Lake of Souls

There's a collection of stories from the 'Universe of the Raven Tower' but these are largely unconnected to that book and plot line - but they operate on the same rules: Gods are real, they interact with humans all the time, and they gods are fed on sacrifice and prayer and that gives them power. But importantly, they can only speak the truth: if they say something untrue or that hasn’t happened yet they must expend their power to make it true. And therefore, a god can accidentally destroy themselves by promising something they can’t deliver. Thus: every utterance of a god is conditional or prevaricatory, and when you make a bargain with a god you know they will keep their side. But you have to be very, very careful with the wording.

The short stories are great, with lots of different ways to play this out. It ends up being a pretty rich vein of story format - almost like the invention of a new kind of detective story. I guess there are riddle and genie/djinn stories that have a kind of ‘oops the monkeys paw actually grants your wish but in a way you didn't see coming’ moments, but these are more varied. It does at times feel like a whole micro genre!

I am very impressed at the idea that you can just still invent a new kind of story genre.

Noted on June 25, 2026

A collection of short stories: some independent, and some 'from the universe of' the Radch and the Raven Tower. I loved these, but obviously I am a converted Leckie fan.

Noted on June 25, 2026