In order to feed my craving for short fiction I spent time this past week with genre magazines, both in print and digital format. I read and reviewed Issue #20 of Apex Magazine in PDF format and I enjoyed the feel of cheap paper in hand while reading the February 2011 issue of Asimov’s Science Fiction.
In order to eliminate any and all suspense, let me tell you that neither were a roaring success. While there are a few good stories here, most were examples of inspired creativity that flamed out before reaching a proper end. If the bell ever tolls the death of short genre fiction, a few of these stories could easily be paraded in front of the jury by a medical examiner as evidence as to the cause. A bit harsh? Perhaps, but this was my first experience (with Asimov’s) where more stories were frustratingly disappointing as opposed to, at the very least, being entertaining reads.
Before moving on to the individual stories in the February 2011 issue of Asimov’s Science Fiction, I would ask that you follow the link over to The Portal to read my review of the latest issue of Apex Magazine:
Apex Magazine Issue #20 Review, Click Here.
As always, your comments over there are much appreciated, as they are here. Once you’ve done that, follow the jump to learn why Asimov’s let me down this month.
