Faerie Tales
This anthology of stories based on British and Irish fairy lore proves that that well-mined trove of tales remains a reliable resource for writers. The contributors are all experienced fantasists, and some of them are highly accomplished amateur, or even professional, folklorists. The quality of writing and the handling of themes are both high, and the tonal variety within the whole collection ranges agreeably from grim to ghastly, light to playful, even to erotic, and the last without hitting the reader in the face or any other area. To name just four stories, Charles de Lint's "Sweet Forget Me Not," Tanya Huff's "He Said, Sidhe Said" (magical skateboards, anyone?), Jane Lindskold's "Witches'-broom, Apple Soon," and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's "The Filial Fiddler" are excellent, and the last, as might be expected, musical, too. An undeniable treat for fairy-fantasy fans.Frieda MurrayCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved