REVIEW: “The Black and White” by Aigner Loren Wilson

Review of Aigner Loren Wilson, “The Black and White,” Fantasy Magazine 84 (October 2022): 17-21 — Read here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

Content note: Reference to sexual assault.

This was a dark little story of retribution. Sometimes when reading a story, I wonder “why this story?”, i.e., why of all the stories did an author choose to write this one? I don’t have that question here, as I can feel why an author would want to write a story like this; but I am left with this question from the reader’s point of view: Why would I, the reader, want to read this story? I’m not sure…

Sara L. UckelmanLeave a comment

REVIEW: “Quantum Eurydice” by Avi Burton

Review of Avi Burton, “Quantum Eurydice,” Fantasy Magazine 84 (October 2022): 15-16 — Read here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

It’s the first time I’m reviewing a story for a second time! I reviewed this earlier in the year when it was reprinted; I loved it then, and I still love it now. It rewards rereading and revisiting; I suspect it’s one I will come back to again and again. It’s just so good.

Sara L. UckelmanLeave a comment

REVIEW: “Sturgeon Moon Jam” by Jennifer Hudak

Review of Jennifer Hudak, “Sturgeon Moon Jam,” Flash Fiction Online 130 (July 2024): 20-23 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

The “folk tale” subgenre is one that isn’t as often seen in speculative fiction, but that’s what I’d classify this story as — not a retelling of an old story, but a genuinely new folk tale. It’s a sweet little story, perfect for summer time.

(First published in Fantasy Magazine December 2022).

Sara L. Uckelman1 Comment

REVIEW: “Perfect Vaca, No Filter” by Vivian Chou

Review of Vivian Chou, “Perfect Vaca, No Filter,” Flash Fiction Online 130 (July 2024): 15-19 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

We all have read stupid online hotel reviews, so the genre that Chou chose for this story is perfectly familiar. However, I think we can all agree: Hotels that experience alien invasions maybe deserve at least one 1-star review!

Full of humor and wickedly realistic, this was a fun little story to read while traveling.

Sara L. UckelmanLeave a comment

REVIEW: “Salisbury Confederate Prison, North Carolina, 1864” by Tess Lloyd

Review of Tess Lloyd, “Salisbury Confederate Prison, North Carolina, 1864,” Flash Fiction Online 130 (July 2024): 12-13 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this story. It was more a vignette than a story: An artful depiction of a specific time and place, but without enough for me to sink my teeth into to really get in to it.

Sara L. UckelmanLeave a comment

REVIEW: “Ascension’s Eve” by Rich Larson

Review of Rich Larson, “Ascension’s Eve,” Flash Fiction Online 130 (July 2024): 7-10 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

On Ascension’s Eve, 88 takes 99 on pilgrimage. What kind of pilgrimage would a digital identity need to make? Not only do I as the reader have this question, but it’s also clear as the story goes on that 99 doesn’t really understand this either. But 88 does, and through the story shows both me the reader and 99. It’s a weirdly mundane story, and also very sweet.

Sara L. UckelmanLeave a comment