Tag: Frank Dutkiewicz

Sale! “The Quest Unusual” to Daily Science Fiction

written by David Steffen

My streak of good fortune continues with a third sale in quick succession!

The story:Â “The Quest Unusual”, a story about a strange… knight?

The magazine:Â Daily Science Fiction.

I’m particularly excited about this one, since Frank Dutkiewicz and his reviewer cronies have worked very hard to provide reviews of Daily Science Fiction for Diabolical Plots. I’m looking forward to being involved on the fiction side.

 

Good news! Another new sale, thus reaffirming my irrational superstition that my sales always come in pairs. This time the story is “The Infinite Onion”, an improbable SF story about a research company that is trying to find new ways to profit from portals to parallel worlds. The venue is AE Canadian Science Fiction Review. Huzzah! I am excited! That is all. 🙂 -David Steffen

Daily Science Fiction: March Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

Oh, oh. Falling behind once again. Not Daily’s fault. The quality of stories is still first class. See for yourself.

 

The Stories

The cold is creeping in, in “Snowfall” by Jennifer Mason Black (debut 3/1). Cassandra and Tosh have thrown the last log of an enormous pile of firewood into the wood-burning stove. As they watch the embers die and feel the stove go cold, the siblings reminisce about happier days.

“Snowfall” is a tale of two people that have come to grips with the inevitable. The exhausted pile of wood is a symbol of evaporated hope. The two have made peace with what is about to happen – panic and sorrow long gone for them both – as they become the only attendees of their own wake, choosing to remember the life they shared.

I liked this story. I found it accurate for how two people would react in this situation. The disaster that has happened is unknown but it doesn’t matter to these two at this point. Well done.

 

Millie waits for her bus in “I is for Inertia” by The Alphabet Quartet (debut 3/2). The protagonist sees her everyday, knitting away, at the bus stop. She is there when she boards and there when she departs. Millie is eager to board but she isn’t just waiting for any bus.

Millie may be crazy but the protagonist can see her reasons as philosophical ones. The bus she is waiting for has a destination that we all are eager to get to. This letter, like some of the other Alphabet stories, has an open ending that left me unsatisfied.

 

“Surface” by Thomas J. Folly (debut 3/3 and reviewed by Anonymous).

A society lives for thousands of years under the crust and a pair of intrepid young adventurers defy the warnings of the elders and set off to climb to the surface to get a look at the Eden that waited for them above.

As usual, things don’t work out the way they plan (of course!). I must say I didn’t like beginning of the story where a lot of background information was dumped, but the ending was good. A good twist, well delivered.

 

The use of large, multisyllabic words can, at times, be off-putting, meant solely to disseminate the intellectual acuity of the author. In the case of “Epinikion” by Desmond Warzel (debut 3/4 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), a mouthful in itself, the use of complex words and language was fused so expertly within the narrative that they enhanced the very tale itself. I am reminded of M.T. Anderson.

The story tells of the man who is responsible for cleaning a post victory (or post defeat) battlefield of its Anglo-American corpses. Also in his job description is to retrieve salvageable weapons, and collect dog-tags. He does this with grim determination, and a singing of old battle tunes – to block the sounds of the not-quite-dead-yet fallen.

The details I leave you to discover, and I do recommend you discover them, for this story takes an interesting twist when, due to mechanical difficulties, the Cleaner’s enemy counterpart is forced to land and perform his similar duties simultaneously.

Their meeting is the plot of the story, the character is the heart, and the language is the song. Definitely read this one. Recommended

 

“God’s Gift to Women” by Barbara A. Barnett (debut 3/7 and reviewed by Dustin Adams)

Omnipotence: All, or unlimited power
Omniscience: The capacity to know everything
Precognizance: Knowledge of events before they occur

There seemed to me to be some confusion about the definitions of the three above words in this story, which for me, ruined the punchline a bit. Which is what I felt this story read like — a long joke one might tell another.

So God walks into a bar… Whether or not the man is truly God isn’t clear as the main character states to us that she believes he is. The truth is unclear, although some may say the action taken at the end of the story removes all doubt.

Sadly, there wasn’t a sci-fi or mystical element to this story. So, while short, and harmless, I didn’t feel like it truly belonged on the pages of DSF.

This isn’t necessarily a story to be avoided, I mean, it was humorous enough in its brevity and content, however I’m sure there are other, more thought provoking stories to read this month.

 

“The Song of the Laughing Hyena” by David G. Blake (debut 3/8 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) is a delightfully dark take on The Gift of the Magi, with a little Romeo and Juliet thrown in for good measure.

Kalvin, lord of the manor, has taken full advantage of a servant girl and is, rightfully so, a hated man. Kalvin’s solution is to seek a witch to create a love spell thus solving the problem, and creating a deep, powerful bond.

However, such wounds can not be covered by a salve. The servant girl too finds a method to deal with the atrocity and her pain.

Fatefully, love and hatred combine in an ending that must be read in its entirety. I suggest checking this one out.

 

The quartet proves waste isn’t the only thing recyclable in “J is for Junk” by The Alphabet Quartet (debut 3/9). A Discovery Channel film team is off to investigate the Pacific Trash Vortex. Instead of finding a floating pile of garbage the size of Texas, they discover an island formed of discarded material. The expedition goes from odd to weird when their sexy on-camera star turns up missing.

If you ever watched old monster epics, you’ll recognize this plot really quick. Like most recycled material, this tale is really bland when compared to the original. This tongue-in-cheek recreation was just plain silly.

 

“Tuna Fish” by Andrew Kaye (debut 3/10 and reviewed by James Hanzelka) is an interesting take on protein substitutes. Jonathan has a pregnant wife that is very picky on what she can eat without experiencing nausea. When the source is suspect, he proceeds to gather his own, of course when you do that you sometimes get more than you bargained for.

This one was a little over the top for me, but still fun. It did cause me to think about our sources of food and how little we seem to care about the consequences of our actions.

 

“Shark’s Teeth” by T.A. Pratt (debut 3/11 and reviewed by James Hanzelka)

Nice setting, I love Hawai’i. When a Sorceress is banished to Hawai’i she must find a new line of work. Her friend wants her to open an agency, but she is resisting. That is until she has a chance encounter with a god in human form.

This is a nice use of local Hawaiian customs and folklore blended with a bit of Harry Dresden. I liked the mix, but someone not as familiar with Hawaiian lore might be put off. It is still a good read, and if you are interesting in learning about Hawai’i or just like a bit of fun, dive in.

 

A forgotten mythical beast yearns to feed in “The Cloud Dragon Ate Red Balloons” by Tom Cardamone (debut 3/14). A cloud dragon hungers for the young boys he sees playing in the soccer fields and playgrounds. He is the last of his kind that still roams the Earth, mistaken for a cloud, as other dragons wait for the day to re-emerge.

“The Cloud Dragon” is more of a tale of what dragons used to be than a story of one monster on the prowl. I learned much of Mr. Cardamone’s mythical world, which is what this tale seemed to be, an introduction to his fantasy universe. The story never evolved and therefore sputtered like the spent drops of a depleted rain cloud.

 

Feels conflict with programming in “Skin of Steel” by Siobhan Shier (debut 3/15). The protagonist is a robot who serves as a guard and servant for a spoiled heir of a wealthy corporation. Elaine is the Paris Hilton of her day – beautiful, extravagant, self-absorbed , just as she was designed, perfect in everyway. Not all creations follow all their protocols, while others perform them too well. Public perception is everything so therefore events must be closely managed, especially when disaster is involved.

“Skin of Steel” plays on a conspiratorial notion that nothing is done by accident. Elaine has a flaw in her design, a flaw that most would consider a virtue. Virtues run counter for a company mascot whose unknown job is to stay in the limelight. The protagonist is a robot so is therefore easier to control, but feelings run deep for a machine that has been awarded a measure of free will. New programming forces him to recognize his feelings, feelings held in check by duty.

Ms. Shier portrayal of a spoiled woman, used as a reverse promotional mascot, was brilliant. I found this premise surprisingly plausible. A very inventive work of art.

 

“K is for Kinky” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 3/16) is an advertisement for the latest sex-ploitation. The narrator entices the reader to try sex in a cover; people used to be born with skin. Sex in your epidermal layer is like nothing you can imagine, just be wary of the aroma.

“K” is one of those far future parodies meant to show how much we are attached to the parts of us that can be so gross, when described in detail.

 

Twin sisters resist an alien invasion in “Self and Self” by Jacob A. Boyd (debut 3/17). Jane and Kim take turns watching each other while the other one sleeps. Earth is in the throws of an alien invasion. Squid-like creatures from light-years away will switch places with you while you dream. The girls make sure to wake the other before the switch can be made. The sisters vow to look after each other even when the people they know have gone. Family must always stick together, even if it is from light years away.

“Self and Self” is a new take on the “Body Snatcher” theme. Many in the world have succumbed to the inevitable. Radio broadcasts have announced it is everyone’s patriotic duty to ignore the switches. Jane and Kim are two who have no intentions of giving in to the inevitable. The story tracks their progress as two girls on the run but with nowhere to go. The whole time you get the feeling you are watching a spider in a tub that is battling from going down the drain. An intriguing and well thought out story.

 

Advancing technology in a world of magic is the theme of “Newfangled” by K. G. Jewell (debut 3/18). The protagonist is left irritated at his son, Mark, after a repair bill to fix his fridge leaves his wallet $1535 lighter. The garage ghoul had a case of the munchies after finding Mark’s stash of pot. Dad is out to discipline his son but discovers Mark is in deep with a tutoring demon. Now Dad feels out of the loop and old in a world that is leaving him behind.

“Newfangled” is a story of changing times. The technology of fridge elves and cactus nymphs has gone way past him. Magic has become too advanced for him to understand but isn’t beyond Mark’s, but the boy has gotten over his head with a debt to his demon. Fortunately, not everything new is beyond the reach of people stuck in the past.

I found this story clever. Mr. Jewell wrote a fantasy that anybody a generation removed from high school can identify with. I like his style and imagination. I will be looking forward to more of his work.

 

A director is having trouble getting his actor to cooperate in “That’s Show Business” by Bruce Boston (debut 3/21). He could just turn the actor off but it would take the Hologram Department a week to make another, an expensive decision for a film already over budget. A decision that would be best suited for a producer.

“That’s Show Business” shows us a Hollywood where the entertainment has taken complete control of entertainment. The story was nice but predictable. The ending I found fabulous. High marks for that.

 

A painter discovers his veins holds the vibrant colors in “Iron Oxide Red” by Gwendolyn Clare (debut 3/22). By accident, the protagonist cut his finger while painting a scene in kitchen. His finger bleeds the color he needs. The painting is a hit, so much so his fellow students salivate for the painted fruit within. The painter discovers he will bleed other colors at different parts of his body, bringing a whole new meaning to putting everything you have into your work.

“Iron Oxide Red” is the type of story only Van Gogh could identify with. The painter becomes a cutter for his art. He slices into different parts of himself to see what colors bleed. The story goes from a painter’s self-sacrifice for his art to a self-deprecating man who can’t comprehend the danger he is to himself.

 

In “L is for Luminous” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 3/23), a successful husband and wife burglar team runs into trouble when they come upon a wild angel during a heist. The angel bites the Mrs and curses her with the power of illumination. Now she is as bright as a fluorescent moments before it overloads. A glowing burglar is a retired burglar, unless the con duo can rework a new con.

“L” is an inventive flash; a very detailed plot for a story under a thousand words. This tale had a lot going on and had a clever solution to a brilliant problem. It left me very impressed.

 

“Girl Who Asks Too Much” by Eric James Stone (debut 3/24) is a story of an inquisitive child and an irritated adult. The girl can’t stop asking questions of the Great Egg and why some animals and plants came from it and why others do not. Instead of accepting things as the way they are, she must know why. Unable to silence the girl’s questions, the protagonist takes the girl to the Great Egg. She is eager to get to the truth, and the truth she shall find.

The title of this story, “Girl Who Asks Too Much,” is the name the protagonist gives the young lady. She is like most children who can’t stop asking why, and he is like the adult who tires of the endless why’s that follow each answer. Mr. Stone amazes me on how in depth he can make a story with a thousand words. The reveal may be predictable to a few but it doesn’t damper the appeal of this piece.

 

Trust by David D. Levine (debut 3/25). Michele and her family live in a refuge camp subsiding on a cup and half of rice a day. The rising ocean had forced them away from their California home. So little food, so little hope, she forms a plan that will spare her teenage daughter from a dim a future.

“Trust” is a story of misguided faith and greed. Michele takes advantage of her overprotective husband’s prejudice and despair, using her daughter as a pawn. Michele comes off a despicable person. You gradually learn how demented she is as you follow along and view her convoluted logic in a despaired world.

Some of the best stories I have read were done form the perspective of an unlikable protagonist. However, it is difficult to pull off and Mr. Levine didn’t pull it off in this one. Michele is remarkably shallow, and shallow people are difficult to root for.

 

A writer performs body art that leaves her subject speechless in “Words on a Page” by Allison Starkweather (debut 3/28). A man allows his girl to writing something on him, she continues , writing feelings in different languages , and he can feel the words begin to leave him as she does.

“Words” describes what the man is going through as the woman writes. He tries to imagine what she is writing in the areas he can’t see and the words in the places he can. You get a glimpse of his growing paralysis as she writes on every square inch of his being.

The story is of one character playing at the expense of the other. A first I thought it was a tattoo artist gone wild. The ending sentence came off as contrived.

 

A writer performs body art that leaves her subject speechless in “Written Out” by Terra LeMay (debut 3/29). A girl asks if she can write a word on her boyfriend’s back, then goes hog wild. Her writing takes a life of her own as her subject’s words are taken from him and are exposed to the world on the canvas of his own body.

“Written Out” is a companion story for “Words on a Page”. While Ms. Starkweather’s story done mostly from the man’s point of view, Ms. LeMay’s is done exclusively from the artist’s. The two authors critique each other’s works and submitted their stories together. The decision was wise because, although the pieces worked individually, they are brighter when compared side-by-side.

 

We walk a pattern in “M is for Mall” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 3/30), and if it is disrupted, run for the hills. The protagonist is a security guard at the local mall. Every morning the retired residents of the town arrive to walk their complicated patterns. Then mall management decides to erect a new stand in the way of their routine route. Big mistake.

I found this story to be amusing. Not much to it, and I’m not sure why the results at the end came about, but I still found it fun to read.

 

Victor Frankenstein monster is in search of friends, again, in The Modern Prometheus by Ed Wyrd (debut 3/31).

This is a mini modern retelling of an old classic. The reveal is a ‘when’ the story occurs. Amusing and very short.

 

Analysis

What else can I say? I’m still enjoying DSF. For those of you who have yet to read it, for heaven sakes, subscribe already. Can’t beat the price, that is for sure.

Anonymous is currently on a research project for his next book, The Collective Story about Everyone and Everything. He is 234,764,431 pages into it and has contracted a large section of Washington State for the paper to print it.

Special thanks to Dustin Adams and James Hanzelka for their continuing help.

Daily Science Fiction: February Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

Onward! Still plugging away. It feels as if I am finally making ground reviewing this very ambitious project.

This month we have the return of Cat Rambo and the debut of the very successful Jay Lake, but it is also the month that has the most unfamiliar authors to me yet. I believe it is because this is when Daily Science Fiction had reached its stride in the industry. Because of the its pay scale, ease of its submission process, volume of material needed, and friendly availability to its readers; the amount of fresh material and authors , both pro and amateur , likely surpassed or equaled any other publication about the time Jon and Michele received the stories that ended up in this month’s email out. It is a testament of the success of this innovative project. The readers and authors have realized how good of a publication Daily Science Fiction has become. When is the rest of the industry going to acknowledge it?

I will continue to beat the drum, but I’m having trouble turning up the noise.

 

The Stories

“The Elephant Man’s Love Child” by Leslie What (debut 2/1) is the story of a girl imprisoned in a hospital. The girl is the discarded offspring of the Elephant Man, abandoned for unknown reasons by her mother. She gazes at a photo of her father every night, wishing she could be a part of his life.

I can’t really see the point of this story. The protagonist’s plight is sad but nothing much happened in it. This is a tale where the author’s comments would have been useful.

 

The protagonist is an imprisoned fairy in “E is for Excrement” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 2/2). The fairy has been caged by the MacAllister family for generations and now is the property of a college boy. The first rule on caring for the magical being is to never let him out of the cage. The lad lives in a dorm, a place filled with mischievous young men influenced by peer pressure. A chance for freedom is available thanks to the boys’ desire to try the outrageous.

This brief lettered tale was neat. Gross when you really think about it but done cleverly from the perspective of a clever protagonist. A very nice work of flash.

 

“The Uncharted Isle” by James Hutchings (debut 2/3 and reviewed by James Hanzelka) asks if you ever sat and pondered where that old flame is today? Is she married, with kids? Does she ever sit and ponder where you are? Well here’s the answer.

Nice little thought exercise, sort of Ulysses for the modern man. This little ditty touches on the deepest desires of us all, the desire to be loved, in a short little story.

 

In “Imaginary Enemies” by Colum Paget (debut 2/4 and reviewed by James Hanzelka), Sandra Barclay is in a contest of wills, with herself. Her personality has been split by a radical medical procedure and now she is tormented by her alternate personality, Ingrid. A new procedure can restore her personality, but can she live with herself afterward?

Reminiscent of a common theme of P.K. Dick, what is reality, this story looks at it from the standpoint of the individual. The question of who we are and what we are is deftly handled and leads to an interesting conclusion.

 

“Gathering Glory” by Steve Stanton (debut 2/7 and reviewed by James Hanzelka). Nigel Harris meets his publisher for the first time at a conference. He soon discovered the meeting was more than just about his first story. He was to discover more about himself than he thought.

This story covers some familiar ground with a different perspective. It was interesting to see how the author pulled together the threads of the story. In the end, however, it still seemed a little too familiar.

 

Reliving cherished memories can have many benefits in “Memory Bugs” by Alter S. Reiss (debut 2/8). The protagonist has a memory hive in his home, bugs that record events in your life. He uses the bugs to remember fine details of his date with Susan, beneficial when you wish to impress, debilitating when memories become more important than new experiences.

The memory hive is a tool the protagonist needs for his job. The bugs in them imprint fine details and pass them along into mites (in which you ingest) so you can re-experience them later. The story focuses on the protagonists evolving relationship with his girl, covering several years in a few paragraphs, and takes the shape of an addiction tale. How they work was glossed over. The protagonist’s inability to grasp the downsides of overusing the hive made him unlikable.

Interesting concept pasted onto a plotline that has been told in variety of ways. Not a grand story but okay.

 

“F is Forever” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 2/9) is about one hell of a resort and spa! Hell has become kinder and gentler. The damned are now treated to a heavenly vacation. Each customer has the ultimate pleasure just a fingertip away, and it won’t get any closer.

“F” is hell with a makeover. Eternal damnation has changed with the times, as has its choice of fitting torture. Entertaining work of flash. I liked it.

 

In “Swallowing Ghosts” by Cat Rambo (debut 2/10 and reviewed by Anonymous), a boy, never named, fails to cover his mouth with his hand when he yawns and his dead Grandma’s warning comes to pass; he swallows a ghost (see title). Said unnamed boy troops over to his Grandpa and, despite his ghost-acquired handicap of involuntary verbal gobbledy-gook, is able to recruit the eccentric old man to his ghost bustin’ cause.

But can Grandpa exorcise the ectoplasmic visitor?

I have read quite a few Cat Rambo stories, and although this isn’t my favourite story–it’s pretty short and fairly simplistic–I still like it. It doesn’t showcase her talents in quite the way I have seen in some of her more complex and darker stories. That said, this story is simply a bit of fun.

 

“The Birdcage Heart” by Peter M Ball (debut 2/11 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) begins with a hint of sadness and a touch of cruelty and degrades from there. It also began with such a foreign concept that it was initially hard to imagine and grasp. Yet, the human mind adapts and soon I had accepted that a man literally has a bird cage in his chest in which various species of birds are kept.

The man’s affections for a woman whose motivation reeked of fetishism was sympathetic. Most of us have been in poisonous relationships where we’ve done the bulk of the changing. The man in this story is no different, only, he’s got a bird cage in his chest cavity.

The story circles around to where it began, and the man learns to trust himself. After taking so much external emotional damage, he’s able to risk some internal for the sake of allowing himself to feel an attachment to the birds he keeps within himself.

I appreciated the metaphor at the end of the story, but found the journey to get there a bit cumbersome.

 

“Boy Seeds” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman (debut 2/14 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), suffers from one major and devastating problem: it is too short. It’s a novella or novel crammed into short form, and while the story itself was interesting enough, I found I couldn’t latch on to any one aspect of it because of the speed in which it moved. One does not visit a fine art gallery then run full tilt through it.

Noma lives in a Big Brother like society in which she’s expected to conform to certain normalities. However, she’s always had her own mind and has gotten into trouble for this in the past. So, when it’s time for her to grow her own boy, she dives in and invents one who is sure to touch her heart. However, with an expiration date of six months, this is not a wise idea.

The story ends sort of abruptly and if there’s a moral, I didn’t discover it, however I do believe this is merely a fault of the story’s length. If it were say a hundred pages, or two or three, I would read every word because that is what this idea needs. It needs to grow, and live – for more than six months.

 

A sick mother, approaching army, and a ribbon-happy shaman shape “A Ribbon For A Shaman” by S. J. Hirons (debut 2/15). The protagonist is a young man. His father cares for his ill mother while the silent shaman ties a ribbon around everything of value, a sign that it should be left alone. The village worries for the sanity of their shaman and consider replacing him. The protagonist is not ready to give up on his mother, or the shaman, and learns the old man has plans for him.

“Ribbon” is a complicated tale. The author wrote the shaman as a man losing it. The rules of the ribbon seemed silly to me though. I saw no reason why the ribbon law had to be obeyed. A hint of a consequence would have made the story more convincing for me. Not a bad piece but sticking with the story took a bit effort.

 

Mal’llandri, God of a Thousand Tongues, has come to Earth in “G is for Graven” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 2/16). The god destroys Las Vegas as demonstration of his power. He rewards worshippers with supernatural gifts. The sculpturist protagonist wishes for the power of psychometry to help her improve as an artist. She should be wary of all-powerful gifts from all-powerful beings.

“G” is the tale of misguided faith. The new god proves to be more devious than his mortal cohort’s envision. The protagonist unwittingly discovers how a gift she thought would help her create would destroy her humanity. A well-done letter.

 

In “Tonight with Words Unspoken” by Jeff Samson (debut 2/17) a couple is off to make a new home on a distant world. They have developed a habit of falling asleep and waking separately as a couple and decide they should enter their deep-sleep chambers the same way. Habits can be difficult to break, and some can break the habit makers when broken.

“Tonight” is a dark tale of grief. The ending, although sad, became an unnecessary travesty compounded. The enormous expense of traveling to another star is erased by the protagonist’s inability to adjust to loss. I’d hope any psychological examine would weed out individuals like him.

 

“Rinse or Repeat” by Sylvia Hiven (debut 2/18) is the tale of an unfaithful man hoping to fix the mistakes of his past. In a modern day Manhattan populated with immigrating mythical beings, Gabriel braves Chinatown in hopes of finding a displacer. The middle-aged husband of an understanding wife fell hard for a fairy and now wants to return to the moment when he first pumped into the Merridy Redwing to prevent the events that ruined his marriage and eventually broke his heart. It is regret that leads Gabriel to take this fateful step, but desire can prove to be an equally powerful of an emotion.

“Rinse or Repeat” is a short but full tale. The story is under 5000 words but had more detail, setting, and intrigue than most novelette size tales. Ms. Hiven wrote a very convincing love-struck Gabriel a year removed from a steaming affair. She set him in a New York with dragons lurking in the shadows and fairies intermingling as temptress vixens run amok. We view a society in which fairies take advantage of men and get a brief insight of their non-human motivations. Ms. Hiven also introduces us to a method of time travel with clear and strict rules, an important element for me (can’t make time travel too easy).

Gabriel is resolute in his decision to change his past. His earlier risk-taking confirms his commitment to the reader. But as the story evolves, and the more we learn of affair, his resolution starts to waver. The ending serves as the pinnacle of the tale, Gabriel standing at a fateful, irreversible moment between desire and healing.

I was very satisfied when I reached the end of this story, but it wasn’t until I wrote this review that I learned how much I really enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would be praising it so much but I am impressed with the impression it has left on me. This is the first work of Sylvia Hiven I have read. I will be looking forward to her next. Recommended

 

In “Vestigial Organs” by Katie H. Camp (debut 2/21 and reviewed by Anonymous), a couple is worried about their child who appears to be special. She laughs at things the parents don’t understand, steals toys from other children without them realising; the parents consult a physician who quickly diagnoses the problem–her eyes function perfectly. She lives in a society of blind people who don’t like the advantage it confers on the odd person born with eyes, but they have a solution for this problem…

I thought the story was well written, but felt the premise was weak. I am no expert, but seeing confers a major survival advantage, which was the major complaint the parents seemed to be making, they couldn’t control the young child (ergo, an advantage). What about the poor or those who can’t afford physicians? No society is without its critics andÂI wondered how this society could defend itself against a single determined sighted man.

