Short stories. Meh.

They are not bad, but I have a personal preference for longer tales.

Short stories often lack the depth and complexity that can be achieved in a more extended narrative.

With only a limited number of words, it can be challenging for the author to fully develop the characters, plot, and setting.

Longer tales, on the other hand, allow for a more detailed exploration of these elements.

The reader can become more invested in the story and the characters, experiencing their emotions and growth over time.

While short stories can be entertaining and thought-provoking, I find that longer tales offer a more immersive and satisfying reading experience.

They have the power to transport me to different worlds and introduce me to new and interesting people.

In conclusion, although short stories have their merits, I will always prefer the richness and depth that can be found in longer tales.

I stopped reading the book when I reached 66%.

The only story that managed to leave an impression on me was the titular one, which was about a man engaged in a chess match with a unicorn.

Even so, the reason this story was memorable was simply because it was distinct from the others.

As for all the other entries in the book, I really couldn't quite make out what I was reading.

This includes the award-winning "Home is the Hangman".

I found myself constantly struggling to understand the plots and the meanings behind the words.

The writing seemed convoluted and unclear in many of the stories, making it difficult for me to engage with them on a deeper level.

Perhaps if the stories had been more straightforward or better developed, I would have had a more enjoyable reading experience.

But as it stands, I was left feeling rather disappointed and frustrated with the majority of the book.

This is a remarkable book that is filled with a plethora of short stories from Zelazny's extensive career.

Just for the title story alone, this book is well worth the effort of finding. The story that Zelazny weaves about this little gem is truly highly amusing. Picture this: Unicorns have the audacious desire to take over the world, and miraculously, a chess game might just be the thing to stop them. What's more, the chess game itself is not glossed over in the slightest. Each and every move is detailed with precision, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The story actually grew out of three requests that Zelazny received. Three different individuals had specific desires for a story that incorporated 1) a bar, 2) a chess game, and 3) unicorns. By ingeniously putting all three elements together, Zelazny managed to sell the story at least three times. Heh.

The other stories in this collection are also most definitely worth reading. It's a great book to pick up and enjoy. Most of the stories can be read in just a few minutes, making it perfect for those moments when you have a bit of spare time. The book is filled with Zelazny's experimentation with his writing, so the style varies throughout. It isn't all fantasy either. It's a fairly diverse book that is excellent for carrying around and reading while waiting in line, at the doctor's office, or in any other situation where you need a quick and engaging read. Of course, I think that about all books, but short stories perhaps lend themselves to this a bit better.

Overall, this is a book that is sure to delight readers with its entertaining stories and unique blend of elements.

It's not his best, though the story "Unicorn Variations" is worth the price of admission.

This tale has its own charm and allure. The author weaves a narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The concept of unicorn variations is an interesting one, and it allows for a unique exploration of different possibilities and interpretations.

While it may not reach the heights of some of his other works, it still manages to hold its own and provide an enjoyable reading experience.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.

Overall, "Unicorn Variations" is a story that is worth checking out, especially for fans of the author's work.

It may not be a masterpiece, but it is a solid piece of writing that will leave you with something to think about.

I had not delved into a Zelazny work for a considerable number of years, and in that time, I had unfortunately forgotten just how masterfully he could write. His prose was simply outstanding, having the remarkable ability to paint vivid images directly into your mind as you perused the pages.

These stories are a charming collection of whimsical tales, harking back to the days when the boundaries between "science fiction" and "fantasy" were somewhat more fluid and interchangeable.

The writing here is truly of a high caliber. By that, I mean that Zelazny demonstrates an excellent command of language, employing it with precision and artistry. The structure and form of each story are carefully crafted to engage the reader and draw them deeper into the narrative.

Reading this collection serves as a powerful reminder of how few contemporary authors seem to focus on both form and content with equal diligence. There is just something inherently satisfying about a well-written short story, and Zelazny's work is a prime example of this literary art form at its best.

Zelazny is brilliant. Period. The short story collection "The Dream Master" offers such a wealth of food for thought regarding the various dimensions and approaches to the fantastic and to creativity in general that it could easily become one of the staple books for many passing authors. I simply love those bold, unorthodox genre leaps that made the great masters at the end of the last century. A whiff of freedom, carefreeness, lack of burden from social norms, and amazing talent. Contemporary pop culture, sometimes successfully, sometimes clumsily, transforms, rediscovers, and draws copiously from the sources of its atavistic inspirations and unceremonious experimentation.

I devoured the book in small bites, as one of my evening reads. Usually, I would meet Zelazny on some lonely bench in the depths of Lozenets, the seaside garden of Burgas, or on the plane during a business flight, and we would share one or two stories in the glow of the Kindle's twilight. I must warn - some of the stories are quite strange or related to other, even more undiscovered works of the author. They might sound confusing and chaotic, leave a sour taste in your mouth, and even easily disappoint you. The translation worsens the situation and adds whole new layers of ambiguity. But there are so many independent, fresh, and smile-inducing flashes of fantasy that you simply can't help but like them - the eponymous pilot work for a unicorn chess player, the heart-stopping "Recital", the mysterious "The Guns of Avalon", the darkly humorous "Walpurgisnacht", the cheerful "George's Business", and others. Regardless of the melancholy that sometimes descends on the fantasy, written in the not-too-distant past decades for unfulfilled or missed times, Zelazny's heroes are so lively, life-affirming, seeking solutions, and avoiding wordy moping and depressions that you can't help but like them.

