As part of the Lord of the Rings theme for December, this month's recommended reading specializes in High Fantasy from the 'woods -- epic tales of adventurers, sword and sorcery, orcs, elves, rogues, warriors, and the like.

'Daughter of Magic' by Maria Martins
Series, Unfinished Fantasy
Like many children who are destined for unusual fates, Kialot is different from the others. Her looks are different, and she lacks a spirit name - until the day a stranger comes bearing that name, and a gift...

'To Marry the Sea' by William A. Clayton
Poem: Fantasy
The Queen of Faeries casts a spell that she must now find a way to unravel.

'Tricks and Magic' by Thijs Versloot
Short Story, Finished: Fantasy
"I always thought that Magic and Thief tricks covered an almost identical ground. And in between there is a lot of honor and misunderstanding. This story is about a Wizard and a Thief who give the word boasting a complete new meaning!" - Thijs Versloot

'Emerging Shadow' by Faraz Gafoor
Series, Complete: Fantasy
"It is a time of development for the human race, having long broken free from their elven masters centuries ago. And for the ancient elves, it is a time of secrecy and trying to stay alive under the utmost racist conditions that have risen within what was once a world of their dominion." - Faraz Gafoor

'An Elven Maiden' by Daniel L-E. Warsen
Series, Unfinished: Fantasy
"An adventuring party finds themselves stuck in a cursed tower - unable to get out, they advance, deeper into the darkness which will later unveil itself..." - Daniel L-E. Warsen

'Ruins (Epoly)' by Kenneth J. Raymond
Short Story, Finished: Fantasy
A party of adventurers, commissioned by a king to investigate mysterious ruins, uncover more than they expect.

'Rogo of Tariin: Of Thieves and Drunkards' by Adam M. Pellerite
Short Story, Finished: Fantasy
"With a nimble leap, the halfling cleared the wooden fence seperating two dark alleyways. As his small body disappeared behind the fence, an rotound man, axe in hand, came roaring around the bend into the alleyway..." And so begins the adventure of Rogo, the halfling thief.

'Moonlit Droplet: Chapter One' by Carrianna 'C-chan' Renwick
Series, Unfinished: Fantasy
Cassil, Sorceress and Swordswoman, is the bearer of a very special necklace.

'The Rolling Hills' by Joshua Doten Davids
Short Story, Finished: Fantasy
A half-orc is torn by his nature, taunted by his tribe, and drawn to make his own place in the world...

'The Archer: Chapter 1' by Rachel Kehrli
Series, Unfinished: Fantasy
In a world where elves are viewed as the lowest of beings, the young human girl, Kim, and the elf Christoph form a friendship that transcends their race.

'Cityborne CH 1' by Jacob A. Thomas
Series, Unfinished: Fantasy
A big epic, but worth the read.

Thank you to everyone who recommended stories this month, even those that didn't make the final cut. We thoroughly enjoyed reading them and we just wish we'd had room to include them all.

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Brandie Minchew is a starry-eyed believer in fairy tales, world peace, and justice for all.

Michael CW Smith is a cynical coot who gets roped into things.... is also a firm believer that he can type however he damned well pleases and if any english purists complain, he can show them a little thing called his fist (yes... -very- threatening... veeerry... cough cough)...

Submission Information We have certain guidelines for recommending. Be sure what you recommend not only follows the rules of Elfwood, but that it has also been spell-checked, and the writer shows a basic understanding of grammar. We're looking for the best of the best, so spelling and grammar are important. That said, just fill out the form below, and answer all of the questions. If a field is left blank, we're just as likely to ignore your rec. Your Name: Your Email Addy: Story Title: Author's Name: Wyverns' Url: Genre: Sci-fi/Horror/Fantasy/Other Type: Poem/Stand Alone/Series/Unfinished Reason for Recommendation: Send the email to , and please, put 'recommendations' or 'recs' somewhere in the subject. Questions can also be sent to that address, if you put 'recs question' or 'recs questions' somewhere in the subject line.