"A fantastic anthology"

Isadora by Jeanne Allen. In Alderwood, Isadora conducts secret scientific experiments that the town council including her father would condemn as witchcraft. Her clandestine occupation becomes known when a mysterious stranger enters the village.

Twin Star by Jeanine Berry. Sonneret escapes her dying planet through a gate to another orb populated by the Huymans. The Huyman ruler Lothar declares that all unmarried women are to present themselves to his harem keeper, who will reduce the lot so his employer can select a new bride. Sonneret is the chosen one as Lothar feels she is his soulmate, but she fears a cross species mating.

Eidolon by Shannah Biondine. Two otherworldly siblings dispute the worthiness of humanity. They agree on a wager in which Azubah travels to Colorado to prove that the human Haggerty has ethics. If she wins, her brother Lucifer must repent his sins so the family can return to its former eminence.

Thief of Dreams by Sheri L. McGathy. Lord Devi's daughter Nerys must choose between Gerard and Cody. Nerys selects Cody, but just before the wedding he is abducted ending up inside a faery ring while his odious enemy steps to the altar with his beloved.

These four otherworldly tales focus on crossing worlds leading to strong females struggling with deep feelings that each one finds difficult to accept. The anthology is a delight as each tale is well written with deep characterizations, varying in degrees in darkness, but definitely entertaining. With more works like these contributions, Jeanne Allen, Shannah Biondine, Sheri L. McGathy, and Jeanine Berry will each cross into the realm of writing stardom.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 5, 2003