What do you think?
Rate this book
Guardians #3.6 - The Demon Dancer
Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love
Songs of Love and Death: All Original Tales of Star Crossed Love
“Love Hurts” copyright © 2010 by Jim Butcher
“The Marrying Maid” copyright © 2010 by Jo Beverley
“Rooftops” copyright © 2010 by Carrie Vaughn LLC
“Hurt Me” copyright © 2010 by M. L. N. Hanover
“Demon Lover” copyright © 2010 by Cecelia Holland
“The Wayfarer’s Advice” copyright © 2010 by Melinda Snodgrass
“Blue Boots” copyright © 2010 by Robin Hobb
“The Thing About Cassandra” copyright © 2010 by Neil Gaiman
“After the Blood” copyright © 2010 by Marjorie M. Liu
“You, and You Alone” copyright © 2010 by Jacqueline Carey
“His Wolf” copyright © 2010 by Lisa Tuttle
“Courting Trouble” copyright © 2010 by Linnea Sinclair
“The Demon Dancer” copyright © 2010 by Mary Jo Putney
“Under/Above the Water” copyright © 2010 by Tanith Lee
“Kaskia” copyright © 2010 by Peter S. Beagle
“Man in the Mirror” copyright © 2010 by Yasmine Galenorn
“A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” copyright © 2010 by Diana Gabaldon
“Love Hurts” copyright © 2010 by Jim Butcher
“The Marrying Maid” copyright © 2010 by Jo Beverley
“Rooftops” copyright © 2010 by Carrie Vaughn LLC
“Hurt Me” copyright © 2010 by M. L. N. Hanover
“Demon Lover” copyright © 2010 by Cecelia Holland
“The Wayfarer’s Advice” copyright © 2010 by Melinda Snodgrass
“Blue Boots” copyright © 2010 by Robin Hobb
“The Thing About Cassandra” copyright © 2010 by Neil Gaiman
“After the Blood” copyright © 2010 by Marjorie M. Liu
“You, and You Alone” copyright © 2010 by Jacqueline Carey
“His Wolf” copyright © 2010 by Lisa Tuttle
“Courting Trouble” copyright © 2010 by Linnea Sinclair
“The Demon Dancer” copyright © 2010 by Mary Jo Putney
“Under/Above the Water” copyright © 2010 by Tanith Lee
“Kaskia” copyright © 2010 by Peter S. Beagle
“Man in the Mirror” copyright © 2010 by Yasmine Galenorn
“A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” copyright © 2010 by Diana Gabaldon
468 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2010
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,442 books114k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews
July 17, 2011
I only read selected stories from Songs of Love and Death, because some of the authors or the first pages didn't appeal. (For example, me and Jim Butcher don't get on very well. Everyone else says the misogyny is just Harry Dresden and is part of his character and it doesn't come from Jim Butcher: it still makes me feel profoundly uncomfortable.)
So, of the ones I read, the first was Jo Beverley's 'The Marrying Maid'. I liked the idea, especially the link to the Robin Hood legend. It could've been a whole novel, really. It felt like it wanted to be a sort of bodice ripper where the courtier seduces the reluctant churchman's daughter, but it didn't quite go there -- and was too rushed to be that in the first place, since she only refused him two or three times! Also, not terribly comfortable with the whole 'there is one woman out there for you, and she will want you, and if she refuses you, well, just rape her, she'll understand' bit.
I skipped over Carrie Vaughan to M. L. N. Hanover's 'Hurt Me'. I found it interesting, but not very creepy, and sort of expected it to work out differently. I don't know that either of these stories really fit my definition of 'star crossed lovers'. There's nothing romantic about a guy who beats his girlfriend, or about the girl who kills him and then moves back into that house with her new boyfriend to torment his ghost. I guess the introduction part is a bit misleading.
Cecelia Holland's offering, 'Demon Lover', is quite like 'The Marrying Maid' in the sense that it's based vaguely on folklore. Both reminded me a little of Tam Lin, though Holland has the man rescuing the woman through his true love.
Robin Hobb's 'Blue Boots' is a simple enough little story. It made me crave a reread of the Farseer trilogy, actually, since it's set in her Six Duchies. It was nice, but not amazing... I suspect I am overly hard to please, with short stories. They're a delicate art, though.
Neil Gaiman's story, 'The Thing About Cassandra', was very interesting. Sort of what I expected from Gaiman, but the twist ending was pretty good.
Marjorie M. Liu's story, 'After the Blood', was... confusing. I wasn't entirely sure what was happening. Henry, I mostly got, but the rest, less so. Hm.
The main reason I read this anthology at all was for Jacqueline Carey's story, 'You and You Alone'. This was what I'd hoped it would be -- except that I might've hoped it was a bit longer. It's the doomed love story of Anafiel Delaunay and Rolande de la Courcel, which lies unspoken behind the first Kushiel trilogy.
'Under/Above the Water' by Tanith Lee... I liked it. I think it was well structured, and not everything was explained away.
Peter S. Beagle's 'Kaskia', not a great fan.
Yasmine Galenorn's story, 'Man in the Mirror', was quite nice. I liked that it really was star-crossed, this time, that it didn't end perfectly.
So, of the ones I read, the first was Jo Beverley's 'The Marrying Maid'. I liked the idea, especially the link to the Robin Hood legend. It could've been a whole novel, really. It felt like it wanted to be a sort of bodice ripper where the courtier seduces the reluctant churchman's daughter, but it didn't quite go there -- and was too rushed to be that in the first place, since she only refused him two or three times! Also, not terribly comfortable with the whole 'there is one woman out there for you, and she will want you, and if she refuses you, well, just rape her, she'll understand' bit.
I skipped over Carrie Vaughan to M. L. N. Hanover's 'Hurt Me'. I found it interesting, but not very creepy, and sort of expected it to work out differently. I don't know that either of these stories really fit my definition of 'star crossed lovers'. There's nothing romantic about a guy who beats his girlfriend, or about the girl who kills him and then moves back into that house with her new boyfriend to torment his ghost. I guess the introduction part is a bit misleading.
Cecelia Holland's offering, 'Demon Lover', is quite like 'The Marrying Maid' in the sense that it's based vaguely on folklore. Both reminded me a little of Tam Lin, though Holland has the man rescuing the woman through his true love.
Robin Hobb's 'Blue Boots' is a simple enough little story. It made me crave a reread of the Farseer trilogy, actually, since it's set in her Six Duchies. It was nice, but not amazing... I suspect I am overly hard to please, with short stories. They're a delicate art, though.
Neil Gaiman's story, 'The Thing About Cassandra', was very interesting. Sort of what I expected from Gaiman, but the twist ending was pretty good.
Marjorie M. Liu's story, 'After the Blood', was... confusing. I wasn't entirely sure what was happening. Henry, I mostly got, but the rest, less so. Hm.
The main reason I read this anthology at all was for Jacqueline Carey's story, 'You and You Alone'. This was what I'd hoped it would be -- except that I might've hoped it was a bit longer. It's the doomed love story of Anafiel Delaunay and Rolande de la Courcel, which lies unspoken behind the first Kushiel trilogy.
'Under/Above the Water' by Tanith Lee... I liked it. I think it was well structured, and not everything was explained away.
Peter S. Beagle's 'Kaskia', not a great fan.
Yasmine Galenorn's story, 'Man in the Mirror', was quite nice. I liked that it really was star-crossed, this time, that it didn't end perfectly.
March 30, 2011
I picked up "Songs of Love and Death" specifically to read the new story by Diana Gabaldon ("A Leaf on the Wind of All Saint's"), and it was certainly worth it! "Leaf" is a fantastic addition to Gabaldon's works in the Outlander series. Focusing on a character we've previously heard about but never met, this story explores a plot point introduced in the 7th book in the series, Echo in the Bone. Without going into detail, in order to avoid spoilers, all I can say is that Gabaldon's fans MUST read this story. Lots to think about, and very touching as well. Of course, there are many other stories in this anthology, which is described as focusing on tales of star-crossed lovers, with a supernatural twist. It includes a terrific piece by Neil Gaiman, which I highly recommend. This is a book that I think I'll come back to in between reading other things, rather than reading all in one sitting. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the stories, and hope to perhaps encounter some new writers for future exploration.
March 4, 2018
This little story was amazing. I didn't know what to make of Cassandra. This was a twist ending. I was not ready for it. I mean this was fantastic. Stewart made up an imaginary girlfriend when he was a teenager. All the sudden, when he is successful as an artist, all his friends keep telling him Cassandra is looking for him. He knows the girl is imaginary and yet he meets her in the flesh. They meet face to face and he can't figure it out.
Then the TWIST at the end. FANTASTIC!
Then the TWIST at the end. FANTASTIC!
November 23, 2017
Bazı hikâyeler gerçekten çok iyiydi. Bazıları da tam tersi. Bu tür derlemelerde her zaman olduğu gibi. Favori öyküm "Kushiel's Dart"ın yazarının kaleminden çıkandı. Son derece ahlaksız ama bir o kadar da merak uyandırıcıydı. Dresden öyküsünü pek sevmedim, Gaiman'ın öyküsü de ortalamanın biraz üstündeydi. Arada başarılı bilimkurgu hikâyeleri görmek de güzel bir sürpriz oldu.
November 19, 2010
I want to savor these stories little by little because they are so darn good but I find myself rushing through them needing to know what happened next!! I find this anthology so far to be quite fascinating and I am enjoying myself immensely reading through the creative and varied voices within these 'songs'.
JACQUELINE CAREY: this was the first story that I chose - and quite purposefully, at that. It was of Anafiel Delunay, who was once known as Anafiel de Montreve, a poet that was good enough to become the King's Poet and perhaps more but such events were not meant to be for himself and his star-crossed lover. This story about Phedre's mentor fills in a small chink of his life before he became known as the Whoremaster of Spies and the compass by which Phedre lived her life using knowledge he ingrained within her towards the one promise he made to his star-crossed lover and one that Phedre will see fulfilled. I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this story. It was brilliant, poignant, and heart-wrenching. The first Kushiel trilogy is still to this day my all-time favorite trilogy that I have ever read and I will always have copies of the Kushiel series in my bookshelf. THIS story was the reason that I had to have this book so quickly after coming out. When I heard that Ms. Carey had a new Kushiel story for us set in Phedre's time I was already sold - and I don't regret it one bit.
NEIL GAIMAN: This was my second stop in this collection as Neil is probably second on my list of authors due to his wit, versatility, and charm and it was very much... unexpected, actually, but in a good way. There is a fun twist at the end of this story that I won't spoil for you. It's a fun read about a mythical past and what happens when that path has never been or perhaps has outlived its usefulness? I'm not sure. Either way I quite liked it. Not my favorite of Neil's short stories but a good solid read nonetheless.
JIM BUTCHER: I admit that I've only read the first two Harry Dresden books as pushed onto me from a guy friend numerous years back. I felt that the writing was tight, the story was well-written and interesting, I liked the main character, but... it just never stuck with me. However, reading a new mini-chapter in Mr. Dresden's life was kind of fun even if I missed out on some of the obvious references to character stories that I would have easily gotten if I had continued with the story - the selfsame references that I relished with glee while reading Ms. Carey's story above. A good little peek into Harry's life though it still hasn't convinced me to pick up the third Dresden File.
JO BEVERLY: I can't say that I have read any of her books before so this was my first foray into her writing style which seems to read like a tame Regency Romance. While I liked the idea of an unwilling bride (a "marrying maid") that must be wed and bed before a certain young viscount's birthday or his whole family would die due to the machinations of certain faery royals it fell a bit flat and forced for me near the end as if there was a page-limit that needed to be - and was - enforced strictly. The ending seemed far too rushed and I felt it needed at least a couple more pages to be fleshed out with far more arguments and 'accidental' encounters in true Regency fashion.
CARRIE VAUGHN: I wasn't quite sure about this story. I felt thrown into a world where superheroes seem to be a thing of them norm (very Watchmen-like) as it followed a brief glimpse into Charlotte's hectic playwright lifestyle as she gets ready for her play's opening night. The night before the show opens she gets taken hostage for a brief moment, gets rescued by a masked man - a "blue collared" superhero - and the consequences of that moment which change her life. A good idea but ultimately forgettable.
M. L. N. HANOVER - A dark and gritty ghost story. It was a quick read with a small twist at the end that was not altogether very surprising. It was definitely a different take on the death and love theme which was a nice change of pace.
CECELIA HOLLAND - A new spin on a classical fairytale idea: a once-pretty girl becomes disfigured in a fire but is given a chance to become beautiful once more as the companion queen to a wizard king but all is not as it seems in his land and she wakes every night from incubus dreams. She must make the decision to stay with the wizard or find a way to return home to a plain boy that seems to love her. The moral of this story is a common one - that nothing comes for free. This was another short story that seemed to jump around rather quickly and I would also have liked to see it fleshed out a bit more as it felt far too short because events were happening far too quickly for my liking. I could definitely see this as idea for a novel-sized book but with that said I'm not sure I'd pick it up if I saw it at a bookstore.
MELINDA M. SNODGRASS - A slice-of-like space story with the rescue and reunion of a disgraced tailor's son who is currently captain of a small merchant vessel and the heiress of an empire who also happens to be his former love. I am an avid fan of Firefly and somehow I could sort of see this story in that world, just a bit, when thinking of Capn. Reynolds and Inara. While I don't tend to like sci-fi stories I was quite pleased that this one used far less technical jargon and focused on the emotional rollercoaster of the two main characters. If there were more sci-fi stories written by Ms. Snodgrass I'd consider giving them a whirl.
ROBIN HOBB - Awww, I really liked this story. It was a typical, sweet, fairytale and one that flowed well and fit well as a short story. It starts in the middle of a 17 year old girl's life after her father's death as a helpmaid at a Keep. She spies black-haired minstrel there and... well... I'm sure you can figure out the gist. A well-written and fun little story that made me smile at the end of it. One of my new favorites of this anthology, even if it was saccharine sweet (and rather unrealistic).
MARJORIE M. LIU - This was probably one of my least favorite stories in this collection. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic future following a brief glimpse into a woman's life as she deals with darker creatures. It reminded me a bit of Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" and just didn't appeal to me at all. I ended up skimming large swaths of it to get through this story.
LISA TUTTLE - A short story about a woman and a wolf and the problems that the wolf's owner faces as he tries to get out of his drug dealing ways so that way he can be respectable - with a slight twist at the end. It was well-written and I enjoyed it but was not enthralled.
LINNEA SINCLAIR - Another story that takes place in the future but a technologically advanced one at that meaning that I'm already inclined to be less interested because it is sci-fi in nature. So it was not a surprise that I found this story rather boring and I skimmed through most of it.
MARY JO PUTNEY - I'm hesitant to say if I liked this story or not. It flowed and I liked the characters - with a hardened and handsome magically inclined detective and his favorite person, an elderly lady of the same magical persuasion he fondly calls "Lady Beth" - but the ending had an odd twist that I wasn't exactly expecting. Still, not a bad read.
TANITH LEE- I am an avid Tanith Lee fan so I very much looked forward to reading her story - and I was not disappointed. It took place in the future - and in the past. It was about a man and one woman - but then a different man and a different woman. Stories that became entwined, chance encounters that never happened but perhaps should have, and star-crossed lovers that missed many lifetimes before they could find one another. A fun and imaginative read. I was impressed and pleased by this story.
PETER S. BEAGLE - An alien encounter through a bizarre computer using 'The One Key' to communicate. Not what I expected from the man who wrote "The Last Unicorn" but it wasn't bad just different. And a different take on what 'love' means. It was written strictly from the protagonists' perspective whom I didn't garner great feelings for so ultimately the story fell a little flat for me.
