Firebirds Rising was a lot like Firebirds - some stories I loved, some I liked a lot, most were interesting to read, some were odd, and a couple I didn't like very much at all.

I enjoyed Alison Goodman's "The Real Thing" as it follows on from one of my favourite novels, Singing the Dogstar Blues (although it wasn't as good as the latter), and loved both Diana Wynne Jones' "I'll Give You My Word" and Sharon Shinn's "Wintermoon Wish". Other favourites were Ellen Klages "In the House of Seven Librarians" and Kara Dalkey's "Hives". Also, I was surprised I didn't mind Tanith Lee's short story, because the only novel by her I've tried to read was something I didn't finish, with very good reason. ( )

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/m... ( )

Although the benefits of reading aloud to teens are documented, teachers often avoid this activity. Short stories are often overlooked as a way for teachers to continue the read aloud experience. Firebirds Rising is filled with stories that teachers should read aloud and that students will love hearing or reading themselves. This anthology is a Who’s Who of the very best science fiction and fantasy authors. Tamora Pierce, Charles de Lint, Francesca Lia Block, and Emma Bull are just a few of the authors. The stories are among the very best writing by these authors. We have stories projecting the future of genetic engineering (“The Real Thing” by Alison Goodman), stories that speculate about our obsession with cell phones (“Hives” by Kara Dalkey), stories that will test even the most advanced vocabulary (“I’ll Give You My Word” by Diana Wynne Jones), stories that question our perception of beauty (“Perception” by Alan Dean Foster), and so much more. I have mentioned four stories; this anthology includes sixteen. So often anthologies have one or two exceptionally strong and weak stories; this anthology is exceptionally strong from its wild, stalking beginning (“Huntress” by Tamora Pierce) to its chilling, yet surprisingly hopeful end (“What Used to Be Good Still Is” by Emma Bull). There is not a weak story in the book, although not everyone will absolutely adore “In the House of the Seven Librarians” (by Ellen Klages) like I do! Recommended for sophisticated middle school students and all high school libraries. ( )

I enjoyed this book as an entertaining read. Some of the stories were better than others, I thought.

"Huntress" was OK -- I do love Greek mythology, so the references there were quite good, but I really didn't understand the characters' motivations.

"I'll Give You My Word" -- I love word play, so this was one of my favorites in the anthology.

"The Wizards of Perfill" -- didn't like this one much at all, mostly because I found Onion very bland and, and didn't really understand the premise of magic in the setting until close to the end.

"In the House of the Seven Librarians" -- my absolute favorite in this book!

"Hives" -- very much enjoyed this one. I found it somewhat scary, actually, how likely and believable I found the techy part of the plot!

I hadn't seen these anthologies before, and now I'd like to read the original one as well. All in all, I'm glad I read this book, but I am equally glad that I checked it out from the library and didn't purchase it.

http://www.amazon.com/Firebirds-Risin... ( )

A collection of 14 short stories both fantsy and science fiction. The editor haas collected orginial stories from such writters as Tamora Pierce, Diana Wynne Jones, and Alan Dean Foster. Second volume by the editor. ( )