I truly relished reading this compilation of stories penned by Peter Beagle.

"Two Hearts" was particularly touching, for it reintroduced some characters from "The Last Unicorn". The way those familiar faces reappeared added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the narrative.

The four animal fables were my next most favored. In such a concise narration, they managed to convey a wealth of story. Each fable was like a tiny gem, shining with wisdom and charm.

I cannot recommend this collection highly enough. It is a literary treasure trove that offers something for every reader. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, animal stories, or simply well-written tales, this collection has it all.

So, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

I truly have a profound affection for the way he composes.

He employs words with such exquisite beauty that the entire text seems to flow effortlessly.

This is a compilation of short stories, and I purchased it mainly due to the sequel to The Last Unicorn.

Fortunately, I wasn't let down, which is indeed gratifying in and of itself.

There is constantly a sense of longing in his writing, almost a feeling of nostalgia for beautiful things that have been lost and are only half-remembered.

It's as if he is able to transport the reader to a world filled with these bittersweet memories, making us feel both a tinge of sadness and a sense of wonder.

The way he weaves these emotions into his stories is truly remarkable and makes this collection a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature.

This was actually the first collection of Peter S. Beagle stories published. However, I'm reading it after the two that preceded it. It's a rather solid collection, with some clear standouts for me and some stories that I had a hard time getting through.

Gordon, the Self-Made Cat, is an incredibly charming story. It could easily serve as the basis for a longer children's novel or even a Pixar film!

Two Hearts, in my opinion, is the crown jewel of the collection. It's the follow-up novella to "The Last Unicorn". It's incredibly moving and well-written, bringing tears to my eyes. At one point, he mentioned writing more featuring the new main character, which I would absolutely love to read, but this is also sufficient.

Four Fables shows PSB's attempt at writing fables. They are well-written and even thought-provoking at times. Although not his strongest in the collection, I can appreciate his willingness to take a chance with a different type of storytelling.

El Regalo started out as rather lame for me, but then everything changed, and it may actually be one of my favorites in the collection! It's very unexpectedly awesome!

Quarry is the origin story of a relationship between two friends that is further explored in "Innkeeper's Song", another collection of PSB short fiction, all tied to a specific location. I very much enjoyed this story, even though I didn't know the characters.

Salt Wine was a bit of a slog for me. It was interesting to read simply because of PSB's intro notes, where he talked a little about his process and when he is compelled to write because he hears the voice of a character telling him a story. It was interesting, but it felt a little too moralistic for my tastes.

Mr. Sigerson is PSB's Sherlock Holmes tale. I appreciate the perspective he took with telling a Sherlock story. It was enjoyable, but again, a bit of a slog for me.

A Dance for Emilia is perhaps his most personal story. I was very impressed at how he can ground absurd fantasy in real emotions. It's an incredibly moving story that you just need to read without knowing anything about it.

Peter S. Beagle has never blown me away in a flashy, over-the-top kind of way.

He's different from that. He is a quietly, persuasively excellent fantasy writer. His works possess a certain charm and allure that draw you in gradually.

The stories he weaves are not the kind that simply entertain for a moment and then are forgotten. Instead, they have a staying power. Long after I've finished reading his tales, they continue to linger in my mind.

His writing is like a gentle breeze that caresses your soul, leaving a lasting impression. It's the kind of writing that makes you think, feel, and imagine.

Peter S. Beagle's talent lies in his ability to create worlds and characters that are both believable and enchanting. His stories have a depth and complexity that keep you coming back for more.

In a genre filled with flashy and bombastic writers, Peter S. Beagle stands out as a true master of the craft. His quiet excellence is a testament to his skill and passion for writing.