Review of M. E. Macuaga, “Close Encounters,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 205-210 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
Ahhh, teenaged angst, and love — all wrapped up in a “first contact” story. Short and sweet, and a little bit sad, this was a damn fun read.
Review of Alexandra T. Singer, “Date Night,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 189-203 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
The opening setting of this story is so mundane that I knew from almost the first line that something was up — something that turned out to be absolutely fascinating and unexpected, and SO sweet, and then so sad. A real reward of a story to read.
Review of Sara Playfair, “Be Not Afraid of the Angel Beneath the Stairs,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 127-134 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
It has often struck me that one of the greatest fantasy stories every told is the story of Christian religion: So I was delighted by this excellent story of Playfair’s, which taps into exactly that same feeling. It even made up for the use of my hated second-person POV!
Review of Mac Bowers, “Brave Stupid Creatures,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 97-104 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
Content note: Animal killing.
I enjoyed the thread of queer discovery and joy that wound through this story, even if the rest of it wasn’t exactly my thing.
Review of Thomas Ha, “The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video”, Clarkesworld Issue 212, May (2024): Read Online. Reviewed by Myra Naik.
Set in a not too distant dystopian future, this story follows an unnamed protagonist who finds a dead book. A real one, with no pixelated layer on the pages, no swiping to increase the brightness. Just paper.
That’s rare in this world, and the book itself is so different from the kinds of books generally available. Present day books have their endings sanitized, plot lines changed, and audience acceptance maximized by following tropes and guidelines. That’s why this one stands out, attracts attention.
I always love to see stories of people finding their inner strength and purpose. Plus, the character arc and world building in this story is a treat. Definitely recommend.
Review of R. J. Howell, “37 Seconds to Say Goodbye,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 15-22 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This is a quick, staccato story, told in short scenes, with short paragraphs, and (mostly) short sentences. All of this serves to underscore the sense of urgency already imparted by the title. While reading the story certainly takes more than 37 seconds, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. All aspects of this story are interlocked with each other just perfectly, to make it both effective and novel. Much fun to read!
SFF Reviews