"Excellent mix in this anthology"
Unbelievable that this fantasy anthology has reached number
twenty. Even more incredible is that the collection
remains very fresh as the stars continue to be female
practitioners of sword, spell, or both yet the underlying
theme changes. This time the proposition is "finding
yourself or your true path". Besides eighteen overall well done tales (with a few really
great ones especially a mermaid -- this reviewer admits
Ariel and ilk always hooks me) starring female champions
from all walks of life, some of the contributions dip into
other genres like mystery and horror. The introduction
also provides an interesting question in which several of
the authors answering that when they were younger, they
wanted to be (fill in the blank). Though mostly female
authors, there are a few male writers, but readers will not
be able to delineate gender without checking the name.
Fantasy fans of heroines will appreciate this tale that
will probably introduce the audience to future greats (no
predictions forthcoming but watch out for the real McCoy)
as previous collections have done. Finally besides the
short stories, a nineteenth finale contribution "Homily" is
the final entry in more ways than one as this is the
calming words said at the funeral of the legendary Marion
Zimmer Bradley who obviously is writing words of wisdom
starring heavenly souls. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 30, 2003
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