With more than ten short stories, and four essays giving an insight into the author's logic, this compendium contains many different themes on fantasy and alternative worlds. From a young girl wanting to escape an arranged marriage by following a witch through a stone portal, to two princesses willing to do the unthinkable to protect their heritage and their Goddess, there really is something for everyone.
Some stories stood out to me more than others - for example Lead and Branch and Grass and Vine. This was my favourite of the collection as I felt I was transported into Anna's world, as she did everything she physically could do, to save her village and its people. Discovering General Olivar, protector of their village, Anna fears that he is close to death. Healing him as much as she can, she then travels to the King in a bid to uncover the treachery surrounding the attack on the General. I love Anna's spirit, determination and willingness to risk all, to protect her family and neighbours.
THE VERY BEST OF KATE ELLIOTT by Kate Elliott is a unique collection that allows the reader to enter many different realms, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Strong heroines and riveting storytelling are the hallmark
of groundbreaking fantasy author Kate Elliott (Crown of
Stars, Crossroads). Elliott is a highly-compelling voice
in
genre fiction, an innovative author of historically-based
narratives set in imaginary worlds. This first,
retrospective collection of her short fiction is the
essential guide to Elliott’s shorter works. Here her bold
adventuresses, complex quests, noble sacrifices, and
hard-won victories shine in classic, compact legends.
In “The Memory of Peace,” a girl’s powerful emotions rouse
the magic of a city devastated by war. Meeting in “The
Queen’s Garden,” two princesses unite to protect their
kingdom from the blind ambition of their corrupted father.
While “Riding the Shore of the River of Death” a
chieftain’s
daughter finds an unlikely ally on her path to
self-determination.
Elliott’s many readers, as well as fantasy fans in search
of
powerful stories featuring well-drawn female characters,
will revel in this unique gathering of truly memorable
tales.