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Unfettered is a fantasy anthology edited by Shawn Speakman, featuring 23 short stories contributed by various best-selling authors in the fantasy genre. The book was released on 21 June 2013 by Grim Oak Press. The artwork for the book was done by Todd Lockwood.[1]

Key Information

On 4 May 2015, Speakman announced the release of Unfettered II, with short stories from at least 15 best-selling fantasy and science-fiction authors. The book was published on 21 November 21, 2016, with the proceeds to be used to alleviate the medical debts of other authors and artists.

A third volume, Unfettered III, was released on 19 March 2019.

Contents

[edit]
"Foreword" by Patrick Rothfuss
"On Becoming Unfettered" (Introduction) by Shawn Speakman
  1. "Imaginary Friends" by Terry Brooks (a precursor to the Word & Void trilogy)
  2. "How Old Holly Came To Be" by Patrick Rothfuss (a Four Corners tale)
  3. "River of Souls" by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (a Wheel of Time tale)[2]
  4. "The Old Scale Game" by Tad Williams
  5. "Game of Chance" by Carrie Vaughn
  6. "Martyr of the Roses" by Jacqueline Carey (a precursor to the Kushiel series)
  7. "Dogs" by Daniel Abraham
  8. "Mudboy" by Peter V. Brett (a Demon Cycle tale)[3][4]
  9. "The Sound of Broken Absolutes" by Peter Orullian (a Vault of Heaven tale)
  10. "The Coach With Big Teeth" by R.A. Salvatore
  11. "Keeper of Memory" by Todd Lockwood (a Summer Dragon tale)
  12. "Heaven in a Wild Flower" by Blake Charlton
  13. "The Chapel Perilous" by Kevin Hearne (an Iron Druid tale)
  14. "Select Mode" by Mark Lawrence (a Broken Empire tale)
  15. "All the Girls Love Michael Stein" by David Anthony Durham
  16. "Strange Rain" by Jennifer Bosworth (a Struck epilogue tale)
  17. "Nocturne" by Robert V. S. Redick
  18. "Unbowed" by Eldon Thompson (a Legend of Asahiel tale)
  19. "In Favour With Their Stars" by Naomi Novik (a Temeraire tale)
  20. "The Jester" by Michael J. Sullivan (a Riyria Chronicles tale)
  21. "The Duel" by Lev Grossman (a Magicians tale)
  22. "Walker and the Shade of Allanon" by Terry Brooks (a Shannara tale)
  23. "The Unfettered Knight" by Shawn Speakman (an Annwn Cycle tale)
  24. "The Twilight Dragon" by Shawn Speakman (UK edition only)[5]

Background

[edit]

The book is an effort to alleviate the editor, Shawn Speakman's medical bills. Speakman was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2011 and the resulting chemotherapy left him $200,000 in debt. On the suggestion of Shannara author Terry Brooks, Speakman reached out to several authors for short stories which are published in the book.[6][7][8]

The proceeds from the sales of the advanced reading copy of the book would go towards author Dave Wolverton, whose son became comatose in a longboarding accident.[9]

Publication history

[edit]

The book was initially published in five editions by Speakman's own publisher, Grim Oak Press. The hardcover books included an advanced reader edition, a limited leather-bound and slip-cased hardcover edition (signed and numbered), a limited cloth hardcover (signed) edition and a trade hardcover edition.[6] An ebook edition of the book was also released on Kindle, Nook and Kobo.

The book was digitally published in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other territories by Orbit Books on 20 February 2014. It included an extra tale, The Twilight Dragon, specially written by Shawn Speakman for the UK edition.[10] The rights to the audiobook edition were bought by Audible.[11]

A single page excerpt of each story in the book was released on Tor's website on 1 July 2013.[12] A five-story sampler of the anthology was also available to those at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon.[9]

Peter Orullian and Primo Pulanco released a power metal single, also named Unfettered, based on the stories in the anthology under the 'Lour Nail' label.[13]

Subsequent volumes

[edit]

On 4 May 2015, Speakman announced the release of Unfettered II, with short stories from at least 15 best-selling fantasy and science-fiction authors. The book was published on 21 November 2016, with the proceeds to be used to alleviate the medical debts of other authors and artists.[14]