In the Country of the Blind, the One-Eyed man is king.

A story isn’t merely its prose, characters, or dialogue, it is also the premise.ÂFor me the premise seemed flawed, which sapped the pleasure from this well-written tale.

 

A gun is the main protagonist in “Hello, said the Gun” by Jay Lake (debut 2/22). The story is of an artificially intelligent handgun who was left in an oak tree a century and a half before. He encounters a girl who happens to be walking by. Lonely and neglected, the gun seeks to be held once again.

“Hello, said the Gun” is a tale with twin perspectives. We learn of a character known as only ‘Girl’, a loner left to fend for herself in a harsh world. She is wary of Men and her solitude has left her suspicious of everything. Gun only wants to talk to someone. It’s AI programming has allowed it to learn, adapt, and improve on itself. Being left in a tree for so long runs counter to what its designers intended for it. Of the two characters, the weapon comes off as the one most human.

Jay Lake’s accomplishments speak for itself. So impressive they are that the editor’s joked that their publication “â€set a record for being the longest to publish a Jay Lake” tale. Well I think it may have been wise to wait a bit longer. As always, Mr. Lake has a way with words that makes his stories easy to follow, but switching perspectives in a tight narrative rarely works, and it certainly didn’t work in this one. I had a problem with a premise that had a character who experienced so little human interaction in her life (talking about the human one here) and yet was able to converse fluently. The ending also came off as non-eventful to me.

I have read plenty Jay Lake stories and found them fabulous. The praise for most of his work is well deserved but with this one instance, I am left disappointed.

 

An old racing mare is the subject of “H is for Horse” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 2/23). She has lived a long life, birthing many champion horses. She longs not for her youth when she could run like the wind but of a majestic prince she knew long ago. Fine horses like herself are often treated like princesses. This princess awaits her prince.

“H” is a story with a unique twist, one you won’t suspect. The authors did well using the perspective of a horse without turning into a Disney-cartoonish narrative. The ending of this flash piece is done really well. I rather liked this letter of the quartets.

 

Paolo wants to forget in “Trick of Memory” by D. A. D’Amico (debut 2/24). He wishes to erase the memory of his time with his abusive wife, Lisa, and has purchased a pill called Vive. The drug has the capability to erase recent pain, in moderation, but Paolo just swallowed an entire dose just as Lisa walks in. The couple duel as Paolo waits for her to be a stranger to him once again. Lisa can’t just let him off that easy. Being a tormentor can require some craftiness.

“Trick of Memory” is an odd tale. Although it isn’t really one, I liken it to a couple’s final moments, as one is about to commit suicide in front of the other. Paolo has suffered some wicked abuse over the months and erasing his memory of her comes across as his way of giving her the finger rather than an escape from pain. Lisa seems to delight in giving him hell, and reacts as if letting him off the hook would be like allowing him to escape the fiery underworld while she was left to burn in its flames.

The story I found very interesting but following a dysfunctional couple, not bright enough to part ways, made it tough for me to care what happened to them.

 

An old family harpsichord returns in “The Mysterious Barricades” by Lyn C.A. Gardner (debut 2/25). The musical instrument has been in Lucy’s family for years. Believed to be lost in a fire that killed her mother years ago, it has been returned to her, partially restored. The harpsichord has a history of dividing her family, and now it has ended up with her just as the love of her life, Adrienne, is leaving for a job in Paris. Now old memories are reborn to mingle with a present that is crumbling around her.

“The Mysterious Barricades” is a weird ghost story. Lucy is a woman who is suffers from separation anxiety. She can’t handle Adrienne out of her life. The harpsichord is anchor to her past. Family ghosts haunt it. They replay old events in her life and help her reassemble the old musical machine. The flashbacks that play before her eyes remind her of the effect it had as its very presence drove a wedge between her parents and grandparents. The strange events all lead to an odd climax, and strange ending.

It was a weird trip following this story. Lucy story may be more of one person’s mental breakdown than it was about ghosts.

 

“Waiting in the Corners” by Brian Dolton (debut 2/28) is more of a confessional than a story. The mysterious narrator is elusive about who and what it is, hinting that is less a thing of substance but an instiller of fear and apprehension.

I really don’t know how to comment on this one. The narrator seems to be warning the reader without implying any kind of threat. It is ominous but harmless at the same time. In short, it becomes a journey into a haunted house that is scarier on the outside than the inside.

 

Analysis

The Alphabet Quartet still delights me, as does the growing variety of fiction and authors. On to March.

Frank Dutkiewicz, Dustin Adams, and Anonymous each contributed to this review and all had their turn in the sun. Time to shine a light on someone else.

James A. Hanzelka graduated from University of Utah with a degree in Chemistry in 1972. After graduation he became the property of the US Army for the next twenty years. He later found work as a Physical Scientist, developing test methods for evaluation chemical defense equipment for the US Forces. He has developed several unique methodologies, which resulted in both National and International awards. He was a member of the international community developing standards for protective equipment used by militaries around the world. He is the author of over 150 different technical documents and papers. Since 1998 he has been involved in private consulting on chemical defense equipment development, and is currently in pursuit of a career in writing. He holds degrees in chemistry and industrial engineering and claims to know nothing of a guardian angel that hovers over his left shoulder.

Daily Science Fiction: January Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

A correction is in order for last months review. I called the leading Sci-Fi news outlet in the industry Lotus when every other person on the planet knows it’s Locus. Big mistake, won’t make it again.

The new year marks the beginning of the Alphabet Quartet contributions. Tim Pratt, Jenn Reese, Heather Shaw, and Greg Van Eekhout have won more awards, sold more books, and have appeared in more professional paying publications than my collective friends and my own overactive imagination could hope to accomplish combined. Every Wednesday a new letter of the alphabet graces DSF, (at least until they run out of letters) making it the first weekly serial in ezine history (I think). I have been eager to read them and have avoided the temptation of giving any a look in my emails, just incase they need to be read in order. Aside from this impressive quartet, I see other previously published DSF authors in this months issue. Should be a good one.

The Stories

Roger Ebert once said, “I don’t review a movie based on what it’s about, but how it goes about it.” If I follow that same philosophy, this is the best story I’ve ever read. “Wrath of the Porcelain Gods” by Nicky Drayden (debut 1/3 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) is, word for word, perfect.

It’s written in 2nd person. The subject matter is generally considered vile. The narrator him/herself wonders why they’d taken up such a disgusting hobby. Why then such high praise?

The narrator has studied the excremental activities of all one hundred fifteen sapient species of Vero-Avalon station save one. The documentation and revelation thereof is the plot. The hilarity that ensues is the story. The answer to the question posed above can only be gleaned through understanding. To understand, one must not fight it. (you’ll see.)

Take five minutes out of your day and read this. If you don’t get it, that’s okay, it was only five minutes. However, if you do, you’ll be glad you did. Recommended

 

In the Author Comments section of “Rx” by Jacquelyn Bartel (debut 1/4 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), Ms. Bartel ponders what a society would be like if it used physical pain to treat mental illness. I can’t help but wonder how such a society would evolve considering this philosophy has been proven not to work by the mental institutions of old.

I delved into the author comments in hopes of shedding some light on the story itself, which was not sci-fi, a little confusing, and unsatisfying. I believe there should be a desire to read the author’s comment, not a need.

Unfortunately I can’t recommend this story. Which, by the way, is about one person in said society who takes a pill to induce pain (assumable) because they have a mental affliction. However, since I was given no indication of said mental state, all I got out of the story was someone ingesting a pain pill then passing out in the store.

 

At the end of his life, William Shakespeare has completed his greatest work in “A is for Arthur” by The Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/5). Will has worked over a year on “Arthur”, a tragedy of the legendary king and his mythical Camelot court. Now a mysterious man from a forgotten time has come to take it from him. Will knows to surrender his play would be to rob generations to come of his greatest of masterpieces, but the stranger aims to show him how releasing to the public it will be an even greater tragedy.

“A” is the first in a series written by four accomplished authors. The story shows how much power Shakespeare has in the imagination of mankind, a power that brings life to his characters in their own reality. The mysterious man (a person whose identity you may be able to guess) has a gift that allows him to transport through time, space, and into the new realities. He is out to stop the reality that will form with Shakespeare’s play.

I have avoided reading any of these tales when they appeared in my email box, not knowing if they should be read in order. I have no idea how the other ones will turn out but act one was fabulous. The author (or authors) captured a skittish Shakespeare, and the rest of a complete cast, rather well. I just loved where they took this tale and how it ended. Recommended

 

“Waiting for Raymond” by Eric James Stone (Published Jan 6th, 2011 and reviewed by Anonymous)

A simple tale told well. I have read a few of Mr. Stone’s stories and have been impressed with the simplicity of his stories. In”Waiting for Raymond” a young beautiful lady–Dee–is preparing for a night out and her preparations are being observed by a poltergeist that haunts her apartment. After putting the finishing touches to her appearance, she realises she is going to be let down by her boyfriend, Raymond, who is always late for everything. He won’t answer his cell phone.

The poltergeist is the kind soul and tries to help Dee any way it can…

I thought this was well written, simple and effective, but not mind-blowing. I liked it, though, but not as much as another of his more recent DSF stories, “The Girl Who Asks to Much”.

 

Diff gets reacquainted with a college colleague, he would rather avoid in “Bit Storm” by Lancer & Shelli Kind (debut 1/7). The programmer has a needy AI companion, a demanding girlfriend, and a nano-created artificial hand. Jack, his AI, wants a cat. Zoe, his girl, is pushing him to go to a Halloween party. While leaving his office, he runs into SickDevil, a college acquaintance who was kicked out of school. SickDevil is brilliant but has an anti-social attitude that many find odd. SickDevil appears to like Diff, even giving him a nano cat for Jack as a gift. Shortly after, Diff’s nano hand starts to ache, something it has never done before.

“Bit Storm” is the longest story DSF has published in months. The story line is centered on Diff. He is in the middle of a hectic couple of days, trying to upload a crucial program with a whining AI to deal with, all while trying to please a pushy girlfriend. SickDevil is a new age anarchist. He ruins an online game Diff and his friends enjoy, then gives his new friend a nano cat for an apology. It isn’t long before all the nano technology begins to react oddly (what a surprise).

I could go into more detail on this story but it would be easier for me to be blunt. I did not like it. The present tense narration gave this a feeling of a movie script, which was fitting considering the plot came off like a bad sci-fi horror flick. Why Diff would accept anything from a person he knew had a head full of loose screws I could never figure out. What was worse SickDevil never suffered any repercussions for his multiple futuristic felonies. This story just didn’t fit my tastes.

 

Joshua searches for his personal diamonds amongst the mountains of rough in “The Junk Artist” by Lavie Tidhar (debut 1/10). He is one of many pickers checking the discarded trash of the Jaffra flea market, scooping up broken toys and obsolete gadgets the street vendors toss aside. Each item he sees as its own work of art, even when their relevant usage is in question. This smelly, depressed area is but a slice of heaven for Joshua.

The story isn’t anything but a readers guide to following a hoarder around as he garbage picks. We view each item as Joshua contemplates its merits, and trust me, everything he comes across can be defined simply as junk. The story takes a turn when a strange cat appears to strike up a conversation with Joshua; so odd and baffling I suspect it was inserted to give this piece its speculative element.

Lavie Tidhar is an enigma to me. His writing is superb. The flea market is so vivid and it is so easy to fall into Joshua’s perspective, a rare gift he has. But, I never get what his stories are about. Often Lavie’s plots seem to go nowhere. Perhaps his themes are beyond the capability of my mortal mind to comprehend.

I’m sorry but I failed to grasp the point of this well written story.

 

A broken dental drill bit in Sally’s mouth gives her the ability to hear aliens in “Bit by Bit” by Karina Fabian (debut 1/11). Poor Sally isn’t sure if it’s the drugs that are making her hallucinate. Her dental insurance adjuster is sure a mental health provider is what she needs. A strange man wearing an aluminum hat gives her some relief. Finally a customer believes her and helps her find an explanation. The line between crazy and savior can be so thin.

“Bit by Bit” is a ‘bit’ fun. The story follows a staggered journey of a woman who hears voices. The events in her life and how she deals with them, gives this a tale a light but jumpy feeling to it. Ms. Fabian chooses not to explore Sally’s feelings and actions during this odd event but rather reports the odd things she does as if it’s a vague log.

I thought the story was fine but what I enjoyed more were Ms. Fabian’s comments on the inspiration for the story. Far more entertaining, in my opinion.

 

Jonas loves climbing the Banyan Tree with his friend, Tabby in “B is for Banyan Tree” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/12). The tree is a real jungle gym, enormous and full of adventure. He follows his friend while playing ‘explorer’, until Tabby disappears. Tabby insists he should have stayed with her and tells him of the tree’s special secret.

Act two of the Alphabet Quartet was a disappointment compared to its opening one. Jonas is sensible but a coward in the eyes of this reader. I feel as if I was robbed of a greater adventure.

 

Two students won’t be turning in their homework in Miss Linderman in “Late Homework” by James Van Pelt (debut 1/13). An accident has claimed the lives of Cathy and Melinda, students in her Literature and Composition class. They are the sixth and seventh to perish in her 12 years on the job. The last row of her class is a reminder of them, and how they were unable to complete their last assignment.

This story is set during Halloween and would have been great if it was posted that week. I can understand why the editors wouldn’t want to wait 10 months to post it, which is too bad because it scored well on the creepy meter. A well-done ghost story.

 

Akorsa is an oracle who hungers for her next song and the soul of the one who sings it in “A Song Never Tasted” by Barbara A. Barnett (debut 1/14). She is one of two supernatural beings left from a long ago time when mortals would praise the oracles as conduits to the gods. Now seen as devils, Akorsa must hide in the bushes and wait to feed on songs gone stale. Then a young woman sings verses Akorsa has believed were lost to time. The beauty of the song is such that Akorsa wishes to spare this angel, but the other remaining oracle, Neashern, has no intention of going hungry when the rich flavor of an old song is there to feed upon.

“A Song Never Tasted” is a tale which gradually evolves into a ghoulish love story. Akorsa fights two battles, one with Neashern and the other with her own vampire-ish hunger. Hirneen is the 16-year old girl who sees visions of the oracles and is blessed with the songs the oracles hunger for. After saving Hirneen from Neashern, Akorsa forms a relationship with the girl and begins to fall in love with her. Akora hungers for Hirnnen’s lips and the taste of the song that comes from them, yet resisting the hunger of its melody, which will kill Hirneen if she dares to feast on it.

This tale left me disturbed. Akorsa’s internal battle gave this story a creepy pedophilic metaphorical feel. Her actions seemed a lot like how an adult would react when they have an attraction to a minor, even when they know those feelings are wrong (It didn’t help when the author spelled out Hirneen’s age). I’m sure that wasn’t Ms. Barnett’s intention and I am not in anyway implying that she was making any such statement, but nevertheless, a story where a really old person preys on a naà ¯ve girl was one that was not for me.

 

The protagonist in “The Voynich Variations” by Edoardo Albert (debut 1/17) is a musical genius. His latest work is so advanced that not even the greatest musical minds of the age can comprehend it. Knowing his works can no longer be appreciated; he retires and turns to one of mankind’s greatest mysteries to test his intellect.

The premise to “The Voynich Variations” is based on the ‘Voynich Manuscript’, an incomprehensible book written in the 15th century and believed to be a work of encrypted genius. The protagonist believes he has discovered the books secret, a brilliantly disguised musical score. Eager to hear the melody for himself, the protagonist deciphers the score and reveals its secret.

Quite an inventive tale. I had to Wikipedia the legendary script to reacquaint myself with the manuscript. I found this tale compelling and the ending worthy. A nice work of flash.

 

“Family Photo” by Elena Gleason (debut 1/18) is the story of a mother and her son who has inherited an unwanted family trait. Wes is her good boy. He couldn’t help it if he was a monster. Karlen’s father had the same problem, turning into something frightening every full moon. When Karlen saw the first signs her boy shared with his grandfather, she couldn’t bring herself to do what needed to be done. Now every full moon, she kisses her husband goodbye and leaves to do battle with her son.

“Family Photo” is a tale of mother who wants to right a wrong. She puts on a brave face for a husband who was injured when their boy first became a monster. The premise of this story left me baffled. So I don’t ruin it for those who haven’t read it, I won’t go into why but I really do question Karlen’s choices. I don’t know what she really fears at this point.

The stories protagonist’s motives left me scratching my head for this piece.

 

The protagonist in “C is for Crate” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/19) has a life filled with ambitions that she can never seem to fulfill. College dropout, behind on rent, hard to hold down a job; she is a girl holding onto the lowest rung of the ladder of life. Then she finds a sealed crate at the animal shelter labeled ‘Eats Dreams.’ Dreams is something she has plenty of , reminders of what she hasn’t become – and she is willing to part with a few to see what is making the faint mews behind the warning on the crate.

“C” is a Pandora’s Box type of theme. We know so much about the protagonist’s history but so little about her. So little she became more of a mystery to me than the odd creature in the crate. There was no hard punch to this lettered story but it still carried my interest. I liked C better than B but it couldn’t compare to the earlier vowel.

 

Clay is not doing a good job of impressing his date in “Automatic Selection” by Victoria Podmajersky (debut 1/20). He won’t ride the bus and suggests dining in a restaurant with human waitresses. His date is finding him quirky but Clay has a very good reason why he avoids the automated world whenever he can.

“Automatic Selection” has the feeling of a man hiding an obsessive disorder with the advanced technology of the future. The truth of what it is he is hiding proves to be far more of a social disability. The reveal of this twist was well placed but came off as an information dump. Not a bad idea but I preferred an ending that flowed as smoothly as the first 80% of the story.

 

Sibling rivalry is the theme in “Standing Next to Heaven” by Terra LeMay (debut 1/21). Shelia is ten. Heaven is her younger sister and has a potential psychic gift. The gift has a price however. Dangerous seizures inflict Heaven. Shelia must watch after her gifted sister and take a backseat to her parent’s attention.

“Standing Next to Heaven” is a tale millions of people could identify with. The story is told by an older sister who feels slighted and ignored and takes her ill feelings out on her poor sister (as siblings often do). Heaven has a gift that hardly sounds like a blessing. You get the idea the only thing Shelia is envious of is the attention her sister receives. Heaven is like a child with a fatal illness or disability. Shelia has become her caretaker and must follow rules concerning Heaven. Shelia comes off as cruel; not a sadistic type of cruelty, but a meanness all siblings have been guilty of, been a victim of, or both.

This story is the type of speculative tale that says more about the type of people we are today than about what we will be like in the future. I can’t fathom a person who couldn’t identify with the two little girls in this piece but can imagine a person or two that would be uncomfortable with the plot. Shelia is at a crossroads in their relationship, at the stage when she quits being the tormentor and becomes the protector.

“Standing” is not the type of tale that will leave you in awe. It’s a smooth read but not a page-turner, a Twilight Zone tale written as an after-school special. It doesn’t get my full-fledged recommendation but it is one I found great.

 

Elizabeth passes out advice on the health line in “Not with a Bang” by Michelle Ann King (debut 1/24). Epidemics have brought about anxiety across society. The Central Health Line is meant to ease the public’s concerns. Phone screeners like Elizabeth listen to caller’s symptoms and pass out diagnoses and advice. She does it with a smile as she lies. After all, life must go on even when it’s coming to an end.

“Not with a Bang” is not your typical end of the world story. The government has set up a disinformation help line in an effort to keep a public calm. Elizabeth has stock answers and a book to assign a non-fatal illness to match the symptoms a sick caller has. It’s a unique idea, not very plausible in my opinion but still entertaining.

 

The protagonists in “D is for De Gustibus” by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/26) is on the search for spices to make some curry when she comes across a little herb shop at the mall. The odd but helpful clerk has some very exotic spices, and is willing to part with them for a handful of change.

“D” was an unsatisfying letter for me. The story felt like an opening to a much larger story. Nothing much happened but you get the feeling much would if the story was allowed to evolve.

 

In “…And a Bottle of Rum” by Melissa Mead (debut 27th Jan 2011) Uncle/Captain Jim is a bed-ridden old man who makes model sky-ships, the magical, wooden-with-masts variety, and generally entertains his grandchildren with tales of derring-do from when he captained a ship and fought sky-pirates. His grandson, Matthew, is entranced by his collection of model ships, each in a bottle, a collection that mirrors ships that actually are in service in the Kingdom. Needless to say things aren’t quite as they seem and there is a twist at the end of this flash story.

I thought the story was well-written and a very smooth read. I enjoyed the glance it allowed me into to a world of sky-ships and pirates. I saw elements of the twist before it happened, but perhaps that was only my writer’s eye spotting the foreshadowing.

A nice read.

 

‘Careful what you wish for’ is the theme of “On Paper Wings” by Victoria Sonata (debut 1/28). Shiyo is turning eleven, the age of passage and the granting of the gift of wishes. The wellspring of Hope grants a wish a person desperately desires. The wish can only be used to influence your own life, and not of others. The bright and bubbly Shiyo already leads a happy life with her mother but there is always room for improvement. Wishing is something her mother has stressed to not take lightly because the wellspring only grants one at a time. To wish another erases the wish before. Shiyo endures many years of hardship to learn some wishes are not worth losing no matter how badly a new one is needed.

“On Paper Wings” follows Shiyo’s life from a young girl to an emerging adult. The village in which she lives is isolated and under constant siege from dark and deadly demons. Hunters are on constant guard from the monsters. Shiyo lives alone with her mother and wants to know what she wished for. Her mother declines to answer but promises she will know one day. Shiyo uses her wishes to fill her most important needs of the time. But such as life is, tragedy changes everything, and helps shape the woman she comes to be, and of the wishes she will make.

Ms. Sonata wrote a very engaging character. Shiyo is convincing as a girl who evolves with the events that shape her world. The rules of the wish is what makes this story so compelling. Is losing your earlier wish worth making another? Depends upon the wish. The big mystery of Shiyo’s mother’s wish ended up being no mystery at all. Much of the story was set up for a big finish of a great reveal but there was only one possibility of what the reveal could be, which made the ending almost pointless (almost). Nevertheless the writing and pacing of an unnaturally long story for DSF made this story a worthwhile read.

 

Jade Dragon by Shelly Li (debut 1/31) is a slice of life story of a Chinese peasant girl. Kai Wen lost her mother at a young age and now lives and works for a man who owns a restaurant. She has no family left, no school to attend, and not much of a future. She feels bitter toward a mother who died, leaving her in this predicament. Then a customer gives her tip, a tip worth six months of her salary.

“Jade Dragon” is based on a real life boy Ms. Li encountered in China. The lad’s hard life inspired her to write this short story. This so-so tale became special when I read Ms. Li’s comments about the encounter and could feel how moved she was when I read her comments. How sad it must have been for her. I hope the boy fortunes improved and he ended up living a prosperous life.

Analysis

Another fine month for DSF. I would like to congratulate Jon and Michele for receiving an honorable mention for best new magazine in the Million Writers Award. There were several magazines who earned the honor but I think the actual award was between the winning publication (Lightspeed) and DSF all along. Hard to beat an editor who has had a lifetime of achievement as John J Adams has, especially when your magazine debuted in the fall. I could make an argument on why DSF was more deserving but I do find Lightspeed solid and entertaining.

Congrats to the four DSF authors who received honors in the MW awards. Of the 3 I reviewed I liked “Out of the Box” the most. Well-written and compelling but I doubt it would have made my top ten for the year (a lot of good stories).

 

Frank Dutkiewicz writes most of these reviews but tires of providing the bio so is passing it off to one of his minions.

Anonymous is famous, a braggart, and too shy to show his face and share his address.

Dustin “The Wind” Adams wrote his first book at age 11 (which Anonymous took complete credit for) then took a little time off, eventually finishing the sequel at age 35. “I needed a break,” was his lame excuse but now things are rolling again. He states in this exclusive interview: “I write way more than I submit. I keep thinking that once I publish, I’ll submit more, which isn’t very Vulcan of me. My goal is to have something published professionally by age 40. I’m running out of time, but the deadline provides a nice steady rush”. Dustin is a U.S. Customs broker who owns his own brokerage firm. He lives in the hills of NY near the PA and NJ borders where he hides his lovely wife as he teaches his two adorable children (ages 13 and 1) to live off the land and distrust everyone. Currently, he is working to get his lights turned back on.

