A review by bogdanbalostin
Warriors by George R.R. Martin

5.0

Some short stories are worth it. Here's my favorites:

The Triumph by Robin Hobb. 5⭐/5
I loved this. I didn't think Robin Hobb can write such brutal torture but at its core, this one is a story of friendship and some nice battles with some twists. Historical fiction that reads like fantasy.

Clean Slate by Lawrence Block. 5⭐/5
Another one I loved though from the beginning towards the middle I thought this is a really weak story. It is not my genre and there's a lot of sex and I didn't understand what's the connection with the warriors. And then the pieces fell at the end and damn, the protagonist is so well written. I almost reread it again.

And Ministers of Grace by Tad Williams. 5⭐/5
Fantastic world-building, focusing on religion and holy wars in the future. Unfortunately, there is no wrap-up for the story and everything feels only like a chapter out of a bigger book.

Soldierin’ by Joe R. Lansdale. 5⭐/5
Engaging and funny western story. The story is average at best but the characters and the presentation are delicious.

Dirae by Peter S. Beagle. 5⭐/5
Really confusing for the first few pages, it's a fantastic story in the end with mystery and heart. Beware of the spoilers in the title and don't search for the meaning of the word if you don't know it.

The Girls From Avenger by Carrie Vaughn. 5⭐/5
I really liked this story. Despite the small scale, it feels extremely personal and because of the way the story is written, the stakes are everything. Also, even the ending feels satisfying even though some will find it weak.

The Scroll by David Ball. 5⭐/5
An amazing villain and the path to madness. It's about psychological torture in 15th century Morocco. You feel compelled to read all the horrifying things the protagonist is subjected to and while I expected more for the end, I was not disappointed.

The Mystery Knight by George R.R. Martin. 5⭐/5
The gem of the volume. Lots of characters, delicious dialogue, plenty of schemes, it is Game of Thrones at a smaller. The plot is smart is all I can say. You know what to expect from George R.R. Martin.