YASMINE GALENORN - A sad, sweet ghost story that drifts softly, silently on tiny cat paws through the pages swiftly read and enjoyed. A woman with a traumatic past moves into her ex's family house and gets to know his aunt - and the cousin that died years before. It was prettily written and kept me interested so that I finished this story in record time. Recommended.
DIANA GABALDON - Another time-traveling story from the the horrors of WWII back through the standing stones and back again. It was nice to get a side-story from the Outlander series (one of my all-time favorite series behind Jacqueline Carey's Kuhiel trilogies) but I was very much not a fan of "Echo in the Bone" - I couldn't even finish it because I just stopped caring about the characters that were not Jaime and Claire - so the reference to that book and the mysterious men Jerry meet in the past was frustrating because I had stopped reading "Echo" before that point. All in all an ok side-story but not an amazing one. Mrs. Gabaldon still writes well-researched tightly written stories but I'm having a hard time with her work as of recently because I'm not really getting into anything she has written after "Drums of Autumn". I was really looking forward to this story as well but was a bit disappointed in the end. Ah well. These things happen.
I can't believe I took the time to write little blurbs for each story in this anthology. More often than not I felt ho-hum about what was written but I am leaving my 4-stars up (rather than pushing back to 3) because the stories that stood out really stood out. While these stories seemed far from new and illuminating they were still good fun to skip through and I generally enjoyed them all. I don't feel as if I wasted time in reading them which is always a good thing. I suppose the strength that comes with anthologies is that if you don't like a story much you can always skip it and find a new author and a new voice to continue your journey along with.
JACQUELINE CAREY: this was the first story that I chose - and quite purposefully, at that. It was of Anafiel Delunay, who was once known as Anafiel de Montreve, a poet that was good enough to become the King's Poet and perhaps more but such events were not meant to be for himself and his star-crossed lover. This story about Phedre's mentor fills in a small chink of his life before he became known as the Whoremaster of Spies and the compass by which Phedre lived her life using knowledge he ingrained within her towards the one promise he made to his star-crossed lover and one that Phedre will see fulfilled. I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this story. It was brilliant, poignant, and heart-wrenching. The first Kushiel trilogy is still to this day my all-time favorite trilogy that I have ever read and I will always have copies of the Kushiel series in my bookshelf. THIS story was the reason that I had to have this book so quickly after coming out. When I heard that Ms. Carey had a new Kushiel story for us set in Phedre's time I was already sold - and I don't regret it one bit.
NEIL GAIMAN: This was my second stop in this collection as Neil is probably second on my list of authors due to his wit, versatility, and charm and it was very much... unexpected, actually, but in a good way. There is a fun twist at the end of this story that I won't spoil for you. It's a fun read about a mythical past and what happens when that path has never been or perhaps has outlived its usefulness? I'm not sure. Either way I quite liked it. Not my favorite of Neil's short stories but a good solid read nonetheless.
JIM BUTCHER: I admit that I've only read the first two Harry Dresden books as pushed onto me from a guy friend numerous years back. I felt that the writing was tight, the story was well-written and interesting, I liked the main character, but... it just never stuck with me. However, reading a new mini-chapter in Mr. Dresden's life was kind of fun even if I missed out on some of the obvious references to character stories that I would have easily gotten if I had continued with the story - the selfsame references that I relished with glee while reading Ms. Carey's story above. A good little peek into Harry's life though it still hasn't convinced me to pick up the third Dresden File.
JO BEVERLY: I can't say that I have read any of her books before so this was my first foray into her writing style which seems to read like a tame Regency Romance. While I liked the idea of an unwilling bride (a "marrying maid") that must be wed and bed before a certain young viscount's birthday or his whole family would die due to the machinations of certain faery royals it fell a bit flat and forced for me near the end as if there was a page-limit that needed to be - and was - enforced strictly. The ending seemed far too rushed and I felt it needed at least a couple more pages to be fleshed out with far more arguments and 'accidental' encounters in true Regency fashion.
CARRIE VAUGHN: I wasn't quite sure about this story. I felt thrown into a world where superheroes seem to be a thing of them norm (very Watchmen-like) as it followed a brief glimpse into Charlotte's hectic playwright lifestyle as she gets ready for her play's opening night. The night before the show opens she gets taken hostage for a brief moment, gets rescued by a masked man - a "blue collared" superhero - and the consequences of that moment which change her life. A good idea but ultimately forgettable.
M. L. N. HANOVER - A dark and gritty ghost story. It was a quick read with a small twist at the end that was not altogether very surprising. It was definitely a different take on the death and love theme which was a nice change of pace.
CECELIA HOLLAND - A new spin on a classical fairytale idea: a once-pretty girl becomes disfigured in a fire but is given a chance to become beautiful once more as the companion queen to a wizard king but all is not as it seems in his land and she wakes every night from incubus dreams. She must make the decision to stay with the wizard or find a way to return home to a plain boy that seems to love her. The moral of this story is a common one - that nothing comes for free. This was another short story that seemed to jump around rather quickly and I would also have liked to see it fleshed out a bit more as it felt far too short because events were happening far too quickly for my liking. I could definitely see this as idea for a novel-sized book but with that said I'm not sure I'd pick it up if I saw it at a bookstore.
MELINDA M. SNODGRASS - A slice-of-like space story with the rescue and reunion of a disgraced tailor's son who is currently captain of a small merchant vessel and the heiress of an empire who also happens to be his former love. I am an avid fan of Firefly and somehow I could sort of see this story in that world, just a bit, when thinking of Capn. Reynolds and Inara. While I don't tend to like sci-fi stories I was quite pleased that this one used far less technical jargon and focused on the emotional rollercoaster of the two main characters. If there were more sci-fi stories written by Ms. Snodgrass I'd consider giving them a whirl.
ROBIN HOBB - Awww, I really liked this story. It was a typical, sweet, fairytale and one that flowed well and fit well as a short story. It starts in the middle of a 17 year old girl's life after her father's death as a helpmaid at a Keep. She spies black-haired minstrel there and... well... I'm sure you can figure out the gist. A well-written and fun little story that made me smile at the end of it. One of my new favorites of this anthology, even if it was saccharine sweet (and rather unrealistic).
MARJORIE M. LIU - This was probably one of my least favorite stories in this collection. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic future following a brief glimpse into a woman's life as she deals with darker creatures. It reminded me a bit of Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" and just didn't appeal to me at all. I ended up skimming large swaths of it to get through this story.
LISA TUTTLE - A short story about a woman and a wolf and the problems that the wolf's owner faces as he tries to get out of his drug dealing ways so that way he can be respectable - with a slight twist at the end. It was well-written and I enjoyed it but was not enthralled.
LINNEA SINCLAIR - Another story that takes place in the future but a technologically advanced one at that meaning that I'm already inclined to be less interested because it is sci-fi in nature. So it was not a surprise that I found this story rather boring and I skimmed through most of it.
MARY JO PUTNEY - I'm hesitant to say if I liked this story or not. It flowed and I liked the characters - with a hardened and handsome magically inclined detective and his favorite person, an elderly lady of the same magical persuasion he fondly calls "Lady Beth" - but the ending had an odd twist that I wasn't exactly expecting. Still, not a bad read.
TANITH LEE- I am an avid Tanith Lee fan so I very much looked forward to reading her story - and I was not disappointed. It took place in the future - and in the past. It was about a man and one woman - but then a different man and a different woman. Stories that became entwined, chance encounters that never happened but perhaps should have, and star-crossed lovers that missed many lifetimes before they could find one another. A fun and imaginative read. I was impressed and pleased by this story.
PETER S. BEAGLE - An alien encounter through a bizarre computer using 'The One Key' to communicate. Not what I expected from the man who wrote "The Last Unicorn" but it wasn't bad just different. And a different take on what 'love' means. It was written strictly from the protagonists' perspective whom I didn't garner great feelings for so ultimately the story fell a little flat for me.
YASMINE GALENORN - A sad, sweet ghost story that drifts softly, silently on tiny cat paws through the pages swiftly read and enjoyed. A woman with a traumatic past moves into her ex's family house and gets to know his aunt - and the cousin that died years before. It was prettily written and kept me interested so that I finished this story in record time. Recommended.
DIANA GABALDON - Another time-traveling story from the the horrors of WWII back through the standing stones and back again. It was nice to get a side-story from the Outlander series (one of my all-time favorite series behind Jacqueline Carey's Kuhiel trilogies) but I was very much not a fan of "Echo in the Bone" - I couldn't even finish it because I just stopped caring about the characters that were not Jaime and Claire - so the reference to that book and the mysterious men Jerry meet in the past was frustrating because I had stopped reading "Echo" before that point. All in all an ok side-story but not an amazing one. Mrs. Gabaldon still writes well-researched tightly written stories but I'm having a hard time with her work as of recently because I'm not really getting into anything she has written after "Drums of Autumn". I was really looking forward to this story as well but was a bit disappointed in the end. Ah well. These things happen.
I can't believe I took the time to write little blurbs for each story in this anthology. More often than not I felt ho-hum about what was written but I am leaving my 4-stars up (rather than pushing back to 3) because the stories that stood out really stood out. While these stories seemed far from new and illuminating they were still good fun to skip through and I generally enjoyed them all. I don't feel as if I wasted time in reading them which is always a good thing. I suppose the strength that comes with anthologies is that if you don't like a story much you can always skip it and find a new author and a new voice to continue your journey along with.
April 17, 2020
Love the preface:
Q:
In real life, even without the influence of the stars or the dread hand of Fate, there are any number of things that can doom a relationship—differences in temperament, race, religion, social status, political affiliations, being on different sides of a bitter war, philosophical dogma, degrees of affluence (or lack of it). Even simple distance can work to keep people apart, and over the centuries there must have been many lovers who stood on the dock and watched their loved ones sail off to destinations like Australia or America thousands of miles away, knowing that they’d never see them again, since in the days before modern transportation, they might as well have been sailing off to Mars. Many, many immigrants must have left someone behind them in the Old Country, as they were forced into exile or set off to find their fortunes, and most were never reunited. (c)
Q:
Star-crossed lovers who are really star-crossed, with grave obstacles to be overcome before they succeed in finding love (if they do): a wizard who must battle both a supremely powerful vampire and the hidden desires of his own heart; a man who must seduce a reluctant maiden or forfeit his family’s life to the Queen of Faerie; a woman who falls in love with a superhero she glimpses hurtling toward the scene of a crime; a ghost who lusts for sex and blood long after he should be safely in his grave; a girl who must brave the wrath of an otherworldly prince to rescue the man she loves; a lonely man who falls in love with a woman he can never meet; a smuggler who dares to fall in love with the ruler of a star-spanning Empire; a soldier cast adrift from his world who will face immense hardships to return to his own time and place; a lover who may—or may not—exist; a love that persists across lives and worlds, and transcends death . . . (c)
The stories in here:
Love Hurts - Jim Butcher (the usual!)
The Marrying Maid - Jo Beverley(lovely oldie)
Rooftops - Carrie Vaughn (too neurotic)
Hurt Me - M. L. N. Hanover (how do you go about torturing an unruly ghost?)
Demon Lover - Cecelia Holland (a nice fairy tale)
The Wayfarer’s Advice - Melinda M. Snodgrass (a lovely space drama)
Blue Boots - Robin Hobb (wow!)
The Thing About Cassandra - Neil Gaiman (nope)
After the Blood - Marjorie M. Liu (nope)
You, and You Alone - Jacqueline Carey (nice, The Unseen Guild?)
His Wolf - Lisa Tuttle
Courting Trouble - Linnea Sinclair
The Demon Dancer - Mary Jo Putney
Under/Above the Water - Tanith LeeKaskia, Peter S. Beagle
Man in the Mirror - Yasmine Galenorn
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows - Diana Gabaldon
Q:
I reflected that Isanjos now built our skyscrapers and our spaceships. Under human supervision, of course, but my God, there was so much opportunity for mischief if the aliens decided that it was time for them to act! I had a vision of skyscrapers collapsing and ships exploding.
I thought about the Hajin who worked as servants in our households. How easy it would be to poison a human family.
And the Tiponi Flutes did our accounting. They could crash the economy.
Humans were fucked. Good thing I worked on a ship crewed mostly by aliens. Maybe they liked me enough to keep me around. (c)
Q:
Wind whispered and then roared through the leaves as it brought down a storm from the mountains. It set our room to swaying. Lightning flashed through the wooden shutters, and thunder growled with a sound like a giant chewing on boulders. We clung to each other, torn between terror and delight. The rain came, hammering on the wooden roof, forcing its way through the shutters to spray lightly across our bodies. It broke the heat, and we shivered and snuggled close. (c)
Q:
And I realized that maybe none of us ever gets to choose our lives. Our only choice is to live the life that comes to us, or go down into darkness. (c)
Q:
The thing about Cassandra is this: I’d made her up. ...
I went on three “dates” with Cassandra. On each of our dates, I took the train up to London, and took myself to the cinema. It was exciting, in its own way. (c) Ok, this kid was imaginative!
Q:
“Lie with me here a moment and look at the sky. When we’re apart and missing one another, we can look at the sky and remember that the same sun shines on us both.” (c)
Q:
Q:
In real life, even without the influence of the stars or the dread hand of Fate, there are any number of things that can doom a relationship—differences in temperament, race, religion, social status, political affiliations, being on different sides of a bitter war, philosophical dogma, degrees of affluence (or lack of it). Even simple distance can work to keep people apart, and over the centuries there must have been many lovers who stood on the dock and watched their loved ones sail off to destinations like Australia or America thousands of miles away, knowing that they’d never see them again, since in the days before modern transportation, they might as well have been sailing off to Mars. Many, many immigrants must have left someone behind them in the Old Country, as they were forced into exile or set off to find their fortunes, and most were never reunited. (c)
Q:
Star-crossed lovers who are really star-crossed, with grave obstacles to be overcome before they succeed in finding love (if they do): a wizard who must battle both a supremely powerful vampire and the hidden desires of his own heart; a man who must seduce a reluctant maiden or forfeit his family’s life to the Queen of Faerie; a woman who falls in love with a superhero she glimpses hurtling toward the scene of a crime; a ghost who lusts for sex and blood long after he should be safely in his grave; a girl who must brave the wrath of an otherworldly prince to rescue the man she loves; a lonely man who falls in love with a woman he can never meet; a smuggler who dares to fall in love with the ruler of a star-spanning Empire; a soldier cast adrift from his world who will face immense hardships to return to his own time and place; a lover who may—or may not—exist; a love that persists across lives and worlds, and transcends death . . . (c)
The stories in here:
Love Hurts - Jim Butcher (the usual!)
The Marrying Maid - Jo Beverley(lovely oldie)
Rooftops - Carrie Vaughn (too neurotic)
Hurt Me - M. L. N. Hanover (how do you go about torturing an unruly ghost?)
Demon Lover - Cecelia Holland (a nice fairy tale)
The Wayfarer’s Advice - Melinda M. Snodgrass (a lovely space drama)
Blue Boots - Robin Hobb (wow!)
The Thing About Cassandra - Neil Gaiman (nope)
After the Blood - Marjorie M. Liu (nope)
You, and You Alone - Jacqueline Carey (nice, The Unseen Guild?)
His Wolf - Lisa Tuttle
Courting Trouble - Linnea Sinclair
The Demon Dancer - Mary Jo Putney
Under/Above the Water - Tanith LeeKaskia, Peter S. Beagle
Man in the Mirror - Yasmine Galenorn
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows - Diana Gabaldon
Q:
I reflected that Isanjos now built our skyscrapers and our spaceships. Under human supervision, of course, but my God, there was so much opportunity for mischief if the aliens decided that it was time for them to act! I had a vision of skyscrapers collapsing and ships exploding.
