In the introduction, GRRM describes the old spinner racks filled with pulp novels from different genres, and warns that this anthology will be similarly diverse. I think Martin and Dozois deliver just that in this anthology of short stories. I do have to point out the amusingly stupid comment made by the reviewer at fantasybookcritic.com, that complains that while the genres of stories varies, the subject doesn't - they're all about soldiers and war! Well, you'd think you could figure that out from the title. Duh.

And indeed many of the short stories do have war as a unifying theme, but not all of them. There was one moving story about a dog rescued from a fighting pit, and another (by Peter S Beagle!) about a crime fighting "ghost". One of my favorites was by Haldeman, which apparently takes place in a larger universe about Soldierboys. I'll have to pick that one up. I was oddly impressed by Robert Sivlerburg's contribution about the few remaining soldiers guarding a fort facing no enemies, trying to decide whether or not to return home. I think that actually prompted a nightmare! I've tried Silverburg's fantasy and never really liked it. The last short story I've actually saved for later, which is another Dunk and Egg story in GRRM's ASOIAF universe. I read the first short story in Legends, but missed the second one in Legends II, so I want to refresh my memory before I read the third in this anthology. Altogether a pleasant and entertaining collection of diverse stories which may give me ideas of other authors to pursue.