Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction [Hardcover]

Nancy Springer (Author), Jane Yolen (Author), Laurel Winter (Author), Nina Kiriki Hoffman (Author), Louise Marley (Author), Nick O'Donohoe (Author), Sherwood Smith (Author), Elizabeth Wein (Author), Kara Dalkey (Author), Sharyn November (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 2009

First Firebirds. Then Firebirds Rising. Now there is Firebirds Soaring, the third anthology of original stories by some of today’s finest writers of fantasy and science fiction. These authors, including Nancy Farmer (The Sea of Trolls), Ellen Klages (The Green Glass Sea), Margo Lanagan (Black Juice), and Jane Yolen (The Devil’s Arithmetic), have brought new worlds and Old Magic to life in nineteen remarkable pieces of short fiction. Mike Dringenberg, co-creator of Sandman with Neil Gaiman, contributes decorative vignettes. Firebirds Soaring—like Firebirds and Firebirds Rising—sets the standard for short fiction for teenagers and adult fans of the genre.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—This anthology, the third volume in the series, contains 19 short stories by some of the top writers in this genre. Nancy Springer opens the volume with a story of a precocious young princess with a gift of discernment who unearths the controlling power of the moon goddess hidden in a golden ring. Nancy Farmer takes readers on a magical train ride into eternity. Margo Lanagan's "Ferryman" reveals the dark and dreary life of the boatman of the dead, while Jane Yolen and Adam Semple offer up the brutal, very adult retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" as a sexually abused young woman who copes with her pain by cutting herself and disappearing into a fantasy world. The selections vary in length, with some short stories, some novellas. Each work is introduced by an evocative illustration that beautifully sets the scene for the written work. The variety of styles and themes and a gathering together of so many talented writers in one work offer readers a banquet for the imagination. For fans of the genre, this is a must read.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA
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From Booklist

The third anthology in the Firebirds series is even more expansive, with 19 stories that range from fantasy to futuristic to historical to genre defying. The latter includes some stand-outs, like Carol Emshwiller’s poignant “The Dignity He’s Due,” about a homeless family living off the Appalachian Trail, the mother of which believes her son is heir to the throne of France; or Candas Jane Dorsey’s disquieting “Dolly the Dog-Soldier,” about a litter of human “puppies” adopted from the “arfenedge” and trained as assassins. Margo Lanagan’s “Ferryman” and Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple’s “Little Red” reimagine familiar figures in unusual ways. Ellen Klages, Kara Dalkey, and Marly Youmans also contribute strong pieces. At the center of the book is Nina Kiriki Hoffman’s short novel, “The Ghosts of Strangers,” a story about dragons and ghosts and a little girl who is integral to both. Despite the variety, similar themes echo throughout the stories and, along with Dringenberg’s smoky, evocative graphite illustrations, make the collection cohesive while still encompassing the depth and breadth of speculative fiction. Grades 7-12. --Krista Hutley

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Firebird (March 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142405523
• ISBN-13: 978-0142405529
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #728,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!, December 17, 2011

By 

Michael Harris (York, Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction (Hardcover)

I am a very avid reader of Science Fiction and Fantasy so this book and the other two (Firebirds and Firebirds Rising) in the series were right up my alley.

Filled with amazing stories that you can read and enjoy over and over again, this book is a classic for teens and adults, and I recommend it to all those who also enjoy reading as much as I do, but also, enjoy anthology series and great stories written by amazing writers.

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably one of the best fantasy anthologies for teens out there...., November 26, 2010

By 

Sophia (the Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction (Hardcover)

"Firebirds Soaring" is the third anthology in the Firebirds Series, beginning with Firebirds: An Anthology of Original Fantasy and Science Fiction and Firebirds Rising: An Original Anthology of Science Fiction and Fantasy. It features almost 600 pages and nineteen stories from standout authors, including Sherwood Smith, Jane Yolen, Louise Marley, Nancy Farmer, and Kara Dalkey. The style is wide-ranging and eclectic and the stories address a wide variety themes, including acceptance, fear of the future, homelessness and abuse head-on. Two stories really remain with me: Carol Emshwiller's "The Dignity He's Due," and Candas Jane Dorsey's "Dolly, the Dog-Soldier" (which I have probably re-read six times) - both of which feature strong young women doing their best in extremely difficult and challenging situations.

This book, and indeed, this series, would make a wonderful gift for any adolescents, particularly girls. I will definitely be stocking up for my family members and younger friends.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, April 23, 2010

By 

Nicky - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction (Hardcover)

I love this anthology series. I own all three, and am very happy with them. The stories are very readable and intriguing. I'm also a tutor and use them with my students, who enjoy them. The length of the stories varies from just a dozen pages to 100. Overall a great read and a great way to find new authors to read.