That writers sometimes write tales that are better as short stories than novels is something I’ve often observed. It seems strange since writers often claim (and I’m inclined to believe them) that writing short stories is harder to do well. ((Would you agree or disagree?))
Asimov’s best robot tales are all shorts – and he’s indisputably a fine novelist. Perhaps it’s because the ideas are more concentrated – like a shot of espresso. I couldn’t say for sure.

At any rate I think it’s a well written review – as someone who is not fully versed in all of your works, it informs me as far as what to expect and makes me want to read more of your stuff.

And that’s one hell of a heavy hitting list!! To be listed among Dune, A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, – Lovecraft, Shelly, Shakespeare and Heinlein – the reviewer does you great honors! Impressive!

DAEDAHL: Yes indeed, I was very flattered the reviewer had me in such company. Are short stories harder to write than novels? Just different, I’d say. Writing a novel is hard in other ways — devising a lengthier plot that will maintain interest, sustaining an engaging pace, keeping various threads tied together, balancing more elements, bringing all those elements together at the end for a satisfying pay-off (whereas in a short story you can end on a note of ambiguity and a reader will be less likely to want your head for it). But yes, keeping a short story concise, more tightly focused, is another sort of challenge. I love writing both — though of course, a novel gives you all this comfortable elbow room (and gets you more notice, besides). In any case, I’m pleased the review made you want to read more of my work!
JEFFERY: It’s people like you who make people so often spell my first name wrong! It’s OK, though, since you’ve taken to reading my books — I thank you and your son for your interest. I do very much want to keep Jeremy Stake busy with new cases. I’ve just got to convince a publisher to pay his wages! I’ve got the plots of two Stake novels sketched out, one which involves Thi Gonh heavily (and which would allow her to show how truly formidable she can be) and one which doesn’t involve her at all, and which doesn’t take place in Punktown, actually, either. I hope to get a green light from somebody on one or both of them, in the future. Anyway, I thank you again for being inspired to buy more of my books…and I wish you the very best of luck in writing and selling your own novel!