I originally reviewed this book on my blog - The Cosy Dragon. For more recent reviews by me, please hop over there.

This is a book of short stories edited by Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman. It features a diverse range of authors. My general stance on short stories is that I'm not a big fan, except when they introduce me to new authors whose longer works I might enjoy.

'The Gift of Rain Mountain' has a rather traditional feel, with a familiar tempter and ending. While the young warrior believes he's acting in the best interests of his community, his efforts ultimately leave him unfulfilled. It's difficult to say more without spoiling the story, but it lacks excitement in terms of narration and characterization, though it's not poorly written.

'The Magestone' falls a bit short in my opinion. I wasn't drawn to either the boy or the mermaid, and the plot, with the mermaid unable to go on land, made me think of Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid'. There was no real sense of threat, and the rival tribe members were dealt with too easily.

'Eli and the Dybbuk' is a slightly strange but engaging tale. It combines elements of fantasy (the dybbuk spirit) with real life (Eli is Jewish), creating a good mix. It has excellent suspense and a tight storyline, feeling more complete than the first two stories. Eli is a well-developed character, and the inclusion of a riddle adds an extra layer of interest.

'Heartless' is another well-written story. At first, it's not clear what's going on with Ada, but then the reader has a moment of realization. However, I'm not sure why the bone was enchanted in the first place. While the language and rhythm are a bit disjointed, I think it suits Ada's character well.

'Lioness' is a bit misleading. Those familiar with Pierce's other works might expect a story about the Lioness, but this is by another author and is quite different. Like 'The Gift of Rain Mountain', it draws on history, and the strong female protagonist makes it an enjoyable read.

'Thunderbolt' offers a creative take on the capture of Helen of Troy. Raised Spartan, Helen is as warlike as the men and refuses to back down when she's stolen. It's refreshing to see her stand up for herself. This well-executed rewrite of an old legend is packed with action.

'Devil Wind' is one of my favorites. It has a hint of magic and the wild, while also ringing true. The author incorporates elements of rich Indian history, which really appeals to me. The ending is a surprise but fitting. While there are some aspects that could have been developed further, it's a good short story.

'The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon'' is a letdown. It seems more suited for very young readers, and the fact that the dragon and the knight have teenage problems doesn't make it any more engaging. I also wasn't convinced by the connection to 'The Boy Who Cried 'Wolf''. The style is okay, but the content is lacking.

'Student of Ostriches' is excellent. I usually don't look at the author of each story to give an unbiased opinion, and I liked this one from the start. Then I realized it was by Tamora Pierce! It's great to get more information about Shang training, although I would have liked more details about how each kick and punch relates to an animal source.

'Serpent's Rock' is initially hard to get into. It reminds me of an Aboriginal story song, and I'm not a big fan. I would have liked more details, but of course, a short story has its limitations. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked either.

'Hidden Warriors' has an interesting concept but is poorly executed. I didn't like the author's style at all, finding it confusing. While I usually like stories about women dressed as men, this one didn't work for me.

'Emerging Legacy' is fast-paced and has a well-developed female protagonist. The idea of hunting packs in the trees and mountains, as well as the unexpected slavers, is exciting. I'm not sure where the protagonist's clumsiness came from, but as a young warrior, she fits the bill. I would definitely be interested in reading more of this author's work.

'An Axe for Men' is an enjoyable read. The style is a bit stilted at first, but as you get to know the characters, it improves. The storyline is predictable, but that's to be expected when you read as many books as I do. Give it a try!

'Acts of Faith' combines the Sight with Jewish and Christian faiths. I didn't know that the Sight involved magic, but apparently it does! It offers an interesting perspective on Ireland's history during the Nazi-driven war.

'Swords That Talk' reminds me a little of a similar concept in one of Mercedes Lackey's novels. However, this story isn't really about the sword at all. The concept is familiar, but it's relatively well executed.

I bought this book from a specials table for $5 at my partner's old work! The benefits of having someone who works at a bookshop. I can understand why it was discounted, as it's not a standout collection of stories, but a couple are good. It's worth collecting if there's a particular author you love and want more of.

I admit it. I judged this book by its cover.

However, a friend recommended it to me, and I'm extremely glad that she did.

This book is not only truly diverse in its main characters and settings but also in its profound exploration of what it means to be a "warrior".

Just like any anthology, some of the stories within it are stronger than others.

But on the whole, I was truly astonished at how many of them I thoroughly enjoyed.

