Firebirds Rising: An Anthology of Original Science Fiction and Fantasy (review)

Building on the success of her previous anthology, Firebirds (BCCB 1/04), November draws on the talents of established fantasy and science-fiction authors in this collection of sixteen short stories. Despite the absence of any specific theme, the collection is surprisingly cohesive, a compelling, mostly fantasy collection free of weak links. Relative newcomer Alison Goodman offers one of the funniest stories, featuring a mismatched human/alien pair (and the inevitable cultural struggles that ensue) who work together around the common goal of increasing tolerance. Though straight out of a Twilight Zone concept, Alan Dean Foster's take on the trickiness of perceptions (humans pity aliens who pity humans) is effectively revamped with young adult characters. Diana Wynne Jones' selection, one of several stories written for a younger audience, is as much a haunting story of family dynamics and relationships as a tale of a threatening witch coven. Short-story collections for young adults are relatively plentiful, but rare is an anthology wherein every selection comes from authors who are already well respected; most of them have taken this free-form assignment to truly reach toward new creative heights. A biographical sketch and author's note follow each story.