Helpful Score: 6
I enjoyed this book. It is a collection of short stories featuring women as heroes in a sword and sorcery background. One of my favorites was the story of Hillary Clinton in Valhalla. I originally got my hands on the book to fulfill a wishlist. I am rather glad that I decided to read it before posting.
Helpful Score: 3
When my daughter bought this book for me and gave it to me, it sat on the shelf for weeks. She's not a reader and only knows that Sci-Fi and Fantasy are my favorite genres. I opened this book only when I'd read everything else I had to read - AND - was really surprised. It's a collection of short stories. Some are really funny and some are satirical, but (to me) most were enjoyable. Now... on to the actual review that comes on the back of the book...
Here they come, and they're out for blood. For too long, they say, have hot blooded babes in brass bras and chain-link bikinis been held up to scorn as the embodiment of male fantasy wish-fulfillment and non-functionality. You think their swords won't cut, their clubs won't crush? You think they look CUTE?
You can't run, 'cause they're faster than you, and you better not fight, 'cause they're tougher - and they have no mercy. Here they come, Chicks in Chainmail, and they're going to get you.
All new stories by Elizabeth Moon (exploring the truth behind the legend of the Brass Bra), Friesner herself, Jody Lynn Nye, Harry Turtledove, Margaret Ball, and other top names in the business...
Publisher's Note: The Publisher wishes it know that the title for this volume was chosen by the editor and not by him. As a sensitive New Age Guy in good standing it would simply never occur to him to propose such a title, and he was shocked - SCHOKED - that it did to the others.
Here they come, and they're out for blood. For too long, they say, have hot blooded babes in brass bras and chain-link bikinis been held up to scorn as the embodiment of male fantasy wish-fulfillment and non-functionality. You think their swords won't cut, their clubs won't crush? You think they look CUTE?
You can't run, 'cause they're faster than you, and you better not fight, 'cause they're tougher - and they have no mercy. Here they come, Chicks in Chainmail, and they're going to get you.
All new stories by Elizabeth Moon (exploring the truth behind the legend of the Brass Bra), Friesner herself, Jody Lynn Nye, Harry Turtledove, Margaret Ball, and other top names in the business...
Publisher's Note: The Publisher wishes it know that the title for this volume was chosen by the editor and not by him. As a sensitive New Age Guy in good standing it would simply never occur to him to propose such a title, and he was shocked - SCHOKED - that it did to the others.
Helpful Score: 2
Yes the title is real! There are quite a few good stories in this book, worth reading if you like swordwork.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantasy short stories starring women who are NOT maidens in distress.
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyable. Shorts by various authors so quality varies a little depending on selection. Tends toward the amusing.
Helpful Score: 1
Silly! But amusing. makes you think about gender roles a bit differently.
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful book. The start of a series where the chief characters are all female. A refreshing change to the norm. Multiple authors.
This was a pretty good anthology. I read all the stories and enjoyed them but it's not going to go on my keeper list. Anthologies with more than 4 stories rarely do.
A collection of short stories that challenge the traditional image of female fighters in the fantasy genre. From the title, this is obviously handled rather tongue-in-cheek.
As with most short story collections, this is a mixed bag. Some good, some indifferent. I didn't feel there were any *bad* stories in the collection, but none of them stood out in my mind, with one exception. "On the Road of Silver," by Mark Bourne struck a note with me, though I'm not sure I could tell you why. Perhaps because I could identify with how all of the little frustrations in life can build up. At any rate, this is a rather fun and quick read, even if parts are somewhat forgettable.
As with most short story collections, this is a mixed bag. Some good, some indifferent. I didn't feel there were any *bad* stories in the collection, but none of them stood out in my mind, with one exception. "On the Road of Silver," by Mark Bourne struck a note with me, though I'm not sure I could tell you why. Perhaps because I could identify with how all of the little frustrations in life can build up. At any rate, this is a rather fun and quick read, even if parts are somewhat forgettable.
Following a tongue-in-cheek introduction by editor Esther Friesner, a very short story describing a skirmish reveals one of the female warriors is acutally a male, masquerading in order to distinguish himself, "to show I could work as well or better than a woman."
The next story (And Ladies of the Club by Elizabeth Moon) opens with: "'But you don't tax jockstraps,' Mirabel Stonefist glared." She is arguing with the king, who points out men are less expensive to employ because they need no bronze bra. The Ladies Aid Armor Society is more than an auxiliary to the king's army and includes Sophora, a warrior who finds a way to manipulate their health plan so that the royal treasury suffers increased expenses rather than higher revenues. All ends well in this clever tale.
There are eighteen more stories but I hasten to place this volume on the shelf at the old soldier's home in the prominent place it deserves.
The next story (And Ladies of the Club by Elizabeth Moon) opens with: "'But you don't tax jockstraps,' Mirabel Stonefist glared." She is arguing with the king, who points out men are less expensive to employ because they need no bronze bra. The Ladies Aid Armor Society is more than an auxiliary to the king's army and includes Sophora, a warrior who finds a way to manipulate their health plan so that the royal treasury suffers increased expenses rather than higher revenues. All ends well in this clever tale.
There are eighteen more stories but I hasten to place this volume on the shelf at the old soldier's home in the prominent place it deserves.
I almost fell out of bed laughing more than once!
