Phoenix in the Ashes

Adequate, but disappointing. The first five stories are nothing special in tone or content; all left me with the feeling I'd read that stuff before. The novella that closes the collection, "Mother and Child," is the star here with its very nice presentation (3 sections, each with a different p.o.v.) and fresh approach to the topic matter. It does end, however, in a way I could not really accept as plausible and that just left me feeling little at all about the collection as a whole. Joan Vinge wrote better stories than these.

And the cover art on this edition? Oi gevalt, the dregs of the '80s.

A collection of short stories and longer works by Joan D Vinge.

The stories are mainly SF but there is one fantasy story about a son of a king who goes through a lot of suffering and pain after the throne is usurped, in order to try to get back his throne, and has to subjugate a storm dragon to help him do so. It is mainly about the relationship between him and a young woman who is servant to the wise woman/witch who helps him. Another story is a follow up to one of Vinge's novels, Psiron, this story being Psiren. Not my favourite of the book, I found it a bit self pitying with lots of wallowing by the characters.

The title story is probably the best and was featured originally in 'Millennial Women', edited by Virginia Kidd, which I read show more just before this book. show less

***** Phoenix in the Ashes.
In a post-apocalyptic world, the United States has fallen. Brazil sends 'prospectors' north to scavenge for oil. In what was once Southern California, one of these hotshot prospectors crash lands, and is only saved by the rebellious act of a local woman - a semi-outcast member of a strict religious society. Amnesiac and cut off from everything he's ever known, his rescuer and he slowly set about forging a new life.
Beautiful and bittersweet, this story raises questions about what in life really holds meaning.

**** Voices from the Dust.
A geologist and her colleague - with whom she has a stormy relationship - investigating signs of an alien civilization on Mars, are both seized by a weird compulsion to commit an show more act neither would consciously ever have agreed to.

***** The Storm King.
A classic fantasy with fairytale and feminist undertones. A questing prince seeks power, and magic to defeat a dragon. Although he lacks respect and understanding, he gets what he wants - but the fulfillment of his desires does not necessarily lead to happiness.

**** The Peddler's Apprentice (with Vernor Vinge)
Lord Buckry clearly occupies a prominent place in his feudal society. But he wasn't always a man of power. This story tells of a strange encounter in his youth that set him on an unexpected path.

**** Psiren.
A companion piece to Vinge's 'Cat' novels, this story relates an episode where Cat finds himself in a position to help a drug-addicted woman of his mother's people. It's good, but (as I feel about all the books in this series) not my favorite of Vinge's work.

***** Mother and Child.
A re-read. Beautiful, thought-provoking novella in three parts. Impressively done - the three pov characters are antagonists, each on a different side of a conflict, with very different perspectives. Although many difficult and complex issues are brought up by the narrative, each individual has a compelling viewpoint. Love, war and sacrifice are among the themes which Vinge deftly discusses. There's also a brilliantly original take on 'supernatural' abilities.

This collection of 6 of Vinge's shorter works also includes brief notes from the author on each piece - which makes the book worth picking up, even if you've already read the stories (if you're a Vinge fan, like I am!) show less

Collection of six stories - cultures and people confronte with challenges that challenge them on the way to survival

Indeholder "Phoenix in the Ashes", "Voices From the Dust", "The Storm King", "The Peddler's Apprentice", "Psiren", "Mother and Child".

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