It was truly amazing to see the familiar characters once more.

Their presence brought back a flood of memories and emotions.

However, as the story unfolded, it became so heart-breaking.

The events and the fates of the characters were almost too much to bear.

I found myself wishing that I had not read it in the first place.

The pain and sadness that it evoked were overwhelming.

But at the same time, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the story and the characters.

It was a bittersweet experience, one that I will not soon forget.

Even though it was heart-breaking, it also had its moments of beauty and poignancy.

In the end, I guess it's the power of a good story that can make us feel so deeply, even if it hurts.

This was truly fabulous.

Each story within this collection was an absolute pleasure to read.

The way the author crafted the narratives, brought the characters to life, and created such vivid worlds was simply remarkable.

My favorite at the moment is "El Regalo." The characters in this story are so well-developed, their voices so distinct, and the presence of the santera adds an extra layer of mystery and charm.

It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading.

Highly recommended! I couldn't put this book down.

It has ignited a passion within me to read much, much more of Beagle's work.

I can't wait to explore the other stories and see what else this talented author has to offer.

Beagle's writing is like a magical journey that you don't want to end.

It transports you to different places, introduces you to unique characters, and makes you feel a whole range of emotions.

If you're a fan of great literature, then this is a must-read for you.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

I truly relished this collection.

Some of the stories outshone others, which is quite understandable.

However, what took me by surprise was the extensive range of genres that Mr Beagle delved into!

From the brief continuation of "The Last Unicorn," to a mystery in the style of Sherlock Holmes, and even a personal examination of a wonderful friendship, each story was distinct and yet still retained his unique voice.

It was fascinating to see how he could seamlessly transition between different genres while maintaining his own literary identity.

This collection truly showcases his versatility as a writer and his ability to engage readers with a diverse array of tales.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

They began with great strength and enthusiasm, but unfortunately, their momentum gradually tapered off.

I have never had the opportunity to read The Innkeeper's Song, although it is on my reading list. However, "Quarry" was so dreadfully boring that it took me several hours to plow through it. On the other hand, it has been ages since I last read The Last Unicorn, but "Two Hearts" was truly wonderful. It had a great sense of movement, and Sooz's narratorial voice added an extra layer of charm. I also adored the tween voice in "El Regalo," and the fables in "Four Fables" were actually quite hilarious, especially the Fable of the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

"A Dance For Emilia," on the other hand, was simply not to my taste. Currently, I live with four cats, and while I absolutely adore them and consider them to be the most gorgeous creatures on this earth, I cannot envision a cat dancing in any way other than being hilarious and something that would have gone viral on the internet circa 2009. Especially not in a way that is supposed to be beautiful and sublimely cathartic.

(There is an Ursula K. Le Guin blurb on the cover, and I would bet anything that "Quarry" was her favorite story. She is the queen of stories with a couple of really good concepts that are unfortunately wasted on strange wordbuilding, dull writing, and characters that lack depth.)

Ok, just to show that I don't always read the heart-stompers, here's a true treat. Mister Beagle is an extremely delightful master of metaphor. His works are filled with creative and vivid metaphors that can truly capture the imagination.

His collections are like a buffet of delicious brain-snacks. Each piece is a little morsel that offers a unique flavor and a satisfying intellectual experience. Whether it's a short story, a poem, or an essay, Mister Beagle's writing always has something to offer.

Reading his works is like taking a journey through a world of colorful and imaginative ideas. It can make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. So if you're looking for something different to read, something that will stimulate your mind and warm your heart, then give Mister Beagle's collections a try. You won't be disappointed.

So what's truly strange is that I've already perused all of these tales.

Yet, I didn't really recall reading them. I wasn't even certain that I'd read them before until "Salt Wine."

Consequently, I'm really just rather perplexed as to why I didn't remember reading this book.

I knew I'd checked it out, but I thought I was still awaiting the time to read it.

However, the not-remembering-I-read-it-already is more likely a consequence of what was happening with me at that moment rather than a characteristic of the stories.

Because they were quite fascinating. Each had a markedly different premise.

And Beagle's introductions not only made me wonder what he was referring to – in a manner that made me eager to read the story right away – but also provided clues about what books I can now go and read since I'm completely invested in the characters, story, and setting that he revisited.

Oh, Beagle; I will never be liberated from the sci-fi/fantasy shelves at the library. ^.^

I love Beagle. It's a fact that cannot be denied.

Beagles are one of the most charming and endearing dog breeds. Their cute and expressive faces always manage to melt my heart.

With their small to medium-sized build, they are perfect companions for various activities. Whether it's going for a walk in the park or just snuggling up on the couch at home, Beagles are always there with their infectious enthusiasm and loyalty.

