Books

Short works

Books : reviews

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
The Inheritor.
Tom Doherty. 1984

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
The Best of Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Daw. 1985

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 9 August 1997

Contents

Elbow Room. 1980
The Secret of the Blue Star. 1979
The Wind People. 1958
Blood Will Tell. 1980
Centaurus Changeling. 1954
The Climbing Wave. 1955
Exiles of Tomorrow. 1955
Death Between the Stars. 1956
Bird of Prey. 1957
The Wild One. 1960
Treason of the Blood. 1962
The Day of the Butterflies. 1976
Hero's Moon. 1976
The Engine. 1977
To Keep the Oath. 1979

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Lythande.
Daw. 1986

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Vonda N. McIntyre. Looking for Satan. 1981
The Secret of the Blue Star. 1979
The Incompetent Magician. 1983
Somebody Else's Magic. 1984
Sea Wrack. 1985
The Wandering Lute. 1986

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton, Mercedes Lackey.
Tiger Burning Bright.
Avon. 1995

rating : 6 : unfinishable
review : 5 September 1998

The city of Merina is rich and undefended, and falls prey to the conquering Emperor Balthasar, his dark mage Apolon, and his heir Leopold. The dowager queen Adele, her daughter queen Lydana, and the heir Shelyra surrender the city to save it from destruction, but go underground to fight back against the conquerors.

Ho hum. I said the Eight Dreadful Words on page 179, and stopped reading, when I got too bored just waiting for something to happen. By this stage we've had lots of background introductory material, on the three Merinan women, the three enemy men, and various other 'colourful' characters. But that's all we've had (apart from a little heavy-handed foreshadowing about evil gems), it's nearly half-way into the book, and I'm bored.

Maybe the problem is that each of the three writers has provided one book's worth of build-up, all lumped together? Or maybe the problem is that I don't like the kind of plot structure where things get worse, and worse, and worse, and ... until, finally, the characters do something. Maybe the writers are trying to draw a picture of a situation so bad that even the 'ordinary' folk will revolt; I'm just sitting there saying "what are you waiting for: fight back, dammit!"

Darkover (series)

Tales of life under the 'bloody sun' of Darkover, a lost human colony, reverted to feudalism, where some humans have interbred with the natives to produce the Comyn, a psi-caste of rulers. The series ranges right from the original Landfall, through the Ages of Chaos where the new psi powers lead to devastating wars, through to the crisis of recontact with mainstream, relatively alien, Terrans.

The early books in the series are okay romps (and are probably half a point lower than the overall series rating), but in 1975 with Heritage of Hastur something changed, and they improved, and deepened, dramatically (and most of these are probably half a point higher than the overall series rating). The focus of plots varies widely throughout the series, but they are known for dealing sensitively with the intense intimacy between husband and wife brought by psi-contact, with homosexual relations, both male and female, with the place of women in a feudal society, with the use and abuse of power, with culture shock.


Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mercedes Lackey.
Rediscovery.
DAW. 1993

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Adrienne Martine-Barnes.
The Shadow Matrix.
Daw. 1997

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Adrienne Martine-Barnes.
Traitor's Sun.
Daw. 1998

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
The Alton Gift.
Daw. 2007

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
Hastur Lord.
Daw. 2010

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
The Children of Kings.
Daw. 2013

GARETH
Court life for Prince Gareth Ethalyn, grandson of the legendary Regis Hastur, has become unbearable. In a desperate attempt to escape, Gareth appeals to his powerful grandmother, Linnea, and with her blessing, disguises himself and travels to the barbarous, warlike Dry Towns where no one will recognize a prince. In the Dry Towns, Gareth overhears rumors of deadly, illegal Terran blasters and stumbles upon a terrible reality no one could have suspected.

KIERESTELLI
Meanwhile, Linnea has never ceased to search for her lost daughter, Kierestelli, whom she and Regis were forced to send into hiding with the native chieri. Almost by chance, Linnea reconnects along the telepathic relays with Kierestelli, now called Silvana of Nevarsin Tower. Silvana, convinced that her parents abandoned her, rejects her mother’s overture and returns to her hidden home among the chieri. But the chieri once roamed the stars themselves, and they have not forgotten the terror of warfare in space—lessons that they pass on to Silvana.

Unknown to the ruling Comyn, danger now fills the skies above Darkover, and Silvana holds half the key to protecting their world. Gareth holds the other half, if he can only stay alive long enough to discover what that key is…

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
The Fall of Neskaya.
DAW. 2001

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
Zandru's Forge.
DAW. 2003

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Deborah J. Ross.
A Flame in Hali.
Daw. 2004

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
The Keeper's Price.
1980

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Marion Zimmer Bradley. A Word from the Creator of Darkover. 1980
Diana L. Paxson. Vai Dom. 1980
Cynthia McQuillin. The Forest. 1980
Patricia Shaw Mathews. There is Always an Alternative. 1980
Eileen Ledbetter. The Tale of Durraman's Donkey. 1980
Susan M. Shwartz. The Fires of Her Vengeance. 1980
Kathleen Williams. Circle of Light. 1980
Elisabeth Waters. The Alton Gift. 1980
Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Jean Lorrah. The Answer. 1980
Linda MacKendrick. The Rescue. 1980
Marion Zimmer Bradley, Elisabeth Waters. The Keeper's Price. 1980
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Hawk-Master's Son. 1980
Penny Ziegler. A Simple Dream. 1980
Patricia Shaw Mathews. Paloma Blanca. 1980
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Blood Will Tell. 1980
Linda Frankel. Ambassador to Corresanti. 1980
Paula Crunk. A View from the Reconstruction. 1980

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Sword of Chaos.
Daw. 1982

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Diana L. Paxson. A Gift of Love. 1982
Jane Brae-Bedell. Dark Lady. 1982
Terry Tafoya. A Legend of the Hellers. 1982
Susan M. Shwartz. In the Throat of the Dragon. 1982
Mary Frances Zambreno. Wind-Music. 1982
Leslie Williams. Escape. 1982
Elisabeth Waters. Rebirth. 1982
Marion Zimmer Bradley. A Sword of Chaos. 1982
Adrienne Martine-Barnes. Di Catenas. 1982
Susan Hansen. Of Two Minds. 1982
Dorothy J. Heydt. Through Fire and Frost. 1982
Lynne Holdom. The Way of a Wolf. 1982
Aly Parsons. Cold Hall. 1982
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Lesson of the Inn. 1982
Phillip Wayne. Confidence. 1982
Patricia Shaw Mathews. Where the Heart Is. 1982
Lynn Mims. Skeptic. 1982
Millea Kenin. A Recipe for Failure. 1982

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Free Amazons of Darkover.
1985

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Marion Zimmer Bradley. About Amazons. 1985
Walter Breen. The Oath of the Free Amazons. 1985
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Legend of Lady Bruna. 1985
Margaret Silvestri. Cast off Your Chains. 1985
Sherry Kramer. The Banshee. 1985
Barbara Armistead. On the Trail. 1985
P. Alexandra Riggs. To Open a Door. 1985
Nina Boal. The Meeting. 1985
Diana L. Paxson. The Mother Quest. 1985
Elisabeth Waters. Child of the Heart. 1985
Deborah Wheeler. Midwife. 1985
Maureen Shannon. Recruits. 1985
Mercedes Lackey. A Different Kind of Courage. 1985
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Knives. 1985
Jane M. H. Bigelow. Tactics. 1985
Joan Marie Verba. This One Time. 1985
Margaret L. Carter. Her Own Blood. 1985
Susan Holtzer. The Camel's Nose. 1985
Patricia Shaw Mathews. Girls Will Be Girls. 1985
Susan M. Shwartz. Growing Pains. 1985
Jaida n'ha Sandra. Oath of the Free Amazons: Terran, Techno Period. 1985

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
The Other Side of the Mirror.
Daw. 1987

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Patricia Floss. The Other Side of the Mirror. 1987
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Bride Price. 1987
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Everything but Freedom. 1987
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Oathbreaker. 1987
Linda Frankel, Paula Crunk. Blood Hunt. 1987

