Featuring an original introduction by Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn . Bestselling author Patricia A. McKillip (The Riddle-Master of Hed) is one of the most lyrical writers gracing the fantasy genre. With the debut of her newest work, Dreams of Distant Shores is a true ode to her many talents. Within these pages you will find a youthful artist possessed by both his painting and his muse and seductive travelers from the sea enrapturing distant lovers. The statue of a mermaid comes suddenly to life, and two friends are transfixed by a haunted estate. Fans of McKillip’s ethereal fiction will find much to delight them; those lucky enough to be discovering her work will find much to enchant them. Praise for Dreams of Distant Shores An Overdrive Recommended Book 2016 Locus Recommended Reading List A Barnes & Noble Blog Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Collections and Anthologies of 2016 [STAR] “McKillip ( Wonders of the Invisible World ), winner of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, collects nine dazzling shorter pieces (both originals and reprints) in this outstanding collection. The brief, creepy “Weird” opens the volume, merging an oddly romantic picnic in a bathroom and a mysterious threat outside into something that exists in a darkly beautiful interstitial place. The longest piece, “Something Rich and Strange,” which appeared originally as a standalone novella in Brian Froud’s Faerielands series, is an ecological fairy tale that contains the most gorgeous of McKillip’s prose (“her blind stare of pearl and wormwood”)―and the weakest of her plots, but even weaker McKillip is well worth reading. The newer stories also shine. “Mer” is a small gem about a nameless witch, a fishing village, and a mermaid statue. “Edith and Henry Go Motoring” features a toll bridge that leads travelers on an unexpected journey. Beyond the short fiction, the volume finishes with an essay on writing high fantasy, and an appreciation of McKillip’s work by renowned fantasist Peter S. Beagle. Fans of exquisite prose and ethereal fantasy will need to own this.” ― Publishers Weekly “A young couple trade odd stories in a bathroom as something rages outside. An artist calls upon his muse, who answers him through an unfinished painting. A musical band of witches takes on a dark force during their bar performance. The seven ethereal tales (including three new ones), collected here touch on people’s dreams and desires. Also featured is McKillip’s 2002 essay on writing high fantasy and Peter S. Beagle’s afterword, “Dear Pat,” an appreciation of McKillip’s work. VERDICT: McKillip ( Wonders of the Invisible World ) once more enchants with this volume, which fantasy readers will devour as they are transported into multiple realities.” ― Library Journal “VERDICT This collection of fascinating and haunting tales that will linger with readers is a strong addition to short story and fantasy collections; hand to fans of Holly Black, Robin McKinley, and Donna Jo Napoli.” ― School Library Journal “Elegant and absorbing, [McKillip’s] work never reads as stiff or formal, as some fantasy stories can lean toward, and the language, while beautiful, never loses the reader, but instead remains both lyrical and deeply visceral.” ― Manhattan Book Review “Absolutely spellbinding. It has been a very long time since we read a gathering of short stories as perfect and beguiling as these.” ― Starburst , 10 of 10 stars “McKillip’s prose is both lovely and thought-provoking. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantastical short works.” ― Fantasy Literature “Lovely prose . . . Dreams of Distant Shores is for the discerning fantasy reader.” ― Elitist Book Reviews “Patricia A. McKillip’s Dreams of Distant Shores is a stunningly beautiful and magnificent short story collection filled with excellent high fantasy. It's a perfect example of what lyrical fantasy authors are capable of achieving in modern fantasy fiction, because each of the stories is captivating and offers something new to readers.” ― Risingshadow “A portal to the immanent magical worlds that McKillip convincingly suggests are nearby.” ― Locus “A new Patricia McKillip book is always a cause for celebration . . . There’s not a wrong [story] note here” ― Fantasy & Science Fiction “Glimpses of things which remain timeless, nameless, and true.” ― Strange Horizons “Each tale felt like a dream permeated by a different style of magic . . . An excellent collection.” ― Worlds Without End “It’s both essential for fans and a lovely introduction to her work.” ― B&N Sci Fi & Fantasy blog “All the stories struck me as treasures.” ― Through Raspberry Colored Glasses “I love Patricia McKillip’s novels, but even more, I am passionate about her brilliant short stories―those coruscating jewels that are both remarkable for their language, their power, their wit, and their depth. She writes pure fantasy and h