Wizards, Inc is one of the latest in Daw's long litany of anthologies. As always, there is a theme, and the theme is people using magic to earn their money. Fifteen tales are presented for the reader's pleasure, and it is a pleasure to read most of these stories. But before I get to deep into my rants and raves, allow me to list all the stories and authors represented here. (If you don't care, just skip to the next paragraph, or if you have a favorite author you're trying to find, read away)
**Jamaica by Orson Scott Card **Audition by Steve Perry **Back Door Magic by Phaedra M. Weldon **Occupational Hazard by Mike Resnick **Ties That Bind by Annie Reed **Hostile Takeover by Nina Kiriki Hoffman **A Different Way into the Life by Jay Lake **Disaster Relief by Kristine Kathryn Rusch **KidPro by Laura Anne Gilman **Stocks and Bondage by Esther M. Friesner **The Keeper of the Morals by Dean Wesley Smith **Cosmic Balances Inc. by Kristine Grayson **Theobroma by Diane Duane **Chocolate Alchemy by Lisa Silverhorne & **No Rest for the Wicked by Michael A Stackpole
I have read hundreds of anthologies and as usual some stories are better in this than others. Chocolate Alchemy by Lisa Silverhorne was delicious, fun, and made me smile, and Jamaica by Orson Scott Card proves once again why Card is a master of his craft. The reason this anthology gets a five star rating is almost all the stories are good, solid page turning stories, each with their own humor, or twists and turns that leave you wanting more. This is one of the most solid collections Daw has complied in a long time. Are all the stories good? No. I can name at least two that I could have done without, but the other 13 more than make up for it.
Look, if you love Supernatural Gumshoe detective stories, short stories, or you are just a fantasy fan looking for the perfect vacation book, this collection comes with my highest recommendations. It's fun, witty, and wonderful. It shows that you might possess that magic touch, but that doesn't always pay the bills. Wizards Inc is brilliant and well worth the money.
Highest Recommendations.