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Red Sun of Darkover.
Daw. 1987

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Diana L. Paxson. A Different Kind of Victory. 1987
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Ballad of Hastur and Cassilda. 1987
Nina Boal. Flight. 1987
Diann S. Partridge. Salt. 1987
Deborah Wheeler. The Wasteland. 1987
Joe Wilcox. A Cell Opens. 1987
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Sum of the Parts. 1987
Patricia Anne Buard. Devil's Advocate. 1987
Vera Nazarian. Kihar. 1987
Elisabeth Waters. Playfellow. 1987
P.J Buchanan. Different Path. 1987
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Shadow. 1987
Patricia Shaw Mathews. Ciols. 1987
Mary Fenoglio. The Promise. 1987
Marny Whiteaker. The Dare. 1987

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Four Moons of Darkover.
Daw. 1988

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Vera Nazarian. The Jackal. 1988
Joan Marie Verba. Death's Scepter. 1988
Kay Morgan Douglas. A King's Ransom. 1988
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Man of Impulse. 1988
Roxanna Pierson. Swarm Song. 1988
Patricia B. Cirone. Out of Ashes. 1988
Meg Mac Donald. My Father's Son. 1988
Marion Zimmer Bradley. House Rules. 1988
Sandra C. Morrese. To Challenge Fate. 1988
Margaret L. Carter. The Devourer Within. 1988
Elisabeth Waters. Sin Catenas. 1988
Glenn R. Sixbury. Circles. 1988
Dorothy J. Heydt. Festival Night. 1988
Rachel Walker. A Laughing Matter. 1988
Audrey J. Fulton. Mourning. 1988
Deborah Wheeler. The Death of Brendon Ensolare. 1988
Millea Kenin. Sort of Chaos. 1988

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Domains of Darkover.
Daw. 1990

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Deborah Wheeler. "Acurrhir Todo; Nada Perdonad". 1990
Mercedes Lackey. An Object Lesson. 1990
Cynthia Drolet. Beginnings. 1990
Patricia Duffy Novak. Clingfire. 1990
Dorothy J. Heydt. Death in Thendara. 1990
Elisabeth Waters, Marion Zimmer Bradley. Firetrap. 1990
Judith K. Kobylecky. Friends. 1990
L.D Woeltjen. Manchild. 1990
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Just a Touch.... 1990
Joan Marie Verba. Mind-eater. 1990
Meg Mac Donald. Mists. 1990
Mary K. Frey. Our Little Rabbit. 1990
Barbara Denz. The Gift from Ardais. 1990
Diann S. Partridge. The Horse Race. 1990
Janet R. Rhodes. The Plague. 1990
Micole Sudberg. The Tapestry. 1990
Judith Sampson. To Serve Kihar. 1990

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Renunciates of Darkover.
Daw. 1991

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Chel Avery. Strife. 1991
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Amazon Excerpt. 1991
Annette Rodriguez. Broken Vows. 1991
Janet R. Rhodes. If Only Banshees Could See. 1991
Deborah Wheeler. A Midsummer Night's Gift. 1991
Joan Marie Verba. The Honor of the Guild. 1991
Diana L. Paxson. A Butterfly Season. 1991
Kelly B. Jaggers. Misjudged Situations. 1991
Mary Fenoglio. Awakening. 1991
Patricia Duffy Novak. Carlina's Calling. 1991
Judith K. Kobylecky. A Beginning. 1991
Mercedes Lackey. Set a Thief. 1991
Jean Lamb. Shut-in. 1991
Vera Nazarian. Danila's Song. 1991
Elisabeth Waters. A Proper Escort. 1991
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. The Lesson in the Foothills. 1991
Emily Alward. Summer Fair. 1991
Diann S. Partridge. Varzil's Avengers. 1991
Andrew Rey. To Touch a Comyn. 1991
Patricia B. Cirone. About Time. 1991
Margaret L. Carter. Family Visit. 1991
Priscilla W. Armstrong. Dalereuth Guild House. 1991

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Leroni of Darkover.
Daw. 1991

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Lynn Michals. Building. 1991
Janet R. Rhodes. The Ferment. 1991
Diana Gill. Wings. 1991
Deborah J. Mays. The Rebels. 1991
Diana Perry, Vera Nazarian. A Dance for Darkover. 1991
Jacquie Groom. There is Always Someone. 1991
Lawrence Schimel. Reunion. 1991
Patricia B. Cirone. A Way through the Fog. 1991
Mary K. Frey. The Gods' Gift. 1991
Margaret L. Carter. The Speaking Touch. 1991
Chel Avery. The Bargain. 1991
Aimee Kratts. The Witch of the Kilghard Hills. 1991
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. The Gift. 1991
Joan Marie Verba. Invitation to Chaos. 1991
Patricia Duffy Novak. The Keeper's Peace. 1991
Roxanna Pierson. Food for the Worms. 1991
Diann S. Partridge. Childish Pranks. 1991
Janni Lee Simner. Cherilly's Law. 1991
Dorothy J. Heydt. Avarra'a Children. 1991
Priscilla W. Armstrong. The Tower at New Skye. 1991
Lana Young. Homecoming. 1991
Elisabeth Waters. A Meeting of Minds. 1991

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Towers of Darkover.
DAW. 1993

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Love of the Banshee. 1993
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Wind Man. 1993
Nina Boal. Shelter. 1993
Margaret L. Carter, Leslie R. Carter. Carmen's Flight. 1993
Marion Zimmer Bradley. Ten Minutes or So. 1993
Patricia B. Cirone. Victory's Cost. 1993
Aletha Bidermann-Wiens. Kefan McIlroy is Snared. 1993
Mary Ellen Fletcher. Rosa the Washerwoman. 1993
Emily Alward. Like a Moth in the Flame. 1993
Judith K. Kobylecky. A Change of View. 1993
Lynn Michals. Choices. 1993
Patricia Duffy Novak. A Lesser Life. 1993
Glenn R. Sixbury. Summer Storms. 1993
Alexandra Sarris. Conscience. 1993
Charley Pearson. Shame. 1993
Diana L. Paxson. The Frontier. 1993
Diann S. Partridge. The Aillard Anomaly. 1993
Elisabeth Waters, Deborah Wheeler. Destined for the Tower. 1993
Joan Marie Verba. The Madwoman of the Kilghard Hills. 1993
David R. Heydt. I'm a Big Cat Now. 1993

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Friends of Darkover, eds.
Snows of Darkover.
1994

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Lee Martindale. The Yearbride. 1994
Deborah Wheeler. Cradle of Lies. 1994
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Power. 1994
Chel Avery. Upholding Tradition. 1994
Diana L. Paxson. The Place Between. 1994
Patricia Duffy Novak. Kadarin Tears. 1994
Roxanna Pierson. The Awakening. 1994
Joan Marie Verba. Safe Passage. 1994
Janet R. Rhodes. Garron's Gift. 1994
Cynthia McQuillin. The Chieri's Godchild. 1994
Patricia Shaw Mathews. Fire in the Hellers. 1994
Lena Gore. A Matter of Perception. 1994
Mercedes Lackey. Poetic Licence. 1994
Jane Edgeworth. The Midwinter's Gifts. 1994
Toni Berry. The MacAran Legacy. 1994
Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Word of a Hastur. 1994
C. Frances. Matrix Blues. 1994
Nina Boal. Shards. 1994
Suzanne Hawkins Burke. Briana's Birthright. 1994
Linda Anfuso. In the Eye of the Beholder. 1994
Alexandra Sarris. Transformation. 1994
Glenn R. Sixbury. Amends. 1994
Elisabeth Waters. A Cappella. 1994

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Holly Lisle.
Glenraven.
Baen. 1996

rating : 3.5 : worth reading
review : 2 November 1997

JayJay's third marriage has just ended as disastrously as the previous two, and she's looking for an escape. In her local bookshop she finds a tourist guide to the unknown small European country of Glenraven, and feels unaccountably drawn to it. Her best friend Sophie, still mourning the death of her daughter, feels just as compelled to accompany her.

