A review by selinadragonair
The Book of Swords by Robin Hobb, George R.R. Martin
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.