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The Company #10
In the Company of Thieves
The Company, a powerful corporate entity in the twenty-fourth century, has discovered a nearly foolproof recipe for success: immortal employees and time travel. They specialize in retrieving extraordinary treasures out of the past, gathered by cybernetically-enhanced workers who pass as ordinary people. Or at least they try to pass...
There is one rule at Dr. Zeus Incorporated that must not be broken: recorded history cannot be changed. But avoiding the attention of mortals while stealing from them? It’s definitely not in the Company manual.
History awaits, though not quite the one you remember.
There is one rule at Dr. Zeus Incorporated that must not be broken: recorded history cannot be changed. But avoiding the attention of mortals while stealing from them? It’s definitely not in the Company manual.
History awaits, though not quite the one you remember.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Kage Baker
162 books356 followersBorn June 10, 1952, in Hollywood, California, and grew up there and in Pismo Beach, present home. Spent 12 years in assorted navy blue uniforms obtaining a good parochial school education and numerous emotional scars. Rapier wit developed as defense mechanism to deflect rage of larger and more powerful children who took offense at abrasive, condescending and arrogant personality in a sickly eight-year-old. Family: 2 parents, 6 siblings, 4 nieces, 2 nephews. Husbands: 0. Children: 0.
Prior occupations: graphic artist and mural painter, several lower clerical positions which could in no way be construed as a career, and (over a period of years for the Living History Centre) playwright, bit player, director, teacher of Elizabethan English for the stage, stage manager and educational program assistant coordinator. Presently reengaged in the above-listed capacities for the LHC's triumphant reincarnation, AS YOU LIKE IT PRODUCTIONS.
20 years of total immersion research in Elizabethan as well as other historical periods has paid off handsomely in a working knowledge of period speech and details.
In spare time (ha) reads: any old sea stories by Marryat, the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brien, the Hornblower books, ANYTHING by Robert Louis Stevenson, Raymond Chandler, Thorne Smith, Herman Melville (except Pierre, or the Ambiguities, which stinks) Somerset Maugham, George MacDonald Frasier.
Now happily settled in beautiful Pismo Beach, Clam Capital of the World, in charming seaside flat which is unfortunately not haunted by ghost of dashing sea captain. Avid gardener, birdwatcher, spinster aunt and Jethro Tull fan.
http://www.sfwa.org/2010/01/rip-kage-...
Prior occupations: graphic artist and mural painter, several lower clerical positions which could in no way be construed as a career, and (over a period of years for the Living History Centre) playwright, bit player, director, teacher of Elizabethan English for the stage, stage manager and educational program assistant coordinator. Presently reengaged in the above-listed capacities for the LHC's triumphant reincarnation, AS YOU LIKE IT PRODUCTIONS.
20 years of total immersion research in Elizabethan as well as other historical periods has paid off handsomely in a working knowledge of period speech and details.
In spare time (ha) reads: any old sea stories by Marryat, the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brien, the Hornblower books, ANYTHING by Robert Louis Stevenson, Raymond Chandler, Thorne Smith, Herman Melville (except Pierre, or the Ambiguities, which stinks) Somerset Maugham, George MacDonald Frasier.
Now happily settled in beautiful Pismo Beach, Clam Capital of the World, in charming seaside flat which is unfortunately not haunted by ghost of dashing sea captain. Avid gardener, birdwatcher, spinster aunt and Jethro Tull fan.
http://www.sfwa.org/2010/01/rip-kage-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 6, 2015
Company of Thieves
A collection of short stories by Kage Baker taking place in her Company universe where time traveling cyborgs pilfer the past for future profits.
"The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park"
A very touching story about a flawed cyborg who takes refuge in his recorded memories to avoid the ugliness of the 21st century.
“Unfortunate Gytt”
A sort of Steampunk take on the Roslyn Chapel section of the Da Vinci Code. The main character has absolutely no idea what he’s gotten himself into and stumbles around, sucked into a horrific adventure in which both sides race to get their hands on something that could change the world – or make people richer.
"Mother Aegypt"
A con artist runs into one of the bitterest of Kage Baker’s Company cyborgs. Spectacularly ignorant of just how big a secret he’s stumbled on, and fatalistically big ego’d, he thinks he can sweep her off her feet with a little sweet talk and bon bons and at the same time line his pockets with profitable secrets. It ends as badly as possible in a Russian-comedy type of way. Think The Twelve Chairs rewritten by Roald Dahl.
"Rude Mechanicals"
If Wile. E. Coyote put on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it might have looked something like this. The cyborgs Joseph and Lewis go on a madcap adventure through Hollywood to keep the universe in order by making sure a certain diamond is not discovered until history says it will be. It’s an old school comedy with punchlines you see coming a mile away, but you are left chuckling the whole time in anticipation of the next anvil Coyote is going to catch on his head.
"The Women of Nell Gwynne's"
The realities of prostitution lightened up with a Steampunk adventure. The women are all well trained spies who take advantage of when men drop their guard in bed to collect information for the Company. They have to infiltrate a house party / private auction to keep some stolen technology from landing in the wrong hands. (A Victorian take on the spy movies where the villain holds an auction to sell the nerve gas / missiles / code list / etc. to the highest bidder.) Luckily, the villain likes to think of himself as “cultured” and wants “entertainment” for his evil soiree. Sexy steampunk hilarity ensues.
"Hollywood Ikons"
Based on her notes, Baker’s sister wrote this after Baker’s untimely death. Joseph and Lewis are sent on a mission through WWII Hollywood, complete with stolen art, Nazis, forgeries, The Little Prince, chocolate, and Casablanca.
January 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley! Thanks to NetGalley and to Tachyon Publications!
This is a collection of short pieces by Baker, related to her 'Company' series of novels. At this point, I've read the first seven novels in the series, as well as the first short-story collection 'Black Projects, White Knights.' And the only reason I haven't read the others yet is that Baker has passed away, and I'm going to be really sad when there aren't any more to read. So yes, I'm a fan. I'd say that these stories would be enjoyable to any reader - but your enjoyment will be greatly enhanced if you've read at least some of the other 'Company' books, as you'll have more of an idea of the background, ongoing 'in-jokes,' and who certain recurring characters are.
Some of the pieces here have previously been published, but are middling-hard-to-get, so this volume is quite welcome.
**** "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park"
The Company's immortality process has gone wrong, and the subject has been rendered something very like what, in the 21st century, we call 'autistic.' The Company puts their failed agent to work as a kind of camera, recording images of a San Francisco park for interested parties in other times and places. However, although he's not socially functional, he forms a kind of connection with a woman he sees day after day, who's obsessed with the small but hopeless cause of restoring the historical flower beds of the park... Set on a much smaller scale that most of Baker's Company tales, this is a delicate, sensitive and touching story.
**** "The Unfortunate Gytt"
A 19th-century metallurgist joins a secret Masonic-type brotherhood - but soon, unexpectedly, finds himself bundled off willy-nilly; shanghaied into a most unusual mission to locate and identify a previously-unknown substance with bizarre properties.