That guide book is, of course, magical, and has summoned these two unlikely heroes to Glenraven to save it from the immortal tyrant Watchmistress. Our heroes, however, are oblivious of this fact, and, thinking they are ordinary tourists, blunder about the country, upsetting all the careful plans of their desperate summoners. They soon realise, however, that something Is Not Right, but with their sophisticated western background, it takes them a while to accept magic.

Unlike many generic fantasy quests, the plot is not just a straight line from start to goal. It has sufficient complexity, and sufficient setbacks and twists, to keep up the interest. I think I detect the hand of Holly Lisle in the loving details of some of the more gruesome murders. A fun read, if a slightly rushed conclusion, and just a single sentence paving the way for a sequel, if needs be.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Holly Lisle.
In the Rift.
Baen. 1998

rating : 3.5 : worth reading
review : 18 April 1999

The promised sequel had indeed materialised. This time out the magic Guidebook selects Kate Beacham as its hero. She's a wiccan, disowned by her own family, facing being run out of town by the local bigots, who have just killed her horse. Then a bunch of Glenravenites gate to her cottage, pursued by a monster. Kate kills it, but is then captured by the very people she rescued. The guidebook then informs her she has to team up with these people, before Callion and the Watchers destroy both of their worlds. But one of them is a traitor. Not her best day.

Most of the action takes place in our Machine World, rather than Glenraven, this time. The action proceeds briskly, and there are some funny moments as Kate passes off her non-human visitors as SF costumers. It is rather obvious who the traitor is from early on, however, just by employing the usual mystery story algorithms.

The story is spoiled slightly by the overt preachiness in a couple of places. But it makes a very pleasant change to have a mediaevaloid fantasy where the occupants both of our world, and the other, agree that this world does has its advantages -- and to have a protagonist who actually prefers this world (despite all the pain it has given her).

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Ghostlight.
Tor. 1995

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 29 May 2005

Truth Jourdemayne, sceptical parapsychologist, has grown up hating her father Thorne Blackburn as the con-man who killed her mother while pretending to perform magic. But now the aunt who raised her gives her some strange gifts from that time, and she decides to confront the past. And at Shadow's Gate, the mansion where the fatal ritual took place last time, she finds another group gathered together to try the ritual again.

A fairly straightforward tale of magical awakening, with a not very plausible attempt to throw in some "romance" features. Truth is rather irritating as the alleged sceptic who on the one hand isn't sceptical enough, and on the other, refuses to believe what is actually happening.

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Witchlight.
1996

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Gravelight.
Tor. 1997

Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Heartlight.
Tor. 1998

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
The Best of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine.
Aspect/Warner. 1994

rating : 3.5 : worth reading
review : 13 July 1998

Contents

Dorothy J. Heydt. Moonrise. 1988
A Senator has personal reasons for supporting a Mars landing: he knows what happened to his teenage self with the first Moon landing. [Watch out for the gigantic spoiler in the Introduction.]
Jennifer Roberson. Final Exam. 1988
A virgin princess finds herself kidnapped for dragon bait in a nervous wizard's exam. Can she talk herself out of the problem?
L. A. Taylor. Counterexample. 1989
A mutant hermaphrodite human needs to explain their similar condition to her daughters, but they are too wrapped up in Star Trek fantasies to hear her.
Mary C. Aldridge. The Adinkra Cloth. 1989
A dying mother protects her sons from their evil Uncle the only way she can.
Patricia B. Cirone. To Father a Sohn. 1989
Silivera fathered Dafire, but under the Code has no legal rights to jher, not being contracted with the mother Ricel. What to do after the earthquake?
Susan Urbanek Linville. Born in the Seventh Year. 1989
A Changeling story
Peter L. Manly. Dragon Three Two Niner. 1989
Princess Irulana needs to get a counterspell removed from her older sister's dress, but her sister is suspicious of her motives.
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. The Case of Kestra. 1989
Kestra, wheel-chair bound after an accident, longs to be free.
Lawrence Watt-Evans. The Palace of al-Tir al-Abtan. 1989
A thief is sent by the Beggar King into a wicked wizard's palace to kill him.
Mercedes Lackey. Nightside. 1989
Urban witch Diana Tregard and her vampire lover Andre must stop a soul-killer.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Aventura. 1989
Tira Nau, bakery witch, inherits an enchanted sword that refuses to leave her side.
Jo Clayton. Change. 1990
The Ouloud wakes to find her lake polluted; the slave Tassin must tell her it is not the fault of the conquered Huanin.
Phyllis Ann Karr. The Truth About the Lady of the Lake. 1990
Frostflower and Thorn have to dispose of a large sword.
Diana L. Paxson. The Dancer of Chimaera. 1990
The Space Force personnel have little to do in their free time but watch the dancer Mariposa, while they wait for the defences against the Shifters to be completed.
Elisabeth Waters. The Lesser Twin. 1990
Karina is the beautiful sorceress, but her twin Kiara learns a lot from spending time as a Salamander.
Kit Wesler. The Bane of the Red Queen. 1990
Never try to outwit a prophesy.
Deborah Millitello. The Reluctant Vampire. 1990
Sharon realises her boyfriend has tried to make her into a vampire.
Tanya Huff. Be It Ever So Humble. 1991
Magdalene, the most powerful wizard in the world, just wants to find a village where she can live peacefully.

Sword and Sorceress (series)

Every year since 1984 Marion Zimmer Bradley has edited a Sword and Sorceress volume: a mixed bag of original tales of women as (realistic) warriors and mages: no "brass brassieres" here. Some of the authors in earlier volumes have since gone on to make a name for themselves as SF or fantasy novelists, for example, Laurell K. Hamilton, Mercedes Lackey, Diana L. Paxson, Jennifer Roberson, Elisabeth Waters.


Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress I.
Daw. 1984

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

The Heroic Image of Women: Woman as Wizard and Warrior. 1984
Phyllis Ann Karr. The Garnet and the Glory. 1984
Glen Cook. Severed Heads. 1984
Stephen L. Burns. Taking Heart. 1984
Emma Bull. The Rending Dark. 1984
Charles R. Saunders. Gimmile's Songs. 1984
Charles de Lint. The Valley of the Troll. 1984
Deborah Wheeler. Imeratrix. 1984
Jennifer Roberson. Blood of Sorcery. 1984
Pat Murphy. With Four Lean Hounds. 1984
Anodea Judith. House in the Forest. 1984
Diana L. Paxson. Sword of Yraine. 1984
Michael Ward. Daton and the Dead Things. 1984
Janet Fox. Gate of the Damned. 1984
Robin Wayne Bailey. Child of Orcus. 1984
Dorothy J. Heydt. Things Come in Threes. 1984

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress II.
Daw. 1985

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Phyllis Ann Karr. A Night at Two Inns. 1985
Rachel Pollack. The Red Guild. 1985
Diana L. Paxson. Shadow Wood. 1985
Bruce D. Arthurs. Unicorn's Blood. 1985
C. J. Cherryh. The Unshadowed Land. 1985
Charles R. Saunders. Shimenege's Mask. 1985
Stephen L. Burns. The Black Tower. 1985
Jennifer Roberson. The Lady and the Tiger. 1985
Deborah Wheeler. Fireweb. 1985
Charles de Lint. Cold Blows the Wind. 1985
Dana Kramer-Rolls. Sword of the Mother. 1985
Russ Garrison. Hunger. 1985
Elizabeth Thompson. On First Looking into Bradley's Guidelines, or Stories I Don't Want to Read Either. 1985
Raul S. Reyes. The Chosen Maiden. 1985
Richard Corwin. Red Pearls. 1985
Vera Nazarian. Wound on the Moon. 1985

