This collection of four short stories has a few things in common: a lady wins against impossible odds; there is a romantic subplot with each story having a strong connection to our own worlds past, and each is well written -- a treat for any paranormal romantic.
Isadora lives in a world that is a cross between Salem during the witch trials and Mad Maxs post apocalyptic vision. She is a scientist at a time where scientific leanings...especially in a woman...may well get her the noose. It is also a time of strange religious fanaticism, where people follow the teachings of Alder, whose interpretations of the Bible are warped by fallible memory and a desire for power. Her soul mate is a mysterious man named Marcus, who brings her treasures back from the City of Rubble, a place that myth holds was destroyed for its wickedness. She hides her experiments behind the fact that she also makes soap, but that does not keep Sedgewick, son of the Tribunal Lord, from deciding that she, is, in fact, a witch.... and his determination to learn from her. Even though she denies that she even believes in magic, she knows that she is in trouble...for Sedgewick will not be denied.
Allen has an interesting concept here...by destroying so much of the world, then having people, isolated from each other, superstitious, picking up the pieces the best they can, then revisiting the era of the Witch trails, she shows that history can, indeed, repeat itself...even when we think we have evolved beyond such things. The romance between Marcus and Isadora is wonderful in that it is fueled not only by the passion they have for each other, but also by a passion for knowledge.
In Jeanine Berrys Twin Star we revisit a tale that many of us may have encountered in the Book of Ester...but with a definite twist. Sonneret and her people escaped to Arith in the hopes of a better life, but despite their peaceful intentions, the Huymans treat them with contempt. One day, the king, looking for a new bride, decrees that all the eligible women of the land be brought to him. Chosen to be part of the group because of her exotic alien looks, she waits her turn to go to his majestys bed with fear...she does not want to have anything to do with this arrogant, cruel man. She hopes that he is disgusted by her alien features and gold skin, that shell be sent back home to her uncle, where she creates the most beautiful glazes for his pots. When she goes to him and their hands touch, they see each others souls...for her, she knows that this man is her soul mate, and shes confused, for how can a woman of her race be a soul mate to a Huyman? For him, he sees that she has mysterious powers, powers that he needs to explore to see what danger her race possesses. He makes her his life mate, placing her in a position of power by his side. But a new position does not ease the hatred the Huymans feel for her kind, and Caemer in particular plots against her. What chance does Sonneret have, with the kings best friend plotting against her?
Berry mentions in the end that she plans to set more stories in this new world, and I can see why. It is an interesting place...many different races from different worlds have sought refuge here among the Huymans, and the tensions created by all these people lingering together, by these different beliefs and prejudices conflicting and clashing, as in this story, make for tense reading. The political machinations are well done. In this story, the power of love becomes an almost tangible thing, for it is only the power of the bond she has with her King and her wit that can save her people from total destruction. Just as Ester bravely approaches the king of Babylon in order to speak for her Jewish people, Sonneret must find the courage to stand up for her people. An admirable story, I look forward to reading more adventures on the Gate World.
The next story is Shannah Biondines Eidolon, which takes place in Kokomo, Colorado in 1880. Haggertys main occupation is the stables...he and the man who raised him, Fitzgill, run a modestly successful livery stable, one of three that serve the miners of the town. Born with a clubfoot, hes not used to women looking him in the eye, treating him like a man...until he meets Azubah Malet. A somber woman who carries a mouse named Cat in her pocket, she also happens to be the new dress-maker for the local bordello...but dressing up prostitutes in finery is not her purpose in life. Shes there to win a wager, one shes been trying to win for years. As Lucifers youngest of sixteen sisters...yes, that Lucifer...shes a bit tired of fire and brimstone. Lucifer believes that all humans are self centered, lazy, selfish and greedy...if she can find one human who isnt, then hell go up to heaven and beg The Almightys forgiveness.
This is a strange little story...neat as all get out, but definitely different. As a Christian, I tend to avoid stories where there are deals with the devil going on...but I truly enjoyed it. Biondine mixes allegory, romance and intrigue with a good dash of humor to create a story that will make you think about human weakness and religion.
The final story of the four is Sheri L. McGarthys gently sweet Thief of Dreams. Nerys was promised to Gerard Reagan since her birth, on the condition that he try and win her heart. Hes been at her familys home for a year, arrogant, over sure of himself, hes not won her heart, but pushed it far away. When Cody, returning from being fostered to a neighboring Shire meets her at a festival, its love at first sight. Hes gentle, romantic, all the things that Gerard is not. Her father shows that the betrothal contract is loosely worded enough to allow her this second suitor, and whoever wins her will wed her. Cody is far in the lead, taking her to places such as a fairy ring, which he warns her to never step inside of...or she would be lost in that realm forever. Their happiness is short lived, however, when he disappears just a day before their wedding. Now that Gerard is forcing his suit, and she will have to marry him despite the dreams that convince her that her true love is alive, she knows that her only chance to save her love is to attempt the impossible.
Even though Nerys and Cody are not together for most of this story, the love between them is strong and believable. This story weaves Celtic faery tales with romance to create a deep, well-woven tale that could come from the pages of any book of folklore...even though it obviously takes place on another world. Magical and lovely, filled with strong characters and fast pacing, this story will draw any romantic into its enchantment.
4 out of 5 sign posts
Cindy Lynn Speer, GWN Reviewer
May 10, 2003
Double Dragon Publishing
Fantasy
Trade
April 2003
