Broadswords and Blasters Presents: Futures That Never Were
Edited by Cameron Mount and Matthew X. Gomez
January 2023
Cover art by Clayton D. Murwin

I must claim woeful ignorance about the magazine Broadswords and Blasters. In fact, I did not know of its existence until this anthology came out. The magazine has currently run twelve issues with Futures That Never Were being listed as number thirteen. Will the series continue beyond that? I'm sure sales and reviews of this anthology will determine that question.

Broadswords and Blasters is an indie publication edited by Cameron Mount and Matthew X. Gomez. The tagline for the magazine is “Pulp Magazine with Modern Sensibilities.” More and more often publishers are attempting to distance themselves from many of the stigmas associated with the pulp of yesteryear, while also offering a place for inclusivity and diversity.

Futures That Never Were is a massive tome. With twenty stories it clocks in at just over five hundred pages. Easily the largest book you may read this summer. With so many stories it is a veritable smorgasbord for voracious readers.

“The OG Broadswords and Blasters” introduction by Anthony Perconti provides a broad overview of the beloved genre. Covering ground that old fans will enjoy reminiscing about while also providing a checklist for the uninitiated.

Admittedly I must have become the thing I abhor, a purist. Because when I seek out Sword and Planet fiction I typically look for and enjoy the type of story Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote. Fast paced and action packed. With plenty of derring-do. Many of the stories in this collection attempt to ape this style. Some succeed, some exceed, some are dead on arrival. My least favorite story is the first one, “Sword in the Meteor.” While it does certainly follow the traditional S&P storyline, it is also an irreverent YA story overflowing with pop culture. Not my bag. “Hawks over Reolis” by H.R. Laurence is definitely a success. Hester Craven is a spunky and resourceful protagonist. She will not be daunted or denied. Great steampunk fun. I would eagerly welcome more stories of her exploits. Finally the story that completely exceeded expectation was the gonzo ride that is “The Vengeance of the Silvern Hand” by Ethan Sabatella. I do not want to give anything away, but you should really read this story. It is certainly everything I love about pulp stories. Not to be missed!

One final word. As I write this review, Futures That Never Were has been out for over four months. In that time it has garnered only a couple of reviews and a few ratings. Reviews help indie publishing more than you may be aware. So if you've read this title, or any other for that matter, please be sure to leave some sort of review. It helps the publication gain traction and visibility. Indie publishers are after all small businesses publishing the fiction you want to read.