Card is a natural raconteur, capable of vividly fleshing out his original characters in a few strong strokes, without hitting a false note or lapsing into sentimentality. . . . This is one of the strongest SF story collections of the past few years. -- Publishers Weekly Card is a natural raconteur, capable of vividly fleshing out his original characters in a few strong strokes, without hitting a false note or lapsing into sentimentality. . . . This is one of the strongest SF story collections of the past few years. Publishers Weekly Card is a natural raconteur, capable of vividly fleshing out his original characters in a few strong strokes, without hitting a false note or lapsing into sentimentality. . . . This is one of the strongest SF story collections of the past few years. --Publishers Weekly