Bardic Tales and Sage Advice Edited by Julie Ann Dawson Bards & Sages ISBN: 1-4116-6029-3 Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Anthology Reviewed by Eugen M. Bacon

A surreal cover wraps this impressive collection that opens with Elena Clark's powerful story, Winter of the Gods: a spirited but-part-of-something-greater tale that leaves behind a mild sense of no resolution. But conflict, conflict - the protagonist is changed at the end. Bardic Tales & Sage Advice is an unusual combo of horror, fantasy and science fiction in fluid prose, flash fiction, longer shorts and almost poetry. From plain garish to subtly depraved, some styles need an acquired taste. But science fiction or fantasy - who cares? The entire combination is different. Readably thin and wholesomely intriguing in sharp writing, cultural fascination and a competitive edge sharp enough to sit well or worrisomely well if one is literary enough to acknowledge talent.  Commendable is the refined edit and cross boundary fascination. David Lawrence's inner polar variance and forlorn nature stands apart in Through the Data Storm. Almost comical and bright is The Lucky Card by Jenue Brosinski, and Ashley Tamerline's The New Guy gives a judicious "flash" amongst others.

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