The Glove of Maiden's Hair

by Michael Jan Friedman

Harlicch, an elf prince, saves college professor Barbara St. James from a gang of muggers, and together the two must battle the powerful magic of Harlicch's enemies on the streets of New York City

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

234 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1987

About the author

Michael Jan Friedman is an author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction, half of which are in the Star Trek universe. Eleven of his titles have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. Friedman has also written for network and cable television and radio, and scripted nearly 200 comic books, including his original DC superhero series, the Darkstars.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read this in 7th grade, I still love it. It's far from an original idea, and not perfect, but it's sweet and really funny, and the characters are really easy to identify with. That's what still makes it a delight to pick up and read now, more than twenty years later. Highly recommended as a rainy day warm, fuzzy reading session.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this back in the 80's and I probably liked it more then, simply because urban fantasy was newer and stories about elves in modern cities were unusual. (Sadly, fantasy stories with a 40-year-old heroine are still unusual.) Also, I've recently reread Rosemary Edghill's The Sword of Maiden's Tears and it was impossible for me to stop comparing the two (similar titles, similar premises—overall, I liked Edghill's book better). I like good characterization and worldbuilding; The Glove of Maiden's Tears does all right with the former and skimps a bit on the latter. That said, the plot moves along quickly, everything holds together, and it's a stand-alone: you won't be left with a cliffhanger ending and a sequel to track down.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelves for a couple of decades - read it twenty years ago, shelved it as 'good' then never looked at it again until this week.

I am downsizing - I have BEEN downsizing for a few years now: this is a process! The Glove of Maiden's Hair survived several iterations of downsizing, without a serious reason to keep or discard.

This week, I re-read it.

I should have re-read this long before, and possibly often. Very good, and not 'generic' fantasy of the higher sort. It ends very satisfactorily, while, at the same time, not ending the way you think it is supposed to.

Thank you, Michael Jan Friedman. I enjoyed your book (with a couple of reservations midway along concerning a certain amount of objectionable attitudes toward Black Americans, which we are all far more sensitive to today, than many of us were twenty some years ago, alas). I will be sending it along to my oldest daughter, who reads and also writes, for her reading pleasure.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solidly enjoyable story of girl meets elf. Decent fast-paced adventure, decent world (without much serious back story), and a quick read.

Not one I need to keep rereading, but definitely one I'd pass along to others to read.

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elf prince is transported to modern New York and meets a lonely college professor! Far from unique, this is still a fun adventure story.

[Kagama-the Literaturevixen]

The Sword of Maiden's Tears