Warrior Princesses

by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (Editor), Martin H. Greenberg

Women warriors have long been a fascinating topic for fantasy readers, and the "Warrior Princesses" anthology delivers tales of brave, bold, and beautiful women defying their traditional roles, This unique collection includes original stories from such fantasy and science fiction writers as Anne McCaffrey, Esther Freisner Morgan Llwellyn, Elizabeth Moon, and many more.

Contents:
My princess / by Elizabeth Moon --
Marimba : a retelling / by Janet Berliner --
Hunger / by Nina Kiriki Hoffman --
Boudicca / by Morgan Llywelyn --
Pestilence / by Michael Scott --
Three-edged choice / by Ru Emerson --
The jewel of Locaria / by Jacey Bedford --
Warrior of Ma-at / by Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch --
Common ground / by John Helfers --
Twelve-steppe program / by Esther M. Friesner --
The road to vengeance / by Mickey Zucker Reichert --
The dreamway princess / by Bill Ransom --
Become a warrior / by Jane Yolen --
Golden years / by Lea M. Day --
The sword of undeath / by Felicia Dale --
The little landmaid / by Sara Young --
She wants things / by Bruce Holland Rogers --
One Tree Hill / by R. Davis --
Strays / by Megan Lindholm --
Debriefing the warrior/princess / by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

351 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

Elizabeth Ann Scarborough was born March 23, 1947, and lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington. Elizabeth won a Nebula Award in 1989 for her novel The Healer's War, and has written more than a dozen other novels. She has collaborated with Anne McCaffrey, best-known for creating the Dragonriders of Pern, to produce the Petaybee Series and the Acorna Series.

Reviews

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology of short stories by various authors, as always, contains hits and misses. More hits this time around, thankfully. I tend to read these short stories over a long time, as pallet cleansers between novels; I’m not always ready to dive into another long book just after I finish one. But I also hope to find some treasures and new authors (to me) to try.

Most of these “warrior princess” tales are pretty interesting. There are no chain-mail bikini type stories. Rather, the authors appear to have taken on the challenge of the theme and come up with atypical princesses in unique circumstances. All stories carry a 1998 copyright date, same as the entire volume, so I am under the impression that none have appeared anywhere previously but instead were written specifically for this anthology. Authors include Elizabeth Moon, Morgan Llywelyn, Jane Yolan, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, Michael Scott, John Helfers, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Esther M. Friesner, and Bill Ransom, among others. A total of 20 stories plus the introduction.

Far and away the best of the stories is “Strays” by Megan Lindholm (Robin Hobb), a completely original take on the idea of a warrior princess. If I hadn’t already been a big fan of hers, this single story would make me a convert.

[Doug Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of empowered women characters kicking ass.

SHUT UP IT WASN'T THAT BAD.

[Jacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever published story is in this - of course I'm going to give it five stars. But, hey there are some other good stories in here, too.

Audiobook:
I recently discovered that this has been released as an audiobook, and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the wide variety of stories in here, nicely read by a variety of readers. Sadly the audiobook has a terrible cover, but don't let that stop you listening.

[Christina Crooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology of short stories about warrior princesses contains hits and misses. Favorites include Jane Yolen's "Become A Warrior," Megan Lindholm's "Strays," the hilarious "She Wants Things" by Bruce Holland Rogers, and "Hunger" by Nina Kiriki Hoffman.

[A.R. Hellbender · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously, I felt differently about each story. Fantasy stories can be very hit-or-miss for me, because short fiction can't have much world building, and I found myself wanting to read a whole book about many of these.
My favorite was Elizabeth Moon's story, because it felt the most plot-driven and got the point across without over-explaining too much for a short story.

Upon further deliberation, I have decided to include this. (Tw: rape)
One story in particular (She Wants Things) has an ending that could be very triggering to some people, so just know that going in.
It ends on a rape scene that, while not graphic at all (it's from the perspective of an observer who can't really see what's going on), is particularly disturbing from the dialogue and from the fact that the protagonist just leaves the victim there with a "serves you right" attitude.
I read the page several times because I was surprised that it ended on that note.

(And I'm not sensitive about the subject. I have read many many rape scenes that actually are descriptive and wasn't anywhere near as grossed out, if at all. What I'm saying is that when I say beware if you're triggered by stuff like that, I mean it.)

[Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked 6 out of the 20 short stories. When I think Warrior Princess I make a few assumptions; powerful, feminist, successful. These stories have a more imaginative interpretation that I didn't care for. Also a lot of the stories were depressing without being interesting. I don't need a happy ending every time, but I do need it to be interesting.

[Susan]

My Princess • shortstory by Elizabeth Moon
Marimba: A Retelling • shortstory by Janet Berliner
♦"Hunger" by Nina Kiriki Hoffman RE-read 8/19/2015
Boudicca • shortstory by Morgan Llywelyn
Pestilence • shortstory by Michael Scott
Three-Edged Choice • novelette by Ru Emerson
The Jewel of Locaria • novelette by Jacey Bedford
Warrior of Ma-At • novelette by Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch
Common Ground • shortstory by John Helfers
Twelve-Steppe Program • novelette by Esther M. Friesner
The Road to Vengeance • shortstory by Mickey Zucker Reichert
The Dreamway Princess • shortstory by Bill Ransom
Become a Warrior • shortstory by Jane Yolen
Golden Years • shortstory by Lea M. Day
The Sword of Undeath • shortstory by Felicia Dale
The Little Landmaid • shortstory by Sara Young
She Wants Things • shortstory by Bruce Holland Rogers
One Tree Hill • shortstory by Russell Davis [as by R. Davis ]
Strays • (1998) • novelette by Megan Lindholm
Debriefing the Warrior/Princess • shortstory by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are historical women in this anthology, some are fictional creations. But their situations resonate powerfully for all of that. Forced through circumstance, prophecy or ill luck to take up arms, this anthology illuminates the various paths that fighting women take. Not all the paths end well—live by the sword, etc.—but the women all strive mightily to accomplish their goals.

There will be stories that appeal to some readers more than others; no anthology by a mixed bag of writers will win unanimous converts. But all the stories pack a wallop, filled with tension, range and depth of feeling and the occasional bit of humor.

[Mj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked several of the stories, some were just okay. My favorite is Lea M. Day's "Golden Years". It's a humourous and well written story with a twist. I always enjoy finding a new author to check out from these anthologies.

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea where my copy is but I loved this book when I was younger. It inspired me to write my characters like I wanted to, tough with a take-no-shit attitude.

[Batkat051 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories. Can be frustrating at times because right as you get into the story it ends. But there are several good stories that are worth wading through all the others.