Courts of the Fey
Anthology
Edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Russell Davis

DAW
November 2011/ 978-0-7564-0699-8
Fantasy
Amazon

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

Courts of the Fey is a collection of short stories exploring the world of Faerie. There are two competing courts in the world, that of the Seelie and the Unseelie. They represent good versus evil. These stories tell tales of fairies (or Fey) as the struggle in their interactions with each other and with the mortal world.

The stories are varied, and unique in their themes. “First Ball…Last Call” is about the end of the world, and is dark in tone, yet with a hint of humor for balance. “Unlocked Gate” is set in a bar on St. Patrick’s Day, and is a contemporary and fun story—especially when the green beer keeps losing its color in what can only be a magical fashion.

There are tales of love and seduction, darkness and light. Authors include Lilith Saintcrow, Sarah Hoyt, Mary Robinette Kowal, Paul Crilley, Rob Thurman, Jenifer Ruth, Kerrie Hughes, Dean Wesley Smith, J.A. Pitts, Jane Lindskold, Amber Benson, and Michelle Sagara.

I thoroughly enjoyed these stories, and made it a habit to read one each night before going to sleep. These flights of fancy may well have contributed to some interesting dreams I had. It was nice to be able to discover some authors who are new to me while reading about a subject that has long intrigued me. As children we read fairy-tales and are taught that they are make believe. As an adult, this collection made me want to believe that they are true. Editors Greenberg and Davis have done a fantastic job of putting together a collection of fairy-tales for grown-ups and I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good the fantasy genre. The bite-size stories are a wonderful midnight book-snack!