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress III.
Daw. 1986

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

The Evolution of Women's Fantasy. 1986
Deborah Wheeler. Dragon-Amber. 1986
A. D. Overstreet. Enter the Wolf. 1986
Jennifer Roberson. Valley of the Shadow. 1986
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Song and the Flute. 1986
Dana Kramer-Rolls. Journeytime. 1986
Mary Frances Zambreno. Orpheus. 1986
Millea Kenin. Scarlet Eyes. 1986
Anodea Judith. The River of Tears. 1986
Polly B. Johnson. Fresh Blood. 1986
Diana L. Paxson. The Mist on the Moor. 1986
Elizabeth Moon. Bargains. 1986
When a bargain looks to good to be true it just might be. So should Rahel have bought that horse, and her partner those charms?
Elisabeth Waters. A Woman's Privilege. 1986
J. Edwin Andrews. Talla. 1986
Terry Tafoya. Tupilak. 1986
Mercedes Lackey. Sword-sworn. 1985
How Tarma became Sword-sworn after the massacre of her clan, how she met Kethry and her geas-sword Need, and how they became she'enedra. An uncommon "rape and revenge" tale.
Melissa Carpenter. A Tale from Hendry's Mill. 1986
Patricia B. Cirone. S.A.R. 1986
L.D Woeltjen. More's the Pity. 1986
Charles R. Saunders. Marwe's Forest. 1986
Mavis J. Andrews. The Hunters. 1986

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress IV.
Daw. 1987

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Mercedes Lackey. A Tale of Heroes. 1987
The duo arrive just too late to slay a human-eating monster themselves, but need to rescue a chambermaid from the monstrous 'hero'.
Robin Wayne Bailey. The Woodland of Zarad-Thra. 1987
Charles de Lint. The Weeping Oak. 1987
Dave Smeds. Gullrider. 1987
Diana L. Paxson. Blood Dancer. 1987
Paula Helm Murray. Kayli's Fire. 1987
Josepha Sherman. The Ring of Lifari. 1987
Jennifer Roberson. Rite of Passage. 1987
Richard Corwin. The Eyes of the Gods. 1987
Millea Kenin. Fate and the Dreamer. 1987
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Noonday Witch. 1987
Stephen L. Burns. Redeemer's Riddle. 1987
Syn Ferguson. The Tree-Wife of Arketh. 1987
Richard Cornell. Spell of Binding. 1987
Deborah Wheeler. Storm God. 1987
L.D Woeltjen. Die Like a Man. 1987
Bruce D. Arthurs. Death and the Ugly Woman. 1987
Deborah M. Vogel. Bloodstones. 1987

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress V.
Daw. 1988

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Margaret L. Carter. Sorcerer's Pet. 1988
Charles de Lint. Into the Green. 1988
Janet Fox. Eyes of the Laemi. 1988
Linda Gordon. Jewels. 1988
M. R. Hildebrand. Dance of the Healer. 1988
Millea Kenin. One Night at the Inn. 1988
Mercedes Lackey. Keys. 1988
Kethry must unravel a locked-room mystery while Tarma faces trial by combat.
Gerald Perkins. Drum Duel. 1988
Diana L. Paxson. The Eye of Toyur. 1988
Dana Kramer-Rolls. Peet's Bride. 1988
A. D. Overstreet. Warrior's Way. 1988
Jennifer Roberson. Spoils of War. 1988
B. A. Rolls. Cholin of Carnel. 1988
Deborah Wheeler. Rite of Vengeance. 1988
Mary Frances Zambreno. Bloodstone. 1988
Laura J. Underwood. Sword Singer. 1988
Steve Tymon. Stormbringer. 1988
Dave Smeds. Sorceress of the Gulls. 1988
Josepha Sherman. Runaways. 1988
Morning Glory Zell. The Golden Egg. 1988
Rick Cook. Revised Standard Virgin. 1988
Cynthia Drolet. Dragon Lovers. 1988

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress VI.
Daw. 1990

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Diana L. Paxson. Equona's Mare. 1990
Shariann N. Lewitt. The Hand of Fatima. 1990
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Commencement. 1990
Morning Glory Zell. A Lesser of Evils. 1990
Kier Neustaedter. And Saavuld Danced .... 1990
Linda Gordon. Stone of Light. 1990
Nancy Jane Moore. Change of Command. 1990
Vera Nazarian. The Starry King. 1990
Nina Boal. Mirror Image. 1990
Jennifer Roberson. Sleeping Dogs. 1990
Elisabeth Waters. Shadowlands. 1990
Mercedes Lackey. The Making of a Legend. 1990
Leslac finally catches up with the mercenary duo, in order to record one of their heroic deeds firsthand. But not all deeds are the stuff of ballad.
Mary Fenoglio. Burnt Offerings. 1990
Dorothy J. Heydt. Ratsbane. 1990
Bobbi Miller. Wolf Hunt. 1990
Carl Thelen. Pearl. 1990
Jessie D. Eaker. Name of the Demoness. 1990
Lois Tilton. Hands. 1990
Mary E Choo. Wolfrunner. 1990
J.A Brebner. Until We Meet Again. 1990
Gemma Tarlach. Black Wolf. 1990

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress VII.
Daw. 1990

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Stephanie D. Shaver. At the Tolling of Midnight. 1990
Laura Thurston. The Buddy System. 1990
Mark Tompkins. The Cloud of Evil. 1990
Rowena A. Bathgate. Heart of the Matter. 1990
Deborah Wheeler. A Wolf in the Fold. 1990
Vera Nazarian. A Thing of Love. 1990
Diana L. Paxson. The Sword Slave. 1990
Diann S. Partridge. The Festival Gatherers. 1990
Mercedes Lackey. The Talisman. 1990
Kethry meets an old schoolmate who, tragically, has never accepted that magic requires hard work, not special talismans.
Kathleen A. Varnado. Widow. 1990
Elizabeth McCoy. Just Desserts. 1990
Gary Jonas. Mending Wounds. 1990
Nancy Jane Moore. St. George and the Dragon (revised). 1990
Sue Isle. Her Father's Daughter. 1990
Laurell K. Hamilton. Winterkill. 1990
Jessie D. Eaker. Staying Behind. 1990
Gary W. Herring. Hawk's Hill. 1990
Mary K. Frey. Waterwise. 1990
I. F. Cole. The Second Song. 1990
Lawrence Schimel. The Thorny Path to Wizardry. 1990
Patricia B. Cirone. Grim Calling. 1990
Diane Burrell. Winter's Daughter. 1990
Stephen L. Burns. The Bridge over Darikill Fel. 1990
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Warrior's Oath. 1990
Alison Brooks. Lost Souls. 1990

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress VIII.
Daw. 1991

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Deborah Burros. Masks. 1991
Mercedes Lackey. Wings of Fire. 1991
The duo fight a sorceress who wants to enslave a Hawkbrother's firebirds.
Laurell K. Hamilton. Geese. 1991
Rima Saret. Marayd's Escape. 1991
Gary W. Herring. She Who Shields. 1991
Jennifer Roberson. Fair Play. 1991
Paula Helm Murray. Kayli Kidnapped. 1991
Diana L. Paxson. Ytarra's Mirror. 1991
Walter L. Kleine. Heart's Desires. 1991
Nancy L. Pine. A Throw of the Dice. 1991
Andrea Pelleschi. Song of the Dragon. 1991
Vera Nazarian. Beauty and His Beast. 1991
Stephanie D. Shaver. Shards of Crystal. 1991
eluki bes shahar. Spellbinder. 1991
Josepha Sherman. The Price of the Wind. 1991
Linda Gordon. Stained Glass. 1991
Jere Dunham. East of the Dawn. 1991
Dave Smeds. Trading Swords. 1991
Elisabeth Waters. Out of the Frying Pan. 1991
Lois Tilton. Edyth Among the Trolls. 1991
Cynthia L. Ward. The Opal Skull. 1991
Margaret Howes. Retirement Plan. 1991

