Dreams Of The Storyteller Series An Overview
When I started reading the Dreams of the Storyteller Series there were 18 volumes in the collection. Then it expanded to 20, and now it is compressed to 14. Six of the stories have been split off into a different collection called Sherlock Holmes Pastiches. After reading the 14 stories I wanted to highlight them as a series. So here ate the volumes in the Dreams of the Storyteller Series in publication order.
Legacy of Death
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 1
ASIN B00JNYVLP2
A previous edition had the subtitle “The Dyson's Comet Killer” which reveals a bit more about the story. This story starts with an event at the Golden Gate Bridge and then jumps back in time. I loved the sequence in the story about the Motorcycle Bandit, would love to see that expanded into a full story itself. The main story is a hunt for a serial killer. The lack of clues gives Bolton a clue and sharing that hunch changes everything.
This is the most intense of the stories I have read in this collection. It draws you in and though you see a train wreck coming you just cannot look away. By the ends you will understand the beginning and feel the same sense of loss as characters in the story.
The Invited
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 2
ASIN B00JNYVF2G
There are a number of editions of this story dating from between 2011 and 2023. The 2023 edition is a rebranded edition with a new cover. The new cover really attracts, and gives a great feel for the story. This is another story is written in a classic science fiction style by Paolinelli. It takes me back to a lot of the stories I first read when I overcame my dyslexia. It is a very powerful and deeply moving story. You really feel for Sinclair, and the plight of all humanity. It is a great read. And to be honest I wish there were more stories available with these characters, I would love to see what Paolinelli would write about the this conflict at the beginning, and what happens next. I would love to see other stories set in this world.
The Fall Of Denver:
A Tribute Story to the Original War Of The Worlds By H.G. Wells'
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 3
ASIN B0B2C7RC98
This is an absolutely excellent short story. Part western, Part Science Fiction, and a whole lot of fun. It is the story of friendship, service, family, and love. This story quickly draws readers in. Major Wayne is an instantly likeable character. And the events transpiring out while after communication is lost with Europe is incredibly well written. I can honestly state I would love to read more stories about Wayne both before and after these events.
This was a great read. It is a story that leaves you desperate for more. It is a wonderful story in a classic Science Fiction style. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of classic science fiction and for fans of westerns.
Nothing Ever Happens Here
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 4
ASIN B0CD2MW7XQ
This story has a different plot that took me by surprise. With how much I read that is saying something. There were several occasions while reading 12 of the other stories in this collection, where I almost started this one. But I kept putting it off. This story involves a ghost hunter’s type crew from a show called Haunted America looking for disappearing staircases in a national park. The head ranger, District Ranger Blanchard tries to dissuade them. Their leader is Larry Kincaid, and he is supposed to be the brains of the outfit. Vicki Grace is his co-host and Randy Phillips is the cameraman and tech crew.
But Larry has a plan, and his picked a few locations to check out. Unfortunately for the three of them he plotted correctly. And with disastrous consequences. To Find out what befalls them you will need to read this chilling tale.
Icarus Falls
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 5
ASIN B0CD2MRN9C
There is a sense of foreboding from the very beginning of this story. When an order from the top comes down Kim Watson takes lead on a mission he had planned for a subordinate. A subordinate who Jim believes is due the recognition. But orders are orders and with short notice Jim preps for a final mission to space and the colony on Mars. The tip out and certification of the facility happen without incident. But a meteor that the tracking missed causes devastation. Not only for the largest human space station, for Jim’s flight crew, and for the colonist awaiting the final ok to head out. Everyone is trying to come up with daring and dangerous ways to save Jim, or not have him spend year alone. Who can come up with the best plan with the least risk. And will it succeed? To find out read this excellent Science Fiction Short story.
The 13th Medallion
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 6
ASIN B0CD2N1CVL
This story is written in a classic science fiction story. It takes me back to a lot of the stories I first read when I overcame my dyslexia. A powerful story. It is an excellent read. And to be honest I wish there were more stories available with these characters.
This is a excellent short story, and leaves you wanting more. I would love to see other stories set in this world. Both before and after these events. What led this race to wipe up us Humans, and what power did we wield in the universe when they returned from their time travel mission to destroy us. This was one of those stories that as soon as I finished it I reread it again!
