m4r's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
ranking of the short stories:
1. the hidden girl (ken liu)
2. 'i am a handsome man' said apollo crow (kate elliott)
3. the mocking tower (daniel abraham)
4. the best man wins (kj parker)
5. the sword of destiny (matthew hughes)
6. her father's sword (robin hobb)
7. hrunting (cj cherryh)
8. the triumph of virtue (walter jon williams)
9. a long cold trail (garth nix)
1. the hidden girl (ken liu)
2. 'i am a handsome man' said apollo crow (kate elliott)
3. the mocking tower (daniel abraham)
4. the best man wins (kj parker)
5. the sword of destiny (matthew hughes)
6. her father's sword (robin hobb)
7. hrunting (cj cherryh)
8. the triumph of virtue (walter jon williams)
9. a long cold trail (garth nix)
katleap's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
There were stories that I didn't like, a bunch that were middle of the road, and handful of good ones and one awesome one, which was Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh.
The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker - 4 stars
A smith is commissioned by a young man to make him the best sword he's ever made. Things don't turn out as planned. There are plenty of hints of how the story will turn out, but I liked the smith's voice and how he talked about what he was doing.
Her Father’s Sword by Robin Hobb - 2 stars
Towns folk are being kidnapped and returned as uncaring Forged. Taura wants her father back and the sword that should be her legacy. The writing was great but I didn't like this story at all.
The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu - 3.5 stars
A general's daughter is stolen and trained to steal lives as an assassin. There was awesome alternate realty hopping and cool mythology. I just wanted a little more of a concrete ending about what she was going to do.
The Sword of Destiny by Matthew Hughes - 3.5 stars
The henchman of a wizard is sent to steal the sword of destiny, fails and runs away only to discover that he can't escape said destiny. This story was amusing. I liked that is didn't turn out exactly as I expected and turned some fantasy tropes on their heads. Sometime running from your destiny is a good thing.
"I Am a Handsome Man", Said Apollo Crow by Kate Elliott -3.5 stars
Apollo Crow is hired by empire to track down a group of rebels. I liked this story and found Apollo an interesting narrator.
The Triumph of Virtue by Walter Jon Williams - 3 stars
A young lawyer solves a crime he probably shouldn't have. This was a mystery plot and slice of court intrigue that didn't go anywhere. So I got to the end going 'what was the point?' but it was enjoyable getting there.
The Mocking Tower by Daniel Abraham - 4 stars
A thief sets out to steal a sword made with the soul of the dead emperor. This felt like the beginning of something and I found it interesting. I wanted to know more about the tower and the mage and if the prince learned his lesson.
Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh -5 stars
The grandson of viking goes searching for the heirloom sword lost by Beowulf in Grendel's cave. This was an awesome tale. It felt like something out of norse/old english mythology. And it fit with my opinions about Beowulf perfectly.
A Long, Cold Trail by Garth Nix - 2.5 stars
A male witch knight and his fighting magic puppet mentor take on a corrupt godlet. I am a huge Garth Nix fan. That said this story drove me nuts. It took forever for me to even care about what was going on and to figure out what was going on and it ended a bit abruptly for me.
When I Was a Highwayman by Ellen Kushner- 2 stars
This is a prequel about Richard St. Vier. It was okay, didn't really add anything to the riverside universe for me.
The Smoke of Gold Is Glory by Scott Lynch - 2 stars
A down on his luck thief gets together with friends to take on a dragon and its treasure. I was so bored with this story. Mostly I think because of the way it was told. The ending was good but i kept loosing the thread of the story.
The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson - 4 stars
Two theives need a lockbox opened and get drawn into helping street children and avenging a murdered husband. These guys were intruiging and I could read more about them.
The King’s Evil by Elizabeth Bear - 3 stars
Giant killer hornets that lay larva in corpses, ewwwwwwwwww.
Waterfalling by Lavie Tidhar - 4 stars
Gorel of Goliris is a powerful warrior searching for the home he was torn from as a boy and run by an addiction forced on him by twin goddesses. I was fascinated by this universe. The magic and gunslinging and the coming army. I really kinda want a whole book and to know if he ever gets home.
