Snapshots and short stories from historical settings and alternate pasts. A religious icon is sentenced to death for murder, but the executioners have to work out how to kill a wooden statue when damaging it is heresy. A Viking faces his memories, another faces his gods, and Phillipedes make his marathon run, along with many more.

The author has a genuine gift for language, and painting a picture of a world with very few words. The result are short stories rick in detail, plot, and character with just enough of a twist on the familiar to readers guessing and pages turning. Several of the stories have a sci-fi twist, with first contact occurring far early, but while the reader can see the situation, guessing how the characters will react is still gripping.

I read it once, tried to skim it for the review and found myself wondering where a couple of hours had gone. It is hard to pick a favourite story, because they are all so good. A truly excellent short story collection.