At Homeworld's End
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 7
ASIN B0CD2QWY73
Again this story reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories or a Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat sequence, the fact that we are allowed into the mind of a man who will be the last man on Earth. The story was deeply moving. Thinking about our own impending death and living with purpose. A real Memento Mori feel to this story. The only thing missing would have been the rock on the cover looking sort of skullish.
This is a well written short story. It draws you in quickly, it keeps your attention. The main character is excellently written.
The Last Human
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 8
ASIN B0CDRB73FV
This story has a unique premise. And with how much I read that is saying something. The world has changed over a weekend. A scientist is one of very few people not impacted. She holds the power of reversing the change or embracing it. But will humanity still be humans if she embraces it? To find out what she decides and why you will need to read this excellent story.
This is another great short story, one that leaves you wanting more. This was a story that as soon as I finished it; it went back into the ‘to be read’ pile.
Phantoms' Lodge
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 9
ASIN B0CDRC6CTJ
This story took me by surprise. A little bit supernatural, in part a ghost story. It is about friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and life after death. It is a story that will stay with readers. I find myself still thinking about it days after reading it.
This is a great short story. It draws you in quickly, it keeps your attention. The main character is excellently written. The plot will surprise you. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.
Polar Shift
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 10
ASIN B0CDRCF1HN
This story has a different plot. With how much I read that is saying something. The world has changed suddenly, and with global impact. Sam and one other survive the initial event at a station on the moon. After the other takes drastic measures, Sam must decide how much effort he wants to put in to survive. First he has to get back to earth and second he has to see if there is a way to survive on the surface. To find out the decisions he makes and the results he finds you will have to read this excellent story.
This is another fantastic short story. This was a story that as soon as I finished it; it went back into the ‘to be read’ pile. This is a great story in a wonderful collection. I can easily recommend it for fans of science fiction, classic scifi, or anyone who loves a great short story!
Extinction Point
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 11
ASIN B0CDR93MLP
This story is written in a classic science fiction story. It takes me back to a lot of the stories I first read when I overcame my dyslexia. A powerful story. An excellent read. This is a great short story, and it leaves you wanting more. I would love to see other stories set in this world. Both before and after these events. This is an excellent story in a wonderful collection. I can easily recommend it for fans of science fiction or anyone who loves a great short story!
CAG
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 12
ASIN B0CDRC8FL8
This story is written in a classic science fiction style. It takes me back to a lot of the stories I first read when I overcame my dyslexia. It is a very powerful and deeply moving story. You really feel for the two pilots and the situation they find themselves in. It is an excellent read. And to be honest I wish there were more stories available with these characters, I would love to see what Paolinelli would write about the CAG at the beginning of his career, or even his son’s turn to be CAG. I would love to see other stories set in this world.
The Enemy Of My Enemy
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 13
ASIN B0CDRCQSCN
I have the anthology that this story originally came from. And there are works from a few authors I really enjoy. I have just not got back to it yet. I look forward to rereading this story when I get to it. This story is set in a post zombie apocalypse world. It is the story of a husband and a father trying to do his best to look after and protect his family in this new world. But while out on a trip on his own for supplies thighs go very badly. Zombies and bears oh my!
Barn Wars: The Rise Of Brooster Motherclucker
Dreams Of The Storyteller Book 14
ASIN B0CDSPF7CJ
This is a hilarious story and a mush up parody of some many fandoms. It is well written. It will have you laughing out loud. Join Brooster on his training regime. Be thrilled by his first battle with the hound dog. And watch as he loves ‘when a plan comes together’ to go after the four legged farm animals and the Evil lord the old farmer.
At the end of the volume it states:
Coming Soon - BARN WARS 2: The Hare Menace
It has been over three years and we have not seen it yet. But after how much fun this story was, I can hope we someday see it in print. It was fitting that this was the last story in the series I read as it was my introduction of Richard’s work.
This is a collection of excellent stories a mix of short stories and novellas. A wide range of genres and they showcase the skill and talent of Paolinelli. I can easily recommend these stories and everything I have read from his masterful pen.
Note: These books were read as part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.
Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol
Infinity Series:
Escaping Infinity
Exploring Infinity
…
Starguest 4th Age Series:
…
Timeless Series:
The Timeless
Secret of the Sphinx
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Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
…
Del Rio Omnibus Edition
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Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas
The Corvo
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SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996
Dreams Of The Storyteller:
…
...
Sherlock Holmes Pastiches:
Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011
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Contributed to:
To Be Men
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii
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Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
…
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series
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