- The Sword Tyraste by Cecelia Holland -4 stars
When his brothers are killed and their ship deliberately smashed on the rocks, the youngest brother takes revenge. This is another Norse retelling about a a sword and a tyrant and vengeance. I liked it.
- The Sons of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin - 3 stars
So this read kinda like a history that was written for a book. It was a little bit dry, not told as an actual story just a telling of what happened. And I was not in love with it.
There were stories that I didn't like, a bunch that were middle of the road, and handful of good ones and one awesome one, which was Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh.
The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker - 4 stars
A smith is commissioned by a young man to make him the best sword he's ever made. Things don't turn out as planned. There are plenty of hints of how the story will turn out, but I liked the smith's voice and how he talked about what he was doing.
Her Father’s Sword by Robin Hobb - 2 stars
Towns folk are being kidnapped and returned as uncaring Forged. Taura wants her father back and the sword that should be her legacy. The writing was great but I didn't like this story at all.
The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu - 3.5 stars
A general's daughter is stolen and trained to steal lives as an assassin. There was awesome alternate realty hopping and cool mythology. I just wanted a little more of a concrete ending about what she was going to do.
The Sword of Destiny by Matthew Hughes - 3.5 stars
The henchman of a wizard is sent to steal the sword of destiny, fails and runs away only to discover that he can't escape said destiny. This story was amusing. I liked that is didn't turn out exactly as I expected and turned some fantasy tropes on their heads. Sometime running from your destiny is a good thing.
"I Am a Handsome Man", Said Apollo Crow by Kate Elliott -3.5 stars
Apollo Crow is hired by empire to track down a group of rebels. I liked this story and found Apollo an interesting narrator.
The Triumph of Virtue by Walter Jon Williams - 3 stars
A young lawyer solves a crime he probably shouldn't have. This was a mystery plot and slice of court intrigue that didn't go anywhere. So I got to the end going 'what was the point?' but it was enjoyable getting there.
The Mocking Tower by Daniel Abraham - 4 stars
A thief sets out to steal a sword made with the soul of the dead emperor. This felt like the beginning of something and I found it interesting. I wanted to know more about the tower and the mage and if the prince learned his lesson.
Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh -5 stars
The grandson of viking goes searching for the heirloom sword lost by Beowulf in Grendel's cave. This was an awesome tale. It felt like something out of norse/old english mythology. And it fit with my opinions about Beowulf perfectly.
A Long, Cold Trail by Garth Nix - 2.5 stars
A male witch knight and his fighting magic puppet mentor take on a corrupt godlet. I am a huge Garth Nix fan. That said this story drove me nuts. It took forever for me to even care about what was going on and to figure out what was going on and it ended a bit abruptly for me.
When I Was a Highwayman by Ellen Kushner- 2 stars
This is a prequel about Richard St. Vier. It was okay, didn't really add anything to the riverside universe for me.
The Smoke of Gold Is Glory by Scott Lynch - 2 stars
A down on his luck thief gets together with friends to take on a dragon and its treasure. I was so bored with this story. Mostly I think because of the way it was told. The ending was good but i kept loosing the thread of the story.
The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson - 4 stars
Two theives need a lockbox opened and get drawn into helping street children and avenging a murdered husband. These guys were intruiging and I could read more about them.
The King’s Evil by Elizabeth Bear - 3 stars
Giant killer hornets that lay larva in corpses, ewwwwwwwwww.
Waterfalling by Lavie Tidhar - 4 stars
Gorel of Goliris is a powerful warrior searching for the home he was torn from as a boy and run by an addiction forced on him by twin goddesses. I was fascinated by this universe. The magic and gunslinging and the coming army. I really kinda want a whole book and to know if he ever gets home.
- The Sword Tyraste by Cecelia Holland -4 stars
When his brothers are killed and their ship deliberately smashed on the rocks, the youngest brother takes revenge. This is another Norse retelling about a a sword and a tyrant and vengeance. I liked it.
