Fire: Demons, Dragons and Djinns is the first in Rhonda Parrish’s Elemental Anthologies series, so naturally I read it last. You can tell how much I loved each one as I continued to buy the set. I’m now looking forward to Hauntings and Hoarfrost, which is in preparation.
Fire: Demons, Dragons and Djinns (Elemental Anthologies #1)
Edited by Rhonda Parrish
The ability for people to control (to some extent at least) fire has long been held as one of the major events that contributed to human evolution, but when fire eludes or escapes our control it is also one of the most destructive forces on earth. Associated with passion, power, transformation and purification, fire is a ferocious element with an unquenchable appetite.
Discover the power of Fire and the creatures that thrive on it in these twenty-one stories, including: the true inspiration behind Jim Morrison’s songs; a special weapon used in World War II; the secret in the depths of a mortuary furnace; a fantastical card game; and a necromancer out on what may be his last job.
Featuring: Blake Jessop; Kevin Cockle; Lizbeth Ashton; Dusty Thorne; V.F. LeSann; K.T. Ivanrest; Hal J. Friesen; Laura VanArendonk Baugh; Krista D. Ball; Mara Malins; Claude Lalumière; Susan MacGregor; JB Riley; Damascus Mincemeyer; Heather M. O’Connor; Gabrielle Harbowy; R. W. Hodgson; Chadwick Ginther; Wendy Nikel; Annie Neugebauer; and J.G. Formato. (goodreads)
My Review
In her Introduction, Rhonda Parrish explains how usually she gets great stories in response to a call; in this case she got even more, and strangely, all exactly fit the brief. And then she gave me a wonderful idea for a story…
Fire is full of fiery beasts and transcendentals. The quality is top notch, even my picky heart thought they were all brilliant and worthy of inclusion. The variety is astounding, and even the several that seemed to be going a standard route, threw in a curved ball and diverted into a tangled flame. If some of the authors seem to be familiar, it’s because they regularly submit highly original on-theme stories that are a delight to read. Yes, I’m to mention Laura VanArendonk Baugh again, but at least I’ve now bought one of her stand-alone titles!
If you like short stories with great characters, wonderful imagination, and a few sparks of something different, you’ll love these.
I need to buy her anthologies–and keep an eye on the calls for stories.