A Must Read Collection

This is a must-read collection that offers a diverse range of literary works. It includes captivating novels that transport readers to different worlds and introduce them to a plethora of unique characters. The short stories within the collection are equally engaging, presenting thought-provoking themes and unexpected twists.

In addition to fictional pieces, this collection also features non-fiction works that provide valuable insights into various aspects of life. Whether it's history, science, or personal growth, there is something for everyone in this must-read collection.

The writing styles in this collection are as diverse as the topics covered. Some authors use a descriptive and poetic language to paint vivid pictures in the readers' minds, while others prefer a more straightforward and concise approach.

Overall, this must-read collection is a treasure trove of literary gems that is sure to delight and inspire readers of all ages and interests.

Oh, Danny boy... What a pleasure it is to meet you again.

After all the Hyperion and Fall and Endymion and Ilium and so forth, it is truly fascinating to go back and catch a glimpse of where it all began.

For those who are not familiar with Simmons, "Prayers..." offers an excellent introduction to the youthful art and skill of a developing master.

For those who have read his major works, "Prayers..." allows one to peek at the origin. It is here in "The Death of the Centaur" that we first encounter Raul, the namesake of the main character in the Hyperion series.

And it is also here where we witness an early example of Simmons exploring the moral implications of FTL (faster than light) travel, which becomes such a crucial consideration in SF, in the romantic relationship between two unlikely souls in the nostalgic "Remembering Siri".

While I have a tendency towards the SF side of things, it was interesting to see some of Simmon's early "horror". "Iverson's Pits" was a superbly written piece. I was truly stunned (really!) by Simmon's poetic talent in this story, as seen in the beautifully written prose.

It was also enjoyable to hear Simmons comment on the origins of the different stories. He provides a brief introduction before each.

In the end, "Prayers..." is a rewarding read, especially for those who desire to see what he was doing before he achieved great success.

Väärt kogumik Simmonsi lühijutteid sisaldab mitmeid huvitavaid ja erinevaid stseene.

Mõned neist on kahvatumad, mis võivad põhjustada lugemisega seotud emotsionaalseid reaktsioone.

Aga enamik lühijutteid on väga head ja võivad anda palju rõõmu ja inspiratsiooni.

Peamiselt on see kogumik täidetud õudusloodega, mis võivad hirmutada ja põnevad lugeda.

Aga see ei ole ainult õudusloode kogumik, sest seal on ka muid žanre, nagu näiteks romantika ja aventure.

Kõigi lemmik on aga Hyperioni-jutt \\"Remembering Siri\\", mis on ilmuski esimesena eraldiseisva loona ja mille ümber hiljem ülejäänud raamat kirjutati.

See jutt on väga tunnetu ja võtab lugija oma maailma sisse, kus ta saab tutvuda erakordselt isiklikute ja tundlike lugupeetustega.

This is an excellent collection of short stories that truly stands out. It is, without a doubt, one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Each story within this collection is a gem, filled with unique characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking themes. The author's writing style is captivating, drawing you in from the very first sentence and keeping you hooked until the very end.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a great read, this collection is a must-have. It serves as a great primer to get you into the wonderful world of Simmons and discover the depth and talent of this remarkable author.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to be transported to different worlds and experiences through the power of words.

**Death of Centaur**

The "Death of Centaur" is a significant and captivating subject.

Centaur, a mythical creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse, has long intrigued and fascinated people.

The concept of its death holds a certain allure. It could be the result of a heroic battle, perhaps against a powerful adversary.

Or it might be due to some tragic circumstance or a fateful encounter.

The image of a dying centaur evokes a sense of pathos and drama.

It makes us wonder about the centaur's life, its dreams, and its place in the mythical world.

Whether it is mourned by its fellow centaurs or remembered as a legend, the death of a centaur leaves a lasting impression.

It serves as a reminder of the fragility and mortality that even mythical beings can face.

And it continues to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers to explore the depths of this tragic and fascinating concept.

Simmons offers a wide variety of (mostly) horror stories. Some of these tales are truly excellent and highly entertaining. They have the power to grip the reader, sending shivers down their spine and keeping them on the edge of their seats. However, not all of Simmons' stories are of the same caliber. Some are just that - stories that do not manage to leave any particularly special impression on the readers. They may be forgettable, lacking that certain something that makes a story truly stand out.

Despite this, Simmons' collection as a whole is still a fun read. There is something for everyone in this diverse range of horror stories. Whether you are a die-hard horror fan or just someone looking for a bit of a thrill, you are likely to find something that catches your interest. So, if you are in the mood for some spooky entertainment, give Simmons' stories a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I have read the brick "Prayers to Broken Stones. All Times, All Worlds. Love and Death", which I want to treat as three separate sets of stories.