The variety of perspectives and experiences presented in the book added depth and richness to the overall reading experience.

It made me think about the different ways in which one can be a warrior, not just in a physical sense but also in terms of inner strength and determination.

Overall, this book has proven to be a pleasant surprise, and I would highly recommend it to others.

The stories were hit or miss for me.

Some of them really captured my attention and held it firmly throughout. They had engaging plots, well-developed characters, and a unique charm that made them truly enjoyable to read.

However, there were also those that failed to make an impact. The plots seemed dull or predictable, and the characters lacked depth and personality.

Despite this, I still found value in the overall collection. It gave me a diverse range of experiences and allowed me to explore different themes and writing styles.

Overall, while not every story was a winner, the ones that were made the entire reading experience worthwhile.

I look forward to seeing what other stories this author has in store for us in the future.

Like most short story anthologies, this was a mixed bag.

Here are some I liked:

Eli and the Dybbuk is a cute love story that manages to charm with its unique premise.

Heartless by Holly Black is a must-read for any fan of hers. How could I not love this one?

Lioness is a character I absolutely adored. I wanted more of her and her adventures.

Thunderbolt was a pleasant surprise. I was happy to see that this character has her own series, and I definitely plan to read it.

Devil Wind is a great non-western story that offers valuable historical insights.

The Boy who Cried Dragon is cute, although they never fully explored the "boy who cried..." trope.

Emerging Legacy was exactly what I was hoping for when I started this book. Along with Thunderbolt and Lioness, it made the reading experience worthwhile.

Acts of Faith reminded me a bit of "A Great and Terrible Beauty" but without the frustrating angsty boy bits. I'd love to read more about these three girls.

Swords that Talk is adorable, with a great ending that left me wanting more from this author.

There were also some maybes:

Gift of Rain Mountain had an interesting irony, although it was a bit annoying to read at times.

Magestone had a nice portrayal of mermaids, but it could have been developed further.

Serpent's Rock had interesting Australian Aboriginal cultural references, but the story itself was a bit strange.

And then there were the nos:

Hidden Warriors had an interesting concept, but the writing felt cold and unapproachable.

Axe for Men was just too religious for my taste.

I was also disappointed that the Tamora Pierce story was repeated from another anthology. I really love the story, but I wish it were a new one.

Edit: I finally remembered the series that Hidden Warriors reminded me of. It was "Camber of Culdi". I was close!

As with most short story collections featuring multiple authors, my experience was a mixed bag.

I found myself deeply loving some of the stories, while others failed to establish a meaningful connection with me.

The brevity of the stories, being quite small in length, presented both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it didn't afford much time to truly get to know the characters in-depth. However, on the other hand, it made for quick and easy reading, allowing me to breeze through the collection in a relatively short period.

I have an almost inherent affinity for stories with young heroes. Among the tales in this collection, some of my absolute favorites were "Lioness," "The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'," "Student of Ostriches," "Emerging Legacy," and "Acts of Faith."

These stories managed to capture my imagination and engage me on an emotional level, despite their short lengths.

Overall, while the collection had its ups and downs, it was still an enjoyable read that introduced me to a variety of different voices and perspectives.

Straightforward stories of heroism can be found in a variety of eras and cultures.

This collection presents such tales, and in both tone and content, I found it to be more suitable for middle-grade readers rather than young adults. However, there is absolutely nothing amiss with that.

Among the stories, there were a few stand-outs for me. Esther Friesner's "Thunderbolt" was one such story. In fact, I really should take the time to read the associated novels. Another favorite was Tamora Pierce's "Student of Ostriches". I've actually read this one before, but that doesn't matter as it still holds my interest.

While I appreciate the commitment to diversity of characters in this collection, I do wish that the same level of effort had been made in terms of diversity of authors. Oh well, perhaps in future collections, this aspect will be given more attention.

Overall, this is a collection that offers engaging stories of heroism that can be enjoyed by readers of different ages.

If you have sci-fi fans in your life or classroom, they will be truly captivated by these stories!

Science fiction has a unique allure that can transport readers to otherworldly realms, filled with advanced technologies, strange creatures, and mind-bending concepts. These stories offer a thrilling escape from the ordinary and allow fans to explore the limitless possibilities of the future.

Whether it's a story about interstellar travel, artificial intelligence, or time travel, there's something for every sci-fi enthusiast. The vivid descriptions and imaginative plots will engage their minds and spark their creativity. Sci-fi fans love to discuss and debate the ideas presented in these stories, sharing their own theories and interpretations.

