How Do You Like Your Fantasy?

Last year at a sci-fi convention, I picked up an interesting sounding anthology, THE SECRET HISTORY OF VAMPIRES. Thirteen stories that are alternate versions of history "exposing" the truth of vampires long past, this anthology has it all: Harry Turtledove, Carrie Vaughn (of the Kitty series fame), Gregory Frost and many others.

Then, earlier this year, I picked up MISSPELLED. An anthology of 17 stories about spells gone wonky. I loved the premise and promptly added it to my growing pile of books and it included stories by Kristen Britain (the Green Rider series) and others. I realized this was an excellent way to learn about new authors, while enjoying a themed set of stories.

As I looked around, I realized there were lots of these themed anthologies out there, just begging to be read:

• FAMILIARS, obviously with many stories about familiars by authors such as P.N. Elrod, Gary A. Braunbeck and Laura Anne Gilman.


• THE MAGIC SHOP, about the various fates that can befall those who enter a magic shop. Includes a couple of the authors mentioned above, as well as the wonderful Susan Sizemore.


• HAGS, SIRENS, AND OTHER BAD GIRLS OF FANTASY - three guesses and the first two don't count. Includes contributions from Phaedra M. Weldon (WRAITH) and Laura Resnick.

But the one I am reading now should appeal to those who love fantasy and those who love... shopping. ENCHANTMENT PLACE is centered on the idea that a mall, especially a magical mall, is chock full of surprising experiences. Not only are there stories by Ms. Weldon and Ms. Sizemore, but the book opens with an offering by Mary Jo Putney (a very funny story about a shoe shiner who learns the hard way that magical beings are people too).

While I often have limited patience for short story collections, I love to collect them anyway, with the idea that I could discover new-to-me authors, not that I need any more. But these collections continue to catch my eye and keep my attention, while reminding me why I have fantasy books scattered among my TBR shelves.

For our American readers: Have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!

Nicole