Their friendly and social nature makes them great with people of all ages, including children. They are always eager to make new friends and are known for their gentle and patient demeanor.

In addition to their wonderful personalities, Beagles also have a unique set of skills. Their keen sense of smell makes them excellent hunting dogs, although many Beagles today are simply beloved family pets.

Overall, my love for Beagle is deep and unwavering. They bring so much joy and happiness into my life, and I can't imagine a day without them by my side.

Peter S. Beagle, who is perhaps most renowned for his classic fantasy novel The Last Unicorn, boasts an impressive oeuvre and a collection of awards. He names this short story collection The Line Between, referring to the "invisible boundary between...reality and fantasy...where I have almost always lived." These eleven stories indeed straddle this boundary with a charm and an illogical sense that is distinctly his own.

Here, we encounter Gordon the Self-Made Cat, who was born a mouse yet had greater aspirations. There are also Angie and Marvyn, who uncover in themselves a talent for witchcraft. Henry Lee, who creates salt wine, makes an appearance. Mr. Sigerson, better known by another name, is part of the cast. There is an assortment of brief fables, and encore performances by previously written characters such as Schmendrick the Magician and his troupe, Soukyan the wanderer and his fox-like companion, and Jacob Sam and Emilia, who shared a deathless (for a time) friendship.

If you have a penchant for fantasy, and not everyone does, you could do far worse than slip this book into a pocket and dip into it when time allows. A peek into another reality can be truly refreshing. It offers a unique escape from the ordinary and a chance to explore the realms of the imagination.

Honestly speaking, I simply couldn't wait for this book to come to an end. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad book. The truth is that the stories in it seem to drag on and on. I did like a good number of the individual stories. However, I would have liked them even more if they had been more concise and to the point. In my opinion, the best story is the one about the young witch. Perhaps someone with more abundant free time wouldn't have the same feeling as I do. But for me, I have to snatch every precious minute for reading and I really want to extract as much value and enjoyment as possible from each and every reading moment.

Peter S. Beagle has crafted a truly lovely and solid anthology of stories.

His remarkable mastery of voice is simply amazing. What I especially adore is the fact that every first-person story within this anthology has a distinct rhythm and cadence. This unique aspect truly serves to convey the character of the storyteller in a most vivid and engaging way.

I had been hesitant, but I finally broke down and read "Two Hearts." And let me tell you, yeah...I most definitely would be eager to read more about Sooz.

Beagle's ability to bring his characters to life through his writing is truly a gift, and this anthology is a wonderful testament to his talent. It's a collection that will surely captivate readers and keep them coming back for more.

Peter Beagle is a remarkable writer who has numerous moments of truly beautiful writing.

Specifically, when he portrays melancholy, doomed heroism, and love, his words seem to leap off the page and gaze directly into your eyes.

He employs simple language to reveal the essence of these emotions, making them palpable and real.

However, this collection has its ups and downs.

Regrettably, too many of the stories in this collection lack that精心crafted and intentional quality.

As a result, these short pieces often fail to feel complete, leaving a forgettable impression.

It's a shame because when Beagle is at his best, his writing is truly captivating and memorable.

But in this collection, there are just too many misses among the hits.

Nevertheless, it's important to remember that even with its flaws, this collection still contains some gems of beautiful writing that are worth exploring.

Perhaps with a more discerning eye, readers can discover the hidden treasures within these pages and appreciate the unique talent that Peter Beagle possesses.

Peter Beagle's writing is like magic manifested through language.

His novels are enchanting spell books that cast a spell on the reader, covering our vision with dweomers until we perceive the world, not necessarily as it truly is, but as it ought to be, as a child would see it.

Even his works set in another world are actually reflections of the simple sorceries that are possible in this world, provided one is in the right mood and has the willingness to go along.

And if that mood isn't initially upon you, his charm will carry you along regardless until your mood aligns with the fairy-tales he presents.

This collection contains stories involving ghosts, unicorns, and all kinds of beings drawn from those tales that bring the most delight.

He revisits the world of The Last Unicorn to展示 a king acting heroically for one last time while a little girl is just beginning.

He returns to the world of the Inn Keeper's Song, relating how the main characters met.

Then he explores many other new nooks, crannies, and caves filled with whimsical characters, sometimes frightening, but always wonderful.

And throughout it all, the wonder of the cast of imaginative beasts is paralleled by the simple expressiveness of his prose.

No fan of fantasy should be unfamiliar with Peter Beagle, and this collection is as deserving of a place on their bookshelves as any other.