Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Random House Children's Books
Description
Fifteen original short stories by various authors relate the exploits of teenage warriors who defeat their enemies with cunning and skill as they strive to fulfill their destinies.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
This is a short story anthology, so here's a review of each story:
The Gift of Rain Mountain by Bruce Holland Rogers
I like this story alright. In a way, it's a twist on the visit to the fairy realm or or land of the dead, where if you eat the food, you're there for a hundred years or are bound there
The Magestone by S. M. & Jan Stirling
This story I like - I've found I enjoy mermaid/water people stories when they're interesting, because the idea of people living under the ocean has such possibilities.
Eli and the Dybbuk by Janis Ian
This is fun, and very like the traditional Jewish or Yiddish folk tales that I've heard before in many ways.
Heartless by Holly Black
This...I've never quite understood this story. But the end is very emotive.
Lioness by Pamela S. Service
I like this story pretty well. I often enjoy well-written stories of women warriors, which this is.
Thunderbolt by Esther Friesner
This is an entertaining look at Helen of Troy from her perspective as the unimpressed - but not helpless - kidnap victim.
Devil Wind by India Edgehill
I like this one - it reminds me a little of The Secret Garden, which may just be because of the setting. It takes place in India and has to do with the friendship between an English girl and her Indian maid or servant. And magic, of course, and revenge.
The Boy who Cried Dragon by Mike Resnic
This one is just cute and funny and if anything reminds me of Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest books, a little.
Student of Ostriches by Tamora Pierce
I like this one, actually. It's entertaining to read about the background of one of the more fascinating minor characters from the Tortall universe, and also I liked the reveal at the end, because the first time I read it, I didn't realize who it was until the very end of the story.
Serpent's Rock by Laura Anne Gilman
I don't really remember much about this, so I didn't like or dislike it particularly, I guess.
Hidden Warriors by Margaret Mahy
I did like this, with the apprentice there and anther amusing reveal at the end.
Emerging Legacy by Doranna Durgin
Another one I enjoyed, Kelyn from this story reminds me some of Aerin from The Hero and the Crown.
An Axe for Men by Rosemary Edgehill
Not the biggest fan of this story, but oppression is oppression and when women are oppressing men, it's just as bad as men oppressing women, so my not liking it has to do with my feelings about the real world, not about how things are in the world of the story.
Acts of Faith by Lesley McBain
I liked this a lot, and at least it was a short story - I don't read books (fact or fiction) in this setting very often, because they're too stressful.
Swords that Talk Brent Hartinger.
"You want a quiet weapon, get a mace."
It's funny and smart in a "think before you act" sort of way. I enjoy this one, and it makes me think of a line from...A Wizard Abroad, where someone tells Nita that "it was a rare sword that didn't tell you its history, back in the old days" and suggested that it's not necessarily a good thing that weapons are so passive these days.
The Gift of Rain Mountain by Bruce Holland Rogers
I like this story alright. In a way, it's a twist on the visit to the fairy realm or or land of the dead, where if you eat the food, you're there for a hundred years or are bound there
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forever or whatever. The kid is almost smart, but if he'd been completely smart, well, there would be no story, would there?The Magestone by S. M. & Jan Stirling
This story I like - I've found I enjoy mermaid/water people stories when they're interesting, because the idea of people living under the ocean has such possibilities.
Eli and the Dybbuk by Janis Ian
This is fun, and very like the traditional Jewish or Yiddish folk tales that I've heard before in many ways.
Heartless by Holly Black
This...I've never quite understood this story. But the end is very emotive.
Lioness by Pamela S. Service
I like this story pretty well. I often enjoy well-written stories of women warriors, which this is.
Thunderbolt by Esther Friesner
This is an entertaining look at Helen of Troy from her perspective as the unimpressed - but not helpless - kidnap victim.
Devil Wind by India Edgehill
I like this one - it reminds me a little of The Secret Garden, which may just be because of the setting. It takes place in India and has to do with the friendship between an English girl and her Indian maid or servant. And magic, of course, and revenge.
