Hmmm... the first two were good, I really enjoyed them, but the rest, I'm afraid, just didn't hold my attention at all. It may have been down to the fact that I was in the mood for more space based stories and these were very much sword and planet style.

I've since read reviews that say this isn't one of her better collections anyway.

I'll try some more at a later date. ( )

Overall, this is an interesting collection of science-fiction tales. Several have a fantasy tone (think, Conan the Barbarian) where the SpaceMan comes to the Primitive Tribes, and most take place on other planets, mostly in our solar system. These stories obviously pre-date the current science which understands there is no life and no way for humans to exist on most of these planets.

My big qualm with the stories is the role of women. All the stories take place from the male viewpoint. Women are either the Villain (Halfling, Venus), the Helper (Citadel, Venus, Gone Forever), or Damsel/Mother (Dancing Girl, Rainbow, Truants). None are the center of the quest or the Doer of Actions. Yes, some are brave and smart, in the case of the Helper, the Hero could not accomplish his Quest without her, but still, the women seem to be always the same - help the hero, sacrifice for the hero, give all for the hero. They are often beautiful and easily available for the hero's pleasure. To my modern mind, this was repugnant. However, in 1973, the active role (rescuing the hero, braving dangers) probably seemed refreshing. Forty-Plus Years makes a huge difference in perception.

Note: In All the Colors of the Rainbow, several characters use the word nigger. This is not used in a positive context, meaning, it is the antagonist who use the phrase, and it is shown to be negative word. In addition, the story centers on racism, which is also shown as a negative ideology. The use of the word is central to the story and not used for shock value.

Bookmarks: Overall: 3 of 5

The Halfling: 2/5
The Dancing Girl of Ganymede: 2.5/5
The Citadel of Lost Ages: 2/5
All the Colors of the Rainbow: 4/5
The Shadows: 3.5/5
Enchantress of Venus: 3/5
The Lake of Gone Forever: 3/5
*The Truants: 2/5

*This story is not included the table of contents or the acknowledgements. ( )

Is Brackett a fan of Burroughs? I'm not. So many of these just didn't work for me. My favorite story was one that took place on Earth, All the Colors of the Rainbow. What is the very worst effect bigots can have on victims? Hint - it's not lynching, or even torture. ( )