I've read all of the books in this series, and this one is yet another wonderful collection of fantasy stories with a whole range of subgenres and fantastical settings. I also really love that the profits from sales go to support the Red Cross's hurricane relief. It's wonderful to know that my purchase and enjoyment of the book also helps support an important cause.
Here are my thoughts for each story in the anthology:
The Simurgh and the Albino Prince by Elena Shelest
A wonderful retelling of a Persian legend. I loved the unusual Oriental setting and the Simurgh, a most unusual magical creature. As is to be expected from this author, the story carries a great message about doings what is right, the importance of family, and finding peaceful solutions to conflict. There’s also a hint about a potential spin-off story about Zaal’s father’s adventures in the underworld, which I would definitely want to read.
Crown of Dreams by NDT Casale
This is a simple story about sibling rivalry and that old, outdated traditions should give way to new, progressive ideas. Although it is an entertaining story filled with an abundance of magical creatures, and featuring a strong female MC, I found many similarities to other stories by this author, which unfortunately detracted from the experience, as there was very little that was unique to this particular story.
The Blue Dragon’s Quest by Susan Stradiotto
An exciting and unusual exploration of the skies from the point of view of a dragon. I love the world building and am really intrigued to read The Serpentine Throne Series, which has been on my tbr pile for a while. Bumping up!
Wherever the Wind Blows by Xander Cross
I’m always blown away by this author’s ability to spin a tale. This one is so different from anything else I’ve read from Cross so far, and yet it’s equally brilliant. The fae lore, the contemporary portal fantasy, the magic of music - all is woven together in a perfect symphony that evokes the magic and emotions. I want more. So much more.
Friendship and Thunderbirds by Donna White
Mercury Dawn’s latest adventure includes facing the zombie apocalypse with the help of some pretty awesome Thunderbirds. But of course things don’t go to plan. I liked the general idea, and the zombies are unusual, with a fun and unexpected resolution to the problem, but I felt this story was too rushed. I think it would make a brilliant novella, where there’s opportunity to expand on the ebb and flow of the story, and better explain how everything connects up.
To Host a Ball by Sky Sommers
Another amusing fairytale twist from Sommers. This humorous Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling has all the quips and references I simply love from this author. My particular favourite for this story is the hilarious reference to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which is one of the musicals I love most. This retelling offers new insights as it offers a new point of view that matches up with this author’s stories in previous volumes of this series. It adds some fun continuity for readers who get all of these enchanting anthologies.
When Skies Darken by Lyndsey Hall
I love finding the interconnections between stories in Lyndsey Halls world of the Fair. This story gives more insight on the Sylphs and offers the origin story for one of the side characters in The Fair Chronicles. It’s a gentle and sweet story about overcoming grief, finding peace, and choosing a new path for oneself.
The Silent Sister by Ashley Anne Steffenson
The worldbuilding in this one is interesting. It’s got steampunk vibes, but also griffins and floating islands. The quest itself is pretty straightforward and offers a fun adventure.
Breath of the Skies by Rashmi P. Menon
An enjoyable and very different story with mythical vibes from Ancient India. The Himalayan setting and the unusual magic, not to mention the unique magical creatures, added a lot to this story of a Chosen One’s epic quest to save her people from themselves.
This is definitely a worthy collection of intriguing stories. I can absolutely recommend it.
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