SF & Fantasy short stories are a captivating genre, and this collection is no exception. Several of the stories within have won well-deserved awards, a testament to their quality. As always, the author provides a great read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The title story offers a unique take on the Arthurian Legend, breathing new life into this classic tale. It showcases the author's ability to put a fresh spin on familiar themes.

Other stories in the collection blend fantasy and SF in strange and wonderful ways. With a deft touch, the author seamlessly weaves together elements of both genres, creating a reading experience that is both unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable.

He is truly one of the few authors who has mastered both the novel and the short story. His talent shines through in every word, making this collection a must-read for fans of SF and Fantasy.

I'm extremely late to the Zelazny party. This is merely my second collection, and I don't believe I've read a single one of his novels. Of course, my intention is to correct this oversight.

Selected by the author himself, this is an outstanding compilation of science fiction with a touch of fantasy. Varying in theme and, perhaps to a slightly lesser degree, style, everything within these pages is more than worthy of your time. In fact, some of it is far more so.

The stand-out pieces for me include: "The Stainless Steel Leech" (which explores what becomes of vampires when humanity has vanished and the inspiration they provide to the 'faulty' metal inheritors of the Earth); the novella "He Who Shapes" (examining mental well-being through assisted dreaming, but what if the dreamer is blind?); the whimsical "Auto-Da-Fe" (a combination of cars and bullfighting); and "For Breath I Tarry" (where humanity is gone, yet its servants continue to labor. One servant desires to understand what it means to be a man).

However, as I hinted earlier, there are no disappointments here. Most genre preferences are intelligently, wittily, and strikingly addressed throughout. This collection is highly recommended.

I must say that I only found a few of the short stories in this book truly enjoyable. They had their moments, but unfortunately, it wasn't sufficient to make me want to hold onto the book.

Each story had its own unique charm, but for me, they didn't quite hit the mark overall. Maybe it was the writing style, or perhaps the plots didn't fully engage me.

Nonetheless, I did appreciate the effort that went into creating these stories. It's just that they didn't resonate with me on a deeper level. So, with that, it's time to say goodbye to this book.

Goodbye!

The book started out with a lot of promise and strength.

However, as I got into the second half of it, I found myself rather unimpressed.

The quality seemed to decline significantly.

In my opinion, it would be sufficient to just read the first two or three stories.

These initial tales were truly excellent, filled with engaging plots and well-developed characters.

They had the power to captivate the reader and draw them into the fictional world.

But unfortunately, the rest of the book failed to maintain that same level of excellence.

So, if you're short on time or simply want to get the best out of this book, I would highly recommend skipping the latter part and focusing on those first few outstanding stories.

People, he decided. That explains everything. This simple thought seems to hold the key to many mysteries. Roger Zelazny, in this compilation, weaves an array of wildly different short stories. The collection takes its name from one of the most powerful tales within it.

Here, we encounter a malfunctioning robot vampire that manages to survive by draining the energy of other models. There's also a driver who must brave a radioactive and ravaged America to deliver vaccines. A bug creature heads into a macabre ritual, and a knight has grown wiser over a centuries-long quest.

Like almost all of Zelazny’s writing I’ve had the pleasure of reading, these stories have a relaxed quality. It's as if he's sitting on a front porch somewhere, smoking a pipe, and spinning these tales for his friends, nailing the dialogue perfectly throughout.

A foreword to one of these stories, his very first published, reveals some of the growth that led him to this point. After placing his first short story, Zelazny went back and reread all his rejected works. He discovered that he had a tendency to over explain and made a commitment to stop himself from doing so from then on. And the rest, as they say, is history!

While not every story in this collection may be to everyone's taste - the driving novella, for example, was a bit of a slog for me - the overall collection, and particularly the story that gives it its title, make it well worth your time. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5.

The Last Defender of Camelot by Roger Zelazny (2004)

This is a captivating work by Roger Zelazny. Set in a world that combines elements of fantasy and history, it tells the story of a lone defender of Camelot.

The protagonist finds himself in a situation where he must protect the once-glorious Camelot from various threats. With his unique skills and unwavering determination, he stands as the last line of defense.

The narrative unfolds with vivid descriptions and engaging plot twists. Zelazny's writing brings the world of Camelot to life, filled with knights, magic, and adventure.

Readers are drawn into the story, experiencing the protagonist's challenges and triumphs. The Last Defender of Camelot is a must-read for fans of fantasy literature, offering a thrilling and immersive experience.

It showcases Zelazny's talent for creating rich and complex worlds, and leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next for the last defender.

Here are 11 interesting stories. First, there is "Comes Now the Power" from 1966. Then, "For a Breath I Tarry" also from 1966. "The Engine at Heartspring's Center" was published in 1974. "Halfjack" came out in 1979. "Home is the Hangman" dates back to 1975. "Permafrost" was released in 1986. "LOKI 7281" was written in 1984. There is also "Mana from Heaven" from 1983 and "24 Views of Mt. Fuji, by Hokusai" from 1985. "Come Back to the Killing Ground, Alice, My Love" was published in 1992. And finally, "The Last Defender of Camelot" from 1979. Each of these stories likely offers a unique world, characters, and plot that readers can explore and enjoy. They span different years and genres, providing a diverse collection for those interested in literature.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for stories about cyborgs who bullfight sentient automobiles.

But I had an absolute blast reading this book.

