Full disclosure: I have a short story published in this book.
However, I'm pleased to admit I'm in really good company. There's a lot of great stories in here.
"Contested Landings" definitely favors short stories as a theme. Having the main characters drop from space right into the action really lends well to a lot of great stories. There's a lot to like in each story, but the last story of the bunch, "Technical Necromancy", definitely ends on one heck of a gut punch.
Like any anthologies, there's ups and downs but this is certainly one that pays off. It's highly recommended!