Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 51 votes)
5 stars
20(39%)
4 stars
13(25%)
3 stars
18(35%)
2 stars
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51 reviews
July 15,2025
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The article titled "The Fantasy Worlds of Peter Beagle" seems to offer a captivating exploration into the imaginative realms crafted by Peter S. Beagle.

Reading this in the book, which can be found on Goodreads, one is likely to embark on a journey through unique and enchanting fantasy landscapes.

The merged review simply states "Lovely," which implies that the content within the book is charming and perhaps has a certain allure that leaves a positive impression on the reader.

It makes one curious to discover more about the specific fantasy worlds that Beagle has created and the stories that unfold within them.

Maybe there are vivid characters, thrilling adventures, and thought-provoking themes that await exploration in "The Fantasy Worlds of Peter Beagle."

Overall, the combination of the book's title and the brief review hint at a potentially delightful reading experience for those who are fans of fantasy literature.
July 15,2025
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I want this book. It is truly great.


This book has so many wonderful aspects. The story it tells is engaging and captivating, pulling the reader in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for the reader to form an emotional connection with them.


The writing style is also excellent. The author has a way with words that makes the descriptions vivid and the dialogue realistic. It's as if you can picture everything that's happening in your mind's eye.


In addition, the book offers valuable insights and lessons. It makes you think about different things and see the world from a new perspective.


Overall, I can't recommend this book enough. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and wants to be entertained while also learning something new.
July 15,2025
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The Fantasy Worlds of Peter S. Beagle offers an exciting means of delving into some of his captivating stories.

However, it should be noted that not all of the tales within are of the same caliber.

Nevertheless, I would highly recommend picking up this particular edition.

The fact that three out of four stories are of a good quality is truly something that one should not simply dismiss or scoff at.

Beagle's imagination knows no bounds, and even within this collection, there are gems that will transport readers to magical and enchanting realms.

Whether it's the vividly described landscapes, the unique and memorable characters, or the engaging plotlines, there is much to discover and enjoy in The Fantasy Worlds of Peter S. Beagle.

So, don't hesitate to give this edition a chance and embark on a journey through the wonderful worlds that Beagle has created.
July 15,2025
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The movie "Last Unicorn" was quite good. It had its own charm and appeal.

However, "Come Lady Death" was truly great. It perhaps had a more engaging story, better cinematography, or more powerful performances that really made it stand out.

On the other hand, "A Fine Quiet Place" was a completely different experience. It was like death itself, slow and depressing. The pacing was so sluggish that it felt like it was dragging on forever. And in the end, it kind of seemed meaningless. There was no real payoff or resolution that would make the viewer feel satisfied. It left a rather empty and unfulfilling feeling.

In conclusion, while "Last Unicorn" was good and "Come Lady Death" was great, "A Fine Quiet Place" was a disappointment with its slow and depressing nature and lack of a meaningful conclusion.
July 15,2025
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I listened to this short story for free via the PodCastle podcast!

It was an interesting enough story, but it never really managed to grab my full interest or attention. Still, it was worth a read and the story got stronger towards the end.

Lady Neville is an incredibly rich, but jaded, socialite of the London elite. Her parties are not ones to be missed even by the likes of the King of England. On a whim, Lady Neville decides to invite Death himself to one of her parties. She is sure that such an exulted guest would only reinforce her standing as the leader of fashionable society. Plus, she is old and feels like she does not have much to lose if the invite is accepted. Which it is. Death makes an appearance and is not what one might expect. Death's presence reveals a few things about Lady Neville and a number of her regular guests.

Rating: 3 stars.

Audio Note: The audio was narrated by Paul S. Jenkins and I thought he gave a decent performance. The story had its moments, but it didn't quite reach the level that would have made it a truly great listen. However, it was still an enjoyable way to pass some time and I would recommend it to others who are looking for a light and entertaining short story.
July 15,2025
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Come Lady Death is a truly remarkable and surprisingly delightful short story penned by Peter S. Beagle, the renowned author of The Last Unicorn, a book that I adored during my childhood.

In this highly entertaining tale, Lady Neville is an ancient, fabulously wealthy, and extremely bored aristocrat. Having been obeyed throughout her entire life, she now feels the urgent need to seek out, nay, DEMAND a novel form of entertainment. Her minuscule spark of originality gives birth to the idea of a ball, to which she decides to extend an invitation to Death. Naturally, a plethora of questions then arise, such as how to locate Death, how to word the invitation, and when to hold the ball, among others. One can only imagine how Death's acceptance letter is meticulously examined and discussed to the point of exhaustion.

On the fateful night of the ball, it initially appears that Death will not make an appearance. All the guests are left disappointed, and Lady Neville is overcome with embarrassment. However, just when all hope seems lost, Lady Death gracefully walks through the door. She is young and fair, and soon the ladies are filled with jealousy while all the men eagerly wish to dance with her. But throughout the night, only Lady Neville and one man possess the courage to engage in a dance and conversation with her. I shall refrain from spoiling the ending for you, as it was an intriguing surprise for me, and there are numerous little details that I have deliberately left out. I encourage you to enjoy this captivating story for yourself.
July 15,2025
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Just the sort of wonderful short story you'd expect from Peter S. Beagle.

