There were a diverse range of stories in this anthology, some of which were truly excellent while others were just okay.

A few of them really caught my attention and I liked them a great deal. They had a certain haunting quality that made me reflect on more profound issues. Additionally, some of the stories originated from cultures that were unfamiliar to me, which added an element of intrigue and新鲜感.

However, there was at least one story that was taken from a longer work. This is something I really disapprove of. When you try to cram a lot of material that原本 requires more time to develop into a shorter format, you simply don't get the same depth or clarity. It's similar to believing you understand a movie just by watching the preview. Clearly, that's not the case.

Overall, though, it's a good collection that offers a little something for everyone. It has the potential to appeal to a wide variety of readers with different interests and preferences.

It's extremely challenging to assign a favorable rating to an anthology.

There were indeed stories within this collection that were firmly in the 4+ star range. I am truly looking forward to delving into the works of these new-to-me authors in the future. (By the way, Tamora Pierce's contribution was also among my personal favorites, but it's no surprise that I have an affinity for her work.)

However, other stories simply failed to resonate with me at all. One particular story, titled "Hidden Warriors," I ultimately skipped. After several days, I couldn't even get past a couple of pages. There were several others in this anthology that I just wasn't a fan of.

Overall, though, it was still an enjoyable experience. I believe that part of the problem I had with it was the short story format in general. When I began reading most of them, I didn't like them because, due to the length restriction, you have to quickly immerse yourself. I despise reading and having the feeling that I've missed something. Nevertheless, several of those stories, once I got into the rhythm of them, I ended up being really disappointed that they had concluded so abruptly. I would recommend giving it a read if it piques your interest.

I was slightly disappointed by some of the short stories.

However, there were other ones that more than compensated for those disappointments.

Tamora Pierce is an author that I truly love.

Her writing has a unique charm and ability to draw readers in.

The worlds she creates are rich and vivid, filled with interesting characters and exciting adventures.

Even though not every short story in this collection was a home run for me, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the overall experience.

Tamora Pierce's talent shines through in many of the stories, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Despite the initial disappointment, I am left with a sense of appreciation for her creativity and skill as a writer.

I would highly recommend this collection to any fan of Tamora Pierce or anyone looking for engaging and well-written short stories.

This is a very good introduction to some great writers.

Each story within this collection is a very fast read, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all levels.

I found myself particularly drawn to the stories of songwriter (!) Janis Ian, Laura Ann Gilman, and of course, Tamora Pierce.

Janis Ian's story offers a unique perspective, as her background as a songwriter adds an interesting layer to her writing.

Laura Ann Gilman's work is equally captivating, with her ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds.

And Tamora Pierce, a well-known and beloved author, does not disappoint with her contribution.

Overall, this collection provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new writers and enjoy their diverse and talented works.

Young Warriors: Stories of Strength by Tamora Pierce

Tamora Pierce, renowned for her exceptional talent in writing Young Adult (YA) literature, has once again delighted readers with her latest offering. In "Young Warriors: Stories of Strength," she presents a captivating collection of role models that are sure to inspire and empower.

With her trademark flair, Pierce weaves together tales that showcase the courage, determination, and inner strength of her young characters. Each story is a unique exploration of the challenges and triumphs that these warriors face on their journey.

The book not only entertains but also provides valuable life lessons. It encourages readers to believe in themselves, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to find their own inner warrior.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Tamora Pierce or new to her work, "Young Warriors: Stories of Strength" is a must-read. So, grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to be inspired by these amazing tales of strength. Happy Reading!

I especially relished "Devil Wind" penned by India Edghill. The story was a captivating journey that held my attention from start to finish.

Equally enthralling was "The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'" by Mike Resnick. It had a unique charm and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

"Serpent's Rock" by Laura Anne Gilman was another gem. The author's vivid descriptions brought the setting and characters to life.

"Emerging Legacy" by Doranna Durgin was also a great read. It had a rich and engaging storyline that made it difficult to put down.

And let's not forget "An Axe for Men" by Rosemary Edghill. This story had its own allure and added to the overall enjoyment of the collection.

While I did have a certain appreciation for Tamora Pierce's story, I must admit that I had already come across it in her Tortall and Other Lands collection. Nevertheless, it was still a well-written piece that contributed to the diversity of the anthology.

Warriors prove their strengths in odd tests.

These warriors, with their unwavering determination and remarkable skills, step into the realm of odd tests. It is in these unique challenges that they truly shine and demonstrate their mettle.

The odd tests may present various difficulties and unexpected scenarios that require the warriors to think on their feet and adapt quickly. They face physical and mental obstacles that push them to their limits.

But it is precisely through these trials that they prove their strengths. Their courage, perseverance, and ability to overcome adversity are on full display.

Whether it's a strange combat situation, a complex puzzle, or a seemingly impossible task, the warriors rise to the occasion and show what they are made of.

In the end, it is their performance in these odd tests that sets them apart and earns them the respect and admiration of others. S.S.

Of all the stories, is it not strange that I liked hers the best?

There were so many captivating tales to choose from, each with its own unique charm and allure. But for some reason, hers stood out to me in a way that none of the others could.

