Synopsis:  Dark Alchemy  is a collection of 18 stories from some of the biggest names in fantasy writing. Using wizards as their focal point, each story takes a different road into fantastic worlds revealing that the stereotypical view of a long beard, staff and pointed hat is no longer apt when describing magical men and women. This work includes stories by Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Mary Rosenblum, Kage Baker, Eoin Colfer, Jane Yolen, Orson Scott Card, Patricia A McKillip, Elizabeth Hand, Andy Duncan, Peter S Beagle, Nancy Kress, Tanith Lee, Terry Bilson, Terry Dowling, Gene Wolfe, Tad Williams and Jeffrey Ford.

Review: What an unexpected treat this collection is. It reminds me why I should read collections of short stories more often. You discover authors you want to investigate further (Tad Williams, Elizabeth Hand) and get reaquainted with those you haven't read for a while and realised you've missed( Garth Nix, Orson Scott Card). All the stories here are well worth reading and most are excellent, each contrasting and complementing the others. Just two I'll mention here that I particularly enjoyed: 'Winter's Wife' by Elizabeth Hand and 'Stonefather' by Orson Scott Card. Both crafted by expert storytellers who draw you into the narrative flow and suddenly the text disappears - the story become part of your own lived imaginative experience. Only the best can do that and there are many moments where it happens in this collection. Very highly recommended to readers of fantasy and science fiction alike, both young and older adults. I would definitely have it in a secondary school library and put it on display in pride of place. My congratulations to the editors, who have obviously done this before. Also my thanks to Nikki, who gave me the book to review; it was well chosen!

2007-07-26