Ms. Wrede gives a different take on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale with "Stronger Than Time." Arven is an old woodcutter that lives near an abandoned keep guarded by briars. He fears the keep because of the skeletons in the thorns. Coming home one evening, Arven discovers a prince waiting for him the prince asks him for help in breaking the curse and freeing the sleeping girl. Arven must overcome his fear in deciding to help the prince. This is a bittersweet story that will remain with readers for a long time.
Many Fantasy stories have a magical weapon that will either save the world or destroy it. Such a weapon is involved in the story, "Utensile Strength." A young man shows up at the castle of King and Queen of the Enchanted Forest. He needs their help in getting rid of a magical weapon created by his father. How the problem is solved brings on laughs for the reader. Ms. Wrede writes excellent humorous stories with amusing characters and situations.
"Earthwitch" is a story with a dark edge. The story follows two strong characters in a dilemma. Mariel is the earth witch of the title. She serves the earth as a conduit of its power. She sees a vision of the king coming to get help from the earth. Evan, the king, wants to stop the army of invaders from destroying his people. The help comes with a price. Ms. Wrede creates two realistic people that must deal with each other. This is a memorable story.
Go To Page: 1 2
