Fans of S.M. Stirling – and there must be many of them since Stirling has written well over 20 books – should be overjoyed at Night Shade Books’ release of 13 short stories in ICE, IRON AND GOLD. These stories span Stirling’s career, ranging as far back as 1986 and culminating in a brand-new tale that is original to this volume. Most of them have appeared in various anthologies such as BOLOS, ALTERNATE GENERALS and others – books that not all collectors may have – so this is your chance to read Stirling’s contributions to those works.
Stirling loves tales of battle and warfare, and this tends to get a little plodding when reading one story right after the other. It’s all intense battles, time-shifting anomalies, alternate realities and then a short and sweet twist at the end. His thoughtful eye for detail makes it believable when Egyptian-era soldiers are having to deal with explosive cannons “invented” by a man from the future. And his knowledge of weapons, horsemanship and battlefield tactics help, too. But there are some real clunkers in the book, especially the tale “Compadres” (co-written with Richard Foss), which is absolutely leaden in its dialogue and pacing.
The real strength of the book comes with the three stories from the BOLOS books. These involve a supremely monstrous automated machine of war: a 150-ton smart tank that can smash entire villages. How the soldiers deal with this powerful, but awkward weapon in their command lends some humanity to the normal fare of hacking, slashing and bloodletting. Mention also should be made of “The Apotheosis of Martin Padway,” perhaps the best story in the book, involving a delightful time-shifting conundrum that could have been expanded (I don’t want to ruin the punch of the story by explaining further).
If your taste runs toward action, and you’re not put off by tales of war and derring-do, then this collection is certain to contain a few pieces that will please you. But as is common with collected short stories, they do seem to run muddily together in theme and approach.
The one new piece, “Something for Yew,” is a rousing detective tale that promises much for Stirling’s new work. It also should be noted that the limited edition of this book contains one more story (“The Mage, the Maiden, and the Hag”) not seen in the trade edition. If you’re unfamiliar with Stirling, as I was, I wouldn’t start with this book, but instead go for any one of his longer pieces. He definitely has a flair, an appreciation for battle strategy and tactics, a descriptive touch that doesn’t go overboard, a love of detail that provides verisimilitude and usually excellent pacing. –Mark Rose
Related posts:
- Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan
- BULLETS, BROADS, BLACKMAIL & BOMBS >> Gold Eagle Grab Bag
- Crusader Gold
- The Vengeance Man / Park Avenue Tramp / The Prettiest Girl I Ever Killed: A Trio of Gold Medals
- Essential Iron Fist: Vol. 1
