To Weave a Web of Magic by Claire Delacroix, Patricia A. McKillip, Sharon Shinn, Lynn Kurland

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
For those who like an extra dose of romance with their fantasy comes To Weave a Web of Magic, an anthology that contains novellas by some of the biggest names in fantasy and romance: Patricia A. McKillip, Sharon Shinn, Claire Delacroix, and Lynn Kurland.

"The Gorgon in the Cupboard" is classic McKillip: a magic-filled fable about a struggling artist, desperate for inspiration, who finds his muse in the most unlikely of places. Inspired by a spirit in an unfinished painting, Harry sets off in search of a model for his masterwork and finds her practically on his doorstep in the form of an impoverished woman. Harry -- a superficial man through and through -- soon realizes firsthand the transcendent power of beauty.

Kurland's "The Tale of Two Swords" begins with eight-year-old Harold in search of adventure. Instead, he must settle for his father reading him and his siblings an old fairy tale by the fire. The story is about a young woman who runs away from her overbearing father and a prince whose kingdom has recently been destroyed by an evil sorcerer. As the story progresses, Harold suddenly realizes some striking similarities between the fairy tale's protagonists and his parents!

Shinn's "Fallen Angel" takes place in her much-traveled realm of Samaria and chronicles the tumultuous relationship between a young socialite named Eden and an unruly angel named Jesse. "An Elegy for Melusine" by Delacroix reinterprets a medieval fairy tale about a fool's wager between a mortal knight and a fey temptress.

Steeped in myth and magic, this enchanting anthology is highly recommended for readers who enjoy "and they lived happily ever after..." Paul Goat Allen

From the Publisher

A romantic fantasy anthology with four novellas from renowned authors of romance and fantasy...

USA Today best-selling author Claire Delacroix gives readers a revisionist version of the medieval legend of Melusine. USA Today best-selling author Lynn Kurland's trademark style shines in this tale of the magic and medieval romance between two lovers.

World Fantasy Award-winner Patricia A. McKillip tells of an artist's model and the transforming power of beauty and inspiration.

National best-selling author Sharon Shinn offers a compelling romance set in a strange new off-world of angels and revolving around the pursuit of love.

The very thrill of love comes dazzlingly to life when these four shining stars or romance and fantasy weave their own web of magic for their legions of fans.

Dr. Lesley Farmer - KLIATT

Four well-regarded women fantasy writers—Delacroix, Kurland, McKillip, Shinn—have written lengthy short stories about romantic fantasy for this anthology. Delacroix's cautionary tale about the shapes of love reveals the impact of perspectives. Kurland recounts a family epic of independent heroes and heroines. McKillip tells of an artist who activates a Gorgon to inspire him. Shinn reveals how angels can interact intensely with humans. As would be expected, the writing is professional, the plots well crafted. This anthology is a good way for readers to be introduced to these authors' styles. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Penguin, Berkley, 362p., Ages 15 to adult.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents