Esther M. Friesner

Ancient Egypt springs to life in this enthralling sequel to Sphinx’s Princess . As she did in Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s Prize , author Esther Friesner offers readers a fresh look at an iconic figure, blending historical fiction and mythology in a heady concoction. Hunted . . . Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti’s life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince... moreAncient Egypt springs to life in this enthralling sequel to Sphinx’s Princess . As she did in Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s Prize , author Esther Friesner offers readers a fresh look at an iconic figure, blending historical fiction and mythology in a heady concoction. Hunted . . . Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti’s life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince. Instead, she is being chased by the prince and his soldiers for a crime she did not commit. Hidden . . . Traveling with two of her dearest friends, including the crown prince’s brother, who helped her escape, Nefertiti takes shelter in the wild hills along the Nile’s west bank. She must rely on her own resourcefulness and skills (all those secret archery lessons prove very useful) as the fugitives fight to survive. Haunted . . . But the need for justice gnaws at Nefertiti. She is determined to plead her case to the Pharaoh and set things right. As she begins to question long-held sacred beliefsâ��a questioning that could alter the fabric of Egyptian societyâ��her extraordinary journey from commoner to royalty brings adventure, intrigue, and romance. less

An annual anthology of outstanding stories of love and wonder are compiled and honored as the best of the year. Enchanting and enchanted lovers, magical romance, dark desires, otherworldly sensations, ethereal encounters, paranormal thrills, sensual spells, supernatural suspense, sizzling speculations... Highly imaginative short fiction and novellas from the best fantasy romance writers... moreAn annual anthology of outstanding stories of love and wonder are compiled and honored as the best of the year. Enchanting and enchanted lovers, magical romance, dark desires, otherworldly sensations, ethereal encounters, paranormal thrills, sensual spells, supernatural suspense, sizzling speculations... Highly imaginative short fiction and novellas from the best fantasy romance writers. Contents 9 • Titles & Things: An Introduction • essay by Paula Guran 13 • An Autumn Butterfly • (2006) • shortstory by Esther M. Friesner [as by Esther Friesner ] 24 • A Light in Troy • (2006) • shortstory by Sarah Monette 30 • The Moment of Joy Before • (2006) • novelette by Claudia O'Keefe 70 • Jane. A Story of Manners, Magic, and Romance • (2006) • shortstory by Sarah Prineas 87 • Journey into the Kingdom • (2006) • novelette by M. Rickert 114 • The Wizard of Eternal Watch • (2006) • shortstory by Eugie Foster 128 • Moon Viewing at Shijo Bridge • (2006) • novelette by Richard Parks 165 • The Depth Oracle • (2006) • shortstory by Sonya Taaffe 175 • Smoke & Mirrors • (2006) • shortstory by Amanda Downum 192 • The Desires of Houses • (2006) • shortstory by Haddayr Copley-Woods 195 • Evergreen • (2006) • novelette by Angela Boord 219 • The Red Envelope • (2006) • shortstory by David Sakmyster 237 • The Mountains of Key West • (2006) • shortstory by Sandra McDonald 250 • The Story of Love • (2006) • shortstory by Vera Nazarian 268 • La Fée Verte • (2006) • novelette by Delia Sherman less

Khalid is close to graduation from magic school when his teacher lets him try out a magic lamp. Unfortunately, Khalid forgets to tell his first human master the most important rule--humans are entitled to only three wishes. So when his human wishes for an infinite number of wishes, Khalid is trapped in his lamp forever.

"Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face." Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she's the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful... more"Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face." Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she's the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful. And news of her striking beauty and impulsive behavior attracts the attention of her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who sees Nefertiti as an ideal pawn in her desire for power. Even though Nefertiti is taken from her beloved family and forced into a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger, her spirit and mind will not rest. She continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. Esther Friesner offers readers another fresh new look at an iconic figure--blending historical fiction and mythology in a thrilling concoction. less

It's 1910, and thirteen-year-old Raisa has just traveled alone from a small Polish shtetl all the way to New York City. It's overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and even dangerous, especially when she discovers that her sister has disappeared and she must now fend for herself. She finds work in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory sewing bodices on the popular shirtwaists. Raisa makes friends and even-dare she admit it?- falls in love. But then 1911 dawns, and one March day a spark ignites in the factory... moreIt's 1910, and thirteen-year-old Raisa has just traveled alone from a small Polish shtetl all the way to New York City. It's overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and even dangerous, especially when she discovers that her sister has disappeared and she must now fend for herself. She finds work in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory sewing bodices on the popular shirtwaists. Raisa makes friends and even-dare she admit it?- falls in love. But then 1911 dawns, and one March day a spark ignites in the factory. One of the city's most harrowing tragedies unfolds, and Raisa's life is forever changed. . . . One hundred years after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, this moving young adult novel gives life to the tragedy and hope of this transformative event in American history. less

In this rousing sequel to Nobody’s Princess, young Helen of Sparta is not about to be left behind when her older brothers head off to join the quest for the Golden Fleece. Accompanied by her friend Milo, and disguised as a boy herself, Helen sets out to join the crew of heroes aboard the massive ship known as The Argo. Helen quickly faces all sorts of danger. There are battles to be fought, as well as an encounter with a terrifying murderous princess... moreIn this rousing sequel to Nobody’s Princess, young Helen of Sparta is not about to be left behind when her older brothers head off to join the quest for the Golden Fleece. Accompanied by her friend Milo, and disguised as a boy herself, Helen sets out to join the crew of heroes aboard the massive ship known as The Argo. Helen quickly faces all sorts of danger. There are battles to be fought, as well as an encounter with a terrifying murderous princess. With her beauty blossoming, Helen’s journey takes her beyond the mythology of the Golden Fleece to Athens, where her very future as Queen of Sparta is threatened. less

Seventeen original stories about a mall where anything you can imagine is for sale?but who will pay the price? The stores in Enchantment Place live up to the title, catering to a rather unique clientele ranging from vampires and werecreatures to wizards and witches, elves and unicorns?in short, anyone with shopping needs not likely to be met in the chain stores... moreSeventeen original stories about a mall where anything you can imagine is for sale?but who will pay the price? The stores in Enchantment Place live up to the title, catering to a rather unique clientele ranging from vampires and werecreatures to wizards and witches, elves and unicorns?in short, anyone with shopping needs not likely to be met in the chain stores. Here are seventeen shopping trips you?ll never forget, from a store that sells the highest quality familiars?to the non-magical daughter of a magic-filled family who is left to mind the family jewelry store though she has no means to defeat an enchanting thief?to a woman running a Wiccan supply store who is suddenly faced with an IRS audit? less

High school is different for everyone. For some, it’s a time to shine, and for others, a time to survive. Then there are the students who attend those special schools for the gifted. But what if there was a school that catered to those rarest of students—those who can do magic? These fourteen tales explore the challenges that students of the magical arts may face in a high school of their very own. If you think chemistry is tough, try alchemy... moreHigh school is different for everyone. For some, it’s a time to shine, and for others, a time to survive. Then there are the students who attend those special schools for the gifted. But what if there was a school that catered to those rarest of students—those who can do magic? These fourteen tales explore the challenges that students of the magical arts may face in a high school of their very own. If you think chemistry is tough, try alchemy. If you ever fell victim to a school bully, how would you deal with a bully gifted with powerful magic? And if you needed more time to study, what spell could give you all the time you desired? These are just a few of the magical adventures that will await you when you enter Salem Township Public High School #4— otherwise known as Witch High... less