Thursday, November 18, 2010

Review: Songs of Love & Death, Anthology


Songs of Love & Death is an anthology of stories edited by Gardner Dozois and George R. R. Martin from Gallery Books.

Book Blurb:

In this star-studded cross-genre anthology, seventeen of the greatest modern authors of fantasy, science fiction, and romance explore the borderlands of their genres with brand-new tales of ill-fated love.

From zombie-infested woods in a postapocalyptic America to faery-haunted rural fields in eighteenth century England, from the kingdoms of high fantasy to the alien world of a galaxy-spanning empire, these are stories of lovers who must struggle against the forces of magic and fate.
A groundbreaking anthology of fantasy, science fiction, and romance from bestselling authors in their genres, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.

-Jim Butcher, “Love Hurts” (a Harry Dresden story)
-Jo Beverly, “The Marrying Maid”
-Carrie Vaughn, “Rooftops”
-M.L.N. Hanover, “Hurt Me”
-Cecelia Holland, “Demon Lover”
-Melinda M. Snodgrass, “The Wayfarer’s Advice” (an Imperials story)
-Robin Hobb, “Blue Boots”
-Neil Gaiman, “The Thing About Cassandra”
-Marjorie M. Liu, “After the Blood”
-Jacqueline Carey, “You and You Alone” (a Kushiel story)
-Lisa Tuttle, “His Wolf”
-Linnea Sinclair, “Courting Trouble”
-Mary Jo Putney, “The Demon Dancer”
-Tanith Lee, “Under/Above the Water”
-Peter S. Beagle, “Kashkia”
-Yasmine Galenorn, “Man in the Mirror”
-Diana Gabaldon, “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” (an OUTLANDER spinoff)


Songs of Love & Death was submitted for review and I retain my copy.

An anthology is a wonderful thing. I have the opportunity to try new to me authors as well as reading a short story from some of my favorites.

In Songs of Love & Death I was able to experience both - here is a quick rundown of some of my favorite stories.

I got a quick fix of Harry Dresden in 'Love Hurts' - and I have yet to read a Harry Dresden story that disappoints. I may have a slight crush on him. :)

I have read M.L.N. Hanover before and was left on the fence - but with 'Hurt Me' I was riveted. That was a very intense read.

'After the Blood' by Marjorie M. Liu was zombie's and I love me some zombie's. Ms. Liu put her own spin on the zombie lore and it was very good.

Linnea Sinclair writes some of the best sci/fi I've read and 'Courting Trouble' was no exception. I love Ms. Sinclair's world building and her ability to make her characters come alive.

'Man in the Mirror' by Yasmine Galenorn was something a little different from what I have read from her before - a tale of a ghost with a conscience.

Diana Gabaldon gives us 'A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows' and it is a must read for all of the Outlander fans out there. :) 

All of these stories were unique and just long enough to whet the appetite for more.

I give Songs of Love & Death 5 out of 5 stars.

M

  • ISBN-13: 9781439150146
  • ISBN-10: 1439150141
  • Publisher: Gallery Press
  • Date: November 16, 2010
  • Page Count: 480

5 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

Oh you and your Zombies Michelle, you should write a Zombie flash...I should write a zombie flash :D

Michelle Greathouse said...

B,

You know it. LOL I should look for a picture. :)

I received a book in the mail today for review - it's zombies. YaY! I'm about to get started on it now.

M

Julia Rachel Barrett said...

This sounds really really interesting! And I wish George R.R. Martin would finish his next glorious installment of A Song of Fire and Ice instead of editing. Sigh...
Are you watching The Walking Dead?
Love. It.

Michelle Greathouse said...

Julia,

I have never read anything written by George R R Martin - I will have to look him up. :)

Yes I am watching The Walking Dead and I love it. :) I have not read the graphic novel - so it is all new to me.

Being from Georgia I get a kick out of seeing a deserted Downtown Atlanta full of zombies. LOL

M

Linnea Sinclair said...

Thanks for your kind commment, Michelle! It was an honor to have a story included in such a terrific and top-notch anthology. And it was FUN too! Glad you enjoyed "Courting Trouble." ~Linnea