The Boy who Cried Dragon by Mike Resnic
This one is just cute and funny and if anything reminds me of Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest books, a little.
Student of Ostriches by Tamora Pierce
I like this one, actually. It's entertaining to read about the background of one of the more fascinating minor characters from the Tortall universe, and also I liked the reveal at the end, because the first time I read it, I didn't realize who it was until the very end of the story.
Serpent's Rock by Laura Anne Gilman
I don't really remember much about this, so I didn't like or dislike it particularly, I guess.
Hidden Warriors by Margaret Mahy
I did like this, with the apprentice there and anther amusing reveal at the end.
Emerging Legacy by Doranna Durgin
Another one I enjoyed, Kelyn from this story reminds me some of Aerin from The Hero and the Crown.
An Axe for Men by Rosemary Edgehill
Not the biggest fan of this story, but oppression is oppression and when women are oppressing men, it's just as bad as men oppressing women, so my not liking it has to do with my feelings about the real world, not about how things are in the world of the story.
Acts of Faith by Lesley McBain
I liked this a lot, and at least it was a short story - I don't read books (fact or fiction) in this setting very often, because they're too stressful.
Swords that Talk Brent Hartinger.
"You want a quiet weapon, get a mace."
It's funny and smart in a "think before you act" sort of way. I enjoy this one, and it makes me think of a line from...A Wizard Abroad, where someone tells Nita that "it was a rare sword that didn't tell you its history, back in the old days" and suggested that it's not necessarily a good thing that weapons are so passive these days.
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LibraryThing member Cassiphone
Young Warriors is a great collection of entertaining, strong stories about the archetype of the youthful warrior. Edited by Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman, the stories present a range of different takes on the idea of "warrior" and how young people find their way into that line of work. The
Friesner's "Thunderbolt" is a clear, adventurous retelling of a less common Helen myth, incorporating the Spartan tradition of military training for girls as well as boys into a historical character generally written off as "beautiful, therefore dull." Edghill's "Devil Wind" is another slice of historical culture, this one early twentieth century India, with a powerful and touching story about a vulnerable young child-bride who is forced to find the warrior within when her world is torn apart. And Pierce's "Student of Ostriches" fills in an unknown segment of history from her own fantasy world, with a gutsy story about a girl from an African-style culture who teaches herself to fight by watching the animals around her, and is called on to use her non-feminine skills to defend the honour of her older sister.
Yes, the stories in these anthologies are predominantly about girls as warriors, though there are several boy stories as well. The theme, however, is entirely gender neutral - the female-heavy nature of the book is a side effect of the large number of female authors and, for this reader at least, this was refreshing and neutral.
The presentation, though, should appeal equally to male as female teenagers, and it would be nice to think that the theme (as well as the popular name of Tamora Pierce attached) would lead young men as well as women to enjoy these gritty, action-packed tales. And for adult readers, it's a good way to catch up on most of the current popular YA authors (though my ideal version of this book would include tales by Scott Westerfeld and Nina Kiriki Hoffman).
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standouts are stories by Esther Friesner, India Edghill and Pierce herself.Friesner's "Thunderbolt" is a clear, adventurous retelling of a less common Helen myth, incorporating the Spartan tradition of military training for girls as well as boys into a historical character generally written off as "beautiful, therefore dull." Edghill's "Devil Wind" is another slice of historical culture, this one early twentieth century India, with a powerful and touching story about a vulnerable young child-bride who is forced to find the warrior within when her world is torn apart. And Pierce's "Student of Ostriches" fills in an unknown segment of history from her own fantasy world, with a gutsy story about a girl from an African-style culture who teaches herself to fight by watching the animals around her, and is called on to use her non-feminine skills to defend the honour of her older sister.
Yes, the stories in these anthologies are predominantly about girls as warriors, though there are several boy stories as well. The theme, however, is entirely gender neutral - the female-heavy nature of the book is a side effect of the large number of female authors and, for this reader at least, this was refreshing and neutral.
