Review: _Fate Fantastic_ edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt

Many people all over the world believe in fate and how to get around it. Is it ordained? Can fate e cheated? No one knows the answers to those question. Several authors try to answer questions of fate in the anthology Fate Fantastic edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt. Stories range from serious to humorous while exploring the subject of fate, but readers will find the stories entertaining.

“But World Enough” By Sarah A. Hoyt is the story of Hannibal of Carthage. As a young boy, the goddess Tanit gives him a prophecy that he will found a great empire. He spends his lifetime fighting Rome but discovers his rue fate at the end. The story is an interesting Historical Fantasy. Ms. Hoyt provides a vivid tale of the past for the anthology.

Humor is a strong component of Esther M. Friesner’s “The Bones of Mammoth Malone.” Set in the last Ice Ae of humanity, the story presents a sardonic account of a bone reader. Mammoth Malone must solve a problem of the lemming clan princess Randi Vixen. The story is told like private eye stories with snappy dialogue and humorous situations. Ms. Friesner presents an amusing story with a good character.

In “A Tapestry of Souls” by Paul Crilley, Crispin, a young village boy, follows a messenger of he Goddess out of love. He watches her die and undertakes a journey o return the body to the Goddess. His choice brings changes to his life and he world. The author’s touching descriptions brings the story to life for readers.

Arthurian Fantasy is represented y the humorous story “Camelot’s Greatest Hits” by Laura Resnick. Merlin tells the story of Arthur who is a musician. The legend becomes part of the career of a famous performer with wry remarks by Merlin. Ms. Resnick delivers a sound, amusing story of fate.

Fate is a subject that fascinates most people, brining difficult questions that are unanswerable. Fate Fantastic edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Daniel M. Hoyt is an entertaining anthology that explores the theme of fate. There are several stories which range from humorous to serious. Readers will find something to enjoy in most of the stories.