Ultimately, the inserted thoughts and essays of the master, along with the entire hodgepodge of mythological creatures, extraterrestrials, animated cars, spies, robots, and ghosts, are essential for every veteran of fantasy. Thanks to Ivan Velichkov for indirectly prompting me to find the book, and his wonderful Goodreads review remains an unchanged reference to the world of Zelazny.

I really enjoyed it!

Zelazny's name is often instantly associated with the highly beloved Amber series, yet this overshadows his extensive and diverse body of work. This includes a significant number of magazine-oriented short pieces.

I have a great affection for anthologies. They gather together a collection of works that one would probably never come across or read otherwise. Like a delicious buffet, they ultimately provide something to suit everyone's tastes. Some of the pieces may be less than stellar, a couple will be truly outstanding, and the remainder will be solid.

Unicorn Variations offers precisely that: a range of stories (some as brief as 3 pages and one short novella) across various genres and themes. Well-written and entertaining, each story also commences with a concise contextual narrative from the author, detailing when and why he wrote it, and what was going through his mind at the time.

Overall, it is very enjoyable and comes highly recommended as a Good Read for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and Zelazny. (And I simply like saying "Zelazny" - it rolls off the tongue so nicely.)

Like most collections of short stories, the quality of the individual stories is rather diverse.

Some of them are truly outstanding, captivating the readers with their engaging plots, well-developed characters, and profound themes.

Others, although not necessarily of the highest caliber in terms of pure literary excellence, are still quite interesting, offering unique perspectives or thought-provoking ideas.

However, what truly sets this collection apart and makes it come together as a cohesive whole is the author's commentary on each piece.

The author's insights and interpretations add an extra layer of depth and meaning to the stories, weaving them together in a seamless and engaging manner.

Readers can gain a better understanding of the author's intentions, the creative process behind each story, and the connections between them.

This collection is not just a random assortment of short stories, but a carefully curated and interconnected body of work that offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

A Fantasy Short Story

Once upon a time, there was a man who found himself in a perilous situation. He had managed to escape from a boiling pot, only to realize that he was now in the midst of a raging fire.

This man's adventure took place on a historical ship, the name of which held great significance. With the help of the internet, we can easily uncover the rich history and captivating myths surrounding this ship.

As the man looked around, he saw the flames licking at the wooden planks, threatening to consume everything in their path. He knew he had to act quickly if he wanted to survive.

Using his wits and knowledge of the ship's layout, he began to search for a way out. Along the way, he encountered various obstacles and challenges, but he refused to give up.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he found a small opening that led to the deck. With a burst of energy, he climbed through the opening and onto the safety of the deck.

As he looked out at the vast ocean, he couldn't help but wonder what other adventures awaited him. But for now, he was just grateful to be alive and out of harm's way.

**Chess Match Scandal! Sasquatch Schools Student Player!**

"Well, there I was, playing for the fate of our world. Little did I know that my opponent, Martin, was getting a helping hand from a fellow mythical being!" - Tlingel - The Unicorn Chess Chanticleer

This is just one of the exciting short fictions in this collection. There are many others with various themes and styles. For example, in "Unicorn Variations," it's classic Zelazny fare with 5 'High Stake Games' stars. "The Last of the Wild Ones" makes you question if Murdock is the villain, similar to the hunting of wild bison. It took a while to invest in the characters, so it gets 4 'Elegiac' stars. "Recital" is experimental writing that didn't work for the reviewer. "The Naked Matador" features a man on the run and a helpful and sexy Greek myth, earning 4 'Smirking Behind Sunglasses' stars.

The collection also includes essays like "The Parts That are Only Glimpsed: Three Reflexes," which the reviewer found relevant and gave 5 'Craft Relevant' stars. "Dismal Light" tells the story of a man reconciling with his father on a manufactured planet, getting 4 'Daddy Issues' stars. "Go Starless in the Night" explores what it's like to be frozen after death, with a rating of 3 'Better Death than This' stars.
Overall, the collection has its hits and misses. Some stories are excellent, like "Home is the Hangman" with its big twist and "The Horses of Lir" with its poignant theme. Others, like "The Night Has 999 Eyes" and "Walpurgisnacht," didn't work for the reviewer. However, it still provides an entertaining read and a trip down memory lane. The reviewer gives it 4 stars and recommends it, with a rating of 4 'Mostly Awesome' stars.

As a writer, I have a deep affection for this collection.

It encompasses a diverse range of story types and narrative methods.

Each story is accompanied by an introduction written by Zelazny, which provides a fascinating insight into his creative mind.

The collection offers a rich tapestry of literary experiences, allowing readers to explore different worlds and perspectives.

Zelazny's introductions add an extra layer of depth and context, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Whether you are a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or other genres, this collection has something to offer.

It showcases Zelazny's versatility and talent as a writer, and is sure to captivate and inspire readers.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Sci-fi Short Stories

Sci-fi short stories are a captivating genre that takes readers on thrilling adventures through the realms of imagination. These stories often explore futuristic technologies, alternate universes, and the consequences of human actions.

They can range from thought-provoking tales that make us question our own existence to action-packed adventures that keep us on the edge of our seats.

With their concise yet engaging nature, sci-fi short stories are perfect for those who want a quick dose of excitement and wonder.

Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just looking for something new to read, there's sure to be a sci-fi short story out there that will capture your imagination.

So, why not take a journey into the unknown and discover the amazing worlds that await within the pages of these captivating tales?