The presentation, though, should appeal equally to male as female teenagers, and it would be nice to think that the theme (as well as the popular name of Tamora Pierce attached) would lead young men as well as women to enjoy these gritty, action-packed tales. And for adult readers, it's a good way to catch up on most of the current popular YA authors (though my ideal version of this book would include tales by Scott Westerfeld and Nina Kiriki Hoffman).
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LibraryThing member Saieeda
This book is a collection of short stories focusing on strong characters around the are of the its targeted audience (young adults). The main characters were mainly female as is to be expected of a compilation done by Tamora Pierce.
Though fiction and often fantastical, the stories are inspiring
Though fiction and often fantastical, the stories are inspiring
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and motivating glimpses into the world of women who can stand tall on their own. The writing style varies from author to author, but all are well worth the read. Show Less
LibraryThing member alwright1
As with most short story collections with multiple authors, I loved some and didn't connect with others. The stories were quite small, which doesn't give one much time to get to know a character, but made for quick reading. I almost always enjoy young heroes. Among my favorites were 'Lioness,' 'The
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Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!',' 'Student of Ostriches,' 'Emerging Legacy,' and 'Acts of Faith.' Show Less
LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing
A collection of stories about warriors coming into their own. As is generally the case with collections, it's a mixed bag, though with more good than bad. The bad:
"The Magestone" by SM and Jan Stirling. The writing isn't great, but the story (about a n00b sailor who tries to help free a mermaid
"The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'" by Mike Resnick. Tried too hard to be funny and utterly failed.
"Hidden Warriors" by Margaret Mahy. The dialog is so, so stilted and terrible.
Rosemary Edghill's "An Axe for Men" puzzled me. A flood destroys the city of a matriarchal society. As the people journey into the wilderness, one of the young priestesses starts having visions of a new god. And so she takes the power away from the priestesses who worship a goddess in favor of a god. It's all very gender essentialist and framed in such a way that all the women (except the rebelling priestess main character) are presented as foolish and lazy, while all the men are either emasculated or Manly Hunting Men Who are Manly. Apparently men need to be in charge if you want to survive the wilderness?
I liked "Heartless" by Holly Black, despite the fact that it feels like a novella or novel compacted and edited into a short story. If this were a novel, I would have loved it. As it is, the bones of the plot, the characters, and the language are good enough to make it an enjoyable short story. Tamora Pierce helped edit this collection, and also wrote "Student of Ostriches," which I quite enjoyed as well. Pierce is known for writing the quintessential "young female warriors proving their worth ye olde society" stories, but her quality has fallen off in the last decade. This story, set in Alanna's world but far away, in a desert filled with ostriches and camels, injects fresh energy and flavor to a tired formula.
I loved "Thunderbolt," by Esther Friesner. Theseus marries Helen, a princess of Sparta. But Helen refuses to pretend her beauty is all she is. Her sarcastic inner voice is a fabulous narration for her badass actions. The story is good enough that I'm going to make a point to find Friesner's other works.
"The Magestone" by SM and Jan Stirling. The writing isn't great, but the story (about a n00b sailor who tries to help free a mermaid
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shaman) makes no sense, either in terms of plot or character."The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'" by Mike Resnick. Tried too hard to be funny and utterly failed.
"Hidden Warriors" by Margaret Mahy. The dialog is so, so stilted and terrible.
Rosemary Edghill's "An Axe for Men" puzzled me. A flood destroys the city of a matriarchal society. As the people journey into the wilderness, one of the young priestesses starts having visions of a new god. And so she takes the power away from the priestesses who worship a goddess in favor of a god. It's all very gender essentialist and framed in such a way that all the women (except the rebelling priestess main character) are presented as foolish and lazy, while all the men are either emasculated or Manly Hunting Men Who are Manly. Apparently men need to be in charge if you want to survive the wilderness?
I liked "Heartless" by Holly Black, despite the fact that it feels like a novella or novel compacted and edited into a short story. If this were a novel, I would have loved it. As it is, the bones of the plot, the characters, and the language are good enough to make it an enjoyable short story. Tamora Pierce helped edit this collection, and also wrote "Student of Ostriches," which I quite enjoyed as well. Pierce is known for writing the quintessential "young female warriors proving their worth ye olde society" stories, but her quality has fallen off in the last decade. This story, set in Alanna's world but far away, in a desert filled with ostriches and camels, injects fresh energy and flavor to a tired formula.
