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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
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!
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by Jane Fletcher
by L-J Baker
