Delia Sherman

Delia Sherman is an American fantasy writer and editor born in Tokyo, Japan in 1951. She has made significant contributions to speculative fiction both as an author and educator, with her novel "The Porcelain Dove" earning the prestigious Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Sherman's academic background includes degrees from Vassar College and Brown University, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1981. She has held teaching positions at Boston University and has been involved in numerous writing workshops, including the Clarion Science Fiction Writer's Workshop and the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop. Her career spans both creative and editorial roles, having served as a consulting editor at Tor Books from 1996 to 2004. Since 1993, Sherman has devoted herself to writing full-time while maintaining an active presence in the literary community through teaching and lecturing. Sherman is married to fellow fantasy author Ellen Kushner and continues to influence the field of speculative fiction through her work and mentorship. Her contributions to the genre extend beyond her own writing to include developing new generations of writers through various workshops and educational programs.

Readers praise Sherman's attention to historical detail and atmospheric world-building in her fantasy novels. Many reviews note her skill at weaving fairy tale elements into urban settings. Readers of "The Freedom Maze" highlight its nuanced handling of race and time travel mechanics. Readers appreciate: - Complex, layered storytelling - LGBTQ+ representation - Rich historical research - Strong female protagonists - Elegant prose style Common criticisms: - Pacing described as "slow" in first half of novels - Some plots take time to gain momentum - Character development prioritized over action - Dense historical references can overwhelm story Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Freedom Maze: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) - The Evil Wizard Smallbone: 3.9/5 (800+ ratings) - The Porcelain Dove: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.2/5 across titles, with reviewers frequently noting Sherman's books appeal more to readers who enjoy literary fantasy over action-driven narratives.

The Horns of Elfland (co-edited with Ellen Kushner and Donald G. Keller) - An anthology collection of original fantasy stories focused on the intersection of music and magic.

The Porcelain Dove - A historical fantasy novel set in pre-revolutionary France following a servant who becomes entangled in an ancient family curse.

Through a Brazen Mirror - A medieval fantasy novel that reimagines a traditional ballad about love and transformation.

The Fall of the Kings (co-authored with Ellen Kushner) - A fantasy novel set in a university town where scholars study ancient rituals and forbidden magic.

Changeling - A young adult novel about a girl who discovers a magical version of New York City beneath the everyday world.

The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen - A continuation of the Changeling story following young Neef's adventures in New York Between.

The Freedom Maze - A time travel novel about a modern girl transported to a pre-Civil War Louisiana plantation.

The Evil Wizard Smallbone - A middle-grade fantasy about a runaway boy who becomes the apprentice to a cantankerous wizard in rural Maine.

Ellen Kushner writes fantasy novels set in a world where swordplay and manners intertwine, similar to Sherman's blend of historical and magical elements. Her "Riverside" series features complex social dynamics and LGBTQ+ themes that align with Sherman's approach to storytelling.

Patricia McKillip creates intricate fantasy worlds with lyrical prose and layered meanings that echo Sherman's literary style. Her works combine fairy tale elements with sophisticated narratives that appeal to readers who enjoy Sherman's depth of storytelling.

Terri Windling writes and edits fantasy that bridges folklore and contemporary themes, matching Sherman's interest in reimagining traditional stories. Her work in urban fantasy and mythic fiction shares Sherman's focus on the intersection of magic and reality.

Caroline Stevermer crafts historical fantasy novels that blend magic with period detail, similar to Sherman's approach in works like "The Porcelain Dove." Her books feature strong female characters and complex social structures that mirror Sherman's narrative interests.

Emma Bull writes urban fantasy that combines folklore with contemporary settings in ways that parallel Sherman's treatment of magical elements. Her work features the same attention to character relationships and social dynamics found in Sherman's fiction.