I loved "Thunderbolt," by Esther Friesner. Theseus marries Helen, a princess of Sparta. But Helen refuses to pretend her beauty is all she is. Her sarcastic inner voice is a fabulous narration for her badass actions. The story is good enough that I'm going to make a point to find Friesner's other works.
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Eh. No bad stories, but none that excited me, either. The best was one I know well, Tamora Pierce's "Student of Ostriches". There were a couple others I enjoyed somewhat, like "Serpent's Rock", but none that wowed me, and several that annoyed me, like "The Boy who Cried 'Dragon!'". Silly take on a
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silly story. Glad I read it, I doubt I'll reread. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosemarie.Herbert
I originally reviewed this book on my blog - The Cosy Dragon. For more recent reviews by me, please hop over there.
This is a book of short stories edited by Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman. It has a nice variety of authors. My usual policy of short stories is that I don't like them, except for
'The Gift of Rain Mountain' has a traditional tempter and a traditional ending in my opinion. Although the young warrior thinks he wanted what is best for his community, his efforts leave him lacking. It's hard to say more about it without giving the story away, but the story itself feels very familiar. Nothing too exciting here in terms of narration or characterisation, although it's not badly written.
'The Magestone' lacks a little in my opinion. I didn't feel attracted to either character (the boy or the mermaid), and the plot with the mermaid unable to go on land - well it just made me think of Ariel! There was no real threat, it felt like the rival tribe members were too easily dealt with.
'Eli and the Dybbuk' is a slightly strange tale. With both elements of fantasy (the dybbuk spirit) and real life (Eli is Jewish) it is a good mix. It has lovely suspense, and a tight storyline. It feels more complete than the first two stories, with a proper lifetime tale. Eli is a well-fleshed out character, and the inclusion of a riddle does it for me!
'Heartless' is another well written story. At first it isn't obvious what is going on with Ada, and then suddenly the reader has a lightbulb moment! What isn't clear to me is why the bone was enchanted in the first place. It doesn't seem like the right thing to do at all. Ah well. I can see potential for this concept being extended further. I'm not sure that it really fits in with the theme of young warriors, as the protagonist isn't a young warrior, she is only dealing with one. The language and rhythm of this one is a little disjointed, but I think it reflects the character of Ada well.
'Lioness' is misleading. Those that are familiar with Pierce's other works will probably be hoping for a short tale about the Lioness. But this short story is by another author, and is very different. Similarly to 'The Gift of Rain Mountain', the author draws on history for making her story. It's enjoyable with the strong female protagonist.
'Thunderbolt' is a creative take on Helen of Troy's capture. Raised Spartan, Helen's as warlike as the men, and not willing to back down when she is stolen. It's good to see her standing up for herself for once! A well-executed rewrite of an old legend packed with action.
'Devil Wind' has to be one of my favourites. It has just a hint of magic and the wild, and at the same time rings of truth. The author has included true parts of rich Indian history, and it really appeals to me. The ending is a surprise, but it is fitting. There are things that the author could have done more with, but for a short story it is good. It reminds me a little of a Mercedes Lackey novel I read (I think The Wizard of London)
'The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon'' is a let down. It belongs in a collection of stories for very young readers - just because the dragon and the knight have teenage problems, it doesn't make the story any more engaging. I wasn't convinced that this was where the story of 'The Boy Who Cried 'Wolf'' came from either. The style isn't bad, but the content! Hopeless.
'Student of Ostriches' is good. I have to say, I generally didn't look at the author of each story so that I could give an unbiased opinion of the story on its own merits. I liked this one from the start, and then realised it was the Tamora Pierce offering of the collection! So no wonder I enjoyed it. It's nice to have some more information about Shang training, although I would have liked more details of how each kick/punch exactly translated from an animal source.
'Serpent's Rock' is initially hard to get into. It reminds me of an Aboriginal story song, and so I'm not very fond of it. I would have liked more details - but of course a short story is very limited. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I desired either, he still could die and the tale be left untold.
'Hidden Warriors' has an interesting concept but I feel that it is poorly executed. I didn't like the style of this author at all, finding it somewhat confusing. I'm a sucker for a woman dressed as a man, but in this case it couldn't work for me.
"Emerging Legacy' is fast paced with a well fleshed out female protagonist. The novel concept of hunting packs in the trees and mountains was an exciting one, as was the unexpected slavers. I didn't really understand where her clumsiness had come from though. As a young warrior however, she fits the bill. I think I would be willing to seek out more of this author's work in fact!
'An Axe for Men' is an enjoyable read. The style is initially a little stilted, but you start to feel with the characters and it's good. I found the storyline predictable, but it's bound to happen with me reading so many books. Take a chance and try it!
'Acts of Faith' mixes the Sight with Jewish and Christian faiths. Although I didn't know that the Sight involves magic too, apparently it does! An interesting take on Ireland's history for being neutral during the Nazi driven war.
'Swords That Talk' reminds me a little of Need in one of Mercedes Lackey's novels (The Oathbound perhaps?). Except that this story isn't really about the sword at all. The concept was again a familiar one, nothing too exciting here, but it was relatively well executed.
I bought this book from a specials table for $5 at my partner's old work! The advantages of having someone who works at a bookshop. I can understand why it was discounted though, as I don't think this is really a stand out collection of stories, although a couple are good. Worth collecting if there is a particular author that you love and want more of though.
This is a book of short stories edited by Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman. It has a nice variety of authors. My usual policy of short stories is that I don't like them, except for
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finding new authors whose longer works I might enjoy.'The Gift of Rain Mountain' has a traditional tempter and a traditional ending in my opinion. Although the young warrior thinks he wanted what is best for his community, his efforts leave him lacking. It's hard to say more about it without giving the story away, but the story itself feels very familiar. Nothing too exciting here in terms of narration or characterisation, although it's not badly written.
'The Magestone' lacks a little in my opinion. I didn't feel attracted to either character (the boy or the mermaid), and the plot with the mermaid unable to go on land - well it just made me think of Ariel! There was no real threat, it felt like the rival tribe members were too easily dealt with.
'Eli and the Dybbuk' is a slightly strange tale. With both elements of fantasy (the dybbuk spirit) and real life (Eli is Jewish) it is a good mix. It has lovely suspense, and a tight storyline. It feels more complete than the first two stories, with a proper lifetime tale. Eli is a well-fleshed out character, and the inclusion of a riddle does it for me!
'Heartless' is another well written story. At first it isn't obvious what is going on with Ada, and then suddenly the reader has a lightbulb moment! What isn't clear to me is why the bone was enchanted in the first place. It doesn't seem like the right thing to do at all. Ah well. I can see potential for this concept being extended further. I'm not sure that it really fits in with the theme of young warriors, as the protagonist isn't a young warrior, she is only dealing with one. The language and rhythm of this one is a little disjointed, but I think it reflects the character of Ada well.
'Lioness' is misleading. Those that are familiar with Pierce's other works will probably be hoping for a short tale about the Lioness. But this short story is by another author, and is very different. Similarly to 'The Gift of Rain Mountain', the author draws on history for making her story. It's enjoyable with the strong female protagonist.
'Thunderbolt' is a creative take on Helen of Troy's capture. Raised Spartan, Helen's as warlike as the men, and not willing to back down when she is stolen. It's good to see her standing up for herself for once! A well-executed rewrite of an old legend packed with action.
'Devil Wind' has to be one of my favourites. It has just a hint of magic and the wild, and at the same time rings of truth. The author has included true parts of rich Indian history, and it really appeals to me. The ending is a surprise, but it is fitting. There are things that the author could have done more with, but for a short story it is good. It reminds me a little of a Mercedes Lackey novel I read (I think The Wizard of London)
'The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon'' is a let down. It belongs in a collection of stories for very young readers - just because the dragon and the knight have teenage problems, it doesn't make the story any more engaging. I wasn't convinced that this was where the story of 'The Boy Who Cried 'Wolf'' came from either. The style isn't bad, but the content! Hopeless.
