“Crows and Silences” by Lucius Shepard was a different kind of read for me, but in the best way possible. As someone who usually dives deep into epic young adult fantasies with sweeping worldbuilding and unforgettable character arcs, this collection took me out of my comfort zone... and into something just as immersive, just painted with a different kind of magic.

Rather than a single narrative, Crows and Silences offers a series of stories each one unique, layered, and emotionally charged. At first, I found it a little challenging to keep track of the characters and details across so many shifting narratives (especially since I’m used to multiple POVs within one cohesive storyline). But once I embraced the rhythm of the collection, I found myself utterly absorbed. Each story feels like a world unto itself: dark, brooding, and still pulsing with a quiet hope.

Lucius Shepard’s prose is undeniably powerful. His writing has this lyrical, almost cinematic quality that lingers long after the story ends. There’s a sharp emotional undercurrent running through each piece that makes you feel everything, even in the silences between the crows. The pacing is deliberate, yet it never drags—Shepard clearly knows how to guide a reader through even the most intricate emotional landscapes.

#CrowsandSilences presents four of Lucius Shepard's short novels. The narrators are unreliable at every turn, often featuring society's outcasts. Often they lead towards madness. Yet there is also the hope of redemption. Some of Shepard's influences are easy to see as in a reimagining of Conrad's The Heart of Darkness within the Borneo.

An interesting collection of stories, each offering a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and psychological depth. Lucius Shepard excels in combining lush, atmospheric prose with themes of memory, loss, violence, and existential struggle. The stories explore complex human emotions and the boundaries between the real and the supernatural. While the pacing can occasionally feel slow and the abstract nature of some narratives may challenge readers seeking more straightforward plots, the collection’s emotional resonance and beautiful writing make it a rewarding read. For those who appreciate thoughtful, immersive fiction, Crows and Silences is a good example of well-done storytelling.

A four novella collection from the late Lucius Shepard. I had read one of them 34 years ago, remembered liking it, but maybe the first time around a bit more so. My tastes have changed since then. Two others are better, but I'm not sure if I can decide if "Louisiana Breakdown" or "Colonel Rutherford's Colt" is the best. Highly recommended, but only to readers who don't insist on fictional characters being sympathetic.

I am not used to reading a book with different stories in it so this type is fairly new to me. I would like to say thst I enjoyed the word usage and the writing style of the author. The stories were interesting and very detailed. I feel it would benefit better if it seperated them in a clearer way. Overall, it is well written and very descriptive. I did enjoy the Louisiana breakdown, and Colonrl Rutherfords colt stories more than the others.