This collection follows Alyx, an ancient Greek woman whose life as a thief, assassin, and barbarian provides raw material for a string of exciting adventures. While there is an underlying SF rationale, the plotting is firmly sword-and-sorcery as Alyx brute-forces her way through most situations with a well-placed dagger and her keen intelligence. Written ‘67-‘70, the tales predate Russ’ later significant work, but even so, Russ’ strong character development is...