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress IX.
Daw. 1992

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Tanya Beaty. Slave to the Sword. 1992
Bruce D. Arthurs. Shadows do not Bleed. 1992
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Beastly!. 1992
Susan Hanniford Crowley. Piper. 1992
Diana L. Paxson. Stopthrust. 1992
Phil Brucato. Elynne Dragonchild. 1992
Lisa Deason. Freeing Souls. 1992
Jessie D. Eaker. Blademistress. 1992
Patricia Duffy Novak. Sorcerers' Gate. 1992
Elisabeth Waters. The Birthday Gift. 1992
Laura J. Underwood. Tangled Webs. 1992
Stephanie D. Shaver. Winterwood. 1992
Josepha Sherman. Red Wings. 1992
Eric Haines. Above the Ground. 1992
Mark Tompkins. On a Night Like Any Other. 1992
Mercedes Lackey. A Woman's Weapon. 1992
Tarma and Kethry intervene in a dispute between two Master Tanners.
Mary K. Frey. Behind the Waterfall. 1992
Steven Piziks. Hoard. 1992
Dorothy J. Heydt. Queen of the Dead. 1992
Dave Smeds. The Flower that Does Not Wither. 1992
Linda Gordon. To Have and To Hold. 1992
Lee Ann Martins. The Catalyst. 1992
Leslie Ann Miller. Breaking Walls. 1992
Cynthia L. Ward. The Enchanted Frog. 1992
Roxanna Pierson. The Price of the Gods. 1992
Syne Mitchell. Tiger's Eye. 1992

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress X.
DAW. 1993

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Tina Good. Lorelei. 1993
Diana L. Paxson. Falcon's Shadow. 1993
Robyn McGrew. The Proper Balance. 1993
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Gift of Minerva. 1993
Mercedes Lackey. Friendly Fire. 1993
The tale of a bad-luck charm.
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Heart in a Box. 1993
Donna Bocian Currie. Dance of Death. 1993
Kirsten M. Corby. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. 1993
Kati Dougherty. Fealty. 1993
J. M. Cressy. Hunt for the Queen's Beast. 1993
Patricia Duffy Novak. Robes. 1993
Vera Nazarian. Bonds of Light. 1993
Francesca Myman. Night, Who Creeps through Keyholes. 1993
Leslie Ann Miller. Oaths. 1993
Lucas K. Law. Double Vision. 1993
Diann S. Partridge. The Phoenix Medallion. 1993
David A. Pillard. A Run in the Forest. 1993
Nancy L. Pine. Old Age and Treachery.... 1993
Lawrence Schimel. In Sheep's Clothing. 1993
Stephanie D. Shaver. Her Mother's Sword. 1993
Deborah Wheeler. Sorceress' Apprentics. 1993
Lynne Alisse Witten. Mage-Sight. 1993
Katy Huth Jones. Ether and the Skeptic. 1993
Rebekah Jensen. The Limwitch. 1993
Lorina J. Stephens. Smile of the Goddess. 1993
Karen Luk. Just Reward. 1993
Vicki Kirchhoff. Boys Will Be Girls. 1993
Lisa Deason. Taking Shape. 1993
Carolee J. Edwards. Justice is Mine. 1993

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XI.
DAW. 1994

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

Bunnie Bessell. Call the Wild Horses. 1994
Lynn Michals. Keepsake. 1994
Diana L. Paxson. Spirit Singer. 1994
Jessica R. Lerbs. Final Exam. 1994
Charley Pearson. The Stratmoor Bear. 1994
Vaughn Heppner. Grumble Snoot. 1994
Javonna L. Anderson. Tales. 1994
Jo Clayton. Maggot's Feast. 1994
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Moonriders. 1994
Mary Catelli. Thief, Thief!. 1994
Hannah Blair. Healing. 1994
Cynthia McQuillin. Virgin Spring. 1994
Judith K. Kobylecky. The Haven. 1994
Tom Gallier. Savior. 1994
Jessie D. Eaker. Bad Luck and Curses. 1994
Karen Luk. The Mistress' Riddle. 1994
Dave Smeds. Rusted Blade. 1994
Larry Tritten. Images of Love. 1994
Diann S. Partridge. A Fate Worse than Death. 1994
Sandra C. Morrese. Power Play. 1994
Sarah Evans. Fenwitch. 1994
Vicki Kirchhoff. Green-Eyed Monster. 1994
Denise Lopes Heald. Snowfire. 1994
Stephanie D. Shaver. Ancient Warrior. 1994
Lawrence Schimel. Barbarian Legacy. 1994
Laura J. Underwood. Mist. 1994
Tammi Labrecque. Songhealer. 1994
Kathy Ann Trueman. The Sow's Ear. 1994
Deborah Wheeler. Poisoned Dreams. 1994
Cynthia L. Ward. Night-Beast. 1994
Rochelle Marie. The Gift. 1994
Kristine Sprunger. The Crystal Casket. 1994
Mildred Perkins. Ringed In. 1994

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XII.
DAW. 1995

(read but not reviewed)

Contents

John P. Buentello. Demon in Glass. 1995
Carolyn J. Bahr. Does the Shoe Fit You Now?. 1995
Karen Luk. A Lynx and a Bastard. 1995
Lisa S. Silverthorne. Dragonskin Boots. 1995
Lynne Armstrong-Jones. Truth. 1995
Heather Rose Jones. Skins. 1995
Lisa Deason. Though the World is Darkness. 1995
Valerie Atkinson Gawthrop. Hemparius the Trader. 1995
Tom Gallier. Chance. 1995
Deborah Millitello. Touched by the Gods. 1995
Stephanie D. Shaver. Promise to Angel. 1995
Cynthia McQuillin. Shadow Harper. 1995
Vera Nazarian. The Stone Face, the Giant, and the Paradox. 1995
Laura J. Underwood. Wormwood. 1995
Deborah Wheeler. Silverblade. 1995
Mercedes Lackey, Elisabeth Waters. A Dragon in Distress. 1995
Diana L. Paxson. Stone Spirit. 1995
Jennifer Roberson. Garden of Glories. 1995
Linda J. Dunn. Stealing the Power. 1995
Patricia Duffy Novak. The Lost Path. 1995
Patricia Sayre McCoy. Winter Roses. 1995
Syne Mitchell. Amber. 1995

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XIII.
DAW. 1996

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 9 August 1997

Another okay bunch of stories, featuring shapeshifters, and dream quests. None stick for long in my memory, but fine for whiling away a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Contents

Jo Clayton. Patience. 1996
A woman doggedly trails the killer of her family, waiting for his first mistake.
Leslie Ann Miller. Sun Dancer. 1996
Desert Sundancer Althea is rescued from slavery by two strange Northerners, but can she learn to trust them?
Charles M. Saplak. Spider's Offer. 1996
Princess Dahaev, fighting for her Kingdom, rejects an offer for help from an evil source. But then her opponent accepts it...
Heather Rose Jones. More than One Way. 1996
A woman who can make new shapechanger skins must protect herself from being exploited by a village desperately short of skins. (Sequel to "Skins", in SS-XII)
Cynthia McQuillin. Daelith's Bargain. 1996
Daelith defeats the evil hag Mad Maedie by tricking her out of her powers.
Deborah Wheeler. The Spirit Arrow. 1996
An Azkhantian warrior must use the Spirit Arrow to release her cursed daughter.
John P. Buentello. The Choosing. 1996
Laira is a skillful student of both the warrior and the mage schools, but now the time has come for her to choose between these two callings.
Marella Sands. Tortoise Weeps. 1996
Frog Spring, queen of Tikal, must intercede with the gods to save her people from their wrath, caused by her foreigner-husband's sacrilege.
Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury. What the Gods Will. 1996
Moratiri must fight a dangerous battle against a deadly snake to save her new husband from her evil brother
Syne Mitchell. Double Blind. 1996
A warrior asks for invisibility from a demon, who tricks her, leaving her invisible, but blind. How can she now win her battle?
P. Andrew Miller. Patchwork Magic. 1996
Her aunt's gift of a magic quilt helps Marya throughout her life.
Diana L. Paxson. Twilight. 1996
Norse seer Bera must solve a murder to stop a war.
Lynn Michals. Personal Need. 1996
A mage discovers the last personal need, which she must discard before coming into her full powers.
Andrea J. Horlick. Catriona's Daughters. 1996
A healer is tricked into Castle Remor, where she discovers something horrifying about her past.
Laura J. Underwood. The Whisht Hound's Bone. 1996
Brighid searches for a way to defeat a tyrant.
Joette M. Rozanski. The Werewolf's Final Lesson. 1996
Fahren is ignored when she advises against using the help of a werewolf.
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Curse of Tanit. 1996
Cynthia delivers a baby, and breaks a curse, but at great personal cost.
Quinn Weller. Dual. 1996
Zhi finally catches her traitorous quarry in the snow, but will she be able to bring her to justice?
Kathryne Kennedy. Spirit Quest. 1996
Kallaka is besotted with Alloc, and in her attempt to win him, she could lose her Kindred Spirit.
Lawrence Schimel. Crow Feathers. 1996
Ysabelle is miserable in her current life: can the crows help her escape?
Stephanie D. Shaver. Jewel-Bright. 1996
The villagers need a hero to save them from the dragon Bringer of Winter.
Jean Marie Egger. The Comforter. 1996
Gianna unexpectedly comes into her powers late in life, triggered by the death of her beloved Rufina.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XIV.
DAW. 1997

rating : 3.5 : worth reading
review : 26 April 1998

Another okay bunch of stories, featuring shapeshifters, puzzle rings, and getting just what you ask for. . Some very short ones break up the usual pattern quite nicely.

