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Courts of the Fey
Fantasy, whether classic or contemporary, has always been based on the conflict between the forces of Light and Darkness. Now some of the genre's most inventive authors bring readers into the Seelie Court, where all serve the Queen of Air and Light, and the Unseelie Court, where the forces of Darkness hold sway.
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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481 people want to read
About the author
Martin H. Greenberg
911 books163 followersMartin Harry Greenberg was an American academic and speculative fiction anthologist. In all, he compiled 1,298 anthologies and commissioned over 8,200 original short stories. He founded Tekno Books, a packager of more than 2000 published books. In addition, he was a co-founder of the Sci-Fi Channel.
For the 1950s anthologist and publisher of Gnome Press, see Martin Greenberg.
For the 1950s anthologist and publisher of Gnome Press, see Martin Greenberg.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 6, 2011
As usual, any anthology Martin Greenburg participates in organizing is going to be good. I love this kind of book, because it let’s me try out different authors in nice little bite sized pieces. While dealing with the different Courts of the Fey, the themes run from Fairy conservation to the end of the world. There are stories that brought a smile to my face, some that made me sad and some that were bittersweet. All in all, an excellent compilation work by someone that manages to keep his very high standards. © Night Owl Reviews
February 8, 2016
If you enjoy fantasy anthologies that focus on the Seelie and Unseelie, or the Fae, then Courts of the Fey is a collection of 12 stories that will capture the interest of readers who like the genre. Readers like myself, and with the promise of a few familiar names on the roster, I was ready to give it a try. I really enjoyed every single story, some more than others of course until I got to the very end. So I decided to start this review off with the story I liked least, and then keep all the others in their rightful order.
“Anne” by Michelle Sagara was my least favorite. It was the longest and the most difficult to get into. I didn’t finish it, and I found myself disliking it to the point that I was glad it was at the very end. Not sure if it needed to be cut down or what but it never resonated with me in any way whatsoever. Michelle Sagara is a heck of an author which is why I am shocked.
“Gallow’s Rescue” by Lilith Saintcrow: My only complaint about this story is that I wished it was longer. There were points with Jeremy and Robin that needed to be filled in, and I was adrift with longing to learn more. Still this author can weave, narrate and spin the heck out of tale with amazing descriptions, flawed yet enthralling characters and tight action.
“An Answer from the North” by Sarah Hoyt: This story was aged whiskey and bygone days, technology meets magic, and the answer to cause and effect for even an immortal. I was sucked into the writing style and could not wait to get to the end to learn the truth.
“Goodhouse Keeping” by Mary Robinette Kowal: Authors who really delve into the old folklore and tales of the past are the best when it comes to recreating new realities for the Fey in our world. There’s subtle commentary on subjects like domestic abuse, and being a good neighbor in more than one way. How the world has lost something with everyone feeling isolated and separate in communities.
“A Song of the Wind” by Paul Crilley: A gorgeous story that draws you end and reminds you of warnings about the cruelty of the Fey even when they are being ‘kind’. Fey kindness is not the blessing it seems and so we should value what we have in our lives more.
“First Ball…Last Call” by Rob Thurman: A tale of what-ifs by leaving the Fey courts to make right what humanity has turned wrong. The Seelie and UnSeelie in a Post-Apocalyptic world done well by an author with loads of keen insight and imagination.
“Beauty” by Jenifer Ruth: Another tale of how the Fey adapt to the human world with a Faustian flare and twist.
“Pennyroyal” by Kerrie Hughes: This story explores the workings of daily life of both Courts in terms of family and alliances. I liked the way main character grows up and gains an appreciation for both courts and her fate.
“Unlocked Gate” by Dean Wesley Smith: This is comic fantasy at its finest with the right amount of camp, action, and quirky cast. From start to finish, this story nailed it all just right.
“Mushroom Clouds and Fairy Wings” by J.A. Pitts: I liked this story for various reasons. The main one was the narrator changeling who was so likable, sassy and fun. I was never sure where it was going but the trip was satisfying.
“Hunting the Unicorn by Jane Lindskold: The set-up for this story screamed romantic fantasy from the word “Go!”. The characters’ descriptions made me think of anime pretty boys and pretty girls in fabulous clothing, with cool weapons, outrageous battle attacks and flashy mounts and/or sidekicks that set out to do damage to one another in the name of their opposing teams. Except this otherworldly Romeo and Juliet get more than they bargained along with what they wanted most.
“The Green Man” by Amber Benson: This coming of age story mingles with darker tones of familial abuse and neglect with a big light at the end of the tunnel. I vibed on how well the plot and ending was delivered and wanted to read more.
“Anne” by Michelle Sagara was my least favorite. It was the longest and the most difficult to get into. I didn’t finish it, and I found myself disliking it to the point that I was glad it was at the very end. Not sure if it needed to be cut down or what but it never resonated with me in any way whatsoever. Michelle Sagara is a heck of an author which is why I am shocked.
