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I've been reading Sword and Sorceress since the first volume, and I have found the stories unfailingly high in quality. Each story I have read over the last twenty-two years, chosen by the grand-mistress of fantasy, Marion Zimmer Bradley, has been original, fresh, and emotionally moving, whether to chuckles, edge of the seat adrenaline rushes, or tears. Elizabeth Waters has continued that tradition of magnificent stories since MZB's passing with not the slightest dip in editorial excellence. This book's representation of the feminine side of sword and sorcery re-defines the edges of the genre. It challenges the reader to think about a lot of societal assumptions, without being preachy or dogmatic. This particular volume seemed to have an underlying theme of the consequences of unconventional choices; the cost of the road not taken.

From publicity material: For over two decades, the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, best-selling and beloved author, discovered and nurtured a grand generation of popular and acclaimed authors including Mercedes Lackey, Jennifer Roberson, and a host of others. Authors who have appeared within the pages of Sword and Sorceress represent the full spectrum of some of the brightest talen working today -- from C.J. Cherryh, Charles de Lint, and Emma Bull ... to Deborah J. Ross, Diana L. Paxson and Laurell K. Hamilton.

We proudly continue the classic feminist tradition with this new volume, edited by Elisabeth Waters, co-editor and secretary to Mrs. Bradley, with sixteen original stories of powerful women, swashbuckling and magic, spells and duels, arcane sorcery and heroic sacrifice, written by familiar spell-weavers of adventure and bright newcomers who are sure to become favorites.

(Source: Norilana Books)