<< 1 >>
Rating: Summary: A Great Homoerotic Revision Of Fantasy Cliches Review: 4 stars because when I picked this book up I was hungry for an easy escapist read without the usual heterosexism and I wasn't disappointed. If you're interested in reading a first-class anthology of otherworldly GLBT fiction, check out "Worlds Apart" also edited by Eric Garber. Many stories in "Swords Of The Rainbow" anthology aren't all that great. Also if your primary interest is science fiction, don't bother -- most stories here are fantasy. Still GLBT readers looking for images of themselves in sci-fi and fantasy genres should check this book out. Here is the complete list of stories included:"The Queer Avenger" by Jean Stewart is very very badly written but entertaining in an odd sort of way. This story follows a present day Seattleite who comes to terms with her supernatural past and powers. This process involves lots of hot loving with her newly rediscovered (and also supernatural, of course) girlfriend and kicking ass of ancient evil in the shape of gay-bashers. "Roses For The Prince" by Mark Shepherd is a very amusing horror fantasy tale with some dry humor and a very kinky twist. "Swan's Braid" by Tanya Huff is a well-written funny story about a lesbian thief who's trying to balance her desire for a woman with her career ambitions. "Houston" is another installment of Gilda stories by Jewelle Gomez. In my opinion, Gomez's brilliant imagination compensates for her lack of writing skills. In this story Gilda -- who by the way is the most sympathetic vampire character ever -- tries to navigate post-apocalyptic future while meeting interesting outcasts like herself. "Birthmarked" by A.J.Potter is by far the best story in the book. This medieval fantasy farce is both hilarious and sexy as hell. "The Tale Of Small Sarg" by Samuel R. Delany is probably the most thought-provoking and well-written piece in the whole anthology. Disclaimer: if you haven't read Delany before, this story is a good introduction to his writing style. Delany's fragmented narrative about slavery, identity and sexuality is destined to puzzle most readers. But don't be discouraged -- be patient and you may be rewarded. "Healer" by Carrie Richerson follows Tara the lesbian witch (no not the Willow's girlfriend) as she's struggling to gain trust of Mar, a former warrior with lots of emotional baggage. Well-written, compelling and sexy. Cool ending too. "Ounces" (an excerpt) by Dorothy Allison follows Meh, another lesbian thief (what is it about this anthology and lesbian thieves), who risks her life by stealing from sadistic aristocrats. This story's cold and mysterious characters are equally aroused by sex and violence. Cliffhanger ending. "Breakheart" by Mel Keegan is about Richard, a troubled seer turned warrior, and his loyal slave boy unfortunately named Fendel. Basically erotica with a plot. "Heart Of Stone" by Lawrence Schimel is a very funny story about a boy who gets himself in trouble as he stocks the object of his affections. "Rhezellah's Song" by Nina Boal is sexy and dynamic. A leader of a feminist vigilante gang lusts after a woman whose very type she despises. Think very short fantasy version of Bound. "A Canopy Of Green" by Jim Provenzano is entertaining despite its odd and unfocused plot (or maybe because of it). Gay soldiers in love, coming of age, environmental and post-colonial issues, relationship problems resolved all in one story -- wow! "To Steal Your Heart Away" by Lauren Wright Douglas is my second favorite story. A sexy gender-bending fairy-tale that doesn't take itself seriously. Very original and very funny. "Why The Moon Goes Away And The Sun Only Sleeps" by Stan Leventhal is pretty bad, in my opinion. Yet it's also a bit more original than most stories in this anthology.
Rating: Summary: A Great Homoerotic Revision Of Fantasy Cliches Review: 4 stars because when I picked this book up I was hungry for an easy escapist read without the usual heterosexism and I wasn`t disappointed. If you're interested in reading a first-class anthology of otherworldly GLBT fiction, check out "Worlds Apart" also edited by Eric Garber. Many stories in "Swords Of The Rainbow" anthology aren't all that great. Also if your primary interest is science fiction, don't bother -- most stories here are fantasy. Still GLBT readers looking for images of themselves in sci-fi and fantasy genres should check this book out. Here is the complete list of stories included: "The Queer Avenger" by Jean Stewart is very very badly written but entertaining in an odd sort of way. This story follows a present day Seattleite who comes to terms with her supernatural past and powers. This process involves lots of hot loving with her newly rediscovered (and also supernatural, of course) girlfriend and kicking ass of ancient evil in the shape of gay-bashers. "Roses For The Prince" by Mark Shepherd is a very amusing horror fantasy tale with some dry humor and a very kinky twist. "Swan's Braid" by Tanya Huff is a well-written funny story about a lesbian thief who's trying to balance her desire for a woman with her career ambitions. "Houston" is another installment of Gilda stories by Jewelle Gomez. In my opinion, Gomez's brilliant imagination compensates for her lack of writing skills. In this story Gilda -- who by the way is the most sympathetic vampire character ever -- tries to navigate post-apocalyptic future while meeting interesting outcasts like herself. "Birthmarked" by A.J.Potter is by far the best story in the book. This medieval fantasy farce is both hilarious and sexy as hell. "The Tale Of Small Sarg" by Samuel R. Delany is probably the most thought-provoking and well-written piece in the whole anthology. Disclaimer: if you haven't read Delany before, this story is a good introduction to his writing style. Delany's fragmented narrative about slavery, identity and sexuality is destined to puzzle most readers. But don't be discouraged -- be patient and you may be rewarded. "Healer" by Carrie Richerson follows Tara the lesbian witch (no not the Willow's girlfriend) as she's struggling to gain trust of Mar, a former warrior with lots of emotional baggage. Well-written, compelling and sexy. Cool ending too. "Ounces" (an excerpt) by Dorothy Allison follows Meh, another lesbian thief (what is it about this anthology and lesbian thieves), who risks her life by stealing from sadistic aristocrats. This story's cold and mysterious characters are equally aroused by sex and violence. Cliffhanger ending. "Breakheart" by Mel Keegan is about Richard, a troubled seer turned warrior, and his loyal slave boy unfortunately named Fendel. Basically erotica with a plot. "Heart Of Stone" by Lawrence Schimel is a very funny story about a boy who gets himself in trouble as he stocks the object of his affections. "Rhezellah's Song" by Nina Boal is sexy and dynamic. A leader of a feminist vigilante gang lusts after a woman whose very type she despises. Think very short fantasy version of Bound. "A Canopy Of Green" by Jim Provenzano is entertaining despite its odd and unfocused plot (or maybe because of it). Gay soldiers in love, coming of age, environmental and post-colonial issues, relationship problems resolved all in one story -- wow! "To Steal Your Heart Away" by Lauren Wright Douglas is my second favorite story. A sexy gender-bending fairy-tale that doesn't take itself seriously. Very original and very funny. "Why The Moon Goes Away And The Sun Only Sleeps" by Stan Leventhal is pretty bad, in my opinion. Yet it's also a bit more original than most stories in this anthology.
Rating: Summary: Explores full spectrum of the Genre Review: 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!
<< 1 >>
|