'Student of Ostriches' is good. I have to say, I generally didn't look at the author of each story so that I could give an unbiased opinion of the story on its own merits. I liked this one from the start, and then realised it was the Tamora Pierce offering of the collection! So no wonder I enjoyed it. It's nice to have some more information about Shang training, although I would have liked more details of how each kick/punch exactly translated from an animal source.
'Serpent's Rock' is initially hard to get into. It reminds me of an Aboriginal story song, and so I'm not very fond of it. I would have liked more details - but of course a short story is very limited. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I desired either, he still could die and the tale be left untold.
'Hidden Warriors' has an interesting concept but I feel that it is poorly executed. I didn't like the style of this author at all, finding it somewhat confusing. I'm a sucker for a woman dressed as a man, but in this case it couldn't work for me.
"Emerging Legacy' is fast paced with a well fleshed out female protagonist. The novel concept of hunting packs in the trees and mountains was an exciting one, as was the unexpected slavers. I didn't really understand where her clumsiness had come from though. As a young warrior however, she fits the bill. I think I would be willing to seek out more of this author's work in fact!
'An Axe for Men' is an enjoyable read. The style is initially a little stilted, but you start to feel with the characters and it's good. I found the storyline predictable, but it's bound to happen with me reading so many books. Take a chance and try it!
'Acts of Faith' mixes the Sight with Jewish and Christian faiths. Although I didn't know that the Sight involves magic too, apparently it does! An interesting take on Ireland's history for being neutral during the Nazi driven war.
'Swords That Talk' reminds me a little of Need in one of Mercedes Lackey's novels (The Oathbound perhaps?). Except that this story isn't really about the sword at all. The concept was again a familiar one, nothing too exciting here, but it was relatively well executed.
I bought this book from a specials table for $5 at my partner's old work! The advantages of having someone who works at a bookshop. I can understand why it was discounted though, as I don't think this is really a stand out collection of stories, although a couple are good. Worth collecting if there is a particular author that you love and want more of though.
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LibraryThing member xofelf
Great anthology.
LibraryThing member lexilewords
I'll review each of the 15 stories separately (quickly) then my overall impression.
The Gift of Rain Mountain (Bruce Holland Rogers)-- This story started off a little too slow for me. I wanted to punch the Main Character (Mactun) a few times because he irked me. The ending twist on what Mactun
The Magestone (S.M. and Jan Stirling)-- I liked this twist on the mermaid/sailor tales. Though after reading what humans did to the wizard Shansu I felt a little queasy. The mermaid, Neesha, was kind of blood thirsty, but she thought she had the right way of thinking.
Eli and the Dybbuk (Janis Ian)--This was an interesting tale. Real quick--a dybbuk is from Jewish folklore and the gist of what they are is lost souls. They did horrible things in life and could not attain Heaven so they are stuck on Earth trying to possess unwary folks. I liked the moral of the story--brains over brawn (pretty much).
Heartless (Holly Black)--My first, my VERY FIRST, Holly Black story! What does it mean to be heartless? Holly Black explores this in a story about a young girl who follows army camps--doing the cooking, servicing etc. She remembers being someone else, but her mother had put her heart into her little finger bone (which Ada kept around her neck). Throughout the story Ada ponders the fact that she feels nothing and at the end she takes the greatest risk of all. Incidentally this is another story that involves a spirit--this time manes, in Roman mythology, were the deceased ancestors of people who were offered blood sacrifices.
Lioness (Pamela F. Service)--I have always enjoyed Pamela F. Service's historical novels, especially The Reluctant God (which is half historical, half contemporary). This story is about a young warrior princess, scared and worried about the Roman's continued push to take her kingdom (Kush), but determined to serve her god (the god of war Apedemek) and avenge her homeland. I cried a little, at the end, in relief because Tari (the princess) pulled through and proved herself capable.
