This is a book of science fiction - without galactic fleets or plucky scientists' daughters; a book of fantasies - without elves, barbarians or wizards; a book of horror - without clichéd mad slashers in hockey masks.

If one must categorize this collection by Pat Cadigan, then the inevitable conclusion would be that Patterns is a book about people, good and bad, noble and monstrous, common and oh so extraordinary. Cadigan's characters live and breathe in these fourteen astonishing stories, making even the most outlandish ideas seem more than possible.