Flint and Spoor: Mountain Magic (Diamonds Are Forever)

The idea that myths and fairy tales might have a basis in reality is usually good fodder for a story. Start with the Nome King of Oz, put two ingenious writers to work on it, and couple it to a story theme like mountain men and magic -- you've got some tasty froth already bubbling up here!

Mountain Magic begins with a story by Eric Flint and Ryk E. Spoor (whose name I always thought must be an anagram) that ought to be set to Grieg's Hall of the Mountain King. No deep thought here, just spelunking for the hard stuff—because Diamonds Are Forever. Yummy! I was vaguely reminded of The People stories by Zenna Henderson. (Now having been reminded, I have to reread them. But first, to finish the Kuttner and Drake stories...)