Maybe it was the way she told it, with such passion and enthusiasm that it was impossible not to be drawn in. Or perhaps it was the subject matter itself, something that spoke to my heart and soul on a deeper level.

Whatever the reason, I found myself completely engrossed in her story, hanging on every word and eager to see how it would unfold.

Even now, long after I first heard it, her story still lingers in my mind, a testament to its power and beauty.

It makes me wonder if there are other stories out there that will have the same effect on me, if there are other voices waiting to be heard and shared.

Only time will tell, but for now, I will continue to cherish the memory of hers and the impact it had on me.

Young Warriors is an outstanding compilation of fifteen original short stories penned by some of the most remarkable authors in the young adult literary realm. I have perused numerous books by Tamora Pierce, who not only edited but also contributed to this volume.

The overarching theme of the book centers around children and teens who are compelled to unearth their inner warrior. The stories are set in a diverse range of countries, cultures, and time periods, each one distinct from the others. The sheer skill and creativity exhibited by these writers left me completely awestruck. I will most definitely be on the lookout for other literary works by the authors of Young Warriors.

Some individuals view forgetfulness as an issue. However, I perceive it as a chance to reread a book that I finished nearly 7 years ago and relish it anew. I was unaware that this was a duplicate until I registered it on Goodreads. I firmly adhere to my previous review.

Content warnings: death, violence, blood, murder

I'm going to attempt to recall each story individually and share my thoughts on them.

"The Gift of Rain Mountain" by Bruce Holland Rogers - It was just okay. Initially, it was rather slow and dull. I could predict how it would end, perhaps because I've read numerous stories about spirits/gods and trickery. Overall, I wasn't overly impressed.

"The Magestone" by S.M. and Jan Stirling - It had a nice twist for a mermaid tale. However, I didn't have much interest in the characters. The idea was good, but the execution could have been better.

"Eli and the Dybbuk" by Janis Ian - It's based on Jewish folklore. The main character was arrogant. I was more interested in researching Jewish folklore than reading this story.

"Heartless" by Holly Black - It was okay, but not very remarkable. The ending felt a bit flat to me.

"Lioness" by Pamela F. Service - I actually really liked this one. I loved the story and how things turned out.

"Thunderbolt" by Esther Friesner - I also really enjoyed this one. We all know the story of Helen of Troy, and I much preferred this version of her.

"Devil Wind" by India Edghill - I liked the combination of what seemed to be Hindu and English beliefs. It definitely made me want to do more research on Hinduism beyond my basic knowledge. It was a good story about revenge.

"The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'" by Mike Resnick - It was an interesting take on "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." If you know that story, you basically know this one.

"Student of Ostriches" by Tamora Pierce - I've already reviewed it as it was part of "Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales." My thoughts haven't changed.

"Serpent's Rock" by Laura Anne Gilman - It started out a bit confusingly, but then made more sense towards the end. It was a decent story.

"Hidden Warriors" by Margaret Mahy - It was okay. It felt more like a bard tale than a short story, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"Emerging Legacy" by Doranna Durgin - I really enjoyed this one. It took a traditionally undesirable character trait and made it very desirable and useful.

"An Axe for Men" by Rosemary Edghill - Ehhhh... I didn't like the whole idea that axes should be for men in the story. I also don't have much interest in religion itself (even though I like the stories of different religions and reading new ones of existing, extinct, and fictional religions commonly known as folklore and myths), and this story gave me a kind of yucky feeling that I can't quite explain (and I've spent most of the day trying to figure out how to explain it).

"Acts of Faith" by Lesley McBain - Set in Ireland during WWII, it has a Jewish character and a Pagan character. It's about belief. That's all I can say without spoiling it. It was good.

"Swords That Talk" by Brent Hartinger - This was an interesting take on the "become a hero by doing x" tale. I enjoyed it and it left me with some food for thought.

Overall, it was a decent collection of stories by authors I'd never heard of before (except for Tamora Pierce). It was enjoyable to read.

This collection of stories is rather a mixed bag. It's wildly hit-or-miss. Pierce's story, which is included in Tortall and Other Lands, is good, but I was really hoping for something completely new to me.

Among the standouts are Holly Black's Heartless, which has a great creep factor. Pamela F. Service's Lioness is also quite remarkable. Esther Friesner's Thunderbolt and India Edgehill's Devil Wind add their own unique flavors to the collection. Doranna Durgin's Emerging Legacy is another one that catches the eye.

However, there are also some negative standouts. Axe for Men, Swords that Talk, and Gift of Rain Mountain didn't quite measure up to my expectations. They seemed to lack the depth and charm that the other stories had. Overall, while there are some great stories in this collection, there are also some that fall a bit flat.

Some really good stories can be found within this collection, but as is often the case with short story compilations, there are also some that aren't quite as excellent. I didn't take as much pleasure in the tribal and native stories as I did in the pure fantasy ones. All in all, I don't believe that fantasy translates and condenses well into short stories. This is because the genre is so sweeping and vast that it truly requires the dedicated attention of a full-length novel to be fully explored and developed. However, it is still worth collecting. I am a huge fan of Tamora Pierce, and one of her short stories is included. Although, similar to some of the other stories, it would have been even better if it had been expanded into a longer narrative. Nevertheless, I'm glad to have a copy for the reasons stated above.