Unicorn Variations

Rating:
Summary: This is taken directly off of the back of the book.
Review: "MORE BEER," quoth the griffin. Man's reign on Earth is almost over. Waiting in the wings are the creatures of myth and legend that our reality has denied existence for too long: the boisterous griffin, the thoughtful sasquatch, and the most dangerous of all, the charming, but devious, unicorn... Deeply whimsical and delightfully disturbing, "Unicorn Variation" is one of the most acclaimed of Zelazny's recent works. Also included in this new collection are the Hugo-winning novella "Home Is the Hangman"; the rescued-from-oblivion "My Lady of the Diodes"; and speculative voyages both awesome and smaIll such as "A Hand Across the Galaxy," "The Horses of Lir, "Go Starless in the Night," "The Naked Matador," and much more from a modern master who has received over twenty Hugo and Nebula awards and nominations.

Rating:
Summary: Without doubt, Zelazny's BEST...
Review: Okay, so I've got a biased view-point. I love Zelazny's work. His "Chronicles of Amber" series was one of the first science fiction/fantasy works on an "adult level" that I read (I was maybe 12 at the time), and his twisted, convoluted style of writing had me turning page after page, unable to put the book down.

"Unicorn Variations" represents much of that style. It examines man's failures under pressure, (and ironically) man's ability to perform extrodinary feats under that same pressure. It uses an oft-humuorous touch to describe a serious subject. It draws upon fantasy to explain reality. Get the picture? Rarely does Zelazny ever come right out and say what he means; it's much more fun to keep the reader guessing the whole way through.

The version I have of the audio tape is read by Star Trek/Deep Space 9's Odo (Rene something-or-other -- sorry, his last name escapes me at this time); I enjoyed listening to it almost as much as reading the story for myself...

Rating:
Summary: Without doubt, Zelazny's BEST...
Review: Okay, so I've got a biased view-point. I love Zelazny's work. His "Chronicles of Amber" series was one of the first science fiction/fantasy works on an "adult level" that I read (I was maybe 12 at the time), and his twisted, convoluted style of writing had me turning page after page, unable to put the book down.

"Unicorn Variations" represents much of that style. It examines man's failures under pressure, (and ironically) man's ability to perform extrodinary feats under that same pressure. It uses an oft-humuorous touch to describe a serious subject. It draws upon fantasy to explain reality. Get the picture? Rarely does Zelazny ever come right out and say what he means; it's much more fun to keep the reader guessing the whole way through.

The version I have of the audio tape is read by Star Trek/Deep Space 9's Odo (Rene something-or-other -- sorry, his last name escapes me at this time); I enjoyed listening to it almost as much as reading the story for myself...

Rating:
Summary: Without doubt, Zelazny's BEST...
Review: Okay, so I've got a biased view-point. I love Zelazny's work. His "Chronicles of Amber" series was one of the first science fiction/fantasy works on an "adult level" that I read (I was maybe 12 at the time), and his twisted, convoluted style of writing had me turning page after page, unable to put the book down.

"Unicorn Variations" represents much of that style. It examines man's failures under pressure, (and ironically) man's ability to perform extrodinary feats under that same pressure. It uses an oft-humuorous touch to describe a serious subject. It draws upon fantasy to explain reality. Get the picture? Rarely does Zelazny ever come right out and say what he means; it's much more fun to keep the reader guessing the whole way through.

The version I have of the audio tape is read by Star Trek/Deep Space 9's Odo (Rene something-or-other -- sorry, his last name escapes me at this time); I enjoyed listening to it almost as much as reading the story for myself...

Rating:
Summary: More BEER, quoth the griffin.
Review: The titular story, Unicorn Variations, is just adorable. It is a delight to read. I love the Bigfoot and the beer drinking Griffin the most! The book's centerpiece, Home is the Hangman is a great novella that I would like to have seen better developed. There are some strong characters that could have stood more development. My Lady of the Diodes is quite good. The George Business seemed to be a direct inspiration for that movie The Last Dragon (with Sean Connery as the dragon's voice). Fire And/Or Ice-- with a different take on Ragnarok is great, but too short. Ditto the one about the Angel of Death (lots of unrealized story potential there!)

My favorite story is The Horses of Lir. Again, there is a lot of potential that I would love to have seen expanded upon. I didn't want this one to end! It has a great feel to it and in a way is a perfect short story. My assessment of this book is primarily a good one. There are some experiments of which some work better than others do. The best stories end too soon and beg for more treatment. The worst, are mercifully short. But nearly all of them made me think, and after all, that's what a science fiction short story should do.

Rating:
Summary: Must-have for Zelazny fans
Review: This is an excellent collection of Zelazny short stories. "The George Business" is particularly good. If I could only own one Zelazny book, this would be it.

Rating:
Summary: Must-have for Zelazny fans
Review: This is an excellent collection of Zelazny short stories. "The George Business" is particularly good. If I could only own one Zelazny book, this would be it.