Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Powers has been writing some of the finest and most influential science fiction, fantasy, and horror since the 1970s, winning numerous awards. He is a master of blending these genres into compelling yet intricately plotted, atmospheric stories that tend to feature real figures from history in situations that with just a small injection of speculative elements get a whole lot more interesting. With such a large body of work, it may be hard to introduce new readers to the very best of Powers, but with this collection of 20 previously published works and 1 brand-new story, readers will find the breadth of Power's vision in a single volume. These tales are set mostly in California, though not in the state of sunshine and Hollywood but rather that of shadows. Powers creates tales of dark, thought-provoking drama that are just frightening enough to make you keep the lights blazing but not enough to give you nightmares. The collection is enriched by Powers' commentary, both deeply personal and instructive, on each of the stories. This is a treat for fans and newbies alike; hand it to readers who enjoy genre-blending authors as varied as Jim Butcher, Dean Koontz and China Mieville.--Spratford, Becky Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Among the few elements Powers repeatedly returns to in his works is time travel. A nice sample of his clever handling of the logistical difficulties of this trope are on display in this collection of stories, particularly in the marvelous "Salvage and Demolition." Fans of Powers's groundbreaking steampunk novel The Anubis Gates will enjoy "Nobody's Home," set in that world. Another element Powers uses are ghosts and people with secret knowledge of an unseen world, as shown with the World Fantasy Award (WFA) nominee "Night Moves." Each story is helpfully framed by an introduction by the author, providing a sense of how he drew on events from his own life in Southern California and magically transformed them. The collection also includes several collaborations with James P. Blaylock, a fellow pioneer of the steampunk subgenre who, like Powers, was mentored by Philip K. Dick. Verdict While Powers has won the WFA twice (for Last Call and Declare), many sf/fantasy fans might not be familiar with his books. For those readers, this collection should serve as a solid introduction to his style.-Megan M. McArdle, Lib. of Congress, National Lib. Svc. for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
