eatingfiction's review against another edition
3.0
As is the trouble with anthologies, some stories I loved, and some I simply wasn't interested in. My favourites were Ken Liu, Kate Elliot, and Scott Lynch.
grimhand's review against another edition
4.0
A good collection of short stories centering around, of course, the sub-genre of sword and sorcery. Includes a new history from George R.R. Martin, this time centering mostly around the reign of Maegor the Cruel.
rsarnelli's review against another edition
3.0
Didn’t read all the stories - I kind of lost interest after I had read maybe half - but I liked most of the ones I did read. Reviews/ratings to come of the ones I read.
vae's review against another edition
Returned. Reminded me why I so rarely read fantasy written by men, or written in the period that this anthology was published.
ganglari's review against another edition
3.0
As with all genre short-story collections (barring a very few exceptions) there’s a pretty big span in the quality of the stories. While none were *bad*, several were decidedly ho-hum, and very few stayed with me, and while interesting, George RR Martin’s story isn’t really a story, it’s more a section of history from Westeros. However, K.J. Parker’s “The Best Man Wins”, Scott Lynch’s “The Smoke of Gold is Glory”, and C.J. Cherryh’s alt-Beowulf sequel “Hrunting” were all excellent.
dgvand's review against another edition
4.0
I read only the short story Her Father’s Sword (Robin Hobb) from this anthology.
A great short story set in the Realm of the Elderlings. It depicts the story of a family in a village that has been ravaged by the red ship raiders and the forged ones. A short story about the struggle and the psychological warfare of turning a village’s people against themselves. You even get a chance encounter of Fitz!! A great short read!!
A great short story set in the Realm of the Elderlings. It depicts the story of a family in a village that has been ravaged by the red ship raiders and the forged ones. A short story about the struggle and the psychological warfare of turning a village’s people against themselves. You even get a chance encounter of Fitz!! A great short read!!
ababoglo's review against another edition
4.0
Okay... I started leaving comments after every story I read, but quickly abandoned this idea. As with any anthology you get some good and some bad apples in the same basket.
To keep it brief, I think it is worth buying this book just for these incredible five stories:
The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker: 5/5+
Quintessential KJ Parker. If you are not familiar with his writing (quick interjection: why not?!) - this is a perfect place to start. Intricate story, attention to detail, immersive despite its length - all rounded delight. KJ Parker in my eyes is an absolute 'master & commander' of the short form. His short stories and novellas (and anthologies with his stories/novellas) became a non-decision for me. It is a matter of how quickly I can get hold of them!
The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu: 4/5
Enjoyable wuxia story. A little predictable but masterfully crafted.
The Smoke of Gold is Glory by Scott Lynch: 5/5
Glorious story of the party going on a dragon hunt in his own lair. Just perfect.
The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson: 4/5
Slick steampunk tale about a couple or thieves. Very enjoyable.
The Sons of the Dragon by GRR Martin: 4/5
Martin’s new legendarium tale, this time about the times of Maegor the Cruel. A bit dry but if you liked stories from Rogues and Dangerous Women - you will like this one too.
Everything else, frankly, was quite underwhelming. I was really looking forward to stories from Hobb, Cherryh, Bear and Abraham but ended up disappointed 😞
To keep it brief, I think it is worth buying this book just for these incredible five stories:
The Best Man Wins by K.J. Parker: 5/5+
Quintessential KJ Parker. If you are not familiar with his writing (quick interjection: why not?!) - this is a perfect place to start. Intricate story, attention to detail, immersive despite its length - all rounded delight. KJ Parker in my eyes is an absolute 'master & commander' of the short form. His short stories and novellas (and anthologies with his stories/novellas) became a non-decision for me. It is a matter of how quickly I can get hold of them!
The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu: 4/5
Enjoyable wuxia story. A little predictable but masterfully crafted.
The Smoke of Gold is Glory by Scott Lynch: 5/5
Glorious story of the party going on a dragon hunt in his own lair. Just perfect.
The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson: 4/5
Slick steampunk tale about a couple or thieves. Very enjoyable.
The Sons of the Dragon by GRR Martin: 4/5
Martin’s new legendarium tale, this time about the times of Maegor the Cruel. A bit dry but if you liked stories from Rogues and Dangerous Women - you will like this one too.
Everything else, frankly, was quite underwhelming. I was really looking forward to stories from Hobb, Cherryh, Bear and Abraham but ended up disappointed 😞
ababoglo's review against another edition
5.0
Quintessential KJ Parker. If you are not familiar with his writing (quick interjection: why not?!) - this is a perfect place to start. Intricate story, attention to detail, immersive despite its length - all rounded delight.
KJ Parker in my eyes is absolute 'master & commander' of the short form. His short stories and novellas (and anthologies with his stories/novellas) became a non-decision for me. It is a matter of how quickly I can get hold of them!
I really can't have enough of his short form writing (his trilogy series, on the other hand, I am less hot on; they are still good, mind you!)
KJ Parker in my eyes is absolute 'master & commander' of the short form. His short stories and novellas (and anthologies with his stories/novellas) became a non-decision for me. It is a matter of how quickly I can get hold of them!
I really can't have enough of his short form writing (his trilogy series, on the other hand, I am less hot on; they are still good, mind you!)
jbelsham's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0