Thieves’ World returns with its second volume, Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn, offering readers another dive into the grim and perilous city of Sanctuary. Edited by Robert Lynn Asprin, this anthology builds on the foundation laid in the first book, presenting a new collection of stories by some of fantasy’s best-known authors. With its shared-world format and dark, morally ambiguous atmosphere, Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn deepens the intrigue and danger that define the city of thieves, assassins, and schemers.

The titular Vulgar Unicorn, a seedy tavern in the heart of Sanctuary, serves as the central hub around which many of the stories revolve. This establishment is more than just a watering hole; it’s a meeting place for the city’s most dangerous and desperate inhabitants, and it embodies the corrupt and lawless spirit of Sanctuary itself. As in the first volume, the authors excel at capturing the sense of decay and desperation that permeates every corner of this city, making it a character in its own right.

One of the strengths of Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn is its continuity. Characters and plotlines introduced in the first book are revisited and expanded upon, giving readers a sense of progression and connection between the stories. However, the anthology format also allows new characters and perspectives to emerge, keeping the narrative fresh and unpredictable. The mix of familiar and new voices ensures that the world of Sanctuary remains dynamic, constantly shifting and evolving as different authors add their own layers of complexity.

The standout stories in this volume are those that dive deep into the city’s underbelly, exposing the darker side of humanity in a world where trust is scarce and survival is paramount. The characters, from rogues and sorcerers to mercenaries and con artists, are richly drawn, with each author contributing their own unique spin on the gritty, morally ambiguous tone that defines the series. From intense personal vendettas to large-scale power struggles, the stories are varied but unified by the ever-present danger lurking in Sanctuary’s shadows.

Notable contributions in this volume include stories by well-known authors such as A. E. van Vogt, Janet Morris, and Andrew J. Offutt, who bring their own flavors to the shared-world setting. These stories range from dark and introspective to action-packed, giving readers a broad spectrum of experiences within the world of Thieves’ World. The balance between character-driven narratives and overarching plotlines is handled skillfully, and the city’s harsh, unforgiving nature is always at the forefront, providing a consistent tone across the stories.

However, as with any anthology, some stories are stronger than others. While the best tales in the collection capture the essence of Sanctuary with vivid detail and sharp storytelling, a few feel less compelling because of pacing issues or a lack of depth in character development. Readers who enjoyed the first book’s introduction to the world may find some of the stories here a bit repetitive, as specific themes and conflicts are revisited without significant innovation. That said, the anthology’s overall quality remains high, and the weaker entries do little to detract from the experience.

Thieves’ World has always thrived on its collaborative nature, and Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn is no exception. The shared-world format allows for a rich exploration of Sanctuary, with each author adding new layers to the city’s mythology. The stories are dark, often brutal, and filled with the kind of moral complexity that defines the series, making this volume a satisfying continuation for fans of the first book.

Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn is a worthy follow-up to the original Thieves’ World anthology, offering more of the gritty, atmospheric storytelling that made the series a standout in the fantasy genre. This volume delivers on all fronts for readers who enjoy complex characters, morally ambiguous situations, and a world where danger lurks at every turn.