Selections from Dreamsongs 1: Fan Fiction and Sci-Fi from Martin's Early Years: Unabridged Selections

Meh... only *maybe* half the stories were very good. Well written, sure, but I didn't like most of em. Several of them are even award winners, but they just didn't connect with me. I enjoyed 'Hero,' 'The Second Kind of Loneliness,' and 'The Exit to San Breta' the most, but the majority of the others I just didn't like.... On the positive side, the narrations by Martin on the audio version about...more

Meh... only *maybe* half the stories were very good. Well written, sure, but I didn't like most of em. Several of them are even award winners, but they just didn't connect with me. I enjoyed 'Hero,' 'The Second Kind of Loneliness,' and 'The Exit to San Breta' the most, but the majority of the others I just didn't like.... On the positive side, the narrations by Martin on the audio version about his writing career were excellent at showing the influences on his early life and writings. A good glimpse at the writing industry too. Other than the stories I mentioned, I thought that these sections were the best parts of the book letting the reader see into the life of this amazing writer. But then again... After listening to Volumes II and III, I'd have to say the entire collection is an important and good read, if anything, just for that chance to see a life's work in retrospect. The stories get better and better as Mr. Martin perfects his craft and, though he has a penchant to run his characters through the wringer and ultimately leave them there, the stories are well written and entertaining. I would say the collection is a 'must-read' for Martin fans, writers, and anyone else that enjoys short stories.   hide