I suspect that Zelazny had a great time writing it too.

The premises initially sound like absurd Pixar throwaways.

After all, an energy-sucking robot befriends a vampire!

However, they are written with such remarkable style and gravitas.

Not only do they put smiles on your lips, but they also manage to plant thoughts deep into your brains.

The unique combination of the outlandish concepts and the masterful writing makes this book a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

It's a journey that takes you through a world where the impossible becomes possible and where the boundaries of imagination are pushed to their limits.

Once you start reading, you'll find it hard to put the book down.

It's a testament to Zelazny's talent as a writer that he can create such a captivating and unforgettable story.

This is not the novel that I had anticipated. Instead, it is a compilation of short stories penned by a 20th-century master.

It presents a fascinating mixture of science fiction and fantasy. There are numerous stories within this collection that artfully blend these two genres, creating a unique and captivating reading experience.

The prose is gorgeous and efficient, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind with every word. It is not a book that can be read quickly, as each story demands careful attention and reflection.

However, despite the time and effort required, it is an extremely satisfying read. The stories are thought-provoking and engaging, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the author's talent. Overall, this collection of short stories is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Zelazny was frequently at his best when it came to the short form.

And this particular collection is a rather good selection indeed.

The title story within it was without a doubt my favorite.

I am truly glad that it is now accessible in eBook format.

This allows for easier reading and sharing, reaching a wider audience.

The short form has its own charm, and Zelazny mastered it well.

His ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise manner is remarkable.

The title story, in particular, captured my attention from the very beginning.

It had a unique plot and engaging characters that kept me hooked until the end.

Now that it's available as an eBook, I can enjoy it anytime, anywhere.

Whether I'm on the go or relaxing at home, this story will always be at my fingertips.

This is an amazing collection of short stories!!!

Each story within this compilation is a gem, filled with unique characters, captivating plots, and thought-provoking themes.

The authors have masterfully crafted these tales, taking readers on a journey through various emotions and experiences.

From heartwarming tales of love and friendship to thrilling mysteries and spine-tingling horror stories, there is something for everyone in this collection.

The short story format allows for quick reads that still manage to leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape during your lunch break or a way to unwind before bed, this collection of short stories is the perfect choice.

So, pick up this book, lose yourself in the pages, and discover the magic of these wonderful short stories.

What a wonderful collection of stories by the legend Zelazny that I had missed until now and had only heard about. Well, the mistake has been corrected. Published by "Damyan Yakov" 18 years ago, it is really something very, very good, including works that were the very first of the American fantasist. I don't like the cover, and I don't know if it's just my copy, but the stories are printed with rather faint ink, making it necessary to strain a bit. However, before each story, there are a few lines from the author himself, talking about something interesting regarding the work - how it was born and so on. The translation is by Komata, in case anyone is interested in asking the obligatory question "who is the translator".

So, what lies hidden in this collection, whose title makes me grin with joy every time I pronounce it aloud?

1. "Passionate Play" - Zelazny's very first published story. A wonderful fantasy and an amazingly good first attempt at cars, races and more.

2. "Knight!" - A story that reminds me a lot of "Chivalry" by Gaiman from "Smoke and Mirrors". With the small difference that the knight here is not one of the good ones.

3. "The Stainless Steel Leech" - A great combination of horror and fantasy! Graveyards, vampires and... robots?

4. "Hideous Beauty" - A not bad story about possession and life in a foreign body.

5. "He Who Shapes" - A very good tale, later expanded into Zelazny's novel "Lord of Light". A beautiful story, although I wonder why it had to be expanded. On the contrary, from this one could have been excerpted here and there.

6. "And Then There Were None" - A good, but sad story. The author himself says that he wrote it in one of the darkest days of his life.

7. "Auto-da-Fé" - A work very dear to the author himself, reminding of the first story with the difference that instead of a race, there are gladiatorial battles here.

8. "And I Await the Wind" - One of my favorites in the collection. On Earth, not a single human being is left alive. Two artificial intelligence-supercomputers are fighting for supremacy with the help of their robots and machines... Wonderful, simply wonderful, and the ending is shattering.

9. "The Machine from "Hartspring" Center" - Bork is only partly human - the other part of him is made of metal... and more. But don't cyborgs have the right to love?

10. "The Game of Blood and Dust" - Blood and Dust are constantly competing and outwitting each other, clashing in different time periods, changing the course of human history. But how?

11. "There Will Be No Reward" - A slightly strange story that I didn't particularly like.

12. "Is There a Demon Lover in the House" - An overly short story with a slight horror twist for Jack Izmorvach.

13. "The Last Defender of Camelot" - The title work, very powerful. The only knight of the Round Table who is still alive has been wandering the earth for 1000 years, seeking the Grail.

14. "Stand and Wait, Ruby Stone" - A crazy story. I suspect that the author was on some drug or hallucinogen when he wrote it. Some strange relationships between a non-human race, similar to those between the worshippers of a god.

15. "Noon" - A good work, similar to the one numbered 9.

16. "The Corridor of Mirrors" - Oh, this story is the very last one from my favorite fantasy series: "The Chronicles of Amber". Corwin and his nephew Luke, the son of his brother Brand, are involved in something, to put it mildly, strange. How will it all end?

I have nothing more to say - the book is great, Zelazny is a great author. If you find it: read it.