- The Sons of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin - 3 stars
So this read kinda like a history that was written for a book. It was a little bit dry, not told as an actual story just a telling of what happened. And I was not in love with it.
lookingtoheaven's review against another edition
This book was difficult to rate. Some stories I loved, some I abandoned, and some I hope I can wipe from my mind. But I chose to rate for the ones I love, because they kept me coming back to these stories and provided a soft spot to land when other books had led me down. I am glad to have read it.
jefffrane's review against another edition
4.0
I suspect this may be Gardner Dozois' last anthology, but he goes out on a strong note. Dedicated to original stories of Sword & Sorcery, it contains lots of strong stories, although a few seem to stretch the term's definition. Some are light-hearted, but Robin Hobb's "Her Father's Sword" is cold and dark. Good stuff from K. J. Parker, Matthew Hughes, and Kate Elliott. There's excellent historical S&S from C. J. Cherryh and Cecilia Holland. More good storytelling from Garth Nix, Ellen Kushner, Rich Larson and Elizabeth Bear. Truly, not a clinker in the bunch, which says a great deal about Gardner Dozois and his decades of contribution to the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
juliav's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
selinadragonair's review against another edition
4.0
There were some really good novellas in there. Not everything was for my taste, but it's definitely worth reading.
- The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker 4/5
It started simple but it grew on me and in the end I really liked it.
- Her Father’s Sword by Robin Hobb 5/5
The atmosphere, the characters, the story. And Fitz! Perfect.
- The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu 5/5
Wow, I loved the prose, the setting and characters. After this novella I can't wait to read Ken Lius Dandelions Dynasty!
- The Sword of Destiny by Matthew Hughes 3/5
This story just didn't appeal much to me, but it was ok. Also, was that a Gollum reference?
- "I Am a Handsome Man", Said Apollo Crow by Kate Elliott 4/5
I really liked the storytelling from the start, all the "catch me lying" part was keeping me guessing.
- The Triumph of Virtue by Walter Jon Williams 3/5
Although the writing was good I think it could have been better (and a bit shorter).
- The Mocking Tower by Daniel Abraham 3/5
It was all right, but it did not get me anywhere near excited.
- Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh 2/5
It dragged a bit for me and I wished for more action.
- A Long, Cold Trail by Garth Nix 3/5
What I liked most about this story was Mister Fitz!
- When I Was a Highwayman by Ellen Kushner 2/5
This whole story felt like an erotic novel with the sex scenes cut out. The writing was good, though.
- The Smoke of Gold Is Glory by Scott Lynch 5/5
It was a more challenging read for me, but I loved the way of story telling.
- The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson 4/5
I very much enjoyed this one! It had a fitting atmosphere, a twisty story and good characters.
- The King’s Evil by Elizabeth Bear 3/5
This was really challenging to read for me, but I appreciate the prose and the story.
- Waterfalling by Lavie Tidhar 3/5
The story felt like a drug trip. Somehow the sparing prose got me hooked, though!
- The Sword Tyraste by Cecelia Holland 1/5
This was ... a nice try? Felt callow and flat.
- The Sons of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin 4/5
I knew what to expect, so I enjoyed it.
- The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker 4/5
It started simple but it grew on me and in the end I really liked it.
- Her Father’s Sword by Robin Hobb 5/5
The atmosphere, the characters, the story. And Fitz! Perfect.
- The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu 5/5
Wow, I loved the prose, the setting and characters. After this novella I can't wait to read Ken Lius Dandelions Dynasty!
- The Sword of Destiny by Matthew Hughes 3/5
This story just didn't appeal much to me, but it was ok. Also, was that a Gollum reference?
- "I Am a Handsome Man", Said Apollo Crow by Kate Elliott 4/5
I really liked the storytelling from the start, all the "catch me lying" part was keeping me guessing.
- The Triumph of Virtue by Walter Jon Williams 3/5
Although the writing was good I think it could have been better (and a bit shorter).
