Turn the Other Chick

Turn the Other Chick is the fifth anthology in a fantasy series edited by Esther Friesner, published by Baen Books in 2004. The collection features 22 short stories and novelettes centered around female protagonists, with contributions from both established and emerging fantasy authors. The stories span various fantasy sub-genres and settings, from traditional sword-and-sorcery tales to contemporary urban fantasy. Each narrative focuses on strong female characters who face challenges and adventures using wit, strength, and determination rather than conventional heroic tropes. The anthology includes popular entries like "The Girl's Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord" by Cassandra Claire and "Mightier Than the Sword" by John G. Hemry, alongside original works from authors such as Wen Spencer and Lee Martindale. All stories are complemented by author notes and an introduction from Friesner. The collection continues the series' tradition of subverting fantasy genre expectations while exploring themes of empowerment, identity, and the various ways strength can manifest in heroic characters.

Readers describe this anthology as a lighter, comedic take on female warrior stories compared to other entries in the "Chicks in Chainmail" series. Readers appreciated: - The humor and wit in most stories - Strong parodies of fantasy tropes - Standout stories by Elizabeth Moon and Harry Turtledove - Quick, entertaining reading Common criticisms: - Uneven quality between stories - Some jokes and premises feel forced or dated - Less memorable than earlier books in the series - Too much focus on humor over plot Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (11 reviews) Several reviewers noted that while individual stories entertained them, few were memorable long-term. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Fun but forgettable - worth reading once but wouldn't revisit." Multiple Goodreads reviews mentioned skipping certain stories that didn't hold their interest, but finding enough good content to justify the purchase.

Sword-Daughter by S.M. Stirling This anthology of warrior women stories follows the same pattern of subverting traditional fantasy tropes with female leads who rely on intelligence and skill.

Athena's Daughters edited by Jean Rabe The collection presents fantasy and science fiction stories featuring women protagonists who solve problems through wit and determination rather than brute force.

Warrior Women edited by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough These interconnected tales focus on female heroes across different fantasy settings who face challenges with unconventional approaches.

Women of War edited by Tanya Huff The anthology combines humor and action in stories about women warriors who defy genre expectations while navigating complex fantasy worlds.

Amazons edited by Jessica Amanda Salmonson This collection of fantasy stories presents tales of female warriors and adventurers who challenge traditional power structures in various magical settings.

🗡️ This anthology is part of the "Chicks in Chainmail" series, which began in 1995 and helped pioneer the subgenre of humorous feminist fantasy. 📚 Esther Friesner, who edited the collection, has won two Nebula Awards for her short fiction and has written over 40 novels across multiple genres. 🔮 The title "Turn the Other Chick" is a playful reference to the biblical phrase "turn the other cheek," reflecting the anthology's blend of humor and social commentary. 👑 The series was revolutionary in its time for specifically seeking out stories that subverted traditional damsel-in-distress tropes common in 20th-century fantasy. 📖 The anthology includes contributions from Elizabeth Moon, a former Marine who brings authentic military experience to her fantasy writing, making her warrior women particularly credible.