I thought about the Hajin who worked as servants in our households. How easy it would be to poison a human family.
And the Tiponi Flutes did our accounting. They could crash the economy.
Humans were fucked. Good thing I worked on a ship crewed mostly by aliens. Maybe they liked me enough to keep me around. (c)
Q:
Wind whispered and then roared through the leaves as it brought down a storm from the mountains. It set our room to swaying. Lightning flashed through the wooden shutters, and thunder growled with a sound like a giant chewing on boulders. We clung to each other, torn between terror and delight. The rain came, hammering on the wooden roof, forcing its way through the shutters to spray lightly across our bodies. It broke the heat, and we shivered and snuggled close. (c)
Q:
And I realized that maybe none of us ever gets to choose our lives. Our only choice is to live the life that comes to us, or go down into darkness. (c)
Q:
The thing about Cassandra is this: I’d made her up. ...
I went on three “dates” with Cassandra. On each of our dates, I took the train up to London, and took myself to the cinema. It was exciting, in its own way. (c) Ok, this kid was imaginative!
Q:
“Lie with me here a moment and look at the sky. When we’re apart and missing one another, we can look at the sky and remember that the same sun shines on us both.” (c)
Q:
January 13, 2011
As with any anthology, this is a mixed bag.
The high points were Carrie Vaughn's "Rooftops" (a nicely-paced story about a playwright whose life changes after she's saved by a superhero) and Neil Gaiman's "The Thing About Cassandra" (an imaginative story about a man coming across a lie from his past). I also enjoyed Robin Hobb's return to the Six Duchies in "Blue Boots" and the gritty-but-satisfying "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover.
Some of the other stories were well-written or had interesting moments, but a couple seemed too sprawling for the short story format. In most cases, I prefer stories that are more compact. Unfortunately, there were a few entries that hit on my biggest pet peeve about anthology selections - I always get a little annoyed at stories that aren't self-contained.
It's one thing to use a familiar setting, or even characters that appear in the author's other works. I read Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books, but I still think his story ("Love Hurts") would have worked even for people who weren't familiar with Harry and Murphy. There were other stories, however, that seemed more deeply hooked in to larger worlds. Several of those left me with the frustrating feeling of not fully getting their plot, significance, or even their ending.
There's a full list of the stories, and a line or two about each one, in my status updates about the book. I'd recommend my now-standard anthology practice of trying this one from the library before buying it.
The high points were Carrie Vaughn's "Rooftops" (a nicely-paced story about a playwright whose life changes after she's saved by a superhero) and Neil Gaiman's "The Thing About Cassandra" (an imaginative story about a man coming across a lie from his past). I also enjoyed Robin Hobb's return to the Six Duchies in "Blue Boots" and the gritty-but-satisfying "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover.
Some of the other stories were well-written or had interesting moments, but a couple seemed too sprawling for the short story format. In most cases, I prefer stories that are more compact. Unfortunately, there were a few entries that hit on my biggest pet peeve about anthology selections - I always get a little annoyed at stories that aren't self-contained.
It's one thing to use a familiar setting, or even characters that appear in the author's other works. I read Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books, but I still think his story ("Love Hurts") would have worked even for people who weren't familiar with Harry and Murphy. There were other stories, however, that seemed more deeply hooked in to larger worlds. Several of those left me with the frustrating feeling of not fully getting their plot, significance, or even their ending.
There's a full list of the stories, and a line or two about each one, in my status updates about the book. I'd recommend my now-standard anthology practice of trying this one from the library before buying it.
August 17, 2011
Wow talk about your sucker punch to the stomach. I thought Martin and Dozois were just being irritating by holding Diana Gabaldon's story until last in the collection; like promising you cheesecake, but not until after you eat your whole dinner. But now I see why they did it. Nobody could have followed Gabaldon's story "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows." Not Peter Beagle or Neil Gaiman. Not anyone.
I'll review the whole book and then we can get back to "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows."
Touted as a cross-genre collection of "all-original tales of star-crossed love," what it really was is a collection of lovers overcoming awkward obstacles, with a handful of tales of actual star-crossed lovers thrown in. Star-crossed love isn't fun. It's not warm and fuzzy. It's Buffy and Angel, not Bella and Edward. There are no happy endings. All but a handful of authors faltered and gave us forever-afters instead of true impossible loves. These stories, Neil Gaiman's "The Thing About Cassandra," Jaqueline Carey's "You and You Alone," Lisa Tuttle's "His Wolf," Yasmine Galenorn's "Man in the Mirror," Peter S. Beagle's "Kaskia," and Gabaldon's above-mentioned story are the strongest stories in the book and also the ones with the most haunting, affecting storylines.
Happy endings are fun to read, but they can also feel very shallow and contrived. That was the case for Robin Hobb's "Blue Boots," Jo Beverly's "The Marrying Maid," Tanith Lee's "Under/Above the Water," Cecilia Holland's "Demon Lover," and Melinda Snodgrass's "The Wayfarer's Advice." These were all fun, amusing stories to read, but at the end they all rang a bit hollow. The lovers had obstacles, true, but they seemed to all overcome them very easily. Of course, these are short stories; there's not a lot of time for struggle. But the result were a love stories that didn't ring as deep or as true as I wanted them to.
The remaining stories were all either not really my cup of tea (M. L. N. Hanover's "Hurt Me" and Marjorie Liu's "After the Blood") due to genre and theme issues or eye-rollingly cliche and trite (Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble" and Mary Jo Putney's "The Demon Dancer"). The remaining two, Jim Butcher's "Love Hurts," and Carrie Vaughn's "Rooftops," were, I would have said, not really about lovers in the first place and also, while entertaining, fairly unexceptional.
Now back to the truly exceptional: Diana Gabaldon's "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallow's Eve." This was the story I bought the book for, the one I couldn't wait to read, because Gabaldon promised it was about Roger's parents. I was disappointed to find it last in the book, but deteremined to read the darn book in order. Now I'm glad I did, because everything else (even the really good ones) would be a disappointment after Gabaldon's story which caused my heart to beat faster and raised actual goosebumps up and down my arms and legs and spine. I don't know if the effect would have been as great if I hadn't read all her other books, but at this point it really doesn't matter. This story was truly heart-wrenching, very palpably about lost love, but also about secret, wonderful truths no one (but the reader and Diana and God) will ever know.
Despite the weak stories, I highly recommend this book, and not just for the last story. Wonderful to read, and there's something for (almost) everyone.
Here's a rundown of the stories, written as I went along:
I'll review the whole book and then we can get back to "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows."
Touted as a cross-genre collection of "all-original tales of star-crossed love," what it really was is a collection of lovers overcoming awkward obstacles, with a handful of tales of actual star-crossed lovers thrown in. Star-crossed love isn't fun. It's not warm and fuzzy. It's Buffy and Angel, not Bella and Edward. There are no happy endings. All but a handful of authors faltered and gave us forever-afters instead of true impossible loves. These stories, Neil Gaiman's "The Thing About Cassandra," Jaqueline Carey's "You and You Alone," Lisa Tuttle's "His Wolf," Yasmine Galenorn's "Man in the Mirror," Peter S. Beagle's "Kaskia," and Gabaldon's above-mentioned story are the strongest stories in the book and also the ones with the most haunting, affecting storylines.
Happy endings are fun to read, but they can also feel very shallow and contrived. That was the case for Robin Hobb's "Blue Boots," Jo Beverly's "The Marrying Maid," Tanith Lee's "Under/Above the Water," Cecilia Holland's "Demon Lover," and Melinda Snodgrass's "The Wayfarer's Advice." These were all fun, amusing stories to read, but at the end they all rang a bit hollow. The lovers had obstacles, true, but they seemed to all overcome them very easily. Of course, these are short stories; there's not a lot of time for struggle. But the result were a love stories that didn't ring as deep or as true as I wanted them to.
The remaining stories were all either not really my cup of tea (M. L. N. Hanover's "Hurt Me" and Marjorie Liu's "After the Blood") due to genre and theme issues or eye-rollingly cliche and trite (Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble" and Mary Jo Putney's "The Demon Dancer"). The remaining two, Jim Butcher's "Love Hurts," and Carrie Vaughn's "Rooftops," were, I would have said, not really about lovers in the first place and also, while entertaining, fairly unexceptional.
Now back to the truly exceptional: Diana Gabaldon's "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallow's Eve." This was the story I bought the book for, the one I couldn't wait to read, because Gabaldon promised it was about Roger's parents. I was disappointed to find it last in the book, but deteremined to read the darn book in order. Now I'm glad I did, because everything else (even the really good ones) would be a disappointment after Gabaldon's story which caused my heart to beat faster and raised actual goosebumps up and down my arms and legs and spine. I don't know if the effect would have been as great if I hadn't read all her other books, but at this point it really doesn't matter. This story was truly heart-wrenching, very palpably about lost love, but also about secret, wonderful truths no one (but the reader and Diana and God) will ever know.
Despite the weak stories, I highly recommend this book, and not just for the last story. Wonderful to read, and there's something for (almost) everyone.
Here's a rundown of the stories, written as I went along:
"Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher. I've never read anything by Butcher before, but I did enjoy this story of a gritty PI and his partner as they investigate a rash of romantic murder-suicides across Chicago.
"The Marrying Maid" by Jo Beverly. An engaging story that charmed me despite it's completely cliched predictability.
"Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn. Cute story about the world with superheroes. Trite moral ending, but still cute.
"Hurt Me" by M. L. N. Hanover. Sheesh, talk about your creepy laying-to-rest-old-ghost stories. This one takes the cake. Glad it's over, though it was satisfying.
"Demon Lover" by Cecilia Holland. Well, that was . . . nice. And again, a little cliche and trite. But not unenjoyable.
"The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda Snodgrass. I loved this one so much that it doesn't matter one bit that no one would notice if you changed the captain's name to Mal and the ship's name to Serenity.
"Blue Boots" by Robin Hobb. See now, that story was the definition of cliche and predictable, but I didn't mind one bit! It's all in the execution. Though the end did make my eyes roll, just a little bit.
"The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman. Neil Gaiman is always worth reading. This story was no exception, and the twist was unexpected and well-done.
"After the Blood" by Marjorie Liu. A post-apocalyptic vampire tale. I really just don't enjoy vampire stories, and this one was fuzzily-told. It also, given the ending, sounded more like a setup for a longer piece than a piece that stands on its own two feet.
"You, and You Alone" by Jaqueline Carey. I haven't read any of the Kushiel's Dart books. But, just now, looking them up and noting the title, I realized this story must also be a setup for the novels. However, the story itself was well-told and self-contained enough to also be a satisfying stand-alone story, unlike "After the Blood." This was also one of the few stories that actually tells the story of true star-crossed lovers. Everyone else seems to merely be dealing with inconvenient difficulties or not be lovers at all.
"His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle. I loved this story, though I did raise my eyebrows at the speed with which the relationship developed. However (having been something of a victim of love at first sight) I'm willing to forgive it, especially given the character Tuttle describes for Cody.
"Courting Trouble" by Linnea Sinclair. More lovers merely overcoming obstacles, not really star-crossed. Also, an unexceptional plot and unexceptional characters. Fairly fun to read anyway, though I don't care for fast-paced racing-the-space-police plots.
"The Demon Dancer" by Mary Jo Putney. Now we're getting into some serious eye-rolling territory. I really had trouble taking this one seriously. Telegraphed twists, ridiculous dialog and plot. Actually, "lots of eye-rolling" sums it up quite nicely. No need to say more.
"Under/Above the Water" by Tanith Lee. This was a very poetic, lyrical Tanith-Lee like story. Lovely, dreamy, and wonderful.
"Kaskia" by Peter S. Beagle. Now that was a satisfying, haunting, beautiful story of star-crossed lovers."
"Man in the Mirror" by Yasmine Galenorn. Here are more true star-crossed lovers! Gorgeous, haunting, well-told story of a haunted house and a haunted soul.
"A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" by Diana Gabaldon. See above gushing.
November 18, 2010
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
The moment I heard the words ‘Outlander spinoff’, I was sold. Diana Gabaldon’s epic Outlander series is probably my all time favorite series ever in any genre. The other authors who I love in this anthology like Jim Butcher, Carrie Vaughn, and Yasmine Galenorn are just icing on the cake.
“Love Hurts” by Jim Butcher (a Harry Dresden story)
In addition to the main series, I have now read several short stories starring the Wizard P.I. Harry Dresden and I think Love Hurts is my favorite yet as it follows Harry and Murphy tracking down a love spell slinging villain and dealing with their own past failed relationships. Normally, short stories featuring a character from a main series have to keep things to a minimum and save the good stuff for the main series. Apparently Jim Butcher didn’t get the memo because there is a HUGE character development that I’d personally been hoping for since STORM FRONT. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to incest.
“The Marrying Maid” by Jo Beverly
This is a new author to me, but I’m already a fan. Weaving together the Robin Hood legend, the faerie King Oberon and his Queen Titiana, The Marrying Maid is a sweet Jane Austen-esque romance between a twenty-four year old spinster and the possibly mad Viscount who relentlessly pursues. Lots of renaissance style romance and witty dialogue in this one. Sexual Content: Kissing. A brief sex scene.
“Rooftops” by Carrie Vaughn
A surprising story from Kitty author Carrie Vaughn capitalizes on the current popularity of Superheroes in a world similar to The Incredibles/Watchmen in which superheroes are a common day part of society. A lonely playwright witnesses a burglary and is saved by somewhat low-key hero dubbed Blue Collar by the press. I was instantly taken with Blue Collars ‘I do what I can’ attitude, but the heroine felt flat and uninteresting. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“Hurt Me” by M.L.N. Hanover
The first ghost story in the anthology comes from M.L.N. Hanover. A woman buys a new home only to learn from her neighbors a grim story about the original owners and the history of hauntings since. Hurt Me was fascinating and exceptionally written. The story is dark and unflinching in it’s portrayal of domestic abuse with a truly satisfying ending and an M. Night Shyamalan twist. Sexual Content: Brief sensuality. References to S&M.
“Demon Lover” by Cecelia Holland
An odd, adult fairy tale about a scarred woman who trades her freedom to an incubus in exchange for eternal beauty and the simple man who tries to save her. Demon Lover, while having an intriguing premise, had un uneven plot and at least one character turn around that was too sudden and too great to be believed. Sexual Content: Scenes of sensuality.
“Blue Boots” by Robin Hobb
Fantasy author Robin Hobb offers a touching story of a young woman orphaned and working as a kitchen maid when she catches the eye of a handsome traveling minstrel. The writing is beautiful and I easily sank into this world where privilege and circumstances often stood in the way of true love. Sexual Content: A non graphic sex scene.
“The Thing About Cassandra” by Neil Gaiman
The Thing About Cassandra is one of the stories that starts off strong and gains momentum only to end up disappointing. A man begins to reminisce about his first love, revealing something very surprising about her before he runs into her again as an adult. The ending tries to be poignant and flip the whole story on it’s head. I just found it frustratingly confusing. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“After the Blood” by Marjorie M. Liu
Vampires, zombies and The Amish collide in Liu’s post apocalyptic tale that throws you right into the middle of the story. I trusted that all would eventually be explained, and while parts were, the bigger questions were left unanswered. The ending is left open in what could eventually be the start of the series. Overall, the story was disorienting. Sexual Content: Kissing.
“His Wolf” by Lisa Tuttle
A bored English teacher has a chance encounter with a notorious man and his wolf. The dialogue in this one was dry and mundane and I thought the couple fell in love way to quickly even by short story standards, but the twist ending enough to almost compensate. Sexual Content: References to sex.