**** "The Women of Nell Gwynne's"
The prostitutes at Nell Gwynne’s house are carefully selected women of many talents. Few know that their clients include not just the upper crust of London society, but The Gentlemen’s Speculative Society, who pay mainly, not for pleasures of the flesh, but for secrets and spycraft. Their payments to the madam seem to include technology which really seems to have no place in 19th-century Britain. When the Society arranges a job where the women are hired as entertainers at a very private auction, a (literal) bedroom farce ensues.
*****"Mother Aegypt"
One of my favorite Kage Baker stories - like the best of her work, it mixes humor and pathos to great effect. Here, a buffoonish con man meets a traveling fortuneteller, whom, the reader quickly realizes, is one of The Company's immortal agents. His attempts to make sense of her actions based on the world he knows are sadly misled.
**** "Rude Mechanicals"
Company men Joseph and Lewis are on assignment in 1940s Hollywood, tasked with finding a legendary lost jewel, the Tavernier Violet. (No, it wasn't really cut into the Hope Diamond.) Against a backdrop of a German director attempting to put on a production of 'A Midsummer's Night's Dream,' the two men chase the diamond through an increasingly-absurd set of rapidly-changing circumstances, in a madcap caper.
*** "Hollywood Ikons"
This story was written out by Kage's sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, after Kage's death. This was in accordance with Kage's wishes and done using her notes... but I have to admit, it's not quite the same. The voice is different. The ideas are very good... a Company secret involves using mathematical principles to create artwork that has a very real and very dangerous effect on the mind of the viewer. The Company assigns Joseph and Lewis to find and deal with some lost Russian ikons created using this process.
I feel like the choice of placement in the book (directly following another story featuring the same two protagonists) unfortunately accentuates the difference in style.
This is a collection of short pieces by Baker, related to her 'Company' series of novels. At this point, I've read the first seven novels in the series, as well as the first short-story collection 'Black Projects, White Knights.' And the only reason I haven't read the others yet is that Baker has passed away, and I'm going to be really sad when there aren't any more to read. So yes, I'm a fan. I'd say that these stories would be enjoyable to any reader - but your enjoyment will be greatly enhanced if you've read at least some of the other 'Company' books, as you'll have more of an idea of the background, ongoing 'in-jokes,' and who certain recurring characters are.
Some of the pieces here have previously been published, but are middling-hard-to-get, so this volume is quite welcome.
**** "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park"
The Company's immortality process has gone wrong, and the subject has been rendered something very like what, in the 21st century, we call 'autistic.' The Company puts their failed agent to work as a kind of camera, recording images of a San Francisco park for interested parties in other times and places. However, although he's not socially functional, he forms a kind of connection with a woman he sees day after day, who's obsessed with the small but hopeless cause of restoring the historical flower beds of the park... Set on a much smaller scale that most of Baker's Company tales, this is a delicate, sensitive and touching story.
**** "The Unfortunate Gytt"
A 19th-century metallurgist joins a secret Masonic-type brotherhood - but soon, unexpectedly, finds himself bundled off willy-nilly; shanghaied into a most unusual mission to locate and identify a previously-unknown substance with bizarre properties.
**** "The Women of Nell Gwynne's"
The prostitutes at Nell Gwynne’s house are carefully selected women of many talents. Few know that their clients include not just the upper crust of London society, but The Gentlemen’s Speculative Society, who pay mainly, not for pleasures of the flesh, but for secrets and spycraft. Their payments to the madam seem to include technology which really seems to have no place in 19th-century Britain. When the Society arranges a job where the women are hired as entertainers at a very private auction, a (literal) bedroom farce ensues.
*****"Mother Aegypt"
One of my favorite Kage Baker stories - like the best of her work, it mixes humor and pathos to great effect. Here, a buffoonish con man meets a traveling fortuneteller, whom, the reader quickly realizes, is one of The Company's immortal agents. His attempts to make sense of her actions based on the world he knows are sadly misled.
**** "Rude Mechanicals"
Company men Joseph and Lewis are on assignment in 1940s Hollywood, tasked with finding a legendary lost jewel, the Tavernier Violet. (No, it wasn't really cut into the Hope Diamond.) Against a backdrop of a German director attempting to put on a production of 'A Midsummer's Night's Dream,' the two men chase the diamond through an increasingly-absurd set of rapidly-changing circumstances, in a madcap caper.
*** "Hollywood Ikons"
This story was written out by Kage's sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, after Kage's death. This was in accordance with Kage's wishes and done using her notes... but I have to admit, it's not quite the same. The voice is different. The ideas are very good... a Company secret involves using mathematical principles to create artwork that has a very real and very dangerous effect on the mind of the viewer. The Company assigns Joseph and Lewis to find and deal with some lost Russian ikons created using this process.
I feel like the choice of placement in the book (directly following another story featuring the same two protagonists) unfortunately accentuates the difference in style.
June 21, 2019
I enjoyed this collection of short stories -- the ladies of Nelle Gwynne was a bit like "La Femme Nikita" but I quite enjoyed Mother Aegypt's attempt at death by chocolate and the rollicking adventures in Hollywood looking for a purple diamond and ancient ikons that perform powerful magic. Very fun read!
March 22, 2015
This collection of short stories (plus the novella about the women of Nell Gwynne's) is set in the world of The Company- a 24th century corporation which uses immortal cyborgs to travel back in time to rescue treasures that might otherwise be lost. Or at least lost to the corporation, which makes a fortune by selling these treasures. Thus the title, In the Company of Thieves. The stories are pleasant, but not as gripping as the novels of the Company, which are fabulous, especially the ones starring Mendoza.
December 29, 2013
I received an electronic advanced reading copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley.
Kage Baker is a name I was familiar with, but I had only read one of her stories in an issue of Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine years ago. Interested in experiencing more of her work I was excited at the opportunity to read this collection, but ended up feeling ambivalent during most of the time reading it. Yet for fans of Baker I am sure this will be a welcome and highly enjoyed volume, particularly in the absence of futher works following her unfortunate death from cancer at a relatively young age.
Part of my difficulty of appreciating these stories likely stemmed from my ignorance about this "Company" universe that her stories mostly fit into. This is probably not an ideal book to start out for an introduction to Baker's works. Oddly, the last story in the collection, written by Baker's sister from notes and fragments that Baker left prior to her death, does the best job at imparting a background to this universe and the rules that defines its characters and their abilities. Sadly this comes at the end, and is written in a very stated fashion rather than anything particularly literary.
The second hurdle inherently facing these stories is their length, primarily novellas. The novella is a tricky beast, too long for the artistry and impact of a short story, too short to develop complexities and overall meditative themes that a novel can afford. Really it fits best stories that are pulpish, prolonged, multi-staged adventures that mix lightheartedness with bits of excitements and thrills. For me most of the stories here dragged, and simply wore out my interest, perhaps because I just don't have an appreciation for Baker's style of humor.
