WOMEN OF CHIVALRY AND PROPHECY

For over two decades, the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, best-selling and beloved author, discovered and nurtured a grand generation of popular and acclaimed writers including Mercedes Lackey, Jennifer Roberson, and a host of others. Authors who have appeared within the pages of Sword and Sorceress represent the full spectrum of some of the brightest talent working today — from C.J. Cherryh, Charles de Lint, and Emma Bull . . . to Deborah J. Ross, Diana L. Paxson, and Laurell K. Hamilton.

We are proud to continue the classic and vibrant feminist tradition with this twenty-fourth volume of new magical adventures edited by Elisabeth Waters, secretary and co-editor to Mrs. Bradley.

Here are seventeen original stories of remarkable women of power, swashbuckling and magic, spells and duels, arcane sorcery and fabled heroism, written by familiar word-weavers of excitement and adventure, and bright newcomers who are sure to become favorites.

Enter a wondrous universe . . .

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress

This volume includes stories by Deborah J. Ross, Helen E. Davis, Elisabeth Waters & Michael Spence, Brenta Blevins, K.D. Wentworth, Teresa Howard, Catherine Soto, Josepha Sherman, Cate McBride, Cynthia Ward, Jonathan Moeller, Dave Smeds, Therese Arkenberg, Michael H. Payne, Annclaire Livoti, Julia H. West, and Melissa Mead.

"Waters ably continues the feminist anthology series founded by Bradley (1930 — 1999) to showcase short-form fantasy with a wide variety of heroic female characters. Of the 17 stories featured, standout selections include 'A Curious Case' by Annclaire Livoti, a literary gem of a paranormal fantasy that pits a magic-practicing PI against a serial killer targeting succubae, and Julia H. West's 'Soul Walls,' which brilliantly fuses magic, art and Native American mysticism. A disorganized wizard and his unhappy wife are at the heart of the charming 'Merlin's Clutter' by Helen E. Davis, and a princess solves the mystery of her father's murder through a magical tapestry in Brenta Blevins's 'Material Witness.' Though some of the selections are less than stellar, fantasy fans looking for original stories will find much to enjoy." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)