From beautiful women cursed with a duel nature or lips that turn men to stone, to dragons walking in human form, DREAMQUEST explores love, relationships and the many facets of humanity. In it we meet Arraine DuBois, cursed to destroy the men whom she loved; Amirilla, whose fear of rejection was conquered through a love that saw past her crippled legs; and Janie Lane, who learned her own self-worth, breaking out of the prison of her own making.

We meet Kallaayt, a dragon whose love won over his human mate; feisty scientist Gina, who possessed an uncontrollable telepathy; Beth, who rescued a ghost’s father from his own despair; and Amber, who needed a spell to teach her that that it’s not how people see you, but how you see yourself that really matters. Torrin aided a woman who, not what she appeared to be, defied her culture, and Nia discovered that true love arrives when you least expect it.

KG McAbee writes with an excellent voice, presenting really well-developed characters, excellent writing, and a beautiful haunting story in THE BEAUTY IN THE BEAST, while Janet Miller, in THE GIRL IN THE BOX, has built a warm-hearted, thoroughly enjoyable story about seeing what really matters in people—their heart. Cynthia Klimback and Beth Ciotta team up as CB Scott to provide KNIGHT MOVES, a well-written and entertaining story with a poignant message about self worth, while Rosemary Laurey’s KALLAAYT'S TALE is a damning reflection on the inhumanity of man, but hails love that transcends differences. In INTERFACE, Isabo Kelly skillfully builds chemistry between convincing, likeable characters, and Ellen Edgar’s THROUGH THE WOODS is beautifully written, a poignant and heart-wrenching vignette. Donna MacMeans gives an engaging, well-written story that emphasizes that others will see us as we see ourselves in SMOKE AND MIRRORS, and Megan Sybil Baker writes a Fantasy Romance with convincing characters and an epic touch.

JC Wilder ends the collection with the LADY OF MARAGORN, a well-written, engaging and sometimes humorous fairy tale. This short story collection contains nine of the most talented writers I have ever encountered. Every tale is well-written, carefully crafted, with each character springing to life on the page. Some are flavored with humor, while others are haunting, but all are excellent. I am taking note of these names, as I have just discovered nine more favorite authors. DREAMQUEST is an absolute must-have for Fantasy Romance fans everywhere.

Reviewed By Amber-Rose
© July 2004