 

 

Daily Science Fiction January 2011

“Wrath of the Porcelain Gods” by Nicky Drayden

“Rx” by Jacquelyn Bartel

“A is for Arthur” by The Alphabet Quartet

“Waiting for Raymond” by Eric James Stone

“Bit Storm” by Lancer & Shelli Kind

“The Junk Artist” by Larvie Tidhar

“Bit by Bit” by Karina Fabian

“B is for Banyan Tree” by the Alphabet Quartet

“Late Homework” by James Van Pelt

“A Song Never Tasted” by Barbara A. Barnett

“The Voynich Variations” by Edoardo Albert

“Family Photo” by Elena Gleason

“C is for Crate” by the Alphabet Quartet

“Automatic Selection” by Victoria Podmajersky

“Standing Next to Heaven” by Terra LeMay

“Not with a Bang” by Michelle Ann King

“D is for De Gustibus” by the Alphabet Quartet

“…And a Bottle of Rum” by Melissa Mead

“On Paper Wings” by Victoria Sonata

“Jade Dragon” by Shelly Li

A correction is in order for last months review. I called the leading Sci-Fi news outlet in the industry Lotus when every other person on the planet knows it’s Locus. Big mistake, won’t make it again.

The new year marks the beginning of the Alphabet Quartet contributions. Tim Pratt, Jenn Reese, Heather Shaw, and Greg Van Eekhout have won more awards, sold more books, and have appeared in more professional paying publications than my collective friends and my own overactive imagination could hope to accomplish combined. Every Wednesday a new letter of the alphabet graces DSF, (at least until they run out of letters) making it the first weekly serial in ezine history (I think). I have been eager to read them and have avoided the temptation of giving any a look in my emails, just incase they need to be read in order. Aside from this impressive quartet, I see other previously published DSF authors in this months issue. Should be a good one.

Roger Ebert once said, “I don’t review a movie based on what it’s about, but how it goes about it.”
If I follow that same philosophy, this is the best story I’ve ever read. Wrath of the Porcelain Gods by Nicky Drayden (debut 1/3 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) is, word for word, perfect.

It’s written in 2nd person. The subject matter is generally considered vile. The narrator him/herself wonders why they’d taken up such a disgusting hobby. Why then such high praise?

The narrator has studied the excremental activities of all one hundred fifteen sapient species of Vero-Avalon station save one. The documentation and revelation thereof is the plot. The hilarity that ensues is the story. The answer to the question posed above can only be gleaned through understanding. To understand, one must not fight it. (you’ll see.)

Take five minutes out of your day and read this. If you don’t get it, that’s okay, it was only five minutes. However, if you do, you’ll be glad you did.

Recommended

 

 

In the Author Comments section of Rx by Jacquelyn Bartel (debut 1/4 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), Ms. Bartel ponders what a society would be like if it used physical pain to treat mental illness. I can’t help but wonder how such a society would evolve considering this philosophy has been proven not to work by the mental institutions of old.

I delved into the author comments in hopes of shedding some light on the story itself, which was not sci-fi, a little confusing, and unsatisfying. I believe there should be a desire to read the author’s comment, not a need.

Unfortunately I can’t recommend this story. Which, by the way, is about one person in said society who takes a pill to induce pain (assumable) because they have a mental affliction. However, since I was given no indication of said mental state, all I got out of the story was someone ingesting a pain pill then passing out in the store.

 

At the end of his life, William Shakespeare has completed his greatest work in A is for Arthur by The Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/5). Will has worked over a year on “Arthur”, a tragedy of the legendary king and his mythical Camelot court. Now a mysterious man from a forgotten time has come to take it from him. Will knows to surrender his play would be to rob generations to come of his greatest of masterpieces, but the stranger aims to show him how releasing to the public it will be an even greater tragedy.

“A” is the first in a series written by four accomplished authors. The story shows how much power Shakespeare has in the imagination of mankind, a power that brings life to his characters in their own reality. The mysterious man (a person whose identity you may be able to guess) has a gift that allows him to transport through time, space, and into the new realities. He is out to stop the reality that will form with Shakespeare’s play.

I have avoided reading any of these tales when they appeared in my email box, not knowing if they should be read in order. I have no idea how the other ones will turn out but act one was fabulous. The author (or authors) captured a skittish Shakespeare, and the rest of a complete cast, rather well. I just loved where they took this tale and how it ended.

Recommended

Waiting for Raymond by Eric James Stone (Published Jan 6th, 2011 and reviewed by Anonymous)

A simple tale told well. I have read a few of Mr. Stone’s stories and have been impressed with the simplicity of his stories. In ‘Waiting for Raymond’ a young beautiful lady–Dee–is preparing for a night out and her preparations are being observed by a poltergeist that haunts her apartment. After putting the finishing touches to her appearance, she realises she is going to be let down by her boyfriend, Raymond, who is always late for everything. He won’t answer his cell phone.

The poltergeist is the kind soul and tries to help Dee anyway it can…

I thought this was well written, simple and effective, but not mind-blowing. I liked it, though, but not as much as another of his more recent DSF stories, ‘The Girl Who Asks to Much’.


Diff gets reacquainted with a college colleague, he would rather avoid in Bit Storm by Lancer & Shelli Kind (debut 1/7). The programmer has a needy AI companion, a demanding girlfriend, and a nano created artificial hand. Jack, his AI, wants a cat. Zoe, his girl, is pushing him to go to a Halloween party. While leaving his office, he runs into SickDevil, a college acquaintance who was kicked out of school. SickDevil is brilliant but has an anti-social attitude that many find odd. SickDevil appears to like Diff, even giving him a nano cat for Jack as a gift. Shortly after, Diff’s nano hand starts to ache, something it has never done before.

“Bit Storm” is the longest story DSF has published in months. The story line is centered on Diff. He is in the middle of a hectic couple of days, trying to upload a crucial program with a whinning AI to deal with, all while trying to please a pushy girlfriend. SickDevil is a new age anarchist. He ruins an online game Diff and his friends enjoy, then gives his new friend a nano cat for an apology. It isn’t long before all the nano technology begins to react oddly (what a surprise).

I could go into more detail on this story but it would be easier for me to be blunt. I did not like it. The present tense narration gave this a feeling of a movie script, which was fitting considering the plot came off like a bad sci-fi horror flick. Why Diff would accept anything from a person he knew had a head full of loose screws I could never figure out. What was worse SickDevil never suffered any repercussions for his multiple futuristic felonies. This story just didn’t fit my tastes.

Joshua searches for his personal diamonds amongst the mountains of rough in The Junk Artist by Larvie Tidhar (debut 1/10). He is one of many pickers checking the discarded trash of the Jaffra flea market, scooping up broken toys and obsolete gadgets the street vendors toss aside. Each item he sees as its own work of art, even when their relevant usage is in question. This smelly, depressed area is but a slice of heaven for Joshua.

The story isn’t nothing but a readers guide to following a hoarder around as he garbage picks. We view each item as Joshua contemplates its merits, and trust me, everything he comes across can be defined simply as junk. The story takes a turn when a strange cat appears to strike up a conversation with Joshua; so odd and baffling I suspect it was inserted to give this piece its speculative element.

Larvie Tidhar is an enigma to me. His writing is superb. The flea market is so vivid and it is so easy to fall into Joshua’s perspective, a rare gift he has. But, I never get what his stories are about. Often Larvie’s plots seem to go nowhere. Perhaps his themes are beyond the capability of my mortal mind to comprehend.

I’m sorry but I failed to grasp the point of this well written story.

A broken dental drill bit in Sally’s mouth gives her the ability to hear aliens in Bit by Bit by Karina Fabian (debut 1/11). Poor Sally isn’t sure if it’s the drugs that is making her hallucinate. Her dental insurance adjuster is sure a metal health provider is what she needs. A strange man wearing an aluminum hat gives her some relief. Finally a customer believes her and helps her find an explanation. The line between crazy and savior can be so thin.

“Bit by Bit” is a ‘bit’ fun. The story follows a staggered journey of a woman who hears voices. The events in her life and how she deals with them, gives this a tale a light but jumpy feeling to it. Ms. Fabian chooses not to explore Sally’s feelings and actions during this odd event but rather reports the odd things she does as if it’s a vague log.

I thought the story was fine but what I enjoyed more was Ms. Fabian’s comments on the inspiration for the story. Far more entertaining, in my opinion.

Jonas loves climbing the Banyan Tree with his friend, Tabby in B is for Banyan Tree by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/12). The tree is a real jungle gym, enormous and full of adventure. He follows his friend while playing ‘explorer’, until Tabby disappears. Tabby insists he should have stayed with her and tells him of the trees special secret.

Act two of the Alphabet Quartet was a disappointment compared to its opening one. Jonas is sensible but a coward in the eyes of this reader. I feel as if I was robbed of a greater adventure.

 

 

Two students won’t be turning in their homework in Miss Linderman in Late Homework by James Van Pelt (debut 1/13). An accident has claimed the lives of Cathy and Melinda, students in her Literature and Composition class. They are the sixth and seventh to perish in her 12 years on the job. The last row of her class row is a reminder of them, and how they were unable to complete their last assignment.

 

This story is set during Halloween and would have been great if it was posted that week. I can understand why the editors wouldn’t want to wait 10 months to post it, which is too bad because it scored well on the creepy meter. A well-done ghost story.

 

 

Akorsa is an oracle who hungers for her next song and the soul of the one who sings it in A Song Never Tasted by Barbara A. Barnett (debut 1/14). She is one of two supernatural beings left from a long ago time when mortals would praise the oracles as conduits to the gods. Now seen as devils, Akorsa must hide in the bushes and wait to feed on songs gone stale. Then a young woman sings verses Akorsa has believed were lost to time. The beauty of the song is such that Akorsa wishes to spare this angel, but the other remaining oracle, Neashern, has no intention of going hungry when the rich flavor of an old song is there to feed upon.

“A Song Never Tasted” is a tale which gradually evolves into a ghoulish love story. Akorsa fights two battles, one with Neashern and the other with her own vampire-ish hunger. Hirneen is the 16-year old girl who sees visions of the oracles and is blessed with the songs the oracles hunger for. After saving Hirneen from Neashern, Akorsa forms a relationship with the girl and begins to fall in love with her. Akora hungers for Hirnnen’s lips and the taste of the song that comes from them, yet resisting the hunger of its melody, which will kill Hirneen if she dares to feast on it.

This tale left me disturbed. Akorsa’s internal battle gave this story a creepy pedophilic metaphorical feel. Her actions seemed a lot like how an adult would react when they have an attraction to a minor, even when they know those feelings are wrong (It didn’t help when author spelled out Hirneen’s age). I’m sure that wasn’t Ms. Barnett’s intentions and I am not in anyway implying that she was making any such statement, but nevertheless, a story where a really old person preys on a naà ¯ve girl was one that was not for me.

The protagonist in The Voynich Variations by Edoardo Albert (debut 1/17) is a musical genius. His latest work is so advanced that not even the greatest musical minds of the age can comprehend it. Knowing his works can no longer be appreciated; he retires and turns to one of mankind’s greatest mysteries to test his intellect.

The premise to “The Voynich Variations” is based on the ‘Voynich Manuscript’, an incomprehensible book written in the 15th century and believed to be a work of encrypted genius. The protagonist believes he has discovered the books secret, a brilliantly disguised musical score. Eager to hear the melody for himself, the protagonist deciphers the score and reveals its secret.

Quite an inventive tale. I had to wikipedia the legendary script to reacquaint myself with the manuscript. I found this tale compelling and the ending worthy. A nice work of flash.

Family Photo by Elena Gleason (debut 1/18) is the story of a mother and her son who has inherited an unwanted family trait. Wes is her good boy. He couldn’t help it if he was a monster. Karlen’s father had the same problem, turning into something frightening every full moon. When Karlen saw the first signs her boy shared with his grandfather, she couldn’t bring herself to do what needed to be done. Now every full moon, she kisses her husband goodbye and leaves to do battle with her son.

“Family Photo” is a tale of mother who wants to right a wrong. She puts on a brave face for a husband who was injured when their boy first became a monster. The premise of this story left me baffled. So I don’t ruin it for those who haven’t read it, I won’t go into why but I really do question Karlen’s choices. I don’t know what she really fears at this point.

The stories protagonist’s motives left me scratching my head for this piece.

The protagonist in C is for Crate by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/19) has a life filled with ambitions that she can never seem to fulfill. College dropout, behind on rent, hard to hold down a job; she is a girl holding onto the lowest rung of the ladder of life. Then she finds a sealed crate at the animal shelter labeled ‘Eats Dreams.’ Dreams is something she has plenty of , reminders of what she hasn’t become – and she is willing to part with a few to see what is making the faint mews behind the warning on the crate.

 

“C” is a Pandora’s Box type of theme. We know so much about the protagonist’s history but so little about her. So little she became more of a mystery to me than the odd creature in the crate. There was no hard punch to this lettered story but it still carried my interest. I liked C better than B but it couldn’t compare to the earlier vowel.

 

 

Clay is not doing a good job of impressing his date in Automatic Selection by Victoria Podmajersky (debut 1/20). He won’t ride the bus and suggests dining in a restaurant with human waitresses. His date is finding him quirky but Clay has a very good reason why he avoids the automated world whenever he can.

“Automatic Selection” has the feeling of a man hiding an obsessive disorder with the advanced technology of the future. The truth of what it is he is hiding proves to be far more of a socially disability. The reveal of this twist was well placed but came off as an information dump. Not a bad idea but I preferred an ending that flowed as smoothly as the first 80% of the story.

Sibling rivalry is the theme in Standing Next to Heaven by Terra LeMay (debut 1/21). Shelia is ten. Heaven is her younger sister and has a potential psychic gift. The gift has a price however. Dangerous seizures inflict Heaven. Shelia must watch after her gifted sister and take a backseat to her parent’s attention.

 

“Standing Next to Heaven” is a tale millions of people could identify with. The story is told by an older sister who feels slighted and ignored and takes her ill feelings out on her poor sister (as siblings often do). Heaven has a gift that hardly sounds like a blessing. You get the idea the only thing Shelia is envious of is the attention her sister receives. Heaven is like a child with a fatal illness or disability. Shelia has become her caretaker and must follow rules concerning Heaven. Shelia comes off as cruel; not a sadistic type of cruelty, but a meanness all siblings have been guilty of, been a victim of, or both.

 

This story is the type of speculative tale that says more about the type of people we are today than about what we will be like in the future. I can’t fathom a person who couldn’t identify with the two little girls in this piece but can imagine a person or two that would be uncomfortable with the plot. Shelia is at a crossroads in their relationship, at the stage when she quits being the tormentor and becomes the protector.

 

“Standing” is not the type of tale that will leave you in awe. It’s a smooth read but not a page-turner, a Twilight Zone tale written as an after-school special. It doesn’t get my full-fledge recommendation but it is one I found great.

 

 

Elizabeth passes out advice on the health line in Not with a Bang by Michelle Ann King (debut 1/24). Epidemics have brought about anxiety across society. The Central Health Line is meant to ease the publics concerns. Phone screeners like Elizabeth listen to caller’s symptoms and pass out diagnosis’ and advice. She does it with a smile as she lies. After all, life must go on even when it’s coming to an end.

“Not with a Bang” is not your typical end of the world story. The government has set up a disinformation help line in an effort to keep a public calm. Elizabeth has stock answers and a book to assign a non-fatal illness to match the symptoms a sick caller has. It’s a unique idea, not very plausible in my opinion but still entertaining.

 

The protagonists in D is for De Gustibus by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/26) is on the search for spices to make some curry when she comes across a little herb shop at the mall. The odd but helpful clerk has some very exotic spices, and is willing to part with them for a handful of change.

 

“D” was an unsatisfying letter for me. The story felt like an opening to a much larger story. Nothing much happened but you get the feeling much would if the story was allowed to evolve.

 

 

In …And a Bottle of Rum by Melissa Mead (debut 27th Jan 2011) Uncle/Captain Jim is a bed-ridden old man who makes model sky-ships, the magical, wooden-with-masts variety, and generally entertains his grand children with tales of daring-do from when he captained a ship and fought sky-pirates. His grandson, Matthew, is entranced by his collection of model ships, each in a bottle, a collection that mirrors ships that actually are in service in the Kingdom. Needless to say things aren’t quite as they seem and there is a twist at the end of this flash story.

I thought the story was well-written and a very smooth read. I enjoyed the glance it allowed me into to a world of sky-ships and pirates. I saw elements of the twist before it happened, but perhaps that was only my writer’s eye spotting the foreshadowing.

A nice read.

 

‘Careful what you wish for’ is the theme of On Paper Wings by Victoria Sonata (debut 1/28). Shiyo is turning eleven, the age of passage and the granting of the gift of wishes. The wellspring of Hope grants a wish a person desperately desires. The wish can only be used to influence your own life, and not of others. The bright and bubbly Shiyo already leads a happy life with her mother but there is always room for improvement. Wishing is something her mother has stressed to not take lightly because the wellspring only grants one at a time. To wish another erases the wish before. Shiyo endures many years of hardship to learn some wishes are not worth losing no matter how badly a new one is needed.

“On Paper Wings” follows Shiyo’s life from a young girl to an emerging adult. The village in which she lives is isolated and under constant siege from dark and deadly demons. Hunters are on constant guard from the monsters. Shiyo lives alone with her mother and wants to know what she wished for. Her mother declines to answer but promises she will know one day. Shiyo uses her wishes to fill her most important needs of the time. But such as life is, tragedy changes everything, and helps shape the woman she comes to be, and of the wishes she will make.

Ms. Sonata wrote a very engaging character. Shiyo is convincing as a girl who evolves with the events that shape her world. The rules of the wish is what makes this story so compelling. Is losing your earlier wish worth making another? Depends upon the wish. The big mystery of Shiyo’s mothers wish ended up being no mystery at all. Much of the story was set up for a big finish of a great reveal but there was only one possibility of what the reveal could be, which made the ending almost pointless (almost). Nevertheless the writing and pacing of an unnaturally long story for DSF made this story a worthwhile read.

Jade Dragon by Shelly Li (debut 1/31) is a slice of life story of a Chinese peasant girl. Kai Wen lost her mother at a young age and now lives and works for a man who owns a restaurant. She has no family left, no school for her to attend, and not much of a future. She feels bitter toward a mother who died, leaving her in this predicament. Then a customer gives her tip, a tip worth six months of her salary.

“Jade Dragon” is based on a real life boy Ms. Li encountered in China. The lad’s hard life inspired her to write this short story. This so-so tale became special when I read Ms. Li’s comments about the encounter and could feel how moved she was when I read her comments. How sad it must have been for her. I hope the boy fortunes improved and he ended up living a prosperous life.

Analysis

Another fine month for DSF. I would like to congratulate Jon and Michele for receiving an honorable mention for best new magazine in the Million Writers Award. There were several magazines who earned the honor but I think the actual award was between the winning publication (Lightspeed) and DSF all along. Hard to beat an editor who has had a lifetime of achievement as John J Adams has, especially when your magazine debuted in the fall. I could make an argument on why DSF was more deserving but I do find Lightspeed solid and entertaining.

Congrats to the four DSF authors who received honors in the MW awards. Of the 3 I reviewed I liked Out of the Box the most. Well-written and compelling but I doubt it would have made my top ten for the year (a lot of good stories).

Frank Dutkiewicz writes most of these reviews but tires of providing the bio so is passing it off to one of his minions.

Anonymous is famous, a braggart, and too shy to show his face and share his address.

Dustin “The Wind” Adams wrote his first book at age 11 (which Anonymous took complete credit for) then took a little time off, eventually finishing the sequel at age 35. “I needed a break,” was his lame excuse but now things are rolling again. He states in this exclusive interviewâ€

Daily Science Fiction January 2011

 

“Wrath of the Porcelain Gods” by Nicky Drayden

“Rx” by Jacquelyn Bartel

“A is for Arthur” by The Alphabet Quartet

“Waiting for Raymond” by Eric James Stone

“Bit Storm” by Lancer & Shelli Kind

“The Junk Artist” by Larvie Tidhar

“Bit by Bit” by Karina Fabian

“B is for Banyan Tree” by the Alphabet Quartet

“Late Homework” by James Van Pelt

“A Song Never Tasted” by Barbara A. Barnett

“The Voynich Variations” by Edoardo Albert

“Family Photo” by Elena Gleason

“C is for Crate” by the Alphabet Quartet

“Automatic Selection” by Victoria Podmajersky

“Standing Next to Heaven” by Terra LeMay

“Not with a Bang” by Michelle Ann King

“D is for De Gustibus” by the Alphabet Quartet

“…And a Bottle of Rum” by Melissa Mead

“On Paper Wings” by Victoria Sonata

“Jade Dragon” by Shelly Li

 

A correction is in order for last months review. I called the leading Sci-Fi news outlet in the industry Lotus when every other person on the planet knows it’s Locus. Big mistake, won’t make it again.

The new year marks the beginning of the Alphabet Quartet contributions. Tim Pratt, Jenn Reese, Heather Shaw, and Greg Van Eekhout have won more awards, sold more books, and have appeared in more professional paying publications than my collective friends and my own overactive imagination could hope to accomplish combined. Every Wednesday a new letter of the alphabet graces DSF, (at least until they run out of letters) making it the first weekly serial in ezine history (I think). I have been eager to read them and have avoided the temptation of giving any a look in my emails, just incase they need to be read in order. Aside from this impressive quartet, I see other previously published DSF authors in this months issue. Should be a good one.

 

 

Roger Ebert once said, “I don’t review a movie based on what it’s about, but how it goes about it.”
If I follow that same philosophy, this is the best story I’ve ever read. Wrath of the Porcelain Gods by Nicky Drayden (debut 1/3 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) is, word for word, perfect.

It’s written in 2nd person. The subject matter is generally considered vile. The narrator him/herself wonders why they’d taken up such a disgusting hobby. Why then such high praise?

The narrator has studied the excremental activities of all one hundred fifteen sapient species of Vero-Avalon station save one. The documentation and revelation thereof is the plot. The hilarity that ensues is the story. The answer to the question posed above can only be gleaned through understanding. To understand, one must not fight it. (you’ll see.)

Take five minutes out of your day and read this. If you don’t get it, that’s okay, it was only five minutes. However, if you do, you’ll be glad you did.

Recommended

 

 

In the Author Comments section of Rx by Jacquelyn Bartel (debut 1/4 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), Ms. Bartel ponders what a society would be like if it used physical pain to treat mental illness. I can’t help but wonder how such a society would evolve considering this philosophy has been proven not to work by the mental institutions of old.

I delved into the author comments in hopes of shedding some light on the story itself, which was not sci-fi, a little confusing, and unsatisfying. I believe there should be a desire to read the author’s comment, not a need.

Unfortunately I can’t recommend this story. Which, by the way, is about one person in said society who takes a pill to induce pain (assumable) because they have a mental affliction. However, since I was given no indication of said mental state, all I got out of the story was someone ingesting a pain pill then passing out in the store.

 

At the end of his life, William Shakespeare has completed his greatest work in A is for Arthur by The Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/5). Will has worked over a year on “Arthur”, a tragedy of the legendary king and his mythical Camelot court. Now a mysterious man from a forgotten time has come to take it from him. Will knows to surrender his play would be to rob generations to come of his greatest of masterpieces, but the stranger aims to show him how releasing to the public it will be an even greater tragedy.

 

“A” is the first in a series written by four accomplished authors. The story shows how much power Shakespeare has in the imagination of mankind, a power that brings life to his characters in their own reality. The mysterious man (a person whose identity you may be able to guess) has a gift that allows him to transport through time, space, and into the new realities. He is out to stop the reality that will form with Shakespeare’s play.

 

I have avoided reading any of these tales when they appeared in my email box, not knowing if they should be read in order. I have no idea how the other ones will turn out but act one was fabulous. The author (or authors) captured a skittish Shakespeare, and the rest of a complete cast, rather well. I just loved where they took this tale and how it ended.

Recommended

 

 

Waiting for Raymond by Eric James Stone (Published Jan 6th, 2011 and reviewed by Anonymous)

 

A simple tale told well. I have read a few of Mr. Stone’s stories and have been impressed with the simplicity of his stories. In ‘Waiting for Raymond’ a young beautiful lady–Dee–is preparing for a night out and her preparations are being observed by a poltergeist that haunts her apartment. After putting the finishing touches to her appearance, she realises she is going to be let down by her boyfriend, Raymond, who is always late for everything. He won’t answer his cell phone.

