A couple of months ago I ran across a review of The Trans Space Octopus Congregation from Nerds of a Feather (http://www.nerds-feather.com/2019/10/questing-in-shorts-october-2019.html). It looked interesting so I decided to request the book. Only after I requested the book did I read the Publishers Weekly review and was immediately conflicted. Generally, I like the books that the people at Nerds of a Feather like. However, grim is not my thing. In addition to science fiction and fantasy I also read romance because I really like happily ever after stories.

I read the book and personally did not find it bleak or depressing. That said, it is best read by those who already read a broad range of science fiction. This is not a good introduction to the genre for newcomers.

BTW, content warnings for each story are located in a section at the end of the book.