Asaro, Catherine
IRRESISTIBLE FORCES
Edited by Catherine Asaro
New American Library, 2004
Pb, 379 pages
ISBN# 0-451-21111-1
Coming off a series loaded with action but sorely lacking in the interpersonal relationships department, this reader found IRRESISTIBLE FORCES, well, irresistible, because that's what this anthology is about: interpersonal relationships in the sci-fi/fantasy realm. And the cool thing about short story anthologies is that a reader can not only visit with old friends but listen in on authors who may be new to that reader--thus finding new styles.
"Winterfair Gifts" by Lois McMaster Bujold. This is a Miles Vorkosigan story told from a slightly different angle, the point of view of Miles' Armsman Roic who gets a crush on one of Miles' unique guests. It is Winterfair time in Vorbarr Sultana, but also time for Miles' wedding. [Fit this into the storyline just after A CIVIL CAMPAIGN.] "Winterfair Gifts" is just as well written as the rest of Bujold's excellent Vorkosigan Saga and is a special treat to see Miles' beautiful wedding.
"Stained Glass Heart" by Catherine Asaro is a side story of Asaro's Skolian Empire Saga. Young Vyrl (brother to Soz and Kelric) wants to marry his childhood sweetheart and continue living the life of a farmer on his homeworld of Lyshriol. But he is a Ruby Prince and betrothed to a woman more than twice his age for the purpose of political stability. Asaro's style is crisp and lyrical, scientific and romantic, a prose of excellence that captures the imagination.
"The Alchemical Marriage" by Mary Jo Putney is set in London, 1588, against the backdrop of the Spanish Armada's attempted invasion of Britain, and opens a new series of historical romances for Putney based on magical "Guardians" who are pledged to protect the British Isles. This lovely story hosts the Scot Sir Adam Macrae, a weather mage who is offered freedom from the Tower of London if he will assist Queen Elizabeth's sorcerer John Dee and his powerful female apprentice by calling up a storm to keep the Spanish ships from England's coast. What Dee asks is more than Macrae can deliver without the help of the powerful Isabel de Cortes. [I was hooked, and immediately went out to buy A KISS OF FATE, the first novel in this storyline.]
"Skin Deep" by Deb Stover takes its premise from the idea that a dead man could look down from heaven and sorrow for his widow's grief. Nick Riley gets some divine assistance in helping his wife make the transition into a new relationship. Unfortunately for Nick, this is the same relationship he stole her out of many years before. Residing in a woman's body, this spirit encounters humor, growth, and guns before he can guide his wife to new love. "Skin Deep" is a delightful story that tugs well at the emotions.
"Shadows in the Wood" by Jennifer Roberson is more fantasy than romance, but the fantasy is too good to give away the plot. I'll only leave crumbs here for eager readers: Robin of Locksley and Marian of Ravenskeep; plus Merlin, Excalibur, and Avalon. It's a quest to save England done well in true Roberson style.
"The Trouble With Heroes" by Jo Beverly is left as a surprise by this
reviewer to readers who choose this book. This reader could not get into the
story, and did not read it, but since it is included in this star-set anthology
it is probably as good as the others.
This book is as yummy as chocolate, and well recommended for romantically
inclined sci-fi/fantasy fans.
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