 

The poltergeist is the kind soul and tries to help Dee anyway it can…

 

I thought this was well written, simple and effective, but not mind-blowing. I liked it, though, but not as much as another of his more recent DSF stories, ‘The Girl Who Asks to Much’.
Diff gets reacquainted with a college colleague, he would rather avoid in Bit Storm by Lancer & Shelli Kind (debut 1/7). The programmer has a needy AI companion, a demanding girlfriend, and a nano created artificial hand. Jack, his AI, wants a cat. Zoe, his girl, is pushing him to go to a Halloween party. While leaving his office, he runs into SickDevil, a college acquaintance who was kicked out of school. SickDevil is brilliant but has an anti-social attitude that many find odd. SickDevil appears to like Diff, even giving him a nano cat for Jack as a gift. Shortly after, Diff’s nano hand starts to ache, something it has never done before.

 

“Bit Storm” is the longest story DSF has published in months. The story line is centered on Diff. He is in the middle of a hectic couple of days, trying to upload a crucial program with a whinning AI to deal with, all while trying to please a pushy girlfriend. SickDevil is a new age anarchist. He ruins an online game Diff and his friends enjoy, then gives his new friend a nano cat for an apology. It isn’t long before all the nano technology begins to react oddly (what a surprise).

 

I could go into more detail on this story but it would be easier for me to be blunt. I did not like it. The present tense narration gave this a feeling of a movie script, which was fitting considering the plot came off like a bad sci-fi horror flick. Why Diff would accept anything from a person he knew had a head full of loose screws I could never figure out. What was worse SickDevil never suffered any repercussions for his multiple futuristic felonies. This story just didn’t fit my tastes.

 

 

Joshua searches for his personal diamonds amongst the mountains of rough in The Junk Artist by Larvie Tidhar (debut 1/10). He is one of many pickers checking the discarded trash of the Jaffra flea market, scooping up broken toys and obsolete gadgets the street vendors toss aside. Each item he sees as its own work of art, even when their relevant usage is in question. This smelly, depressed area is but a slice of heaven for Joshua.

 

The story isn’t nothing but a readers guide to following a hoarder around as he garbage picks. We view each item as Joshua contemplates its merits, and trust me, everything he comes across can be defined simply as junk. The story takes a turn when a strange cat appears to strike up a conversation with Joshua; so odd and baffling I suspect it was inserted to give this piece its speculative element.

 

Larvie Tidhar is an enigma to me. His writing is superb. The flea market is so vivid and it is so easy to fall into Joshua’s perspective, a rare gift he has. But, I never get what his stories are about. Often Larvie’s plots seem to go nowhere. Perhaps his themes are beyond the capability of my mortal mind to comprehend.

 

I’m sorry but I failed to grasp the point of this well written story.

 

 

A broken dental drill bit in Sally’s mouth gives her the ability to hear aliens in Bit by Bit by Karina Fabian (debut 1/11). Poor Sally isn’t sure if it’s the drugs that is making her hallucinate. Her dental insurance adjuster is sure a metal health provider is what she needs. A strange man wearing an aluminum hat gives her some relief. Finally a customer believes her and helps her find an explanation. The line between crazy and savior can be so thin.

 

“Bit by Bit” is a ‘bit’ fun. The story follows a staggered journey of a woman who hears voices. The events in her life and how she deals with them, gives this a tale a light but jumpy feeling to it. Ms. Fabian chooses not to explore Sally’s feelings and actions during this odd event but rather reports the odd things she does as if it’s a vague log.

 

I thought the story was fine but what I enjoyed more was Ms. Fabian’s comments on the inspiration for the story. Far more entertaining, in my opinion.

 

 

Jonas loves climbing the Banyan Tree with his friend, Tabby in B is for Banyan Tree by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/12). The tree is a real jungle gym, enormous and full of adventure. He follows his friend while playing ‘explorer’, until Tabby disappears. Tabby insists he should have stayed with her and tells him of the trees special secret.

 

Act two of the Alphabet Quartet was a disappointment compared to its opening one. Jonas is sensible but a coward in the eyes of this reader. I feel as if I was robbed of a greater adventure.

 

 

Two students won’t be turning in their homework in Miss Linderman in Late Homework by James Van Pelt (debut 1/13). An accident has claimed the lives of Cathy and Melinda, students in her Literature and Composition class. They are the sixth and seventh to perish in her 12 years on the job. The last row of her class row is a reminder of them, and how they were unable to complete their last assignment.

 

This story is set during Halloween and would have been great if it was posted that week. I can understand why the editors wouldn’t want to wait 10 months to post it, which is too bad because it scored well on the creepy meter. A well-done ghost story.

 

 

Akorsa is an oracle who hungers for her next song and the soul of the one who sings it in A Song Never Tasted by Barbara A. Barnett (debut 1/14). She is one of two supernatural beings left from a long ago time when mortals would praise the oracles as conduits to the gods. Now seen as devils, Akorsa must hide in the bushes and wait to feed on songs gone stale. Then a young woman sings verses Akorsa has believed were lost to time. The beauty of the song is such that Akorsa wishes to spare this angel, but the other remaining oracle, Neashern, has no intention of going hungry when the rich flavor of an old song is there to feed upon.

 

“A Song Never Tasted” is a tale which gradually evolves into a ghoulish love story. Akorsa fights two battles, one with Neashern and the other with her own vampire-ish hunger. Hirneen is the 16-year old girl who sees visions of the oracles and is blessed with the songs the oracles hunger for. After saving Hirneen from Neashern, Akorsa forms a relationship with the girl and begins to fall in love with her. Akora hungers for Hirnnen’s lips and the taste of the song that comes from them, yet resisting the hunger of its melody, which will kill Hirneen if she dares to feast on it.

 

This tale left me disturbed. Akorsa’s internal battle gave this story a creepy pedophilic metaphorical feel. Her actions seemed a lot like how an adult would react when they have an attraction to a minor, even when they know those feelings are wrong (It didn’t help when author spelled out Hirneen’s age). I’m sure that wasn’t Ms. Barnett’s intentions and I am not in anyway implying that she was making any such statement, but nevertheless, a story where a really old person preys on a naà ¯ve girl was one that was not for me.

 

 

The protagonist in The Voynich Variations by Edoardo Albert (debut 1/17) is a musical genius. His latest work is so advanced that not even the greatest musical minds of the age can comprehend it. Knowing his works can no longer be appreciated; he retires and turns to one of mankind’s greatest mysteries to test his intellect.

 

The premise to “The Voynich Variations” is based on the ‘Voynich Manuscript’, an incomprehensible book written in the 15th century and believed to be a work of encrypted genius. The protagonist believes he has discovered the books secret, a brilliantly disguised musical score. Eager to hear the melody for himself, the protagonist deciphers the score and reveals its secret.

 

Quite an inventive tale. I had to wikipedia the legendary script to reacquaint myself with the manuscript. I found this tale compelling and the ending worthy. A nice work of flash.

 

 

Family Photo by Elena Gleason (debut 1/18) is the story of a mother and her son who has inherited an unwanted family trait. Wes is her good boy. He couldn’t help it if he was a monster. Karlen’s father had the same problem, turning into something frightening every full moon. When Karlen saw the first signs her boy shared with his grandfather, she couldn’t bring herself to do what needed to be done. Now every full moon, she kisses her husband goodbye and leaves to do battle with her son.

 

“Family Photo” is a tale of mother who wants to right a wrong. She puts on a brave face for a husband who was injured when their boy first became a monster. The premise of this story left me baffled. So I don’t ruin it for those who haven’t read it, I won’t go into why but I really do question Karlen’s choices. I don’t know what she really fears at this point.

 

The stories protagonist’s motives left me scratching my head for this piece.

 

 

The protagonist in C is for Crate by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/19) has a life filled with ambitions that she can never seem to fulfill. College dropout, behind on rent, hard to hold down a job; she is a girl holding onto the lowest rung of the ladder of life. Then she finds a sealed crate at the animal shelter labeled ‘Eats Dreams.’ Dreams is something she has plenty of , reminders of what she hasn’t become – and she is willing to part with a few to see what is making the faint mews behind the warning on the crate.

 

“C” is a Pandora’s Box type of theme. We know so much about the protagonist’s history but so little about her. So little she became more of a mystery to me than the odd creature in the crate. There was no hard punch to this lettered story but it still carried my interest. I liked C better than B but it couldn’t compare to the earlier vowel.

 

 

Clay is not doing a good job of impressing his date in Automatic Selection by Victoria Podmajersky (debut 1/20). He won’t ride the bus and suggests dining in a restaurant with human waitresses. His date is finding him quirky but Clay has a very good reason why he avoids the automated world whenever he can.

 

“Automatic Selection” has the feeling of a man hiding an obsessive disorder with the advanced technology of the future. The truth of what it is he is hiding proves to be far more of a socially disability. The reveal of this twist was well placed but came off as an information dump. Not a bad idea but I preferred an ending that flowed as smoothly as the first 80% of the story.

 

 

Sibling rivalry is the theme in Standing Next to Heaven by Terra LeMay (debut 1/21). Shelia is ten. Heaven is her younger sister and has a potential psychic gift. The gift has a price however. Dangerous seizures inflict Heaven. Shelia must watch after her gifted sister and take a backseat to her parent’s attention.

 

“Standing Next to Heaven” is a tale millions of people could identify with. The story is told by an older sister who feels slighted and ignored and takes her ill feelings out on her poor sister (as siblings often do). Heaven has a gift that hardly sounds like a blessing. You get the idea the only thing Shelia is envious of is the attention her sister receives. Heaven is like a child with a fatal illness or disability. Shelia has become her caretaker and must follow rules concerning Heaven. Shelia comes off as cruel; not a sadistic type of cruelty, but a meanness all siblings have been guilty of, been a victim of, or both.

 

This story is the type of speculative tale that says more about the type of people we are today than about what we will be like in the future. I can’t fathom a person who couldn’t identify with the two little girls in this piece but can imagine a person or two that would be uncomfortable with the plot. Shelia is at a crossroads in their relationship, at the stage when she quits being the tormentor and becomes the protector.

 

“Standing” is not the type of tale that will leave you in awe. It’s a smooth read but not a page-turner, a Twilight Zone tale written as an after-school special. It doesn’t get my full-fledge recommendation but it is one I found great.

 

 

Elizabeth passes out advice on the health line in Not with a Bang by Michelle Ann King (debut 1/24). Epidemics have brought about anxiety across society. The Central Health Line is meant to ease the publics concerns. Phone screeners like Elizabeth listen to caller’s symptoms and pass out diagnosis’ and advice. She does it with a smile as she lies. After all, life must go on even when it’s coming to an end.

 

“Not with a Bang” is not your typical end of the world story. The government has set up a disinformation help line in an effort to keep a public calm. Elizabeth has stock answers and a book to assign a non-fatal illness to match the symptoms a sick caller has. It’s a unique idea, not very plausible in my opinion but still entertaining.

 

 

The protagonists in D is for De Gustibus by the Alphabet Quartet (debut 1/26) is on the search for spices to make some curry when she comes across a little herb shop at the mall. The odd but helpful clerk has some very exotic spices, and is willing to part with them for a handful of change.

 

“D” was an unsatisfying letter for me. The story felt like an opening to a much larger story. Nothing much happened but you get the feeling much would if the story was allowed to evolve.

 

 

In …And a Bottle of Rum by Melissa Mead (debut 27th Jan 2011) Uncle/Captain Jim is a bed-ridden old man who makes model sky-ships, the magical, wooden-with-masts variety, and generally entertains his grand children with tales of daring-do from when he captained a ship and fought sky-pirates. His grandson, Matthew, is entranced by his collection of model ships, each in a bottle, a collection that mirrors ships that actually are in service in the Kingdom. Needless to say things aren’t quite as they seem and there is a twist at the end of this flash story.

 

I thought the story was well-written and a very smooth read. I enjoyed the glance it allowed me into to a world of sky-ships and pirates. I saw elements of the twist before it happened, but perhaps that was only my writer’s eye spotting the foreshadowing.

 

A nice read.

 

 

‘Careful what you wish for’ is the theme of On Paper Wings by Victoria Sonata (debut 1/28). Shiyo is turning eleven, the age of passage and the granting of the gift of wishes. The wellspring of Hope grants a wish a person desperately desires. The wish can only be used to influence your own life, and not of others. The bright and bubbly Shiyo already leads a happy life with her mother but there is always room for improvement. Wishing is something her mother has stressed to not take lightly because the wellspring only grants one at a time. To wish another erases the wish before. Shiyo endures many years of hardship to learn some wishes are not worth losing no matter how badly a new one is needed.

 

“On Paper Wings” follows Shiyo’s life from a young girl to an emerging adult. The village in which she lives is isolated and under constant siege from dark and deadly demons. Hunters are on constant guard from the monsters. Shiyo lives alone with her mother and wants to know what she wished for. Her mother declines to answer but promises she will know one day. Shiyo uses her wishes to fill her most important needs of the time. But such as life is, tragedy changes everything, and helps shape the woman she comes to be, and of the wishes she will make.

 

Ms. Sonata wrote a very engaging character. Shiyo is convincing as a girl who evolves with the events that shape her world. The rules of the wish is what makes this story so compelling. Is losing your earlier wish worth making another? Depends upon the wish. The big mystery of Shiyo’s mothers wish ended up being no mystery at all. Much of the story was set up for a big finish of a great reveal but there was only one possibility of what the reveal could be, which made the ending almost pointless (almost). Nevertheless the writing and pacing of an unnaturally long story for DSF made this story a worthwhile read.

 

 

Jade Dragon by Shelly Li (debut 1/31) is a slice of life story of a Chinese peasant girl. Kai Wen lost her mother at a young age and now lives and works for a man who owns a restaurant. She has no family left, no school for her to attend, and not much of a future. She feels bitter toward a mother who died, leaving her in this predicament. Then a customer gives her tip, a tip worth six months of her salary.

 

“Jade Dragon” is based on a real life boy Ms. Li encountered in China. The lad’s hard life inspired her to write this short story. This so-so tale became special when I read Ms. Li’s comments about the encounter and could feel how moved she was when I read her comments. How sad it must have been for her. I hope the boy fortunes improved and he ended up living a prosperous life.

 

 

Analysis

Another fine month for DSF. I would like to congratulate Jon and Michele for receiving an honorable mention for best new magazine in the Million Writers Award. There were several magazines who earned the honor but I think the actual award was between the winning publication (Lightspeed) and DSF all along. Hard to beat an editor who has had a lifetime of achievement as John J Adams has, especially when your magazine debuted in the fall. I could make an argument on why DSF was more deserving but I do find Lightspeed solid and entertaining.

Congrats to the four DSF authors who received honors in the MW awards. Of the 3 I reviewed I liked Out of the Box the most. Well-written and compelling but I doubt it would have made my top ten for the year (a lot of good stories).

 

 

 

Frank Dutkiewicz writes most of these reviews but tires of providing the bio so is passing it off to one of his minions.

 

Anonymous is famous, a braggart, and too shy to show his face and share his address.

 

Dustin “The Wind” Adams wrote his first book at age 11 (which Anonymous took complete credit for) then took a little time off, eventually finishing the sequel at age 35. “I needed a break,” was his lame excuse but now things are rolling again. He states in this exclusive interviewâ€

“I write way more than I submit. I keep thinking that once I publish, I’ll submit more, which isn’t very Vulcan of me. My goal is to have something published professionally by age 40. I’m running out of time, but the deadline provides a nice steady rush”.

Dustin is a U.S. Customs broker who owns his own brokerage firm. He lives in the hills of NY near the PA and NJ borders where he hides his lovely wife as he teaches his two adorable children (ages 13 and 1) to live off the land and distrust everyone. Currently, he is working to get his lights turned back on.

 

“I write way more than I submit. I keep thinking that once I publish, I’ll submit more, which isn’t very Vulcan of me. My goal is to have something published professionally by age 40. I’m running out of time, but the deadline provides a nice steady rush”.

Dustin is a U.S. Customs broker who owns his own brokerage firm. He lives in the hills of NY near the PA and NJ borders where he hides his lovely wife as he teaches his two adorable children (ages 13 and 1) to live off the land and distrust everyone. Currently, he is working to get his lights turned back on.

 

 

Daily Science Fiction: December Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

On the day I am writing this, Daily Science Fiction is marking its 7th month of production. The online publication is listed with 41 other pro-paying publications on Ralan. I counted only 6 that offer a better rate for its authors (8 cents a word). Most have a guideline that is narrower on the type of speculative fiction they want, a few have a word count ceiling as high (10,000), and none publish as much as they have. After reviewing four months of DSF, I can’t help but notice the brightest and freshest writers in speculative fiction today have graced its pages (or web pages if you prefer). The quality of the writing I have witnessed convinces me they are sending their best to DSF first. This observation is not from a novice reader, mind you, but as an experienced reviewer (I have reviewed for Atomjack magazine and Tangent Online in the past, and do so for Rise Review currently, in case anyone is interested in my credentials). That is why I am still puzzled that Locus has barely acknowledged the magazine and Tangent Online acts as if it doesn’t exist.

To Locus’s (and Lois Tilton’s) credit, they at least paid DSF a passing review, even recommending a couple of stories for the single week they covered. Tangent Online‘s snub is another matter. The ezine reviewer has a lot more than one person to cover the industry. True, they do delve deeper than a thin paragraph for each story, but are the semi-pro and quarterly offerings they religiously review really worthy of the blanket coverage while DSF is left out in the cold? Why do they ignore the magazine? A former assistant editor for Tangent provided this answer on a popular writer’s blog.

(The editor said),the market couldn’t hope to last paying so much on a regular basis and that they also would not be able to keep up the quality. We had little resources to cover things already so it was a waste of time. The attitude is out there but the sheer volume is indeed a problem“.

I honestly don’t know how Jonathon and Michele are able to fund their project, but I found the quality of the writing improving, not suffering. However Tangent wants to use their resources is up to them but I can attest that reading DSF was anything but a ‘waste of time’. Here’s hoping they acknowledge they were wrong about DSF’s prospects and reevaluate their policy.

But I digress. Who reviews a publication shouldn’t determine whether it’s worth reading or not; it’s the quality of the stories they choose to publish that should define them.

On to this month’s issueâ€

The Stories

The protagonist in “Delusional” by Ross Willard (debut 12/01) is explaining to Dr. Bennett on what deep space is like and why he returned to the past. He likes his job but the work is demanding. The company he works for is generous but if a worker fails to meet the grueling standards of the job, they are recycled. To escape this fate, he returns to Earth, so he claims.

The story is set as if you are watching a health care worker assessing the mental state of a patient. The protagonist’s story is intriguing; you’re just not sure if it is real or not. As a reader you’re sure the truth lies somewhere in between.

I’ve got to hand it to Mr. Willard. I figured “Delusional” had an ‘either/or’ ending. He managed to surprise me by having it land in the middle. Nice story.

 

“Journey’s End” by Christine Lucas (debut 12/02) is a tale of Aisa. She scrubs shirts in the waters of a river, washing away the sins of others. A traveler greets her as he talks of his search for god. This stranger has been wandering for a long time, and his shirt is caked with enough sin to weigh humanity down.

The story is less about one man’s story than it is about a woman’s willingness to relieve her fellow man. Aisa works hard, scrubbing diligently as a service to her fellow man. Some shirts she won’t clean but the man who greets her is no ordinary sinner.

The story didn’t move me as it should have. Perhaps it was because Aisa’s gift (if you can call it that) didn’t really seem all that grand. The twist of who the stranger ended up being I felt mixed about. Maybe because it felt too convenient, I don’t know. “Journey’s End” was a nice attempt at enlightenment, but the ‘light’ wasn’t bright enough for me.

 

“Never the Twain” by Lon Prater is the story of Mark Twain set in a south that won the Civil War, told in the pages of a lost journal. A 70ish old Twain finds himself inexplicably in his 30’s again as he rows a boat into Mobile, unsure how he was transported back into time. The wise ole Twain, now in a young man’s body, acclimates back into southern society, but is soon caught up in the injustice of slavery in the last half of the 19th century. The accomplished author revives an old novel and makes it new to help right a wrong.

This author does a fine job writing a convincing Twain in this alternate historical piece. Unlike other southern victory stories, the Confederacy in this tale isn’t doing as well. The economy is sluggish so owners make due by selling their assets, even when the practice divides families. The great Twain battles the injustice the best way he can, by following Harriet Tubman’s lead.

As a big fan of AE, I take a harder line with the sub-genre. Mr. Prater did his research for this piece but unfortunately he couldn’t make the storyline as engaging as Mr. Twain would have. The story, although told well, became dull. Too bad, because I liked the idea.

 

It is 536289’s first day on the job in the brothel in “Shelia” by A. Merc Rustad (debut 12/06). The android worries she is malfunctioning because she is experiencing anxiety. Her first client is an unlikely john to get. He is interested in 536289 for who she is, and not for the service she was designed for. He knows the android wants to be more than what she was meant to be, and is willing to sacrifice everything for her to receive it.

“Shelia” was a story that went from great to disappointment for me. I rather liked the protagonist in this story, but hated how the author changed her. The last half took a, for lack of a better description, masochistic turn. I did not like the solution to Shelia’s problem. Unnecessary.

 

In “Heartbeat” by “Erin M. Hartshom” (debut 12/07), Ariana and Yara are Siamese twins, princesses with one destined to be queen. Power is never easy to share, and can pull even tightest of family’s apart.

This very brief tale begins in the middle of a spell. The story is too brief to pull off well, in my opinion.

 

Sarah is getting enough attention from Michael in “Surprise Party” by Steven Saus (debut 12/08). She is about to leave him but is giving him one last chance to satisfy her needs. Michael knows there isn’t enough of him to meet her demands. Thanks to advancing technology, he may yet succeed.

The story is set in the moments before Michael springs a surprise party for Sarah. The surprise is meant to shock the reader as much as Sarah. A hint of what was about to happen might have helped. Instead it elicited an eye roll from me.

 

“Flood Myth” by Brian Dolton (debut 12/09) is a lecture. The narrator expounds on the merits of water. The story is philosophical, pointing out how water is essential to the earth and its relationship to clay.

The story can be interpreted as a one-on-one conversation with a higher power. To me it still came off as a lecture.

 

In “Perfect Black” by Will McIntosh (debut 12/10 and reviewed by James Hanzelka), Jahn is a memory junkie and a musician. One day he comes across the most beautiful music he has ever heard in a memory. He can’t stop until he finds the source, Leslie. She ultimately gives him her music but insists he take more of her memories. This leads to a stunning revelation.

This story is very reminiscent of a P.K. Dick story, where the question of what is reality and memory is explored. The path followed by Jahn and Leslie is both engaging and full of twists and turns. It is a good read, particularly for someone into more esoteric questions about what makes us individuals.

 

“Drink” by Tara Barnett (debut 12/13 and reviewed by James Hanzelka).

The favored daughter grows a special wine, hoping to lure a husband, only to watch others succeed. As the years pass she becomes more desperate adding and changing the brew with no effect. Finally, no longer seeking a mate, she retreats into the garden and growing things. Is there a man that can succeed in drawing her out of her growing madness?

The story is a pretty good allegory for life and how the early promise of life can be altered by expectations and parental mis-guidance. This tale is highly stylized and may not be for everyone, if one is willing to invest the time they will be rewarded with a richly layered tale with many undertones and meanings.

 

“Buy You a Mockingbird” by Eric James Stone (debut 12/14) is a bedtime story. The protagonist is a mother who is telling her child a tale of a woman who created a time machine and went into the future, only to create a rip in the continuum when she returned.

The protagonist’s narrative is priceless. She is full of regret, but regret you could never imagine. This short tale has an ending I just loved. A well done work of science fiction wrapped in a small package. Recommended

 

A new moon in the sky marks the coming of a new Wizard King in “Maker of the Twenty-First Moon” by Sean Patrick Hannifin (debut 12/15). The wizard kings of the past were all tyrants. Jonlen and Slip have suspected Torkwill of wanting to be the next. A legend speaks of a wizard king’s only moment of vulnerability, on the night they make a moon.

“Maker” is a story with two sides. Torkwill wants to make the world a better place and shares the event with his son. Jonlen and Slip wish to take no chances, breaking into the wizard’s home to drag him into the forest. They refuse to heed the wizard’s warnings, Jonlen sure they are nothing but a bluff. He wants to make sure history is not repeated, even if he is the catalyst for past mistakes.

This story is rather good. It had an outcome I predicted but it was never obvious. Torkwill is convincing as a man trying to save his own life with Jonlen’s perspective. Not too bad.

 

Emjid is out to master an ultimate game of masquerade in “Grocery Games” by Anne Patterson Friedman (debut 12/16). He is a novice alien, mimicking a human as he shops in a grocery store. He believes his research of Earth customs covers all the bases to fool the weary humans, but is research better than experience?

“Grocery Games” has a premise where people are aware of the aliens. For unknown reasons, what seems to be harmless fun is a major problem. The story doesn’t delve into answering why. In fact, the entire story seemed to be a set up for a rather weak punchline.

 

“No Spaceships Go” by Annie Bellet (debut 12/17 and reviewed by Dustin Adams)

Sometimes, when a dream comes true, it really messes with your life.

Dylan and Meek are from opposite sides of the tracks. Yet they have found a way to be together. One of their favorite activities is watching rockets blast into space en route to exciting places. It’s during these times they daydream of a secret place all their own, a garden where society’s restrictions have all vanished.

When Dylan’s family is selected for the next launch he must leave Earth, and more importantly, Meek. At sixteen, Dylan is powerless to act on his own wishes and must be on the shuttle that will take him from his friend.

Their dream is forever shattered, but Dylan has two weeks to try to make things right, to do… something. He uses his time wisely and builds a secret place for the two of them. A place – where no spaceships go.

I tip my hat to the author, Annie Bellet for capturing so profoundly the pain and angst of a teenager. A truly great story can make you feel what the protagonist feels, not just read what they are doing. This is such a story. Well written, and well done. Recommendation.

 

“The God Solution” by M. E. Castle (debut 12/20) is about an ordinary girl who lives with a god, her little brother. Deliah is Deece’s favorite sister. She always makes sure she has happy thoughts for her gifted brother. They are out to chop down a Christmas tree, that’s all. Anything else Deece wouldn’t like, and hiding anything from Deece would not bode well for his favorite sister.

The story is reminiscent of the old “Twilight Zone” episode “It’s a Good Life”, in which a very young Billy Mumy terrorizes the adults with his omnipotent powers. Deliah is the final member of her family left. Her ability to disguise her real thoughts and feelings has become crucial for her own survival. Deece adores her, as much as a megalomaniac with the power to alter reality can adore a person. Deliah feels she is the last barrier between her brother and the rest of humanity.

This story was well done. I usually frown upon flashbacks but the author used them wisely to tell this tale. The ending sentence didn’t have the impact it should have but nevertheless this story was well worth the price of admission for me.

 

“Nothing but the Truth” by Steven V. Ramey (debut 12/21) is a tale of a mother who wishes to do what is best for son, even when it’s a bad idea. Mrs. Cheney is a single mother. Her teenage boy is making some bad choices. Medical science has the solution for her, a device in his brain that will help him to stay away from bad influences.

This story has a “Clockwork Orange” like theme. Mrs. Cheney is an overprotective hen who hasn’t made the connection that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. She kids herself that her decision is for his good, and not her way of establishing control she never found for herself. I thought the tale was well thought out but found the ending, although poetic, obvious. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable.

 

The protagonist in “The Pillow Zone” by Scott Lininger (debut 12/22) wakes up on an ordinary Saturday and receives a surprise in his shower, a magical beanstalk that bears delicious fruit.

The first half of this tale had nothing to do with the odd plant growing in the protagonist’s shower drain. It sounded like a great morning in the making but had little to do with the plot. I found the writing to this piece sharp but the story jumbled. The first half could have been missing and the story wouldn’t have changed. As a result, it dulled the luster of the entire piece.

 

“A Christmas Frost” by Robert E. Keller (debut 12/23) is a tale about a rite of passage involving a nasty Christmas tree. Chopping down a wretch tree has been a part of Brian’s family for years. The enchanted trees always put up a fight and require a special axe to chop down but provide protection for a family every Christmas. Brian sports proud scars from trees of the past. His son James is eager to wield the Fungorn’s Axe for himself and can’t wait for his presents on Christmas day. The family’s tough times make the prospects of presents unlikely. James intends to take his disappointment out on the tree for his empty Christmas.

By the date this was published, I can see why the editors bought this piece. The timing for it was right. Brian spends much of the story reminiscing. He feels bad for not having a job but not enough for me to wonder of his level of motivation. The context of a grumpy tree in your living room is admittedly appealing to me. The tree didn’t disappoint but the author to use it so sparingly was.

I expected more from this tale. Perhaps Mr. Keller wanted a piece that was more reflective of the holiday spirit but for me the promising storyline fizzled. The ending left me feeling as cheated as poor James was on Christmas.

 

His Majesty attempts to make amends to his wife in “The Two of Us, After” by Steven Popkes (debut 12/24). King Mark has lived a lifetime of regrets. He wants to forgive his wife and grieves for his nephew Tristan. Mending broken relationships would be easier if he were sure he was awake.

“The Two of Us, After” is a tale of court intrigue from the perspective of a regretful king. His Isolede has not been faithful or honest with her husband but has the sense to be obedient. The story was not grounded in reality, however. Mark slides from dream to dream, each ending in shock displays of uncharacteristic behavior of his loved ones.

The tale was way too soap opera-ish for my tastes. The speculative fiction element was barely there. This story look as if it would have been more at home in a romance or historical genre based publication. If neither of those genres interest you, this story likely won’t be your cup of tea.

 

In “Not the Chosen One” by Amber D. Sistla (debut 12/27) an envious Greki wallows in his own pity of living in the shadow of Ekkli, the Chosen One. Greki is one of the best of a mysterious monastery but a very distant second to Ekkli’s abilities. His jealousy of being bested consumes Greki, but he discovers there are emotions that are far worse to wallow in.

Greki reminds me of the protagonist in the movie Amadeus, how he realizes his great skill is not even in the same league of someone touched by God. Greki’s envy is understandable and to his credit, he attempts to overcome his feelings. His emotional shortcoming is the crux of the twist the author inserts.

The writing is great in this piece, but I was expecting the twist and therefore wasn’t surprised when it happened. “Not the Chosen One” is a nice story but I was immune to the gravity of its emotional impact so wasn’t floored by its ending.

 

“Palindrome” by Will Arthur (debuted 12/28 and reviewed by Anonymous)

A palindrome is something that can read forwards and backwards and is the same. As a point of interest, Wikipedia has a superb example found written on the walls of Herculaneum in Latin.

This story is a loose form of a palindrome with slight twist and, I have to say, it has been done very well. It starts off with a Timeguard who has tracked down a man–his quarry–to a small bar. The problem is the bar and everyone in it are caught in a palindromic time snag. Needless to say things don’t pan out according to plan.

In order to remain with the constraints of a palindromic story an author has to make some sacrifices in terms of details and explanations. With that in mind,ÂI think Mr. Arthur handled the complexity of creating this story very well and achieved, in my opinion, exactly what he states wanted to in the notes after the story –to create a palindromic story that also moves forward. Recommended.

 

“The Plum Pudding Paradox” by Jay Werkheiser (debut 12/29 and reviewed by James Hantzelka). J.J. Thompson is confronted by a stranger who pleads with him to dissuade his student, Ernest Rutherford, from conducting his famous scattering experiment that alters the perception of the structure of the atom. The consequences of this experiment, the stranger argues, are too horrible to contemplate. Thompson finally agrees, but will he write the letter?

This is a truly clever twist on the traveler paradox of time travel. I really enjoyed the story, but it may be a little too esoteric for someone with less of a science background. Despite the few reaches in actual fact, such as the link between Rutherford’s experiment and quantum theory, it is still a good read and cleverly done.

“Variety” by Jill Zeller (debut 12/30 and reviewed by James Hantzelka) Natasha is a homebody, invested in her garden and trappings of modern life, car, home, etc. She is married to Curtis, a budding musician who is working on establishing himself in the business. This leads to Natasha at home and Curtis on the road and to an inevitable conflict as she becomes more invested in home life and he is more interested in his career. Conflicts arise over how to spend money and goals.

To me this story really didn’t go anywhere, nor was I particularly invested in the characters. I felt worse when the dog had to be put down than about any of the interplay and conflict between the two main characters. The story offered me no real insight into these people than I could get from a newspaper article about this period of their lives.

 

In “A Matter of Time” by Jaime Lee Moyer (debut 12/31) a co-worker approaches Julia with a priceless offer, his life for her. Julia’s allotted time is running out. She had weeks left when Myles approaches her with his no-strings gift of an additional twenty years.

“A Matter of Time” is a short story with incredible depth. It is set in a future where your expiration is determined in advance. Factors of life (childhood illness, taxing of social services), determines when time is subtracted. Time can be transferred and is often sold on the black market. Julia lost much of her time while helping others. Myles is a man with relatives in power. He often clashed with them because of how they used that power, but they had a unique way of silencing him. Now he wants to give his life to Julia as a way of making amends for his guilt.

Ms Moyer should be commended for this story. She wrote an intriguing future with compelling characters. The storyline was a bit blue for me, which is the only reason why I balked at a full recommendation. Nevertheless “A Matter of Time” is award-winning writing. I was impressed.

 

Analysis

Even only covering a third of the year, Daily Science Fiction has produced enough outstanding material to fill a “Year’s Best” anthology. Based on these four months I concludeâ€
a)ÂÂÂÂÂ The editors deserve Hugo and Nebula nominations (Unlikely, this year)
b) Many of the stories deserve a further evaluation so they can be included for further honors. Andâ€
c)ÂÂÂÂÂ Hugo and Nebula should be offering a separate award for Flash length fiction

The editor’s should also be commended for their innovation of distribution. Sending a story a day for their readership is genius. Here is hoping they get the recognition they so justly deserve.

 

Frank went a little overboard with his April Fool pranks this year and is currently in hiding.

Special thanks to James Hantzelka, Anonymous, and Dustin Adams, who has an updated blog http://dustintadams.blogspot.com. I appreciate you all, and Dave, for helping me produce these reviews as well as keeping my whereabouts a secret.

Anonymous is an accomplished author. He is credited with writing such classics as The Book of Dead, Beowulf, The Key of Solomon, The Autobiography of a Flea, and Go Ask Alice to name a few. He is also known for writing many works of poetry, inspirational phrases, and several Psalms in the Bible.

Daily Science Fiction: November Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

The Stories

The protagonist in “Faith” by Mario Milosevic (debut 11/01/11) is answering to a committee about an alien visitor to his home. Alpha delivered a package with a virus that would eliminate the concept of religion in humanity. Opening the package is up to the protagonist but Alpha stays with him and his family. Like Pandora’s box, the package proves to be too alluring.

“Faith” asks the question what we would life be like without religion. The sudden absence of faith turns the protagonist into an instant cynical pragmatist. An interesting take, I confess. The author’s choice to narrate this from the protagonist’s recanting of events to a faceless committee is not what I would have chosen to do. It made him less likeable to me and made delightful idea less appealing.

 

“Over Tea” by T. M. Thomas (debut 11/02/11) is set in Colonial America. Two influential patrons from another time talk while the host, Deugaw, sips on tea. The host is aware the protagonist is attempting to profit with revolutionary inventions and is worried their timeline is in jeopardy. Deugaw poisons himself to see if he can effect events of the past and alter the future.

The two characters have inexplicably ended up in the past but decades apart. Deugaw has lived for decades in the past while the protagonist is a more recent time traveler. The story is a private conversation with Deugaw attempting to change the ambitious protagonist’s desire to get rich at the future’s expense. I found the piece compelling and the writing engaging. Wish there was more implications revealed (always do with alternate history pieces like this) but enjoyed it anyway.

 

“The Value of Folding Space” by Tim Patterson (debut 11/03/11) is a micro-tale of a man with the ability to teleport. The man contemplates his superpower but marvels on what it can’t do for him.

This read like the opening to novel. My only complaint is it was too brief. I was left unfulfilled.

 

“Dragon Dreams on Cardboard Wings and Tiny Scraps of Yellow” by Christopher Kastensmidt (debut 11/04/11) is a tale of a bored office worker named Susan. Susan cuts a star out of a sticky note and pastes it to her cubicle wall. With a wave of her arm the little cardboard montages around the star come to life on the blue fabric of her cubicle wall.

Unlike the ostentatious title, “Dragon Dreams” is a brief Beyond the Looking Glass type of tale. The author’s tendency to dress up his prose left me a bit annoyed. Other than that I have no issues with this wool-gathering-come-to-life story.

 

“The Essence of Truth” by Erin M. Hartshorn (debut 11/05/11 and reviewed by Louis Dogget) is an interesting tale, one I found very entertaining. He brings out the emotions in the story in a good way. The whole story is well written; his descriptions of the world he invented and his main characters are all well done. His bad guy is a bit cliche-ish but most are in this type of story. The story isn’t about the bad guy anyway.

The story is about a woman, Sarna, who finds a child who has an unique gift, one that puts the girl in danger with a greedy Prince who wants to be more than he is. Sarna also learns of a plot that would make the Prince more powerful to everyone’s woe. She has to place herself in danger to try to both help the girl and to stop The Prince.

Fantastical interruptus.

We’ve all seen them, read them, probably even liked them, but now we have an epic fantasy on the verge of a humble beginning and that comes to an abrupt halt.

 

In “The Closer” by Ari B Goelman (debut 11/08/11 and reviewed by Dustin Adams), we have a man at the end of one life, prime for the beginning of another, when a stranger enters his house. Understandably nervous but also with the proper mix of fear and resolution from someone suffering a recent loss, Martin searches his house for the noises he hears until he meets a man calling himself an engineer.

To say more, would give away too much.

This short story was rich with details and didn’t rush to say what it needed to say. I felt Martin’s fear as anyone would who had an intruder in his house. Then I sat back and smiled at the unique turn of events that unfolded after the introduction of the engineer.

All in all, a great short story.

 

“Chaos Theory” by Shannon Luke Ryan (debut on Tuesday 9th November 2010 and reviewed by Anonymous) is a short story based on the ‘butterfly effect’, a theory extrapolated from chaos theory (hence the title) and first used by Ray Bradbury in literature in a 1952 short story called ‘Sound of Thunder’.

I don’t think this short-short is trying to be anything it isn’t–it’s just a bit of fun. It begins with two butterflies emerging from their chrysalises; one flaps its wing and causes a cyclone that devastates the coast of Australia. Needless to say the other butterfly is determined not to be outdone, but finds it isn’t as easy to cause disasters as it first thought.

It was a shame that the author stated it was cocoon each butterfly came out of, when it should be a chrysalis. A little web research helps eliminate small errors. That said, it was enjoyable; I decided to ignore the butterflies’ ability to instantly know the meta-effects of their wing flapping.

Perhaps they had CNN?

 

“Winning Streak” by Nicky Drayden (debut 11/10/11) is tale of a shape-shifter scamming a casino. The casino is the only one that will allow an Ittari like Traleel Az on its floor. Ittari can’t miss on a machine. After 13 consecutive jackpots, the pit boss is forced to make a deal with Traleel.

“Winning Streak” is a fun story. The author throws in a couple of funny lines as we follow along with a character that we all know is cheating. The ending did feel like a cheat in itself but it worked.

 

Terrance Smith never got to say a proper goodbye to his departed wife in “One Year Later” by KJ Kabza (debut 11/11/11). 12 months later, he gets to talk to his wife for the last time.

“One Year Later” is a heartwarming tale. Thanks to advancements in computer technology and brain scanning, they are able to recreate your lost love one on the phone. It is meant to provide closure for the grieving. The author excellent writing made this delightful something special. Recommended

 

“Outside the Box” by Brian Winfrey (debut 11/12/11) is the story of a man saddled with a magical box. The box chooses its owner. The holder of the box must give what it presents to whomever happens to be standing on a particular Hollywood star at 11:00 AM. The protagonist is compelled to fulfill this task everyday. It is ruining the holder’s life, as it has the previous owner, and has driven away the protagonist’s girl. Each item the box produces is meant to change to the person’s life it is gifted to. The protagonist wishes his life would change but that would mean abandoning the box. If only it had an item he needed, but what could it possibly have that will equal the price of freedom he desires?

This was one neat idea. However, the wonderful idea was twice too long. At one point I was begging the story to get on with it. Nevertheless the authors smooth writing and nice ending made this one worth the read.

 

“Cruel Mountain” by T D Carroll (debut 11/15/11 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) begins and stays in an isolated restaurant on the side of a mountain during a wicked winter storm. A stranger blows in becoming the only customer and the kindly, or not-too-kindly, matron orders her young cook to give the man what he ordered, not what he needs.

There seems to be more going on between the woman and the old stranger, and while I was waiting for a revelation, the story ended, its secrets withheld. Who was the stranger? How did he pay? Did the boy get straightened out? Why should he have a real bowl of soup instead of broth?

I was disappointed in the lack of follow-through and vague revelations of what felt to me like the author knew the deeper meanings to, but the reader was left to guess.

The descriptions and analogies were slightly over the top, however they did provide vivid details of a storm and a cold, snowy location.

Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this story based on that alone.

 

“Supply and Demand” by William Meikle (debut on November 16th 2010 and reviewed by Anonymous)

I wanted to like this story, but in the end I was a little disappointed. It centres around a psychiatrist seeing a patient referred by the ER. The patient has delusional beliefs that there are significant numbers of soulless people in the world today, hence all of the modern world’s problems. The story’s focus is the conversation between the psychiatrist and the patient. I think if you are going to adopt this approach you need to carefully structure the conversation in order to create some subtle tensions and reveals or you simply end up with one person telling the other person something. I saw that there was an attempt to structure in this way but it didn’t really work for me–it’s a short-short and ended up being too simplistic. You are left to doubt whether the man’s delusions are in fact delusions.

This story would work better if longer, but it is a format that has been done before. I have written my own psychiatrist/patient conversation story with a ‘is it true’ question running through it and have seen others, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing that.

Psychiatrists hear stranger and more cogent delusions than this on a daily basis, so the average psych would not begin to doubt his own version of reality based on the report of a single patient. There was a Googleable error; Thorazine is no longer manufactured or used and has been superseded by far more effective anti-psychotic drugs. The interview and the psychiatrist’s reactions (crying patient and panic button) and dialogue (‘Prove it!’) doesn’t reflect that of a professional conducting a mental health assessment.

 

In “Hypotheticals” by “D.K. Latta” (debut 11/17/11) the protagonist introduces a series of hypothetical scenarios to Edward involving an astronaut on an alien planet. The game seems innocent but its one Edward wants to win.

“Hypotheticals” is one of those stories you wonder what is going on. The ending had a very nice twist. The author did a nice job pulling it off, and I better leave it at that.

 

“What Lies Between the Bread” by Greg van Eekhout (debut 11/18/11) is about a sandwich shop. Jessica spots a sandwich shop on a street where the shops change daily. She is used to the weird and odd for the place set between the tavern and stationery store, but this shop seems so out of place it maybe the weirdest of all.

This story is almost uneventful. The idea of a changing shop for a single address is a neat idea. The shop owners explanation on why his store ‘belonged’ on that street. The story tipped to unlikable with an ending that didn’t whet my appetite.

 

In “The Piper” by Mai L Lee (debut 11/19/11 and reviewed by Dustin Adams) Rowan alone sees the illusory, phantom ship at dusk, as well as the boy on the periphery of her vision. The other children are jealous, which makes her feel all the more special. The boy, it seems, has chosen her. And yet her parents seem to know there’s trouble afoot. The mother withers while the father rages, but nothing deters the girl who longs for more than her decaying city can give her. The boy flits and hints at Rowan, teasing her with the music from his flute, calling her forth, drawing her in. She knows she shouldn’t seek him, yet she can’t help herself.

To divulge the details of their meeting would be to ruin the climax. To say I was disappointed, I hope, does not. It could be because I was expecting the story to lead me down one path, only to have it travel another. This alone is not a bad thing, but when I find myself anticipating, or worse, wishing for a story to proceed a certain way I attribute it to a dearth of a gripping plot. This is not to say the writing is poor. Quite the contrary. The writing was rich and the images vivid. It was simply that the story seemed to have an end point in mind, a twist if you will, and I personally felt let down by where it ended considering the lofty goals I had set for it while reading along.

 

“Some Day My Prince Will Go” by Shelia Crosby (debut 11/22/11) starts as a familiar fairy tale. The protagonist is imprisoned in a tower by a witch and is waiting to be rescued by a handsome prince, and has been waiting for a very long time. So long her standards for handsome princes have lowered. Jeffery is the latest to arrive to her rescue. He is pudgy, dim, out of shape, and she could care less. Unfortunately, it’s not her standards Jeffery needs to meet.

Shelia Crosby knows how to find my funny bone. “Some Day” is a smartly written work of humor. The protagonist is a sharp-witted, desperate-for-a-man, my type of girl. I found her clever and her perspective in this fractured fairy tale delightful. The first two-thirds of the story is wonderful, funny, and sharply written. Too bad the last part dragged, written as an attachment the author must have found necessary to tie things up. Still a great piece.

 

“Dear Ms. Moon” by Liz Argail (debut 11/23/11) is a series of letters sent to Earth’s satellite. Theresa Shackleton has a little brother who likes to dress up as Wonder Woman and jump off the roof in an attempt to fly. Theresa is worried he will do more damage than the broken limbs he has been acquiring. She asks the heavenly body to exert an extra gravitational pull so her poor brother doesn’t land so hard next time.

Some humorous stories are too silly to be funny to me. Liz Argail walks the fine line of between silliness and laughs. This delightful piece made me smile at the end. Cleverly done.

 

“A Day Like No Other” by S.C. Wade (debut 24th November 2010 and reviewed by Anonymous) is a story about a man in his latter years who is blessed/cursed with the ability to see people’s futures. He has kept this secret his whole life, apart from telling his understanding wife and now-estranged daughter. His wife has subsequently died and his relationship with his daughter is apparently damaged beyond repair. He has foreseen his own death and the story focuses on the brief few moments in a cafà ©, just before his fatal car accident, as he contemplates his past (i.e. the set up).

There is a lot to like in this story. It is written nicely and the pacing is good with some nice sensory details.

The small twist at the end, although delivered nicely, was a little predictable; it does seem to lack an internal logic, though. Given the fact narrator told his close family about his prescient powers, one would imagine that it then becomes a subject that can be discussed freely within the family…especially if they are reasonable people, and they are presented as such in the story.

 

“Lottery” by Nathan Wellman (debut November 25th, 2010 and reviewed by Ismail Rodriguez) is about a lucky family; winners of a lottery that will take them away from an apocalyptic earth by space shuttle to a new planet and a new life of plenty. They were getting out ‘scot free’. How their friends envied them. But not all is as it seems. There is a previously undisclosed sacrifice required before being allowed on board. But what can they do? It’s their only chance to escape.

There is so much information packed in so little space in this work of speculative fiction. The setting is quickly formed as you share the good fortune of Robert, Mary, and their daughter Dinah. This story is easy to follow and flows well. The characters were a bit shallowly drawn but what can you do in under 400 words. It was an interesting premise but left me wanting more.

 

Brian is the Intermediary of your subconscious at the New Sander Institute in “Flashback” by Melissa Mead (debut 11/26/11). He is an artificial being that is supposed to be void of feelings or independent thought. Years of being subjected to others dreams, nightmares, and memories has resulted in an unforeseen circumstance for him, Brian has developed a personality.

Brian is a tortured person. He is treated like a tool in the institute, and like a tool, is often abused. His development has troubled Dr. Sanders. Brian refers to the doctor’s past colleagues as relatives. Seeking to correct the anomaly, the doctor enters his virtual reality world and plunges him into the memories he was never supposed to have retained.

My biggest problem with this piece was I was never sure what Brian was. In one part he is a solid person, the next another like him was erased as if it was a holographic image. It was never made clear. The ending didn’t help either on his state. The ending left as many questions as well. The biggest was how?

Hard to like a story when you’re not even sure what the main character is. This story started out about a dream institute but I never saw a patient. Strong writing but I disliked more than I liked about this story.

 

“Questions” by Jacob A. Boyd (debut 11/29/11) opens in a white room with two important doors in it. The protagonist has no memory of who he was but a man is there to answer his every question. The man counts as he answers each one. The amount of questions asked, rather than the answers, contributes to which door the protagonist chooses.

I expected to hate this story when I first started reading the opening. White rooms usually turn editors away; thankfully the DSF editors stuck with it. The protagonist’s blank memories slowly resurface as his questions are answered but as vague feelings rather than solid events in his mind. The doors lead to different directions. One he’ll wade in the memories in his life and the other he’ll linger between places, still void of his memory.

At about a thousand words, “Questions” shows why short works of fiction can be so gratifying to read. It took me a hundred words for me to become completely engrossed in it. I read this story four times, not because I couldn’t grasp its meaning, but because I had to experience its effect again. The ending to this one is can’t miss. Recommended

 

In “Appalled Science” by “Andrew Kaye” (debut 11/30/11 and reviewed by James Hanzelka), Dr Abram Winthrop. like most of us, wants a friend and a companion. Unlike most of us he is a scientist and can make his own. What Abram finds, however, is even created friends aren’t perfect.

I liked this story’s inventiveness and brief window into Abram’s world and desires. It is difficult to create any type of character development into short stories like this. But the author is still able to make understand Abram’s motivations. The ending was a nice little twist made to make us think about our actions.