Nonetheless, there were a couple of high points to the collection that I enjoyed. The opening story, "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park" was engaging and sublime, and succeeds in part because it maintains an appropriate length. Rather than going for word count the story stays on point and has a profound hook in its investigation of a character with characteristics of autism who is immortal and is exploited for his unique abilities. "The Women of Nell Gwynnes" was the most enjoyable of the novella length pieces, really a combination of two intriguing stories. First it covers the history and recruitment of a srong-willed independent woman into a secretive organization and then for the second portion goes into her first 'mission' with this group. Here the story is exciting and the additional portions of text and background that fill out the main 'action' are of note for Baker's no nonsense tackling of the feminine.
Kage Baker is a name I was familiar with, but I had only read one of her stories in an issue of Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine years ago. Interested in experiencing more of her work I was excited at the opportunity to read this collection, but ended up feeling ambivalent during most of the time reading it. Yet for fans of Baker I am sure this will be a welcome and highly enjoyed volume, particularly in the absence of futher works following her unfortunate death from cancer at a relatively young age.
Part of my difficulty of appreciating these stories likely stemmed from my ignorance about this "Company" universe that her stories mostly fit into. This is probably not an ideal book to start out for an introduction to Baker's works. Oddly, the last story in the collection, written by Baker's sister from notes and fragments that Baker left prior to her death, does the best job at imparting a background to this universe and the rules that defines its characters and their abilities. Sadly this comes at the end, and is written in a very stated fashion rather than anything particularly literary.
The second hurdle inherently facing these stories is their length, primarily novellas. The novella is a tricky beast, too long for the artistry and impact of a short story, too short to develop complexities and overall meditative themes that a novel can afford. Really it fits best stories that are pulpish, prolonged, multi-staged adventures that mix lightheartedness with bits of excitements and thrills. For me most of the stories here dragged, and simply wore out my interest, perhaps because I just don't have an appreciation for Baker's style of humor.
Nonetheless, there were a couple of high points to the collection that I enjoyed. The opening story, "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park" was engaging and sublime, and succeeds in part because it maintains an appropriate length. Rather than going for word count the story stays on point and has a profound hook in its investigation of a character with characteristics of autism who is immortal and is exploited for his unique abilities. "The Women of Nell Gwynnes" was the most enjoyable of the novella length pieces, really a combination of two intriguing stories. First it covers the history and recruitment of a srong-willed independent woman into a secretive organization and then for the second portion goes into her first 'mission' with this group. Here the story is exciting and the additional portions of text and background that fill out the main 'action' are of note for Baker's no nonsense tackling of the feminine.
October 22, 2013
i loved all the books of kage baker... i still can't get it in my mind that she is no longer there for booklovers like me... i miss her and it would mean the world to me to win a copy of this book... :(
February 23, 2015
"The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park" is one of the saddest stories ever published. Contrariwise, "Hollywood Ikons" is pure screwball comedy. It's a strong collection, although I can't say if it would be as powerful if it didn't fit into The Company series.
Library copy
Library copy
February 25, 2016
Review soon on www.tor.com and www.farbeyondreality.com.
February 1, 2021
I know that history can’t be changed. But it can be lied to, and it’s no better at identifying a fake than anyone else.[loc. 4525]
I very much enjoyed Kage Baker's 'Company' books, about the corporate entity called Doctor Zeus, and uni-directional time travel (you can only travel back in time: the return journey is the slow route, one day at a time) and the historians, preservers and specialists -- all immortal cybords -- who carry out the Company's assignments and sometimes side-missions of their own. It's over a decade since I read any of the series, though, and I'd forgotten some of the detail. This anthology of short works, edited (and in one case completed) by Baker's sister, was at once a pleasure and a disappointment.
Disappointing, as several of the Amazon reviews mentioned 'The Women of Nell Gwynne's' but that novella (which I'm eager to read) is no longer included in this collection, though there is fossil evidence of its former presence in the Contents section. I was disappointed, too, that some of the introductory paragraphs (not to mention the title on the title page!) featured typos, and could have done with proof-reading.
There are five works herein. 'Hollywood Ikons' is a new story featuring Preserver (and Literature Specialist) Lewis and Facilitator Joseph, set in Hollywood in the Second World War. This story was completed by Kathleen Bartholomew from Kage Baker's notes, and I have to say it's a very smooth co-authoring, no seams visible.
'The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park' is a bittersweet story about a defective cyborg (he can't communicate, but wanders Los Angeles in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, 'a bee collecting the pollen of my time') and a woman dying from cancer. (I liked this one a lot.)
'The Unfortunate Gytt' is a Gothic adventure featuring Edward Bell-Fairfax, Rosslyn Chapel and a new initiate.
Mother Aegypt features a pre-modern con artist, Golesco, and the immortal Mother Aegypt, about who he understands nothing. I was not much better off, as -- although one character's idiosyncrasies rang a bell -- I couldn't recall enough from the novels.
And completing the collection, the novella 'Rude Mechanicals', which I'd already read (review here. As usual, I had forgotten enough of it to be entertained all over again ...
Certainly not a bad collection, but really only 'Hollywood Ikons' and 'The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park' were what I actually wanted. Though now I'm terribly tempted to reread the entire Company series ... and I am, again, disappointed to discover how much of Kage Baker's work is available only in high-priced physical formats.
July 13, 2019
This posthumous 2013 book is a set of stories that are mainly set in the time-traveling world of her “Company” novels, with one exception (“Mother Aegypt”). The original publications were issued by a variety of small presses, so this assemblage in one volume is a welcome treat for those of us who admired Kage Baker's stories when she was alive. The one story original to this collection was finished by her sister (from Kage's notes and direction), who edited this volume.
I give this book four stars for people familiar with Baker's “Company” novels. While newbies could enjoy them, as the stories have a thin veneer of explanation of the basic premise, I don't think they would enjoy them as much. Best to start with the first “Company” novel, “In the Garden of Iden” (although my personal favorite is the third novel, “Mendoza in Hollywood”).
I have a fond memory of meeting Kage Baker briefly at the Nebula Awards in Seattle in 2004, where I complimented her on the recently published novella, “The Empress of Mars”. She told me that she had plans to tie together that story (and later Mars stories) into the “Company” stories. That is exactly what happened before she died in 2010, and it was a pleasure to see her work out the connections.
RIP, gentle author. You done good.
I give this book four stars for people familiar with Baker's “Company” novels. While newbies could enjoy them, as the stories have a thin veneer of explanation of the basic premise, I don't think they would enjoy them as much. Best to start with the first “Company” novel, “In the Garden of Iden” (although my personal favorite is the third novel, “Mendoza in Hollywood”).