“The Demon Dancer” by Mary Jo Putney
Part Harold and Maud, The Demon Dancer follows a young Guardian and the elderly Guardian woman he has come to care for in an impossible way as they hunt down a demonic Succubus. The relationship between the two leads was touching in a regretful hopeless way. They cared deeply for the other and mourned a love that could never be. One of my favorites in the bunch. Sexual Content: References to sex.
“Under/Above the Water” by Tanith Lee
In a word: confusing. Lovers from different times and different worlds, sought to find their lost soul mates from another life. Retold from different POV’s this dreamlike story was a bit of a snooze. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“Kashkia” by Peter S. Beagle
An odd, compelling story about a lonely middle aged man who finds companionship with an alien beauty he meets online. There is potentially uncomfortable revelation at the end, but overall, I enjoyed the bizarre tale. Sexual Content: None.
“Man in the Mirror” by Yasmine Galenorn
A young woman moves into the family home of her deceased abusive husband and finds her self falling for the sad handsome man trapped in her mirror. A surprisingly soft and tender romance from the typically bold Galenorn. Sexual Content: References to masturbation.
“A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” (an OUTLANDER spinoff) by Diana Gabaldon
The absolute best story is hands down the last (and thankfully the longest) one. Whether a full length novel or a short story, Diana Gabaldon writes with an unparalleled beauty that can transport you to a WWII era Scotland just as easily as the centuries earlier Highlands. Outlander fans will thrill at reading the story of Roger’s fighter pilot father Jerry and his ill-fated trip through the stones and his desperate struggle to return home to his wife and infant son. I only needed a few pages to fall hopelessly in love with yet another Gabaldon hero (nobody writes them like her) and I’m already planning my next reread of the Outlander series. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
"It's a little unusual, in that it's about Roger MacKenzie's parents--but it does fill the interesting hole regarding Roger's father that I opened up in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. - Diana Gabaldon"
There were three stories that I just could not get into. “The Wayfarer’s Advice” (an Imperials story) by Melinda M. Snodgrass and “Courting Trouble” by Linnea Sinclair which were both hardcore science fiction stories featuring spaceship captains getting second chances at love, and “You and You Alone” (a Kushiel story) by Jacqueline Carey which is an m/m romance which contains at least one moderately graphic sex scene.
The moment I heard the words ‘Outlander spinoff’, I was sold. Diana Gabaldon’s epic Outlander series is probably my all time favorite series ever in any genre. The other authors who I love in this anthology like Jim Butcher, Carrie Vaughn, and Yasmine Galenorn are just icing on the cake.
“Love Hurts” by Jim Butcher (a Harry Dresden story)
In addition to the main series, I have now read several short stories starring the Wizard P.I. Harry Dresden and I think Love Hurts is my favorite yet as it follows Harry and Murphy tracking down a love spell slinging villain and dealing with their own past failed relationships. Normally, short stories featuring a character from a main series have to keep things to a minimum and save the good stuff for the main series. Apparently Jim Butcher didn’t get the memo because there is a HUGE character development that I’d personally been hoping for since STORM FRONT. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to incest.
“The Marrying Maid” by Jo Beverly
This is a new author to me, but I’m already a fan. Weaving together the Robin Hood legend, the faerie King Oberon and his Queen Titiana, The Marrying Maid is a sweet Jane Austen-esque romance between a twenty-four year old spinster and the possibly mad Viscount who relentlessly pursues. Lots of renaissance style romance and witty dialogue in this one. Sexual Content: Kissing. A brief sex scene.
“Rooftops” by Carrie Vaughn
A surprising story from Kitty author Carrie Vaughn capitalizes on the current popularity of Superheroes in a world similar to The Incredibles/Watchmen in which superheroes are a common day part of society. A lonely playwright witnesses a burglary and is saved by somewhat low-key hero dubbed Blue Collar by the press. I was instantly taken with Blue Collars ‘I do what I can’ attitude, but the heroine felt flat and uninteresting. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“Hurt Me” by M.L.N. Hanover
The first ghost story in the anthology comes from M.L.N. Hanover. A woman buys a new home only to learn from her neighbors a grim story about the original owners and the history of hauntings since. Hurt Me was fascinating and exceptionally written. The story is dark and unflinching in it’s portrayal of domestic abuse with a truly satisfying ending and an M. Night Shyamalan twist. Sexual Content: Brief sensuality. References to S&M.
“Demon Lover” by Cecelia Holland
An odd, adult fairy tale about a scarred woman who trades her freedom to an incubus in exchange for eternal beauty and the simple man who tries to save her. Demon Lover, while having an intriguing premise, had un uneven plot and at least one character turn around that was too sudden and too great to be believed. Sexual Content: Scenes of sensuality.
“Blue Boots” by Robin Hobb
Fantasy author Robin Hobb offers a touching story of a young woman orphaned and working as a kitchen maid when she catches the eye of a handsome traveling minstrel. The writing is beautiful and I easily sank into this world where privilege and circumstances often stood in the way of true love. Sexual Content: A non graphic sex scene.
“The Thing About Cassandra” by Neil Gaiman
The Thing About Cassandra is one of the stories that starts off strong and gains momentum only to end up disappointing. A man begins to reminisce about his first love, revealing something very surprising about her before he runs into her again as an adult. The ending tries to be poignant and flip the whole story on it’s head. I just found it frustratingly confusing. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“After the Blood” by Marjorie M. Liu
Vampires, zombies and The Amish collide in Liu’s post apocalyptic tale that throws you right into the middle of the story. I trusted that all would eventually be explained, and while parts were, the bigger questions were left unanswered. The ending is left open in what could eventually be the start of the series. Overall, the story was disorienting. Sexual Content: Kissing.
“His Wolf” by Lisa Tuttle
A bored English teacher has a chance encounter with a notorious man and his wolf. The dialogue in this one was dry and mundane and I thought the couple fell in love way to quickly even by short story standards, but the twist ending enough to almost compensate. Sexual Content: References to sex.
“The Demon Dancer” by Mary Jo Putney
Part Harold and Maud, The Demon Dancer follows a young Guardian and the elderly Guardian woman he has come to care for in an impossible way as they hunt down a demonic Succubus. The relationship between the two leads was touching in a regretful hopeless way. They cared deeply for the other and mourned a love that could never be. One of my favorites in the bunch. Sexual Content: References to sex.
“Under/Above the Water” by Tanith Lee
In a word: confusing. Lovers from different times and different worlds, sought to find their lost soul mates from another life. Retold from different POV’s this dreamlike story was a bit of a snooze. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
“Kashkia” by Peter S. Beagle
An odd, compelling story about a lonely middle aged man who finds companionship with an alien beauty he meets online. There is potentially uncomfortable revelation at the end, but overall, I enjoyed the bizarre tale. Sexual Content: None.
“Man in the Mirror” by Yasmine Galenorn
A young woman moves into the family home of her deceased abusive husband and finds her self falling for the sad handsome man trapped in her mirror. A surprisingly soft and tender romance from the typically bold Galenorn. Sexual Content: References to masturbation.
“A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” (an OUTLANDER spinoff) by Diana Gabaldon
The absolute best story is hands down the last (and thankfully the longest) one. Whether a full length novel or a short story, Diana Gabaldon writes with an unparalleled beauty that can transport you to a WWII era Scotland just as easily as the centuries earlier Highlands. Outlander fans will thrill at reading the story of Roger’s fighter pilot father Jerry and his ill-fated trip through the stones and his desperate struggle to return home to his wife and infant son. I only needed a few pages to fall hopelessly in love with yet another Gabaldon hero (nobody writes them like her) and I’m already planning my next reread of the Outlander series. Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex.
"It's a little unusual, in that it's about Roger MacKenzie's parents--but it does fill the interesting hole regarding Roger's father that I opened up in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. - Diana Gabaldon"
There were three stories that I just could not get into. “The Wayfarer’s Advice” (an Imperials story) by Melinda M. Snodgrass and “Courting Trouble” by Linnea Sinclair which were both hardcore science fiction stories featuring spaceship captains getting second chances at love, and “You and You Alone” (a Kushiel story) by Jacqueline Carey which is an m/m romance which contains at least one moderately graphic sex scene.
Read
June 18, 2018Aşk ve ölüm... Ezelden beri insanoğlunun başına musallat olan iki kavram. George R.R. Martin ile Gardner Dozois’nın editörlüğünü yaptığı Aşk ve Ölüm Şarklıları adlı bu fantastik-bilimkurgu derlemesi işete bu iki unsuru konu alıyor. Üstelik Neil Gaiman (Amerikan Tanrıları, Sandman), Diana Gabaldon (Yabancı), Jim Butcher (Dresden Dosyaları) ve Robin Hobb (Farseer) gibi ünlü yazarların kaleminden çıkan hikâyeler eşliğinde…
Kimi uzun kimi kısa, toplamda 17 hikâyeden oluşan derlemede kâh bir peri masalına konuk oluyor kâh uzayın derinliklerinde bir maceraya atılıyoruz; kâh bir hayalet hikâyesi okuyor kâh bir süper kahraman serüveninin ortasında buluyoruz kendimizi. Hatta bunlardan bazıları yazarlarla özdeşleşmiş, o çok sevdiğimiz evrenlerde geçiyor. Diana Gabaldon yine Yabancı evreninde geçen bir hikâye kaleme almış örneğin. Jim Butcher da yeni bir Dresden Dosyaları öyküsüyle karşımızda.
Bunlara ek olarak kitabın hemen başlangıcında George R.R. Martin’in kaleme aldığı önsöz karşılıyor bizleri. Aşktan ve Shakespeare’den dem vuran ünlü yazar, daha sonrasında derlemde yer alan öykülere ve yazarlara dair birkaç kelam ediyor.
Ayrıca her öykünün başında o yazarın kim olduğuna, hangi kitapları yazdığına ve hangi eseriyle tanındığına dair kısa bilgiler var. Ki bu iyi olmuş, böylece üslubunu beğendiğiniz bir yazarın başka eserleri hakkında da az çok fikir sahibi oluyorsunuz.
Genel olarak değerlendirmem gerekirse, Aşk ve Ölüm Şarkıları bu tür bir derlemeden bekleyeceğiniz gibi inişli çıkışlı bir grafik sergiliyor. Öykülerin kimini çok beğeniyor ve hiç bitmesin istiyorsunuz, kimindense sıkılıyor ve nereden bulaştım buna havasında okuyorsunuz. Tıpkı aşk meşk işleri gibi… Tabii herkesin beğendiği ve beğenmediği öyküler muhakkak kişiye göre farklılıklar gösterecektir. Sonuçta derlemelerin doğasında olan bir şey bu…
- M. İhsan TATARİ
İncelemenin tamamı için: https://kayiprihtim.com/inceleme/ask-...
Kimi uzun kimi kısa, toplamda 17 hikâyeden oluşan derlemede kâh bir peri masalına konuk oluyor kâh uzayın derinliklerinde bir maceraya atılıyoruz; kâh bir hayalet hikâyesi okuyor kâh bir süper kahraman serüveninin ortasında buluyoruz kendimizi. Hatta bunlardan bazıları yazarlarla özdeşleşmiş, o çok sevdiğimiz evrenlerde geçiyor. Diana Gabaldon yine Yabancı evreninde geçen bir hikâye kaleme almış örneğin. Jim Butcher da yeni bir Dresden Dosyaları öyküsüyle karşımızda.
Bunlara ek olarak kitabın hemen başlangıcında George R.R. Martin’in kaleme aldığı önsöz karşılıyor bizleri. Aşktan ve Shakespeare’den dem vuran ünlü yazar, daha sonrasında derlemde yer alan öykülere ve yazarlara dair birkaç kelam ediyor.
Ayrıca her öykünün başında o yazarın kim olduğuna, hangi kitapları yazdığına ve hangi eseriyle tanındığına dair kısa bilgiler var. Ki bu iyi olmuş, böylece üslubunu beğendiğiniz bir yazarın başka eserleri hakkında da az çok fikir sahibi oluyorsunuz.
Genel olarak değerlendirmem gerekirse, Aşk ve Ölüm Şarkıları bu tür bir derlemeden bekleyeceğiniz gibi inişli çıkışlı bir grafik sergiliyor. Öykülerin kimini çok beğeniyor ve hiç bitmesin istiyorsunuz, kimindense sıkılıyor ve nereden bulaştım buna havasında okuyorsunuz. Tıpkı aşk meşk işleri gibi… Tabii herkesin beğendiği ve beğenmediği öyküler muhakkak kişiye göre farklılıklar gösterecektir. Sonuçta derlemelerin doğasında olan bir şey bu…
- M. İhsan TATARİ
İncelemenin tamamı için: https://kayiprihtim.com/inceleme/ask-...
November 16, 2010
This new cross-genre anthology purports to be an "all original" collection of tales of star-crossed lovers written by fantasy, romance, horror and crime authors. The all-original tag doesn't hold up with the first story, Jim Butcher's "Love Hurts", in which Dresden and a friend fall victim to a spell. It's the same setup seen in hundreds of TV shows in which characters flirt with, or are tricked into thinking, they are in love and go back to their old ways by story's end.
The introduction is odd as well. It's a lifeless, Wikipedia-type essay on what star-crossed means. With no signature, one can only hope it is the work of a publishing company intern and was not created by either Martin or Dozois. If it was Martin's contribution, it's the only thing he wrote for the anthology. But then things get better, even if the actual definition of "star-crossed" doesn't always apply to the stories.
Jo Beverley weds the world of Faery and Georgian splendor in "The Marrying Maid", in which legends and fables are woven into a tale of a society peacock who recognizes a grey canon's daughter as the woman he must wed. The heroine's characterization is strong, the hero's less so because he is entirely made up of his problem that he must solve. The end feels rushed, as if a word count had been reached and it had to be wrapped up posthaste. Although it's not technically a star-crossed lovers story, because Beverley remains true to her romance roots, it still works well as an example of how old folk tales can be made part of a new tapestry. It also shows how well Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell works. Cecelia Holland's "Demon Lover" is another trapped in Faery Land tale. And, again, it's not technically star-crossed. Neither is Lisa Tuttle's "His Wolf", a story about two chance meetings and a lot of wish fulfillment.
"Rooftops" is an engrossing story by Carrie Vaughn about what it takes to make a hero. A young playwright is rescued by a vigilante, a new one in a city strewn with them, while her assistant DA lover is gone night after night. There's even a link to the value of work and creativity by all three main characters, and the story inspires thoughts about what is the difference between real life and the story we make of our lives so they make sense. This is well done, not over done.
Nearly every neighborhood has one -- a house that doesn't quite match, doesn't quite fit in, there is something off about it. People don't stay there long. There is such a house in "Hurt Me", a brilliant story by paranormal author M.L.N. Hanover. That house got that way for a good reason. And now a new owner has moved in, a woman with a past searching for something. Just as with Hanover's Black Sun's Daughter novels, there is both action and deep characterization that work very well together. As with other stories, the "star-crossed lovers" trope really doesn't hold. But when the stories are as good as this one, it doesn't really matter.
Although it's set in the future in space, "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass fits the theme of the anthology perfectly. Her Star Trek: The Next Generation roots serve Snodgrass well in this story of a smuggler and a lady far above his station.
The delightful Robin Hobb contributes an utterly delightful story about a nice girl and a minstrel. "Blue Boots" is charming and strict definitions of "star-crossed" be tossed. As in her novels, the interplay between a varied cast of characters animates the story, making main character's ups and downs as fortune dictates more vivid.
And then there is Neil Gaiman. Right now, an anthology is just not complete without this red-hot writer. However, with "The Thing About Cassandra", Gaiman is instead icy in his dissection of a boy who thought he had his life under control. This one has a twist. Or more than one, actually. And they're beauts. Another master is Peter S. Beagle. His "Kaskia", about connections across the cosmos, is not to be missed. What a lovely, lovely story.
