Some books are just a delight to read, like watching kittens wrestle or hearing children laugh. When that delightful experience is directed by some of the best fantasy writers in modern literature, what can we do but enjoy?
The list of names on the book jacket caught my eye. Here was a list that included some of my favorite authors: Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Lester Del Rey, and Isaac Asimov. If Asimov was on the list how could it be anything except wonderful. I started ONCE UPON A TIME with great anticipation.
I promised myself that I would read the stories in order--not jump from favorite to favorite. To my delight. the first story was by Isaac Asimov, to me one of the most respected authors of modern literature.
Asimov’s contribution had the intriguing title, “Prince Delightful and the Flaming Dragon”. Fairy Misaprop must have had her hand on the wrong end of her wand when she gave the new prince her gift. The other fairies had done the proper things, but her gift was “gracelessness”. Now to pass his test into adulthood, he must fight a dragon who is also a little unusual. Asimov is not known as a fantasy author and his story is probably the weakest in the collection but his sly sense of humor made this a fun read.
“Imaginary Friends” by Terry Brooks does not have quite the humor of Asimov, but is the touching story of Jack, a thirteen-year-old boy with cancer. Jack is befriended by an Elf who introduces him to the wonders of his world.
My personal favorite was “The Quest of a Sensible Man” by Anne McCaffrey. Prince Bieregard of Mundesland is on a quest to find a mare worthy of his stallion, Vard. Vard is of direct Pegasan lineage and horses with his ancestry have all but disappeared. Travelling through an enchanted forest, Birregard stumbles on Castle Barnacane in a kingdom that has been isolated for years and fallen into dire poverty. Once the masters of Barnacane had been known for their beautiful winged steeds, now the herd is down to five mares. After a terrific battle with the evil magician who placed the curse on Barnacane, all ends well.
These stories are not written for children, but you may want to share them with a discerning child. The characters are not the stereotypes typically found in “once upon a time” stories. They are heroes with flaws facing some everyday problems disguised as dragons and elves. This is an anthology that will stay on your bookshelf to be shared and enjoyed for years to come.
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