Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water | 2002 | Robin McKinley | Buy |
| 2 | Fire | 2009 | Robin McKinley | Buy |
| 3 | Earth and Air | 2012 | Robin McKinley | Buy |
Tales of Elemental Spirits is a collaborative series by Robin McKinley and her husband Peter Dickinson. Each volume pairs novellas by both authors around a single classical element. Water (2002) was the first, followed by Fire (2009) and Earth and Air (2012). In each book, McKinley and Dickinson each contribute their own stories, giving readers two distinct voices and styles in every volume.
The stories range from contemporary settings to fully imagined fantasy worlds, connected only by their elemental theme. McKinley’s contributions tend toward her signature blend of detailed description and quiet intensity, while Dickinson brings his own inventive approach to the same subjects. The series is a good fit for readers who enjoy short fantasy fiction and want to sample both authors’ work without committing to a full novel.