"Through These Moments, Darkly" by Samantha Murray -- (4*) While it does have some interesting SFnal aspects, it's primarily a short LitSF, a brief gl"Through These Moments, Darkly" by Samantha Murray -- (4*) While it does have some interesting SFnal aspects, it's primarily a short LitSF, a brief glimpse at a poetical notion wrapped in a longing. Good for what it is, but I found myself wanting a lot more.
"The Seed" by Sheryl Singerling -- (4*) Solid beginning and nicely eerie. I love stories that feel like hope but is twisted, nonetheless.
"Aegiopolis Testudo" by Gordon Li -- (5*) Beautiful story about a traveling parasite-colony of humans harvesting and tending to a leviathan alien creature, moral and sustainability questions being asked--with some interesting, measured answers. Very imaginative. So far, my favorite of the month.
"Still Water" by Zhang Ran -- (5*) A little series of vignettes that suddenly become a gorgeous little wish, and I found myself profoundly moved by it. A mother's wish for his son is a powerful thing.
"Symbiotic" by Carolyn Zhao -- (5*) This is an extremely immersive, sensational (as in senses) work. It gripped me the entire time. It isn't a commentary, but a full-on SFnal story about belonging, be it to yourself, or with another. It's very, very sharp.
"There Is No King in My Country" by Thomas Ha -- (5*) Easily one of the most clear unclear stories I've ever read. :) I love a good subtlety. I think we'll need a lot of that in the future, alas.
"An Even Greater Cold to Come" by Rich Larson -- (5*) A great little SF horror story. Satisfying little emotional romp with an even better bit of body-horror.
All told, this month's collection of stories were pretty solid. Three were wonderfully sensational and visceral: Aegiopolis Testudo, Symbiotic, and An Even Greater Cold to Come.
I also really loved the idea and execution of There Is No King in My Country, but it was easily a lot more intellectual than the rest.
Still Water was smooth and eventually quite rewarding, but it took a moment to get there....more
This Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded aThis Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded and has moments of comfort and progression, of course, but I was here for the whole package. Action, excitement, pumping up the audience--OR a group of noob hunters in WAY over their head--had me enjoying it even more.
This next book is just proving to me that I can't get enough.
I'm getting superstar-van-helsing vibes. :)
My synesthesia sees nothing but zombie moth-bears and pink hair. Cool, right?
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-emotions, overcoming odds, dealing with issues, and beautiful worldbuilding that sets up some pretty awesome foils--AND heart-wrenching action on a huge scale, as if the former wasn't enough, is just doing it all for my poor old heart.
The balance, here, is just as good as the later Wandering Inn books, and indeed, we are in the same world and hear some interesting, familiar names. But this one is special all on its own.
A song, whether it comes from an actress or a struggling earther thrust into a fantasy world that behaves by leveling-up rules, can still have enormous power.
It's just a bit more interesting when the song in question has THIS much power.
Really great stuff.
My synesthesia smells not grave-dirt or zombie rats, but comfort-tea and honey, together with a mouth watering biscuit and warm company.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
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