In these few pages, there was an exquisite emotional pull. The characters of Death and Lady Neville served as such fascinating foils and mirrors to one another. It was just as much a dance between them as between the actual dancing couples.

This story lends itself well to Mommy Fortuna's portrayal of Death in Peter's defining work, The Last Unicorn. There is a tender melancholy that is sweet yet relentless in this Death.

The merged review states that this is an amazing collection of what the reviewer believes to be some of Peter's best works, except for Lila the Werewolf which they don't much care for. Both of the novels in this collection are among the reviewer's most favorite Beagle novels, and it also includes one of their three favorite short stories.

The reviewer feels so lucky to have found a beautiful used hardcover copy of this treasure. It's truly a remarkable collection that showcases Peter S. Beagle's talent and creativity.

July 15,2025
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This collection includes The Last Unicorn, A Fine and Private Place, Lila the Werewolf, and Come Lady Death.

It is truly a magnificent compilation. When it was released, I immediately gave it to both of my children.

My hope is that they will one day read these wonderful stories to their own kids.

I have a deep affection for all of these tales. They beautifully describe the magic that surrounds us in our daily lives, yet we often overlook it.

We should all take a moment to open our eyes and look for the magic that lies within the ordinary.

By doing so, we can discover a world full of wonder and excitement that we may have never known existed.

This collection serves as a reminder that there is always more to life than what meets the eye.

It encourages us to embrace our imagination and believe in the impossible.

Whether it's a unicorn hidden in the forest or a werewolf lurking in the shadows, these stories have the power to transport us to a place where anything is possible.

So, go ahead and pick up this collection. Let the magic unfold before your eyes.
July 15,2025
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This collection is truly a remarkable one. It encompasses the novels \\n  A Fine and Private Place\\n and The Last Unicorn. I have already provided separate reviews for these two novels. However, this collection also features two short stories, namely \\"Lila the Werewolf\\" and \\"Come, Lady Death.\\"

Among them, \\"Lila\\" is perhaps the more well-known. Nevertheless, I was rather put off by all those vivid descriptions of the she-wolf in heat.

Now, I am specifically writing this review to highly recommend \\"Come, Lady Death.\\" It is especially suitable for all my friends who have a passion for Jane Austen and/or Regency history. Reading this story is like attending a grand ball at the Ton, filled with superficiality and abundant social politics, but with a fascinating fantasy twist.

Even if you have perused everything else in this collection, it is still extremely worthwhile to obtain this book solely for the sake of this captivating story. So, go ahead and enjoy!
July 15,2025
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Honestly, I must admit that I didn't even manage to finish the entire book. I really tried. Oh, you have no idea how hard I tried. I truly loved "The Last Unicorn." It was a captivating and enchanting story that held my attention from start to finish. I also greatly enjoyed "Lila the Werewolf." The concept was unique and the writing was engaging. However, when it came to the rest of the book, I just couldn't seem to get through it. I can objectively see that the book is well-written. The author has a great command of the language and the stories are well-crafted. But, unfortunately, it's just not for me, necessarily. Maybe not all of it anyway. If this book had consisted only of "The Last Unicorn" and "Lila the Werewolf," I would probably rate it 4 to 5 stars, depending on my mood at the time. But as it stands now, with the parts that I couldn't get into, it gets a solid three stars from me.

July 15,2025
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Six stars are needed for this one. It is a masterful collection of perfect little gems. There is Lila the Werewolf, mysterious and captivating. Then there is Lady Death, with her air of inevitability. And who can forget the last unicorn and her ragtag band of followers, led by a magician named Schmendrick. I first read this decades ago, and it was as if every tale became deeply imprinted on me. The stories are just wonderful, filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. It's a book that transports you to another world and makes you believe in the impossible. Maybe, just maybe, it deserves more than six stars. It's a true classic that will be cherished by readers for generations to come.

July 15,2025
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A paperback copy of this collection was lent to me by my high school English and French teacher, Kara Killingsworth. I had already read "The Last Unicorn."

She was only recommending that I read "A Fine and Private Place" by Peter S. Beagle. This story has since become one of my most cherished.

I remember the anticipation as I opened the book, not knowing what to expect. From the very first page, I was drawn into the enchanting world that Beagle had created.

The characters were so vivid and relatable, and the plot was filled with mystery and adventure. I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down.

As I read on, I discovered that "A Fine and Private Place" was not just a simple tale, but a profound exploration of love, loss, and the human condition. It made me think about life in a whole new way and left a lasting impression on me.

To this day, whenever I think of my favorite books, "A Fine and Private Place" always comes to mind. It is a story that I will continue to cherish and recommend to others.
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