Of Wizards and Wolves

True to its title, this entertaining and often moving anthology brings together 18 stories of wizards and werewolves written in honor of the late author David Farland. After a touching introduction about Farland’s importance to the genre fiction community from Kevin J. Anderson, the volume kicks off with “Magic Hands” by Storm Humbert, which uses the death of a wizard to explore how tragedy can tear a family apart. N.V. Haskell’s “Inspirational Theurgist” carries on the heavy tone, following a wizard searching out the person who will take his place when he’s gone. On a lighter note, there’s Becca Lee Gardner’s “The Punstoppable Catfish Stanley,” about a Word Wizard who uses puns to defeat monsters. While predominantly fantasy, there are a few science fiction–leaning standouts as well: “IF—Wolf” by Mike Jack Stoumbos has a man changing into a wolf within the world of virtual reality, while “Peace on the Argent” by JJ Lynn Daniels takes readers aboard a space station. These unconventional werewolf tales are balanced out by stories like Lehua Parker’s “Red,” a fresh take on “Little Red Riding Hood.” By turns heartbreaking and humorous—but always magical—this anthology is a fitting tribute that’s sure to please Farland’s fans. (Feb.)