- The Mocking Tower by Daniel Abraham 3/5
It was all right, but it did not get me anywhere near excited.
- Hrunting by C.J. Cherryh 2/5
It dragged a bit for me and I wished for more action.
- A Long, Cold Trail by Garth Nix 3/5
What I liked most about this story was Mister Fitz!
- When I Was a Highwayman by Ellen Kushner 2/5
This whole story felt like an erotic novel with the sex scenes cut out. The writing was good, though.
- The Smoke of Gold Is Glory by Scott Lynch 5/5
It was a more challenging read for me, but I loved the way of story telling.
- The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson 4/5
I very much enjoyed this one! It had a fitting atmosphere, a twisty story and good characters.
- The King’s Evil by Elizabeth Bear 3/5
This was really challenging to read for me, but I appreciate the prose and the story.
- Waterfalling by Lavie Tidhar 3/5
The story felt like a drug trip. Somehow the sparing prose got me hooked, though!
- The Sword Tyraste by Cecelia Holland 1/5
This was ... a nice try? Felt callow and flat.
- The Sons of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin 4/5
I knew what to expect, so I enjoyed it.
davidscrimshaw's review against another edition
5.0
If you're not going to try a sword and sorcery book, you might as well skip this review and skip the book.
If you're thinking sword and sorcery might be for you, you can read this review, but you should read the book.
If sword and sorcery is your thing, the book is a must-read, no need for you to read this review, but you might as well since if you had a copy, you'd be reading it instead of this and it won't hurt to give you something to anticipate.
Lately, I've been starting one book after another and just not getting into them. I was starting to think there was something wrong with me. But then I started this collection and everything changed. It's full of stories that I just loved.
Going in, I knew there was a Garth Nix story. I was sort of crossing my fingers that it would be a story about Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz. And it was!
For almost every author in the collection that I was unfamiliar with, I now have a book on reserve at the library.
The only story that I didn't get into was the George R. R. Martin story, which is a recounting of ancient Westeros history that talks about what happened but doesn't really get into what's going on in people's minds.
If you're thinking sword and sorcery might be for you, you can read this review, but you should read the book.
If sword and sorcery is your thing, the book is a must-read, no need for you to read this review, but you might as well since if you had a copy, you'd be reading it instead of this and it won't hurt to give you something to anticipate.
Lately, I've been starting one book after another and just not getting into them. I was starting to think there was something wrong with me. But then I started this collection and everything changed. It's full of stories that I just loved.
Going in, I knew there was a Garth Nix story. I was sort of crossing my fingers that it would be a story about Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz. And it was!
For almost every author in the collection that I was unfamiliar with, I now have a book on reserve at the library.
The only story that I didn't get into was the George R. R. Martin story, which is a recounting of ancient Westeros history that talks about what happened but doesn't really get into what's going on in people's minds.
joebuuz's review against another edition
5.0
Keeping a running track of the stories:
KJ Parker, “The Best Man Wins”
4* - Solid immersion into a task and mindset.
Robin Hobb, “Her Father’s Sword”
4* - Spooky and sad.
Ken Liu, “The Hidden Girl”
4* - Fast paced action with dynamic imagery.
Matthew Hughes, “The Sword of Destiny”
5* - A comedy of hijinks and cascading bad situations. Really had fun listening to this one.
Katie Elliot, “I am a Handsome Man, said Apollo Crow.”
3* - Good story with fantastic imagery.
Walter Jon Williams, “The Triumph of Virtue”
3* - Court intrigue had a lot of names I wasn’t catching. Story may have been better in print so I could see the spellings and keep track.
Daniel Abraham, “The Mocking Tower”
5* - Really got into this story. Long history punctuates the ending.
C.J. Cherryh, "Hrunting"
4* - A desperate journey to relcaim a family's honor set in the years after the events of Beowulf.
Garth Nix, "A Long Cold Trail"
4* - Dug the mix of style and characters in this investigation and chase of a demon possessed artifact sword.
