A story by story analysis:
The Changing of the Shrew by Kathleen Kudlinski
-A sweet, forgettable story that would fit right in with The Once and Future King where Merlin transforms Arthur into various animals to teach him about the world.
Wild Man by Diana L Paxson
-Considering that Merlin is my favorite Arthurian character, I had high hopes for this one. It was fine, but unengaging to the extent that I thought about skipping it (it didn't help knowing that the Pratchett story is up next!)
One and Future by Terry Pratchett
BUY THE BOOK FOR THIS STORY ALONE. Pratchett is a brilliant, brilliant man. His Mervin is perfect - quirky and clever. This story is the best thing I've read in a while.
Gwenhwyfar by Lynne Pledger
Oh, the crazy Welsh spelling of Gwenever! A tale of Gwenever before she leaves the abbey for Camelot. A fair representation of women's role in many Arthurian stories. A criticism of the male-centric stories we are so used to, in the same vein as The Mists of Avalon (but without all the controversy around it).
Excalibur by Anne E Crompton
A unique glimpse at the story from the Lady of the Lake's perspective. How the next Lady of the Lake becomes the guardian of Excalibur and learns that she is to give Arthur the sword.
Black Horses for a King by Anne McCaffrey
A well-written story by an excellent author, but not one that was particularly engaging. It falls short after the previous three stories.
Holly and Ivey by James D Macdonald and Debra Doyle
A fun variation on Sir Gawain and the Green Night.
The Raven by Nancy Springer
Looks like this is the short story where Springer's, I Am Mordred (a fabulous middle grade book) started. The first paragraph is the same as the novel's and then there are some variations.
All the Iron of Heaven by Mark W Tiedemann
A decent read, but not memorable.
Amesbury Song by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple
For a song that's only two pages of text, I couldn't do it. Yes, I bailed on a two page poem.
Our Hour of Need by Greg Costikyan
A group of kids on Cape Cod, D&D, JFK's Camelot, and the return of Arthur. Perfection.
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