REVIEW: “The Clockwork Sisters” by L. M. Guay

Review of L. M. Guay, “The Clockwork Sisters,” Flash Fiction Online 133 (October 2024): 12-14 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

This story illustrates how the relationship of sisterhood is always fraught, whether the sisters in question are flesh or clockwork.

Given that this story is in the “weird horror” issue of FFO, I’m assuming that’s what it’s intended to be. It’s definitely weird, but I’m not sure how horror it is. So if you tend to avoid horror, you might still enjoy this one.

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REVIEW: “Little Whispers” by Christina Raia

Review of Christina Raia, “Little Whispers,” Luna Station Quarterly 59 (2024): 229-248 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

I am unsure what to make of this story. Ava, the main character, is 12, but often felt quite a bit younger than that in her actions, reactions, and internal thoughts. At times it seemed like this was trying to be a horror story; at other times, it felt more like it was trying to subvert the usual horror tropes. The pacing was quite slow, and I ended up feeling like I was often waiting to find out what was going to happen. The unexpected turn at the end was sudden enough to be a bit nauseating. So all in all, I’m left rather uncertain.

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REVIEW: “Baba Yaga’s Portrait” by Shannon Scott

Review of Shannon Scott, “Baba Yaga’s Portrait,” Luna Station Quarterly 59 (2024): 125-141 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

Aleksandra is the only girl student at Palekh Art School, a position which means she feels awkward and out of place no matter what she does or where she goes. When she stumbles upon Baba Yaga’s house in the countryside and begins drawing, she thinks maybe her art can finally be her passport to a place of stability and peace — until she is discovered by Baba Yaga!

Those who collect Baba Yaga stories will enjoy adding this one to their collection.

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REVIEW: “What Remains to Wake” by Jordan Taylor

Review of Jordan Taylor, “What Remains to Wake,” Luna Station Quarterly 59 (2024): 209-226 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

This was an intriguing story, fully fairy-tale it its tropes and elements, but with a twist of bloody horror — simultaneously properly Grimm while also being wholly new. In the realm of fairy-tale retellings, telling something entirely knew which is still yet a fairy tale is an accomplishment!

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REVIEW: “The Mid-Autumn Festival” by Chezza Lee

Review of Chezza Lee, “The Mid-Autumn Festival,” Luna Station Quarterly 59 (2024): 73-87 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

“Immortality was boring,” this story opens up — a sentiment I can wholly get on board with (I’d rather die tomorrow than live forever), so from the start I’m predisposed to like what’s to come. With strong wuxia/xianxia influences clearly palpable, there was a lot to like in this short, compact story of a mortal who became immortal and then…tired of it. Sometimes, the simple pleasures of mortality are worth more than any amount of immortal bliss.

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REVIEW: “The Crow Bridge” by Catherine George

Review of Catherine George, “The Crow Bridge,” Luna Station Quarterly 59 (2024): 167-185 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

What a stunningly lovely story this one: Delicately told and strongly constructed, full of myth and loss and struggle. I really loved it.

Also, kudos to George, who, according to her biography, took 10 years out from writing fiction, and came back to it. I did that too, and yet I still find support in hearing of other people doing the same. It helps, when facing writer’s block, to see examples of how it’s not forever, even if 10 years may seem like forever.

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