Thunderbolt (Esther Friesner)--This is the story that led to the creation of Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize--two YA novels about Helen of SpartaTroy's early life. In this Helen recounts how it was really SHE who saved herself from the Athenian King Theseus, not her maybe divine (but really mortal) brothers. Helen was vastly amusing and I greatly loved how...manipulative she was. For a good cause (her freedom), but still.
Devil Wind (India Edghill)--Revenge! Age old classic theme. I liked how India wove both Hindu customs/beliefs with English religious beliefs. It made me a little sad though, reading about the fates of all those good people, but like the MC (Taravati) her brand of justice is well deserved and fitting.
The Boy Who Cried "Dragon!" (Mike Resnick)--Short and witty best sums up this 'true accounting' of the story never told. Geeky would-be knight meets geeky would-be fearsome dragon and a bond is formed over their innate geekiness. I found it cute when Melvin (would-be knight) bemoaned his pimples and Horace (would-be fearsome dragon) bemoaned not HAVING any.
Student of Ostriches (Tamora Pierce)--I always enjoy Tamora Pierce's writing to some degree. This short story was almost like hearing a legend actually. I would have never thought to study ostriches for learning combat, but apparently they have some wonderful moves. It did teach me to be wary of boys who kiss too easily however.
Serpent's Rock (Laura Anne Gilman)--I'll be honest this story went over my head. It began easily enough--a young boy wishes to help save his sister against BAD odds--but it then got somewhat confusing.
Hidden Warriors (Margaret Mahy)--It's important to note that the title is Hidden WarriorS not Hidden Warrior, the plural is important to remember while reading. This sometimes read like a fairy tale and sometimes read like a bard's song--it kept me interested and intrigued as it weaved the tale of a young magician who isn't sure who (or what) he is and a city that hides its true self behind friendship.
Emerging Legacy (Doranna Durgin)--This right here was a wonderful 'Surprises come in small packages' story. For anyone who was ever told that they were too awkward or graceless or klutzy to be useful, or if you were ever told that you were a disappointment as a child, this story is a wonderful salve. Kelyn is everything a warrior shouldn't be--clumsy, slow and prone to accidents if she didn't pay attention, but she used her brain and that in the end saved them all.
An Axe for Men (Rosemary Edghill)--Religious doctrine is something I have no patience for, but I do enjoy studying the ancient beliefs of civilizations long gone to the wind of time. Edghill's story is that of a young Priestess who, when seeing the only world she has ever known destroyed, learns the truth of that world. Her courage to find a new path for her people is what made this story so great.
Acts of Faith (Lesley McBain)--This story made me cry a little. I've been told stories of Ireland during WWII--just as I've been told stories of Italy and America from my other grandparents during the War--and the cant that McBain uses reminds me so strongly of how my Granny used to talk that I felt as if she was telling me the story.
Swords That Talk (Brent Hartinger)--Talking swords and a hero who laments being born during a time of enduring peace. This story was pretty funny and enjoyable to read for me. Quick like from an author I hadn't read before.
Overall the collection pleased me greatly, with only a few corkscrews that I could have done without. I also found several new authors to obsess overread more from. If you haven't already picked this up, then do so!
The Gift of Rain Mountain (Bruce Holland Rogers)-- This story started off a little too slow for me. I wanted to punch the Main Character (Mactun) a few times because he irked me. The ending twist on what Mactun
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finally took from the Rain Mountain God as a boon made me grin with irony.The Magestone (S.M. and Jan Stirling)-- I liked this twist on the mermaid/sailor tales. Though after reading what humans did to the wizard Shansu I felt a little queasy. The mermaid, Neesha, was kind of blood thirsty, but she thought she had the right way of thinking.
Eli and the Dybbuk (Janis Ian)--This was an interesting tale. Real quick--a dybbuk is from Jewish folklore and the gist of what they are is lost souls. They did horrible things in life and could not attain Heaven so they are stuck on Earth trying to possess unwary folks. I liked the moral of the story--brains over brawn (pretty much).
