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posies23's review
4.0
It's a shame this collection is so hard to find, because it contains several short stories unavailable anywhere else. The bulk of the stories concern Jame or answer questions from the first three novels in the Kencyrarh series -- and if you haven't read those yet, I think you'll be quite confused. Also included are a few proto-Jame stories that hint at Hodgell's growth as a writer and thought process. There are also several pages of maps and drawings by the author and new introductions.
The big surprise here is an excellent Sherlock Holmes story that shows Hodgell can write more than just high fantasy.
Well worth reading for fans of the series, if you can find a copy.
The big surprise here is an excellent Sherlock Holmes story that shows Hodgell can write more than just high fantasy.
Well worth reading for fans of the series, if you can find a copy.
cindywho's review against another edition
4.0
These are short story remnants, mostly centered on Jame, from Hodgell's Godstalk series. One is very odd, setting her in a dystopic Earth future. There is also a strange little Sherlock Holmes story and a collection of maps and drawings, letting you know how much time the author has spent living with her character.
jtone's review
3.0
Some interesting backstory for the series along with what felt like some very rough drafts.
assaphmehr's review
4.0
I've recently decided to re-read this excellent epic fantasy cycle, and review as I go.
What to Expect
This is an anthology of mixed short stories by PC Hodgell. There's quite a variety:
What I liked
I liked the "main continuity" shorts, as they present some extra information about the series and the characters.
What to be aware of
Some of the writing is very early, and rough around the edges.
The stories are in no way essential to understanding the main plot progressions in the novels.
Summary
If you're a true Hodgell / Jame fan, the kind that watches DVDs' extras, this anthology provides bonus material about the wonderful world of the Kencyrath.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
This is an anthology of mixed short stories by PC Hodgell. There's quite a variety:
- Three short stories (one practically a flash piece) written specifically for the anthology, set right after Seeker's Mask. These provide alternative view points that help humanise some of the "villains" in the main narrative by explaining bits of background.
- One story of an alternative Jame, set in a post-apocalyptic setting
- A short story that was the original idea for God Stalk (reads like some bits towards the end of a novel)
- A short that reads like a missing chapter from God Stalk
- A short that is set some years after Seeker's Mask (and To Ride A Rathorn too)
- A short about Sherlock Holmes and Watson (which does a credible job of imitating the style of Conan Doyle, though it's more Gothic than Detective in theme)
What I liked
I liked the "main continuity" shorts, as they present some extra information about the series and the characters.
What to be aware of
Some of the writing is very early, and rough around the edges.
The stories are in no way essential to understanding the main plot progressions in the novels.
Summary
If you're a true Hodgell / Jame fan, the kind that watches DVDs' extras, this anthology provides bonus material about the wonderful world of the Kencyrath.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
kaylynn's review
3.0
After reading the novels, some of these stories felt redundant, but those that covered new material were quite enjoyable.
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