Zelazny's series of fantasy stories is truly hilarious.

In the title story, an extraordinary scene unfolds. He presents a unique scenario where a unicorn and a bigfoot engage in a game of chess. What makes this even more astonishing is that the fate of mankind is at stake as the winnings.

The idea of these two fantastical creatures, the graceful unicorn and the mysterious bigfoot, sitting across from each other, strategizing and making their moves, is both comical and captivating.

Zelazny's vivid imagination brings this story to life, allowing readers to be drawn into a world where the ordinary rules of reality are suspended.

As the game progresses, the tension builds, and readers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering who will emerge victorious and what the consequences will be for mankind.

This story is just one example of Zelazny's talent for creating engaging and entertaining fantasy worlds that keep readers coming back for more.

Roger Zelazny was truly one of the more literary science fiction authors. His works were not only filled with imaginative concepts but also crafted with great literary finesse. This collection of short stories is a prime example of his remarkable range.

The longest piece, "Home is the Hangman," is widely known and highly regarded among science fiction readers, and rightfully so. It展现了 his ability to create a complex and engaging narrative. However, many of the other, more obscure stories in this collection also match its elegance and sophistication.

Each story in this collection offers a unique perspective and takes the reader on a journey through different worlds and ideas. Zelazny's writing style is both vivid and descriptive, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story.

Overall, this collection is highly recommended for both fans of science fiction and those who appreciate good literature. It showcases Zelazny at his best and is sure to leave a lasting impression. zelazny at his best

What an amazing collection of science fiction and fantasy!

The first two stories, one about a chess game against a unicorn and the other about a man hunting wild sentient cars, are vividly imaginative, creative, a little funny, a little bit dramatic and a little bit poignant. They truly transport the reader to otherworldly realms.

A later essay on the use of minor details to give the sense of characters having lives outside their roles in a story is also great advice. I've thought about such things myself, but never wrote or read about it before.

By his fiction and reflection on fiction, Zelazny seems totally worth all the awards and accolades he won over his career. He is able to spin off so many ideas and write them so cleverly and thoroughly.

No offense to Asimov or Clarke, but Zelazny's narrative dexterity is truly remarkable. He can write a modern fairytale and a love affair between a thief and his supercomputer with wildly different but wholly effective styles.

Much of his thought is as close to the wonderful Ghost in the Shell manga as I've seen in prose, although the characters may be slightly more shallow.

His one weakness is dialogue, where he sometimes stumbles into philosophical discourse that doesn't quite fit his artistic tones. But in the face of so much creativity, depth and humor, we have to forgive that.

He's no Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, either. The humor is disarming or funny, but blends easier with drama.

If you're a fan of either of those two writers, you simply must give Zelazny a try. In fact, I recommend this to anyone who likes science fiction or fantasy short stories.

PS: Dragon Heart totally ripped off "The George Business." If you like that movie, read this short!

RZ has put together a collection of short stories.

Overall, they are not bad. However, out of all of them, the only one that truly captured my heart was "A Really Good Year".

The other stories in the collection, while not bad, didn't really stand out or offer anything particularly special.

They seemed to follow a more traditional formula and didn't have that unique spark that made "A Really Good Year" so enjoyable.

Perhaps it was the characters in "A Really Good Year" that I connected with more deeply, or maybe it was the plot that had a bit more of a twist.

Either way, it was the only story in the collection that I would consider reading again.

The rest, while not terrible, just didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

**Book Review: A Diverse Collection of Stories**

The Horses of Lir was an absolutely magical Jim Henson movie from the 80s childhood. It was truly beautiful.

Go Starless in the Night had some eerie lines like “You are right. We are not such. You will never know what we are.” Sometimes a short story that seems scary at first becomes even more terrifying the next day.

Home is the Hangman was unexpectedly great. A robotic astronaut with nascent A.I. going rogue in outer space and then returning to Earth to cause trouble made for a fast-paced and enjoyable murder mystery.

Unicorn Variations was a unique story where a man plays chess with a unicorn for the fate of humanity, with some unexpected helpers. The fact that the chess game was a real tournament game from 1901 added to its appeal.

The Parts That Are Only Glimpsed: Three Reflexes was an interesting essay on writing based on Hemingway's words in A Moveable Feast.

Recital was great even as an outline of a story.

The Last of the Wild Ones had an interesting premise of A.I. powered cars rebelling and humans doing what they do best. The George Business was a light and funny story about George bargaining with a dragon.

Dismal Light was about an inmate on a primitive prison planet staying with his research. The Naked Matador was a bit of a mystery, maybe a gritty adult version of a mermaid story.

