Short stories are not my favorite genre but this were shockingly satisfying. At least 2 of them contain cruelty against dogs, which I was surprised to discover really upsets me ("Dancing on Air" less so, "Laws of Survival" more graphic and upsettingly).

"And Wild for to Hold" is a charming piece of historical fiction meeting science fiction. I found all the other characters beyond Anne Boleyn flat, but liked the concept.

"The Flowers of Aulit Prison" has a fascinating conception of alien lifeforms and world building.

"Unto the Daughters" is an interesting piece of feminist science fiction.

"Shiva in Shadow" has some of the strongest character writing.

The most heavy-handed and my least favorite, are "Casey's Empire," "Grant us this Day," "By Fools Like Me,"

The strongest I think is "Beggars in Spain" and I understand why it is last, but after reading so many of her short stories, you get a sense of writing style and can see the twists and turns coming which detracts from the experience. I would recommend reading it first. ( )