I have a fond memory of meeting Kage Baker briefly at the Nebula Awards in Seattle in 2004, where I complimented her on the recently published novella, “The Empress of Mars”. She told me that she had plans to tie together that story (and later Mars stories) into the “Company” stories. That is exactly what happened before she died in 2010, and it was a pleasure to see her work out the connections.
RIP, gentle author. You done good.
July 2, 2020
I'm not sure I'd recommend this book to a total newcomer to the magic of Kage Baker, but it certainly shows the best of her style in each of the (ultimately) interconnected worlds she created. Yet, it would demonstrate her versatility and style and probably lead the novice on a trek through all her works.
For me, who had read all the Company books as they came out, this was a wonderful find and a sad one since I hadn't known that she had died. And, it introduced me to Mother Aegypt and the women of Nell Gynne's. I quickly added the books of both those series and look forward to reading them.
For me, who had read all the Company books as they came out, this was a wonderful find and a sad one since I hadn't known that she had died. And, it introduced me to Mother Aegypt and the women of Nell Gynne's. I quickly added the books of both those series and look forward to reading them.
March 31, 2025
I love Kage Baker's Company books, though I've never tried to read them in order or to read all of them. This makes me want to read more. The stories are about the Company, but each one stands on its own, and each is excellent in its own way. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Baker had an amazing way with words, and the Company an excellent theme to hold together stories in different times and places. I think I'd read a couple of these before, but they were worth re-reading. Because they're set in the past, with an anchor in the future, I think they will never get old.
October 3, 2020
Baker's last book of short company stories, some of which have been published before, and one which was finished posthumously by her sister. I so loved the company series, one of my all time favorites, so it was nice to revisit some of the stories and get a few new insights. 5 stars more for nostalgia.
August 28, 2024
Ratings: 4.8 stars
Well my bad I picked up a book from a series but still it was supposed to suck! But it didn't.
Each story was better than the last and I dont know why I felt chemistry between Lewis and Joseph. Really comforting.
I think it's just a me trait that I like books I cannot understand.
Didnt understand anything but loved it!
The first story is really good.
Well my bad I picked up a book from a series but still it was supposed to suck! But it didn't.
Each story was better than the last and I dont know why I felt chemistry between Lewis and Joseph. Really comforting.
I think it's just a me trait that I like books I cannot understand.
Didnt understand anything but loved it!
The first story is really good.
September 1, 2014
Kage Baker is a writer whose work I never encountered - or experienced - until I read In the Company of Thieves, a fine collection of short fiction compiled by her sister Kathleen Bartholomew and published by Tachyon Publications. Baker died in 2011 of cancer, and Bartholomew is now the caretaker of her work, continuing to compile and write Baker's short stories and novels from notes left by Kage. While she died way too early - she was only 58 - Baker left an apparent wealth of both short fiction and novels which the interested reader can mine for gems for years to come (Well, years for me, anyway. Remember, I'm the slow reader in the family.).
The title of this short story collection refers to what is her most famous series of stories - that of The Company. The Company is a corporation that exists in the 24th century. They use time travel and cyborg employees to go back in time to retrieve valuable objects from the past - whether for their own use or someone else's, with the trick being that history cannot be changed in the process. While not all the stories in this book are Company stories, they are all well crafted tales that are enjoyable and fun to read.
As I look at the table of contents of the book, I see that I really like all of them. Two of them, Rude Mechanicals and Hollywood Ikons, are the two stories that are pure Company stories, and while I was originally thinking they were my favorites, I realize that I can't actually say that simply because I like the others equally. Both of the aforementioned Company stories have as their main characters Company agents/cyborgs Joseph and Lewis. Think of them as a sort
of comedy team, although they're funny in a non-overbearing way. In Rude Mechanicals, the story takes place in and around a stage production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in Hollywood in 1934 at the Hollywood Bowl. While you may think it's about one thing, it actually turns into what I can only describe as a madcap adventure of two cyborgs from the future looking for the Hope Diamond. Or maybe not the Hope Diamond. The last half of the story is a crazy chase through Hollywood as our heroes try to retrieve the famous gem. It's nonstop, and I just read faster and faster because, after all, that's what the story seemed to call for. Hollywood Ikons is one of the stories finished by Kathleen Bartholomew and once again involves Joseph and Lewis as they look for the Ikons, talismans of extreme power that can turn people's brains to mush, and which have been lost, once again, in the hills of Hollywood, this time in the 1940s. The story is not so frantic and definitely not madcap, but is interesting and thought provoking, especially the neat little twist at the end. Both of these Company stories leave me wanting for more of the same, and at some point in the future I plan to search for more of them.
Mother Aegypt is a difficult story to describe. We are told it is a Company story, although it is much different from the two stories I discussed previously. I'm not quite sure whether the story is about a scheming con artist trying to make a buck by taking advantage of Mother Aegypt, or a story about immortal Mother Aegypt who is tired of her life and life style and just wishes it were over, or a story about little Emil, who has some mystical powers that both Mother Aegypt and the con artist are trying to use to their advantage. It is something of an eerie story, especially as Baker plows toward the finish which
has some really weird things going on.
The Women of Nell Gwynne's is a great story about the women of a brothel - actually the Ladies Auxiliary of the Gentlemen's Speculative Society - who help the society member by gathering information from influential men simply by, well, plying their trade. They are much more than that however. They are a valuable part of the Society, and play an integral role in this offbeat tale involving spies, antigravity, caverns, technical secrets, and a whole lot of other things. It's a fun tale that shows the women of the Ladies Auxiliary as influential and important parts of the procurment and development of advanced technology.
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park is clearly a Company story, but one that is of a much more different and serious tone than the others in the book. A Company agent is sent back as an observer in San Francisco as he is unable to perform any other function due to his autism, and he ends up observing a woman who is dying of cancer. This is quite an emotional and heartbreaking story. As the lead off story in the book it provides quite the punch.
Perhaps my least favorite story of the bunch is The Unfortunate Gytt, another Gentlemen's Speculative Society story. It may be my least favorite, but it is still an enchanting tale of a man recruited for the Society in 1855, and his first adventure with said society. It was a light and fun read, and really, it is pretty good.
This really is a terrific collection. It is sad that Kage Baker is no longer with us, but these stories are a reminder of just how good a writer she was and is just a small sample of the large number of works she left us. We should all go read more of it.
The title of this short story collection refers to what is her most famous series of stories - that of The Company. The Company is a corporation that exists in the 24th century. They use time travel and cyborg employees to go back in time to retrieve valuable objects from the past - whether for their own use or someone else's, with the trick being that history cannot be changed in the process. While not all the stories in this book are Company stories, they are all well crafted tales that are enjoyable and fun to read.
