Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Searching for some references related to Wheel of Time universe, I came across upon this anthology and I have found to be a very admirably initiative in creating it - around 20 well-known writers contributed with a story to help the editor, Shawn Speakman, to cover his expenses related to cancer treatment.

However, with the tales themselves, it is another story... Half of them are built upon a tragic disease, or a death, or something alike. Maybe it's just me, but, given the circumstances this anthology was edited, wouldn't have been more appropriate to create some optimistic stories, full of magic and miracles? To lift up the spirit?

Well, the stories in question above are really depressing and I skimmed through them, some I have entirely skipped. Others are part of a bigger epic opera which I have not read and for this reason they felt somehow out of place.

Still, I really enjoyed a few:

> "River of Souls" By R. Jordan & B. Sanderson - brings some light upon the time spent by Demandred in Shara (not sufficient however... I don't think I will ever get enough of WoT world :D);

> "Mudboy" by Peter V. Brett - a Demon Cycle tale;

> "How Old Holly Came To Be" by P. Rothfuss - a story with a really strange writing style and in which the capital letters make all the difference - I don't want to spoil it; if you'll read it, you'll get what I mean.

> "The Jester" by Michael J. Sullivan - one of Hadrian & Royce's adventures, part of Riyria Chronicles, but can be read as standalone at any point.

Another part which I very much liked and found to be very interesting was that, before each tale, the respective author wrote a few words about how that particular story emerged and in which circumstances.

All in all, I think it is worth reading, at least for the particular elements that had lead to its apparition and to catch a glimpse on the authors minds & souls.