Contents

Laura J. Underwood. The Bargain. 1997
The mage Ginny must save her old teacher Manus from a bad bargain he made with the Black Hunter, with the help of her moon terrier, Thistle
Lee Martindale. The Impression of Power. 1997
A young woman applies for the position of King's Enchanter, but needs to change her tactics when she learns that appearances may be all that is important.
Adrienne Martine-Barnes. The Naming of Names. 1997
Lady Blackthorne bitterly resents the power evident in her newborn child, and so refuses to Name her.
Diana L. Paxson. Changelings. 1997
Norse seer Bera must convince the folk of a steading that newborn twins are not changelings.
Raul S. Reyes. Death-Hunt. 1997
When one of MaCallan Arish's party is murdered during a hunt, she must find the culprit before the trail goes cold.
Deborah Wheeler. A Single Soul. 1997
Twins Seylana and Meriadess share a single soul. So when Meriadess is killed, Seylana must quest far to find her other half.
Jessie D. Eaker. The Needle and the Sword. 1997
Ora made a dreadful choice in the past, and is now condemned to sew the choices of others into the Robe of Life. But bad choices in the past don't stop new choices being made.
Judith Fielder Leggatt. Small Considerations. 1997
Mara's young daughter insists on following her everywhere, solemnly copying everything she does, as she wards the village against bandits.
P. E. Cunningham. If You Can't Stand the Heat.... 1997
Royal Cook Mellia has a battle on her hands when the King brings a foreign chef with him back from the wars.
Syne Mitchell. Silver Bands. 1997
Quiocel, Priestess of the Clever Goddess, mends adulterous wives' puzzle rings, until she is caught by the Sultan. Then she needs all her wits to survive.
Anne Cutrell. The Hand of a Lady. 1997
Lord Briar offers the hand of his only daughter as prize to the winner of the Tournament. So his daughter must make sure the right person wins.
K. D. Barnes. To Have and To Hold. 1997
Newly-wed Karis is forced to overnight alone in a traveler's hut, and must defeat a strange attacker.
Kathrina Bood. A Knight on Tower Hill. 1997
The Knight Kellin meets Moija, who is searching for the lost treasure of Tell'Sakera, a book that contains the truth.
Lisa S. Silverthorne. The Longest Night. 1997
Darina gives Lord Cedric the power of the Circle. That's what he wanted, wasn't it?
Cynthia L. Ward. Blood Moon. 1997
The witch Winter, exiled from the village, sees it destroyed by bandits. She must decide whether to rescue the prisoners, including her friend Raven, who cast her out years ago.
Heather Rose Jones. By the Skin of Her Teeth. 1997
A shapechanger is an unwilling rescuer of a woman fleeing her murderous husband. The woman may be risking the entire village unless the husband can be convinced she's dead. [Sequel to "More than One Way", in SS XIII]
Christina Krueger. Friends in High Places. 1997
Novice Rayal knows better than acolyte Sim how to get a feather from an avir.
Elisabeth Waters. The Blade of Unmaking. 1997
Alyssa is despised and resented by her parents, and has very little sense of self worth. Then she is chosen as Guardian of the Blade of Unmaking.
Cynthia McQuillin. The Stone-Weaver's Tale. 1997
Stone-weaver Shallisa has always desired Master Maldor's lapis cat. Finally, she scrapes together enough money to buy it. That night she dreams of her missing father.
Mary Soon Lee. The Hollow Dancer. 1997
Hellia Dances with the enemy, to determine the course of the battle.
Lisa Deason. La Faie Suiateih. 1997
Guardswoman Enya must rescue the prince from La Faie Suiateih, to regain her honour.
Dorothy J. Heydt. Vengeance. 1997
In Alexandria Cynthia avenges herself on Isis for the death of her husband Komi.
Patricia Duffy Novak. The Moongate Troll. 1997
Shale and Karl are the latest in a long line of adventurers trying to rescue an abducted Princess from the Sorceress. But first they have to get past the unexpected Troll.
Mary Catelli. Lifestone. 1997
Pearl risks her life to show the Knights what the wizard is doing to her town.
Christopher Kempke. White Elephants. 1997
Why does Lia gives the evil Warlord his desire: a spell that for one day will instantly grant everything he thinks of?
Kathi Thompson. Traveler's Aide. 1997
Maybe one day a Traveler will ask the right question before leaving.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XV.
DAW. 1998

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 19 December 1998

Yet another okay bunch of stories for whiling away a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Contents

John P. Buentello. With a Warrior's Soul. 1998
Jeyla the thief has stolen rather more than a simple jewel.
Deborah Burros. Perseverance. 1998
Vhanessa, queen of the sea-dragons, will defeat the Gray Sorcerer, no matter how long it takes.
Mary Catelli. Where there is Smoke. 1998
Why had the Nameless Necromancer kept simple book on alchemy locked up securely?
Andrea Chodan. Unbinding Spell. 1998
Kril's magic is of unbinding: no knot or tangle survives in her presence
Susan Hanniford Crowley. Cecropia. 1998
Fiona the Druidess' last battle in Ireland
Jessie D. Eaker. To Live Forever. 1998
All Tymin has to do to gain immortality is sacrifice her adopted daughter. But she has been abducted.
Sarah Lyons. Queen's Anvil. 1998
Nita has to undergo a savage ordeal to become queen
Dorothy J. Heydt. The Sick Rose. 1998
Cynthia escapes Alexandria, and investigates a cursed garment.
Heather Rose Jones. Skin-Deep. 1998
Eysla returns home, but her brother is horrified at her shape changing skills.
Cath McBride. One Last Dragon, One Last Time. 1998
Princess Glydia is getting too old to be rescued from dragons
Devon Monk. Under Her Wing. 1998
Thaelin wishes there was a better way than fighting the dragons.
Vera Nazarian. Shimmering Scythe. 1998
Death has her scythe stolen
Diana L. Paxson. Spring Snow. 1998
Groa can't, or won't, initiate her apprentice Bera as Voelva
Lynn Morgan Rosser. Oaths. 1998
Being forced to tell the truth isn't as bad as it seems
Carol Tompkins. Something Precious. 1998
To rescue her brother, Tikon must lift the curse of infertility from the Loaen
Peter Trachtenberg. All These Days. 1998
A Master Mason has a very special sword that she has yet to use
Laura J. Underwood. His Heart of Stone. 1998
Kira must brave the unseelie den of the gille seth to retrieve her brother's stolen heart
Cynthia L. Ward. A Matter of Names. 1998
Someone is trying to kill Guardswoman Rishara, someone who thinks she is Captain Aedra
Elisabeth Waters, Raul S. Reyes. The Dragon's Hoarde. 1998
Sigrun is hired by Princess Rowena and her dragon to guard them from King Eric
Deborah Wheeler. The Phoenix Blade. 1998
Linned inherits the Phoenix Blade from her grandfather, but forgets it must be used Only In Just Cause
Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury. The Smell of Magic. 1998
Iana discovers she can smell magic when she finds an injured Wizard.
Paul Edwin Zimmer. Seal-Woman's Power. 1998
Airellen must enlist mortal help to defeat the evil sea-worms

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XVI.
DAW. 1999

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 20 November 1999

More of the same.

Contents

Fujiko. The Kappa's Gift. 1999
Aki meets a creature of legend, and reacts in panic. But later, she realises the creature did not, after all, attack her.
Charlotte Carlson. The Changeless Room. 1999
Sihir is surprised to discover the Changeless Room in her cellar, but sensibly ignores it, until a wizard arrives to break the spell.
Mary Catelli. Isabelle and the Siren. 1999
Isabelle is suffering from melancholy -- then hears the Siren call.
Sonya Fedotowsky. Dragon's Tear. 1999
The troop must bring back a Dragon's Tear to save their land -- but every previous party has disappeared.
Patricia B. Cirone. A Sister's Blood. 1999
Sisters Tess and Sasha have been captured, but must escape to warn Lord Briedan of the trap.
Lisa Deason. Changed. 1999
Celestra is desperate to change back into a unicorn, but meets treachery.
Dayle A. Dermatis. The Power to Change the Shape of the Land. 1999
The sorceress cannot harm the tyrant king, not directly...
Linda J. Dunn. The Frog Prince. 1999
So why did the prince become a frog, and what does the princess think abut kissing all those toads?
Dorothy J. Heydt. Honey From the Rock. 1999
Cynthia gets to treat a very important patient, with the price of failure being high.
Christina Krueger. The Will of the Wind. 1999
Sallik has been called by the Wind, but his family insist he become a shaman to their people.
Carol E. Leever. Moonlight on the Water. 1999
Neko is learning the kata, but needs to learn not to think so much. Judging a samurai contest might bring unexpected help.
Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch. Nine Springs. 1999
Lyra is desperate to heal her wounded friend Rheta, so sets off to find one of the nine sacred springs.
Terry McGarry. Mistweaver. 1999
The mistweaver had served long and well, but now she is old and tired.
Cynthia McQuillin. Waking the Stone Maiden. 1999
Arrek must go to the old Stone Maiden, despite the prohibition of the conquering Harvashti
Vera Nazarian. City of No-Sleep. 1999
When the king sleeps, chaos rules the world. So why not kill the king?
Diana L. Paxson. Daughter of the Bear. 1999
Bera the Voelva must gain the respect of the people by herself.
Lisa S. Silverthorne. The Wishing Stones. 1999
Shoshona has been prisoner for five years, her magic slowly being drained from her. But she freely pours some of her magic into the three wishing stones.
Selina Rosen. A Fool's Game. 1999
Only a fool would follow the warrior's path.
Lawrence Schimel. The Anvil of Her Pride. 1999
Teresa agrees to make a sword for the legendary Connor, for a price.
Laura J. Underwood. The Dancing Men of Ballyben. 1999
Ginny must save a young man from the curse of the Dancing Men, and herself from the bandits.
Elisabeth Waters, Michael Spence. Salt and Sorcery. 1999
Melisande is desperate for her husband Stephen to pass his Senior Ordeal, so that they can move out of their cramped married student accommodation.
Lawrence Watt-Evans. Weaving Spells. 1999
Kirinna goes after her fiance Dogal, who never returned from his trip to sell the sky stone to the wizard Alladia.
Deborah Wheeler. Enaree, an Azkhantian Tale. 1999
Ythrae and Tenoshinakh go on a pre-nuptial raiding party.
Gail Sosinsky Wickman. The Day They Ran Out of Princesses. 1999
Made Princess by Decree, just to feed the monster.
Susan Wolven. Taking Flight. 1999
Not all name day presents need to be delivered personally.
Katherine L. Rogers. The Vision That Appeared. 1999
Claudia is irritated that her family thinks magic is overrated, and is determined to try "A Spell to See" for herself.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XVII.
DAW. 2000

rating : 3.5 : worth reading
review : 17 February 2001

More of the same, but of a bit higher quality than usual: a few of the stories did stand out from the crowd.

Contents

Dave Coleman-Reese. Memories of the Sea. 2000
Talgra dives for the pearls that let her tell the stories of those who died at sea.
Mary Catelli. Free Passage. 2000
Chloe must persuade the Amazons to let her ship have free passage, but a faction is hostile to her pleas
Lisa Campos. The Conjuror's Light. 2000
The Royal Conjuror is commanded to conjure the mythical Warblade for the king's feeble son to weild, with the help of the king's daughter.
T. Borregaard. My Sister's Song. 2000
A warrior has to use the natural resources of her land to defeat the overwhelming Roman invaders
Bunnie Bessell. The Summons. 2000
Blaze the Sword has been bodyguard to the prince for three years. Now she gets new orders from her Temple.
Patricia Duffy Novak. Luz. 2000
Luz is branded and outcast when the Goddess gives her no sign of her favour. She cannot understand why others seemingly less worthy than her are favoured
Vera Nazarian. Caelqua's Spring. 2000
Caelqua emerges from the spring to see her brother one last time.
Cynthia McQuillin. Deep as Rivers. 2000
A troll discovers an injured elf, and needs human help to save him.
Charles Laing. Weapons at War. 2000
Her sword is upset at having to fight for a woman. But the arrows are quite happy.
Lee Martindale. Hell Hath No Fury. . .. 2000
A half-demon has no love for the bards, not after what one wrote about her.
Dorothy J. Heydt. An Exchange of Favors. 2000
Hermes asks Cynthia to do him a favour in Mytilene
Kim Fryer. Price of the Sword. 2000
The warrior Tamath needs Nadia to unspell her sword, which is forcing her to keep killing, even though the war is over.
Elizabeth Gilligan. Demon Calling. 2000
Valeska needs to learn who she is, so Zorya deserts her near a strange cottage
Deborah Wheeler. Nor Iron Bars a Cage. 2000
Alaina's father doesn't appreciate her, even though she unbalances the scales to save his taxes. Then she is finally caught, and ends up in prison, waiting to be hanged.
Carrie Vaughn. The Haunting of Princess Elizabeth. 2000
Princess Elizabeth Tudor is kept company by the spirit of her mother while waiting for the throne
Laura J. Underwood. Shadow Soul. 2000
Ginny Ni Cooley and her terrier must battle a demon to restore the stolen soul of a young woman.
Dave Smeds. Memories Traced in Snow. 2000
Scholar Radience and her near-brother Axil are horrified when they discover the memories of the villagers are being tampered with. But then they discover why...
Jenn Reese. Valkyrie. 2000
Audun is determined the Valkyrie won't take her son to Valhalla just yet.
Lisa S. Silverthorne. Soul Dance. 2000
Drisani the slave is the only one who can save the tribe after the soul dancer dies
Diana L. Paxson. Lady of Flame. 2000
Bera's magic doesn't work when the Irish thrall Achtlan is around, which may be disasterous for the whole farmstead
Cynthia L. Ward. The Tears of the Moon. 2000
Tamra ignores her visions of the village being raided, because of her love for Khylom

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XVIII.
DAW. 2001

rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 17 December 2001

More of the same. Some are a little disappointing -- it feels as if the some of the battles (and some were rather trivial tussles) are being won by "feminine wiles" rather than cleverness or courage or whatever.

Contents

Diana L. Paxson. A Passage of Power. 2001
Bera has to overcome the death of her teacher
Kati Doughery-Carthum. Lessons Learned. 2001
Queen Dylas really does need her friend Caytin's lessons in self-defence
Jan Combs. Kendat's Axe. 2001
A juggler and a bard take on an ogre with their skills
Howard Holman. The Tower of Song. 2001
There has been no Royal Bard for centuries. How can Erin succeed when much better bards have all failed the challenge.
Denise Lopes Heald. The Needed Stone. 2001
A thief must finally discover how to use the magic stones she steals, to save a stranger's sister.
Lisa S. Silverthorne. Armageddon. 2001
Armageddon has arrived, but what precisely does it look like?
Dave Smeds. The Land of Graves. 2001
Tecia must beat a long-dead ghost that threatens her village.
Susan Urbanek Linville. Light. 2001
Nekhti tries to restore her dead sister
Dorothy J. Heydt. In the Sacred Places of the Earth. 2001
Cynthia travels to the Underworld
Richard Corwin. The Glass Sword. 2001
Kali becomes mortal for a cycle
Elisabeth Waters. Bed of Roses. 2001
Rosa of the must rescue her little brother from an evil wizard, with the help of her sisters of the Order of the Holy City, Judith and Fatima
Lucy Cohen Schmeidler. Sword of Peace. 2001
A novice warrior makes a deal with her reluctant sword
Mary Soon Lee. The Fall of the Kingdom. 2001
The King, his White Lady, her Nursemade, and the Foreign Knight
Lawrence Watt-Evans. Arms and the Woman. 2001
Siria accompanies a troop on its way to dispatch the Undead Lord again
Michael Chesley Johnson. The Stone Wives. 2001
The King demands the captive Princess bear him an heir, or he will turn her into a stone statue, like the previous 31 wives
India Edghill. Tiger's Eye. 2001
A captive sorceress and a tiger lead foreign soldiers to their aid
Pauline J. Alama. Raven-Wings on the Snow. 2001
A princess must undergo great trial to save her 12 enchanted brothers
Rosemary Edghill. Little Rogue Riding Hood. 2001
Gloria McArdle, star of Vixen the Slayer, is approached by three tiny beings who need her help. [Xena meets Galaxy Quest, with a twist]
Gerald Perkins. The Queen in Yellow. 2001
Zareetha thinks she has beaten Katané by destroying all her magic. But the old yellow dress is not her magic...
Peter D. Manison. Magic Threads. 2001
A Weaver of magic garments is horrified to discover an old lover is misusing her cloak

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XIX.
DAW. 2002

rating : 4.5 : passes the time
review : 17 April 2003

More of the same. Some raise a smile, but none really stick in the memory.

Contents

Laura J. Underwood. The Curse of Ardal Glen. 2002
Etney must solve the riddle of the two-souled smith and the soulless bard to lift the curse on her village.
Barbara E. Tarbox. When the King is Weak. 2002
Dohanna must keep The Ten from finding the last part of the Book, but all her fellow guards are already dead.
Diana L. Paxson. The Sign of the Boar. 2002
Bera arrives in England, and must fight a plague attacking both men and pigs.
Penny Buchanan. A Matter of Focus. 2002
Siobhan can perform magic only while drunk, which makes her a dangerous problem.
Susan Wolven. Inner Sight. 2002
Endra's war-damaged sight stops her fighting evil, or so she thinks.
Michael H. Payne. Familiars. 2002
The human apprentice and his squirrel familiar have problems when they accidentally summon an ifrit.
Robyn McGrew. Ordeal. 2002
Jena's lost memory, and the stranger Tor, hold the key to her curse.
Esther M. Friesner. Grain. 2002
Kithi, apprenticed to a beermaker, finds herself helping a half-goddess avoid the attentions of the Lord of War
Carol E. Leever. Gifts of the Kami. 2002
Neko learns an important lesson from the Kami about the value of honour and wit over possessions.
Aimee Kratts. One in Ten Thousand. 2002
Mery-Sekhmet searches for the one in ten thousand who can help make the magic papyrus scrolls
Dorothy J. Heydt. Lord of the Earth. 2002
Cynthia goes to Corinth, stops an earthquake, and meets an old aquaintance
Jennifer Ashley. Lady of Light. 2002
Mirinda finally has the chance of freedom from her hated teacher.
P. Andrew Miller. All Too Familiar. 2002
Mages are dying, and their familiars are congregating at Dora's.
Deborah Burros. Artistic License. 2002
An artist carefully takes her guild's revenge on a cruel Duke
Bob Dennis. Earth, Wind and Water. 2002
An Earth witch has to brave the sea, then battle the wind, to gain her powers.
Stephen Crane Davidson. Fire for the Senjen Tiger. 2002
Princess Li feels she has mastered enough majic to move to the next level, but her superiors dismiss her claim.
Karen Magon. Fighting Spirit. 2002
Than is desperate to save her father, so asks for an animal spirit for her sword -- and gets a rabbit.
Michael Spence. Pride, Prejudice and Paranoia. 2002
Stephen unexpectedly fails his Senior Ordeal, but his wife Melisande isn't ready to live with his books for another eight months.
Marilyn A. Racette. A Simple Spell. 2002
The customer got what she asked for, but the sorceress got what shewanted.
Bunnie Bessell. Sword of Queens. 2002
The sword needs to choose the next queen, but neither candidate is ideal.
Emily C. A. Snyder. Better Seen than Heard. 2002
Melliandra has done her homework, and overcomes the magic of being struck dumb.
Meg Heydt. Openings. 2002
The little thief doesn't realise how good she is at opening locks.
P. E. Cunningham. A Little Magic. 2002
Who needs to control the weather, when they can control the insects?
Lorie Calkins. Eloma's Second Career. 2002
The oldest apprentice teaches the master a valuable lesson.
A. Hall. Sylvia. 2002
Be careful giving a poet a love potion.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, ed.
Sword and Sorceress XX.
DAW. 2003

rating : 4.5 : passes the time
review : 30 May 2004

The theme of this volume is "finding your true self or true path" -- and often that seems to be not being a swordswoman. Again, a fairly slight collection with only one or two that stand out in the memory.

Contents

Deborah J. Ross. Bread and Arrows. 2003
The widow Celine struggles to keep up her Bakery, until the dashing Ian Archer appears.
Linda J. Dunn. Mermaid Offerings. 2003
The cook is asked to prepare fresh mermaid for the king's feast -- but then the mermaid's mother appears begging for her release.
Dorothy J. Heydt. Blood Will Tell. 2003
Cynthia helps the Romans in a sea batttle against the Punic fleet.
Mara Grey. Mairi's Wine. 2003
Ras, a fosterling of the Fairy Folk, helps a town discover and avenge the murder of a young woman.
Kathryn J. Brown. The Mask of Medusa's Daughter. 2003
Calli, daughter of Medusa, forced to wear a mask or turn everyone to stone, learns something about beauty.
Patricia Duffy Novak. The Sorcerer of Rasston. 2003
White witch Lauren is dismayed to discover the traitorous Garrin Windson has been sent to help her find a killer.
Lisa Deason. Legacy. 2003
Serenity's sword Legacy is playing up, and may be enchanted.
Patricia Sayre McCoy. The Last Swan Princess. 2003
What if you like being a swan?
Anne Cutrell. Swordtongue. 2003
Not all fighting is done with a sword.
Cynthia McQuillin. Leaves of Iron. 2003
Foundling Tally must rescue her village from the trolls.
Richard Calantropio. The Challenge. 2003
Safiyah's mother is tricked into a challenge by her second in command.
Winifred Phillips. Celtic Beauty. 2003
A proud Celtic king brings down doom on his land.
Margaret L. Carter. Late Blooming. 2003
Miri's magic has always been weak and erratic, and only works on plants.
Charles M. Saplak. Swords for Teeth, Mirrors for Eyes. 2003
Three warriors attempt to find a dragon's tooth, to see who should be the next monarch.
Mary Soon Lee. Shen's Daughter. 2003
It is fortunate that Shen's daughter has an aptitude for Go.
Phyllis Ann Karr. The Robber Girl, the Strangers, and the Ole Lukoie. 2003
How Frostflower and Thorn eventually got home.
George Barr. Too in the Morning. 2003
Some magic can be just too effective.
Diana L. Paxson. The Song of the Stones. 2003
Bera has a run-in with Scots raiders.

Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May, Andre Norton.
Black Trillium.
Grafton. 1990

(read but not reviewed)

An epic of magic, love and treachery

Marion Bradley, Julian May and Andre Norton – separately, each author has millions of books in print and a legion of devoted fans. Now, in Black Trillium, the three have combined their talents in a masterpiece of imagination which will captivate every one of those readers.

Late one stormy night three infant princesses are born. As each baby is placed into her mother’s arms, so the Archimage Binah bestows on her a gift of great power: a pendant containing a bud of the long-extinct Black Trillium. One day that power will be all that protects the princesses from certain doom…