“Gallow’s Rescue” by Lilith Saintcrow: My only complaint about this story is that I wished it was longer. There were points with Jeremy and Robin that needed to be filled in, and I was adrift with longing to learn more. Still this author can weave, narrate and spin the heck out of tale with amazing descriptions, flawed yet enthralling characters and tight action.
“An Answer from the North” by Sarah Hoyt: This story was aged whiskey and bygone days, technology meets magic, and the answer to cause and effect for even an immortal. I was sucked into the writing style and could not wait to get to the end to learn the truth.
“Goodhouse Keeping” by Mary Robinette Kowal: Authors who really delve into the old folklore and tales of the past are the best when it comes to recreating new realities for the Fey in our world. There’s subtle commentary on subjects like domestic abuse, and being a good neighbor in more than one way. How the world has lost something with everyone feeling isolated and separate in communities.
“A Song of the Wind” by Paul Crilley: A gorgeous story that draws you end and reminds you of warnings about the cruelty of the Fey even when they are being ‘kind’. Fey kindness is not the blessing it seems and so we should value what we have in our lives more.
“First Ball…Last Call” by Rob Thurman: A tale of what-ifs by leaving the Fey courts to make right what humanity has turned wrong. The Seelie and UnSeelie in a Post-Apocalyptic world done well by an author with loads of keen insight and imagination.
“Beauty” by Jenifer Ruth: Another tale of how the Fey adapt to the human world with a Faustian flare and twist.
“Pennyroyal” by Kerrie Hughes: This story explores the workings of daily life of both Courts in terms of family and alliances. I liked the way main character grows up and gains an appreciation for both courts and her fate.
“Unlocked Gate” by Dean Wesley Smith: This is comic fantasy at its finest with the right amount of camp, action, and quirky cast. From start to finish, this story nailed it all just right.
“Mushroom Clouds and Fairy Wings” by J.A. Pitts: I liked this story for various reasons. The main one was the narrator changeling who was so likable, sassy and fun. I was never sure where it was going but the trip was satisfying.
“Hunting the Unicorn by Jane Lindskold: The set-up for this story screamed romantic fantasy from the word “Go!”. The characters’ descriptions made me think of anime pretty boys and pretty girls in fabulous clothing, with cool weapons, outrageous battle attacks and flashy mounts and/or sidekicks that set out to do damage to one another in the name of their opposing teams. Except this otherworldly Romeo and Juliet get more than they bargained along with what they wanted most.
“The Green Man” by Amber Benson: This coming of age story mingles with darker tones of familial abuse and neglect with a big light at the end of the tunnel. I vibed on how well the plot and ending was delivered and wanted to read more.
August 27, 2016
A very mixed collection. Some good, a few bordering on great and some nearly unreadable.
Gallow's Rescue by Lilith Saintcrow tracks a fae as he answers the call of one he loves and hates. An excellent start, although also an excellent example of Saintcrow's ability to leave you wanting more.
An Answer From the North by Sarah A. Hoyt. A knight enters the court of the Seelie and gives them an ultimatum. Not my cup of tea with it's attempt to read like a fairy tale. It falls short of fulfilling that attempt and I found it all a little too obvious. Still good and very readable.
Goodhouse Keeping by Mary Robinette Kowal. One of my favorites. The foster daughter of the fairy queen watches over the little people like the Brownies who cannot protect themselves. Very fun and novel idea. Would like more of this world.
The Song of the Wind by Paul Crilley. Once touched by the magic of the fey, a man lives without in favor of love. Wandering one day he is "blessed" by a fairy. A much better fairy tale voice than An Answer From the North. Enjoyable.
First Ball...Last Call by Rob Thurman. Probably my honest favorite. Dark and twisted with a wry sense of humor - exactly why I love Rob's writing. Two men go hunting evil.
Beauty by Jenifer Ruth. One of the Unseelie goes hunting for her talented prey. A modern writing of one of the classical fey
Pennyroyal by Kerrie Hughes. One of the Seeklie runs away to escape an uncertain fate. Cute but the writing lacks . It just feels like it needed tweaking to be written for anyone over 12 years old.
Unlocked Gate by Dean Wesley Smith. Really did not enjoy this one. I actually ended up skipping the last 2/3's. annoyingly repetitive, silly, and boring for me. I bailed and honestly should have bailed earlier than I did.
Mushroom Clouds and Fairy Rings by J.A. Pitts interesting. Overall did not hold my interest. One of the stolen children goes back to earth to place a Changeling and finds it oddly quiet
Hunting the Unicorn by Jane Lindskold. A Seelie and an Unseelie go hunting for a unicorn for very different reasons and meet along the way. Interesting but did not leave any great impression on me. Love this author though, so if this isn't your cup of tea keep reading.
The Green Man by Amber Benson. Very flowery writing. I wanted to cut away entire paragraphs. Too much of a good thing as they say. Just overall not my thing. Also, just because you know how to use a semi-colon does not mean you should. I counted one sentence at over 55 words. What???
Anne by Michelle Sagara. A man takes his friend home after the bar. Nothing is as it seems. I enjoyed this one. It is what I now consider classic Sagara story telling. She sneaks in the world build up so beautifully you don't even realize it, you just seem to wake up in it.
Some very strong reads here and some that are much weaker. At least 4 stories well worth the read and several more still enjoyable. Overall this is a small collection which is why I rate it so low. With so little to choose from the poor selections really stand out. One more knock out story might have tipped it higher for me. Just a little too short of that hope.
Gallow's Rescue by Lilith Saintcrow tracks a fae as he answers the call of one he loves and hates. An excellent start, although also an excellent example of Saintcrow's ability to leave you wanting more.
An Answer From the North by Sarah A. Hoyt. A knight enters the court of the Seelie and gives them an ultimatum. Not my cup of tea with it's attempt to read like a fairy tale. It falls short of fulfilling that attempt and I found it all a little too obvious. Still good and very readable.
Goodhouse Keeping by Mary Robinette Kowal. One of my favorites. The foster daughter of the fairy queen watches over the little people like the Brownies who cannot protect themselves. Very fun and novel idea. Would like more of this world.
The Song of the Wind by Paul Crilley. Once touched by the magic of the fey, a man lives without in favor of love. Wandering one day he is "blessed" by a fairy. A much better fairy tale voice than An Answer From the North. Enjoyable.
First Ball...Last Call by Rob Thurman. Probably my honest favorite. Dark and twisted with a wry sense of humor - exactly why I love Rob's writing. Two men go hunting evil.
Beauty by Jenifer Ruth. One of the Unseelie goes hunting for her talented prey. A modern writing of one of the classical fey
Pennyroyal by Kerrie Hughes. One of the Seeklie runs away to escape an uncertain fate. Cute but the writing lacks . It just feels like it needed tweaking to be written for anyone over 12 years old.
Unlocked Gate by Dean Wesley Smith. Really did not enjoy this one. I actually ended up skipping the last 2/3's. annoyingly repetitive, silly, and boring for me. I bailed and honestly should have bailed earlier than I did.
Mushroom Clouds and Fairy Rings by J.A. Pitts interesting. Overall did not hold my interest. One of the stolen children goes back to earth to place a Changeling and finds it oddly quiet
Hunting the Unicorn by Jane Lindskold. A Seelie and an Unseelie go hunting for a unicorn for very different reasons and meet along the way. Interesting but did not leave any great impression on me. Love this author though, so if this isn't your cup of tea keep reading.
The Green Man by Amber Benson. Very flowery writing. I wanted to cut away entire paragraphs. Too much of a good thing as they say. Just overall not my thing. Also, just because you know how to use a semi-colon does not mean you should. I counted one sentence at over 55 words. What???
Anne by Michelle Sagara. A man takes his friend home after the bar. Nothing is as it seems. I enjoyed this one. It is what I now consider classic Sagara story telling. She sneaks in the world build up so beautifully you don't even realize it, you just seem to wake up in it.
Some very strong reads here and some that are much weaker. At least 4 stories well worth the read and several more still enjoyable. Overall this is a small collection which is why I rate it so low. With so little to choose from the poor selections really stand out. One more knock out story might have tipped it higher for me. Just a little too short of that hope.
January 19, 2012
This novel was a collection of short stories. Some of the stories were very neat, some were special, and a few were just boring. But overall a good read if you a few minutes time to read a short story.
partially-read-was-enough
February 20, 2012Ron Thurman's story was very good. But I needed to get it back to the library and I just was never in the mood to tackle any of the other.
February 18, 2017
This isn't your standard "fey" collection - all of these short stories focus on aspects of fey (or in many cases, fey/human interactions) that are very different from the expected. The last story in particular, Michelle Sagara's "Anne", is both beautiful and surprising.
February 6, 2017
I didn't actually finish this book. I read the stories by authors I like and a few others. None were great and I have hundreds of books I want to get to so I abandoned this book for something better. Or a lot of things actually.
August 9, 2016
I am unsure how I feel about this book now that I have finished all of the short stories in it. I liked them all but did not love them all. I bought it because Michelle Sagara was one of the authors. My favourite was First Ball...Last Call by Rob Thurman so I might try something else he has written. It was quite clever.
I think I will enjoy rereading this book once again in the future and hopefully then I will be able to form a better opinion of it.
I think I will enjoy rereading this book once again in the future and hopefully then I will be able to form a better opinion of it.
February 19, 2013
Now, I tend to like multi-author short story collections: however, sadly, this one didn't work for me.
The premise was quite interesting: tales involving either the Seelie or Unseelie court. However, the only tale that held my attention was "Unlocked Gate" by Dean Wesley Smith, which showed a lot of promise & had some good humour to it too. Sadly the others were all either nondescript or frankly clunking.....
Not recommended.
The premise was quite interesting: tales involving either the Seelie or Unseelie court. However, the only tale that held my attention was "Unlocked Gate" by Dean Wesley Smith, which showed a lot of promise & had some good humour to it too. Sadly the others were all either nondescript or frankly clunking.....
Not recommended.
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April 3, 2013Gallow's Rescue (Lilith Saintcrow).
Anne (Michelle Sagara).
Anne (Michelle Sagara).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews