrillers. Kudos for the authors to bring these stories to the rest of the world and for not forgetting The Faroe Islands and Finland. I love the eerie atmosphere in this selection of stories and would definitely recommend it.

Overall this was a great collection and I really enjoyed it. I do sometimes find anthologies a bit jarring and disjointed with their different authors, but these worked well together. There was a fairly broad theme and genre range but as someone who likes most genres under the 'speculative fiction' umbrella this was a treat. I also find sometimes with these kinds of collections there are great stories and stories I would rather have skipped through, but I don't think there was a single story in the collection I can say I did not enjoy to some degree. Definitely has opened my eyes to Nordic literature, and I would be keen to read more in the future!

As someone who is Norwegian, I'm very happy this collection exists as it will make speculative fiction from my part of the world more available to the rest of the world!

And honestly, I think the selection of stories did a good job of showing the "vibe" that nordic literature often has. Even though its speculative fiction, I found many of the stories to be down-to-earth, open ended, and set in dark, cold environments. Many also discussed climate change, and explored how a possible nordic future would look. Overall, I enjoyed most of the stories (although there is a reason I usually don't read that much nordic literature, and that's because I tend to not like it that much). There was also a wide selection of genres here - everything from pure horror to dystopian to science fiction.

The collection is separated into five sections, one for each country, and I held a little tally in my head for which country had the best stories. I hoped it would be Norway, but it ended up being Finland. All the FInnish stories were wonderful, with my favourite being The Wings That Slice the Sky, a retelling of the Finnish epic Kalevala.

All in all, a good anthology that gives a great introduction to Nordic writers!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this anthology, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have to admit that the cover was initially what drew me in, but I definitely stayed for the stories. This short story collection highlights a variety of speculative fiction from the Nordic countries. When I say a variety, I mean a variety. Other than all being speculative, there is no continuation of themes or ideas from story to story. The main link being that they are all from Nordic authors. That being said there are a lot of really interesting science fiction, fantasy, horror, and paranormal stories in here.

While it is clear that if you don't really read all those different genres you probably won't enjoy all of the stories, there is a wide enough variety for everyone who dips their toes into speculative fiction to find something that will capture their imagination in this collection. My personal favorites were "Sing", "The Dreamgiver", "The Cormorant", and the Finnish stories. I hope that more readers will check this out because I love seeing more translated fiction coming to my shelves.

Some of these were ok. Strong opener but then a bit of a let down from most subsequent stories. Lots of muddled imagery and weird translations. The stories just didn’t seem to work well together as a collection.

Not having much experience with Nordic story telling, I wasn't sure what to expect from this collection. I'm glad I requested it because it delivered several stories that were creepy and chilling!

Nordic Visions was the perfect collection to read as the weather has been steadily getting cooler, and it feels like a book that I can revisit if I want to cruise through some short stories on a spooky night.

I also really enjoyed that the editor included little bios on the authors of each story as I had never heard of any of them.

Check this collection out (on a chilly day) if you like spooky stories that leave you grasping for more and oftentimes force you to come to your own conclusions!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for the eARC of this title!!**

A great selection of stories from the cold Nordic regions. I was surprised by the range and depth of the subject matter, making this a great winter read. Perfect for snuggling up on a comfy sofa wrapped in a blanket, hot chocolate at hand and forget the awful weather outside.

This was a great concept and a way to introduce me and the readers to Nordic Speculative Fiction. It worked well overall and I enjoyed getting to read each story. It had everything that I was looking for and thought it worked overall. I enjoyed the fact that there were different genres and thought it worked overall.

I really enjoyed this collection of works from various authors throughout the Nordic region. Like most short story collections, not every story was a hit for me but I did enjoy the compilation as a whole and thought it was put together well. I also appreciated the explanation in the introduction. Glad that the book introduced me to authors I hadn't been aware of.

An odyssey into the heart of Nordic storytelling…..

Book Information

“Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction”, edited by Margrét Helgadóttir is a 352-page short story anthology scheduled to be published on October 3, 2023. Thank you to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

This anthology offers a fusion of Nordic speculative fiction, seamlessly blending the dark, noir undertones of Nordic crime fiction with the epic storytelling reminiscent of Icelandic Sagas. These stories, ranging from rational to eccentric, are deeply rooted in their landscapes, exploring themes of isolation and humanity's impact on nature. Featuring Sixteen narratives by leading contemporary speculative authors hailing from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, this collection promises an immersive journey through the diverse realms of Nordic storytelling.

My Thoughts

"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction," edited by Margrét Helgadóttir, offers a captivating journey through the world of speculative fiction from the Nordic countries. This anthology showcases an eclectic mix of sixteen stories, each classified by the author's country of origin, providing a unique glimpse into the diverse voices of the Nordic literary landscape.

