Orbit 13
Twenty stories of distinctly bleak 1970s speculative fiction, ranging from post-apocalyptic nightmares to reality-bending psychological horror. Doris Piserchia and Kate Wilhelm deliver some excellent work, but the relentless gloom left me exhausted rather than hungry for more.
Regenesis
Four loosely connected novellas follow a misanthropic ecological scientist working to preserve animal life across the galaxy. Rich in real science, surprising emotion, and occasional delightful weirdness, Regenesis left me wishing there were more.
House of Illusion
A young librarian visits her eccentric aunt's mysterious estate, hoping for adventure. An intriguing opening, a charming mechanic, and some genuinely terrible plotting make for a deeply disappointing Gothic mystery.
The Witchstone
Three villains pursue a magical stone, and an intriguing exploration of damaged people gives way to a disappointing quest and an unconvincing redemption. Wonderful beginnings, frustrating execution, and yet another case of Bad Back Copy.
Missing Man
A kindhearted telepath with learning disabilities joins a futuristic rescue squad. George is wonderful, the premise is fascinating, and the increasingly disconnected plots turn a promising collection of ideas into a frustrating mess.
The Fountains of Mirlacca
A kindhearted outcast, a fascinating guild of exorcists, and a richly imagined little fantasy world. Unfortunately, rushed pacing and some spectacularly misleading back-cover copy undermine an otherwise promising story.