It's a good collection, but like a lot of horror and dark fantasy, some of the stories seem to rely more on just vibes than characterization and plot (even those are well done, if sometimes confusing). Of them, my favorites were "The Maltese Unicorn" and "Fairy Tale of Wood Street." YMMV. ( )

My first DNF of the year

This collection is the type of writing that is a complete pleasure to read as the author is obviously talented. She has the same knack that Stephen King does of creating believable worlds while maintaining tightly controlled tension in the storyline. I added her other books to TBR list for 2020, and I am looking forward to reading them. ( )

** Review in Progress **

Andromeda Among the Stones **
Even Kiernan's excellent writing can't really make anything original out of the same old Lovecraftian tale of defending mankind against something awful from the sea. This idea is long past its retirement age.

La Peau Verte *1/2
Again, nice writing, but this convoluted story uses the time-honored trick of shifting back and forth in time to try to tell a more effective--and affecting--story, but it is all just too obscure and pointless, especially the ending.

Houses Under the Sea *1/2
Another Lovecraftian story that just goes on and on to draw out the suspense about the even so awful the narrator can't bear to think about it--but can't stop thinking about. Good writing cannot make up for a dearth of original ideas and excessive prolixity.

Bradbury Weather

A Child's Guide to the Hollow Hills

The Ammonite Violin

A Season of Broken Dolls

In View of Nothing

The Ape's Wife

The Steam Dancer (1896)

Galapagos

Fish Bride (1970)

The Mermaid of the Concrete Ocean

Hydraguros

The Maltese Unicorn

Tidal Forces

The Prayer of Ninety Cats

One Tree World (The World as Cataclysm)

Interstate Love Song

Fairy Tale of Wood Street

This is an extraordinary and substantial collection of stories. Most defy categorisation. Are they horror, sci-fi, fantasy? Surreal, beautiful, often with poignant despair. These are dreams, meanderings in another world. These stories are like nothing else I have ever read. This book is nothing short of a literary treasure trove.

I received my copy through NetGalley. My review is voluntary and my honest opinion. ( )