If you've read McKillip, you've probably come here for the lyrical, dreamy writing - and that you'll get, occasionally to the point of incomprehensibility. Overall, her writing is gorgeous, and her worlds are interesting to explore, even in such small settings as short stories. The ones that work the best for me in this collection are the ones that hearken to her favorite full-lengths in style and ideas.

My favorites? "A Matter of Music" is classic McKillip and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also loved "Lady of the Skulls" and was amused that the subject is a trope I took on as a writer long ago, and she took it and made it everything I wish I'd thought to write. I love reading things like that, because they inspire me to become better at my craft! "The Stranger" was compelling, and I was also entranced by the weaving exploration in the story, as I am a fiber artist and I've felt those sorts of emotions about capturing colors.
Least favorites: "Ash, Wood, Fire" and "Transmutations" - both were frustrating, because they never gelled properly, and were difficult to follow.

I wouldn't recommend this for a first time reader of McKillip, but if you are a fan, there are some jewels in here.