Ellen Kushner, "When I was a Highwayman"
4* - A sad tale that captured a wide range of emotion for a short story.
Scott Lynch, "The Smoke of Gold is Glory"
5* - I LOVED this story. Can't say enough good about it but it was what I usually want when I pick up a fantasy short story. Perfectly framed oration dense with glib phrasing that gave us a band of glory seekers going after a dragon's hoard. Highly recommend. Has been the star of this book so far.
Rich Larson, "The Colgrid Conundrum"
4* - Adventure hook story with a pair of rogues. Standout setting and flavor.
Elizabeth Bear, "The King's Evil"
4* - Imaginative characters made this story.
Lavie Tidhar, "Waterfalling"
5* - Enjoyed meeting Gorel of Gloris. I'd read more adventures about him. He;s like a mix of Conan the Barbarian and Roland of Gilead.
Cecelia Holland, "The Sword Tyraste"
5* - This was outstanding quick read. Straight forward revenge pursuit.
George R.R. Martin, "The Sons of the Dragon"
5* - More Westeros history, this of Aegon the Conquerer and sons.
KJ Parker, “The Best Man Wins”
4* - Solid immersion into a task and mindset.
Robin Hobb, “Her Father’s Sword”
4* - Spooky and sad.
Ken Liu, “The Hidden Girl”
4* - Fast paced action with dynamic imagery.
Matthew Hughes, “The Sword of Destiny”
5* - A comedy of hijinks and cascading bad situations. Really had fun listening to this one.
Katie Elliot, “I am a Handsome Man, said Apollo Crow.”
3* - Good story with fantastic imagery.
Walter Jon Williams, “The Triumph of Virtue”
3* - Court intrigue had a lot of names I wasn’t catching. Story may have been better in print so I could see the spellings and keep track.
Daniel Abraham, “The Mocking Tower”
5* - Really got into this story. Long history punctuates the ending.
C.J. Cherryh, "Hrunting"
4* - A desperate journey to relcaim a family's honor set in the years after the events of Beowulf.
Garth Nix, "A Long Cold Trail"
4* - Dug the mix of style and characters in this investigation and chase of a demon possessed artifact sword.
Ellen Kushner, "When I was a Highwayman"
4* - A sad tale that captured a wide range of emotion for a short story.
Scott Lynch, "The Smoke of Gold is Glory"
5* - I LOVED this story. Can't say enough good about it but it was what I usually want when I pick up a fantasy short story. Perfectly framed oration dense with glib phrasing that gave us a band of glory seekers going after a dragon's hoard. Highly recommend. Has been the star of this book so far.
Rich Larson, "The Colgrid Conundrum"
4* - Adventure hook story with a pair of rogues. Standout setting and flavor.
Elizabeth Bear, "The King's Evil"
4* - Imaginative characters made this story.
Lavie Tidhar, "Waterfalling"
5* - Enjoyed meeting Gorel of Gloris. I'd read more adventures about him. He;s like a mix of Conan the Barbarian and Roland of Gilead.
Cecelia Holland, "The Sword Tyraste"
5* - This was outstanding quick read. Straight forward revenge pursuit.
George R.R. Martin, "The Sons of the Dragon"
5* - More Westeros history, this of Aegon the Conquerer and sons.
greenstrider's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of stories with a lot of famous names. Favourites includes 'Her Father's Sword' by Robin Hobb and 'The Best Man Wins' by K J Parker. Others were more disappointing, such as 'The Hidden Girl' which followed a quite typical story with a mediocre story line, as well as 'The Smoke of Glory is Gold' which started really well, but didn't have an end which payed off.
joebuuz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Keeping a running track of the stories:
KJ Parker, “The Best Man Wins”
4* - Solid immersion into a task and mindset.
Robin Hobb, “Her Father’s Sword”
4* - Spooky and sad.
Ken Liu, “The Hidden Girl”
4* - Fast paced action with dynamic imagery.
