2016 Jan-Feb Anthologies

[Dan]

S.E. wrote: "Dan wrote: "Making solid progress into Swords & Dark Magic. I'm really enjoying it so far. I think it does a good job of demonstrating what Sword & Sorcery represents to each particular authors, ev..."

I guess generally speaking they do. Though I don't know if I would say Gene Wolfe's story does... I think it would be fair to call every story so far heroic fantasy. Some, like Erikson's story, have the very barebones of what some might consider S&S, but then it just doesn't quite have the same feel that I get from traditional Sword & Sorcery (dark imagery, introspective and brooding heroes). While others like Wolfe's story has that sort of dark fantastic feel; an doomed romance, some swordplay, an original concept. But little or no magic or beer swilling excess. It actually reminded me of a recent Tanith Lee short I'd read in Swords Against Darkness recently. And lastly we get James Enge, and I think his works pretty much nails the traditional S&S feel; a dark and brooding main character, but also the simple aesthetics too; swords, sorcery, drinking, fighting etc. Even his tone is spot on, it reminded very much of works from Howard, or Moorcock, but especially Leiber. Still more to go, just finish C.J. Cherryh's story and am K.J. Parker's short, which I am enjoying quite a bit too.

[Rich]

Dan wrote: "I guess generally speaking they do. Though I don't know if I would say Gene Wolfe's story does... I think it would be fair to call every story so far heroic fantasy."

It's been a while since I read Swords & Dark Magic, but I recall being disappointed with Gene Wolfe's story as well. I quite enjoyed the book as a whole, although as noted, not every story was exactly what I'd consider S&S. In a way, that's a good thing, though, as it shows that the genre is able to stretch and encompass a wide range of stories. Even though we can all look to some of the same stories and/or authors and say "That's sword & sorcery", everyone's definitions are a little different when it comes to stories that push the envelope.

[Dan]

Still progressing Swords & Dark Magic. Finished the Elric story. It was fantastic, classic Moorcock at it's finest. Dark and imaginative.

[Dan]

Nearing the end of Swords & Dark Magic: The New Sword and Sorcery. A fantastic and varied anthology (despite the title it's not all Sword & Sorcery) with a great list of authors, both old and new. On the Tanith Lee story now. Just finished Scott Lynch's story, and it was my first by him. I'm instantly enraptured. I'd been wanting to read The Lies of Locke Lamora for a while, but now even moreso.

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Couple of notes here.

1) Wanted to call attention to one of member-Derek's reviews. He read the anthology Barabarians, edited by Robert Adams (Horseclan author), and brings up some nice perspective on what is and is not a "barbarian":
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2) Just finished Weirdbook 31, complimentary review eBook copies provided by Doug Draa (see above commentary, or ping me if interested). In all, it was a solid 'weird' collection and great reboot of the magazine. Despite the cover, the 27 entries were largely modern ghost/horror stories and not Sword-n-Sorcery.
My review =https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dan]

On the last story of Swords & Dark Magic, been a bit slow going recently with work and Valentines weekend. Loved the anthology all said. Mid way through Abercrombie's story now, and it may be the best yet (but that could be just me new found love of his works talking). Caitlín R. Kiernan really stood out too, unique and beautifully written. Hearkening to old epics like Beowulf, but with a decidedly feminine twist.

[Dan]

Just finished Swords & Dark Magic and wrote a lengthy review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The short version: I loved it.

[Greg]

Dan wrote: "Just finished Swords & Dark Magic and wrote a lengthy review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The short version: I loved it."

that was a good one.

[Dan]

Mary wrote: "I know she billed at least one anthology as all female only to learn later that one author was a guy. When asking for author's biographies, she always asked us to indicate whether we were male or f..."

I'd missed this earlier. I hadn't realized your works had been published in paper format, I don't have an e-reader and much prefer the feel of a physical book anyway. I'll try to track down one of these copies and check it out!

[Jason]

Dan - great review, especially your closing summation.

[Mary]

Dan wrote: "I hadn't realized your works had been published in paper format"

If you want one of MY works, I have brought out several in trade paperback. 0:)

yes, you have to track down the Sword and Sorceress ones. . . hmm. . . I should look at reprinting. . .

[Dan]

Jason: Thanks!

Mary: Where would you suggest I start?

[Mary]

hmmm. . . in a sword & sorcery group -- when we are discussing antholgies -- I think Curses And Wonders might be what you are looking for.