Analysis

Last month’s review started a bit of controversy. I am delighted Daily Science Fiction received extra attention because of it. They deserve it. Here’s hoping the editors and magazine get recognition in the form of nominations and awards. As one who has read and reviewed an issue of almost every major publication, I can say after reading the first three months, they consistently produce the strongest material in the market today.

The leading reviewer in the industry said it was the short length of most of the stories as the main reason why DSF was over looked. Although the editors of DSF cite economics as a reason why they seek flash length in their submissions page, they have proven a story doesn’t need to be long to be great.

Although I didn’t recommended it, “Some Day My Prince Will Go” by Shelia Crosby is my pick for the funniest so far in DSF (and I didn’t pick it because we shared a spot in a humor anthology together).

“Questions” by Jacob A. Boyd is my new favorite for the magazine. If you’re looking for a story to nominate for the Million Writers Award, give this one a look.

In the photo from left to right, is Louis Doggett, Dustin Adams, Frank Dutkiewicz, and Ismail Rodriguez. Not shown, James Hanzelka (he took the picture) and Anonymous (too shy).

Louis Doggett’s exploits can be tracked here.

Dustin Adams has a blog which can be found here.

Frank Dutkiewicz has recently published a short story in the latest issue of On The Premises.

Anonymous is an accomplished author. He is credited with writing such classics as The Book of Dead, Beowulf, The Key of Solomon, The Autobiography of a Flea, and Go Ask Alice to name a few. He is also known for writing many works of poetry, inspirational phrases, and several Psalms in the Bible.

Review: Writers of the Future XXVI

Reviewed by Frank Dutkiewicz

Time for my yearly review, Yippee! Last year I wrote a very long analysis on the winning story and another that I really, and of the authors that wrote them. A few took my comments as needlessly personal. I regret that. I was only attempting to illustrate the first impressions I had of Jordan Lapp and Emery Huang, which were swept aside when I read their stories. I by no means meant that either of them acted or did anything wrong. In fact, I think every author is entitled to a little self-promotion and should take full advantage of their fifteen minutes of fame in hopes of stretching it out into a life-long center stage. So that I won’t be misunderstood this time, I will only make this statement about this years award ceremonies; Laurie Tom’s red dress was hot!

“Living Rooms” by Laurie Tom First place fourth quarter and Gold Award winner

Rill’s expected warm homecoming is cut short when she discovers her father has passed away and a distant uncle has moved into her childhood home in hopes of gaining control. The rooms have rejected him and are heartened by Rill’s return. However, for Rill to maintain control she must believe the house is hers or her uncle will be able to regain a foothold into the enchanted house. Rill has been away for eight years and hasn’t fully considered her father’s house hers, and all the rooms have not accepted her as their new master.

“Living Rooms” is a fresh fantasy concept. The rooms have personalities of their own and can manifest into people. The holographic like beings are anchored to their ‘room’ and can only leave their area when granted permission by their master. Rill’s father was an accomplished magician and she has only remembered a few of the basic spells of her youth. Her evil uncle, Morrin, is after something in the home. Rill must find out what he is after but not all the rooms in the house are cooperative. Morrin is eager to drive Rill away. If she can believe the house is hers his power will be nullified, but believing a house she felt like a prisoner in when she was a child is hers proves to be difficult.

It is easy to fall in love with this premise. Rill comes home expecting to reconnect with her father. The rooms of the house are servants to the owners and have appropriate personalities for their purposes. The story is set as a fantasy mystery. Finding out what Morrin is after is one of the driving forces of the plot. The premise is solid as was Ms Tom’s telling of the story. However, I found the plot a little too straightforward. The outcome was obvious to me early on, even if the details of what happened in between weren’t. The story lacked a sense of urgency I prefer of a thriller/mystery. What I found particularly disappointing was the villain. It may have helped if he was more active in the story. Instead he was the man lurking in the shadows, a distant danger instead of a more imposing one I would have preferred.

Grade B

“The Black Side of Memory” by Lael Salaets third place fourth quarter

Lt Det Kiv has been discharged from the army. Like others, his mind has been wiped of crucial details of the war. A former colleague greets him and convinces him to seek out the empty gaps in their memory. The government will stop at nothing to keep the facts of the war secret but a nagging feeling motivates Kiv to find the truth. But all he has to go on is a picture of a small girl drawn by a soldier in the psych ward at a VA hospital.

The premise to “The Black Side of Memory” hinges on a pair of soldiers eager to right a nagging wrong. Erased memory is something every soldier endures before discharge. Surprisingly, the radical procedure is flawed. Everyone knows (soldiers, public, the enemy) that the Colonial forces perform this routine procedure. Kiv and his companion have left a disk that will revive their lost memory, all they have to do is travel halfway around the world into enemy territory and evade government agents to find one small child on a big continent. Piece of cake.

The story itself showed promise at its start but became increasingly disappointing the further I read. The author’s storytelling I would best describe as wooden. The characters were stiff, the prose simplistic, and the plot unoriginal. It came across like a bad version of a Rambo knock off idea. I couldn’t help but to wonder why the government agents just didn’t shoot the pair to keep them quiet. If not an execution than a simple arrest on trumped up charges usually works well enough for any minor tyrannical government in today’s societies.

Grade C-

“Lisa with Child” by Alex Black second place first quarter

Karin is suffering from post-traumatic stress. She has been turning to alcohol to cope with the haunting visions of the war in her head. She hopes readmission into the Clandestine Services will help her deal with the flashbacks, then Lisa, her AI combat companion, puts everything in jeopardy with news Karin never dreamed would be possible; she’s pregnant with their child.

“Lisa with Child” is excellent Science Fiction. It introduces a possible future problem using mistakes made in the past. Lisa is a cyborg, created to assist her assigned air force officer, Karin, in the war to unify Korea. The Agency made her to be emotionally dependent to her assigned officer and physiologically indistinguishable from other people. Years after the war, she is still with Karin, serving as her bodyguard and servant. Her social development has been shaped by her programming and years of bonding with Karin. Karin feels as if Lisa has ruined her chances with the agency. Lisa however is a product of her creation, everything she does is for Karin’s own good.

Following Lisa’s logic through Karin’s perspective is the crux of this story. Like so many weapons introduce for a war effort (agent orange, rockets, nuclear power) the effects on society aren’t fully revealed until years after. “Lisa with Child” examines what could happen when human-like machines, built to protect and assist the people they are bonded to, are left with their assigned humans while their programs continue to evolve. The author’s ability to lead us along lends to this brilliant piece. Although it was perhaps the shortest story I read in the WotF anthologies in a long time, I found it full of content. The three characters are drawn well, all distinct and all believable. If I could find something to complain about it would be the length of the piece. I would have liked more but in all honesty the authors brevity of telling this tale may be the reason why it worked so well.

Grade A

“Not in the Flesh” by Adam Colston second place third quarter

Technical Officer Aaron Tanaka is assigned to determine if a battle android is flawed. The human faced android has demonstrated characteristics that are too human and discovering it gave itself a name does not bode well for it. Before Aaron’s order for destruction is completed disaster strikes. Aaron’s life is now in Peter the android’s hands, and his future depends on its emerging humanity.

“Not in the Flesh” is a story cut from the cloth of Isaac Asimov’s genius. Peter the android has become aware that he is a slave of humanity while Aaron’s role is much like a taskmaster in the pre-civil war south. Androids are tools, and a tool that is unpredictable is of no use. A sudden change in fortune flips the positions of the two characters. Thanks to Peter’s quick thinking, the two escape disaster but find themselves in predicament that is just as dire. Aaron faces death; an irreversible, no chance of resurrection, death. Lying to the android won’t make any difference and telling him the truth may save him from some needless suffering.

I am admittedly biased when it comes to this story. I am one of Adam’s first readers and have read several incarnations of “Not in the Flesh,” from his first inklings of an idea to his last draft. Reading it in print gave it a unique feel. It also showed me the reason why I believed Adam would hit the big time years ago.

Like other stories of Adam’s I have read, “Not in the Flesh” has a protagonist that is flawed. Mr Colston integrates Aaron’s flaws and makes them central to the plot. It is unlikely the story would have done as well if Aaron’s own prejudices weren’t a part of his characters make up. However, Mr Colston wisely didn’t cast him as an over-the-top futuristic bigot, instead Aaron’s distrust of Peter is deeper inside his psyche. As a result, Aaron is like a nice neighbor who occasionally grumbles about the ‘immigrant problem.’ Peter is the idealist; the altruistic visionary who would rather be considered an equal than a weapon in a desperate war. Lending to this delightful metaphoric tale is Mr Colston’s unique and subtle touches of humor. I particularly enjoyed the ending of the scene in the escape pod.

I think this story is very strong, but as a close associate of Adam I am unsure how clouded my judgment is. However, two other independent reviews have singled out his story as a standout. I would like to give him a high mark but because of our relationship and Adam’s tendency to suck upâ€

Grade withheld for being the teacher’s pet.

“Seeing Double” by Tom Crosshill first place first quarter

John and Sasha share lives. The New York soldier and Riga native were part of a cultural exchange long ago. Each person experiences the others actions while they sleep, in effect , live two lives. Sasha has become ill and John has come to Riga to seek him out. A burrowing unit has infected Sasha, threatening to sever the link between the two. Dima, Sasha’s brother, wishes John to be out of their lives, and isn’t above murder to do it.

“Seeing Double” is a dual perspective done through a single character. Jack-streaming is a way for two people to connect, share a mind. Sasha and John are opposites, relying on the others strength to compensate for their own weakness. Dima believes Sasha’s link with John has made him into something he isn’t. John travels to Riga for the first time yet is familiar with the place seeing it though Sasha’s eyes. Violence of a shared past catches up to the duo, and it is up to John to save them both.

“Seeing Double” is a fitting title because I had a hard time staying focused while reading it. Switching perspectives, sudden flashbacks, a conversation with a dead person inside a coffin†all made it difficult to follow. Just when I thought I got a grip of what was going on the scene would switch into something closer to a hallucination. I found the characters unlikable and the protagonist exceedingly violent. Although I had to read it twice to understand what I read, I did find the premise promising and understand why it would be so difficult to write.

Grade C

“Exanastasis” by Brad R. Torgersen third place third quarter

Arteus was the last person in the solar system left alive at his death. Ten centuries later, his ‘children’ have revived him and his long dead wife. An escaping ship of the war is returning to reclaim the Earth. The children have held true to Arteus’s plan of purging the Earth of humanity so it can recover before reintroducing cloned men to its surface. The strange ship is coming to reclaim the prize for itself, and demands the children and the moonbase to surrender.

“Exanastasis” is a story about a conflicted man. Arteus died devastated; the Earth destroyed in a war and vaporizing wife in the process. Hypatia is eager to see her husband, too eager for Arteus. He knows his wife isn’t the same person he knew and thinks of her as nothing but a copy, a product of his memory rather than the woman he fell in love with. The children are motivated by the plan, a plan Arteus no longer believes in or in the caretakers he created to implement it.

I found the first quarter of this story difficult to comprehend. It took me to the end to get a firm idea of what the children were. At first I thought they were corporeal creatures, floating aberrations like the ‘Dementors’ of the Harry Potter series. Too much of the story had to do with Arteus coming to grips with his resurrection and reuniting with his wife when a larger and more interesting story of the children caretakers, and a long ago foe returning, was there ignored. If I was reading this book for pleasure alone I may have dumped out of this story early, but it picked up and captured my interest enough for me to care about its ending.

Grade B-

“Poison Inside the Walls” by Scott W. Baker second place fourth quarter

Ashia is an experienced soldier, a caring mother, and proud woman. All she has become was built on a foundation of lies. While on patrol, she extracts the boils of a fungus, ingredients to an addictive drug, for her breeding-age son. Her youngest son is beautiful, the pride of the nursery, and Hector (the father) wants the credit of producing such a rare and healthy boy. Ashia wants no part of Hector and is willing to build on her foundation of lies to deny him the honor.

“Poison Inside the Walls,” like the lies Ashia lives, is a multi-layered tale. She is embarrassed and guilty for her eldest son. Ashamed and resentful of Hector. Distrusted and irritated of her superior officer. Then there is the Kree. The colony of Tora lost 90% of the men in an earlier invasion. Now the males are treated like studding stallions and the women are left to defend their world. Status means everything to the men and women of Tora and even more to Ashia. Her addicted son, Krusta, could care less about status and uses Ashia’s guilt to manipulate her. The result is a cast full of intriguing yet unlikable characters.

I have mixed feelings about this story. I found it ridiculous the circumstances Ashia put herself into. Risking your career for your son’s addiction is stupid. Denying a father’s paternity because he’s a jerk is foolishly vindictive, especially when the child’s welfare is at stake. Balancing against a frustrating premise is the writer’s raw talent. The story was quick paced and engaging. Ashia’s complicated life and evolving state of affairs was easy for me to accept because of the author’s ability to frame such an intricate plot. What I really loved was his description of the Kree. I wished the artist chose to draw one of them for this tale. The biggest sore spot for me was the ending, which I won’t explain so I won’t ruin it for those who haven’t read it.

Don’t be surprised if you are turned off by this premise. However, it speaks volumes of Mr Baker’s skill that he pulled it off. For that reason alone he deserves praise.

Grade A-

“Confliction” by Simon Cooper second place second quarter

Flynn Mason’s heart is about to fail. His black-marketed nanodocs in his blood are malfunctioning. Only an unlikely heart transplant can save him. Then the unlikely happens. The gift that saved his life has an unexpected price, a price too high for even a dying man to want to pay.

“Confliction”‘s premise relies on a futuristic technology called nanodocs, small machines that repair the body from within. The heart Flynn receives is from a scientist named Bernardo who was experimenting with the nanodocs. The nanodocs in Bernado’s heart has the capability of rewriting Flynn’s brain, supplanting his conscience with Bernado’s mind. Maxi, Bernardo’s lover, wishes to correct her mistake of donating his heart but the authorities are set to stop her. Flynn must decide who he must trust while fighting to retain his mind.

“Confliction” has three stages, all distinctively different but loosely tied together. The first couple of pages is of Flynn contemplating a failing heart, then there is a sequence of Maxi and government agents fighting over Flynn, and a third act with Flynn facing Brenado in the battleground of a shared mind. The failing heart opening had a nice hook but was a slow reel in. The second act I found slower and the characters cartoon-ish. I really wanted Flynn to just shoot them all at one point. The surreal third act came off like a fantasy battle with Bernado as a wizard who informs the hero that he must destroy him, but has no hard feelings about it. The story had flashes of brilliance but the mish-mashed stages had a way of turning me away. The result for me was mixed feelings for the entire piece.

Grade B-

“Digital Rights” by Brent Knowles first place third quarter

Izzy Mosh is the newest member of a solar collecting space station. Her job is the rein in the Assistants, AI cyber-space workers, who keep the station running and in one piece. The job is supposed to be temporary, and puts a strain on her marriage with her politically ambitious husband, but it grants her the chance to work with the leading AI psychologist in the system, Dr Rutgers. A ‘ghost’ has been spooking the Assistants, and someone has been leaving Izzy strange messages in her inbox. The odd doctor is surprised when he hears of them, but all fingers point back to his way. Izzy isn’t sure who is sending those verbal messages in her inbox but one thing is clear; the voice in those pleas for help is hers.

“Digital Rights” is a mystery whose mystery is lost 5 pages in. It becomes very obvious to the reader what is going on, and the crew isn’t all that clueless who is responsible as well. Dr Rutgers is a creep. The type of loner you’d imagine that hides behind a computer all day while surfing for depravity to titillate himself. Advancing technology in virtual reality grants the creep to advance into monster status. He disturbs the crew of women but Izzy wants to make excuses for him because of his accomplishments.

If I were to describe “Digital Rights” in one word it would be “long”. A mixture of exhausting inner monologues and overdone background bogged down a well-thought out premise. Much was made of Izzy’s marriage. We are shown a supporting and proud husband in one scene and a selfish, unsympathetic jerk the next. The story could have axed the governor-to-be spouse and not have missed a thing. Stuck in the middle of an equivalent of literary weeds is a lush story. There is a great premise that is choked by the author’s tendency to write down to his reader. I believe cultivated and trimmed, and rearranging the information to support a real mystery, this story could have been the standout piece of the anthology. Such as it isâ€

Grade B

“Coward’s Steel” by K C Ball , third place first quarter

Tate is a lonely girl. Her mentor and savior, Jolene, died weeks ago. Jolene taught Tate how to survive the Collapse by being suspicious of everyone. Tate sees something familiar in an old woman tending a fire. The chance meeting sets in motion a series of events that will influence her life, a struggling village, and a future’s past.

“Coward’s Steel” is a fantasy set in a dystopia. Tate lived most of her life following Jolene’s law. Her dead companion had so much influence on her Tate can still hear Jolene’s skeptical voice in her head. The voice drives a wedge between Tate and a caring community who have welcomed her with open arms. Tate carries a magical flask the old woman by the fire gave her, a flask that never empties of its whiskey.

The author wove a subtle puzzle within this finely crafted tale. The mystery of the old woman fades then returns later into the story. Tate is successfully cast as a loner who is destined to live in misery, even when opportunities for a comfortable and content life are presented to her. The villagers of Providence have done as well as a community weathering a global collapse can do. Outsiders are trouble and are dealt with harshly but those asking for help are never turned away. Tate finds friendship and love in the village but Jolene’s voice from the past warns Tate to not get used to it. The story is well done but a downer. I liked it but it left me bummed out in the end.

Grade B+

“Written in Light” by Jeff Young , third place third quarter

Zoi’ahmets is a wickurn gathering evidence to support her species in the Diversifrom Dispute. The tree-like alien is shocked and suspicious when a human stumbles into her. Kiona is a young girl who has crashed a rover transport in the jungle while on a photography expedition. Complications on what Zoi’ahmets should do about the human adolescent arise when Kiona develops a severe allergic reaction. Zoi’ahmets overrides her own suspicions to carry Kiona to safety, but the trek is long and Zoi’ahmets inability to call for help makes her wonder if seemingly unrelated events are connected to the Dispute.

“Written in Light” is a brave endeavor. The story is told from the viewpoint of a very alien species. Kiona is a mystery to Zoi’ahmets. First as she contemplates the biology and social order of humanity through a lost but proud pre-teen, then from Kiona growing serious condition of her injuries and unknown allergic reaction. Further complicating things for the wickurn is the fact that Kiona parents are part of an arbitrating body deciding the dispute.

Writing from the perspective of an alien species is always difficult. The author couldn’t have made it more so with such a novel idea like the wickurn. Mr Young developed not only one freakishly alien species but two, a butterfly like hive mentality called the chenditi. The author created a galaxy with an unusual concept of inter-species cooperation through a settlement program meant to include galactic community at large. In this tale a background model of radically different races existing side-by-side for the common good is presented. Zoi’ahmets uncovers a conspiracy to undermine this grand goal, and the wickurns sense of justice becomes the focus of the tale.

The story is a work of wonder. Mr Young’s ability to bring such an alien species to life makes him very deserving a spot in this anthology.

Grade A-

“The House of Nameless” by Jason Fischer , first place third quarter

Raoul the Minotaur lives a full life within a new reality and away from One-Way-World. Then a mysterious and blurry man bypasses all of Raoul’s safeguards and invades his home to inform him his world will be undone. The other gods have no idea who this powerful foe may be. Only Nameless has the answers in his head, answers that may undo everything.

Jason Fischer managed what I considered impossible; crack the contest with a work of humor. Much of “The House of Nameless” is a tongue-in-cheek work of fantasy. The myth heavy tale follows the formidable Raoul as he seeks answers on how anyone, or anything, could penetrate his fortress home. He first tries Nameless’ house then sets foot on the deck of a ship of debauchery, where he rescues a loved one he abandoned. Events lead to a show down, and answers of the blurry ones identity.

“The House of Nameless” is sharply written. I found the tale quick and the protagonist likeable but the plot was much like the antagonist, blurry. Following along on Raoul’s adventure was like making sense of a dream after eating a spicy meal of Mexican food. Too many weird things were going on. The comedy went way over on the ridiculous for it to be funny for me. Nice effort though.

Grade B

A Lopsided Trend And How It Influenced The Winner

A friend asked me a while ago what was his best chance at winning the contest. My answer — “Robots”. I should have followed my own advice.

I doubt you could find a previous volume that didn’t have at least two stories with an AI or bionic theme. WotF just likes them. True, there are many variations possible for the robot sub-genre, and you’ll usually find a nice mixture of fantasy and other sci-fi themes in every volume. However, this years anthology favored the sub-genre so much they could have called it I, Robot.

Five stories were based on artificial intelligence. Another three took the six-million dollar man route, focusing on cybernetic implants in their characters. That meant two-thirds of the winners were in the sub-genre and its sister theme, and I didn’t even include Jason Fischer’s piece, which had a robot but only as comic relief. WotF has traditionally shunned other time-honored sub-genres. Like dragons? Can’t remember the last time I read one in a WotF contest. Fantasy epic? Tolkein would have never stood a chance. Same if like to write about ghosts, zombies, and any other creature Abbot and Costello may have run into. In fact, fantasy took a back seat this time around. Only three winners, one-fourth of the contest slots, were fantasy. Not good if you entered four fantasy entries last year. So why did so many stories based on a small corner of the Sci-Fi genre win? Do the judges favor robots? Or were these stories just simply the best entries written by the best authors? I believe the later tailored to the former.

According to the authors’ bios, this years class was loaded with veteran writers. 11 of the 12 winning authors (congrats to K C Ball for striking pay dirt on her first try) have shown a history of submitting to the contest and to other publications as well. This year’s authors have an impressive pile of honorable mentions and 3 failed finalist entries among them. Good writers who work their way up the ranks pay attention to what motivates an editor. Most magazines ask you to read an issue. Good writers will read more than one. I am betting it was no coincidence the writers who have been nipping at the contests heels for so long decided robots were the way to go. Good for them, not so much for the contest.

It is rumored fantasy submissions dominate the contest. Although I favor sci-fi over fantasy, I believe most of the readers don’t. Hopefully this year’s trend was just a coincidence. I would hate it if readers are turned away because the content just doesn’t fit their taste anymore. Equally as tragic would be if fantasy exclusive writers stop submitting because of the contests weighted preferences. We shall see what happens in the future.

So what made this year’s winner so special? I think I know.

I found “Living Rooms” to be a solid story. The protagonist was likeable and the plot compelling, but so were a majority of the other entries. Although I found it solid the writing fell short of sharp. At 52 pages it was the longest of the anthology. I just can’t see why the plot justified such a length. Compared with the works and styles of the judges (at least the ones I have read), I don’t believe they would have needed so many pages to tell the same story. Ms Tom took extra pains at providing exposition. Her protagonist inner monologues and an overemphasis on back-story appeared as if she worried the reader would miss important details. The result was a slower pace. Not a crawl, but more of a leisurely stroll. The extra exposition also robbed the piece of much of its mystery, a pity because it had the making of a great one.

It could be Ms Toms took notice of the contests’ desire to make the anthology student friendly, not so racy so it couldn’t be placed in a high school library. “Living Rooms” I believe had a very young adult feel to it. In fact, I think the piece would fit well in any middle school classroom. So is its encompassing friendly appeal to a wide audience the reason it won? Not a chance. The answer why it did is clear if you consider the judges preference for robots this year. Originality.

Most of the characters in “Living Rooms” are Artificial Intelligence creations. The rooms, as personified spells, act like robots. They have rules to their behavior and are limited by their creators programming. Some seek to be more, like James of the parlor, while others cannot overcome their instructions, like Martin of the master bedroom, even when following those instructions runs counterintuitive to their own good. Although the story lacks any science whatsoever, the rooms in Ms Toms piece are as robotic as anything Isaac Asimov created. In a sense, she plucked robots out of science fiction and planted them firmly in fantasy. Likely she was just lucky to submit the right story at the right time but it doesn’t make “Living Rooms” any less innovative or brilliant. Even though I graded past winners higher, and a good deal of the stories in this volume as well, her story may be the most deserving of the gold award in a decade.

Congratulations, Laurie. You earned it.

Frank went to his first writers convention recently where he meant a half-dozen authors, whose works he reviewed, in a dark alley at back. Frank was very encouraged to learn how passionate they were about their craft and was pleased to discover theyÂtook his reviews so seriously. The next convention he attends he plans on bringing his own friends to add to anyÂfuture discussions.

Review: Sha’Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse

Sha’Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse edited by Michael Hanson

review written by Frank Dutkiewicz

(The following review first appeared 2008 in Atomjack magazine.)

I love reading anthologies and I tend to gravitate to them, but finding one that will pique my interest enough to take a chance on it can be chancy. So when one of my favorite authors, Mike Resnick, wrote the forward to Sha’Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse, it was enough for me to want to dive in.

