Category Archives: Fantasy

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Short Stories

Short Fiction Friday: Lightspeed Issue 35, April 2013

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Yes, I am aware that it is actually Saturday. Nonetheless, at noon on Friday this week’s short fiction post went live over at SF Signal.

This week I reviewed the latest issue of Lightspeed magazine, and it was a good one. The Science Fiction was stronger than the Fantasy in this issue, in my opinion, but there were stories worth reading in both genres and the great thing about the magazine is that as the month rolls on each story, as well as the nonfiction, is released for free reading on their site. Nonfiction in this month’s issue includes interviews with authors Jane Yolen and Brandon Sanderson.

I was most excited about the inclusion of a new, non-Wool, story by Hugh Howey. It will be released for free reading on April 23.

The art for this month’s cover, which I think is fantastic, is by artist Armand Baltazar. I had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing his work at last year’s Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event. Check out the link for his interview and samples of his work.

Book Reviews, Fantasy

Stardust Read-along, Part I

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For those of you who are taking part, and those who may still like to, this is the first of two discussion posts for the group reading of Neil Gaiman’s wonderful fairy tale, Stardust. I cannot recall the exact year I first read this book though I do know it was not long after it came out in paperback form. Over the years I have read it many times, including aloud to my wife, and have listened to the audio version many times over. If you haven’t tracked down a copy of Gaiman reading this story it is something I highly recommend. The story itself is magical, Neil reading it makes it more so.

For this read-along I decided to forgo the audio version and do it old school and it has been a tremendous pleasure to journey through the pages again, allowing Neil’s words to ignite my imagination and memories of Charles Vess’ illustration in the original version to inform the visions in my head.

For this read through I am reading the small slip-cased signed Gift Edition that I purchased from Subterranean Press. It is my first time reading this particular copy of the novel and I am loving the size of it. In the Introduction Neil points out that he asked his editor if they could make the book look like a “much loved book from 1922” and they have, and it is lovely.

I hope that all of you participating are enjoying the story, but I look forward to hearing from you even if that is not the case. Following the jump there will be a spoiler-filled discussion of the first five chapters of the book. Anyone who would like is welcome to participate in the conversation, even if you are not reading along with us at this time. I only ask that you limit the conversation to the first five chapters so as not to spoil anything for those reading Stardust for the first time.

Continue reading Stardust Read-along, Part I →

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Short Stories

Purity Test by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

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(Image by John Jude Palencar, used under Creative Commons License. Image copyright John Jude Palencar)

Kristine Kathyrn Rusch has become for me a name synonymous with good story telling. While the quality of any author’s work various from creation to creation I have yet to be disappointed with Rusch’s offerings and “Purity Test” is no exception. This short story, that feels as if it is nestled in the same woods in which a beauty slept and a girl with long hair was held captive, is the first fairy tale I’ve read from the author. It reminds me strongly of the work of Angela Carter in the The Bloody Chamber collection. “Purity Test” is woven from a tapestry of familiar stories, shot through with a thread of ever-darkening suspense that makes for a satisfying read. A rewarding story that satisfies while leaving the reader wanting more.

If you’ve not yet done so, follow this link over to the Lightspeed magazine website and give “Purity Test” a read. Then join us below for a discussion of the story.

Continue reading Purity Test by Kristine Kathryn Rusch →

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Short Stories

With Tales in Their Teeth, From the Mountain They Came ~A.C. Wise

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(Image Credit)

A.C. Wise’s “With Tales in Their Teeth, From the Mountain They Came” is a tale of words, or rather the pain caused from the lack of them and the healing that can come from surrounding oneself with words, written and more importantly spoken. When Alba’s lover dies in the war she leaves their home by the sea and goes up the mountain to the Library, becoming an Acolyte in service of the mysterious Librarians. Lost in the silence of the library the words pile up inside Alba until she can no longer contain them and as she speaks into the silence, Alba, and the world around her, begins to transform. A beautiful story, celebrating words.

When I first read this story back in the January 2013 issue of Lightspeed I was taken by how much the theme of words and their importance resonated with me as a reader and as a writer (albeit only of blog posts); it also struck me as a short story that encapsulates the reasons why I host an annual reading event focused on fantasy, folklore, mythology and fairy tales. When that became apparent I knew that it would be a story I wanted to share come Spring. Although thick snow blankets every surface outside my front door, the melancholy beauty of this story ignites a passion for the season of new beginnings, celebrating once again the power of the written word shared with others.

I strongly encourage you to go read ““With Tales in their Teeth, From the Mountain They Came” and then come join us for a spoiler-laden discussion following the break. Sharing it is my gift to those who also revel in the importance of words.

Continue reading With Tales in Their Teeth, From the Mountain They Came ~A.C. Wise →

Book Reviews, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Short Stories

Clarkesworld Issue 78, March 2013

It’s Friday! And that means Short Fiction Friday over at SF Signal! This week I review the March issue of Clarkesworld magazine. Editor Neil Clarke had quite the coup this month, featuring three female authors who have had outstanding stories published over the last few months.

Interestingly the three stories have a slightly related theme and yet all three are very different.

Clarkesworld also includes a number of nonfiction articles each month. Wanna feel old? Check out the essay about the film Videodrome on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Yikes! Debut author M.C. Planck discusses his novel The Kassa Gambit and how he has been influenced by genre-great Jack Vance. Fairy tales in their original dark and later sanitized versions are examined in light of what children in today’s world are exposed to by the entertainment industry. And editor Neil Clarke shares an exciting announcement.

The best thing about today’s Short Fiction Friday? All the content is available free online.

Please join me over at SF Signal for non-spoiler reviews and links to the stories.

Don’t forget to join me here on Sunday to discuss Aliette de Bodard’s award-nominated short story “Immersion“.