As I look at the table of contents of the book, I see that I really like all of them. Two of them, Rude Mechanicals and Hollywood Ikons, are the two stories that are pure Company stories, and while I was originally thinking they were my favorites, I realize that I can't actually say that simply because I like the others equally. Both of the aforementioned Company stories have as their main characters Company agents/cyborgs Joseph and Lewis. Think of them as a sort
of comedy team, although they're funny in a non-overbearing way. In Rude Mechanicals, the story takes place in and around a stage production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in Hollywood in 1934 at the Hollywood Bowl. While you may think it's about one thing, it actually turns into what I can only describe as a madcap adventure of two cyborgs from the future looking for the Hope Diamond. Or maybe not the Hope Diamond. The last half of the story is a crazy chase through Hollywood as our heroes try to retrieve the famous gem. It's nonstop, and I just read faster and faster because, after all, that's what the story seemed to call for. Hollywood Ikons is one of the stories finished by Kathleen Bartholomew and once again involves Joseph and Lewis as they look for the Ikons, talismans of extreme power that can turn people's brains to mush, and which have been lost, once again, in the hills of Hollywood, this time in the 1940s. The story is not so frantic and definitely not madcap, but is interesting and thought provoking, especially the neat little twist at the end. Both of these Company stories leave me wanting for more of the same, and at some point in the future I plan to search for more of them.
Mother Aegypt is a difficult story to describe. We are told it is a Company story, although it is much different from the two stories I discussed previously. I'm not quite sure whether the story is about a scheming con artist trying to make a buck by taking advantage of Mother Aegypt, or a story about immortal Mother Aegypt who is tired of her life and life style and just wishes it were over, or a story about little Emil, who has some mystical powers that both Mother Aegypt and the con artist are trying to use to their advantage. It is something of an eerie story, especially as Baker plows toward the finish which
has some really weird things going on.
The Women of Nell Gwynne's is a great story about the women of a brothel - actually the Ladies Auxiliary of the Gentlemen's Speculative Society - who help the society member by gathering information from influential men simply by, well, plying their trade. They are much more than that however. They are a valuable part of the Society, and play an integral role in this offbeat tale involving spies, antigravity, caverns, technical secrets, and a whole lot of other things. It's a fun tale that shows the women of the Ladies Auxiliary as influential and important parts of the procurment and development of advanced technology.
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park is clearly a Company story, but one that is of a much more different and serious tone than the others in the book. A Company agent is sent back as an observer in San Francisco as he is unable to perform any other function due to his autism, and he ends up observing a woman who is dying of cancer. This is quite an emotional and heartbreaking story. As the lead off story in the book it provides quite the punch.
Perhaps my least favorite story of the bunch is The Unfortunate Gytt, another Gentlemen's Speculative Society story. It may be my least favorite, but it is still an enchanting tale of a man recruited for the Society in 1855, and his first adventure with said society. It was a light and fun read, and really, it is pretty good.
This really is a terrific collection. It is sad that Kage Baker is no longer with us, but these stories are a reminder of just how good a writer she was and is just a small sample of the large number of works she left us. We should all go read more of it.
November 26, 2021
Very very good but not the best
The collection is of unfinished short stories by Baker who died young. Her sister took her notes and recreated the stories with guidance from Kage before she died. Most are humorous sometimes hilarious.
The collection is of unfinished short stories by Baker who died young. Her sister took her notes and recreated the stories with guidance from Kage before she died. Most are humorous sometimes hilarious.
May 22, 2025
6.5/10.
This, her final book of short stories was not Bakers best (I'm assuming she in the later stages if cancer when some were written) but a number did show her talent whist others just held glimpses. I enjoyed ½ the stories within.
This, her final book of short stories was not Bakers best (I'm assuming she in the later stages if cancer when some were written) but a number did show her talent whist others just held glimpses. I enjoyed ½ the stories within.
Want to read
October 9, 2019I just couldn't get into this one. It's probably a case of it's not the book, but me... Or maybe it was different than what I was expecting.
December 26, 2019
This book was great. It is a collection of short stories, and some of the concepts were really fresh and fun to read.
May 31, 2020
I loved the first and the last story... Less enthusiastic about the rest
July 14, 2021
Amazingly, this was a new to me Kage Baker. What a treat!
November 15, 2022
Weirdly, my copy (Kindle edition, borrowed from the library) was missing the story "The Women of Nell Gwynne's".
December 8, 2013
In the Company of Thieves is a collection of short stories and novellas by Kage Baker, set in the Company universe (link to Goodreads series page). I've previous read all the Company novels (with the exception of The Empress of Mars, which doesn't fit chronologically with the others) and as many short stories as I could easily get a hold of, which was far from all of them. As such, I was coming to this collection already knowing a lot of the Company's back story. That definitely affected my reading.
As usual, notes on each story are included at the end of the review.
The stories seem to be arranged chronologically according to history. The first four stories are probably the most accessible to readers unfamiliar with the Company. My previous knowledge informed my reading significantly, but I think the stories will still work well for new readers. I had forgotten how hilarious Kage Baker's short stories can be; the novels, which stuck more strongly in my mind, are less funny, I think. The last three stories had me laughing out loud several times.
There are two pairs of stories that go together thematically. The first pair is "The Unfortunate Gytt" and "The Women of Nell Gwynne's" both of which feature the pre-Company secret society and have a steampunk setting. The last two stories, "Rude Mechanicals" and "Hollywood Ikons", feature the same two recurring characters, Joseph and Lewis, the former of whom has several novels written about him. Both also happen to be set in Hollywood.
Reading this collection made me want to try harder to get a hold of what Kage Baker stories of the Company I haven't yet managed to. I strongly recommend this collection to fans of the Company novels or stories. To readers new to Kage Baker's work, there are worse ways be be introduced to it. Since the stories cover several characters and time periods, In the Company of Thieves will in some ways give readers a better idea of the series as a whole than a single novel covering just one setting.
~
“THE CARPET BEDS OF SUTRO PARK” — Autistic cyborg used as a camera recorder to capture San Francisco through to roughly the present from the 1800s. His love for the city and one of its inhabitants all that matters to him. Nice story.
"THE UNFORTUNATE GYTT" — A steampunk adventure to retrieve a special object. Featuring Edward and told from the point of view of a new recruit to the pre-Company secret society in Victorian England.
"THE WOMEN OF NELL GWYNNE'S" — Read before and remembered fairly well so I didn't re-read. A novella about women who serve the secret society of the previous story as spies.
"MOTHER AEGYPT" — Ultimately hilarious novella. It grew in me as I read, starting unremarkably and culminating in a pretty hilarious climax. I think there are certain extra nuances to be gained in this one for readers familiar with the Company world, but only in terms of backstory. The main story itself should be accessible (and amusing) to new readers as well as old. Although I can't say the main character was particularly likeable; a conman who, at the start, has fallen on hard times. But his plight and thought-processes are entertaining, so I didn't mind.
“RUDE MECHANICALS” — A hilarious comedy of errors following recurring cyborg characters Joseph and Lewis. Although I'd read this one before, in audiobook form, I had little memory of it (the occasional trouble with audiobooks). Lewis is working for a director in 1930s Hollywood and Joseph is trying to preserve a certain piece of treasure for their future overlords. The universe is against Joseph, however, and everything that can go wrong does, and he drags Lewis into his mess.