So, if you want to keep the sci-fi fans in your life or classroom entertained and engaged, introduce them to these exciting stories. They are sure to be hooked from the very first page!

I truly had a deep affection for this book. It is truly a source of great sadness for me that I lent it to an individual who has never returned it. Regrettably, I am unable to recall many of the stories within it. However, I do distinctly remember that I did not care for just a couple of them. This is rather unusual for me when it comes to short story anthologies. Some of the stories, though, I absolutely adored more than others. I vividly remember having a great love for Pierce's piece, at the very least.

I would most definitely read this book again. In fact, I will probably do so as soon as I manage to get my hands on my copy once more. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for fantasy, enjoys short stories, or has a preference for strong, young protagonists. It offers a wonderful collection of tales that are sure to engage and delight the reader.

I really enjoyed the variety of it.

There was such a wide range of options to choose from. It was like a treasure trove of different experiences.

Whether it was the different colors, styles, or flavors, there was something for everyone.

The variety added an element of excitement and surprise.

It made the whole experience more engaging and interesting.

I found myself constantly exploring and discovering new things.

It was truly a wonderful and fulfilling experience.

I look forward to having more opportunities to enjoy such variety in the future.

It enriches our lives and makes us appreciate the diversity that exists in the world.

A great read awaits those who have a penchant for action and fantasy. The stories within this compilation offer an exciting escape into worlds filled with adventure and magic. While I would have relished the opportunity to have the stories be a bit more extensive, as I generally prefer long stories over short ones, this collection still manages to captivate and engage. Each story, crafted by different authors, brings its own unique flavor and charm. From thrilling battles to enchanting spells, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All in all, this compilation is most definitely worth looking into. It provides a diverse range of short stories that are sure to satisfy the cravings of action and fantasy enthusiasts.

A wonderfully inventive collection of empowering short stories awaits within the pages of Young Warriors.

Normally, when perusing a collection of stories, I might find a few that I truly enjoy, while the rest tend to land somewhere on the scale between being just "okay" and making me wonder if I just wasted my time reading them. However, this particular collection was a pleasant surprise.

Full of well-chosen shorts, each one in Young Warriors is consistently imaginative and downright fun. It's a YA book, to be sure, but it stands out from the crowd.

Unlike some YA literature that can have a condescending tone or shy away from "troubling" subject matter, this collection fearlessly delves into important topics.

It's truly a delight to read, offering a captivating and engaging experience for readers of all ages.

Whether you're a young adult looking for relatable and inspiring stories or an adult seeking a fresh and entertaining read, Young Warriors is definitely worth checking out.

A collection of stories that centers around warriors finding their true selves. As is typical with such collections, it has its ups and downs, but overall, the good outweighs the bad.

The bad:

"The Magestone" by SM and Jan Stirling. The writing leaves much to be desired, and the story, about a novice sailor attempting to free a mermaid shaman, lacks coherence in both plot and character development.

"The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon!'" by Mike Resnick. It tries too hard to be humorous and fails miserably.

"Hidden Warriors" by Margaret Mahy. The dialogue is extremely stilted and awful.

Rosemary Edghill's "An Axe for Men" confounded me. A flood decimates the city of a matriarchal society. As the people venture into the wilderness, a young priestess begins having visions of a new god. She then usurps power from the priestesses who worship a goddess in favor of a god. It's highly gender essentialist, presenting all women (except the rebellious priestess protagonist) as foolish and lazy, while all men are either emasculated or manly hunting men. Apparently, men need to be in charge to survive the wilderness?

I liked "Heartless" by Holly Black, despite it feeling like a novella or novel condensed and edited into a short story. If it were a full-length novel, I would have adored it. As it stands, the plot, characters, and language are sufficient to make it an enjoyable short read. Tamora Pierce, who helped edit this collection and also wrote "Student of Ostriches," which I also quite liked. Pierce is renowned for penning the quintessential "young female warriors proving their worth in old society" tales, but her quality has declined in the past decade. This story, set in Alanna's world but far away, in a desert teeming with ostriches and camels, infuses new energy and flavor into a tired formula.

I adored "Thunderbolt" by Esther Friesner. Theseus marries Helen, a princess of Sparta. But Helen refuses to pretend that her beauty is her only asset. Her sarcastic inner monologue is a wonderful accompaniment to her badass actions. The story is so good that I'm determined to seek out Friesner's other works.