A Hand Across the Galaxy was somewhere between comedy and a sad letter from the Reservation. The Force That Through the Circuit Drives the Current was a clumsy paranoid imagining but an OK read.

Fire and/or Ice, Exeunt Omnes, A Very Good Year… was creative and mildly entertaining. And I Only Am Escaped to Tell Thee was an enjoyable read about the mystery of the Mary Celeste.

Walpurgisnacht was about the progenitor of a family fortune and his afterlife. Some Parameters… was an interesting introspection of science fiction. The Night Has 999 Eyes and But Not the Herald were a bit more difficult to understand.

My Lady of the Diodes and Angel, Dark Angel were both DNFs for me as they didn't engage me enough. Overall, I read 18 out of 20 stories that averaged 3.38 stars, and I'll round up as the top stories were quite memorable.

✭✭✭

“Unicorn Variation” (1981) is a remarkable work that likely explores unique themes and concepts. ✭✭✭✭
“Last of the Wild Ones” (1981) might depict a story of the remaining individuals in a wild and untamed world. ✭✭✭✭
“Recital” (1981) perhaps offers a performance or a display of some sort. ✭✭✭
“The Naked Matador” (1981) could present a bold and perhaps controversial image. ✭✭✭½
“The Parts That Are Only Glimpsed: Three Reflexes” (1978) might hint at the idea of hidden or fleeting aspects. ✭✭✭½
“Dismal Light” (1968) gives the impression of a rather gloomy or暗淡的 atmosphere. ✭✭✭
“Go Starless in the Night” (1979) could suggest a journey or a state without the guidance of stars. ✭✭½
“But Not the Herald” (1965) might imply a departure from the expected or traditional. ✭✭✭
“A Hand Across the Galaxy” (1967) evokes the idea of reaching out across vast distances. ✭✭✭✭
“Home Is the Hangman” (1975) presents an interesting and perhaps disturbing concept. ✭✭✭✭✭
“Fire and/or Ice” (1980) could explore the contrast or combination of these two powerful elements. ✭✭½
“Exeunt Omnes” (1980) might signify the departure or end of all. ✭✭
“A Very Good Year...” (1979) could hint at a memorable or significant year. ✭✭½
“My Lady of the Diodes” (1970) might introduce a unique and perhaps technological female character. ✭✭✭✭✭
“And I Only Am Escaped to Tell Thee” (1981) could tell a story of survival and sharing. ✭✭✭
“The Horse of Lir” (1981) might involve a mythical or symbolic horse. ✭✭
“The Night Has 999 Eyes” (1964) creates an eerie and mysterious image. ✭✭
“Angel, Dark Angel” (1967) could explore the duality of angels. ✭✭✭½
“Walpurgisnacht” (1981) might refer to a specific and perhaps spooky night. ✭✭✭✭½
“The George Business” (1980) could involve a particular business or situation related to George. ✭✭✭
“Some Science Fiction Parameters: A Biased View” (1975) might offer a personal and perhaps subjective look at the parameters of science fiction.

Each of these works seems to have its own unique charm and potential for exploration.

Like most short story collections, this one presented a diverse range of tales.

Some of them were truly excellent, while others were perhaps not quite as strong.

However, it's important to note that none of them could be considered bad.

Among the stories, my personal favorites were "Unicorn Variation," "Go Starless in the Night," and "Home Is the Hangman."

"Unicorn Variation" had a unique and captivating premise that kept me engaged from start to finish.

"Go Starless in the Night" was filled with atmospheric descriptions and a sense of mystery that added to its allure.

"Home Is the Hangman" had a powerful and thought-provoking message that left a lasting impression.

This was my first encounter with Zelazny's work, and based on this book, I am definitely eager to read more of his stories.

His writing style is engaging, and he has a talent for creating vivid and memorable characters and worlds.

I look forward to exploring more of his literary offerings in the future.

Anytime I either get in the mood or want to get in the mood to play chess, this is my go-to book.

Every story in this volume has something to do with chess, checkers, shogi, go or some variation of these games. It's like a treasure trove of fascinating tales that are sure to engage and inspire any lover of these strategic games.

If you have an interest in these games, this book is definitely for you. It offers a unique perspective and insights into the world of chess and its related games.

As for me? I still want to find the Morphy watch, just because it holds a special allure for me. Maybe it's the connection to the great chess player Paul Morphy, or maybe it's the mystery surrounding it. Either way, I'm determined to track it down and add it to my collection.

This book not only satisfies my passion for chess but also fuels my curiosity and desire to explore more. It's a must-read for anyone who loves the game of chess or any of its related counterparts.

