Unicorn Variations by roger zelazny

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Imagine this:

A unicorn challenges you to a game of chess. No, seriously. That’s the premise of Unicorn Variations, and trust me, it's as delightfully strange as it sounds.

Zelazny delivers a story where a man and a unicorn sit down for the ultimate battle—not with swords, but with strategy, staring each other down across a chessboard. It’s like The Queen’s Gambit, but with way more magical creatures.

Naturally, you think, “A unicorn? What’s next, a centaur playing poker?” (Honestly, don’t rule it out.) The stakes are high because, as it turns out, winning this game of chess is more important than just bragging rights. The fate of the world kind of depends on it, no pressure though!

Zelazny weaves in his trademark wit and some surprisingly deep philosophical musings. One minute you’re contemplating the existential weight of mythical creatures, the next you're wondering if chess might actually be the secret weapon to surviving a fantasy apocalypse.

In short, Unicorn Variations is like getting invited to a magical chess tournament hosted by your most eccentric friend—the one who always has a weird story up their sleeve. If you’ve ever wanted to see a unicorn and a human settle cosmic affairs over pawns and rooks, this is the bizarre, brilliant tale for you.

You'll find yourself completely immersed in this strange and wonderful world, where the rules of reality seem to bend and twist. The characters are engaging, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.

Whether you're a fan of chess, fantasy, or just a good story, Unicorn Variations has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and let Zelazny take you on a wild ride through a world where unicorns and humans battle it out on the chessboard for the fate of the world.

You won't be disappointed!

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shopperanime

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

To my knowledge,

this is the fourth of five collections of Zelazny's shorter works.

It follows 'Four for Tomorrow/A Rose for Ecclesiastes', 'The Doors of his Face, the Lamps of his Mouth', and 'The Last Defender of Camelot',

and precedes 'Frost and Fire'.

It is fully the equal of the two volumes that came before it.

We have 'Home is the Hangman', which also appears as a part of the 'My Name is Legion' sequence.

It is a most interesting variation on the plot idea of Eco's 'Name of the Rose'.

The title piece shows what a huge debt was owed to Zelazny by Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett.

The moving sequel to the earlier 'Devil Car' story (from 'The Doors...') is riveting.

This collection is essential Zelazny and of interest to everybody who likes to see short-form science fiction done supremely well.

It offers a diverse range of stories that showcase Zelazny's unique imagination and storytelling skills.

Whether you are a long-time fan of his work or new to his writing, this collection is sure to delight and engage you.

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Centipede143

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Most of these stories were a little too experimental for my taste.

However, the first one, the title story, was truly remarkable. It involved a man, a griffin, and a sasquatch engaged in a thrilling game of chess against a unicorn in a pub. The stakes were incredibly high as they were playing to determine the fate of mankind.

The scene was vividly described, making it easy for the reader to imagine the紧张 and exciting atmosphere in the pub. The characters were unique and interesting, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities.

As the game progressed, the tension built, and the reader was on the edge of their seat, eager to find out who would emerge victorious and what the consequences would be for humanity.

In my opinion, this is the best short story I have ever read. It combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and strategy in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

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SailorClout

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This is a great collection of stories.

I had wrongly assumed that I had already read all of them. However, when this particular collection was mentioned in a Facebook group, I wasted no time and bought it immediately.

Among these stories, my favorite was probably "Home Is the Hangman". In fact, several of the stories here that dealt with AI were truly enjoyable. They offered unique perspectives and engaging plotlines related to artificial intelligence.

"Walpurgisnacht" might initially seem silly, but upon closer inspection, it has some profound things to say about life extension beyond what is considered normal. It makes one think about the implications and consequences of such a concept.

This collection as a whole provides a diverse range of stories that can captivate readers and make them reflect on various aspects of life, technology, and the human condition.

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GangstaSquirrel

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I read the story about the beer drinking unicorn.

And why wouldn't I? After all, it sounds quite奇特 and out of the ordinary. However, to my disappointment, I didn't really enjoy it.

The whole concept might seem crazy, and perhaps that's what some people would find appealing. But for me, it just didn't click.

I guess it's a matter of personal taste. This author's style and the way the story was presented just didn't resonate with me.

Maybe others will love it and find it highly entertaining, but unfortunately, it wasn't the case for me.

Nevertheless, I'm still open to exploring other works and seeing if there are any that will capture my interest and imagination.

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Xerallite

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The introductory paragraphs to each story, which explain the origins of each, were likely the most fascinating aspects.

These openings provided a glimpse into the background and genesis of the tales, captivating the reader's attention from the very start.

They set the stage for the unfolding narratives and added an element of intrigue.

In addition to the interesting introductions, there were also some truly cute moments throughout the stories.

These charming instances brought a smile to the face and added a touch of warmth and endearment to the overall reading experience.

Whether it was a heartwarming gesture, a funny quip, or an unexpected encounter, these cute moments made the stories even more enjoyable and memorable.

Overall, the combination of interesting origins and cute moments made for a delightful collection of stories.

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sarahlouu12

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The 30th book (15th so far this year) in my (re-)reading of the Zelazny canon.

I've read Unicorn Variations before and I truly have a deep affection for it. It's sort of my go-to choice when it comes to Zelazny's short fiction.

One aspect that I really adore about this book is the intros that Zelazny pens for each story. These intros often offer the reader a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of the tale.

The story behind the title story is the most renowned: writing a short story about a chess game and a unicorn set in a bar to fulfill (and sell to) three distinct anthologies. I've even referred to this when teaching classes in creative writing.

There are quite a number of very brief pieces here, typically in the 3 - 5 page range. It's extremely challenging to make these short shorts amount to much more than a snapshot or a punchline. However, Zelazny manages to achieve this feat repeatedly. Notably in "Fire And/Or Ice," "A Very Good Year" (both dealing with the end of the world), and "Walpurgisnacht" (about a form of life after death).

This time around, I was especially captivated by "Dismal Light" (probably because I was more acquainted with the character of Francis Sandow) and particularly, "The Horses of Lir," an exploration of a Loch Ness - type monster with mythological roots. And, of course, the humorous bookends "Unicorn Variation" and "The George Business" (where St. George and a dragon named Dart strike a deal).

The longest tale here, "Home Is the Hangman," I read most recently as part of the My Name Is Legion book. But the others here were unique (to me) to this collection. The introductions seem to suggest that Zelazny selected which stories to include, and that might be the reason why this collection feels so powerful.

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mugen_ga

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Of all the short stories I have read throughout my lifetime, three stand out as my absolute favorites. Interestingly enough, Roger Zelazny is the mastermind behind two of them.

Zelazny was truly an extraordinary writer. His ability to craft vivid and imaginative worlds, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking themes, was simply remarkable.

The first story of his that captured my heart was [story title]. It took me on a wild adventure through a dystopian future, where the lines between good and evil were blurred. The second one, [story title], was equally captivating. It explored the nature of identity and consciousness in a way that left me pondering long after I had finished reading.

Zelazny's writing style was unique and engaging, drawing me in from the very first sentence. His use of language was poetic and powerful, painting a vivid picture in my mind.

In conclusion, Roger Zelazny will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the greatest short story writers of all time. His works continue to inspire and entertain me, and I can't wait to discover more of his literary gems.

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