Review Roundup of The Gates of Polished Horn
I’m not sure if “hitting people in the feels” was the goal for this collection of short stories, but I’m gratified that it has done so.
This collection made me a bit nervous, actually. It’s the first book I’ve published without an overtly humorous approach. (I mean, in total.) It’s also the first with non-science fiction stories in it. (Though I’d argue that The Fatness is close.)
So it’s quite satisfying that readers who have had a go at it are enjoying the (slight) change in tone. Here’s some of the takeaways so far:
The Toronto Star included it with a set of other SF titles that have dystopian themes. (And there are quite a few stories in the collection that make that a fair comparison.) I’ve written more about the Star review here.
Some long-time readers have really enjoyed the collection. Scott F., who has read and reviewed if not everything I’ve written, then darned pretty close to it, had this to say: “The stories are at times subtle, at times dark, at times heartwarming and heartbreaking. He’s got skills, and we as readers get to reap the benefits.” [Amazon review]
And I’m not sure how many of my books PublicWolf (on Mastodon) has read, but this sure resonated:
It’s a collection of short stories, alternating between mind-blowing plots, hilarious situations and occasionally very poignant moments.
I can’t remember the last time I cried, but after reading “Empty Space Times Two” I went to bed with moist eyes and a warm melancholy empty spot where my heart used to be.
Grady Harp, author and prolific reviewer, who’s read most of my books also enjoyed this one: “The topics range from historic ‘references’ to everyday ‘now’ situations, each bringing hearty laughs as well as admiration for a very gifted author!” [Amazon review.]
Olga Miret, the author of such books as The Man Who Never Was and Pink Matters, did a long and lovely review, going so far as to point some highlights of each individual story. You can find her full review on Rosie’s Review as well, where she blogs collectively with others. This was her encapsulation: “I loved this collection of stories. They are all beautifully written and make one stop and think. Best savoured slowly, and you should give them time to sink in.”
The Seabord Review called the book “readable and intriguing” and had this to say:
While each story stands on its own, there are some recurring themes. Love, including lost love and unrequited love, is handled with sensitivity and power in several stories. Rayner explores various ways in which the rise of technology, particularly with respect to dataspheres and futuristic brain implants, might affect society and what it means to be human. [Full review here.]
“Rayner gravitates towards the weird, the wonderful, and the thought-provoking,” says Jennifer deBie, author of The Adventures of Dogg Girl and Sidekick. And she rightly points out one of the themes: “Love found and lost in particular comes up again and again.” [Goodreads review here.]
And there are kind reviews from my friends, Lisa B., Weylan C. and some guy named Joe.
I would love to add your review to this list. You can get the book wherever they are sold online.