Unicorn Variation and Dismal Light are truly wonderful.

These two concepts bring a unique charm and allure. Unicorn Variation represents the beauty and magic of the mythical unicorn, with its graceful form and enchanting presence. It can inspire our imagination and take us to a world of fantasy and wonder.

On the other hand, Dismal Light has a certain mysterious and captivating quality. The term "dismal" may seem negative at first, but in this context, it adds an element of depth and intrigue. The light, perhaps dim or shadowy, creates an atmosphere that is both eerie and fascinating.

Together, Unicorn Variation and Dismal Light form a combination that is both captivating and thought-provoking. They can stimulate our creativity and make us look at the world from a different perspective. Whether we are drawn to the beauty of the unicorn or the mystery of the dismal light, these two concepts have the power to touch our hearts and minds.

The story of "Unicorn Variations" is one of the best entries in the history of the speculative short story. It's not just the tale itself, but the story of how it came to be that's truly captivating. While that backstory is the reason I bought this book as a slightly yellowed Book Club Hardcover when junking, I won't dwell on it too much since it's often discussed, unlike the other stories in this collection. In fact, I rarely hear much about Zelazny's work that doesn't involve the Chronicles of Amber or *The Lord of Light*.

I suppose starting with *Unicorn Variations* might seem strange when it comes to his oeuvre, but it was a rather fun choice. It showcases Zelazny's remarkable ability with prose and highlights his strange and unique imagination. Even though some of the micro pieces may not stick in my brain, this was a great jumping-off point. I'm excited to share each and every story within its covers with you. So, let's begin with "Unicorn Variations."

- It's a delightful tale of an ex-chess-champion who finds himself playing a game that quickly evolves from one against himself to one against an invisible beer-guzzler and finally against a unicorn. The unicorn is seeking to destroy humanity and replace them as the dominant Terran lifeform, just as other mythical creatures have done before (like the griffins replacing the passenger pigeon). The human is fighting for humanity's survival and seeks lessons from... a sasquatch? Well, never underestimate the power of a good beer among friends. If this weren't clearly a fantasy, I'd say it's the kind of story you just couldn't make up. 8/10.
- "The Last of the Wild Ones" is a fun story about a man who hunts self-driving cars as if they were wild stallions. It's a clever setup, and the fact that it's a sequel to another story (where I assume the red sports car, the object of his hunt, comes from) doesn't detract from its enjoyment for me. 7.5/10.
- In my opinion, the collection's faults start to show in "Recital." It's a three-page tale about a retiring and possibly senile singer giving her last performance to an audience created by a man who once loved her but now hates her. It's too short for my taste, and despite Zelazny's always-clever prose, I didn't glean much meaning from it. 6/10.
- "The Naked Matador" is similar to "Recital" but a bit more substantial. In it, a man on the run meets a woman who invites him to have sex with her and then protects him against mysterious people, killing them quite vigorously. Another well-written but seemingly unfulfilling six-out-of-ten.
- There's a short essay on writing by Zelazny here, but I don't remember it well enough to critique.
- Zelazny returns to form (whatever that means) with "Dismal Light." A tie-in to his *Isle of the Dead* (which I must now read), this story introduces us to a man hired to terraform a world into a brutal penal colony. However, the world becomes unstable, and one man - an unstable scientist with a possible relation to the terraformer - refuses to leave. It shows his imagination while also providing a clear plot to engage with. 8/10.
- I'd actually read "Go Starless in the Night" in an issue of Destinies, but I couldn't remember where until I looked up all these stories on ISFDB. In it, a cryogenically frozen man is partially awakened from sleep and asked about the location of biohazard stores, of all things. Are the questioning entities to be trusted? It's evidently memorable and somewhat moving. 7.5/10.
- "But Not the Herald" is another two-page short story. A man maneuvers a fallen world with Pandora's box in his hands. It's okay, but nothing特别出众. 6.5/10.
- "A Hand Across the Galaxy" is an exchange of letters between foster parents and a child separated by many light years. It could have been a really interesting narrative style, but it was only a couple of pages long. 6/10.
- Despite its long name, "The Force That Through the Circuit Drives the Current" is also short, and too short at that. It's about using AI for trauma healing, but things go wrong. Eh. The following story was better. 5.5/10.
- "Home is the Hangman" is the only novella in the book, and it's a seemingly good example of what Zelazny can do with a larger word count. A robot (used for exploration in a way not dissimilar to the creature in Pohl's "Man Plus") returns to Earth and begins to kill its four creators. The wealthiest of the four hires a former database creator (with the cool SF flavoring that Zelazny gives his characters) to stop the robot. But is it really the robot that's killing people? It has some cool ideas, and I did enjoy it, even though the SF conceits aren't mind-blowing and the messages are a bit murky. 7.5/10.
- Three stories: "Fire and/or Ice," "Exeunt Omens," and "A Very Good Year..." are grouped together because they're all post-apocalyptic drabbles. Yes, drabbles; they're barely three pages long each. Still, even though the post-disaster women-race and the fantastical tales of creatures after our fall didn't really grab me, the final story is a cute time-travel tale that gets a 7.5/10, beating its peers' 6s.
- "And I Only Am Escaped to Tell Thee" is a kind of weird/fiction folklore tale with a snappy ending in which a man escapes the *Flying Dutchman* only to arrive on the *Mary Celeste*. Once I realized what was going on, it made me smile. 7/10.
- Another fantastical tale, "The Horses of Lir" shifts to the perspective of a young boy who spends the summer (or something like that) with his grandpa. His grandpa explains to him that their family has a long history of caring for some mystical horses. At the end, he dies and the grandson takes his place. It's a little routine, but I could appreciate it. 7/10.
- Zelazny called "The Night Has 999 Eyes" (another two-pager) his first mood piece. That probably explains why I can't remember it and am not a huge fan. 5/10.
- I probably would have enjoyed "Angel, Dark Angel" more if I hadn't been a bit sleepy when I read it. Still, it's this alien tale of something horrible that may be hidden in plain sight, and I remember liking it. 7/10.
- "Walpurgisnacht" (gesundheit, by the way) is my favorite two-pager. It's about this guy whose dead ancestor wants him to help throw a party in the graveyard with all the other "talking tombstones." It's conceptual, a bit humorous, well-written - everything a bite-sized tale should be. 7.5/10.
- We end with a fantasy on "The George Business." I was a bit sleepy here too, so I'm not sure if everyone in the story was a dragon or not, but some of them were, so this was a fun twist on the maiden-in-a-tower sort of thing. 7/10.

