Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits
Synopsis
A collection of short stories based around the magical element of Fire. A companion novel to Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits
.Review
I should start with the fact that I fell in love with Robin McKinley's writing when I was first given her Blue Sword novels in 7th grade. This compilation is no exception, though my problem with her short stories is that I never want them to end... I also enjoyed Peter Dickinson's stories, though I've never read a full novel written by him.
Here are my thoughts on the five stories in the collection.
Phoenix by Peter Dickinson - A story about the way a phoenix changes the lives of the people it meets in England. While I enjoyed this story, I did find some of the dialect a bit difficult to follow. I also thought that all of the characters, with the exception of Dave to be a bit flat.
Hellhound by Robin McKinley - The adoption of a really ugly dog changes a young woman forever. I really enjoyed this story, with it's slight dip into the modern, paranormal world. I wish that the story could have continued and shown what other situations could have been conquered.
Fireworm by Peter Dickinson - In a time when fire is the greatest technology, an outcast young man must save his clan from a fireworm. My favorite of Peter Dickinson's stories. I really enjoyed the bittersweet aspects of the story, and that Peter allowed us to know the other side of the coin.
Salamander Man by Peter Dickinson - A young slave is taken from the only home he has known and left alone is a bare room. I enjoyed the interactions of the slave and his owner, but the middle of the story fell a little bit flat for me.
First Flight by Robin McKinley - Ern wants to heal and help people in a land where healers are considered disreputable because no one should admit to needing healing. When his brother, a dragon rider cadet, comes home with the news that he has been assigned to a broken dragon for his First Flight, Ern must stop hiding himself to help his brother and dragon, finding a place for himself in the process.
This is the longest story in the collection, and could have easily gone on to become a whole book. I definitely did not want this story to stop when it did, and wanted to know what kind of place Ern made for himself in the world. I loved it.
My Recommendation
I really enjoyed this book, and will read it again. The stories are all family friendly. If you enjoyed Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits
you will also enjoy Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits. 4/5 Wait for a coupon.
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