Why Coyotes Howl [Format Kindle]

Why Coyotes Howl is a difficult volume to review. The stories in it are all so varied in tone, length and style that what pleases one reader might not work for the next. Having said that, however... what can be said of the volume as a whole is that it's deftly written; Martin has an understated touch and an excellent command of language and narrative. You're not going to find showy prose that exists only to look impressive here; even the less straightforward plots are served by straightforward prose that gets out of its own way. The stories range from magic realism to fantasy/science fiction with some expressly in the furry subgenre, and vary from straight romantic plots to existential meditations.

I had some favorites; I thought "The Fox Maiden" was clever without overstaying its welcome; "Only With Thine Eyes" was a nice science fiction first-contact from multiple viewpoints and a hint at a fascinating alien culture; "Travelling Music" was a touching novella with good grounding in Florida detail, one of the few stories long enough to sink into, and showing off Martin's talent more distinctly than the shorter pieces. Additionally, "Vertical Blanking," "Still Life, with Espresso" and the titular story were all haunting. I think Martin shines when he allows his literary roots to inform his writing. While the straight fantasy and furry shorts were well-rendered, I think he writes closer to the bone when he writes more magically.

Also, specific to the e-book: the formatting is beautiful, with small caps, a working table of contents and proper dingbats for scene separators. It's a beautiful piece of work. Plus, for the price you get a significant amount of material.

In summary, then, an excellent retrospective of an author writing in a variety of styles, with something for everyone, particularly rewarding for those who like a little literary peanut butter with their genre chocolate. My only complaint is that many of the shorts felt -too- short; Martin works best for me at novella length or longer. I reserve the final star in the hopes of inspiring him to finish up some novels for our consideration.

A collection of short stories (mostly anthropomorphic) by an "acclaimed small-press author." Not exactly a title to make people ooo and ahhh, but at least it's honest (haha). The quality varies, but there are some good ones.

"Why Coyotes Howl" (title story): What would happen if you gave a werecoyote a ride home?

"The Fox Maiden": Soldiers in battle are rescued by a unicorn, but they're being tested. What happens to those who fail?

"Only With Thine Eyes": First contact with aliens told in journal entries by both sides. The best in the collection!

"Without Evidence": A missing prince, and a white tiger is suspect.

"Traveling Music": An interdimensional gate allows passage between a parallel universe where a different animal is "humanized."

You'll have to get used to the frequently recurring theme of what would happen if you found one of these humanlike animals attractive in order to enjoy these. If you can buy into this topic, the collection will be an interesting read.

My only complaint is that Martin occasionally mentions important details in odd places and ways (if at all), so there are a few stories where I got lost because the detail didn't register at first. I don't know if this is the fault of the reader or the text, but it did distract me from a few of them. Other than that, I enjoyed this. It's more of a different kind of fantasy, and that's what I've been looking for.

One of the best books of anthro short stories I have read in a while. I could not put it down until I reached the end.