A third volume, Unfettered III, was released on 19 March 2019.[15]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Unfettered

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Unfettered is a written by Senator of , published on November 11, 2025, by . In the book, Fetterman recounts his path into , beginning with his first election victory as mayor of , in 2005, and details key personal and professional challenges he has faced. The candidly explores Fetterman's 2022 , which occurred during his campaign against , and how it impacted his health and public image, including auditory processing issues that affected his debate performance. Fetterman also addresses his ongoing battle with clinical depression, diagnosed after a 2023 hospitalization, emphasizing his commitment to advocacy by sharing experiences of treatment and recovery. He describes the book as a message to "stay in this game," urging others facing similar struggles to persist. Throughout Unfettered, Fetterman reflects on his political evolution, including his shift toward more centrist positions on issues like and border security, which have drawn from progressives. The narrative includes pointed critiques of Governor , whom Fetterman accuses of prioritizing political ambition over substantive policy. Spanning 240 pages, the hardcover edition has received mixed reviews for its raw honesty but also for not fully alleviating concerns about Fetterman's fitness for office amid health disclosures.

Background

Origin and Purpose

The memoir Unfettered originated from U.S. Senator John Fetterman's desire to share an unapologetic account of his unconventional life in , particularly following significant personal health challenges. Announced on July 30, 2025, by imprint , the book was conceived as a candid reflection on Fetterman's journey from of , to U.S. Senator, emphasizing his battles with and depression. The purpose of Unfettered is to provide insight into Fetterman's struggles and political evolution, serving as a of perseverance for others facing similar issues. Fetterman has described the book as dedicated to "anyone with depression," aiming to advocate for awareness and destigmatize treatment. It also addresses criticisms of his shifting political positions and critiques of fellow Democrats, framing as resilient amid personal and turmoil. Spanning 240 pages, the was published on November 11, 2025, just weeks after its announcement, reflecting a rapid production to capitalize on Fetterman's recent recovery and public profile. The project gained attention through pre-release announcements and excerpts highlighting Fetterman's raw honesty about his 2022 during the campaign and 2023 depression hospitalization, transforming personal vulnerabilities into a broader on resilience in .

Editor's Role and Author Contributions

, the sole credited author of Unfettered, drew on his extensive personal experiences in and health recovery to craft the memoir's . A native who began his political career as of Braddock in 2005, Fetterman contributed detailed accounts of key events, including his 2018 win, 2022 victory against , and evolving views on issues like and border security. His contributions emphasize authenticity, with direct reflections on how health issues impacted his debate performance and public image due to . The book's editorial process involved collaboration with , a Pulitzer Prize-winning and of Friday Night Lights, who served as an uncredited co-writer or . Bissinger's role focused on structuring Fetterman's oral accounts into a cohesive, engaging prose, enhancing the memoir's readability while preserving Fetterman's voice. This partnership, reportedly initiated through negotiations in early 2025, allowed Fetterman to focus on content delivery amid his senatorial duties and recovery. The approach highlighted themes of vulnerability and determination, with Fetterman providing primary material through interviews and notes, and Bissinger ensuring narrative flow and journalistic depth. Fetterman's contributions also include pointed political commentary, such as criticisms of Governor for prioritizing ambition over policy, underscoring the memoir's role in clarifying his centrist shift and commitment to advocacy. This collaborative effort resulted in a work praised for its but critiqued for not fully addressing ongoing fitness concerns.

Publication History

Initial Release and Editions

Unfettered was released in the United States and internationally on November 11, 2025, in hardcover format by Crown, an imprint of Penguin Random House, with ISBN 978-0-593-79982-6 and 240 pages. The book was announced on July 30, 2025. In the United Kingdom and other territories, it was published simultaneously by Penguin Random House, using the same ISBN.

Formats and Special Releases

Unfettered is available in multiple formats, including hardcover (ISBN 978-0-593-79982-6), large print hardcover (304 pages, ISBN 979-8-217-16905-4), ebook (ISBN 978-0-593-79983-3), and unabridged audiobook narrated by John Fetterman and others, published by Blackstone Publishing (ASIN B0FW57271R). As of November 20, 2025, no special or limited editions have been released.

