Read for the 2011 TBR Lite Reading Challenge.
I picked this book up from the bargain bin because there were so many stories by authors I love: Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Patricia K. McKillip, to name a few. The book did not disappoint. The theme is obvious, but the variety of stories that came out of that theme was impressive. I really enjoyed this anthology – enough that I’m going to hang onto it. Some highlights:
Kage Baker’s “The Ruby Imcomparable” – the story of the daughter of a living saint and a great dark lord that must figure out her own version of her parent’s magics. With an ending that tells you it’s not necessarily about magic after all.
Tad William’s “The Stranger’s Hands” – an interesting mediation on the nature of punishment for past crimes.
Tanith Lee’s “Zinder” – a lovely tale of a most unlikely magician, who is good in spite of himself.
Gene Wolf’s “The Magic Animal” – This was my favorite story of the book – a very unique twist on the story of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake.