Speaking with Angels [Paperback]

Michelle West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2004

Within these twelve stories are heroes, both real and imagined, characters so real it seems they're sitting beside you, and themes and emotions so resonant that they speak to every fantasy reader. With a new introduction by Tanya Huff, and story notes by Michelle herself, this new collection brings together early and recent work by a master of fantasy. (20021201)

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From a darkly humorous tale of the power of words (Death and the Librarian) to a never-before-published response to events of September 11 (Ilion), Friesner's 12 stories illustrate the author's acutely sensitive vision of wonder in the everyday world... Known primarily for his 'Star Wars' novels... Zahn's short stories also deliver strong plots and memorable characters... Zebrowski's many novels (e.g. Macrolife) mark him as a visionary as well as a master of hard sf. The ten short stories collected in In the Distance provide a benchmark of his creativity... the author expands his concept of the human condition to embrace the stars. Part of Five Star's continuing commitment to showcasing the short fiction of the genre's most prominent author's, these three volumes belong in most libraries where short sf is popular."
-- Library Journal (December 2002) (Library Journal 20020615)

"...Part of Five Star's continuing commitment to showcasing the short fiction of the genre's most prominent authors, these three volumes (Death and the Librarian and Other Stories/ Star Song and Other Stories/ In the Distance, and Ahead in Time) belong in most libraries where short sf is popular."
-- Library Journal (December 2002) (Library Journal )

"Four more titles in Five Star's new series (God Is an Iron and Other Stories/ Generation Gap and Other Stories/ The Lady Vanishes and Other Oddities of Nature/ Suppose They Gave a Peace and Other Stories) of short fiction by noteworthy sf authors offer a variety of tales that illustrate the depth and staying power of the genre...Most of the stories in these volumes have only appeared in periodicals. Libraries wishing to augment their sf or short fiction collections should consider any of them."
-- Library Journal (June 2002) (Library Journal )

"...West writes from intuition and passion... a carefully cognizant writer... cuts into the hearts of her characters, and the hearts of her readers, with powerful evocations and strong, dignified prose..."
-- wigglefish.com (wigglefish.com )

"All of the stories...are told with vivid emotional intensity -- one can truly say here, with heart."
-- The SF Site (The SF Site )

"...Every story is extremely well written and worth reading and...showcases Michelle West's talent and imagination to play with feelings."
-- Harriet Klausner (UNKNOWN ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: Five Star Trade (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410402207
• ISBN-13: 978-1410402202
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,666,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars strong fantasy collection, July 6, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Speaking With Angels (Hardcover)

This thirteen-story fantasy collection contains entries all written in the past decade or so. Each contribution will interest the reader as various emotions serve as the respective centers of each tale. Fantasy fans should comprehend up front that whether it is Christmas or some other festive occasion, these offerings typically do not end in a happily ever after, but for the most part will leave readers with a lump in their throat. Hell what could one expect with some of the locations. Every story is extremely well written and worth reading and this anthology showcases Michelle West's talent and imagination to play with feelings.This reviewer must specifically mention the final entry, "To Speak with Angels", which with pride will leave nary a dry eye.

Harriet Klausner

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful, March 29, 2005

By 

S. Grant - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speaking with Angels (Paperback)

There are few authors like Michelle West. In one hand she balances the emotions of her characters, ever tilting the gems of her creation to reveal new facets of their being. In her other hand she weaves stories of complex beliefs and ideas, intermixing the sublime and the natural into one breathtaking tapestry. Her short stories are no exception. There is not a single story in this collection that was lacking. Each one brought another note in the symphony of human life to fullness, and this reader personally was humbled by the experience. One of the greatest fantasy writers of our times: Michelle West.