Post-apocalyptic vampires reached an apex, if that's the right term, in Justin Cronin's The Passage. Marjorie M. Liu's "After the Blood" has a very similar feel, but crashes up against the boundaries of a short story. A woman copes alone, except for a multitude of cats, on a farm, protecting her land with drops of her blood on the fence. Amish neighbors exile the man she loves because he's now undead. As a setpiece to introduce a longer novel, it would work. On its own, there's too much strain showing in going for the feelings and emotions rather than presenting a new world and its inhabitants. The ending is pure setting the stage for chapter 2.
Jacqueline Carey contributes a novella based in the world of her Kushiel's Legacy series, the tragic love story of Anafiel Delaunay and Prince Rolande de la Courcel. Although there is much foreshadowing and prose that borders on being overwrought, "You, and You Alone" is a successful tale that both stands alone in relating the consequences of an oath that will not be forsaken, and as fitting into a complex fantasy series. It brings to mind the classic writing of Mary Renault.
A high-adventure caper is the basic storyline of Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble". It goes on for pages and pages with one problem half solved, only for two more to pop up in this story of a freight ship captain who runs into her old friend after he doublecrossed her.
Mary Jo Putney may be better known for historical romance, but her "The Demon Dancer" is set in an urban fantasy present New York City. A heroic demon hunter and his exceptionally talented older mentor take on a succubus with results at least one of them never expected.
King Arthur lost the two people he loved best. In Tanith Lee's "Under/Above Water", she plays with time and place so lovers meet/are reunited. For other genre writers who would write lush, this is how to do it without a tinge of purple. Dimensions also separate would-be lovers in Yasmine Galenorn's "Man in the Mirror". Ignore sloppy word choice and ideas such as the one that the Seattle area has bright mornings only as often as blue moons appear, and there is a poignant act that saves the story. The anthology ends with a contribution by Diana Gabaldon.
Songs of Love & Death shows the strain of trying too hard to corral a group of barely related stories into one volume. But it likely will serve its purpose of drawing readers in who know one or two of the writers and getting them to sample the works of the others. Unless, of course, the readers are the type who read only those authors they know and ignore the rest of the book. For those readers, the quality of what the other writers produce or how well their stories fit into the theme of the anthology won't matter anyway, defeating the purpose of the book.
The introduction is odd as well. It's a lifeless, Wikipedia-type essay on what star-crossed means. With no signature, one can only hope it is the work of a publishing company intern and was not created by either Martin or Dozois. If it was Martin's contribution, it's the only thing he wrote for the anthology. But then things get better, even if the actual definition of "star-crossed" doesn't always apply to the stories.
Jo Beverley weds the world of Faery and Georgian splendor in "The Marrying Maid", in which legends and fables are woven into a tale of a society peacock who recognizes a grey canon's daughter as the woman he must wed. The heroine's characterization is strong, the hero's less so because he is entirely made up of his problem that he must solve. The end feels rushed, as if a word count had been reached and it had to be wrapped up posthaste. Although it's not technically a star-crossed lovers story, because Beverley remains true to her romance roots, it still works well as an example of how old folk tales can be made part of a new tapestry. It also shows how well Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell works. Cecelia Holland's "Demon Lover" is another trapped in Faery Land tale. And, again, it's not technically star-crossed. Neither is Lisa Tuttle's "His Wolf", a story about two chance meetings and a lot of wish fulfillment.
"Rooftops" is an engrossing story by Carrie Vaughn about what it takes to make a hero. A young playwright is rescued by a vigilante, a new one in a city strewn with them, while her assistant DA lover is gone night after night. There's even a link to the value of work and creativity by all three main characters, and the story inspires thoughts about what is the difference between real life and the story we make of our lives so they make sense. This is well done, not over done.
Nearly every neighborhood has one -- a house that doesn't quite match, doesn't quite fit in, there is something off about it. People don't stay there long. There is such a house in "Hurt Me", a brilliant story by paranormal author M.L.N. Hanover. That house got that way for a good reason. And now a new owner has moved in, a woman with a past searching for something. Just as with Hanover's Black Sun's Daughter novels, there is both action and deep characterization that work very well together. As with other stories, the "star-crossed lovers" trope really doesn't hold. But when the stories are as good as this one, it doesn't really matter.
Although it's set in the future in space, "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass fits the theme of the anthology perfectly. Her Star Trek: The Next Generation roots serve Snodgrass well in this story of a smuggler and a lady far above his station.
The delightful Robin Hobb contributes an utterly delightful story about a nice girl and a minstrel. "Blue Boots" is charming and strict definitions of "star-crossed" be tossed. As in her novels, the interplay between a varied cast of characters animates the story, making main character's ups and downs as fortune dictates more vivid.
And then there is Neil Gaiman. Right now, an anthology is just not complete without this red-hot writer. However, with "The Thing About Cassandra", Gaiman is instead icy in his dissection of a boy who thought he had his life under control. This one has a twist. Or more than one, actually. And they're beauts. Another master is Peter S. Beagle. His "Kaskia", about connections across the cosmos, is not to be missed. What a lovely, lovely story.
Post-apocalyptic vampires reached an apex, if that's the right term, in Justin Cronin's The Passage. Marjorie M. Liu's "After the Blood" has a very similar feel, but crashes up against the boundaries of a short story. A woman copes alone, except for a multitude of cats, on a farm, protecting her land with drops of her blood on the fence. Amish neighbors exile the man she loves because he's now undead. As a setpiece to introduce a longer novel, it would work. On its own, there's too much strain showing in going for the feelings and emotions rather than presenting a new world and its inhabitants. The ending is pure setting the stage for chapter 2.
Jacqueline Carey contributes a novella based in the world of her Kushiel's Legacy series, the tragic love story of Anafiel Delaunay and Prince Rolande de la Courcel. Although there is much foreshadowing and prose that borders on being overwrought, "You, and You Alone" is a successful tale that both stands alone in relating the consequences of an oath that will not be forsaken, and as fitting into a complex fantasy series. It brings to mind the classic writing of Mary Renault.
A high-adventure caper is the basic storyline of Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble". It goes on for pages and pages with one problem half solved, only for two more to pop up in this story of a freight ship captain who runs into her old friend after he doublecrossed her.
Mary Jo Putney may be better known for historical romance, but her "The Demon Dancer" is set in an urban fantasy present New York City. A heroic demon hunter and his exceptionally talented older mentor take on a succubus with results at least one of them never expected.
King Arthur lost the two people he loved best. In Tanith Lee's "Under/Above Water", she plays with time and place so lovers meet/are reunited. For other genre writers who would write lush, this is how to do it without a tinge of purple. Dimensions also separate would-be lovers in Yasmine Galenorn's "Man in the Mirror". Ignore sloppy word choice and ideas such as the one that the Seattle area has bright mornings only as often as blue moons appear, and there is a poignant act that saves the story. The anthology ends with a contribution by Diana Gabaldon.
Songs of Love & Death shows the strain of trying too hard to corral a group of barely related stories into one volume. But it likely will serve its purpose of drawing readers in who know one or two of the writers and getting them to sample the works of the others. Unless, of course, the readers are the type who read only those authors they know and ignore the rest of the book. For those readers, the quality of what the other writers produce or how well their stories fit into the theme of the anthology won't matter anyway, defeating the purpose of the book.
August 10, 2011
The 4 star rating is based solely upon the short story “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” written by Diana Gabaldon!
When I read on Diana's website that not only did she have a short story published in "Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love" but that it was a story about Roger! In "An Echo in the Bone" Diana Gabaldon generated yet another mystery that had to do with Roger's parents.
I really enjoyed this even though it only made me want more... it did answer the question to the mystery though! Recommended for any Outlander fans who need something to tide them over till the next book. (Don't expect it to satisfy you for long though!)
When I read on Diana's website that not only did she have a short story published in "Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love" but that it was a story about Roger! In "An Echo in the Bone" Diana Gabaldon generated yet another mystery that had to do with Roger's parents.
I really enjoyed this even though it only made me want more... it did answer the question to the mystery though! Recommended for any Outlander fans who need something to tide them over till the next book. (Don't expect it to satisfy you for long though!)
November 20, 2010
I really enjoyed this anthology and am going to post some of the specifics about a few of the stories, but not all of them, that would make for an incredibly long review. I enjoyed the theme of this anthology (being star-crossed lovers) and I enjoyed meeting new characters and learning things about some of my favorite characters I did not know. I hope you enjoy it as well....
Love Hurts by: Jim Butcher
This was a cute, short, pretty easy and flowing story. I found it a tad bit shocking because of the two ‘star crossed lovers’ but Jim Butcher wrote it well. I love his writing, very humorous.
The Marrying Maid by: Jo Beverly
I did not like this story. It seemed to squish to many legends, myths, and just stuff into one tiny story and I did not like how adamant she was not to be with him and he was trying to force her and the whole “ok, why not” at the end. Annoyed me.
Rooftops by: Carrie Vaughn
This was interesting and uninteresting at the same time. I didn’t feel a connection to Charlotte at all but I liked the concept of a story about a masked avenger who is a normal man in a world full of superheros. Overall, ok, wish I could connect to the characters better.
Hurt Me by: M.L.N. Hanover
WOW! This story is creepy, twisted, and just awesome! I know it sounds weird but I don’t think I have ever read a story quite like this one. I love the darkness of the story and the way the author just takes it to a whole other level. Very good story!
Demon Lover by: Cecelia Holland
This was an interesting story. It was much like a fairy tale...well I think it was a fairy tale, a dark one. I enjoyed the intricacies of the story and would have loved to see a longer one. I think it would have made a great novel, romance perhaps. I enjoyed it.
More stories in this anthology are....
The Wayfarer’s Advice by: Melinda Snodgrass
Blue Boots by: Robin Hobb
The Thing About Cassandra by: Neil Gaiman
After the Blood by: Marjorie M. Liu
You, and You Alone by: Jacqueline Carey
His Wolf by: Lisa Tuttle
Courting Trouble by: Linnea Sinclair
The Demon Dancer by: Mary Jo Putney
Under/Above the Water by: Tanith Lee
Kaskia by: Peter S Beagle
Man in the Mirror by: Yasmine Galenorn
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by: Diana Gabaldon
Love Hurts by: Jim Butcher
This was a cute, short, pretty easy and flowing story. I found it a tad bit shocking because of the two ‘star crossed lovers’ but Jim Butcher wrote it well. I love his writing, very humorous.
The Marrying Maid by: Jo Beverly
I did not like this story. It seemed to squish to many legends, myths, and just stuff into one tiny story and I did not like how adamant she was not to be with him and he was trying to force her and the whole “ok, why not” at the end. Annoyed me.
Rooftops by: Carrie Vaughn
This was interesting and uninteresting at the same time. I didn’t feel a connection to Charlotte at all but I liked the concept of a story about a masked avenger who is a normal man in a world full of superheros. Overall, ok, wish I could connect to the characters better.
Hurt Me by: M.L.N. Hanover
WOW! This story is creepy, twisted, and just awesome! I know it sounds weird but I don’t think I have ever read a story quite like this one. I love the darkness of the story and the way the author just takes it to a whole other level. Very good story!
Demon Lover by: Cecelia Holland
This was an interesting story. It was much like a fairy tale...well I think it was a fairy tale, a dark one. I enjoyed the intricacies of the story and would have loved to see a longer one. I think it would have made a great novel, romance perhaps. I enjoyed it.
More stories in this anthology are....
The Wayfarer’s Advice by: Melinda Snodgrass
Blue Boots by: Robin Hobb
The Thing About Cassandra by: Neil Gaiman
After the Blood by: Marjorie M. Liu
You, and You Alone by: Jacqueline Carey
His Wolf by: Lisa Tuttle
Courting Trouble by: Linnea Sinclair
The Demon Dancer by: Mary Jo Putney
Under/Above the Water by: Tanith Lee
Kaskia by: Peter S Beagle
Man in the Mirror by: Yasmine Galenorn
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by: Diana Gabaldon
January 10, 2013
This collection of short stories is exactly what the subtitle says: tales of star-crossed love. Crossing a gamut of sub-genres within the realms of science fiction and fantasy, there should be something here for almost everyone.
As with almost any anthology, there were stories that I loved and some that just didn't do anything for me. I was a little afraid that it would start to get depressing (star-crossed love just doesn't sound happy, now does it?) but there was a good balance of happy and sad endings.
Favorite story: "Hurt Me" by M. L. N. Hanover.--A woman moves into a house haunted by an angry ghost. It was dark and disturbing all the way through, but holy cow, what an ending. I feel like I should have seen it coming but I completely did not. Very well done.
"Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher--Someone starts magically forcing people to fall in love on Harry's turf with disastrous results. I've only read the first two books in the Dresden Files, but I do love Harry and Murph. There wasn't really anything spoilery in this story, labeled as # 11.5, but it was a little bittersweet.
"The Marrying Maid" by Jo Beverley--A young aristocrat zeroes in on a sensible vicar's daughter as his one true love. This felt like it was going to venture into bodice-ripper territory (nothing wrong with it, but that's not my thing), but it steered mostly clear. It was fun but I don't think it will end up being memorable for me.
"Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn--A playwright living in a version of Gotham City is rescued by a masked crusader. A strong contender for my favorite story. A shy new superhero? Yes, please.
"Demon Lover" by Cecelia Holland--A young woman unsatisfied with her lot in life ventures into a castle she's never seen before. I had to look and remind myself what it was about. Not a great sign, but I did enjoy it while I was reading it. A story of mortals drifting into the faery realm is always a safe bet for me.
"The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass--The captain of a tradeship stumbles on the wreckage of a Imperial cruiser (different wording, same thing) and he's pretty sure his old flame was on board. Again, I had to look back at it, but it was haunting while I was reading it. I felt like there were elements of Serenity in it. I'm not complaining.
"Blue Boots" by Robin Hobb--I did not enjoy the two books I've read by Robin Hobb at all so I gave up on her altogether. This story made me rethink my stance. A plucky kitchen maid and a minstrel? Again, has my name all over it.
"The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman--A man starts hearing about an old girlfriend that he'd completely forgotten about. If you read many of my reviews at all, you know I love Neil Gaiman, so you know I was excited for this one. I was let down. There was a twist that surprised me, but I didn't really care. I can't describe it better than that.
"After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu--The Amish, a plague, these vampire-y thing? I just didn't understand this story. I felt like I was reading an entry in a series that I knew nothing about. Maybe I was. I was missing a whole lot of information that I think would have helped me make sense of what was going on.
"You, and You Alone" by Jacqueline Carey--Delauney's story, only hinted at in Kushiel's Dart . I loved the Kushiel series so I was very excited to read this, especially when I realized what it was about. Loved it.
"His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle--A recently relocated woman falls in with a mysterious man and his wolf. It didn't go exactly in the direction I expected, a huge plus.
"Courting Trouble" by Linnea Sinclair--The captain of a tradeship finds herself relying on an old friend for help, years after he betrayed her trust. A little too science-fictiony for my reading taste. I didn't dislike it though.
"The Demon Dancer" by Mary Jo Putney--A magician cop and an old friend tackle a succubus before the spirit can destroy too many lives around the city. I liked this one quite a bit. I didn't see where it was going either.
"Under/Above the Water" by Tanith Lee--Two lovers, separated by centuries, trying to find their way back to each other. Not my style. I typically need to be up in the characters' heads to really enjoy a story and this one felt very distanced.
"Kaskia" by Peter S. Beagle--A man hits "the red button" on a mysterious computer with very unexpected results. Felt a bit too short, although I think Beagle accomplished exactly what he was trying to do. I just wanted a little more!
