The author of the marvelous Darkover novels and of the best-selling Arthurian novel THE MISTS OF AVALON, has assembled this corona of heroic fantasy wherein women of courage and wizardry challenge the evils and dreads of an ensorcelled world. Here are new stories of warrior women and mistresses of magic, stories of adventure and derring-do, written by such as Glen Cook, Phyllis Ann Karr, Charles R Saunders, Jennifer Roberson, Diana Paxson, and many more. Marion Zimmer Bradley writes in her introduction: "Valor has neither race nor color - nor does it have gender...Anyone can write male sexist fiction; anyone can write feminist propaganda. I hop to avoid either and to entertain you while I'm doing it." Here she has succeeded!

DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE - With swords and spells they face the unexpected perils of the fantasy lands, either fighting for their own survival or sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves From a temple guardian forced to face the justice of the gods, to a witch of ancient Rome challenged to unmask a murdereer, to the latest adventure of that popular duo Tarma and Kethry, here are brand new tales of magic and mayhem specially selected by Marion Zimmer Bradley - spellbinding stories by such masters of the imagination as Mercedes Lackey, Diana Paxson, and Deborah Wheeler. Introduction (Sword and Sorceress X) • (1993) • essay by Marion Zimmer Bradley Lorelei • (1993) • short story by Tina Good Falcon's Shadow • (1993) • short story by Diana L. Paxson The Proper Balance • (1993) • short story by Robyn McGrew The Gift of Minerva • (1993) • short story by Dorothy J. Heydt Friendly Fire • (1993) • short story by Mercedes Lackey Heart in a Box • (1993) • short story by Lynne Armstrong-Jones Dance of Death • (1993) • short story by Donna Bocian Currie Earth, Air, Fire, and Water • (1993) • short story by Kirsten M. Corby Fealty • (1993) • short story by Kati Dougherty-Carthum Hunt for the Queen's Beast • (1993) • short story by J.M. Cressy Robes • (1993) • short story by Patricia Duffy Novak Bonds of Light • (1993) • short story by Vera Nazarian Night, Who Creeps Through Keyholes • (1993) • short story by Francesca Myman Oaths • (1993) • short story by Leslie Ann Miller Double Vision • (1993) • short story by Lucas K. Law The Phoenix Medallion • (1993) • short story by Diann Partridge A Run in the Forest • (1993) • short story by David A. Pillard Old Age and Treachery… • (1993) • short story by Nancy L. Pine In Sheep's Clothing • (1993) • short story by Lawrence Schimel Her Mother's Sword • (1993) • short story by Stephanie D. Shaver The Sorceress' Apprentice • (1993) • short story by Deborah Wheeler Mage-Sight • (1993) • short story by Lynne Alisse Witten Ether and the Skeptic • (1993) • short story by Katy Huth Jones The Limwitch • (1993) • short fiction by Rebekah Jensen Smile of the Goddess • (1993) • short story by Lorina J. Stephens Just Reward • (1993) • short story by Karen Luk Boys Will Be Girls • (1993) • short story by Vicki Kirchhoff Taking Shape • (1993) • short story by Lisa Deason Justice Is Mine • (1993) • short fiction by Carolee J. Edwards

Women of Enchantment and Valor... For over two decades, the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, best-selling and beloved author, discovered and nurtured a new generation of authors. The roster of contributors over the years includes Mercedes Lackey, Laurell K. Hamilton, Charles de Lint, Diana L. Paxson, Emma Bull, Jennifer Roberson, and countless others. The original stories featured here include such stellar authors as Deborah J. Ross, Robin Wayne Bailey, Pauline J. Alama, and exciting newcomers whose voices are sure to be heard again. Enter a wondrous universe... Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress Volume 30 includes stories by Pauline J. Alama, Marian Allen, Robin Wayne Bailey, Steve Chapman, Suzan Harden, G. Scott Huggins, Susan Murrie Macdonald, Michael H. Payne, Deborah J. Ross, Robert Lowell Russell, L.S. Patton, Jonathan Shipley, Catherine Soto, Michael Spence and Elisabeth Waters, and Julia H. West.