Sha’Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse is the brainchild of Michael Hanson. He enlisted the help of ten other authors to bring his idea to life. The Sha’Daa is a forty-eight hour window in which the barriers between our world and the Hell dimensions become thin. The event happens once in ten thousand years. Old myths and superstitious have made a few wary of the hidden portal openings spread over our world. One mysterious man, Johnny the Salesman, is the only one aware of the oncoming doom. Eleven authors have written stories on a few of the collapsing portals and of the lone man selling salvation to an unsuspecting human race.

“The Dive” by Edward McKeown

Kevin Hanlon is the District Supervisor in charge of a group of misfit subway workers. He is sent into the New York subway to investigate a strange opening in one of the tunnels where he discovers the demons that are about to invade our world. All the demons need is a bit of human blood and a few souls for the gates of Hcell to be opened. Hanlon must convince his rainbow-coalition band of misfits to help him save the day.

If Hollywood is searching for their next action-packed cheesy-horror film, they need to look no further than The Dive. Like a cheesy film, it opens with Hanlon introducing his nine misfit workers, each equipped with their own colorful nickname. It doesn’t take long for Hanlon’s skeptical team to realize his tale of marauding demons isn’t crazy. They are the only ones standing in the way of an army of alligator and aped-faced monsters and an unsuspecting New York City. What happens next would fit any Predator/Alien sequel — pitched battles, rescuing of a damsel in distress, with a clichà ©d line or two thrown in for comedic effect†(“Can’t we all just get along?”)

If you are familiar with this standard storyline you can probably figure out what will happen. The only mystery is guessing who will bite the bullet before it ends. The Salesman’s character was done well but he reminded me of Kazoo (alien from the Flintstones), just not as corny or silly.

Despite my complaints, “The Dive” is an entertaining read. For an opening story to an anthology like this, it does fit. The action is nicely written and the pacing is quick.

“Tunguska Outpact“ by Deborah Koren

Kate is a young woman dragged into the Siberian wilderness by her boyfriend. Saul is heading a University expedition to investigate the 1908 Tunguska event. Kate becomes furious with Saul when he completes a trade she refused earlier with the Salesman – a watch for her stuffed-bear. Kate’s bubbling anger for her boyfriend, and for the world at large, is just what is needed to bring about the Sha’Daa.

“Tunguska Outpact” is a hell of a story. Ms. Koren took a simple tale of a girl with issues and made it into something more. There are only few a characters in this piece but the story is really about Kate anyway. The supporting casts serve as excellent foils for her character. Solidly done from her point of view, you get a vivid idea on what she thinks of others with a few well-placed words, a rare gift Ms. Koren uses efficiently. The crux of the story is the conflict with her soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend, Saul. She defines their relationship with little quips, such as this take on Saul’s presents, describing them as,(not) gifts at all, but little collar-and-leash sets”.

Within the story are short flashbacks dating back to when she first received her bear. Generally, a bad idea but Ms. Koren uses them appropriately and exploits them to move the story along. You get a solid idea on why Kate became the resentful girl that she has become.

The climactic scene almost comes off as anti-climactic. It looked as if it would turn into something outlandish but Ms. Koren wisely reeled it in before it got out of hand. The ending fell a little flat but the end couldn’t have possibly made this story grander anyway.

“Tunguska Outpact” is probably not going to win any awards but the storyteller I am suspecting will someday. I found Deborah Koren’s style and story-telling ability outstanding. I will be looking forward to more of her works in the future.

“Lava Lovers” by Wilson “Pete” Marsh

Doctors Toby and Sarah Nightwalkers are geologists enjoying a working vacation in the Mediterranean. They hire an old salt of a sailor named Agenor to take them to the Santorini Caldera, site of a series of volcanic eruptions dating back to 1600 BC. The two young doctors have a shared passion for old myths and legends, which is the reason why they sought Agenor services.

Against Agenor’s better judgment, the couple camp out on Akroteri, site of the ancient city that was buried in the 1600 BC eruption. On the slab of rock they camp on, the pair discover handprints – left hand human, right a three-fingered claw , that is identical to one they saw in the Petroglyphs of New Mexico. The prints remind Toby of an old myth his grandfather used to tell. Under his bride’s prodding, he recites the words to bring forth the Sha’Daa.

“Lava Lovers” starts out as nothing more than a married couple having a semi-interesting conversation. When Agenor comes on the scene (a couple of pages in) the story begins to get entertaining. At one point, a good page is set aside for a geological lecture. Interesting if you’re watching the Discovery Channel. Not so much if you’re reading an anthology about the coming apocalypse.

Half way through the piece switches into high gear. The action is solid and the tension first-class. Mr. Marsh does an excellent job of bringing his characters to life. They are likeable and funny. The humor is slight but his timing is perfect. The Salesman makes a brief appearance and Marsh seems to have an excellent grasp of his character. For such a short role he has a major impact in the plot.

“Lava Lovers” is a bit slow off the starting line but recovers and finishes strong. I liked this story a lot.

“The Way of the Warrior” by Arthur Sanchez

Shinzo is a monk in the Temple of Eternal Light, and like the rest of the monks, seeks to become a warrior. As a monk, most of his battles are against grime and his weapon is a mop. In his spare time, Shinzo is the warrior he seeks to be in the world of video games.

The monks are the first defense against the demons that seek to destroy Earth. They train for the day of the challenge. Two grand champions, one demon, the other a member of the monastery, will battle for the fate of Earth on the chosen day. The time is unknown, but it is decided when all the blossoms on the cherry trees in the monastery’s garden have fallen.

On this day, the rest of the monks are away leaving only the Grand Master to watch the cherry trees and Shinzo to polish the floors. The Salesman appears with a mop and cleaner that magically cleans the floor for Shinzo, for a price to good to pass up. The cleaner works wonders, a little too well when an unsuspecting Master slips on the slippery floor, leaving Shinzo alone — just as the blossoms begin to fall.

“The Way of the Warrior” is a jewel of a story. It is quite simply, hilarious. The demon champion left me in stitches. This Salesman is the craftiest in the anthology. Shinzo is the least likely champion fate could provide. Shinzo uses his wits, and love of the video game, to combat an impossibly formidable opponent.

As someone that attempts to make others laugh, my hat goes off to Mr. Sanchez. Bravo.

“Breaking Even” by Jamie Schmidt

Kenneth is a gambler with a psychic gift that gives him an edge. Banned from most of the casinos in the universe, he returns to Las Vegas to see if he can weasel his way back into some action. The glitzy Nevada city is filled with demons who are quite aware of Kenneth’s gift. He is escorted to the airport where he runs into the Salesman. Johnny offers Kenneth a stake in the biggest game in the universe.

Imagine Maverick with aliens and demons. Throw in a daughter Kenneth never knew he had and you got the basic story line of “Breaking Even”. The story has plenty of one-liners, almost all of them corny. “I love Mexican”, is one a demon drops after devouring a Chihuahua.

I found Kenneth unlikable, the villain predictable, and the cast of characters unremarkable. I think the story would have been better served without the sitcom-level humor. I did find the ending delightfully poetic. Nevertheless, Breaking Even came off as unexceptional.

“Dixie Chrononauts” by D. R. MacMaster

Harvey Cormac is a US Marine, home from Iraq. He chooses to spend his off time in a Confederate Civil War re-enactment company headed to Gettysburg. While traveling on a back-road/shortcut in a bus with the company, which is followed by a professor eager to stop madman from starting the Sha’Daa, and a Homeland Security agent transporting a van load of weapons (alone) for the Maryland State Police, they are transported back in time days before the 1863 battle. Harvey Wraith, (the villain) has gone back into time as well. The deaths of the battlefield and a suspicious virgin pregnancy are the two pieces needed to bring about the Sha’Daa. Harvey and his fellow stranded time travelers are the only ones that can stop him.

“Dixie Chrononauts” started off fast and showed promise but slowed to a crawl a page or two in and dragged from that point on. The first ten pages or so are used to introduce the seven main characters and set up the unlikely scenario that places them all together on a lonely dirt road. The next ten after that are for the characters to get their bearings and figure out what the reader all ready knows. The remainder of the story becomes a desperate battle between conveniently well-armed heroes and giant snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlers.

“Dixie Chrononauts” reads like a knock-off idea based on so many 1950 horror movies I watched as a kid. The heroes come off as stereotypical and the villain is just plain silly. All Harvey Wraith needed was a curled handlebar mustache to complete the picture. The story is littered with characters and the shifting perspectives made it difficult to follow.

The last line in “Dixie Chrononauts” sums up the piece perfectly for me.

“It’s a long story,”

“The Great Nyuk-Nyuk” by Adrienne Ray

Brian Mulcahey is a smart-alec sixth-grade student of St. Bernadette’s Middle School. His tormenting of Sister Farzenweiner and the rest of the staff has earned him the attention of the Vatican. They are convinced he is the savior that will make the King of Atrocities laugh, thus saving the world.

The premise to this one is silly. Fortunately, it’s supposed to be. The story is more about a Jesuit priest having doubts about his faith than about a jokester being put on the biggest spot ever. I found Brian likeable but unremarkable. Truthfully, I knew cleverer smart-alecs growing up.

“The Great Nyuk-Nyuk” is funny but is not in the league of the earlier comedic piece, “The Way of the Warrior.“ I didn’t find it as clever or as smooth. It was nevertheless a fun story.

“Talking Heads” by Nancy Jackson

Professor ‘Ronny’ Johns hand picks a group of students to help her investigate a rash of strange occurrences on Easter Island. Ronny worries that her grandfather’s old stories of the coming Sha’Daa are true. With the help of a gifted blind student, she hopes to uncover the mystery of the Monoliths.

“Talking Heads” follows an all too familiar blueprint. Set a group of people at the right place in the last possible moment to foil a carefully laid 10,000 year-old evil plan. Professor Ronny drags what she hopes will be the saviors of the world with her, but withholds crucial information on why they’re there so they won’t panic. Her students fit the clichà ©d plot perfectly. There are two hunky boys competing for the same girl and a blind girl (why are they always blind?) gifted with a psychic-like vision. Add a student that doesn’t believe anything, another who believes all is lost, and one more that wants to cut and run, and you have your world saving bunch.

I did like the impending doom implications — plants swallowing islanders and turning them into zombies while the gods wreck havoc one island at a time, does sound cool. The Salesman in this tale plays a prominent role but I found him to be stiff compared to how he was protrayed in other stories. To loosen things up, Ms. Jackson does try her hand at a funny line or two.

“â€I handpicked each of you because you were smart and talented. Martin, I think I invited you for comic relief.”

Despite my complaints, “Talking Heads” isn’t a bad story. The plot is sound but slow developing. Not close to my favorite but still worthy of the anthology.

“The Seventh Continent” by Lee Ann Kuruganti

The scientist, researchers, and workers living at McMurdo Base in Antarctica are celebrating their mid-winter greetings celebration when a nearby volcano erupts, releasing green-bubble monsters sent by the Sha’Daa dark lords. The bubbles are deadly and can’t be stopped. Or can they?

The first eight pages of “The Seventh Continent” is nothing but inane conversations between twenty-something Real-World (show, not life) wannabes. I began to wonder if all the western governments decided to populate Antarctica with nothing but skateboarders and rappers (plan does have merit). Once you got through the chatter, the story got better. But just like the Real-World the characters come off as selfish. I couldn’t find one thing to like about any of them. What I did like were the monsters. For green bubbles they were pretty slick, no two humans died the same way inside their transparent skins. Even for the Antarctic they were cool.

So I did find something to root for in Ms Kuruganti’s story. Unfortunately, it was for the wrong side.

“Prana” by Michael Hanson

Prana is the second most powerful being in creation. The coming Sha’ Daa draws it to a small world filled with insignificant creatures called humans. Prana feeds off the energy of the invading demons. To maximize his absorbing potential, Prana divides into 1000 sub-Prana. The plan is to reassemble after the end of the Sha’ Daa, more powerful than before. But the longer the sub-Prana’s remain apart, the more they resist the call to return as one. And one, Prana-777, has taken a keen interest in humans.

“Prana” is more of a loose bunch of small stories within a larger one. Once divided, many of Prana’s smaller parts begin to develop their own sense of identity. The longer apart, the more advanced their individuality becomes. There is a thin moral here, being part of something greater than yourself is not always great. This story comes off much like how Mr. Hanson’s interludes do, excellent tales in small doses, but as one connected piece, “Prana” felt disjointed. Part of the reason is the ending fizzled and I wanted something more.

“The Salesman” by Rob Adams

Johnny has masqueraded as a human for ten millennia. His sentence for interfering in the Sha’Daa has come full circle. The new Sha’Daa approaches and he is doing all he can so the brave, unsuspecting people of Earth will have a chance. The golden-tooth salesman then comes across a new player to the game. Prana is here to make sure Johnny doesn’t interfere with the Sha’Daa, something Johnny has been destined to do.

Rob Adams was given the task to tie all the separate stories together. He does that and provides a background for dear old Johnny. We learn who and what Johnny is and why he has lived on Earth for so long. A good portion of the tale shows what happened to him before he became the Salesman.

“The Salesman” is a nice bow for a smartly wrapped present. Mr. Adams did very well taking a single character based of several different authors ideas of what he was. This Johnny wasn’t quite the crafty, sharp-witted door-to-door salesman Arthur Sanchez created, or the wise angel-like being in “The Dive,” but he was a very rich character. I found this story as a fitting finale for this anthology. Mr. Hanson chose well picking his anchorman for his project.

Prologue, interludes, and epilogue by Michael Hanson

These are the little intermissions set between each chapter. Two things made them different from the rest of the stories. A) They’re short and B) They don’t involve Johnny the Salesman.

The prologue and epilogue are the snug fitting bookends that they should be. The interludes are complete standouts, and not the bridges between chapters I thought they were at first. The longest is nine-pages. Most fall into a one to two page length. I found the majority of them to be sharp and a few of them outstanding. Some of the less-than-a-thousand word stories had richer plots than a couple of the ten thousand word plus chapters.

I particularly liked “Jump”, “Invasion Force”, and “The Friendly Skies.” My favorite was “Brave Man”. I found most of the interludes delightful.

Final Analysis

It can’t be easy to grasp someone else’s idea, especially when you have a narrowly defined character to work with, and write a story that fits what the creator envisioned. Mr. Hanson’s brainchild was no ordinary guideline to follow. What he asked for was the equivalent of JRR Tolken approaching a group of writers to help him create Lord of the Rings to his specifications and satisfaction. The concept of the Sha’Daa and Johnny the Salesman are exciting ones. Finding eleven writers to help fill up a novel based on Mr. Hanson’s idea couldn’t have been easy.

As a reader of many anthologies, I have yet to find one where I liked every story when they are written by so many different authors. Sha’Daa does not break that streak. More than a few of the plots felt forced to me and the quality of writing was not consistent, but almost all the stories were satisfactory. I did find more than a few to be outstanding.

“Tunguska Outpact” and “Lava Lovers” were exceptional. Couple those with Michael Hanson’s many interludes and the fitting final act, “The Salesman,” and you have a great book. I found their stories to be well worth the price of admission. However, I liked Arthur Sanchez’s “The Way of the Warrior” so much I would recommend the Sha’Daa based on his story alone.

So, if like reading about the end of the world, the Sha’Daa: Tales of the Apocalypse is the book for you. I recommend you buy yourself a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Frank hasn’t made many friends since he started doing reviews so heÂwent andÂfound a newÂchum.ÂBob is his new best bud but word is they had a recent falling out. Frank was overheard callingÂBob a ‘Windbag’ while mutual friends claim Bob refers to Frank as a ‘Blowhard’ behind his back.

Daily Science Fiction: October Review

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

As I said in my last months review, an editor for a respectable review publication explained that the reason why he wasn’t reviewing Daily Science Fiction was because they had too much to cover. He may have been right, but every problem has a solution. With the help of four great and wonderful writers from my favorite writers workshop, Hatrack, a complete review of October is done. So thank you Todd Rathke, Louis Doggett, Ismail Rodriquez, and Ian Synder for your help.

Now onto another month of great speculative fiction.

The Stories

Joan tries her hand at spelunking. When she emerges out of the cave, she enters a dead world in “Finding Joan” (debut 10/01/10) by David D. Levine. A gamma ray blast from an exploded star has sterilized North America and the depleted ozone is now killing the rest of the planet. A weekend to help find herself has now turned into a lifetime experience.

So what would you do if you found out you were one of the last people left on Earth? When Joan and her three companions exit the cave, they see a sky with brown clouds and death all around them. The quartet discover there are others who have survived, a fortunate few like them that were shielded from the deadly blast. Her friends want to find them but Joan cannot leave her life behind, empty as it is.

“Finding Joan” is great science fiction. The plot is well thought out and the science is sound. The readers are thrown into a world were the worst has happened. Joan is drawn wonderfully as a woman who has lost everything but refuses to restart her life with her companions. A lot of people like Joan would have ended it all, unable to grasp the tragedy around them. Joan instead decides to become Portland’s last resident. Her issue is with closure and it helped carry the reader through the last half of the story. I enjoyed the ending Mr. Levine wrote – very heartwarming and full of hope.

My only issue is the story takes too long to fill in the characters what the readers have realized. We already knew the what but had to wait to find out the why. About a thousand words in the middle of the piece dragged. The rest I found brilliant. Great story by a great story teller.

“Gamed” (debut 10/04/10) by Stephen Gaskell is the story of Zhen, a young Bejing girl working as a gaming assistant for players. The factory she works in is strict. The gamers work without ever seeing the outside. A wooden door leads to the outside and Zhen only wishes to see the sky. A rare chance gives her an opportunity to open the door.

“Gamed” is a “Gotcha!” story. The author does dot the story with plenty of clues so if you’re caught off guard it’s your fault. The story is short (too short) but complete. I had to read it twice to make sure I was getting the correct point it was making. I liked it.

“Losses: A Game” (debut 10/05/10) by M. O. Walsh is about an odd game set in the clouds. The playing field is attached to a rope that a man holds. You pay him and climb. Once on the field, things you lost (big and small, important and insignificant) appear. The object is to stay on as long as you can before regret gets the best of you.

I took “Losses: A Game” to be a philosophical fiction piece. The game is supposed to be popular but I can’t understand how it could be. The idea of reliving everything you lost in your life doesn’t sound likes it’s worth climbing a rope into the sky, or the two bucks for the privilege of doing so. The story was just too odd for my tastes.

Ricky just wants some time to himself in “Solitude” (debut 10/06/10) by Michael Guillebeau. But alone on the All-Party Planet is impossible. There, “â€everybody has to be everybody’s friend.” Lucy has a simple plan to change it. Perhaps talking about it might be better.

An All-Party planet doesn’t sound as fun as it should be. It sounded like Time’s Square at New Years Eve all the time. I wouldn’t want to spend more there ten minutes there myself. This one was too silly for me.

“Fashion Statement” by Peter Roberts (debut 10/07/11) is a conversation between two people. They share opinions on the latest in clothing design and discuss the latest trends in getting sick.

“Fashion Statement” is all dialog. The readers are treated as if they’re trapped in an elevator with two cackling hens gossiping, oblivious to anyone listening. The first part of this short piece sounds just like two privileged busybodies yaking it up, then their conversation twists into something surreal. That twist turned a boring story into an unbelievable one.

A “Fashion Statement” clashed with my tastes.

Jeffery Godfrey sees his dead mother hanging in his closet in “Migrating Bears” (debut 10/08/10) by Helena Leigh Bell. Odd things happen to young Godfrey. Termites like to swarm on him. Small gargoyle statues multiply in his dresser draw. His friend Caroline believes everything he says while his father thinks he is having an issue letting go of his deceased mother.

Jeff is a kid with issues. He is failing fifth grade, again, his father is distant, and his only friend is the one person that is stranger than he is. Then there is all the weird stuff. He rationalizes the unexplained incidents in his life with simple explanations. His world is a supernatural three-ringed circus but he is unfazed by it all.

I didn’t like how the story was told. The reader watches all the odd things happening to Godfrey from a distance. The story is almost devoid of dialog. What little there is comes across like punch lines to an inside joke. I don’t know where Ms. Bell was headed with this story but I jumped off way before the end. It just wasn’t for me.

“Grinpa” by Brian K. Lowe (debut 10/11/10) is a little boy’s telling of the day his grandfather died and when the aliens landed on Earth. The young lad is pulled out of his school to join his mother at the hospital. A world-shaking event is happening simultaneously in the rest of the world. While the aliens are landing outside the UN building, Grinpa is breathing his last breaths.

The two events, an elderly loved one succumbing to old age, and the coming of visitors from beyond the stars, is like comparing apples and oranges in the grand scheme of things. The very ideas seem to clash, but telling them from a perspective of a very young boy gave “Grinpa” an emotional depth that I don’t believe could be accomplished with only one of the events happening.

It may be easy to miss the message in this piece but if you caught it, you wouldn’t be able to escape its emotional impact. The protagonist chooses to miss the first look at the aliens as they step out of the vessel so his Grinpa isn’t left alone. Ironically, his father provides the reason while waiting for the aliens to appear on the TV.

I may be a sucker for Science Fiction with an emotional impact told by children. RECOMMENDED

In “Bless this House” by Beth Cato (debut 10/12/10 and reviewed by Todd Rathke) Emma’s life has hit a rough patch, her husband is bed-ridden, recovery looking grim, and her new born daughter is wailing with colic. Only more sleepless nights are on the horizon. Then a unicorn comes blessing the house.

Every word seemed artfully and perfectly written but when the sentences were put together, it lacked flow, and I found myself lost. Still the story succeeds on some parts. As a reader I feel Emma’s pain, her hopelessness, so much so that I wanted to put a gun to my head to end it all. So I applaud the writer here. But the story doesn’t end there. There are two struggles here, the one for surviving the depression, which leads her to taking the horn, and I assume killing the unicorn in the process. And it is that struggle that I found lacking and feel cheated on. It was hidden, throughout the piece, until the end and shouldn’t have been as it was told in her point of view.

The clocks have all gone crazy in “Zero Hour” by Sue Burke (debut 10/13/10), and the protagonist’s wife is responsible for the change. The world is perfect. Refrigerators tell you what to eat and careers are offered according to your skills. The network does what is best for you, which is why it has to go.

Big Brother is alive in Aunt Becky, the name given for the computer overseer in “Zero Hour.” Aunt Becky has everyone shaking in their boots. Saboteurs tried to disable her but only managed to disrupt the clocks. The protagonist in the story fears for his wife and believes he may have seen the last of her when he leaves for work.

The concept to “Zero Hour” is intriguing but the route the author took robbed it of its intrigue. The story is told with the protagonist spending what he believes is the last morning with his wife. An over lying fear is present, as if eyes on everyone at every second. We never really experience Aunt Becky so the fear feels like an illusion. As a result, the story is flat and the characters failed to entice me.

“Susan 3342 A.D.” (debut 10/14/10 and reviewed by Ismail Rodriquez) by Marge Simon is about a hermaphrodite couple experiencing their long awaited chance at having a State authorized baby. One partner has obvious nurturing instincts while the other, not so much. They then must deal with the devastating news that their healthy newborn is – only female, considered a throwback. This story is a poignant reminder that no matter how much things change, some things never do.

“Susan 3342 A.D.” is a short work of speculative fiction near 600 words. Set in a so-called advanced culture, this couple struggles with personality traits that can’t simply be bred out even by State mandated advanced hermaphroditic techniques. There are also issues with handling difficulties in life that are as apropos today as they might be in a far-flung future. Susan 3342 A.D. is as thought provoking as it is chilling to contemplate the grasp of government in such a fashion as set here. A must read.

“Addendum to the Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo” by Edoardo Albert (debut 10/15/10) is a tale set in the final days of the Roman Empire. Bishop Augustine of Hippo confesses his greatest regret and speaks of discovering a way to time travel while the city is on the verge of collapse.

“Addendum” has a long title, which is fitting because the story read a lot longer than its 4000 words. The story is set with an urgency of a city about to collapse and a hopelessness of not being able to prevent it. The bishop confesses to his scribe with a detachment to the reality outside. His tale is unbelievable, spoken like a man convinced his delusions are real; delusions a man on the verge of a mental breakdown would dream up. As a result, his tale sounds like a ramble. I had to resist the urge to tune out. The ending had a twist that came off as one big cheat to me. It cemented the ill feelings I had to the piece.

As an avid fan of Alternate History (which is the category this story falls under) I was disappointed with “Addendum.” As a time travel story, a better explanation on how it was possible would have helped.

“Longevity, Inc.” by Geoffery C Porter (debut 10/16/10) is a corporation that uses mice to determine your future health. Jill prods her husband into buying a pair of mice. The company finds a genetic match and puts them on the same diet, exercise regiment and habits of their owners. When the mice die, an evaluation of your future health and what will kill you can be determined.