"Man in the Mirror" by Yasmine Galenorn--A troubled woman moves into a house with a past of its own. A sad, haunting, very visual tale. I really, really liked it.
"A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" by Diana Gabaldon--A WWII RAF pilot goes down over Scotland and wakes up in an unexpected place. Possibly my least favorite story. What a crap ending.
And that's it. The good outweighed the bad and overall I enjoyed the book. There were some very strong entries in this collection. I do recommend it.
As with almost any anthology, there were stories that I loved and some that just didn't do anything for me. I was a little afraid that it would start to get depressing (star-crossed love just doesn't sound happy, now does it?) but there was a good balance of happy and sad endings.
Favorite story: "Hurt Me" by M. L. N. Hanover.--A woman moves into a house haunted by an angry ghost. It was dark and disturbing all the way through, but holy cow, what an ending. I feel like I should have seen it coming but I completely did not. Very well done.
"Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher--Someone starts magically forcing people to fall in love on Harry's turf with disastrous results. I've only read the first two books in the Dresden Files, but I do love Harry and Murph. There wasn't really anything spoilery in this story, labeled as # 11.5, but it was a little bittersweet.
"The Marrying Maid" by Jo Beverley--A young aristocrat zeroes in on a sensible vicar's daughter as his one true love. This felt like it was going to venture into bodice-ripper territory (nothing wrong with it, but that's not my thing), but it steered mostly clear. It was fun but I don't think it will end up being memorable for me.
"Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn--A playwright living in a version of Gotham City is rescued by a masked crusader. A strong contender for my favorite story. A shy new superhero? Yes, please.
"Demon Lover" by Cecelia Holland--A young woman unsatisfied with her lot in life ventures into a castle she's never seen before. I had to look and remind myself what it was about. Not a great sign, but I did enjoy it while I was reading it. A story of mortals drifting into the faery realm is always a safe bet for me.
"The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass--The captain of a tradeship stumbles on the wreckage of a Imperial cruiser (different wording, same thing) and he's pretty sure his old flame was on board. Again, I had to look back at it, but it was haunting while I was reading it. I felt like there were elements of Serenity in it. I'm not complaining.
"Blue Boots" by Robin Hobb--I did not enjoy the two books I've read by Robin Hobb at all so I gave up on her altogether. This story made me rethink my stance. A plucky kitchen maid and a minstrel? Again, has my name all over it.
"The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman--A man starts hearing about an old girlfriend that he'd completely forgotten about. If you read many of my reviews at all, you know I love Neil Gaiman, so you know I was excited for this one. I was let down. There was a twist that surprised me, but I didn't really care. I can't describe it better than that.
"After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu--The Amish, a plague, these vampire-y thing? I just didn't understand this story. I felt like I was reading an entry in a series that I knew nothing about. Maybe I was. I was missing a whole lot of information that I think would have helped me make sense of what was going on.
"You, and You Alone" by Jacqueline Carey--Delauney's story, only hinted at in Kushiel's Dart . I loved the Kushiel series so I was very excited to read this, especially when I realized what it was about. Loved it.
"His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle--A recently relocated woman falls in with a mysterious man and his wolf. It didn't go exactly in the direction I expected, a huge plus.
"Courting Trouble" by Linnea Sinclair--The captain of a tradeship finds herself relying on an old friend for help, years after he betrayed her trust. A little too science-fictiony for my reading taste. I didn't dislike it though.
"The Demon Dancer" by Mary Jo Putney--A magician cop and an old friend tackle a succubus before the spirit can destroy too many lives around the city. I liked this one quite a bit. I didn't see where it was going either.
"Under/Above the Water" by Tanith Lee--Two lovers, separated by centuries, trying to find their way back to each other. Not my style. I typically need to be up in the characters' heads to really enjoy a story and this one felt very distanced.
"Kaskia" by Peter S. Beagle--A man hits "the red button" on a mysterious computer with very unexpected results. Felt a bit too short, although I think Beagle accomplished exactly what he was trying to do. I just wanted a little more!
"Man in the Mirror" by Yasmine Galenorn--A troubled woman moves into a house with a past of its own. A sad, haunting, very visual tale. I really, really liked it.
"A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" by Diana Gabaldon--A WWII RAF pilot goes down over Scotland and wakes up in an unexpected place. Possibly my least favorite story. What a crap ending.
And that's it. The good outweighed the bad and overall I enjoyed the book. There were some very strong entries in this collection. I do recommend it.
January 25, 2012
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois have collected a nice batch of all-new stories from an all-star cast in Songs of Love and Death. The theme is "star-crossed lovers," and as you might guess from the title, each tale is a love story, and many are death stories, too. Some are sad, some are sexy, and one or two are slightly sappy. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. Here's what you'll find in Songs of Love and Death:
-- "Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher may be the story Harry Dresden's fans have been waiting for because it looks like Harry and Murphy will finally get together... or will they?
-- In "The Marrying Maid," historical romance author Jo Beverley provides a Regency romance in which a court fop tries to seduce a practical spinster, but this time there's a fairy legend that's spurring him on.
-- In "Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn, a young playwright who's nervous about her opening night is rescued by a mysterious masked superhero. She has a boyfriend, but she just can't get that masked stranger off her mind.
-- "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover is an excellently eerie haunted house story. One of the best in this collection.
-- "Demon Lover" by historical fiction writer Cecelia Holland is an erotic fairy tale. Though it was obvious where this one was going, it was still entertaining.
-- In "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass, the captain of an illicit spaceship rescues the heiress of an empire.
-- I'm always a fan of Robin Hobb, so it's not surprising that "Blue Boots" was one of my favorites in this collection. It takes place in Buck Town and tells the story of a kitchen maid who falls in love with a wandering minstrel.
-- "The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman is a strange story about a man who meets his imaginary girlfriend. This one was kind of mind-blowing, which means I liked it.
-- "After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu involves a vampire trying to survive in a zombie-infested backwater Amish farm community. I couldn't finish it.
-- Jacqueline Carey fans will not want to miss "You, and You Alone" which takes place during that tragic scene in Kushiel's Dart when Anafiel Delaunay is assassinated. As he lies dying, he reminisces about Edmée, Rolande, Isabel, and Alcuin and gives us a lot of backstory that has only been hinted at until now.
-- In "His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle, a new college professor falls in love with a drug dealer and his pet wolf. I had a hard time believing in that romance.
-- Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble" is a fun space romp. The sweet romance in this story particularly touched me, but if I told you why, I'd be spoiling the plot.
-- "The Demon Dancer" by Mary Jo Putney is about a Guardian who needs to stop a succubus who's running wild in New York City. I didn't like this one. The romance was icky, and some parts of the plot required a degree of suspension of disbelief that I couldn't muster.
-- "Under/Above the Water" by Tanith Lee is a beautiful mysterious legend about an ancient king's unfaithful wife and their underwater kingdom.
-- In "Kaskia" by Peter S. Beagle, an unhappy middle-aged man makes first contact with a beautiful alien on his new laptop computer. This story was fascinating and excellently written and reminds me why I keep thinking "I must read more Peter S. Beagle!"
-- "Man in the Mirror" by Yasmine Galenorn is another haunted house story. I liked the premise, but the romance was hard to swallow.
-- "A Leaf in the Wind of All Hallows" by Diana Gabaldon is a heart-wrenching story that her fans are sure to love since it's linked to her popular OUTLANDER series. I really can't wait to read that.
Brilliance Audio has a very good production of Songs of Love and Death which is read by a small cast of narrators. My only complaint is that Phil Gigante has only one female voice and it's not suitable for the wide variety of women he portrays. He does a great job with male voices, though.
There were a few weak stories in Songs of Love and Death, but some excellent ones, too. Don't miss the stories by M.L.N. Hanover, Robin Hobb, Neil Gaiman, Jacqueline Carey, Tanith Lee, Peter S. Beagle, and Diana Gabaldon. Fans of the DRESDEN FILES should not miss Butcher's story.
George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois have collected a nice batch of all-new stories from an all-star cast in Songs of Love and Death. The theme is "star-crossed lovers," and as you might guess from the title, each tale is a love story, and many are death stories, too. Some are sad, some are sexy, and one or two are slightly sappy. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. Here's what you'll find in Songs of Love and Death:
-- "Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher may be the story Harry Dresden's fans have been waiting for because it looks like Harry and Murphy will finally get together... or will they?
-- In "The Marrying Maid," historical romance author Jo Beverley provides a Regency romance in which a court fop tries to seduce a practical spinster, but this time there's a fairy legend that's spurring him on.
-- In "Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn, a young playwright who's nervous about her opening night is rescued by a mysterious masked superhero. She has a boyfriend, but she just can't get that masked stranger off her mind.
-- "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover is an excellently eerie haunted house story. One of the best in this collection.
-- "Demon Lover" by historical fiction writer Cecelia Holland is an erotic fairy tale. Though it was obvious where this one was going, it was still entertaining.
-- In "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass, the captain of an illicit spaceship rescues the heiress of an empire.
-- I'm always a fan of Robin Hobb, so it's not surprising that "Blue Boots" was one of my favorites in this collection. It takes place in Buck Town and tells the story of a kitchen maid who falls in love with a wandering minstrel.
-- "The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman is a strange story about a man who meets his imaginary girlfriend. This one was kind of mind-blowing, which means I liked it.
-- "After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu involves a vampire trying to survive in a zombie-infested backwater Amish farm community. I couldn't finish it.
-- Jacqueline Carey fans will not want to miss "You, and You Alone" which takes place during that tragic scene in Kushiel's Dart when Anafiel Delaunay is assassinated. As he lies dying, he reminisces about Edmée, Rolande, Isabel, and Alcuin and gives us a lot of backstory that has only been hinted at until now.
-- In "His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle, a new college professor falls in love with a drug dealer and his pet wolf. I had a hard time believing in that romance.
-- Linnea Sinclair's "Courting Trouble" is a fun space romp. The sweet romance in this story particularly touched me, but if I told you why, I'd be spoiling the plot.
-- "The Demon Dancer" by Mary Jo Putney is about a Guardian who needs to stop a succubus who's running wild in New York City. I didn't like this one. The romance was icky, and some parts of the plot required a degree of suspension of disbelief that I couldn't muster.
-- "Under/Above the Water" by Tanith Lee is a beautiful mysterious legend about an ancient king's unfaithful wife and their underwater kingdom.
-- In "Kaskia" by Peter S. Beagle, an unhappy middle-aged man makes first contact with a beautiful alien on his new laptop computer. This story was fascinating and excellently written and reminds me why I keep thinking "I must read more Peter S. Beagle!"
-- "Man in the Mirror" by Yasmine Galenorn is another haunted house story. I liked the premise, but the romance was hard to swallow.
-- "A Leaf in the Wind of All Hallows" by Diana Gabaldon is a heart-wrenching story that her fans are sure to love since it's linked to her popular OUTLANDER series. I really can't wait to read that.
Brilliance Audio has a very good production of Songs of Love and Death which is read by a small cast of narrators. My only complaint is that Phil Gigante has only one female voice and it's not suitable for the wide variety of women he portrays. He does a great job with male voices, though.
There were a few weak stories in Songs of Love and Death, but some excellent ones, too. Don't miss the stories by M.L.N. Hanover, Robin Hobb, Neil Gaiman, Jacqueline Carey, Tanith Lee, Peter S. Beagle, and Diana Gabaldon. Fans of the DRESDEN FILES should not miss Butcher's story.
November 13, 2019
This anthology is jam-packed with major authors who explore themes of star-crossed love, some of them within the worlds of existing series, such as Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. Most are along the lines of fantasy, but there were some science fiction tales mixed in as well. One of my favorites ("Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover) tilted toward horror, not a genre I usually like, but the twist here was especially delicious.
January 20, 2011
This is an sff/romance anthology, with a contributor list definitely a cut above the average. (Editor Martin has the connections!) My favorites were the entries from Tanith Lee, Robin Hobb, Jacqueline Carey, Peter S. Beagle and Neil Gaiman (who contributes an actual story, rather than the short poem he usually gives anthologies!) - but many of the others were very good as well. Recommended.
Contents:
1. "Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher [a Harry Dresden story]
2. "The Marrying Maid" by Jo Beverly
3. "Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn
4. "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover
5. "Demon Lover" by Cecelia Holland
6. "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass [an Imperials story]
7. "Blue Boots" by Robin Hobb
8. "The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman
9. "After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu
10. "You and You Alone" by Jacqueline Carey [a Kushiel story]
11. "His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle
12. "Courting Trouble" by Linnea Sinclair
13. The Demon Dancer by Mary Jo Putney
14. Under/Above the Water by Tanith Lee
15. Kaskia by Peter S. Beagle
16. Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Ganelorn
17. A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon (an Outlander story)
Contents:
1. "Love Hurts" by Jim Butcher [a Harry Dresden story]
2. "The Marrying Maid" by Jo Beverly
3. "Rooftops" by Carrie Vaughn
4. "Hurt Me" by M.L.N. Hanover
5. "Demon Lover" by Cecelia Holland
6. "The Wayfarer's Advice" by Melinda M. Snodgrass [an Imperials story]
7. "Blue Boots" by Robin Hobb
8. "The Thing About Cassandra" by Neil Gaiman
9. "After the Blood" by Marjorie M. Liu
10. "You and You Alone" by Jacqueline Carey [a Kushiel story]
11. "His Wolf" by Lisa Tuttle
12. "Courting Trouble" by Linnea Sinclair
13. The Demon Dancer by Mary Jo Putney
14. Under/Above the Water by Tanith Lee
15. Kaskia by Peter S. Beagle
16. Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Ganelorn
17. A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon (an Outlander story)
November 21, 2010
Songs of Love and Death is the perfect anthology for every reader. It has a little bit of everything for everyone from paranormal, zombies, and favorite characters from series… as well as new stories from best selling authors. This anthology brings out the heavy hitters.
Mr. Jim Butcher brings his tough as nails Harry Dresden, a puzzling string of love pact murder cases in Love Hurts. Meet some magical sea creatures in Melinda M. Snodgrass’s The Wayfarer’s Advice. There are so many good stories to choose from in this anthology that you will have a hard time picking just one. This anthology was well put together. I met some new authors as well as old favorites. I do not want to give anything away in this anthology. If you have not picked up Songs of Love and Death than you better make sure that it is on your Christmas wish list.
Mr. Jim Butcher brings his tough as nails Harry Dresden, a puzzling string of love pact murder cases in Love Hurts. Meet some magical sea creatures in Melinda M. Snodgrass’s The Wayfarer’s Advice. There are so many good stories to choose from in this anthology that you will have a hard time picking just one. This anthology was well put together. I met some new authors as well as old favorites. I do not want to give anything away in this anthology. If you have not picked up Songs of Love and Death than you better make sure that it is on your Christmas wish list.
March 25, 2011
I think the hardest part of anthologies is that it seems so long (because there are so many stories) and I feel as if I have to invest much more than I actually have to. Plus, there is nothing to keep me hooked between stories - vs a novel of this length, there is the driving desire to find out what happened.
I did enjoy most of the short stories and a few really stayed with me. (Some were a bit too creepy for me, though.) The standouts for me were:
Hurt Me by MLN Hanover
After the Blood by Marjorie M. Liu
Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Galenorn
Perhaps I'll even check out their other work. That's the best part about anthologies!
I did enjoy most of the short stories and a few really stayed with me. (Some were a bit too creepy for me, though.) The standouts for me were:
Hurt Me by MLN Hanover
After the Blood by Marjorie M. Liu
Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Galenorn
Perhaps I'll even check out their other work. That's the best part about anthologies!
December 29, 2010
So many fantastic authors! I especially loved (and bought it just for) the Jacqueline Cary story. Utter brilliance. Being a Harry Dresden fan, I loved Jim Butcher's contribution as well, and Neil Gaiman's story was typical Neil brilliance. Highly recommended!
October 9, 2017
Extremely odd. I both hate and love the ending.
Also very interesting look into the art industry within only a few pages.
Also very interesting look into the art industry within only a few pages.
February 21, 2012
Assorted work by multiple writers and edited by George R.R. Martin & Gardner Dozois. Being familiar with multiple anthologies edited by Martin, I was instantaneously interested. I picked this up after misplacing my current read "Latro in the Mist" and figured it would be the perfect opportunity to carve through some shorts while I wait for its return and/or rediscovery.
They are all quick reads and as the title suggests, all are around the disasters that love and death can bring. Some are uniquely written to leave the reader remorseful and contemplative while others are simply written to entice the reader to buy their other works. The later uses characters that the reader would only know from reading the authors other works. This is of course disappointing to me as I feel a standalone anthology like this shouldn’t be a spring board to sell your other works. It does not make me want to read the other works but I pretty jaded when people try to sell literature to me. The stories that were written especially for this collection without borrowed elements are my favorites. I think producing works that can stand alone in an anthology proves your writing ability and makes me want to read more of your works as I have faith that they will be written specifically for that audience.
Below is the list of shorts, a brief description of them, and some of my thoughts on them. Skim at your pleasure. I believe most of these shorts should be able to be found via a quick search on the web. If you are interested in reading the whole book, as usual, let me know.
Kaskia - Peter S. Beagle
Sometimes love isn't tactile. In this story Martin lives a boring life with a boring job and an uninterested wife. His life is so dismal that his only real friend is a cousin who just shows up to sell Martin assorted things from hazy origins. In this particular instance he sells Martin a laptop with a mysterious button.
The Marrying Maid - Jo Beverley
A unique spin on an old story, a man must marry his marrying maid to prevent the death of his historical family. Of course love isn't easy and the one you’re destined to be with isn't always on the same page. The story itself was good but not set in a time period (1758) I like all that much. The outfits, the proper English and over use of etiquette generally drives me crazy and in my opinion adds little to the story.
Love Hurts - Jim Butcher
Drawn from characters and situations in a series that made him famous, Jim forces us into the world of Dresden. A private investigator that works close to the police to solve crimes, Dresden also happens to be a mage. This allows him to tap into the supernatural underground which is vast and living parallel to us normal people. The story itself felt like a full length Dresden books that was compacted into a single chapter for this anthology. In this specific story Dresden pairs up with a colleague to hunt down a series of "loving couple" suicides that all have a common denominator.
You, and You Alone - Jacqueline Carey
I didn’t care. I wasn’t sure of the period the story was meant to convey, I assume somewhere between medieval to early renaissance France. I am not thrilled with gay sex which was at least a brief glimpse with no indigestible bits. A man sent to speak for a Madame falls in love with the prince. The man becomes a trusted lover of the prince and follows him all around until a series of tragedies strike.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows - Diana Gabaldon
An interesting story about an RAF pilot during World War 2 who experiences mechanical failure, while on a training mission. When the pilot comes crashing down from the sky, he finds himself somewhere else and some other time, and must find his way home. The story is good but peters out short at the end, for me at least. I guess this is just part of a bigger series of shorts from Diana so there is a lot more to the story than what we see.
The Thing About Cassandra - Neil Gaiman
Neil has been making waves in the sci-fi and fantasy genre in the years past; if this short is any evidence of his talent I would really love to read some of his horror. The title alone is well crafted and promises an interesting story. While the end of the story wasn’t such a shocker as it would have liked I was really interested the whole way through and ended satisfied. ‘The Thing About’ Cassandra is creative, weird, and spins a turn at the end.
Man in the Mirror - Yasmine Galenorn
This story was boring. Essentially when people die they go to a place where they can apparently still talk to cats and see people through reflective surfaces, choosing to let them be seen or not as they choose. A lady who just survived some tragic event in which her abusive husband tried to kill her has now moved into a house belonging to his parents. Little did she know her husband’s brother had chosen the house as his haunt. On Halloween he has the opportunity to switch his place for hers but can't pull the trigger.
Hurt Me - M.L.N. Hanover
One of my favorite stories, no it is my favorite story in the volume. The story itself is unsettling during the duration and absolutely satisfying at the end. Love isn't' always understood and it certainly does not always make sense to anyone else not directly involved. A middle aged lady decides on a house after dramatically altering her life from a happy and healthy relationship which leaves her loved ones questioning her choices. Sadly, the house she just purchased is haunted and it doesn’t like females of any sort.
Blue Boots - Robin Hobb
I just wasn’t a fan. Thus far this is the only story I can say that about. It wasn’t written poorly by any means but the girl who takes main stage in the story has had some unfortunate things happen but none so terrible that it deserved the length of pages and pity party that accompanied it. She chose nearly everything in this story, except the happy ending. Blah.
Demon Lover - Cecelia Holland
Love isn't always at the surface layer and you should never take that for granted. In this story a maimed, once beautiful girl is returned to glory but at costs she never knew. A hooded man offers her the world which she accepts. Only once she has what could ever be desired does she realize she doesn’t have anything that she ever wanted.
Under/Above the Water - Tanith Lee
Incredibly well written. The visual images that Lee is able to dispense are pretty cool to read. I contend that this short was written for writers. Two lovers lost among time reunite in a fantastic solar storm across the lake of a sunken kingdom.
After the Blood - Marjorie M. Liu
A post-apocalyptic story set in the Midwest. A great plague swept the nations of man turning everyone into mush. The great cities soon fell to be replaced with creepy forests. At night dead things, horrible things live in the forest and there is a new energy that some are blessed with. The main character finds herself in love with a creature that haunts the forest, not quiet one of them but still one of them.
The Demon Dancer - Mary Jo Putney
Like the Jim Butcher story this is that new emerging genre in which mages and vampires and demons or whatever is haunting cities and the only people that can stop it are part of a conclave of guardians which possess the ability to see, track, and defeat otherworld creatures. In this story two guardians separated by years are given the ability to unite after they defeat a demon.
Courting Trouble - Linnea Sinclair
Another sci-fi story of intrigue and reunited love. A captain of an interstellar trade vessel finds her ship and cargo seized by a space station. As things transpire she finds that they are connected to the man she though she used to love and the one she actually does. It's a good short read but is "high sci-fi" with blasters and all that jazz which is really a rather large turn off for me in that genre.
The Wayfarer's Advice - Melinda Snodgrass
This is the first sci-fi tale in the compendium. Spurned lovers separated by rank, status, and conflict are reunited under a perilous situation. Through sheer luck they are reunited but only for a short time before the complications of their life separate them again. It's sci-fi that is exotic and exciting but mute enough to not swallow the entire story in its grandeur.
His Wolf - Lisa Tuttle
Loved this story. A lonely Texas teacher finds love in a man and his wolf with just a brief encounter. She quickly learns just who this mysterious figure and his sorted history. He promises to leave it all behind for her and in doing so meets a gruesome end. She has his wolf, which she soon discovers isn't so far distant from having him at all.
Rooftops - Carrie Vaughn
A struggling play write is on the verge of her first real release when she is taken hostage by criminals heisting the jewelry shop next door. Lucky for her the city is loaded with super heroes and one of them has come to her rescue. Unlucky for her, the savior now makes her question her life and current life partner. The story was alright, definitely not bad. It is interesting to read about the unattainable due to lifestyle alone despite being thrilling.
They are all quick reads and as the title suggests, all are around the disasters that love and death can bring. Some are uniquely written to leave the reader remorseful and contemplative while others are simply written to entice the reader to buy their other works. The later uses characters that the reader would only know from reading the authors other works. This is of course disappointing to me as I feel a standalone anthology like this shouldn’t be a spring board to sell your other works. It does not make me want to read the other works but I pretty jaded when people try to sell literature to me. The stories that were written especially for this collection without borrowed elements are my favorites. I think producing works that can stand alone in an anthology proves your writing ability and makes me want to read more of your works as I have faith that they will be written specifically for that audience.
Below is the list of shorts, a brief description of them, and some of my thoughts on them. Skim at your pleasure. I believe most of these shorts should be able to be found via a quick search on the web. If you are interested in reading the whole book, as usual, let me know.
Kaskia - Peter S. Beagle
Sometimes love isn't tactile. In this story Martin lives a boring life with a boring job and an uninterested wife. His life is so dismal that his only real friend is a cousin who just shows up to sell Martin assorted things from hazy origins. In this particular instance he sells Martin a laptop with a mysterious button.
The Marrying Maid - Jo Beverley
A unique spin on an old story, a man must marry his marrying maid to prevent the death of his historical family. Of course love isn't easy and the one you’re destined to be with isn't always on the same page. The story itself was good but not set in a time period (1758) I like all that much. The outfits, the proper English and over use of etiquette generally drives me crazy and in my opinion adds little to the story.
Love Hurts - Jim Butcher
Drawn from characters and situations in a series that made him famous, Jim forces us into the world of Dresden. A private investigator that works close to the police to solve crimes, Dresden also happens to be a mage. This allows him to tap into the supernatural underground which is vast and living parallel to us normal people. The story itself felt like a full length Dresden books that was compacted into a single chapter for this anthology. In this specific story Dresden pairs up with a colleague to hunt down a series of "loving couple" suicides that all have a common denominator.
You, and You Alone - Jacqueline Carey
I didn’t care. I wasn’t sure of the period the story was meant to convey, I assume somewhere between medieval to early renaissance France. I am not thrilled with gay sex which was at least a brief glimpse with no indigestible bits. A man sent to speak for a Madame falls in love with the prince. The man becomes a trusted lover of the prince and follows him all around until a series of tragedies strike.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows - Diana Gabaldon
An interesting story about an RAF pilot during World War 2 who experiences mechanical failure, while on a training mission. When the pilot comes crashing down from the sky, he finds himself somewhere else and some other time, and must find his way home. The story is good but peters out short at the end, for me at least. I guess this is just part of a bigger series of shorts from Diana so there is a lot more to the story than what we see.
The Thing About Cassandra - Neil Gaiman
Neil has been making waves in the sci-fi and fantasy genre in the years past; if this short is any evidence of his talent I would really love to read some of his horror. The title alone is well crafted and promises an interesting story. While the end of the story wasn’t such a shocker as it would have liked I was really interested the whole way through and ended satisfied. ‘The Thing About’ Cassandra is creative, weird, and spins a turn at the end.
Man in the Mirror - Yasmine Galenorn
This story was boring. Essentially when people die they go to a place where they can apparently still talk to cats and see people through reflective surfaces, choosing to let them be seen or not as they choose. A lady who just survived some tragic event in which her abusive husband tried to kill her has now moved into a house belonging to his parents. Little did she know her husband’s brother had chosen the house as his haunt. On Halloween he has the opportunity to switch his place for hers but can't pull the trigger.
Hurt Me - M.L.N. Hanover
One of my favorite stories, no it is my favorite story in the volume. The story itself is unsettling during the duration and absolutely satisfying at the end. Love isn't' always understood and it certainly does not always make sense to anyone else not directly involved. A middle aged lady decides on a house after dramatically altering her life from a happy and healthy relationship which leaves her loved ones questioning her choices. Sadly, the house she just purchased is haunted and it doesn’t like females of any sort.
Blue Boots - Robin Hobb
I just wasn’t a fan. Thus far this is the only story I can say that about. It wasn’t written poorly by any means but the girl who takes main stage in the story has had some unfortunate things happen but none so terrible that it deserved the length of pages and pity party that accompanied it. She chose nearly everything in this story, except the happy ending. Blah.
Demon Lover - Cecelia Holland
Love isn't always at the surface layer and you should never take that for granted. In this story a maimed, once beautiful girl is returned to glory but at costs she never knew. A hooded man offers her the world which she accepts. Only once she has what could ever be desired does she realize she doesn’t have anything that she ever wanted.
Under/Above the Water - Tanith Lee
Incredibly well written. The visual images that Lee is able to dispense are pretty cool to read. I contend that this short was written for writers. Two lovers lost among time reunite in a fantastic solar storm across the lake of a sunken kingdom.
After the Blood - Marjorie M. Liu
A post-apocalyptic story set in the Midwest. A great plague swept the nations of man turning everyone into mush. The great cities soon fell to be replaced with creepy forests. At night dead things, horrible things live in the forest and there is a new energy that some are blessed with. The main character finds herself in love with a creature that haunts the forest, not quiet one of them but still one of them.
The Demon Dancer - Mary Jo Putney
Like the Jim Butcher story this is that new emerging genre in which mages and vampires and demons or whatever is haunting cities and the only people that can stop it are part of a conclave of guardians which possess the ability to see, track, and defeat otherworld creatures. In this story two guardians separated by years are given the ability to unite after they defeat a demon.
Courting Trouble - Linnea Sinclair
Another sci-fi story of intrigue and reunited love. A captain of an interstellar trade vessel finds her ship and cargo seized by a space station. As things transpire she finds that they are connected to the man she though she used to love and the one she actually does. It's a good short read but is "high sci-fi" with blasters and all that jazz which is really a rather large turn off for me in that genre.
The Wayfarer's Advice - Melinda Snodgrass
This is the first sci-fi tale in the compendium. Spurned lovers separated by rank, status, and conflict are reunited under a perilous situation. Through sheer luck they are reunited but only for a short time before the complications of their life separate them again. It's sci-fi that is exotic and exciting but mute enough to not swallow the entire story in its grandeur.
His Wolf - Lisa Tuttle
Loved this story. A lonely Texas teacher finds love in a man and his wolf with just a brief encounter. She quickly learns just who this mysterious figure and his sorted history. He promises to leave it all behind for her and in doing so meets a gruesome end. She has his wolf, which she soon discovers isn't so far distant from having him at all.
Rooftops - Carrie Vaughn
A struggling play write is on the verge of her first real release when she is taken hostage by criminals heisting the jewelry shop next door. Lucky for her the city is loaded with super heroes and one of them has come to her rescue. Unlucky for her, the savior now makes her question her life and current life partner. The story was alright, definitely not bad. It is interesting to read about the unattainable due to lifestyle alone despite being thrilling.
January 20, 2019
4.5 stars for the short story, You, and You Alone, by Jacqueline Carey.
So starts Carey's short story, You, and You Alone, which recounts the love story between Anafiel and Rolande de la Courcel in Anafiel's own words. Their romance was pivotal to Kushiel's Dart, but the details remained mysterious throughout the novel. This is a must read for fans of Kushiel's Legacy, I wish I had known about it earlier.
I found this book on archive.org while searching for titles by Tanith Lee. So I came for Tanith Lee, but stayed for Jacqueline Carey. Jacqueline Carey's short story was the only one that really captivated me and I'm sure I'll reread it when I start the series over again. I'm such a fan. Kushiel's Legacy is something I'll reread again and again.
Tanith Lee's short story was beautiful and poetic.
I lost interest in the Outlander series after Drums of Autumn, and didn't find Diana Gabaldon's short story as engaging as fans of the entire series probably will.
That's all I read, my rating is mainly for Jacqueline Carey's short story, if I was rating Tanith Lee and Gabaldon's it would probably be a 3.5. They were nice and well-written, but I was just thrilled beyond belief to see Anafiel's infamous romance with Rolande de la Courcel in this anthology. It didn't disappoint, and added insight into the series.
Dying is ugly business.
I am dying; Anafiel Delauney, born Anafiel de Montrève. When I am dead, they will call me the Whoremaster of spies.
This I know.
And I deserve it.
So starts Carey's short story, You, and You Alone, which recounts the love story between Anafiel and Rolande de la Courcel in Anafiel's own words. Their romance was pivotal to Kushiel's Dart, but the details remained mysterious throughout the novel. This is a must read for fans of Kushiel's Legacy, I wish I had known about it earlier.
