As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

November 16, 2015

FIREBIRD by Sharyn November, 2005


Firebirds is more than simply an anthology -- it is a celebration of wonderful writing. It gathers together sixteen original stories by some of today's finest writers of fantasy and science fiction. Together, they have won virtually every major prize -- from the National Book Award to the World Fantasy Award to the Newbery Medal -- and have made best-seller lists worldwide. The writers featured in Firebirds all share a connection to Firebird Books, an imprint that is dedicated to publishing the best fantasy and science fiction for teenage and adult readers. (Goodreads)

Reviewed by Emily, bibliophile and perpetual student

FIREBIRDS is an impressive collection; many of my favorite authors are featured, and their stories do not disappoint. 

"Cotillion" by Delia Sherman is an updated take on the ballad of Tam Lin - though still somewhat removed from the present, since it takes place in 1969.

Megan Whalen Turner's contribution, "The Baby in the Night Deposit Box", is an interesting twist on the idea of changelings. When the president of of the Elliotville Bank finds a baby in his new night deposit box, he determines that he's going to keep her. Of course, it's never quite that simple to adopt a baby, especially when she can't leave the bank . . .

"Max Mondrosch" is a sad little story from Lloyd Alexander about a man who just can't find a job, and how can they, when no one seems to notice him?

"Byndley", by Patricia A. McKillip, takes the wizard Reck on "Firebirds" is an impressive collection; many of my favorite authors are featured, and their stories do not disappoint. 

"Beauty", by Sherwood Smith, explores the idea of true beauty and how we perceive it.

Diana Wynne Jones' "Little Dot", is a cat story told from the perspective of the cat. Little Dot owns a wizard, and when he gets roped into fighting the fearsome Beast of Ettmoor, she knows she has to save him. With the help of all her friends and a hint from a mysterious (and probably magical) lady, she may just be able to defeat the Beast before it gets hold of her wizard.

Of course, there are many other wonderful stories in this book, including a short graphic novel about the Wild Hunt. I highly recommend it.

Market: Young Adult fantasy
Language: Mild to Moderate
Sensuality: Moderate (nothing too graphic, though)
Violence: Moderate
Mature Themes: abandonment, hopelessness, the true nature of beauty.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE a good anthology of short stories, and this one sounds amazing! Great review, Emily!