The Chick Is in the Mail

The Chick Is in the Mail is a fantasy anthology edited by Esther Friesner and Martin H. Greenberg, published by Baen Books in 2000. The collection features 15 short stories and one poem, primarily written by female authors and centered on female protagonists. The stories span various fantasy subgenres and include contributions from notable authors like Elizabeth Moon, Harry Turtledove, and Nancy Kress. Each tale presents a unique take on female characters in fantasy settings, from warriors and thieves to roller derby queens and monster fighters. The anthology serves as the fourth installment in Friesner's series of female-focused fantasy collections. It includes author biographies and an introduction by Friesner herself, providing context for the collected works. The collection challenges traditional fantasy genre conventions by placing women at the center of the narrative, exploring themes of power, identity, and agency through a distinctly feminine lens.

Readers found this fantasy anthology lighter and more comedic than its predecessors "Chicks in Chainmail" and "Did You Say Chicks?!" The collection of 20 short stories delivers humorous tales about female warriors. Readers highlighted: - Elizabeth Moon's "Server Problems" as a standout story - The mix of both established and newer authors - Consistent quality across most stories - Effective parodies of fantasy tropes Common criticisms: - Some stories feel rushed or underdeveloped - Humor occasionally relies on obvious jokes - Quality varies between entries - Less memorable than first two books in series Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (11 reviews) One reader noted: "Fun light reading, but don't expect deep meaning." Another stated: "The stories range from clever to predictable, with most landing somewhere in between."

Sword-Dancer by Jennifer Roberson The tale of a female sword-fighter and her mercenary partner weaves through desert landscapes with magic, combat, and role reversals.

Burning Bright by Melissa McShane A naval fantasy follows a woman who discovers her fire-wielding powers while serving aboard merchant ships during a time of pirates and warfare.

Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron This urban fantasy presents a dragon shapeshifter who defies his predatory nature through wit rather than force in a magical version of Detroit.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin A woman becomes entangled in divine politics when she inherits control of a kingdom where gods serve as weapons.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher A widow inherits a fortune and receives protection from a warrior who lives inside a magical sword, leading to encounters with temples, lawyers, and supernatural threats.

🔹 Editor Esther Friesner has won the Nebula Award twice for her short fiction and is known for her humorous approach to fantasy writing 🔹 The anthology's title plays on the phrase "the check is in the mail," reflecting the collection's blend of humor and fantasy elements 🔹 Contributor Harry Turtledove is nicknamed "The Master of Alternate History" and has written over 100 books across multiple genres 🔹 Elizabeth Moon, one of the featured authors, draws from her real-life experience as a Marine to create authentic military fantasy narratives 🔹 Baen Books, the publisher, was one of the first major science fiction and fantasy publishers to offer free electronic books as part of their marketing strategy