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ctgt's review
4.0
It's an awful cliche, I know, but also a point I cannot stress strongly enough. There are sights and experiences to which the blunt and finite tool of human language are not equal.
Upon further review........I upped this to 4 stars. As I was going over the table of contents to point out the stories I really enjoyed, I came to the realization that there were only two or three that I didn't really care for. So a hit rate of ten out of thirteen really deserves more than three stars.
In the introduction the author talks about enjoying diversity in types of stories in short collections that she had read and wanted to bring that same sensibility to her set. From sci/fi to steampunk to weird to horror, Keirnan touches on many different genres and displays an imagination that shows no bounds. Stretching from a dancer with steam powered appendages to a twist on Ann Darrow and her view of Kong, I found the range of stories fascinating.
By far my favorite story was Tidal Forces which involves two women and what happens to one of them after a "shadow" passes over her. I found it to be a fantastic concept and it is one of the best shorts I have read this year. Recommended if you enjoy collections that aren't "themed".
I leave behind shadows for light. Wondrous and terrifying glimpses of the extraordinary for the mundane.
Upon further review........I upped this to 4 stars. As I was going over the table of contents to point out the stories I really enjoyed, I came to the realization that there were only two or three that I didn't really care for. So a hit rate of ten out of thirteen really deserves more than three stars.
In the introduction the author talks about enjoying diversity in types of stories in short collections that she had read and wanted to bring that same sensibility to her set. From sci/fi to steampunk to weird to horror, Keirnan touches on many different genres and displays an imagination that shows no bounds. Stretching from a dancer with steam powered appendages to a twist on Ann Darrow and her view of Kong, I found the range of stories fascinating.
By far my favorite story was Tidal Forces which involves two women and what happens to one of them after a "shadow" passes over her. I found it to be a fantastic concept and it is one of the best shorts I have read this year. Recommended if you enjoy collections that aren't "themed".
I leave behind shadows for light. Wondrous and terrifying glimpses of the extraordinary for the mundane.
nakedsteve's review
3.0
A collection of Kiernan's shorts, this book is ... interesting.
Some of the shorts are excellent, and some confusing. It seems to me that the stories at the start of the book are generally better than those toward the end, which has the odd effect of making you want to read more, but disappointed in the quality by the end.
And "quality" is the wrong word. Kiernan writes in a dense style that's a slap in the face to those who enjoy reading straightforward things. A few of the stories I immediately started over when I finished, because I just didn't feel like I got it the first time around. So were the things I didn't like low in "quality"? I suspect not. I suspect I just didn't want to spend the brainpower to give them the treatment that Kiernan expected me to.
Ultimately, most of the stories weren't my cup of tea, but it's clear Kiernan has talent for what she does.
3 of 5 stars.
Some of the shorts are excellent, and some confusing. It seems to me that the stories at the start of the book are generally better than those toward the end, which has the odd effect of making you want to read more, but disappointed in the quality by the end.
And "quality" is the wrong word. Kiernan writes in a dense style that's a slap in the face to those who enjoy reading straightforward things. A few of the stories I immediately started over when I finished, because I just didn't feel like I got it the first time around. So were the things I didn't like low in "quality"? I suspect not. I suspect I just didn't want to spend the brainpower to give them the treatment that Kiernan expected me to.
Ultimately, most of the stories weren't my cup of tea, but it's clear Kiernan has talent for what she does.
3 of 5 stars.
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