Word Puppets

Introduction by Patrick Rothfuss.

Celebrated as the author of the five acclaimed historical fantasy novels of the Glamourist series, Mary Robinette Kowal is also well known as an award-winning author of short science fiction and fantasy. Her stories encompass a wide range of themes, a covey of indelible characters, and settings that span from Earth’s past to its near and far futures as well as even farther futures beyond. Alternative history, fairy tales, adventure, fables, science fiction (both hard and soft), fantasy (both epic and cozy) — nothing is beyond the reach of her unique talent. WORD PUPPETS — the first comprehensive collection of Kowal’s extraordinary fiction — includes her two Hugo-winning stories, a Hugo nominee, an original story set in the world of “The Lady Astronaut of Mars,” and fourteen other show-stopping tales.

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Fantasy Science Fiction Short Stories

Release date: November 2015

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Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal writes stories where the boundaries of science fiction and fantasy blur, creating worlds that feel both fantastical and grounded in human experience. Known for her lyrical prose and insightful explorations of technology, emotion, and society, Kowal’s work invites readers into captivating, thought-provoking realms, where the magic of storytelling is intricately woven with real-world issues.

A proud graduate of the prestigious Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, Kowal’s early career in puppetry and voice acting helped shape her storytelling style, infusing it with rich character voices and a tactile sense of the physical world. She’s a multi-talented creator, with experience both on stage and behind the scenes in theater. This deep appreciation for the art of performance manifests in her writing, where characters come to life with the same vividness as a puppet brought to life on stage.

Kowal’s most notable series, The Glamourist Histories, combines alternate history with magic, delivering tales that blend Regency-era manners with the ethereal beauty of glamour, a form of magic used to manipulate reality. Her writing is often praised for its blend of historical accuracy with speculative elements, using the social mores of the 19th century to explore the intersections of power, gender, and class through a fantastical lens. Kowal’s commitment to nuanced character development makes these novels both deeply emotional and intellectually engaging.

Her Lady Astronaut series, beginning with The Calculating Stars, further expands her reach, diving into an alternate history where women fight for a place in space exploration in the wake of a catastrophic event. This series highlights Kowal’s passion for writing women into spaces where they have often been underrepresented, creating complex characters who challenge the boundaries of both their time and the stars.

Kowal’s voice has also resonated beyond her novels, with her short fiction appearing in high-profile venues such as Lightspeed and Tor.com. As a Hugo Award-winning author, Kowal has made her mark not only with her engaging stories but through her advocacy for underrepresented voices in speculative fiction. She’s become a recognized figure in the science fiction community, both for her works and her dedication to fostering inclusivity in genre spaces.

With a keen eye for the emotional complexity of her characters and an ability to craft worlds that feel both intimately human and wildly imaginative, Kowal has made a name for herself as a storyteller who isn’t afraid to ask big questions about who we are and where we’re going.

Mary Robinette Kowal’s works resonate with fans of speculative fiction who appreciate rich world-building, complex characters, and a deep engagement with societal issues—whether they’re exploring the intricacies of a magical Regency or the vast possibilities of space. For readers looking to escape into a world where both the heart and the stars are explored in depth, Kowal’s books offer a journey worth taking.