Spires of Spirit

Strands #5

by Gael Baudino

Three novellas of elven magic return to the world of the Strands of Starlight series and place the fate of humankind in the hands of Varden the Elf, while in another three stories, an ancient spirit stirs in contemporary Colorado

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

About the author

Gael Baudino (born 1955) is a contemporary American fantasy author who also writes under the pseudonyms of Gael A. Kathryns, K.M. Tonso, and G.A. Kathryns.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is two sets of linked short-stories/novellas: The first three stories have a medieval European setting and the second three are set in 20th century Denver (Colorado). Both sets have fairly repetitive themes, but kept me interested. The first set can be summarized as good person in small village befriends an Elf and rebels against the bigoted village priest. The second set is a person who thinks she is going crazy but then finds out that she has elven blood which is causing her to go through changes. In both cases there is a continuity of characters. In the modern set, the woman who finds out she is an Elf in the first story helps the next one with her background, and the main character of the second story helps the one in the third story.

The author's introduction to the book says that these were written as background to her Starlight novels, and this book is listed as #5 of a series on Goodreads but I don't remember reading those novels and I didn't have any problem following these.

I loved Gossamer Axe by the same author, which is why I picked up this book at a used-book sale. This isn't nearly as good. Rating 3.5 rounded up.

[Nytetyger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories that give more background to the books set in Ms. Baudino's elf series. So very, very good-- I really wish she had more out there!

[C. Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a short story in this book that has claimed a part of my mind And in the 20 years since I've read it I have not forgotten. I will be obtaining a copy to reassess the magic but the fact that it stayed with me after all this time is compelling

[Katy Lohman · Rating 3 out of 5]

6 tales of the Elves, 3 as they were fading from the world and 3, centuries later, when they were being reborn as humans and awakening. A wonderful continuation of the series.