Dreamsongs is a collection of Martin's shorter fiction. This volume is presented roughly chronologically and at the same time thematically. Each section is prefaced with the book's biggest bonus: an essay-style biographical introduction that describes Martin's mindset at the time he wrote the stories, influences on the work, how they saw publication, and the reception each enjoyed.

The first two sections contain his early efforts, growing in quality and hinting at the accomplished author he was later to become. A focus on science fiction comes next, with his earliest published successes. Collected together their common universe becomes apparent, yet each stands alone. I was especially looking forward to the fourth section focussed on fantasy, although I found none of them to be suggestive of the tone and style of his recent novels. I enjoyed all of the stories in these section, although I'd admit "The Stone City" was the weakest link.

The last section in this first volume is for the horror genre, which I've never been a fan of and was tempted to skip. However, this section proves to contain his best work. Some is easily categorized as sf, including this volume's highlight "Sandkings" (his most famous work outside of "Ice and Fire") which fits neatly into the universe presented in the earler sf section.

A collection like this invites contrast between its first and last story, and doing so demonstrates how well Martin has honed his craft over the years. Any fan of the author should not resist this set, for its several memorable pieces. Their presentation here is especially of interest for those of an age with Martin who may share his memories, and for the education and inspiration it can offer to any would-be author. ( )

I'm not normally a fan of short stories, however I picked this up as I am a fan of George R.R. Martin. This was excellent from the standpoint that it really gives you and idea of how Martin has developed into the author he is today. The process he has gone through to get to where he is, and the shaping of his stories by life's experience are fascinating. This really shows you the everyday side of GRRM. Overall and excellent read. ( )

Like many of his current readers, I was vaguely aware that Martin wrote more than epic fantasy, but I hadn't read any of it. Dreamsongs is the perfect cure for that. This first volume roughly spans his the first half of his career, from the comics fanzines of the 60s to the horror boom of the 80s.

Martin notes that many of these stories were intended to be the starting points of series. It's quite unfortunate that they didn't come to fruition, as many of the characters and settings are very intriguing. I would have loved to be able to find more "Thousand World" (Martin's main sci-fi universe) stories... or see more of Gray Alys' unfortunate clients.

The comment/mini-memoir pieces that introduce each section provide great context for the stories.

While nearly all of the stories are excellent, the very first one, "Only Kids Are Afraid Of The Dark", is a bit rough. You have to admire Martin's guts, though... many authors would sooner curl up and die than let one of their green adolescent stories out into the wild. ( )

A split up version of the 'Dreamsongs' collection, first part thereof. A standout indeed, at 3.82. Martin also adds significant introductory material to illuminate the parts of his career, as well as the stories. These show you how good a short story writer he is, and thankfully he has at least gone back to it a little recently, in amidst the interminable fantasy series.

A really, really good collection.

Dreamsongs 1 : : Only Kids Are Afraid of the Dark - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Fortress - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : And Death His Legacy - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Hero - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Exit to San Breta - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Second Kind of Loneliness - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : With Morning Comes Mistfall - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : A Song for Lya - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : This Tower of Ashes - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : And Seven Times Never Kill Man - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Stone City - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : Bitterblooms - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Way of Cross and Dragon - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Lonely Songs of Laren Dorr - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Ice Dragon - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : In the Lost Lands - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : Meathouse Man - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : Remembering Melody - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : Sandkings - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : Nightflyers - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Monkey Treatment - George R. R. Martin
Dreamsongs 1 : : The Pear-Shaped Man - George R. R. Martin

The Demon Lord Saagael learns you can't keep a good Golden Ghost down when he challenges Doctor Weird.

3 out of 5

Finnish patriotism vs cowardice.

4 out of 5

A political assassination has unpleasant results, as far as the assassin sees it.

3 out of 5

Army retirement plan not good.

4 out of 5

Ghost car.

3.5 out of 5

Waiting for spaceships can be crazy work.

4 out of 5

Do they have to come and wreck all the good spots?

4 out of 5

Post suicide Union Joining rejection.

4 out of 5

Saving old girlfriends and their new boyfriends is a stupid, painful experience.

4.5 out of 5

Space preacher cult gets pyramid power taste of their own prior killer solution.

3.5 out of 5

Guess I'll take gate travel over ship travel if that is all there is going. Less bloody fox wankers too.

4 out of 5

Tv is not a substitute for space travel you lecherous old bag.

4 out of 5

Judas Star Knights.

3.5 out of 5

Love guardian.

4 out of 5

I'm melting.

3 out of 5

Some services will leave you skint. Wered.

4 out of 5

Dead love handles.

4 out of 5

Bloody longtime parasite woman.

4 out of 5

Feed your pets properly, fool.

4 out of 5

Scary spaceship slaughter single.

4 out of 5

The little guy can sure put me away.

4 out of 5

Cheez doodles? Imagine if he used Cheesels!

4 out of 5

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2009/01... ( )

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories and novellas from Martin’s teen years through the early 1980s, including many award winners, esp. “The Sandkings” and “A Song for Lya.” Explicit violence/gore and language, some non-explicit sex.