This third level of Orson Scott Card’s five-book anthology of short stories features ten fantasies and fables filled with princesses and giants, bears and monkeys, magic and revelation. Discover the pitfalls of heaven, the way to handle a dragon, the real secret of pleasure, and much more. Cards offers background commentaries for each story in some afterwords and introductions.

Unaccompanied SonataA musical child prodigy, raised alone in a cabin so that his only influences come from nature, about Maps in a Mirror plays a complicated instrument with the capacity of an array of sound. Against his keepers’ desires, he is presented to the music of Bach and is ejected from his musical Eden. As he strives to create music, his nemesis strives to stop him.

A Cross-Country Visit to Wipe out Richard NixonA son blames all of America’s problems on former chief executive Richard Nixon.

The Porcelain SalamanderA curse could be lifted only once it is complete.

Middle WomanAn average woman-who is a middle child, of middle income, and living mid-way between her other two sisters-meets a cruel, trickster dragon on the highway who grants or loans her three wishes. Through wisdom and compassion, she is in a position to outsmart his trickery.

The Bully and the BeastA giant hired as the king’s bully falls hopelessly for the king’s child, the most beautiful woman in the world.

The Princess and the BearA magic bear saves a princess’ lifestyle twice: once from a wolf in the forest as soon as from her own hubby.

SandmagicA young boy who watches his parents die vows to avenge their pain. This tale is set in the Mithermages world, which includes the story “Stonefather.”

The Best DayA woman rejects an old peddler’s explanation that happiness is a matter of taking joy in overcoming the down sides in life. Instead, she prefers to buy a traveling medicine man’s elixir of joy which guarantees that your very best day will end up being with you forever. In reliving one happy day time from her past she misses out on the others of her lifestyle.

A Plague of ButterfliesSelfishly choosing to save lots of his own existence by not slaying a dragon, Amasa becomes involved with evil and allows it to flourish. Since it’s as well late to improve matters, he must suffer eternal anguish knowing what he has done.

The Monkeys Thought ‘Twas All in FunParadise can have its hidden pitfalls.