Contents

Chapter List

Unfettered is structured as a memoir spanning 21 chapters, chronicling Fetterman's life and career. The chapters are arranged in the following order, with approximate page numbers from the first edition:
  • "Flight of the Monarchs" – p. 1
  • "The Lottery of Birth" – p. 19
  • "Shot and a Beer" – p. 33
  • "Left to Die" – p. 49
  • "The Wife’s Tale" – p. 63
  • "The Last Laugh" – p. 75
  • "Pardon Me" – p. 85
  • "The Shapiro Affair" – p. 101
  • "The Worst Day of My Life Up to This Point" – p. 115
  • "Are You Nuts?" – p. 129
  • "Already Dead" – p. 139
  • "The Troll Patrol" – p. 151
  • "The Siege" – p. 173
  • "Good Night Everybody" – p. 181
  • "Turn Out the Lights" – p. 193
  • "Election Blues" – p. 211
  • "The Crack Up" – p. 217
  • "Coming to Get Me" – p. 231
  • "You Are Loved" – p. 239
  • "Still Here" – p. 253
  • "A Single Rose" – p. 271
The memoir totals 288 pages in the hardcover edition published by Penguin Random House on November 11, 2025.

Notable Chapters and Themes

Among the notable chapters in Unfettered is "The Worst Day of My Life Up to This Point," which details Fetterman's 2022 stroke during his Senate campaign against and its aftermath, including auditory processing challenges that impacted his debate performance. Another key chapter, "," addresses his 2023 hospitalization for clinical depression and his experiences with treatment and recovery, underscoring his advocacy for . "The Shapiro Affair" provides pointed critiques of Pennsylvania Governor , accusing him of prioritizing political ambition over policy substance. Earlier chapters like "The Lottery of Birth" and "Shot and a Beer" recount Fetterman's early life and entry into public service as mayor of , in 2005. A recurring theme is resilience amid personal and political challenges, with Fetterman reflecting on his evolution toward centrist views on issues like and border security, which have sparked progressive criticism. The narrative emphasizes perseverance, as Fetterman urges readers to "stay in this game" despite struggles. The book blends raw personal anecdotes with political insights, spanning Fetterman's family life, health battles, and Senate tenure as of 2025.

Reception and Impact

Critical Reception

Unfettered received mixed critical reception shortly after its November 11, 2025, release. On , the memoir holds an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 58 user ratings as of November 20, 2025, with reviewers praising its candid discussion of while some noted its limited depth on policy. review described the book as "unrelentingly dour and mournful," with a "brooding but not particularly thoughtful" voice, offering generalized contempt rather than pointed arguments, and including little on Fetterman's political positions. In contrast, called it "a story exceptionally well told, enlightening and often humorous," crediting collaboration with winner , though it noted the disclosures do not fully alleviate concerns about Fetterman's fitness for office. Kirkus Reviews highlighted the memoir's focus on three major themes: depression and mental illness, the 2022 stroke, and heart issues, portraying them as nearly ending his life and career. Other coverage, such as in Defector, criticized it as "low-effort," comparing it to Fetterman's Senate tenure. Media outlets like Deseret News reported a "cold reception" overall, with sharp criticisms from several sources. The book also drew attention for Fetterman's critiques of the Democratic Party as "elitist" and out of touch, as well as his feud with Governor , accused of prioritizing political ambition.

Charitable and Community Impact

While Unfettered is not a charitable anthology, it has contributed to advocacy by sharing Fetterman's experiences with clinical depression and recovery, dedicating the book to those facing similar struggles. Fetterman has emphasized its role in encouraging persistence amid challenges, potentially raising awareness and reducing stigma around in and beyond. As of November 20, 2025, early sales data is unavailable, but the memoir's release has sparked discussions on senators' disclosures and resilience.

Subsequent Volumes

As of November 20, 2025, no subsequent volumes or sequels to John Fetterman's memoir Unfettered have been announced.
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