Keeping it short and sweet this week, guys. I’ve got unfinished fiction screaming for attention on my desk, and it’s hurting my brain.
43. “Fort Clay, Louisiana: A Tragical History” by Albert E. Cowdrey (Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2010)
This one really drew me along, but I have to be honest, once I got to the final few pages, I realized where the author was going with it and rather wish he didn’t. I would have liked to have been surprised with such a marvelous build-up. But even with the predictable ending, I still think it’s a great story…mostly because I’m still thinking about it. 🙂
44. “Star-Crossed” by Tim Sullivan (Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2010)
I didn’t really embark on this short story report with the intention of reviewing…just simply listing what I’ve read…but aw, what the hell. I’m bound to have a negative opinion sooner or later, and this guy’s been around long enough he can take it.
This story was just okay for me. Although it was exciting and action-packed, at its core it is a love story, one that doesn’t ring true. Kind of a deal-breaker for this reader. (Rocking title though.)
I will say, though, Mr. Sullivan has a story in F&SF’s April 2008 issued entitled, “The Nocturnal Adventure of Mr. O and Mr. D,” which I read contemporaneously, and I still remember it quite vividly. I loved this story enough that I may have to dig it out again and reread it now that I have been reminded of it.
45. “Parachute” by Shelly Li (Cosmos Magazine)
This is the type of story I love to read: character-driven science fiction. A woman rebuilds her old flame from collected body parts and resurrects him with his recovered memories (his SOUL). It’s a wonderful story. I only wish the ending were drawn out a bit, that there was a little more struggle on the protagonist’s part before she makes the decision she does. Recommend.
That’s it. I’ll try to read more next week. And I will also try to read more stories that are available online. But for now, I write.
My Blue Screen 