Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water | 2002 | Peter Dickinson | Buy |
| 2 | Fire | 2009 | Peter Dickinson | Buy |
| 3 | Earth and Air | 2012 | Peter Dickinson | Buy |
The Tales of Elemental Spirits is a collaboration between Peter Dickinson and Robin McKinley, who planned a four-volume set of short story collections based on the classical elements. Each book contains stories from both authors, alternating between Dickinson’s and McKinley’s contributions. The first volume, Water, appeared in 2002, and it took seven more years for Fire to follow in 2009. Earth and Air completed the project in 2012.
Each collection focuses on a single element and the magical creatures and humans tied to it. Water features stories about merfolk and water spirits. Fire deals with phoenixes and fire-related magic. Earth and Air rounds out the series with tales about the remaining two elements. McKinley fans will recognize some familiar settings, including the world of Damar from The Hero and the Crown. Though the two authors have distinct styles, their stories sit well together, connected by theme and a shared interest in folklore and myth.