Dreams of Distant Shores

Starred review from March 21, 2016
McKillip (Wonders of the Invisible World), winner of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, collects nine dazzling shorter pieces (both originals and reprints) in this outstanding collection. The brief, creepy “Weird” opens the volume, merging an oddly romantic picnic in a bathroom and a mysterious threat outside into something that exists in a darkly beautiful interstitial place. The longest piece, “Something Rich and Strange,” which appeared originally as a standalone novella in Brian Froud’s Faerielands series, is an ecological fairy tale that contains the most gorgeous of McKillip’s prose (“her blind stare of pearl and wormwood”)—and the weakest of her plots, but even weaker McKillip is well worth reading. The newer stories also shine. “Mer” is a small gem about a nameless witch, a fishing village, and a mermaid statue. “Edith and Henry Go Motoring” features a toll bridge that leads travelers on an unexpected journey. Beyond the short fiction, the volume finishes with an essay on writing high fantasy, and an appreciation of McKillip’s work by renowned fantasist Peter S. Beagle. Fans of exquisite prose and ethereal fantasy will need to own this.

June 15, 2016

A young couple trade odd stories in a bathroom as something rages outside. An artist calls upon his muse, who answers him through an unfinished painting. A musical band of witches takes on a dark force during their bar performance. The seven ethereal tales (including three new ones), collected here touch on people's dreams and desires. Also featured is McKillip's 2002 essay on writing high fantasy and Peter S. Beagle's afterword, "Dear Pat," an appreciation of McKillip's work. VERDICT McKillip (Wonders of the Invisible World) once more enchants with this volume, which fantasy readers will devour as they are transported into multiple realities.--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016

Unified by the theme of supernatural events, these short stories (three previously unpublished) exude mystery and magic in their lyrical texts. The tales range in subject from a boy who was once a horse to a grandmother who hangs out with aliens (much to her family's disbelief) to a frustrated artist who accepts Medusa's help in pursuing art and his model. Previously published as a novella, "Something Rich and Strange" focuses on a couple seduced by ancient sea creatures; they must decide if their relationship is worth fighting for. The selections allude to sex but do not go into great detail. The book is reminiscent of Kelly Link's Pretty Monsters, which also provides a fascinating assortment of paranormal offerings. Young adults who like fantasy tales with strong female characters willing to save themselves and others will enjoy this volume. VERDICT This collection of fascinating and haunting tales that will linger with readers is a strong addition to short story and fantasy collections; hand to fans of Holly Black, Robin McKinley, and Donna Jo Napoli.-Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library System, Tacoma, WA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
Blink three times quickly to release yourself from the enchantment of these tales. McKillip's tantalizing storytelling cleverly leaves us guessing, as the twists and turns of magic unravel in unexpected ways. The Gorgon in the Cupboard features a painter unleashing the power of long-dead Medusa, Something Rich and Strange brings mortal lovers into an immortal tangle of undersea temptation, and Which Witch explores the surreal connections between familiars and demons. McKillip has bright, sharp beginnings and shifts the shape of her language to conjure dreamy, dark endings. Her humor is mischievous, and her characters are embedded with a timeless quality as they long for the supernatural in their everyday lives. Fans of her work will devour this, and new readers are in for a treat, like awakening from a lovely dream.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)