Five years later I finally forced myself to finish this book. I started it when I first received it. The first story did nothing for me. The second one is barely memorable. The last one is the one I really enjoyed and my rating is based on this one.

Let me first say that when it comes to Ms. McKillip, I expect high fantasy which causes disorientation and sometimes mass confusing. When it comes to authors, specifically Fantasy and Sci-Fi authors writing a collection of short stories, I am almost always left feeling confused and dissatisfied. Honestly, after the first to stories I figured I might need to leave this rating at a 0. I just couldn't get into it. The last story in this book appeals to me. Why? Let me count the ways.

First, it is water themed which almost always captures my attention. This water theme involves mythical water creatures which also makes me want to read more. Second, it deals with the damage humans do to the oceans. The suppositions in this story are thought provoking and I wish so hard I had a friend who felt the same as I did where we could discuss this in more detail. Third, this book in how to make a difference with oceans makes me want to rise up in arms and do something. It makes me want to once again volunteer when I scuba dive to pick up debris and bring it back to the surface to dispose of. Fourth, it makes my heart hurt at how many sea creatures we damage and hurt with our fishing nets left drifting in the ocean. The number of water mammals we damage with our junk or razor sharp blades rotating on boats to shred them alive.

This story contains thoughtful subtext and the allegories are poignant. Whilst I hated what was happening in this story, it generated the most intense feelings of regret, guilt and sorrow. It also sparks a passion to make a difference again. For this, I loved the last story. Megan is my hero. This high fantasy collection is not for everyone. It takes someone who likes to be outside of their comfort zone to appreciate it.

Seven stories, an explanation plus a Peter Beagle afterword forms Dreams of Distant Shores. Each story is a different form of fantasy although "Alien" is a SF possible first contact tale. "Which Witch" reminds me of Charles De Lint in setting and concept. Probably my favorite stories are "Mer" and "The Gorgon in the Cupboard" for the characters and the tales. I have been reading McKillip since the 1980's and she still surprises me. Read this collection and enjoy!

I love Patricia A. McKillip. She is one of the most stunning fantasy writers out there. It was nice trying her writing in the short story format for the first time (for me) in this collection but I will say I think her novels suite better.

PICK
I have a weird relationship with McKillip. Her novels leave me cold, but her short fiction blows my mind. I'm so, so glad I finally settled in with this most excellent collection, which dropped last June. It's packed with stories about people who must learn see the world in a different light if they're to move forward. My favourite was "The Gorgon In the Cupboard," but they're all worth your time.

It took me two months to read the first three stories, then I had this linger on my kindle for another two months. I just attempted to read another story, but I have zero interest. Sorry.

I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, but this wasn't for me.

DNF at 16%. Not rating it, as I simply did not read enough for a decent evaluation.

I wanted so very much to love these stories. Patricia McKillip was a huge part of my early fantasy reading, and she inspired me so much. But these stories ranged from bizarrely horrific ("Weird") to long and melancholic ("Something Rich and Strange") to a combination of horrific and melancholic ("Edith and Henry go Motoring.") I liked the ahort, sweet ones like Alien and Mer, and I loved Which Witch with its irreverent humor and puns throughout. Lastly, The Gorgon and the Cupboard was beautiful, but reminded me more of a Tracey Chevalier piece with some fantasy in it than ny McKillip fix. I think the ephemeral nature of short stories combined with expecting more old McKillip style left me wanting something different. I liked what I got instead, but didn't fall in love with it.

I was surprised how dark and grim some of the stories were. This anthology showcases McKillip's range as an author.