MOONTIDE by Mercedes Lackey - Home is where the heart is, but what happens when your home is without a heart? For Moira na Ferson, home has been with Countess Vrenable, who's taught her well. Her father thought to rid himself of an unwanted girl child until such time as he'd need to use her as a bargaining chip for a possibly traitorous treaty. Moira, however, is keen and brave and daring enough to be made a Grey Lady, those who with the countess serve the king no matter what the cost to life or limb. Taught to be more than a spy, she appears to be the perfect shy lady her father needs to cement his deal. Locked within Sea Keep with no thought of help from the outside, can this chain-mail chameleon thwart the nefarious plans of men without a conscience and win the man of her dreams?

THE HEART OF THE MOON by Tanith Lee - To live your life under a curse is a hardship indeed. However, when one is cursed by someone they once called friend, it becomes even more disturbing. Clirando, Warrior Priestess of Amnos, has fallen victim to such a curse. Betrayed by her best friend, Araitha, and her lover, Clirando sets out to have them banished from Amnos in a trial of battle. But Araitha will have her satisfaction in another way and therefore curses Clirando to wander the rest of her nights sleepless and alone. When Clirando undertakes to lead her band as chosen for the mysterious rites on Moon Isle, will she continue to suffer from the malicious curse and be defeated? Or will she accept the wisdom the isle has to offer and the companionship of Zemetrios, a mysterious warrior from another land, in order to break through the barriers in her mind and discover depths and gifts she never knew she possessed?

BANSHEE CRIES by C.E. Murphy - Full moons and wild magic inspire lunatics and murderers alike. Jo Walker knows all too well just what a deadly combination this is when she's called on to help figure out the machinations of an evilly gifted serial killer. Jo would rather be a cop than a Shaman, for her unusual powers make her uncomfortable. However, when ritual homicides, innocent people and Captain Michael Morrison are the fare of the day, Jo has no other choice but to get in touch with her inner powers from her Celtic and Indian heritage. Unfortunately, it's not all that easy when someone from your past wants to mother you and Coyote's on the team. Still, there's something to be said for the powers of persuasion of a good man and a good cause.

La Luna has indeed inspired these three authors in this anthology full of their enchanting stories. Like the different phases of the moon, these three wonderful writers have heroines who are enchantingly strong in their own ways. Ms. Murphy's snappy, sardonic heroine will keep you grinning from ear to ear, even as the suspense mounts. Ms. Lee's Clirando is as proud and beautiful as Xena and will keep you cheering for her as she moves to solve her demons and win the day. Lastly, Ms. Lackey's Moira has the clear cool intelligence to combat a deadly evil and save not only a kingdom, but the man she loves. Three phases of fun for the fantasy Lunatic in all of us.

Book Summary