"HOLLYWOOD IKONS" — This story, if I interpret the foreword correctly, was researched and planned by Kage Baker but finished by her sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, after her death. The very start of this one didn't grab me because the voice did not sound like the Joseph I remembered. Also, it included more of a introduction to Dr Zeus than any of the other stories and that felt odd in the last story of the collection. But once the plot got started I was sucked in, particularly once the humour kicked in. In a way, it's another comedy of errors, but less so than the previous story. In this one, the errors mostly occurred in the past and Joseph, with a bit of help from Lewis, has to put everything right. Although I was sceptical at the start as to whether I would enjoy reading any other incomplete-at-death Kage Baker stories, this one ultimately convinced me to at least give another one a shot, should it come up. It also had me shaking my fist at cancer for taking her away too soon.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
As usual, notes on each story are included at the end of the review.
The stories seem to be arranged chronologically according to history. The first four stories are probably the most accessible to readers unfamiliar with the Company. My previous knowledge informed my reading significantly, but I think the stories will still work well for new readers. I had forgotten how hilarious Kage Baker's short stories can be; the novels, which stuck more strongly in my mind, are less funny, I think. The last three stories had me laughing out loud several times.
There are two pairs of stories that go together thematically. The first pair is "The Unfortunate Gytt" and "The Women of Nell Gwynne's" both of which feature the pre-Company secret society and have a steampunk setting. The last two stories, "Rude Mechanicals" and "Hollywood Ikons", feature the same two recurring characters, Joseph and Lewis, the former of whom has several novels written about him. Both also happen to be set in Hollywood.
Reading this collection made me want to try harder to get a hold of what Kage Baker stories of the Company I haven't yet managed to. I strongly recommend this collection to fans of the Company novels or stories. To readers new to Kage Baker's work, there are worse ways be be introduced to it. Since the stories cover several characters and time periods, In the Company of Thieves will in some ways give readers a better idea of the series as a whole than a single novel covering just one setting.
~
“THE CARPET BEDS OF SUTRO PARK” — Autistic cyborg used as a camera recorder to capture San Francisco through to roughly the present from the 1800s. His love for the city and one of its inhabitants all that matters to him. Nice story.
"THE UNFORTUNATE GYTT" — A steampunk adventure to retrieve a special object. Featuring Edward and told from the point of view of a new recruit to the pre-Company secret society in Victorian England.
"THE WOMEN OF NELL GWYNNE'S" — Read before and remembered fairly well so I didn't re-read. A novella about women who serve the secret society of the previous story as spies.
"MOTHER AEGYPT" — Ultimately hilarious novella. It grew in me as I read, starting unremarkably and culminating in a pretty hilarious climax. I think there are certain extra nuances to be gained in this one for readers familiar with the Company world, but only in terms of backstory. The main story itself should be accessible (and amusing) to new readers as well as old. Although I can't say the main character was particularly likeable; a conman who, at the start, has fallen on hard times. But his plight and thought-processes are entertaining, so I didn't mind.
“RUDE MECHANICALS” — A hilarious comedy of errors following recurring cyborg characters Joseph and Lewis. Although I'd read this one before, in audiobook form, I had little memory of it (the occasional trouble with audiobooks). Lewis is working for a director in 1930s Hollywood and Joseph is trying to preserve a certain piece of treasure for their future overlords. The universe is against Joseph, however, and everything that can go wrong does, and he drags Lewis into his mess.
"HOLLYWOOD IKONS" — This story, if I interpret the foreword correctly, was researched and planned by Kage Baker but finished by her sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, after her death. The very start of this one didn't grab me because the voice did not sound like the Joseph I remembered. Also, it included more of a introduction to Dr Zeus than any of the other stories and that felt odd in the last story of the collection. But once the plot got started I was sucked in, particularly once the humour kicked in. In a way, it's another comedy of errors, but less so than the previous story. In this one, the errors mostly occurred in the past and Joseph, with a bit of help from Lewis, has to put everything right. Although I was sceptical at the start as to whether I would enjoy reading any other incomplete-at-death Kage Baker stories, this one ultimately convinced me to at least give another one a shot, should it come up. It also had me shaking my fist at cancer for taking her away too soon.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
January 6, 2014
http://lynnsbooks.wordpress.com/2014/...
In the Company of Thieves is a book containing six short stories written by Kage Baker (the final story being completed by Kage's sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, using notes).
I've only read one book of KB's - The Anvil of the World - which is a brilliant story, imaginative and full of quirky humour which I really enjoyed so I was looking forward to this collection of stories very much and they certainly don't disappoint.
Apparently the Company, or Dr Zeus Inc as it is sometimes known, is a series of time travelling science fiction stories involving a company whose employees, as well as being immortal can travel back into time - although they are not, apparently, permitted to change the course of history. The stories in this particular book include:
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park
The Unfortunate Gytt
The Women of Nell Gwynne's
Mother Aegypt
Rude Mechanicals
Hollywood Ikons
I haven't read any of the other Company series but having now been introduced I'm definitely interested in making a start - I just need to find the best starting place!
Without question my favourite of the stories was The Women of Nell Gwynne's. I loved the character Lady Beatrice and her story was fascinating to read. Nell's house of prostitution isn't all that it at first seems - Nell's place is used by The Company to gather information from some of it's more distinguished visitors whilst they're in the throes of passion. Run by Nell - a blind woman - who can see now see everything thanks to one of the inventions that she enjoys courtesy of the Company. This particular story involves the girls wangling themselves an invitation to a mansion where a lucrative deal is about to be made with some high rollers bidding for a piece of equipment of great significance. The stakes are high and there's definitely plenty of danger! This is just a great story. I mean, what happened to Lady Bea is no bundle of laughs but the way she turns her world around is such a treat to read. In my opinion this book is worth reading for this story alone - it's fantastic. I loved it and I want so much to return to this world.
Mother Aegypt is also a cracking little story that I found really compelling - the main character being a con man called Golesco who becomes involved with an immortal. This is a strange, dark and funny story - with giant chickens! Try to pretend you're not fascinated if you can.
Rude Mechanicals - involving a great team - Joseph and Lewis. Apparently these are Company story favourite characters and this particular story is a big mash up involving a theatre production of a Midsummer Night's Dream by a famous theatre producer. The scene Italy - the actual location - Hollywood, the props - virtually a full forest, uprooted and replanted! This staging of Shakespeare's play has become a Company mission - at the same time however another Company employee is out on another mission involving a rather special treasure. The two missions will of course cross with quite hilarious results. The brilliant part of this story is that it reads like a madcap caper. Things go from one crazy situation to another and it has this totally black-and-white-movie-slapstick-feel - which is quite fitting given it's set in the 1930's and Harold Lloyd puts in an appearance. Another great addition to the collection.
