Knight Fantastic
In most theme anthologies there are high spots and low spots, with most stories falling somewhere in between, but on the whole this collection of 15 original stories is a strong one. There is something for everyone here – from tales of squires and unblooded knights (including a fine story by Mickey Zucker Reichert that follows a young knight-to-be’s struggle with integrity and honor) to the end of the road and the life’s-end accounting that all people must make with themselves. Settings range from the fantastical to the historical – there are tales of Knights Templar and Arthurian legends, including a delightful comedic tale by Tanya Huff that explains just how the fall of Camelot came about. Fiona Patton weighs in with a dark and brooding tale about the price of duty and loyalty, while Nina Kiriki Hoffman tells the story of an unusual squire. The collection ends with a beautiful and moving tale by Michelle West that explores the responsibilities of power. Each of the stories speaks of choice, often the struggle between desire and duty that those sworn to another must so often face. Recommended.
