Did You Say Chicks?!

Did You Say Chicks?! is a 1998 fantasy anthology edited by Esther Friesner, featuring 19 short stories and novelettes centered on female protagonists. The collection includes works from notable authors like Elizabeth Moon, Barbara Hambly, and Harry Turtledove, with cover art by Larry Elmore. The anthology represents Friesner's second collection focused on female-driven fantasy narratives. The stories range from traditional sword-and-sorcery tales to humorous adventures, each highlighting different aspects of women warriors, witches, and adventurers. Contributors are primarily female authors, though several male writers also provide their perspective on female heroines. The book includes author biographies and an introduction by Friesner that sets the context for the collection. This anthology represents an important contribution to fantasy literature's evolution beyond traditional male-centered narratives, challenging genre conventions while maintaining the entertainment value and adventure elements that define classic fantasy works.

Readers describe this fantasy anthology as a light, humorous collection of stories featuring female warriors and adventurers. The book maintains a 3.82/5 rating on Goodreads from over 200 ratings. Readers appreciated: - The comedic tone and playful subversion of fantasy tropes - Stories by Elizabeth Moon and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough - Strong female protagonists who rely on wit rather than brute force Common criticisms: - Uneven quality between stories - Some jokes and humor feel dated - Several stories end abruptly or predictably Amazon reviews average 3.5/5, with readers noting the anthology works better as casual entertainment rather than serious fantasy. Multiple reviewers mentioned skipping certain stories to get to others by their favorite authors. LibraryThing users gave it 3.3/5, commenting that while not every story hits the mark, the overall collection delivers enough entertainment value for fantasy fans seeking lighter fare.

Sword and Sorceress XXI by Mercedes Lackey This anthology presents female warriors and wizards who balance humor with heroics in their magical adventures.

Turn a Blind Eye by Vicki Cameron Female protagonists face supernatural challenges while maintaining wit and resourcefulness throughout their quests.

Chicks in Chainmail by Esther Friesner The collection combines fantasy, action, and comedy through stories of women warriors who defy traditional expectations.

Warrior Women by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough Tales of female fighters blend combat prowess with strategic thinking in a fantasy realm.

The Unicorn Treasury by Bruce Coville Fantasy stories mix mythical creatures with strong protagonists who navigate magical situations with unexpected twists.

🔮 Editor Esther Friesner has won the Nebula Award twice for her short fiction, specifically for "Death and the Librarian" and "A Birthday." 📚 Elizabeth Moon, one of the anthology's contributors, served in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a successful science fiction and fantasy author. ⚔️ Barbara Hambly, another featured writer, holds a black belt in karate and has worked as a high school teacher alongside her career as a fantasy novelist. ✍️ Harry Turtledove, known as "The Master of Alternate History," brings his historical expertise to the anthology—he holds a Ph.D. in Byzantine history from UCLA. 📖 The anthology is part of a larger series of "Chicks" books edited by Friesner, including "Chicks in Chainmail" and "Chicks 'n Chained Males," which all focus on subverting traditional fantasy tropes about female characters.