Riding the waves of imagination

It is new book Tuesday! I have one for you today that is so new, it isn't even on the shelves yet. Ha! Check out below what I had to say about a collection of short stories by one of fantasy's legends.

Dreams of Distant Shores by Patricia A. McKillip

This is a compilation of short stories, which was a refreshing pace to read for me. I could easily pick it up in the middle of my hectic day, read a quick fantasy, and get back to work after I had finished the story. The stories are the quintessential escape for the lunch hour. Warning side effect of these stories: I did find myself daydreaming for most of the day after reading just small pieces. These are the types of fantasies that open you to the fae and just don't let go immediately. I felt like I had become part of the wind and words, floating around waiting to be reality.

No two stories focused on the same characters or places, or time for that matter, but there were some common themes that could tie all the stories together. Pure fantasy and fae mysticism. We meet witches, gorgons, sea deities, and mermaids. Humans and imagination blend until you aren't sure which are there in front of you. The words are lyrics that just sweep you away in the siren's song. Overall, most of the stories seem to have some pull to the sea. I have not read that many sea-faring fantasies in my day, but these ones would be sure to compete with the best.

My favorite of the collection was "Gorgon in the Cupboard." I already want to go back and re-read that story. McKillip's writing just swept me away into such a vivid world of words come to life. I was so unaware that the ending had even happened, though on reflection it made perfect sense. Many of the others had that seem ethereal hold over me, but others just never seemed to capture me. I will easily give this collection 4 stars. The novella being my least enjoyed story keeps it from getting all the stars; since it was the longest story in the collection, I was hoping for the most interaction there. I will still be recommending this to any and all people with imagination.

I have not read many compilations, but this one just cannot be missed. Check it out June 14, 2016 from Tachyon Publications. Amazon has an awesome pre-order sale going on now.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ga-ga-ga-gas-Lit City

Image
Welcome to February everyone. Hope you have all unburied from the snowmagedpocalypse readers in the Northeast. Just in time for some new powder to flurry down and send you back indoors to read my reviews on what to read to get you through the winter doldrums. Today we certainly have just that. The Custodian of Marvels by Rod Duncan And my world has been righted! We are back with Elizabeth Barnabus as she was in The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter. I'm all tingly. Not that Unseemly Science  was a complete let down; I just really feel that the magic (or circus dust?) wasn't there from the first novel. Apparently that is because it all built up and got swept to this novel.  We have the original troupe together for some Ocean's Eleven shenanigans as they attempt to rob the International Patent Office (gasp for dramatic effect). The humor and wit have returned to the original level because everyone knows all about best laid plans. While I like Julia, her relegation back to
Read more

The most mind-boggling book I've ever read

Image
... and the mind-boggled review to go with it. This book was the most unique reading experience I have ever had in decades of reading. Assassin Queen by Anna Kashina This week we have the final novel of the "Majat Code" trilogy. I previously reviewed the first and second novels and have read a short companion novella as well. Some may recall me raving about the first novel and being slightly disappointed about the turn of the second novel. The novella was more in tune with Blades of the Old Empire  and added to the hype for The Guild of Assassins . So with the letdown from the latter book, why did I get the third? More importantly, how did I feel about it? Redeemed and exacerbated. How can you feel both of those at once? That is the mystery of the third novel of the "Majat Code." There were some extremely awesome, butt-kicking scenes reminiscent of "Blades," and the romance from "Guild" was still included. I was excited and disappoint
Read more

The Hunted by Jeff Wheeler

Image
Just one week and you can continue on with Eilean's journey as The Hunted publishes September 20th. And boy, will you want to continue the journey. This is an excellent quest type of story where the characters are always on the move and meeting tons of new people--with a heavy splash of romance.  We are trekking through the land of Muirwood as Eilean escapes the only home she has ever known to get the tome entrusted by Mordaunt to safety. Fortunately, she doesn't have to go it alone as Celyn and Stright come along with her as Captain Hoel is right on their heels. Every step travelled strengthens Eilean's ability to share the power of the Medium. She learns the secrets of nature and the history of the world and deepens her love and trust in the ultimate power. New lands brings a handful of colorful new characters. She meets princes, queens, Aldermastons, and supposed heretics. With each new person Eilean meets, she develops a bigger picture about the leadership she has alway
Read more