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.
Firebirds Soaring
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Book Description
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
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably one of the best fantasy anthologies for teens out there....
November 26, 2010
Format: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.
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.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Nicky
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
0 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Despite the fact that I haven't finished the entire book yet, the first few stories were great.
I love anthologies...
I love anthologies...