Okay. That's it. I'm not reviewing all the stories here - I need to leave something for you to go and discover yourselves. Take my word for it - they're good. They're all different. The writing is ace. There's humour. There's sadness. There's steampunk gadgets and, did I mention, the giant chickens. Go and read them for yourself.
In the Company of Thieves is a book containing six short stories written by Kage Baker (the final story being completed by Kage's sister, Kathleen Bartholomew, using notes).
I've only read one book of KB's - The Anvil of the World - which is a brilliant story, imaginative and full of quirky humour which I really enjoyed so I was looking forward to this collection of stories very much and they certainly don't disappoint.
Apparently the Company, or Dr Zeus Inc as it is sometimes known, is a series of time travelling science fiction stories involving a company whose employees, as well as being immortal can travel back into time - although they are not, apparently, permitted to change the course of history. The stories in this particular book include:
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park
The Unfortunate Gytt
The Women of Nell Gwynne's
Mother Aegypt
Rude Mechanicals
Hollywood Ikons
I haven't read any of the other Company series but having now been introduced I'm definitely interested in making a start - I just need to find the best starting place!
Without question my favourite of the stories was The Women of Nell Gwynne's. I loved the character Lady Beatrice and her story was fascinating to read. Nell's house of prostitution isn't all that it at first seems - Nell's place is used by The Company to gather information from some of it's more distinguished visitors whilst they're in the throes of passion. Run by Nell - a blind woman - who can see now see everything thanks to one of the inventions that she enjoys courtesy of the Company. This particular story involves the girls wangling themselves an invitation to a mansion where a lucrative deal is about to be made with some high rollers bidding for a piece of equipment of great significance. The stakes are high and there's definitely plenty of danger! This is just a great story. I mean, what happened to Lady Bea is no bundle of laughs but the way she turns her world around is such a treat to read. In my opinion this book is worth reading for this story alone - it's fantastic. I loved it and I want so much to return to this world.
Mother Aegypt is also a cracking little story that I found really compelling - the main character being a con man called Golesco who becomes involved with an immortal. This is a strange, dark and funny story - with giant chickens! Try to pretend you're not fascinated if you can.
Rude Mechanicals - involving a great team - Joseph and Lewis. Apparently these are Company story favourite characters and this particular story is a big mash up involving a theatre production of a Midsummer Night's Dream by a famous theatre producer. The scene Italy - the actual location - Hollywood, the props - virtually a full forest, uprooted and replanted! This staging of Shakespeare's play has become a Company mission - at the same time however another Company employee is out on another mission involving a rather special treasure. The two missions will of course cross with quite hilarious results. The brilliant part of this story is that it reads like a madcap caper. Things go from one crazy situation to another and it has this totally black-and-white-movie-slapstick-feel - which is quite fitting given it's set in the 1930's and Harold Lloyd puts in an appearance. Another great addition to the collection.
Okay. That's it. I'm not reviewing all the stories here - I need to leave something for you to go and discover yourselves. Take my word for it - they're good. They're all different. The writing is ace. There's humour. There's sadness. There's steampunk gadgets and, did I mention, the giant chickens. Go and read them for yourself.
January 18, 2014
You can find my full review over on NomadicReader
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review, my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
I admit, sometimes I’m pretty shallow when it comes to picking a book to read. I judge by the covers (both the front and the back). The cover to ‘In the Company of Thieves’ pulled at me and I just knew that I had to read it.
I was sad to learn that Kage Baker had passed on, and even sadder once I read the first short story in this series. It involves a robotic entity who does nothing but observe time as it passes. Down the same streets, the same city. Eventually he starts to watch and observe a woman who visits a specific park each day. She fights for the restoration of the park but no one listens to her. He watches as she becomes thinner, and thinner, and eventually she dies from her illness. It was a sad yet touching story, filled with emotion and compassion, more so once I heard of the authors own death. Funny how things can touch us that way.
The stories were chosen by the authors sister once she had passed on, and that is probably the reason why they seem to ‘hit home’ as it were. There are six short stories total and while the later ones involve a setting that Kage Baker is known for, the first ones are a bit all over the place. This isn’t a bad thing, it just left me a bit confused as I naturally looked for a tie-in between stories. I loved the writing style and the steampunk-esc settings, but still found myself wanting a bit ‘more’ out of each short story.
The book came out in 2013, so if you’re a fan of Kage Baker or are looking for some new short stories to delve into, this makes for a great choice and it certainly left me with the desire to check out some of her other work.
3.5/5 stars
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review, my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
I admit, sometimes I’m pretty shallow when it comes to picking a book to read. I judge by the covers (both the front and the back). The cover to ‘In the Company of Thieves’ pulled at me and I just knew that I had to read it.
I was sad to learn that Kage Baker had passed on, and even sadder once I read the first short story in this series. It involves a robotic entity who does nothing but observe time as it passes. Down the same streets, the same city. Eventually he starts to watch and observe a woman who visits a specific park each day. She fights for the restoration of the park but no one listens to her. He watches as she becomes thinner, and thinner, and eventually she dies from her illness. It was a sad yet touching story, filled with emotion and compassion, more so once I heard of the authors own death. Funny how things can touch us that way.
The stories were chosen by the authors sister once she had passed on, and that is probably the reason why they seem to ‘hit home’ as it were. There are six short stories total and while the later ones involve a setting that Kage Baker is known for, the first ones are a bit all over the place. This isn’t a bad thing, it just left me a bit confused as I naturally looked for a tie-in between stories. I loved the writing style and the steampunk-esc settings, but still found myself wanting a bit ‘more’ out of each short story.
The book came out in 2013, so if you’re a fan of Kage Baker or are looking for some new short stories to delve into, this makes for a great choice and it certainly left me with the desire to check out some of her other work.
3.5/5 stars
January 17, 2014
A collection of "Company" related stories, most of them previously published. I'd actually read most of them in previous editions, but it was interesting to see them again. This collection stands alone better than some of the past Company collections did, so is a better start for someone wanting to try out Kage Baker's work. (Anyone wanting to start on The Company novels themselves really should start at "In the Garden of Iden" or "Sky Coyote" as after that point they become extremely sequential and interdependent...)
The stories in this collection are:
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park - Definitely a minor work. It told more than showed and not a lot happened.
The Unfortunate Gytt - Had some amusing moments but also not one of her more important pieces.
The Women of Nell Gwynne's - A good novella, company-related but also a bit quasi-steam punk. I think the tale's resolution makes a bit more sense if you're familiar with some of the latter Company books, but it works regardless.
Mother Aegypt - This is the best "stand alone" tale in the book and yet is very representative of Baker's work, with it's perfect mixture of pathos and ridiculousness.
Rude Mechanicals - A good one if you want an intro to The Company series' immortal history-spanning cyborgs, in that you get the flavor and general world-building, but the story isn't interdependent with any of the others in the series. Fan favorites Joseph and Lewis (I <3 Lewis 4EVER) go from one disastrous quasi-historical hijink to another in their search for a missing treasure.
