The Inheritance - by Robin Hobb & Megan Lindholm (Paperback)

About the Book

From "New York Times"-bestselling master storyteller Robin Hobb--a.k.a. MeganLindholm--comes a new collection of short stories.

Book Synopsis

"One of the most important writers in 21st-Century fantasy."
--Contra Costa Times

"Robin Hobb is one of our very best fantasy writers...always fresh, entertaining, and completely engrossing."
--New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson

The Inheritance & Other Stories is a marvelous new collection of short fiction from New York Times bestselling master storyteller Robin Hobb--including tales written under the pseudonym Megan Lindholm, by which the acclaimed fantasist first began her illustrious writing career. Included in this essential volume are Hugo and Nebula Award-nominated short masterworks, as well as brand new tales and the never before published in the U.S. title story--a unique compendium of wonders displaying the breathtaking skill, imagination, and remarkably varied styles of both alter egos.

From the Back Cover

A treasure trove of tales from a master storyteller--the first to feature works written under both her pseudonyms, Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm . . .

The Inheritance

Before she became an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, Robin Hobb received resounding critical praise for work written under the name Megan Lindholm. Though they spring from the same imagination, Hobb and Lindholm are separate, diverse identities, each with her own unique style and perspective.

The Inheritance celebrates the boundless vision of Hobb and Lindholm, bringing together for the first time classic and new short works from both names. The collection is comprised of three generous offerings from Robin Hobb, including the title story, which makes its U.S. debut here, and a brand-new tale, "Cat's Meat." Megan Lindholm contributes her Hugo and Nebula Award finalist "A Touch of Lavender" and Nebula finalist "Silver Lady and the Fortyish Man," as well as several classic and new gems.

Each piece is prefaced by a brief yet informative author's note, offering insight into each story's genesis. Fascinating, compelling, and wonderfully entertaining, The Inheritance reveals the full spectrum of skill and talent of one of the world's finest fantasy writers.

Review Quotes

"A priceless reading experience." - Paul Goat Allen on THE INHERITANCE
"One author, two pseudonyms, and a wonderful collection of short stories...an exciting addition to the fantasy genre. Her stories are fresh and surprising as she weaves in subtle twists." - Portland Book Review on THE INHERITANCE
"This compelling collection...gives a fascinating glimpse into the author's mind. The title story's theme of deciding what to do with one's inheritance echoes throughout this poignant compilation. Linholm's tales sometimes mask deeper themes or play with one significant moment, while Hobb's narrators are often naive and her prose extravagant. Under any name, Margaret Lindholm's assured prose has an unerring ability to tug on the reader's heartstrings." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) on THE INHERITANCE
"All [of the stories] are beautifully written parables, expressing a clear message but managing not to be too offensively preachy about it. They speak of an intimate knowledge of living on the edge of poverty and desperation, confronting the threat of abuse, feeling pride in forging one's hard-won way in the world and making necessary sacrifices for both love and art....You don't have to be a fan of either of the author's identities to enjoy this collection--but you may become one." - Kirkus Reviews on THE INHERITANCE
"All [of the stories] are beautifully written parables, expressing a clear message but managing not to be too offensively preachy about it....You don't have to be a fan of either of the author's identities to enjoy this collection--but you may become one." - Kirkus Reviews on THE INHERITANCE
"An engaging, entertaining introduction to both sides of the author's work." - Booklist (starred review) on THE INHERITANCE
"Hobb has a deft hand with accessible and sympathetic characters, regardless of their fantasy trappings, and he makes effective use of the divide between what the reader knows and what the characters know to build tension....A quick and fun read" - Miami Herald on DRAGON HAVEN
"Hobb does an admirable job of creating a complex and engaging medieval fantasy world, greatly expanding on the Rain Wilds setting she introduced in previous books. Characters from past novels make cameos, but the author takes care to keep her new tale self-contained. She handles with originality and subtlety such traditional fantasy elements as dragons and magical items...A nicely imagined fantasy setting that will engage readers and raise anticipation for the second installment. - Kirkus Reviews
"Hobb has a positive genius for using fantasy themes to set up ethical conflicts. . . . There are no easy victories, no all-conquering forces on either side in Hobb's work, and both sides are sufficiently well characterized in their vivid settings that there are very few straw men in evidence." - Booklist (starred review)
"Hobb's meticulously realized fantasy tale is a welcome addition to contemporary dragon lore." - Publishers Weekly
"Taken as a whole, the two voices represented here provide a richly textured body of work from one of the genre's most accomplished writers. VERDICT Fans of both Lindholm and Hobb will appreciate the diversity of this one-woman showcase." - Library Journal on THE INHERITANCE
"[D]elicate, vivid language . . . [a] fine example of how to avoid a middle-book slump." - Booklist
"At once harrowing, unexpected, and morally complex. . . . I'm eager to see what happens next." - Locus
"Displaying Hobb's gift for creating unusual and compelling worlds, [Shaman's Crossing] maintains her high standard of storytelling." - Library Journal
"Fast action, deep emotional bonds and a great ending...[I] encourage you to check out Dragon Haven." - Blogcritics.com
"FOREST MAGE presents a darker and more complex hero in Nevare . . .Ms. Hobb has given a lot of thought to her world and characters. Dark as they are, they stand out like jewels on velvet." - Romance Reviews Today