The Novellas and Novelets were the stronger part of this edition, from my perspective. I only really loved one, but the rest I found engaging and they all reached the bar of me actually enjoying reading them.
On balance, though, there were too many wizard stories - across the long and short pieces - in this edition. Nothing against wizards, but none of these seemed to add that much. All these wizards came off as twee.
Novella: The Fullness of Time by Kate Wilhelm
Cat recruits Mercedes to help unravel the secrets of a mysterious family. I loved this story as you begin to suspect what's happening right before it happens and there is always another secret behind this. The structure and plotting of the story aid its thematic development - something which always works for me.
I read another story by Kate Wilhem that struck me - and has stayed with me - a few months ago: Bloodletting in the Mammoth Book of the End of the World. I need to track down more by this author!
Novelet: Wearaway and Flambeau by Matthew Hughes
A thief finds there are all sorts of things to be learned on the wrong side of a dangerous wizard. Entertaining and very readable. I enjoyed this and it had a clever ending.
Novelet: The Afflicted by Matthew Johnson
A nurse has decided to stay with her patients in a world where aging has gone badly wrong. A touching story that I enjoyed reading but it didn't leave a deep impression.
Novelet: Jack Shade in the Forest of Souls by Rachel Pollack
Jack Shade has to help a man who believes his wife strayed too far into a world she didn't really understand. Again, I enjoyed reading it and it had some clever moments, but no real emotional pay-off.
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