By Her Sword: A Sapphic Fantasy Romance Anthology – A Mixed Bag With a Few Gems
As a longtime lover of fantasy and a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I was drawn to By Her Sword: A Sapphic Fantasy Romance Anthology. It promised a collection of stories that not only featured strong female protagonists but also explored the complexities of love, identity, and adventure in fantastical realms. With authors like A. L. Brooks and Melissa Scott, the potential was there. However, my journey through this anthology was a varied one, teetering between enchanting highs and disappointing lows.
The anthology consists of a collection of tales that, unfortunately, often took "sword" to mean ambiguous fantasy worlds filled with muddled plots and vague bad guys. While I’ve never been a huge fan of anthologies—where the variability can swing wildly from engaging to cringe-worthy—this book showcased both spectrums.
Ishin-denshin × Yokai set the tone with its beautifully intricate concept, but I found myself overwhelmed and confused rather than captivated. The story demands a lot from the reader, and I felt drained by the time I turned the last page. Along similar lines, Make Me a Sword left me scratching my head. The omnipresent character, Melly, seemed more like a plot device than a well-fleshed-out entity, which made for a confusing experience.
However, there were moments of brilliance. For Now and Always was a standout, featuring a trans girl who becomes a bodyguard for a princess. The subtle blend of emotional depth and tenderness won me over, and the climactic boss battle was a welcome touch. Di-Caffeinated was another gem, using a quirky amnesia plot to explore camaraderie and adventure in a fun, Dungeons & Dragons-esque way.
The highs continued with Royals and Other Beasts, a sweet, albeit brief tale of fairy-tale proportions. It perfectly encapsulated that classic fantasy trope of the peasant rescuing a dragon, or in this case, a princess, and living happily ever after.
Yet, not all stories met that standard. Targeting the Heart holds immense promise but falters with underdevelopment. With questions regarding character motivations left unanswered and an ending focused on a secondary character, it left me frustrated rather than fulfilled.
On the flip side, The Heart is an Inferno dares to be different, weaving a single scene filled with action and character development. There’s a certain rawness to it that shares a deep, familiar resonance with familial dysfunction. The writing, while chaotic at times—too many use of the word “dragon”—adds a quirky charm that I found oddly compelling.
The narrative styles varied significantly. While some embraced elaborate world-building, others aimed for rapid pacing and action, resulting in a fragmented reading experience. This anthology illustrates the double-edged sword of anthologies: the chance to discover hidden gems versus the inevitability of some stories falling flat.
In conclusion, By Her Sword may resonate with readers who appreciate diverse narratives and are willing to sift through uneven storytelling for a few standout experiences. It’s perfect for those who, like me, revel in the thrill of fantasy romance, but prepare yourself for a mixed bag. The impact of such stories lingers, making me reflect on the beauty and challenges of storytelling in the multifaceted genre of queer fantasy. If you’re open to some trials and errors, you might find gems nestled within its pages, just like I did. Happy reading!
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