2113: Stories Inspired by the Music of Rush - Anthology

In this review of 2113: Stories Inspired by the Music of Rush, the bottom line is clear: this anthology is best for readers who love Rush and enjoy varied short fiction that leans toward science fiction. The collection gathers 18 stories by notable and award-winning writers who each took a Rush song as their creative spark, producing distinct voices and settings that echo the band's evocative imagery. Fans will appreciate the thematic continuity and emotional ending noted by readers, while those seeking a single continuous narrative should look elsewhere.

Key Features

• Curated inspirations: Each story begins with a Rush song as its creative seed, providing a focused theme that guides tone and plot.
• Varied voices: The anthology features notable, bestselling, and award-winning writers, offering a range of styles and fresh perspectives in every tale.
• Genre diversity: While many pieces are science fiction, the collection includes fantasies, thrillers, and edgy mainstream stories to keep the tempo unpredictable.
• Emotional payoff: Several contributors build to emotionally resonant conclusions, with at least one story delivering a notably moving finish.
• Thematic cohesion: Stories explore dystopia, resilience, and hope in worlds that are repressive, dangerous, or bland, reflecting Rush's lyrical concerns.

Who It's For

2113 is ideal for Rush fans who want fiction that amplifies the band's themes, and for readers who enjoy short-story anthologies with a speculative edge. Those who appreciate stand-alone tales that vary in mood and subgenre will find the collection rewarding.

Readers expecting a single continuous narrative, or those uninterested in music-inspired prompts, may prefer a conventional novel. Casual readers who dislike tonal shifts between stories should consider sampling a story or two before committing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong readability across pieces, making it easy to move from one story to the next.
• High story quality from experienced, award-winning writers offers thoughtful and polished fiction.
• Broad genre mix keeps the anthology fresh and unpredictable for readers who like variety.

Cons

• The anthology format means some stories will resonate more than others, so individual preference plays a large role.

Specifications

Title	2113: Stories Inspired by the Music of Rush
Editors	Kevin J. Anderson and John McFetridge
Number of stories	18
Primary genres	Science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mainstream
Inspirational source	Songs by Rush (Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart)
Audience	Rush fans and speculative fiction readers

Our Verdict

2113 stands as a thoughtful, entertaining anthology for readers who appreciate music-inspired fiction and polished short stories. Its mix of speculative and mainstream pieces and its thematic through-line tied to Rush make it good value for fans and anthology readers who want variety and emotional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the stories directly about the band Rush?
Answer. No, the tales are inspired by Rush songs and themes rather than being biographies or direct accounts of the band.

What kinds of stories are included?
Answer. Most stories are science fiction, but the anthology also contains fantasy, thrillers, and edgy mainstream fiction.

Who edited the collection?
Answer. The anthology was edited by Kevin J. Anderson and John McFetridge.