In the early days of science fiction and fantasy, lesbians and gays were portrayed--if at all--in an unflattering light. Even in a genre that allowed writers to explore alternate realities and societies, gay people were still depicted as one-dimensional stock characters:weak,evil and depraved creatures that reflected the cultural taboos and stereotypes of the day. Fortunately, times have changed somewhat, and many authors have written a succession of wonderful books and anthologies, showing gays and lesbians in a more positive light and as complex human beings.

This latest collection joins the ranks in its further exploration of contemporary gay/lesbian themes in a fantasy, sword and sorcery, and science fiction setting. Herein you will find tales of princes and sorcerers, thieves and vampires, soldiers and slaves. Veteran as well as emerging authors in the genre ply their craft at lighthearted romances, humorous adventures, dark cautionary tales--all of which are pervaded by a bittersweetness that can't be helped. For many gay and lesbian people, it is hard to escape the fear and prejudice that still prevails in daily life. These stories embrace and explore the "what-ifs" of alternate worlds and provide a "rainbow" of hope for the possibility of a brighter future.

If you have a narrow mind, don't read these stories--they may give you stretch marks. If your mind and heart is open, I heartily recommend this book and its brilliant and thought-provoking predecessor, WORLDS APART, by the same publisher. Unfortunately, it is out of print at this time, but well worth the search for a used copy!

This remarkable novel is about a runaway slavegirl in the 1850s who is befriended by 2 enigmatic women who run a brothel. The two women help the girl and make her like themselves, as vampires. The girl takes the name Gilda (from one of the two) and spends the next 200 years searching for a place to call home, for love, and for greater meaning in the world. Gomez has created an amazing tale that is utterly intriguing. I wanted to love it more, but sometimes the story almost worked against itself by moving too quickly from time period to time period without giving us (and Gilda) a chance to really connect. I heartily recommend this book because of the many thought-provoking points Gomez introduces. It's quite a tasty story.

Jewelle Gomez departs from the usual vampire scenario, first because her vampire heroines are almost all female, and second because they are a truly diverse group. Instead of following the Euro-focused trend set by most vampire story authors (from Laurell Hamilton to Brian Lumley), Gomez crafts a believable multiracial and multicultural vampire tradition, embracing a gritty kind of realism and a compelling spiritual focus. The story begins like an historical novel, recreating the antebellum South, and moves through the present and into the far future, as befits a tale of immortals. One of the most interesting themes in the book is the gradual distancing of the immortal from strictly human concerns, and the necessity of maintaining one's connection with the emotions of hope, love, and compassion. This is an excellent read and highly recommended for those tired of vampire melodrama.

This book delves into the mysteries of life, including love, romance, loss of love, and death. It's a very compelling novel that looks into how women think and feel about others. I promise you won't be putting this one down easily!