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timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
There's a good range here, and in many cases professional writers have produced what they meant to, with all the skill they bring. Some stories address current themes, some go way back in history and myth.
But most of them just didn't work for me. Overall, the collection felt more literary (or lit'ry if you're snooty) than the novels and novellas I've been reading lately.
In many cases the stories seem to be overloading the material that inspired them in order to make the story Important and Relevant. The Pizza Boy was a notable exception.
Maybe what was missing for me is the stuff Jack Vance used to write, or an Asimov SF-mystery, or even a Ferdinand Feghoot story. But maybe that lode has been mined out and I'm stuck in the past.
And maybe I've just slipped out of short-story mode this year.
But most of them just didn't work for me. Overall, the collection felt more literary (or lit'ry if you're snooty) than the novels and novellas I've been reading lately.
In many cases the stories seem to be overloading the material that inspired them in order to make the story Important and Relevant. The Pizza Boy was a notable exception.
Maybe what was missing for me is the stuff Jack Vance used to write, or an Asimov SF-mystery, or even a Ferdinand Feghoot story. But maybe that lode has been mined out and I'm stuck in the past.
And maybe I've just slipped out of short-story mode this year.
jackkent2692's review against another edition
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
4.0
caffeineauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
ohclaire's review against another edition
4.0
A lot of really solid stories! I have never once known how to rate a collection lol
benlundns's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ddillon154's review against another edition
5.0
Clearly, Roanhorse has my number. I loved this collection. Top stories for me: If the Martians Have Magic, The Algorithm Will See You Now, and Proof by Induction. Close behind were: The Future Library and Colors of the Immortal Palette.
cwgonzales's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
inamerata's review against another edition
3.5
Some real gems, but higher-than-average number of personal skips weakened my enjoyment of collection overall. My favorites included 10 Steps to a Whole New You, The Red Mother, The Cold Calculation, Skinder's Veil, and The Frankly Impossible Weight of Han.
kleonard's review against another edition
3.0
A collection of SFF by mostly well-established authors. I was a little disappointed by this collection, which didn't really contain anything I thought particularly exemplary. I'd have liked to have seen work by less well-known writers--this felt a lot like a meeting of the cool kids' club, with a few authors not quite doing the same quality of work they might once have to get into collections like this. But many readers will enjoy at least some of the stories here, even if I didn't love them all.