by Jessica Greenlee
Staff Writer
Legends of Red Sonja continues to be magnificent fun. Legends of Red Sonja 2 (of 5) has two short stories, “The Undefeated” by Meljean Brook with art by Mel Rubi and “Double-Edged” by Tamora Pierce with art by Cassandra James. The Gray Hunters, first introduced by Gail Simone in Legends #1, appear only briefly, audiences to the stories.
“The Undefeated” is by Meljean Brook, author of Iron Seas steampunk romance series and the paranormal romance series, the Guardians. In her Red Sonja tale, she and Jack Jadson tell a story of a monster hunt and a victory where the point of view of teller and audience vary. Jadsen shows the shift on point of view beautifully, and Brook’s twist at the end made this reader smile with delight.
“Double-Edged” by Tamora Pierce is another story in which nothing is quite what it seems. Pierce, known for her Tortall books among other tales of woman heroes, knows how to write about woman’s friendship. As a result, her tale offers more than just the excitement of battle. It is also the tale of friendship. Her travelers respect one another, joke, and handle their philosophical differences well. Pierce also shows the different forms of power the servants of the goddess may have, and the way it takes unexpected forms–to the dismay of those Red Sonja and her companions battle. Cassandra James captures the action well and is adept at creating expressive, active heroines and in showing the dangers they face.
It’s too bad there are only going to be five of these; Legends of Red Sonja is a real treat.
