By Sandy Amazeen May 7, 2007, 2:04 GMT
Those familiar with the many anthologies edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois will not be disappointed with their latest collaboration featuring some of the genre’s best-known authors as they examine the many guises of wizards past and present. Nebula award winning Elizabeth Hand presents a chilling tale of strange magic and justice in “Winter’s Wife” that pits old ways against an unscrupulous businessman with surprising results. Peter S. Beagle, author of several books including the classic, The Last Unicorn serves up an entertaining tale featuring an evil wizard who got his comeuppance in “Barrens Dance.” Jared, a troubled young man finds his problems compounded by dueling forces when an accident reveals unexpected magic in “Stone Man” by Nancy Kress. Fortunately Jared won’t have to face the world alone has he learns the value of new friends. Jane Yolen’s “Slipping Sideways Through Eternity” features Elijah in a time traveling romp as he works toward getting a young artist back to a terrible time in history in order to save those most important to her future.
This collection of well-written, imaginative fantasies encompass settings in the here and now as well as a variety of alternative realities. Good and evil frequently intermingle with surprising results where it can be difficult to tell which is which and sometimes, wizardry is to be found in unexpected places. This is a delightful waltz through the realms of magic and mystery as seen through the eyes of several gifted writers.
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