Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic author of Fantasy. Her books explore complex themes within vivid settings full of memorable characters. "Dragonfly" takes place in Le Guin's world of "Earthsea". Irian is a young woman in search of her true identity. She travels to the main wizard's school to learn about magic and herself. They refuse to teach her because women are forbidden to learn the higher magics. In saving the master wizards from a fellow colleague, she discovers her true self. Readers will enjoy this story of a determined girl against powerful foes.
Osten Ard is author Tad Williams contribution to the worlds of Fantasy. "The Burning Man" is a bleak story about the Heron King. Told in the first person, Breda tells us the story of her stepfather's search for an answer to an impossible question. During the course of the tale, she finds love and is faced with a great decision. Williams is an excellent writer. He brings the story alive with detailed, frightening descriptions. This story leaves the reader with quite a lot to think about in the end.
Anne McCaffrey contributed "Runner of Pern" to this anthology. Though science fiction, the dragons are genetically engineered creations, the story takes place as s side story to the main sequence of the Dragonriders of Pern. In this tale, readerss learn about the messengers called Runners. Tenna wants to teach a lord's son a lesson after he knocks her into some thorn bushes. The story has intersting characters with McCaffrey's usual strong women characters. Another aspect of Pern is revealed in the runners. It's a nice if uneventful addition to the Pern series.
Epic Fantasy is full of formulaic books, becoming jaded lately. George R.R. Martin has given a fresh perspective to the sub-genre with his Song of Ice and Fire series. "The Hedge Knight" takes place in the past of this world. Dunk is a hedge knight on his way to a tournament. He meets a boy called Egg and takes him as a squire. Events draw him into a trial by combat with princes before he knows what is happening. This is an adventurous tale of courage, valor and what is true knighthood. The author weaves an excellent story of plot and theme that leaves a reader wanting more.
The Riftwar saga is written by Raymond Feist. He is a writer of adventurous Fantasy fiction with a clean, easy to read style. "The Wood Boy" tells us the tale of Dirk, the wood boy, during the first part of the Riftwar. Oppressed by invaders, Dirk struggles to stay alive and falls in love with the noble's daughter. Feist gives the reader a tale full of his usual easy to read, but wonderful stories with good characters and a lot of action.
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