Book Review: 7&7 - Anthology of Virtue and Vice from DSP Publications

Title: 7&7 - Anthology of Virtue and Vice
Author: Various
Publisher: DSP Publications
Publication Date: 10 May 2016
Pages: 360
Format: eBook- EPUB
Genre: LGBT Fiction (Various)
Source: Free Copy via Publisher Website

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Humankind possesses a dual nature, the ability to rise to the brightest heights—or sink to the darkest and most perverse depths.

What inspires some to reach the pinnacles of virtue while others cannot resist the temptations of vice? Is it something innate, or a result of destiny and circumstance?

Delve into the minds and spirits of saints and sinners alike with a collection of stories that explore the call toward good or evil—and the consequences of answering it. For while rewards certainly await the righteous, there are also pleasures to be found in the darkness. Venture off the expected path with some of the most innovative voices in LGBT speculative fiction as they present their unique takes on the classic vices and virtues. (Goodreads Synopsis)


Firstly, I would like to say that I love the idea of this anthology. That was what inspired me to download it. I also enjoy the mix of genres since it allows something for everyone. Did I like all the stories, and do I think they all hit the mark? No. However, there are several I did particularly enjoy, and I think that will be the case for most people approaching this anthology, as it's likely not all genres will appeal to all readers. For me, two of the standouts were: The Bank Job by Andrea Speed and Train to Sevmash by Jamie Fessenden. I also thought The Rendering by John Inman was a great read. I've seen a lot of reviewers acting with horror towards this one, or dismissing it as fat-shaming, but I think that's unfair. This is a horror story, and a gruesome, twisted one at that. Not every piece of fiction has to be politically correct or 'nice', and I think literature would soon become deadly dull if it was. There are times when fiction should just be read as fiction. Overall, I give this anthology 3*; although some stories I would award 4* to individually.