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Sages & Swords: Razor-Edged Arcanum
Featuring thirteen fantasy stories by popular and critically acclaimed writers, this anthology offers a fascinating and unique roster of authors whose gripping tales run the gamut of fantasy themes and settings. Each original tale showcases heroic action and rich mythology penned by a varied collection of contributors, including master Tanith Lee, cult favorites Howard Andrew Jones and Joseph A. McCullough, and rising stars Sean T. M. Stiennon and Robert J. Santa—writers who bring together magic, swordplay, and eclectic characters in stories that transport readers to alternate worlds, distant pasts, and fantastic settings. Two essays on the craft and business of fiction writing round out the collection, making this anthology both a model of the genre and a source of inspiration for aspiring fantasy writers.
275 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
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February 10, 2013
Sages & Swords: Heroic Fantasy Anthology: what a tough slog it was to get through it.
Mostly all of the stories had no emotion or heart in it and if it weren't for the fact that 1) I hate not finishing what I started and 2) I signed up to participate in a Goodreads group read, I would have dropped this book after the first few stories.
Three, count them, THREE entries in this collection were worth my time. 1) I really liked Ed Knight's The Morgwa. Perhaps it's my affinity for North American aboriginal stories that made me favour this more, but I really like this one. 2) This wasn't even a story at all but an Interview With R. A. Salvatore. Isn't that ridiculous that this is the second best thing about this collection? Anyhow, R.A. Salvatore's opinions were very similar to mine and I enjoyed reading about his thoughts. 3) Harold Lamb's The Golden Horde.
Oh sure there were some average stories that I found okay to read but nothing that I would discuss with friends & family. David L. Felt's Last Words and Tannith Lee's The World Well Lost were reasonably okay.
After that the quality drop is huge. Perhaps its because this collection's theme is based of off stories that deal with a lot of magic. I don't mind magic but prefer swashbuckling adventure and am like Conan... not too fond of that 'sorcery'.
Another thing about this book is the inclusion of advice and tips for wannabe fantasy writers. They were alright but not relevant to me and really not that interesting either. In all actuality, they were kind of a depressing read. Not the best way to end a collection in my opinion, depress the hell out of your readers.
With Sages & Swords, I leave not wishing to seek out any of the works of these contributors. Unfortunately, not recommended.
Mostly all of the stories had no emotion or heart in it and if it weren't for the fact that 1) I hate not finishing what I started and 2) I signed up to participate in a Goodreads group read, I would have dropped this book after the first few stories.
Three, count them, THREE entries in this collection were worth my time. 1) I really liked Ed Knight's The Morgwa. Perhaps it's my affinity for North American aboriginal stories that made me favour this more, but I really like this one. 2) This wasn't even a story at all but an Interview With R. A. Salvatore. Isn't that ridiculous that this is the second best thing about this collection? Anyhow, R.A. Salvatore's opinions were very similar to mine and I enjoyed reading about his thoughts. 3) Harold Lamb's The Golden Horde.
Oh sure there were some average stories that I found okay to read but nothing that I would discuss with friends & family. David L. Felt's Last Words and Tannith Lee's The World Well Lost were reasonably okay.
After that the quality drop is huge. Perhaps its because this collection's theme is based of off stories that deal with a lot of magic. I don't mind magic but prefer swashbuckling adventure and am like Conan... not too fond of that 'sorcery'.
Another thing about this book is the inclusion of advice and tips for wannabe fantasy writers. They were alright but not relevant to me and really not that interesting either. In all actuality, they were kind of a depressing read. Not the best way to end a collection in my opinion, depress the hell out of your readers.
With Sages & Swords, I leave not wishing to seek out any of the works of these contributors. Unfortunately, not recommended.
Displaying 1 of 1 review