The Sleepless SandsThe
High Fantasy Challenge
"Please,
no more magic sword romps," they say. "Elves, dwarves and
rustic spirits have had their day. High fantasy has scraped the barrel
clean, there is no more." “To
win this competition, prove them wrong!” We said, “send us a new
fantasy story or poem that feels as magical as one of the old favourites,
but isn't just a rehash.” This book celebrates the work of those who we feel answered the challenge with heroic success. First among them is R D Gardner’s “The Binding of the Sleepless Sands”. The elements of the story are traditional, and true to their mythic form; the story is well-crafted and original; and the plot is excruciatingly applicable to the political, social and psychological dilemmas we face today. As for poetry, Gardner’s “Wizardry and Second-Hand Romance” is a clear demonstration of our problem – why some people think high fantasy has outstayed its welcome! – But Steve Mann’s “…and here he is, himself…” gives us the solution: We see the modern seeker tentatively approaching our mythic hero, and coming back with something new. And Mann’s “Kizmet” closes the collection on a note all high fantasy should end with – doubt, paradox and possibility. The range of poems, stories and artwork in between is enormous. Traditional, modern, comic, romantic and deadly – but every one adds something to the recipe book. Enjoy them and take heart – the sun is not yet setting on high fantasy! Kay
Green, August 2006 Contents__________________________________________ Stories The
Binding of the Sleepless Sands - R D Gardner
Last-Cloud-of-the-Rains and the Fire of the Gods - R D Gardner Peredur and the Crystal Cup - Caroline Clark Silver
Stream - Caroline Clark The Good Knight and the Castle of the Bears - Douglas Bruton *I Have a Daughter - Catherine Edmunds* * From April 2008, an audio version of this story will be available
from clonepod Gandeel
- Sue Hoffmann Little
Teeth - Jenny Black The
Doom of Mournshire - Benjamin Sperduto The
Path Less Travelled - Charlotte Bond Why the Stars are the Way they Are - Felicity Bloomfield The
Hurl and the Stone Rose - Perry Mc Daid Which
Way is Heaven? - Natasha Monroe Poetry Wizardry
and Second-Hand Romance - R D Gardner Word
Weaver II: The Rock of Silence - Helen Francis Yellow
Leaves - Anne Murphy …and
here he is, himself… - Steve Mann Unicorn
- Derek Adams Did
You Hear the Sword Sing - Derek Adams Dreams, Visions, Reflections of the Lady of Shalott - Sally Richards Oh
To Be Silver - Dee Gordon Victorian
Cadence - Carly Dugmore Kismet
- Steve Mann Artwork Cover
and details:
‘The Sleepless Sands’ by Katy J Jones after
‘The Binding of the Sleepless Sands’ By R D In
text: Knight
by Nikola Temkov Dragon
Slayer by Nikola Temkov Comic
by Jenna Whyte Elemental
Telecommunications by Suryan Philip Diamond
Throne by Suryan Philip
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