Matthew Hughes, “The Sword of Destiny”
5* - A comedy of hijinks and cascading bad situations. Really had fun listening to this one.
Katie Elliot, “I am a Handsome Man, said Apollo Crow.”
3* - Good story with fantastic imagery.
Walter Jon Williams, “The Triumph of Virtue”
3* - Court intrigue had a lot of names I wasn’t catching. Story may have been better in print so I could see the spellings and keep track.
Daniel Abraham, “The Mocking Tower”
5* - Really got into this story. Long history punctuates the ending.
C.J. Cherryh, "Hrunting"
4* - A desperate journey to relcaim a family's honor set in the years after the events of Beowulf.
Garth Nix, "A Long Cold Trail"
4* - Dug the mix of style and characters in this investigation and chase of a demon possessed artifact sword.
Ellen Kushner, "When I was a Highwayman"
4* - A sad tale that captured a wide range of emotion for a short story.
Scott Lynch, "The Smoke of Gold is Glory"
5* - I LOVED this story. Can't say enough good about it but it was what I usually want when I pick up a fantasy short story. Perfectly framed oration dense with glib phrasing that gave us a band of glory seekers going after a dragon's hoard. Highly recommend. Has been the star of this book so far.
Rich Larson, "The Colgrid Conundrum"
4* - Adventure hook story with a pair of rogues. Standout setting and flavor.
Elizabeth Bear, "The King's Evil"
4* - Imaginative characters made this story.
Lavie Tidhar, "Waterfalling"
5* - Enjoyed meeting Gorel of Gloris. I'd read more adventures about him. He;s like a mix of Conan the Barbarian and Roland of Gilead.
Cecelia Holland, "The Sword Tyraste"
5* - This was outstanding quick read. Straight forward revenge pursuit.
George R.R. Martin, "The Sons of the Dragon"
5* - More Westeros history, this of Aegon the Conquerer and sons.
KJ Parker, “The Best Man Wins”
4* - Solid immersion into a task and mindset.
Robin Hobb, “Her Father’s Sword”
4* - Spooky and sad.
Ken Liu, “The Hidden Girl”
4* - Fast paced action with dynamic imagery.
Matthew Hughes, “The Sword of Destiny”
5* - A comedy of hijinks and cascading bad situations. Really had fun listening to this one.
Katie Elliot, “I am a Handsome Man, said Apollo Crow.”
3* - Good story with fantastic imagery.
Walter Jon Williams, “The Triumph of Virtue”
3* - Court intrigue had a lot of names I wasn’t catching. Story may have been better in print so I could see the spellings and keep track.
Daniel Abraham, “The Mocking Tower”
5* - Really got into this story. Long history punctuates the ending.
C.J. Cherryh, "Hrunting"
4* - A desperate journey to relcaim a family's honor set in the years after the events of Beowulf.
Garth Nix, "A Long Cold Trail"
4* - Dug the mix of style and characters in this investigation and chase of a demon possessed artifact sword.
Ellen Kushner, "When I was a Highwayman"
4* - A sad tale that captured a wide range of emotion for a short story.
Scott Lynch, "The Smoke of Gold is Glory"
5* - I LOVED this story. Can't say enough good about it but it was what I usually want when I pick up a fantasy short story. Perfectly framed oration dense with glib phrasing that gave us a band of glory seekers going after a dragon's hoard. Highly recommend. Has been the star of this book so far.
Rich Larson, "The Colgrid Conundrum"
4* - Adventure hook story with a pair of rogues. Standout setting and flavor.
Elizabeth Bear, "The King's Evil"
4* - Imaginative characters made this story.
Lavie Tidhar, "Waterfalling"
5* - Enjoyed meeting Gorel of Gloris. I'd read more adventures about him. He;s like a mix of Conan the Barbarian and Roland of Gilead.
Cecelia Holland, "The Sword Tyraste"
5* - This was outstanding quick read. Straight forward revenge pursuit.
George R.R. Martin, "The Sons of the Dragon"
5* - More Westeros history, this of Aegon the Conquerer and sons.