Swords of the Rainbow: Gay & Lesbian Fantasy Adventures [Paperback]

Eric Garber (Editor), Jewelle Gomez (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books; 1st edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555832660
• ISBN-13: 978-1555832667
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #839,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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  Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > Criticism & Theory > Sexuality in Literature

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explores full spectrum of the Genre, April 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Swords of the Rainbow: Gay & Lesbian Fantasy Adventures (Paperback)

In the early days of science fiction and fantasy, lesbians and gays were portrayed--if at all--in an unflattering light. Even in a genre that allowed writers to explore alternate realities and societies, gay people were still depicted as one-dimensional stock characters:weak,evil and depraved creatures that reflected the cultural taboos and stereotypes of the day. Fortunately, times have changed somewhat, and many authors have written a succession of wonderful books and anthologies, showing gays and lesbians in a more positive light and as complex human beings.

This latest collection joins the ranks in its further exploration of contemporary gay/lesbian themes in a fantasy, sword and sorcery, and science fiction setting. Herein you will find tales of princes and sorcerers, thieves and vampires, soldiers and slaves. Veteran as well as emerging authors in the genre ply their craft at lighthearted romances, humorous adventures, dark cautionary tales--all of which are pervaded by a bittersweetness that can't be helped. For many gay and lesbian people, it is hard to escape the fear and prejudice that still prevails in daily life. These stories embrace and explore the "what-ifs" of alternate worlds and provide a "rainbow" of hope for the possibility of a brighter future.

If you have a narrow mind, don't read these stories--they may give you stretch marks. If your mind and heart is open, I heartily recommend this book and its brilliant and thought-provoking predecessor, WORLDS APART, by the same publisher. Unfortunately, it is out of print at this time, but well worth the search for a used copy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Don't Like Anthologies...But I couldn't Put This One Down!, June 14, 2005

By	Slash Hunter "Slasher On The Prowl" (Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swords of the Rainbow: Gay & Lesbian Fantasy Adventures (Paperback)

It's true, I detest Anthologies because short stories are...well, um, short. I literally cringed when I purchased this from Amazon.com because I was so afraid that I would just not be able to get into this book. Surprizingly, I was proven wrong. There is still a part of me that wishes that some of these stories were full-blown novels but that feeble thought did not prevent me from reading onward.

This is a clever collection of short stories (I still can't believe I am using those words together in the same sentence)! I am not into Lesbian Fiction so I just skimmed over those stories (but judging from the reviews I have read from others, if you like Lesbian fiction...you'll probably be happy). Even though I'm a "Slasher" that did not bother me.

I have read and re-read this book several times for the two short days I have owned it. The M/M stories in this collection are smart and sexy with juicy storylines that will challenge your thoughts (Delaney's "The Tale of Small Sarg" ) and make your pulse race (A. J. Potter's "Birthmarked").

Everything is represented here: Swords and Sorcery - "Breakheart", science fiction - "A Canopy Of Green", horror - "Roses For The Prince"...you name it. I promise you, you will not be disappointed and often times be left breathless (and in my case...wanting more).

I'm still not sure I am a new "anthologies fan" but occasionally I guess I can be pleasantly surprized every once in a while.