The Dragon Quintet

In the first story Orson Scott Card writes about a mysterious dragon that lives in the wiring of an old house. One of the tenants has a connection with this dragon. I guess this story might fall into the older semi-horror stories. It is entertaining and the ending is somewhat unexpected (not completely).The next story is by Mercedes Lackey. She writes about a slave boy who is chosen to care for a warrior's dragon. The relationship with the dragon's owner leads the young boy into an unexpected path in his life. I would say that this story is wholly along Lackey's usual style of writing - happy endings and all. The story was entertaining, but not one of her best.The third story takes us into a midieval setting. A young servant girl sees a dragon and reacts strongly to it. Into her village appears a knight in armor ready to slay the dragon. She manages to attach herself to the knight and they search for the dragon. Then the story becomes unusual for dragon stories. I haven't read any other books by Tanith Lee, so I don't know if this short story is close to her usual style. I enjoyed the story.Elizabeth Moon writes story no. 4 about a young man who has to flee his village. He meets up with dwarves and dragons and a fight for his soul, and the souls of loved ones. Not Moon's usual style, but she brings excellence into fantasy as well.The last story, by Michael Swanwick's, is completely different from the others. In this story technology and faery are combined into a tale of deceit and bravery. I enjoyed it, more so than the first three stories.All in all this book was enjoyable, but not on my top ten list. Still, I did read through it all and have not regretted it.

Reading this book featuring some of my favorite authors, was a huge disappointment for me, and reinforces the reason I have never liked anthologies or short stories. There are exceptions, but few and far between. However, I strongly urge you to read the book anyway, especially IF you like short stories or anthologies. Never take someone else's opinion as gospel.

Great short stories of Dragons...get this or miss out on some very different from other sources dragon ways....

wonderful collection! I was entertained and thoughtful both.

Bought it for my nephew he said it was excellent.