Synopses & Reviews
Firebirds is more than simply an anthology -- it is a celebration of wonderful writing. It gathers together sixteen original stories by some of today's finest writers of fantasy and science fiction. Together, they have won virtually every major prize -- from the National Book Award to the World Fantasy Award to the Newbery Medal -- and have made best-seller lists worldwide. These authors, including Lloyd Alexander (The Chronicles of Prydain), Diana Wynne Jones (The Merlin Conspiracy), Garth Nix (The Abhorsen Trilogy), Patricia A. McKillip (Ombria in Shadow), Meredith Ann Pierce (The Darkangel Trilogy), and Nancy Farmer (The House of the Scorpion), each with his or her own inimitable style, tell stories that will entertain, provoke, startle, amuse, and resonate long after the last page has been turned.
The writers featured in Firebirds all share a connection to Firebird Books, an imprint that is dedicated to publishing the best fantasy and science fiction for teenage and adult readers.
Review
...Vesper is as plucky as ever in this splendid addition to a solid series. (Booklist, starred review)
Review
Enthralling . . . It is not often that a book can tell a breathtaking story, offer useful lessons on life, and paint a lively cultural backdrop. Alexander has done all that, and more. (
Booklist, starred review)
Review
"The wisdom of this book lies in its difficult solution: Good does not triumph over evil simply because it
is good... Lloyd Alexander does not answer questions; he raises them... He keeps his adventures spinning and in the end we are happy in how it all turns out." —
The New York Times "As always, Alexander peoples his tale with a marvelous cast of individuals, and weaves an intricate story of high adventure that climaxes in a superbly conceived conclusion, which... is reached through carefully built tension and subtly added comic relief." —Booklist, starred review
Synopsis
When Mother Holly leaves to do errands, she warns Cat to behave himself. But faster than a cat can pounce, he is up to his whiskers in trouble! One crazy mishap leads to another, until the little cottage is in a very messy state. Cat is busily tidying up when he hears Mother Holly coming up the path. He spies a tiny piece of corn on the floor and quickly swallows it. But it's no ordinary corn, and suddenly Cat notices that he is making a very curious rumbling sound. . . .
Illustrated by Judith Byron Schachner.
Synopsis
This original folktale set in Cameroon is full of adventure and sly humor. Lloyd Alexander's story of a young man visiting -- and then becoming -- the village fortune-teller is brought to vibrant life with some of Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman's most memorable artwork. Both children and adults will relish The Fortune-tellers. "A funny, playful story that evokes the irony of the human condition." -- Booklist,starred review "Alexander narrates his original tale with folkloric verve and his own mellow brand of irony;Hyman realizes the African setting in...splendid illustrations. A winning tale, superlatively presented." -- Kirkus Reviews,pointer review Lloyd Alexander's many achievements include a Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor Medal, and the National Book Award.Trina Schart Hyman won the Caldecott Medal for Saint George and the Dragon and a Caldecott Honor Medal for Little Red Riding Hood, among numerous other awards.
Synopsis
Vesper and her friends are sailing off to the newly discovered archeological site of Troy. But danger is close behindand the party is tricked and imprisoned in a fabulous palace called Xanadu. Xanadus master is none other than Vespers archenemy, Dr. Helvitius, who has a diabolical scheme to dominate the world. His first goal is to destroy Vesper, who has thwarted him once too often. Escape seems impossible. But if anyone can do it, Vesper can!
Synopsis
When Prince Jen volunteers to search for the legendary court of T?ien-kuo, a mysterious old man chooses six gifts for him to bear in homage: a saddle, a sword, a paint box, a bowl, a kite, and a flute. Puzzled by the gifts but full of high spirits and pride, Jen sets off?but stumbles almost immediately into a series of misfortunes. Only with the help of his faithful servant, Mafoo, and valiant flute-girl, Voyaging Moon, and only after a breathtakingly exciting string of adventures can Jen discover the real meaning of the gifts and face his true destiny. . . .
Synopsis
When Tamar, the young king of Sundari, loses a dice game, he loses everything--his kingdom, its riches, and even the right to call his life his own. His bondage is symbolized by the iron ring that appears mysteriously on his finger. To Tamar, born to the warrior caste, honor is everything. So he sets out on a journey to make good on his debt--and even to give up his life if necessary. And that journey leads him into a world of magic, where animals can talk, the foolish are surprisingly wise, and danger awaits...
Synopsis
Jason's cat has nine fantastic lives-and he's taking Jason along for the ride!
Synopsis
Winner of the American Book Award (now known as the National Book Award) An ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
When Theo agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he only thinks of the money it will bring in. Instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in the smashing of the press and the murder of his master. Caught on the wrong side of the law, Theo must flee the city. Soon, he has teamed up with the traveling showman Count Las Bombas (who is actually a con artist) and his servant. The trio is soon joined by Mickle, a clever, strong-willed girl with a mysterious past. Performing feats that astound and amaze, the motley crew falls into a trap set by Chief Minister Cabbarus, who is determined to wrest power from the grief-stricken king. Now they must not only save themselves-they must save the kingdom...
This is the first volume in Lloyd Alexander's classic Westmark trilogy.
About the Author
Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the author of numerous books for children and adults, including highly acclaimed, classic fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain and The Westmark Trilogy. His books have won numerous awards and accolades including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor and the National Book Award.