Overall review
Mutants is a solid, sometimes chatty and
overlong science fiction story anthology revolving around the theme of aliens
and their interactions with humans. Even the lesser tales have something
interesting about them to recommend them, even if they ultimately fall short of
greatness (e.g., “Idiot Solvant,” “The Immortal,” “Home From the Shore,” “Rehabilitated,”
“Of the People”). This is a book
worth picking up for a few bucks or borrowing from the library.
Standout stories
1.) “Warrior”: An alien soldier seeks justice for the unnecessary deaths
of his fellow troops. Good read, with its
science-fiction-mixed-with-a-revenge-pulp storyline.
2.) “Danger─Human!”: Eldridge Timothy Parker, a human kidnapped and
gently studied by aliens, seeks to escape his captors. Will he succeed? This is
one of the best tales in this collection, for its imaginative, superb writing
and exciting finish.
3.) “Listen”: A four-year-old boy’s
companion─a tentacle, trilling and amiable creature─schools the boy in the notions
of a larger good. Excellent read, this one sporting a nuanced and horrifying
ending.
4.) “Roofs of Silver”: Science fiction
Western about a murderer (Jabe) whose reluctant actions stem from an official
government report condemning his family to death─another favorite offering in
this anthology.
5.) “By New Hearth Fires”: The world’s last
dog is dying─though an experiment may save him and others. Tender-hearted,
futuristic and memorable read.
6.) “Miss Prinks”: Lydia Prinks, a woman
with lady-like principles, changes─just a little─after an encounter with
distorted time. Fun, character-true read.
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