Lovers & Other Monsters: A Collection of Amorous Tales of Fantasy, Old and New

Rating:
Summary: One of Kaye's bets anthologies.
Review: Marvi Kaye is an excellent anthology editor, and this is probably one of his finest anthologies. It includes not only short stories, but also poetry and even one short play. The dark aspects of love are thouroughly explored, in everything from stark realism, to fantasy, science fiction, horror, comedy; the variety is impressive, but Kaye manages to create unity of it all through his careful sub-thematic arrangement: Odd Couples, Worldly Love, Not of this World, Out of this World and Fatal Attractions. The selections flow into one another masterfully, and I can honestly say that not a single one of them could be considered bad;they were all of exceeding quality. I would be hard pressed to even recommend some of them over others; the book is so well arranged that each individual piece seems to play its part for the perfect final effect.

Rating:
Summary: Pleasantly surprising -- and twisted
Review: This is the first compilation that I have ever read by Marvin Kaye, and I must say,he has excellent taste. These stories range from romantic to revolting; from midly funny to outright absurd. Some of the writers of these short stories I have now added to my list of favorite authors. The diversity is truly amazing. Mr. Kaye must have spent a great deal of time reading these stories and editing them into the perfect order. Absolutely wonderful!