This third volume of Orson Scott Card's five-book anthology of short stories features ten fantasies and fables full of princesses and giants, bears and monkeys, magic and revelation. Discover the pitfalls of paradise, how to handle a dragon, the true secret of happiness, and much more. Card offers background commentaries for each story in a series of afterwords and introductions.
Unaccompanied SonataA musical child prodigy, raised alone in a cabin so that his only influences come from nature, plays a complicated instrument capable of a wide range of sound. Against his keepers' wishes, he is introduced to the music of Bach and is ejected from his musical Eden. As he strives to make music, his nemesis strives to stop him.
A Cross-Country Trip to Kill Richard NixonA young man blames all of America's problems on former president Richard Nixon.
The Porcelain SalamanderA curse can be lifted only once it is complete.
Middle WomanAn average woman-who is a middle child, of middle income, and living mid-way between her other two sisters-meets a cruel, trickster dragon on the road who grants her three wishes. Through wisdom and compassion, she is able to outsmart his trickery.
The Bully and the BeastA giant hired as the king's bully falls hopelessly for the king's daughter, the most beautiful woman in the world.
The Princess and the BearA magic bear saves a princess' life twice: once from a wolf in the forest and once from her own husband.