Each of these sets seems to hold a unique charm and depth. "All Times" might take us on a journey through different eras, exploring how certain themes and emotions persist or change over time.

"All Worlds" could open up a vast and diverse landscape of fictional universes, each with its own rules, cultures, and inhabitants.

And "Love and Death" is a classic and powerful combination that always manages to tug at our heartstrings. It makes us思考about the nature of love, its power to overcome even the greatest of obstacles, and the inevitable reality of death that awaits us all.

Together, these three sets of stories in "Prayers to Broken Stones" offer a rich and engaging reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

*** 3.6 STARS ***

The collection of stories presents a diverse range of ratings. 'Remembering Siri' has a 4.2-star rating, while 'Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell' stands out with a 4.1-star rating. 'Eyes I Dare Not Meet in Dreams' and 'E-Ticket to 'Namland' both have 3-star ratings. 'Shave and a Haircut, Two Bites' has a 2.9-star rating, and 'The Death of the Centaur' and 'The River Styx Runs Upstream' both have 2.8-star ratings. 'Metastasis' has a 2.6-star rating, 'Vexed to Nightmare by a Rocking Cradle' and 'Iverson's Pits' both have 2-star ratings, and 'Two Minutes Forty-five Seconds' has a 1.5-star rating.

The only new story that the reviewer liked was 'Vanni Fucci is Alive and Well and Living in Hell'. The dialogue in this short story was considered fantastic, and the short story format, which the reviewer is not usually a fan of, was used perfectly.

The reviewer didn't read 'Remembering Siri' as they had recently re-read 'Hyperion and their memory of it was still fresh. They also didn't read 'Carrion Comfort' (short story) as they had read the novel in 2018 and planned on re-reading the novel at some point, as it is one of their all-time favorite books. They found reading the short story, which makes up chapter 1 and a bit of 3, pointless.

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We have a free book exchange in our small town. It's a place we often visit. I'd asked the children to go and grab themselves a book. They returned with this particular one. I suppose it was my mistake as the cover completely sucked them in.

I should mention that I'm an aspiring writer. In fact, I had decided to quit writing the day prior. The thought really gutted me. It felt like yet another failed experiment in this game we call life. I was so depressed over not being able to put down the stories that were constantly circulating in my head. I read a lot, and I know what skillful writing looks like. Mine, unfortunately, isn't anywhere near approaching it.

So, you might imagine my complete chagrin when I opened this book and found the introduction. There, Harlan Ellison dresses down a fellow author who had written sixty-four novels and then called the works of Judith Krantz, Eric Segal, VC Andrews, and Sidney Sheldon 'ongoing tragedies.'

I shudder to think what Ellison would think of my brainless tippity-tappings. He'd probably tell me to go die in a hole somewhere. But you know what? I don't care. He can kiss the fattest part of my rosy, white derriere. (Yes, I'm aware he's dead.)

Anyhow, Ellison speaks of hearing the music of the writing and then proceeds to pull Dan Simmons' first unpublished work from the slush pile of ineptitude he'd collected for the workshop. To Harlan's delight, he finds the spirit of writing he is looking for, and the book then launches into Mr. Simmons' first published work.

So, you might also imagine what I'm thinking. After that acerbic introduction, it had better be so freaking fantastic that it burns the back of my eyelids. And you know what? It is. Freaking fantastic. I highly recommend you give it a read.

Definitely don't think this should be listed as "Hyperion Cantos 0.5". However, there are some interesting early stories that were formative to Simmons's later works.

Many of the stories in this collection were later expanded into novels or screenplays. This shows the potential and growth of Simmons's ideas.

The Ellison introduction and Simmons rebuttal also made great reading. Although I don't find the seminal "first story" particularly notable, it still provides some context.

Most interesting was how "Death of a Centaur" intersects with the Hyperionverse. It gives a glimpse into the connection between different works.

Only recommended for diehards, with the exception of the last 2 stories. These might have more general appeal and offer something different for readers.

Overall, while not a must-read for everyone, this collection has its merits for those interested in Simmons's early works and the development of his fictional universes.

3.5
How is it that with collections of stories one is better and the other worse, but here there are a few stories that I will surely remember for a long time. Besides that, well, Simmons has ideas.

It's quite interesting to see how different collections of stories can vary in quality. Some might have a certain charm or uniqueness that makes them stand out, while others might not quite hit the mark. In this particular case, among the stories here, there are those that have left a lasting impression on me. They have something special, perhaps a captivating plot, well-developed characters, or a powerful message. And then there's Simmons, who seems to have some interesting ideas. Maybe his contributions to this collection add an extra layer of depth or creativity. It will be exciting to see how these ideas play out and what else he has in store for us in the future.