Hollywood Ikons - This one was written by her sister using Baker's notes. I felt like it wasn't really quite ready, like there was some piece of the puzzle not there, and it came together a bit too pat. It was nice to have a chance to see it though.
The stories in this collection are:
The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park - Definitely a minor work. It told more than showed and not a lot happened.
The Unfortunate Gytt - Had some amusing moments but also not one of her more important pieces.
The Women of Nell Gwynne's - A good novella, company-related but also a bit quasi-steam punk. I think the tale's resolution makes a bit more sense if you're familiar with some of the latter Company books, but it works regardless.
Mother Aegypt - This is the best "stand alone" tale in the book and yet is very representative of Baker's work, with it's perfect mixture of pathos and ridiculousness.
Rude Mechanicals - A good one if you want an intro to The Company series' immortal history-spanning cyborgs, in that you get the flavor and general world-building, but the story isn't interdependent with any of the others in the series. Fan favorites Joseph and Lewis (I <3 Lewis 4EVER) go from one disastrous quasi-historical hijink to another in their search for a missing treasure.
Hollywood Ikons - This one was written by her sister using Baker's notes. I felt like it wasn't really quite ready, like there was some piece of the puzzle not there, and it came together a bit too pat. It was nice to have a chance to see it though.
February 3, 2014
This is all my fault, ladies and gents.
Somehow, when I read the description on Netgalley, all I could see was that this was the book about time travel. Woohoo! I love time travel books. Well, what I failed to notice was that it was a collection of short stories from Kage Baker.
I hate short stories with a passion, that's why I avoid anthologies and rarely review novellas. There is just never enough time to immerse yourself into the story and fall in love with the characters.
In this case all the stories were connected to The Company which dabbled into time travel among other wonderful inventions. However there was very little actual time travel involved, and really the stories were pretty dry and reminded me of Gordon Dahlquist's style (although the latter is a much better writer).
The only story I enjoyed and appreciated was The Women of Nell Gwynne's. All the heroines were prostitutes employed by The Company, who were stuck in the castle trying to prevent a major invention being sold abroad. One of them - Lady Beatrice, was the most striking heroine, and I instantly fell in love with her spirit and her brazen red dresses.
Otherwise, this is not the most entertaining book, and I'm hesitant to recommend it to anyone who isn't a loyal fan of Kage Baker's works.
Somehow, when I read the description on Netgalley, all I could see was that this was the book about time travel. Woohoo! I love time travel books. Well, what I failed to notice was that it was a collection of short stories from Kage Baker.
I hate short stories with a passion, that's why I avoid anthologies and rarely review novellas. There is just never enough time to immerse yourself into the story and fall in love with the characters.
In this case all the stories were connected to The Company which dabbled into time travel among other wonderful inventions. However there was very little actual time travel involved, and really the stories were pretty dry and reminded me of Gordon Dahlquist's style (although the latter is a much better writer).
The only story I enjoyed and appreciated was The Women of Nell Gwynne's. All the heroines were prostitutes employed by The Company, who were stuck in the castle trying to prevent a major invention being sold abroad. One of them - Lady Beatrice, was the most striking heroine, and I instantly fell in love with her spirit and her brazen red dresses.
Otherwise, this is not the most entertaining book, and I'm hesitant to recommend it to anyone who isn't a loyal fan of Kage Baker's works.
June 24, 2014
Kage Bakeri Company-sarja lõpetav kogumik. Kuigi viimane jutt annab märku, et tegelikult võib sari veel tükk aega jätkuda. Nimelt on proua Bakeri õde asunud "järelejäänud paberitest" ja "märkustest" kokku kirjutama uusi sarja jutte, kogumikus on esimeseks pääsukeseks viimane, "Hollywood Ikons". On küll ära tunda stiilivahe ja loomulikult on palju puisem kui Kage Bakeri enda looming. Aga see selleks.
Parimad lood olid aurupunklik "The Women of Nell Gwynne's", Kage Bakeri paari lemmikteemat - Los Angelese geograafia ja ajalugu ning varajane 1920ndate Hollywood - ärakasutav "Rude Mechanicals" oma slapstick-komöödiale omase vahetpidamatu tagaajamisega ja nukkerlüüriline "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park". "Mother Aegypt" on mitmel korral ennegi ilmunud, "The Unfortunate Gytt" oli samuti aurupunk, peaosas Company-sarja peavärdjas Edward Bell-Fairfax ja "Hollywood Ikons" oli siis see...khm-khm...lauasahtlist leitud paberitest Kage Bakeri õe Kathleen Bartholomew' poolt kokku kirjutatud.
Ei, päris mõnus kogumik, millega ma isiklikult panen nüüd Company - sarjale ka punkti.
Parimad lood olid aurupunklik "The Women of Nell Gwynne's", Kage Bakeri paari lemmikteemat - Los Angelese geograafia ja ajalugu ning varajane 1920ndate Hollywood - ärakasutav "Rude Mechanicals" oma slapstick-komöödiale omase vahetpidamatu tagaajamisega ja nukkerlüüriline "The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park". "Mother Aegypt" on mitmel korral ennegi ilmunud, "The Unfortunate Gytt" oli samuti aurupunk, peaosas Company-sarja peavärdjas Edward Bell-Fairfax ja "Hollywood Ikons" oli siis see...khm-khm...lauasahtlist leitud paberitest Kage Bakeri õe Kathleen Bartholomew' poolt kokku kirjutatud.
Ei, päris mõnus kogumik, millega ma isiklikult panen nüüd Company - sarjale ka punkti.
August 5, 2017
Science fiction author Kage Baker passed away in 2010, putting In the Company of Thieves into the awkward category of posthumous works. Some of the stories collected here were previously published, but some were finished by the editor, Kathleen Bartholomew. All of the stories take place in the world Baker created for Dr. Zeus, Inc., a company from the future that uses their immortality/cyborg technology and time travel technology to save lost works of art and literature and endangered plant and animal DNA. I first read the opening novel in the series, In the Garden of Iden, years ago and I fell in love with it because I wholeheartedly approve of the company’s mission. Whenever I see major cities destroyed by aliens or something in movies, my first thought is always for the lost art and architecture...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
February 4, 2016
I decided when I started with Goodreads that I would read everything of Kage Baker's that I hadn't read yet. This one is a collection of short stories published in 2013 and containing 6 mostly previously-published stories. The last of the group, Hollywood Ikons, was finished by Baker's sister Kathleen Bartholomew, a writer in her own right, who had often collaborated with Baker - that story has its first appearance here. The Women of Nell Gwynne's is probably known to Baker fans - that is included. And my favorite, The Carpet Beds of Sutro Park. I would have put that story last since it reminds me of how much we lost when we lost Baker in 2010 - and how much I appreciate that her sister is keeping her around a little longer for us. If you've never read anything by Baker, you might try this one to start just to get a sampling. The writing is so effortless to read, but thoughtful and funny too, with characters who will stay with you.
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