Heartless (Holly Black)--My first, my VERY FIRST, Holly Black story! What does it mean to be heartless? Holly Black explores this in a story about a young girl who follows army camps--doing the cooking, servicing etc. She remembers being someone else, but her mother had put her heart into her little finger bone (which Ada kept around her neck). Throughout the story Ada ponders the fact that she feels nothing and at the end she takes the greatest risk of all. Incidentally this is another story that involves a spirit--this time manes, in Roman mythology, were the deceased ancestors of people who were offered blood sacrifices.
Lioness (Pamela F. Service)--I have always enjoyed Pamela F. Service's historical novels, especially The Reluctant God (which is half historical, half contemporary). This story is about a young warrior princess, scared and worried about the Roman's continued push to take her kingdom (Kush), but determined to serve her god (the god of war Apedemek) and avenge her homeland. I cried a little, at the end, in relief because Tari (the princess) pulled through and proved herself capable.
Thunderbolt (Esther Friesner)--This is the story that led to the creation of Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize--two YA novels about Helen of SpartaTroy's early life. In this Helen recounts how it was really SHE who saved herself from the Athenian King Theseus, not her maybe divine (but really mortal) brothers. Helen was vastly amusing and I greatly loved how...manipulative she was. For a good cause (her freedom), but still.
Devil Wind (India Edghill)--Revenge! Age old classic theme. I liked how India wove both Hindu customs/beliefs with English religious beliefs. It made me a little sad though, reading about the fates of all those good people, but like the MC (Taravati) her brand of justice is well deserved and fitting.
The Boy Who Cried "Dragon!" (Mike Resnick)--Short and witty best sums up this 'true accounting' of the story never told. Geeky would-be knight meets geeky would-be fearsome dragon and a bond is formed over their innate geekiness. I found it cute when Melvin (would-be knight) bemoaned his pimples and Horace (would-be fearsome dragon) bemoaned not HAVING any.
Student of Ostriches (Tamora Pierce)--I always enjoy Tamora Pierce's writing to some degree. This short story was almost like hearing a legend actually. I would have never thought to study ostriches for learning combat, but apparently they have some wonderful moves. It did teach me to be wary of boys who kiss too easily however.
Serpent's Rock (Laura Anne Gilman)--I'll be honest this story went over my head. It began easily enough--a young boy wishes to help save his sister against BAD odds--but it then got somewhat confusing.
Hidden Warriors (Margaret Mahy)--It's important to note that the title is Hidden WarriorS not Hidden Warrior, the plural is important to remember while reading. This sometimes read like a fairy tale and sometimes read like a bard's song--it kept me interested and intrigued as it weaved the tale of a young magician who isn't sure who (or what) he is and a city that hides its true self behind friendship.
Emerging Legacy (Doranna Durgin)--This right here was a wonderful 'Surprises come in small packages' story. For anyone who was ever told that they were too awkward or graceless or klutzy to be useful, or if you were ever told that you were a disappointment as a child, this story is a wonderful salve. Kelyn is everything a warrior shouldn't be--clumsy, slow and prone to accidents if she didn't pay attention, but she used her brain and that in the end saved them all.
An Axe for Men (Rosemary Edghill)--Religious doctrine is something I have no patience for, but I do enjoy studying the ancient beliefs of civilizations long gone to the wind of time. Edghill's story is that of a young Priestess who, when seeing the only world she has ever known destroyed, learns the truth of that world. Her courage to find a new path for her people is what made this story so great.
Acts of Faith (Lesley McBain)--This story made me cry a little. I've been told stories of Ireland during WWII--just as I've been told stories of Italy and America from my other grandparents during the War--and the cant that McBain uses reminds me so strongly of how my Granny used to talk that I felt as if she was telling me the story.
Swords That Talk (Brent Hartinger)--Talking swords and a hero who laments being born during a time of enduring peace. This story was pretty funny and enjoyable to read for me. Quick like from an author I hadn't read before.
Overall the collection pleased me greatly, with only a few corkscrews that I could have done without. I also found several new authors to obsess overread more from. If you haven't already picked this up, then do so!
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Awards
CCBC Choices (2006)
Original publication date
2005-10-11 (collection)
ISBN
9780307434128
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Pierce |