“Longevity, Inc.” is a novel idea. On the surface, it sounds like a scam someone will eventually dream up in the near future. But the idea has merit, which makes the story intriguing. The first half of the story follows the protagonist and his wife, Jill, when they first apply for the mice. This part seemed needlessly long. I was intrigued with what would happen to the mice but the excitement devolved into something close to the level of waiting to hear lab results on blood work. I did find the ending cute.

In short, “Longevity, Inc.” is solid science fiction. I liked the premise but the characters weren’t all that interesting.

“Chick Lit” (debut 10/19/10 and reviewed by Ismael Rodriquez) by Keyan Bowes is about two co-workers with an unusual problem; Nelli’s new boyfriend has feathers – all over, and her friend doesn’t believe her. They may be good co-workers but they definitely have different values when it comes to acceptance of others. Nelli finds out late about the saying that it’s better to fly with eagles than group with turkeys.

“Chick Lit” is a fictional piece of just over 500 words. It’s about a girl with a problem and a friend/co-worker who could care less. Later, the girl doesn’t have the problem and the friend is more concerned than ever about it. I had to read it several, SEVERAL times over to even come up with anything noteworthy about it. I failed to see what the editors saw in it.

“Group Session” by Terry Bramlet (debut 10/20/11) involves a meeting between the three main computer systems and their human caretaker. Highway, Financial, and Internet have only one problem, there lives would operate perfectly if it wasn’t for all the humans they were designed to service.

“Group Session” is a corporate meeting between civilization-running programs that turns into a therapy session. The three virtual reality simulations act like overstressed people all dealing with the same problem, which they are. I found the story fun, with a few humorous lines throw in. The story wasn’t all that deep but was entertaining.

Memories are stored in finely crafted wooden boxes in “Memory Boxes” by Pam L. Wallace (debut 10/21/10). Sara surrounds her dying husband with their most treasured memories. She opens them one at a time to comfort Darrell as he takes his last breaths.

If only cherished memories could be stored in the lovely boxes in Ms. Wallace’s story and be shared so readily. “Memory Boxes” is heart-warming but thin. Perhaps the story could have been expanded but I believe it would have lost some of its luster if it were lengthened. Nice piece.

“A Theory of Sixth-Sense Aesthetics” by Ciro Fainza (debut 10/22/10) is an introduction into psi-phy, a form of art where the viewer is subjected to a psychic revelation while absorbing an artists sculpture or painting (I wasn’t sure how to describe them). William is accompanying his girlfriend, Simone, at the museum for the latest unveiling. Simone is an artist while William is doing his best to understand the baffling exhibit.

“Theory” takes the tact of following William, a confused patron who is there to support Simone, as he tries to grasp a futuristic pseudo-art crowd fawning over what sounds like garbage they call art. William is lost as he does his best to fit in for the benefit of his girl. He is failing and it is obvious to all in the gallery and to Simone. The story is meant to show how uncomfortable and out of place William is. The author succeeds because I felt as out of place as he did trying to comprehend what he was viewing.

The science fiction of this futuristic art gallery is first class. I can see such a gallery and the snobbish enthusiast it would attract. Part of the problem for me is the author did too good of a job writing snooty characters to make the gallery convincing. Simone just didn’t sound worth it for William to go through all of that work. It would be like dragging a grease monkey to the ballet and expect him to mingle with the dancers afterward.

Ciro Fainza achieved his goal in “A Theory of Sixth-Sense Aesthetics”, but the characters where just too unlikable for me to recommended it. The writing was superior but, like the art, the story failed to draw me in.

“High Mileage” by J G Faherty is set in a future where families are as interchangeable as cars. Sid is jealous of his neighbors improved model. Bob convinces Sid that the investment is worth it considering how much trouble his older model was giving him.

Cloning and behavioral modifications have made fixing marriages and problem children as easy as trading in a rusting Cadillac. The first half of the story is written so as if Bob is talking about a car (not hard to see through). This short piece is cute but predictable. I still enjoyed it.

“A Game of Horse and Dragon” by Sarah L. Edwards, (debut Oct 26, 2010 and reviewed by Ian Synder), tells the story of a small child playing with his toy horse and dragon. The little boy feels bad for the horse because he knows it will always lose, but the horse keeps trying.

It’s strange, at 300-ish words the story feels overdeveloped and underdeveloped at the same time. She speaks of the child being ill and his father brought something from the mountains to help him and leaves that at that, and then speaks of the child’s pity for the horse, saying it was once something else, possibly a man. Some of the unanswered questions could have been left out, or she could have answered them with more words and I would feel better about the story.

Brenda Cannon Kalt has an intriguing and sad tale. The story “Cradle Song” (debut 10/27/10 and reviewed by Louis Doggett) by Brenda Cannon Kalt, takes place on another planet, Pallarus. The story consists of a conversation between two people. One a blue collar woman making sure a ballroom is ready for a going away party that evening, while the other is the planet’s governor, who the party is for.

The conversation is both entertaining and informative. Brenda tells what needs to be explained in a well managed way. EvenÂthough he story is sad, I enjoyed it for it is, what I call sad in a good way. I recommend it for anyone who likes short, short stories with a solid story line with no violence but yet an interesting story line.

In “Flipping the Switch” by Michael Vella, (debut on Oct 28, 2010 and reviewed by Ian Snyder) Vella tells the tale of a pair of men who are working on time travel. The protagonist speaks of deja vu after his partner flips the switch on their machine with no apparent results.

He looks at a picture of his family and regrets the amount of time he has lost with them while working on the project. After he works on the settings for the machine he goes back into the shop and inputs the settings, then tells his partner that he wants to wait till the next day to test the machine, wanting to get home to his family. His partner insists on flipping the switch, bringing you back to the start of the story.

It’s an interesting little story Ala Star Trek: TNG episode Time Squared and Groundhog’s Day.

In “Moonlight and Bleach” by Sandra McDonald {debuted on Oct 29, 2010 and reviewed by Ian Snyder), McDonald spins the yarn of a woman with a very strange affliction, she is a were-maid. Her mother was a werewolf and her father had a cleaning fetish. So now when the full moon comes out she transforms into a maid, black dress, white apron and all.

To help keep questions down about her strange affliction she has her cousin get her cleaning jobs at the full moon from people that don’t ask too many questions. One job he sends her to ends up having a fireman for a next door neighbor, the fireman calls her up after the job and asks if she could clean his place for him. After she declines (Its not a full moon) he asks her out to dinner. She ends up making a fool of herself when the young man starts to ask too many questions.

The young woman tells her cousin she can’t go back to that job again, and he sends her elsewhere on the next full moon. The new client and her dog scare the young woman and send her running. She goes back to the fireman’s building, only to find her previous client is in the hospital with a broken hip. She turns to the fireman in desperation and he takes her to the laundry room of a homeless shelter where he works on the side.

In exchange for the work, the fireman wants to know her story. She tells him of her curse as she cleans and when the night is over he escorts her home, not caring if she is cursed or not.

I personally am not a big fan of romances, but McDonald spins a nice tale here. If you’re looking for a quick romantic jaunt with a side of were-weird then this tale should be what you’re looking for.

The Can’t Miss Listâ€

As my only recommended story, “Grinpa” by Brian K. Lowe tops this months list, but “Finding Joan” by David D. Levine I found to be a delight, the best of the Friday stories (the lengthy ones). My fellow reviewer, Ismail Rodriquez, particularly liked “Susan 3342 A.D.” by Marge Simon but fell short of giving it my high standard recommendation qualification. I should point out a recommended qualification is a story that makes me go ‘Wow!’ after I read it. ‘Wonderful’ won’t get you a recommendation (sorry).

I found October’s DSF still a high standard publication, better than any pro-publication you’ll find out there. However, compared to last month’s, October’s comes in second.

I recommend all of you to subscribe to DSF’s daily email (if you haven’t already).

Frank hasn’t made many friends since he started doing reviews so heÂwent andÂfound a newÂchum.ÂBob is his new best bud but word is they had a recent falling out. Frank was overheard callingÂBob a ‘Windbag’ while mutual friends claim Bob refers to Frank as a ‘Blowhard’ behind his back.

“Chick Lit” is a fictional piece of just over 500 words. It’s about a girl with a problem and a friend/co-worker who could care less. Later, the girl doesn’t have the problem and the friend is more concerned than ever about it. I had to read it several, SEVERAL times over to even come up with anything noteworthy about it. I failed to see what the editors saw in it.

Review: Daily Science Fiction – Sept 1, 2010 to Sept 30, 2010

written by Frank Dutkiewicz

Daily Science Fiction is the ambitious project of Clarion alumni and Writers of the Future author, Jonathan Laden, and King Arthur fanatic, Michele Barasso. The duo jumped feet first into the growing SF & F industry with an idea that is innovative and ideal with the ever-changing information age. The pair have dedicated getting the best of what today’s writers have to offer, and bringing it right into the laps of the most devote readers of speculative fiction, delivering it as easy (daily email) and as cheap (free) as a lover of fantasy and science fiction could hope for. To insure they’ll have only the best for the cliental, they have offered an attractive pay rate (8 cents a word) to entice the best authors out there.

Why have they embarked on this crazy idea, you may ask?

“Our kids refuse to let us read them Harry Potter, so we needed another outlet for our love of SF” is the answer they offer. Whether their real reason is noble or they really are greedy to read new and fresh fiction before anyone else has a chance to view it, publishing good speculative fiction requires more than a nice pay rate as bait. They need to be able to pick out gems that will make readers want to come back for more. Do Jon and Michele have the ability make DSF a success? I read the first month to find out for myself.

The Stories

“An Adventure in the Antiquities Trade” (debut 9/1/10) by Jeff Hecht is the perfect themed piece to open a mass email project like Daily Science Fiction. The story involves two collectors, and is set in the mid to late 21st century. The protagonist presents a correspondence to a Mr. James, one written on an old manual typewriter in the mid 20th century, when such things were still done on paper. The correspondence tells the tale of a clerk in Nigeria that has uncovered a scheme by the trading company he is working for. The company is bilking the Nigerian government and hiding the profits in a Swiss bank account. The clerk has asked a random American for his bank account so he can transfer 43 million, and promises a 10% kick back as a reward (sound familiar?).

I found “An Adventure in the Antiquities Trade” to be a clever and crisp story. Although it was a bit short, and the twist ending predictable, it was fitting as a debut story for a science fiction magazine looking for a unique way to stand out.

“Mark and ,S-h-e-l-l-y-‘-s-“ (debut 9/2/10) by Steven R Stewart is a story of a pizza shop owner named Mark and his one time romantic interest and former partner, Shelly. Shelly suddenly appears at the spaceport stand, not looking a day older, after a ten-year absence. The sign out front is still the same but her name has been crossed out. The bitter Mark feels cheated, abandoned, and is not interested in any excuse his former partner has to offer. Shelly regrets leaving in a huff all those years ago and admits in making a wrong turn, a turn that may have cost her everything but her youth.

“Mark and ,S-h-e-l-l-y-‘-s-” is a science fiction twist on the old ‘bitter lovers reuniting’ premise. The story is Mr. Stewart’s first publication (nice catch). I found the brief tale to be a cute idea but the present tense narration was a big negative for me. It was unnecessary and lent to a disconnection with the characters and plot.

Butterfly gets her first tattoo on her 13th birthday and receives a gift she didn’t ask for in “Butterfly and the Blight at the Heart of the World” (debut 09/03/10) by Lavie Tidhar. The young granddaughter of the Head of the Council can hear the Rogon, long dead aliens cocooned in the trees of the forest. At first, the incomprehensible murmurs are nothing more than idle chit-chat in Butterfly’s ears, than one day their tone changes. Butterfly believes they are calling her, and they need her help.

At over 9000 words, “Butterfly and the Blight at the Heart of the World” is one of the longest stories you’ll find in Daily Science Fiction. I couldn’t help thinking while reading it that it didn’t need to be so. An awful lot was thrown into the story that had little to do with the overall plot. Much was made about Butterfly’s relationships with other characters when they had little to do with the solution to the story. All the extra material slowed the pacing to a crawl. Another problem I had was the age of the cocoons. The aliens were supposed to be dead for a quarter of a million years, wouldn’t they be fossils by now? What I did like was the unexpected reveal of the nature of the voices Butterfly hears. Unfortunately you had to get through two-thirds of the story to get to it.

“Butterfly and the Blight at the Heart of the World” would make a nice sci-fi mystery if it were shorter. The author took great pains to show Butterfly as a normal girl with a unique problem. Lavie Tidhar made the story mundane in the process.

“Fiddle” (debut 09/06/10) by Tim Pratt opens with a small history lesson on the Roman Emperor Nero, told by a mysterious guide. The guide speaks of the legend of Nero playing a fiddle while Rome burned in the first century AD and offers a unique explanation of how it may have come to life.

“Fiddle” is more like a tease than a story. Its short size limits what I can say about it without ruining it for the reader. Hard for me to recommend it. I found it not attractive enough to call it cute, but I did like that last line.

In “Ezra’s Prophecy” (debut 09/07/10) by Debs Walker, Ezra is a hermit living in a cave. She studies the book of God’s Prophesies with only a weekly visit from a young village woman to look forward to. Then one day the Gods grace her with a vision. Ezra is eager to write her own book of prophesy but takes advantage of her brief gift of premonition to see what effect her holy book will have in the future.

I had two different impressions of “Ezra’s Prophecy”. The first two thirds I found slow and I worried that the plot was headed nowhere. The last third, however, was a making of a classic tale. I found it deep,an outstanding concept on religion and of the people who founded it. Ezra is granted a great gift from the God’s and makes a choice that proves to be an even greater one to her people.

The first half of “Ezra’s Prophecy” is dull, but the end made the pay off worth it.

The protagonist in “Hobo Signs” (debut 09/08/10) by Ree Young is an elderly lady who finds a hobo on her porch. The man has alcohol on his breath and a tale of aliens on his mind.

“Hobo Signs” is almost cute. The story is told from an old woman’s perspective and done well, but I wanted to scream ‘get on with it!’ at her at one point. The story doesn’t have much to it, at least not enough to satisfy me.

“Tag, You’re It” by Melissa Mead (debut 09/09/10) is a tale of a lost soul and a devil playing a childhood game with the playing field Earth. The hider hides as an ordinary person (and other things) while the seeking player hunts them down.

If character growth defines what makes a good story for you than “Tag, You’re It” is your kind of piece. The devil learns much about life as he takes on a trio of different personalities in the game. I rather liked the story. I found the ending fitting. A well done work of flash fiction.

“Seek Nothing” (debut 09/10/10) by Cat Rambo is the story of Sean Marksman, a clone psychologist who specializes in scent alterations. Sean is eager to escape his religious, puritan home. The planet he has escaped to is in need of a specialist like him, but his fellow humans are suspicious of his fundamentalist background. Sean has been raised to believe clones are beings without a soul. His fellow workers treat them as if they are machines , machines that can be abused. As time drags on, Sean begins to identify with the clones plight.

“Seek Nothing” is not a story for everyone. The plot drags and the protagonist is a hard one to like. The supporting characters are portrayed as unsympathetic and aloof , or worse – and the clones are nothing more than living mannequins. However, by the end of the story a realization of the depth of this masterpiece fell on me like a ton of bricks.

This story is one of repression. Sean tires of his purist early life and wants to be a normal man, one free of the guilt of sin his father weighed on him. However, young Sean hooks up with people that are anything but normal and as degenerate as could be imagined. He is like an Amish boy whose first experience with the outside world is with exiled men alone in the Arctic. Added to this jaded experience, details of Sean’s own past surfaces as the story progresses. What we witness in this tale is the disassembling of a man to the point where he feels on par with soulless machines. RECOMMENDED.

“Chameleon” (debut 09/13/10) by Colin Harvey is set in an America under attack by a race of aliens called Dragons and their Chinese allies. The Dragons have the ability to mimic humans, and have gotten good enough at it to make them indistinguishable from the person they are imitating. Major Emily Sparrow has been brought into the ruins of the Pentagon to help determine if her husband is really an alien in disguise.

“Chameleon” is an excellent example on how intriguing and thorough a short story can be. Mr. Harvey opened up a big world and introduced wonderful characters in a handful of words. The story was extra special for me because of its ending. I knew there was a twist coming yet was still caught off guard when the reveal hit me; so subtle and unexpected. It was the whipped cream on top of delicious sci-fi work of art. RECOMMENDED.

“On the Sweetness of Children” (debut 09/14/10) by Michelle Muenzler opens when the Green Fairy falls dead in the middle of blessing the infant princess. She drops at the word ‘hunger’ and the princess becomes a glutton as a result. The round royal is sensitive about her weight, and isn’t above devouring her critics, which isn’t good for her public image. But when you have a bottomless pit for a stomach, public image becomes secondary.

“On the Sweetness of Children” is a very cute story. It is a birth of a fairy tale, which I always find neat. Enjoyable but not “finger licking good.”

Dain talks the crew of the ‘Maidens Crescent’ into stopping at every satellite while traveling through the Sol System in “Mercury in Hand” (debut 09/15/10) by Amanda M Hayes. The Zero-rank magician wants a piece of every planet for a wealthy client to take with him.

I would like to delve deeper into the point of the story but it was completely lost on me. The who, what, and why of the tale is a mystery to me. I didn’t get it and still don’t after I read it three times in an attempt to understand it.

In “Azencer” (debut 09/16/10) by Rigel Ailur, two sisters with the gift of telekinesis battle for the right to be queen.

At a hundred words, Azencer is as short as a complete tale can get. The author did well with so few words.

“American Changeling” (debut 09/17/10) by Mary Robinette Kowal takes place in a quiet Oregon town on a planet called Earth. Kim is the daughter of two faerie changelings. She has been raised for the day to open the gate between the Faerie world and Earth. The key to unlock the gate has been hidden in iron (deadly to faeries) and protected by Catholic magic. Kim is the only one that can resist both, but the enemies to the queen are aware of her and are ready for the great event.

“American Changeling” is an adventure story. It is one of the longest stories in DSF but it reads quick. The characters stand out and the action is well done. The story is done quite well but the general plot is very familiar. Nevertheless, the reading experience is very enjoyable but I would expect nothing less from a pro like Ms. Kowal.

“Flint’s Folly” (debut 09/20/10) by J Chant is a story about a Nobel Prize winning scientist’s, Professor Flint, greatest discovery. His most trusted assistant, Mattius, attends the press conference where Antarctica’s most respected scientist unveils his faster-than-light machine. The demonstration is a success, making the already famous scientist a giant on the world stage. As a close associate, Mattius basks in the professor’s glory, but soon discovers it only takes one mistake to erase a legacy.

“Flint’s Folly” is my kind of story. The author introduced a complete world and set of circumstances that I could buy into. The premise of the story is one I could see happening one day, and circumstances of our not-too-distant past have proved this type of mistake has been made before. Mattius is successfully presented as a loyal comrade. He believes in his mentor and is proud of his past accomplishments. You can feel the validation he feels when the rest of the world cheers for the professor’s breakthrough discovery. Telling the story from his viewpoint was genius with the direction the author decided to take. At the risk of revealing too much, I particularly enjoyed Professor Flint’s attempt to salvage pride at the end, emotionally well done.

This story was great. RECOMMENDED.

Young Revka is ten and has yet to discover her talent in “Picture in Sand” (debut 09/21/10) by Susan A Shepherd. Her mother discovered her woodcarving gift right away, while her father had to search through all nine talents before finding his own. It can be a lot of work before your talent is discovered, or if you’re lucky, your talent may discover you.

Ms Shepherd put a lot of thought into creating her magical world in this story. Impressive considering she didit in so few words. Unfortunately I think the story needed more for it to work. This heartwarming piece came off as flat to me.

“The Man who said Good Morning” (debut 09/22/10) by Ralph Gamelli is set in a future where everyone reads minds and talking is considered taboo. That doesn’t stop Louis McKalty. He first works his voice on his wife, chasing her as if he were holding a dead mouse. He then proceeds to greet the world with his rediscovered gift of speech. The world isn’t prepared to listen to his primitive mode of communication, and if he doesn’t listen to reason, society will send his brand of ‘getting to know each other’ the way of the Neanderthal.

“The Man who said Good Morning” is a fun story about a man who is having some innocent fun. Louis is rediscovering himself and that makes others uncomfortable. I liked how Mr. Gamelli decided to introduce a society where only silent, psychic interaction is allowed. Nice story that could have used some expanding.

Annalisa begs her father to take her to an unsavory fair in “The Jug Game” (debut 09/23/10) by Jennifer Moore. While her father disappears in a beer tent, Annalisa is encouraged to play a jug game. The prize is she gets to keep the soul inside if she wins.

“The Jug Game” puzzles me. The stories ending left me unsatisfied and I wondered if I read the complete version.

“The Fosterling” (debut 09/24/10) by Therese Arkenberg starts off in a shack of a house that is the home of the future king, Hepastian IV. It has been seven years the young prince has lived in the slums and it is Jain Harley’s duty to retrieve the boy and take him to New Geneva to reunite him with his father the king. The foster mother is not ready to give up her ‘Jacky’ and the boy isn’t eager to leave the only home he has known. Jain is chosen for this duty because she does it well, even when crushing migraines afflict her without mercy.

“The Fosterling” is a good story that is written very well. Jain Harley is convincing as a duty bound Captain of the Guard who has a job that simply sucks. All the past kings have spent their first seven years living in the slums so they will learn compassion. Jain is mystified on why Jacky doesn’t want to leave the ghetto he was raised in and wonders at one point “Didn’t all kids dream of being princes?” Coupled with the stress of tearing a young child from the only home he knows, a recurring migraine inflicts Jain.

I could find little fault with this piece. Therese Arkenberg is a very skilled writer. The story is solid and quick but is thin with content. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading it very much.

“Long Pig” (debut 09/27/10) by Matthew Johnson, is the name of a new restaurant featuring a popular chef. The menu is unique and the food is delicious thanks to a chef with a unique past and a commitment to put all he has into his creations.

It wasn’t too difficult to figure out what “Long Pig” was all about. Too many clues made it obvious early on. The chef’s willingness to share his past to his customers made him more creepy than interesting to me.

The restaurant’s customers may have found “Long Pig” appetizing but it didn’t satisfy me.

“Sparks” (debut 09/28/10) by Mari Ness is about a man who has replaced his hands with wands. The protagonist is drawn to the mysterious man and the lovely sparks his wands create. She takes great effort to not stare at his wands and wants to learn why he would make such a trade.

“Sparks” is a story of desire. The protagonist clearly has fallen for the stranger. I however was not drawn into his spell and fail to see the appeal he has over her. The appeal didn’t translate to me.

Unlike the protagonist, I failed to fall under “Sparks” ‘spell.

Jack and Sarah share tea in their home, drinking it out of their favorite cup, just as they always did in “Small Differences” (debut 09/29/10) by Tim Patterson. The only problem is this is the first time they met.

“Small Differences” is a story set in a world where alternate universes have intersected. People are switched into a new one that is very similar to the one they originated in. Slight changes make it different. Sarah and Jack shared a life with their alternate selves and their not-quite-the-same past makes their meeting painful and hopeful.

Not a bad story but one that was too brief for me to enjoy. Not that it needs expanding. I think the author got as much as he could from the idea.

George Washington is about to attend his inaugural in “A Little-Known Historical Fact” (debut 09/30/10) by Tim McDaniel. He talks with his aide Billy and tells him what his mother said he could accomplished if he applied himself.

This short story is just plain silly. The premise relies on GW’s mother knowledge of a term that I believe didn’t exist in her era.

Overview

I asked an editor of a leading review outlet on why DSF is ignored. The answer I got back was there was too much to review and the editors must be nuts if they think they can keep up throwing so many stories, at the rate they pay, for essentially free. Maybe Mr. Laden and Ms Barasso have deep pockets, maybe they have a business model other publications should emulate. I don’t know. I do know, word count wise, they publish as much as Analog, F & SF, and Asimov do each month. Sure they’re putting out 20 plus new stories a month, but 80% are under 2000 words and most are flash fiction size; an easy to get through length if you’re looking for a daily outlet. The question is, does the quality match up to what other pro-rated magazines have to offer. The answer is yes.

I found almost all the stories of a high quality. Because they were so high, my standards for recommendation were raised. If Jon and Michele can continue to publish such thoughtful, creative, and outstanding fiction, I see no reason why Daily Science Fiction won’t be the next big thing in publishing today.

My personal favorite of the month was “Chameleon” by Colin Harvey. I just simply loved it.

I recommend that you all sign up to receive a daily hand-delivered story from Daily Science Fiction. You can sign up for them, and read these stories and other ones here.

Frank is lurking back around in Diabolical Plots again. Other places have throw him out on his ear but Dave is a sucker for people that have worn out their welcome elsewhere. So Dave has Frank review to keep him out of his hair.