I found this book on archive.org while searching for titles by Tanith Lee. So I came for Tanith Lee, but stayed for Jacqueline Carey. Jacqueline Carey's short story was the only one that really captivated me and I'm sure I'll reread it when I start the series over again. I'm such a fan. Kushiel's Legacy is something I'll reread again and again.
Tanith Lee's short story was beautiful and poetic.
I lost interest in the Outlander series after Drums of Autumn, and didn't find Diana Gabaldon's short story as engaging as fans of the entire series probably will.
That's all I read, my rating is mainly for Jacqueline Carey's short story, if I was rating Tanith Lee and Gabaldon's it would probably be a 3.5. They were nice and well-written, but I was just thrilled beyond belief to see Anafiel's infamous romance with Rolande de la Courcel in this anthology. It didn't disappoint, and added insight into the series.
December 2, 2010
Well, this was the best compilation of short stories that I have ever read. I can really say that I truly adored every single one.
Love Hurts by Jim Butcher
This is a Dresden files story, and I really liked the way it was written. It was very clear and easy to follow, easy to get a mental image from descriptions. Maybe I'll read some Dresden FIles books now!
The Marrying Maid by Jo Beverly
Cute, cute, cute! I love how it was historical fantasy! I could totally read this to girlfriends at a girly sleepover party. I am definitely going to pick up more books by this author.
Rooftops by Carrie Vaughn
I really liked the premise of this story. It sort of hinted at a broader idea, but kind of failed to capture it. I also was not happy with the ending. But it was really well written and I think if the author had had maybe more pages, words and time available, it could have blossomed into a better story. It was still a fun story, based in a world of super heroes!
Hurt Me by MLN Hanover
Loved it! I don't usually like ghost stories and things that are meant to be spooky, but I really liked how this one worked out. There was a lot of mystery behind everything at first, but as you go along, it starts to make more and more sense. I liked how it took my assumptions from the get-go and tossed them all away.
Demon Lover by Cecilia Holland
It was pretty good. The premise was odd, and it really just had a life lesson at the end. It reminds me of the original story telling of Little Red Riding Hood. It's a wee bit gruesome in some areas, but cute in the end.
The Wayfarer's Advice by Melinda M Snodgrass
Oh, I loved this one. I really liked the main male character and how things were sort of in his perspective. I liked the view on humankind and my heart just broke at the end. I am a sucker for a good happy ending, so I emo if there isn't one... and this story had so much promise! I am hoping that she picks it up again, because it was really intriguing!
Blue Boots by Robin Hobb
Blue Boots sort of played on a teen girl's naiveté, and it was so well written. You sort of fall for it all right along with her. It was a really enjoyable story, and I'll always remember it for I was reading it while staring at a cute boy in the airport in Washington DC.
The THing About Cassandra by Neil Gaiman
I wish he had put more thought into his story! I had very high expectations because I have loved everything by Neil Gaiman that I've read. I just think there were too many plot holes in this for it to make much sense and to make me go, oh no! That or he just did not elaborate enough. Bleargh.
After the Blood by Marjorie M Liu
This was probably the scariest in the compilation and it's one of my favorites. I loved the relationship between the main characters and I really like how well thought out this was. You could tell the author knew exactly what kind of twist she wanted to achieve and she did a beautiful job getting there. Really really enjoyed this one and I hope she decides to write more, because I would love to know what else happens in the future of this story!
You, and You Alone by Jacqueline Carey
This story follows Anafiel and Rolande in the Kushiel series, it basically tells their story about their relationship. I have never read Kushiel, but I really did enjoy this short story. It was really well written and I really liked the dynamic between the two men.
His Wolf by Lisa Tuttle
The one started out great, and it seemed like a really fun idea for a romantic novel. But then all of a sudden I felt like the author thought she was required to go through in a random plot twist to achieve a preconceived end, which changed the shape of the entire story. I also thought the ending was bleak, and therefor disappointing, since I really loved the way it started. I wish she had just ran with it, instead of suddenly taking a turn that was totally out of the blue and went against the flow of the beginning of the story.
Courting Trouble by Linnea Sinclair
I really enjoyed this story, even though it seemed to get too technical for me at times. And saying that personally, as a professional techie, is saying a lot! But I did like the random chance encounter between two people who had a history, slowly discovering why they parted and witnessing them being reunited. I love those plots! And I really liked the ending! I would read on if there was more to come after this :)
The Demon Dancer by Mary Jo Putney
This one was a bit strange for me, as what is revealed in the end is something I have a hard time imagining. It was really well written and captured me as much as every other story in the book, but I just wasn't into the main couple and their dynamic. I'd be interested in reading on though, because I am still insanely curious on how they'd work out!
Under/Above the Water by Tanith Lee
While I was reading this story, I was on the bus to work and a friend came and sat down next to me. I completely did not even notice he was there, until I got up to get off at my stop, and he said hello! I was so embarassed, but happy that everything people have said about Tanith Lee is true! I love love loved this story, it was definitely one of my favorites from the book.
Kaskia by Peter S Beagle
From such an acclaimed and loved author, I had high expectations and was excited when I got to his story. I was let down, a lot, I expected a romance of some kind and really did not get that. It honestly didn't really fit in with the idea of the compilation and I think I was the least happy with this one. It was still written well! And an interesting tale, but I guess I expected more from Peter S Beagle.
Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Galenorn
I loved the idea of this story and just loved how it started out. Old haunted houses have always peaked my interest, and the story behind this particular one was very interesting. I think I got too into that at one point, because the story took a turn into a very strange direction that I was not expecting. I did not like the ending one bit, it was so bleak and I still feel really bad for the main female character. I like my happy endings, okay!
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon
What I was waiting for!! I got this book for this author, and I saved her story for last! But it was great! I won't lie, I was disappointed when I found out it wasn't about Jamie or Claire, but I manned up and was a good Outlander fan. The story was definitely one of my favorites in the compilation and it was great to get this back story on Roger's father and mother. I pretty much balled my eyes out for like half of it, because I knew the eventual outcome (as most fans would). I loooove what was revealed though, and I want to go hug Roger and tell him it'll be okay! ;_;
Love Hurts by Jim Butcher
This is a Dresden files story, and I really liked the way it was written. It was very clear and easy to follow, easy to get a mental image from descriptions. Maybe I'll read some Dresden FIles books now!
The Marrying Maid by Jo Beverly
Cute, cute, cute! I love how it was historical fantasy! I could totally read this to girlfriends at a girly sleepover party. I am definitely going to pick up more books by this author.
Rooftops by Carrie Vaughn
I really liked the premise of this story. It sort of hinted at a broader idea, but kind of failed to capture it. I also was not happy with the ending. But it was really well written and I think if the author had had maybe more pages, words and time available, it could have blossomed into a better story. It was still a fun story, based in a world of super heroes!
Hurt Me by MLN Hanover
Loved it! I don't usually like ghost stories and things that are meant to be spooky, but I really liked how this one worked out. There was a lot of mystery behind everything at first, but as you go along, it starts to make more and more sense. I liked how it took my assumptions from the get-go and tossed them all away.
Demon Lover by Cecilia Holland
It was pretty good. The premise was odd, and it really just had a life lesson at the end. It reminds me of the original story telling of Little Red Riding Hood. It's a wee bit gruesome in some areas, but cute in the end.
The Wayfarer's Advice by Melinda M Snodgrass
Oh, I loved this one. I really liked the main male character and how things were sort of in his perspective. I liked the view on humankind and my heart just broke at the end. I am a sucker for a good happy ending, so I emo if there isn't one... and this story had so much promise! I am hoping that she picks it up again, because it was really intriguing!
Blue Boots by Robin Hobb
Blue Boots sort of played on a teen girl's naiveté, and it was so well written. You sort of fall for it all right along with her. It was a really enjoyable story, and I'll always remember it for I was reading it while staring at a cute boy in the airport in Washington DC.
The THing About Cassandra by Neil Gaiman
I wish he had put more thought into his story! I had very high expectations because I have loved everything by Neil Gaiman that I've read. I just think there were too many plot holes in this for it to make much sense and to make me go, oh no! That or he just did not elaborate enough. Bleargh.
After the Blood by Marjorie M Liu
This was probably the scariest in the compilation and it's one of my favorites. I loved the relationship between the main characters and I really like how well thought out this was. You could tell the author knew exactly what kind of twist she wanted to achieve and she did a beautiful job getting there. Really really enjoyed this one and I hope she decides to write more, because I would love to know what else happens in the future of this story!
You, and You Alone by Jacqueline Carey
This story follows Anafiel and Rolande in the Kushiel series, it basically tells their story about their relationship. I have never read Kushiel, but I really did enjoy this short story. It was really well written and I really liked the dynamic between the two men.
His Wolf by Lisa Tuttle
The one started out great, and it seemed like a really fun idea for a romantic novel. But then all of a sudden I felt like the author thought she was required to go through in a random plot twist to achieve a preconceived end, which changed the shape of the entire story. I also thought the ending was bleak, and therefor disappointing, since I really loved the way it started. I wish she had just ran with it, instead of suddenly taking a turn that was totally out of the blue and went against the flow of the beginning of the story.
Courting Trouble by Linnea Sinclair
I really enjoyed this story, even though it seemed to get too technical for me at times. And saying that personally, as a professional techie, is saying a lot! But I did like the random chance encounter between two people who had a history, slowly discovering why they parted and witnessing them being reunited. I love those plots! And I really liked the ending! I would read on if there was more to come after this :)
The Demon Dancer by Mary Jo Putney
This one was a bit strange for me, as what is revealed in the end is something I have a hard time imagining. It was really well written and captured me as much as every other story in the book, but I just wasn't into the main couple and their dynamic. I'd be interested in reading on though, because I am still insanely curious on how they'd work out!
Under/Above the Water by Tanith Lee
While I was reading this story, I was on the bus to work and a friend came and sat down next to me. I completely did not even notice he was there, until I got up to get off at my stop, and he said hello! I was so embarassed, but happy that everything people have said about Tanith Lee is true! I love love loved this story, it was definitely one of my favorites from the book.
Kaskia by Peter S Beagle
From such an acclaimed and loved author, I had high expectations and was excited when I got to his story. I was let down, a lot, I expected a romance of some kind and really did not get that. It honestly didn't really fit in with the idea of the compilation and I think I was the least happy with this one. It was still written well! And an interesting tale, but I guess I expected more from Peter S Beagle.
Man in the Mirror by Yasmine Galenorn
I loved the idea of this story and just loved how it started out. Old haunted houses have always peaked my interest, and the story behind this particular one was very interesting. I think I got too into that at one point, because the story took a turn into a very strange direction that I was not expecting. I did not like the ending one bit, it was so bleak and I still feel really bad for the main female character. I like my happy endings, okay!
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon
What I was waiting for!! I got this book for this author, and I saved her story for last! But it was great! I won't lie, I was disappointed when I found out it wasn't about Jamie or Claire, but I manned up and was a good Outlander fan. The story was definitely one of my favorites in the compilation and it was great to get this back story on Roger's father and mother. I pretty much balled my eyes out for like half of it, because I knew the eventual outcome (as most fans would). I loooove what was revealed though, and I want to go hug Roger and tell him it'll be okay! ;_;
March 1, 2022
Status:
1) First Read: Done specifically to read the 'Blue Boots' story in an attempt to read all the stories pertaining to the Realm of the Elderlings series. Read on 1st March 2022.
📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚
'Blue Boots' (Realm of the Elderlings #1.2) by Robin Hobb.
That was all. It was life, it was what one did. One worked, and ate, and slept. With time, she’d remember how to do that without it feeling like each breath did no more than carry her one step closer to death.
Rating: 4.0/5.
Review:
Although this short story is set in the Realm of Elderlings, it can be read as a standalone even without any knowledge of the RotE books. I can describe it as a romantic thriller, and although both the romance and thriller parts didn't occupy a significant proportion of the story, it still evoked the feeling of a romantic thriller to some extent. A good and heartwarming tale.
📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚
1) First Read: Done specifically to read the 'Blue Boots' story in an attempt to read all the stories pertaining to the Realm of the Elderlings series. Read on 1st March 2022.
📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚
'Blue Boots' (Realm of the Elderlings #1.2) by Robin Hobb.
That was all. It was life, it was what one did. One worked, and ate, and slept. With time, she’d remember how to do that without it feeling like each breath did no more than carry her one step closer to death.
Rating: 4.0/5.
Review:
Although this short story is set in the Realm of Elderlings, it can be read as a standalone even without any knowledge of the RotE books. I can describe it as a romantic thriller, and although both the romance and thriller parts didn't occupy a significant proportion of the story, it still evoked the feeling of a romantic thriller to some extent. A good and heartwarming tale.
📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚
March 19, 2024
I've been slowly working my way through these stories for probably about the last 6 months. Maybe longer. I thought it would be cool to get a tiny little taste of some big authors in the fantasy realm. Some of these were really fun! Some of them violently not for me, but I finished them all.
Highlights were:
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon - I may have to read the Outlander series at some point because I ate this up
You, and You Alone by Jacqueline Carey - gay, tragic, and poetic. Loved.
The Thing About Cassandra by Neil Gaiman- total mindf**k in a good way
But this is definitely a mixed bag, some of these stories were way too "written by men" for me and surprisingly not all of said stories were actually written by men (I'm looking at you Amanda M. Snodgrass). I also learned that I am not a "fantasy detective story" girl.
Highlights were:
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon - I may have to read the Outlander series at some point because I ate this up
You, and You Alone by Jacqueline Carey - gay, tragic, and poetic. Loved.
The Thing About Cassandra by Neil Gaiman- total mindf**k in a good way
But this is definitely a mixed bag, some of these stories were way too "written by men" for me and surprisingly not all of said stories were actually written by men (I'm looking at you Amanda M. Snodgrass). I also learned that I am not a "fantasy detective story" girl.
December 24, 2020
okay okay like all short story compilations (anthologies?) not all of them are gonna hit and honestly idk why i thought it was all gonna be good BUTTT listen. the ones tht were *good* were GOOD. some of these authors are talented as fuck!
my favorite was you and you alone by jaqueline carey (it had me sending screenshots to the server nd EVERYTHING i was ready to cry at work, i literally ran all 9 yards of Emotional Distress) but here are some honorable mentions:
after the blood by marjorie m. liu (☆☆☆☆☆)
under/above water by tanith lee (☆☆☆☆☆)
man in the mirror by yasmine galenorn (☆☆☆)
the marrying maid by jo beverly (☆☆☆)
ummm would i rec this book to a friend? maybe. overal its a solid 3 stars ^_^
my favorite was you and you alone by jaqueline carey (it had me sending screenshots to the server nd EVERYTHING i was ready to cry at work, i literally ran all 9 yards of Emotional Distress) but here are some honorable mentions:
after the blood by marjorie m. liu (☆☆☆☆☆)
under/above water by tanith lee (☆☆☆☆☆)
man in the mirror by yasmine galenorn (☆☆☆)
the marrying maid by jo beverly (☆☆☆)
ummm would i rec this book to a friend? maybe. overal its a solid 3 stars ^_^
January 16, 2022
This collection of short stories is decent. Some I liked, some I didn't. I dont know that I'd go out of my way to read it again, but there were a few stories inside that did grab my attention and make me ponder what ifs. And, there is now one author I'll be looking up their work because of this anthology.
March 5, 2018
I'm giving 3 stars, one for Gaiman, one for Gabaldon and last for Putney. The rest is not bad but exciting either.
Want to read
June 10, 2020stories about star-crossed lovers edited by george r.r. martin.... colour me intrigued
Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews