a collection of short stories by Zahn. Nothing to really write home about, but if I could find it for under $10 in hardback, I'd buy it. ( )

I've always been hesitant to read any science fiction that is either heavily technical or heavily into military-techno jargon. One of the brilliant things about Zahn's short stories is that he always uses speculative technology in ways that are easy to understand and that move the story forward in interesting ways. His short story Star Song is the best of the lot in using new technologies to create an imaginative new world.

If there is any one way to characterize Zahn's approach I would say that it is more political science fiction more than technical science fiction. Many of his stories have an undertone of political theory to it. I think the casual student of political science might appreciate this undertone as I did.

This approach could be problematic if the politics is allowed to overcome the human side of the story. I'll admit that deep soulful human dramas aren't Zahn's specialty (I apologize I read a Murakami book right before reading this book--talk about comparing apples and oranges). However, the human is never completely lost in his stories either. Hitmen, The Art of War, The Play's the Thing, and Star Song are all stories that are stronger in this regard, even if they don't work toward coffee house/ art house levels of soulfulness.

There is also the issue of this being a short story collection. What are short story collections supposed to do that novels and other longer forums don't have to? I think that they should should show an author's range. This collection certainly does that. Zahn is not known for his humor, yet The Play is the Thing had me laughing out loud. Also, short story collections have a license to substitute cleverness for greatness. Zahn shows a magnificent range of cleverness in each of these stories even as his stories seem to show a kind of thinness more relevant to cinematic writing.

Most importantly, a short story collection is supposed to pay testament to a writer's talent. This collection brings out the best in Zahn. Zahn isn't Haruki Murakami or Philip K. Dick, but he excels in what he is best at. That's why I'm giving the book five stars. ( )