How the World Became Quiet: Myths of the Past, Present, and Future

Swirsky’s career, which began in 2006, so far includes the publication of over 50 short stories and poems, attracting nominations for most of speculative fiction’s major awards. The 18 stories in this fine collection show Swirsky’s range in both fantasy and SF: “The Lady Who Plucked Red Flowers Beneath the Queen’s Window” is the tale of a conniving revenant; the title story is an almost Stapledonian exploration of deep time and transformation; “The Monster’s Million Faces” examines the utility of vengeance; and “Eros, Philia, Agape” considers the problems of autonomic created beings in revolutionary ways. Swirsky’s crisp prose and insightful vision draw the reader in, and her work will amply reward both casual reading and close attention. (Oct.)