Review: Sword and Sorceress XIX

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Mar 15, 2002

Sword and Sorceress XIX edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley is the second to the last of these anthologies to be published. One has come out every year until the death of Ms. Bradley. These anthologies feature stories of sorceresses and women warriors dealing with problems. The theme running through this anthology is various characters learning about magic. There are many stories for a reader to enjoy.

The anthology begins with a serious story set in a Celtic style Fantasy world. "The Curse of Ardal Glen" by Laura J. Underwood is a story of a sorceress who must break a curse on her village. The curse takes the life of a young girl given to an evil smith on a black horse every year. Etney must find a way to stop this vicious cycle by using her brains and magic. The story has an excellent plot. Ms. Underwood provides an interesting story with strong descriptions and good characters.

It is good for an anthology to have some humor interspersed with the serious stories. "A Little Magic' by P.E. Cunningham fits the bill. Hervokk the Conqueror rides into a lush valley of farms. His mage, Vinn, informs him that it will be easy to conquer. Hervokk rides to the castle and demands the surrender of the valley. Lord Pettil tells Hervokk to take his army and leave. Vinn states that Carmany the sorceress is no match for him. An amusing story ensues in teaching a lesson about the imprudence of arrogance. Ms. Cunningham provides a delightful tale that readers will enjoy.

"Eloma's Second Career" by Lorie Calkins proves that age doesn't matter. A person can be a life long learner like Eloma. She is an elderly widow who wants a second career as a sorceress, so apprentices herself to a doubting wizard. Working hard, she keeps the wizard's house and befriends the younger apprentices. The author gives readers a wonderful story with enjoyable characters and a good ending.

The continuing story of Bera, the sorceress from ancient Norway, is told in Diana Paxson's "The Sign of the Boar." This is a Historical Fantasy set in the times of the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain. Bera has come to England with her little group of travelers. The town is suffering from a plague. When she tries to help a suffering woman, she is called a witch. She helps a sick pig while trying to establish a link to the land. Ms. Paxson gives readers a magical story with realistic descriptions of the times.