fantasy fiction | Musings of the Monster Librarian

Magick 4 Terri: Die A Gruesome Death for Terri Windling

Well-known editor, writer, and artist Terri Windling is going through a financial crisis, and her fans and friends have gathered together to put on an online auction called Magick 4 Terri, which runs through December 15. If you read or write fantasy, science fiction, or horror, you know that she has made incredible contributions to these genres. It is no surprise, then, that so many writers and members of these communities have come forward with items and services for auction, from Kelly Link’s offer of a personally customized limited edition of Magic for Beginners (OMG!) to Lucius Shepard’s offer to kill you off gruesomely in one of his stories. There are all kinds of things available- I was especially struck by this customized My Little Pony. If you’d like to support Terri Windling by contributing as either as a seller or a buyer, I encourage you to check it out.

Help a Reader Out: Three Card Monty and a Killer Whale

Okay, I admit it. These requests haven’t all come in at once. Michael here has been waiting for an answer very patiently. He writes:

You helped me find a book before, so I’m wondering if you can help again? This book I started reading in 1997 was some fantasy adventure book. All I can remember about it was the beginning: There’s a boy who cheats people in three card monty in some alley in New York City. I think he gets chased by the police. Then a talking Killer Whale appears and teleports the kid to a fantasy world in turmoil that needs his help. I think there are three heroes. The kid from New York, a princess, and a third warrior.

Unfortunately, that’s all I remember. Any information you might have would be helpful.

I have to say, the beginning of this story sounds extremely familiar to me. I’m sure I read it. But like Michael, I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the book. The only killer whale I can come up with is the unfortunate one from The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and I know that’s not right- that definitely isn’t children’s or teen fiction. But there can’t be too many sentient killer whales out there.So please, help us out!