“One of the warnings I’ve been given as a fantasy writer is to avoid cliché tavern scenes. Enter AFTER HOURS: TALES FROM THE UR-BAR, an anthology about a time-travelling tavern that successfully breaks this rule and others. The Emperor’s New God by Jennifer Dunne [is another] mix of mythology and history as Otto the Great makes a deal with the god, Mars. The Ur-bar doesn’t play as big a role in this story, which focuses more on the characters and their flaws. That said, it was still an enjoyable read. Unlike some anthologies which have perhaps a few great stories and a few real duds, this anthology was fairly level, delivering readable stories from start to finish. Some were more memorable than others, but that’s to be expected. Gilgamesh and the Ur-Bar feature prominently in most of the tales, often affecting the outcome in some way or another, usually through the main character. It was nice to see consistency with Giglamesh, even though he’s written by fifteen different authors. Now, you go forth and read this book because unless you’ve swallowed Unicorn Vomit, you’re not going to live forever. (And you’ll have to read the anthology to get that one).”

– Dave, Journal of a New Guy

“This time travelogue of fantastical tales born of myth and steeped with legend and lore is a leisurely, accessible read. Editors Joshua Palmatier and Patricia Bray have put together a unified anthology of tales while preserving the unique voice and writing style of the individual contributors. Entertaining, thought provoking, and fun.

The time machine takes us, along with Otto, ostensibly to conduct secret negotiations between the Holy Roman Emperor and The Republic of Venice. But only Peter’s most trusted aide, John the Deacon, knows Otto’s true identity.

“The Emperor’s New God,” by Jennifer Dunne, is set in the perfect backdrop for intrigue, amidst the misty streets and canals of the ancient city, with the assigned meeting place, a tavern, which was “the only place in the world where man and gods still mingled.”

Otto is about to meet Mars, and who better to preside than the barkeep who was “clearly a man with no softening, so he wasn’t Bacchus. He showed no signs of Priapus’ eternal erection. Was he perhaps Liber? But no, Liber was the height of a normal man.”

And indeed, Otto must decide how to conquer Rome before Mars finishes his glass of Ambrosia, in this place where time slows to a pace more suitable for those who have all the time they want.

Otto makes a fateful decision, and must bear the consequences, he a man of scholarly pursuits rather than a warrior, negotiated with the wrong deity. Will he get a second chance?”
– Carole Ann Moleti for Tangent

Four and a half stars.
“I really enjoyed the whole read. What I found to my liking about the anthology is that while there are different time periods – and genres – covered is the unifying thread of a time-traveling bar and Gilgamesh – however he is called – that ties everything together. Would recommend it to others.”
– Lilyraines for Night Owl Reviews

(and don’t forget to enter the After Hours contest by March 31 for a chance at thirty books and a bag of candy)