Finding Magic

Finding Magic
Tanya Huff
Isfic Press
ISBN: 978-0-975591560503
Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Reviewed by Chris Gerrib

Isfic Press is most definitely a small press, considering that I’ve met both of their employees. However, they do produce wonderful books, and their latest, Finding Magic by Tanya Huff is just the latest example.
In person, Tanya is very quick-witted, and her unwillingness to suffer fools lightly is tempered by an innate politeness. She’d tell you that she’s polite because she’s Canadian, and I believe her. She’s quite convincing, and a true if quiet patriot.
Finding Magic is a collection of 17 short stories, four of them previously uncollected, and each a little gem. Tanya writes mostly fantasy, occasionally science fiction, but in everything I’ve read her sense of humor and deep grasp of the human character shines through. I enjoyed all her stories, but here are a few of my personal favorites in this collection:
I Knew A Guy Once- Awonderful science fiction story about a bartender, Able Harris, who is a strong believer in giving choices to those who think they have none. Her main character, Able, has been around the Solar System and knows a lot of people who can fix problems.
He Said, Sidhe Said- I have a bit of a fondness for Avril Lavinge, a Canadian singer, and her song Sk8er Boi. Well, apparently Tanya understood, because in this story she crosses a fairy princess with a skater. Much hilarity follows!
Slow - Tanya was a cook in the Canadian Navy, and here she shows how cooking can change the course of history.
Not That Kind Of War- another science fiction story, this one a military piece, set in the same world as her Valor series. It’s a prequel to the first book, Valor’s Choice.
A Woman’s Work- A few years ago, the Internet was abuzz with lists of Advice for Evil Overlords. Well, Tanya took that advice and wrote a wonderful short story.
Overall, Finding Magic is a wonderful book, and anybody who enjoys fantasy, science fiction or just good writing should own it.