I have more overall thoughts on this collection than I do on most, probably because it was my first conscious and critical exposure to Zelazny's writing. I have to say that I quite like his prose style, and he has some really cool ideas that are well-suited to his clever, sometimes humorous writing style. He doesn't take himself too seriously, but he's no hack either. He displays an admirable range of tones, genres, and science-fictional concepts. I really need to read more of Zelazny's work.

That being said, I definitely enjoyed the longer stories more. It's not that he's not a writer of substance, but there's something about him that just doesn't work as well for me in just a couple of pages. Critics who take SF even more seriously than I do might commend his miniature stories and all the things they may represent, but they turned me off and prevented me from enjoying this fun collection as much as I could have.

So, where does this slightly miffed but ultimately impressed reaction place *Unicorn Variations* on my numerical rating scale? I think a 7.5/10 is about right. I had a good time reading it, and it was enjoyable, but about 20 percent of its pages were more or less dead weight for me. I definitely want to read more Zelazny in both short and long form, and this antique mall find is off to a good start. And I have to give Zelazny credit for this: I'll never look at a unicorn drinking beer, or a unicorn playing chess, or even a chessboard sitting in a fine establishment, the same way again.

A very solid collection of short stories has been presented by a legendary writer. This compilation is truly remarkable, with only a stinker or two that can be overlooked. Each story within this collection holds its own charm and is definitely worth your time and attention.

Among these wonderful tales, there are a few that stand out as my personal favorites. "Unicorn Variation" is a captivating piece that takes the reader on a unique and imaginative journey. "Dismal Light" creates an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. And "The Horses of Lir" is a story that is both powerful and moving, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of literature. It showcases the talent and creativity of a truly remarkable writer, and is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

DNF - Did Not Finish. It's a term that holds a certain weight in various aspects of life.

For some, it might refer to a race they couldn't complete due to exhaustion or an unexpected obstacle. In the world of video games, it could mean giving up on a particularly challenging level or game altogether.

In my case, when I say "DNF - really did not vibe with this," it implies that I just couldn't connect or get into whatever it was I was trying. Maybe it was a book that had a great premise but failed to engage me on an emotional level. Or perhaps it was a new hobby that seemed interesting at first but quickly lost its appeal.

Sometimes, we just have to accept that not everything is going to click with us. And that's okay. It's all part of the journey of discovery and learning.

DNF doesn't have to be a negative thing. It can be a sign that we're growing and evolving, and that we're becoming more in tune with our own preferences and interests. So the next time you find yourself in a DNF situation, don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, take it as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself and move on to the next adventure.