Status Updates From Swords & Larceny

This book is pretty damned sweet! Reading the 3rd story now, Gilt and Glamor by Tracy S. Morris. I figured I'd like it, but the setting isn't usually my thing. But holy$#!+ , this is a great story, beautifully written, and from different points-of-view - but truly from different personalities. Each character is the lead in his or her own mind. Genius!!!!

Ruocchio: what an interesting story. A grand heist conducted by far too few people, marvelous contraptions, mechanical/sorcerous critters (a walking temple!), and quite the unique protagonist who is on far more important a quest than a little theft. Powerful magics, beliefs, and characters.

Enge, "The House of Fame": Enge's writings grow odder and odder as time progresses. This is the first non-Morlock tale of his I've read in forever, and that's a cool thing. A fun premise with an entertaining narrator, a badass sidekick, and lots of cumbersome sentences. Unique most definitely.

Erdelac, "Black Bones of the White Hypaethral": lots of words, fell asleep twice reading this one in bed. Enjoyed it much more when the POV character changed. After that lots of creative action and fun survival.

Zub, "Just a Bit of Smoke": alright story, though a tad silly. Perhaps because it follows a rock star of a story, this one reads/feels like it is simply a quick romp on the beach read. Cool magical defenses and a brawler written fun are the highlights.

Akers, "To Steal a God": Da Bomb! Great story, super exciting world of powered-up sorcerous and divine characters. The MC isn't a typical hero by far but was quite spectacular in his role. Fun read - I want more of this world.

Akers story is Da Bomb!

Hocking, "The Darkflame Deception": good to read a new Archivist tale! This one's a doozy, mystery, crime, betrayal, death, sorcery. Well written.

Simmons, "Five Beneath the Palace of Kalgranis": delightful read, my favorite thus far. Loads of danger, dangerous alliances, even more dangerous action, and then a mad scram for survival! Good story!

Martinez, "The Orpheus Job": fun story told in a well-written and fun style. I'd read more of these Sword n Sorcery characters.

Spencer, "Legacy of Dragons": fun epic fantasy story, strong argument to be called "Legacy of Giants" but I'll not quibble. I enjoyed the heroine. I will quibble about...well, technically the anthology does not bill itself as Sword n Sorcery, but using 'Sword and' in the title sorta does...second story far more magical and epic than anticipated.

Aryan, "The Unworthy": an oddity of a story, again spending a lot of work and telling to get to the climactic fizzle. I didn't connect with any character let alone the protagonist. Treaded water with this one.

Morris, "Gilt and Glamour": very colorful, long, and convoluted. Mostly enjoyable, though the swift climax/denouement were a bit abruptly simple.

Willingham, "The Mistress of Spiders and the Hooded Crow": I find Bill Willingham to be a fascinating storyteller and this little story keeps his streak solidly alive. It is short, too, a particular talent Bill has, in writing right, fun tales. This one held me in suspense as I began wondering where/when the heist was, so I walked right into it.

Finn, "The Beer Run": banger of a fun start. Since I know Mark, I actually read/heard this story in his voice. He is a born storyteller and this is a fine, fun, fantasy heist. My only quibble is I seriously doubt that there will ever be a time no one is looking for them after this caper.

Mark Finn opens things up with a terrific and fun foreword - totally and appropriately setting the stage.