Title: Arabian Phoenix
Author: India Edghill
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Arabian Phoenix is a freaking awesome short story and retelling of Arabian nights! I absolutely loved every moment of it and was so disappointed when it was over. This was a bit of a modern take on an old classic, one in which there really aren’t any bad guys. Just tradition and those who want to change tradition and move into the future. If they’re brave enough to try and grasp the world with both hands.

I love that, rather than evidence of the death of each of the Kings’ wives, they just disappear. At first it seems creepy and as though there is some kind of large secret that no one is going to like. When it’s revealed / figured out, everything works beautifully and makes me smile. Rather the idea of death and mayhem is perpetuated by gossip and bad vibes.

At the conclusion of this story, it really felt like the King was trying to build up his own army of strong, educated women. I love that I could entirely see this working – well educated, loyal women, leading the charge towards change. The fact that this one might be special just made me want more about this tiny kingdom!

Image source: Wikipedia