Enjoyable surprises await those who pick up this latest and last addition to the Tales of Elemental Creatures series. Peter Dickinson, working alone (he co-authored the first two collections, Water and Fire with wife Robin McKinley), once again proves his expertise in fantasy and short story writing.
Dickinson translates elements (and sometimes entire legends) of the classical mythologies from around the globe into a half dozen tales set in the modern world in Scotland, Greece and England, as well as an archeological dig in North Africa, and even an alien expedition in outer space. The pleasure of reading a short story by this author stems from his complete control over the essentials of fiction writing. Acute characterization, clear, often complex plotting and just enough setting to broaden a reader's appreciation, all lead to not-always-happy endings that nonetheless satisfy. In "Talaria," the gritty Varro, a talented leather worker, escapes from slavery in legendary Timbuktu to face an unimaginable future. "Ridiki," the bittersweet tale of a modern-day Greek Orpheus and his canine Eurydice, ends with a startling (but splendid) twist. A Christian boy, Yanni, hero of "Scops," uses the landscape of his hilly, rock-strewn island home to carry out the commands of an ancient goddess.
A true delight, this engrossing collection will lead many readers back for second and third readings. --Ellen Loughran, reviewer