From Sweden, we encounter the talents of John Ajvide Lindqvist, Maria Haskins, and Karin Tidbeck, whose contributions infuse the anthology with a rich blend of themes. Denmark brings forth the imaginative works of Kaspar Colling Nielsen, Jakob Drud, and Lene Kaaberbø, adding depth and variety to the collection. The Faroe Islands contribute the storytelling of Rakel Helmsdal, while Iceland is represented by the masterful tales of Johann Thorsson and Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson. Norway's presence is felt through the creativity of Tor Åge Bringsværd, Tone Almhjell, Thore Hansen, and Margrét Helgadóttir. Finally, Finland rounds out the anthology with the unique voices of Johanna Sinisalo, Hannu Rajaniemi, and Emmi Itäranta.

One notable feature of "Nordic Visions" is the inclusion of short biographies for each author, making it an excellent introduction to Nordic literary voices for readers unfamiliar with these writers.

The anthology's strength lies in its wide range of topics, encompassing themes such as paranormal, extraterrestrial, sci-fi, technology, folklore, and horror. The stories exhibit remarkable diversity in tones and subject matter, showcasing the breadth of speculative fiction within the Nordic region.

However, it's worth noting that a recurring characteristic of many stories is their abrupt endings, leaving readers wanting more closure. While this might be a characteristic of Nordic or speculative fiction, it could be jarring for those accustomed to more definitive conclusions.

One standout in the anthology is the opening story, "She" by Ajvide Lindqvist, which delivers suspense and tension in a gripping ghost story. Although it offers a fantastic reading experience, some may find the ending a bit vague.

One issue with the book is the lack of clear breaks between stories and the absence of titles for each story within the text. This can make it challenging to discern where one story ends and another begins, disrupting the reader's flow. An introduction to each author or a short teaser for their respective stories would have been immensely helpful in this regard.

Despite this, there are gems to be found within "Nordic Visions." "The Cormorant" by Tone Almhjell and "The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad" by Thore Hansen are among the stories that stand out.

Additionally, it's worth acknowledging the striking and attention-grabbing book cover, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this anthology.

Recommendation

"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction" offers a diverse and intriguing collection of stories from the Nordic region. While it may leave some readers seeking more conclusive endings and a smoother transition between stories, it provides an introduction to the work of talented Nordic authors in the realm of speculative fiction.

Rating

2.5 Nordic Stars

"Nordic Visions: The Best of Nordic Speculative Fiction" is an extraordinary anthology that effortlessly transports readers into the rich tapestry of Nordic folklore, culture, and imagination. Each story within this collection is a gem, handpicked for its originality, depth, and literary prowess. The anthology showcases a wide array of narratives—ranging from the ethereal and mystical to the darkly futuristic—while remaining deeply rooted in Nordic traditions. The diversity of themes, tones, and styles makes for an endlessly fascinating read, and one can't help but admire the craftsmanship behind each tale.

The editors have done a remarkable job curating a collection that serves as both an introduction to and an elevation of Nordic speculative fiction. It's rare to encounter an anthology that strikes such a perfect balance between thematic cohesion and narrative diversity. The writing is first-rate, the storytelling compelling, and the world-building both expansive and intimate. Whether you're a lifelong fan of speculative fiction or a curious newcomer, "Nordic Visions" offers a veritable feast for the imagination. This anthology is an indispensable addition to any speculative fiction library and an absolute must-read.

This collection of short stories is full of all my favourite genres like creepy horror, otherworldly sci-fi and bizarro fantasy. While not every single story resonated with me, I truly enjoyed reading them all as a whole. I think this would be great a group read!

I was incredibly excited when my request was chosen on Netgalley to receive an ARC (Advanced Review Copy) of Nordic Visions in exchange for an honest review. ⁠
⁠
Reading horror, science fiction, or fantasy anthologies from different places in the world has become something of a yearly or bi-yearly quest for me. I've read both graphic novel anthologies and short story anthologies featuring Indigenous authors, Northern Canadian authors, Chinese authors, or anthologies that feature only women or only LGBTQ+. It is truly a great way to be introduced to authors that you may not hear of otherwise. ⁠
⁠
Nordic Visions covers all three of the aforementioned genres and is a great introduction to writing from Nordic authors. There were various niches of each genre represented, and it made for an eclectic grouping of stories. A good few of the stories lingered in my thoughts after reading them, as is the goal of speculative fiction. However, a few more just didn't grip me. That said, though, I think this is one of those anthologies where different stories are going to appeal to different people, and the editor chose stories purposefully for this reason. My standout stories include "The First Night," "The Dreamgiver," and "A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen."⁠
⁠
The one thing I would have liked was an introduction to the author of each story or the inspiration behind choosing or writing each story. I think it would have helped set the tone of the whole book, especially for those of us who didn't grow up in a Nordic country. I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a place to start reading Scadinavian genre authors and to broaden their horizons from the more well-known authors in this region.