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!
Review of Eliza Sullivan, “Everything Is Idaho,” Luna Station Quarterly 58 (2024): 213-234 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
It’s an apocalyptic story, but one that feels very “samey”. We don’t know any details about the apocalypse, such as what caused it; we just know the aftermath, and it feels as if it could be any apocalypse. Maybe this makes the story universal, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps and adapt it how they wish; or maybe it just makes it underdeveloped and vaguely defined.
So if this is a vague and ill-defined post-apocalyptic story, why read this one, as opposed to any other one? I’d say, read it for the brothers’ relationship that is central to the story — that part was good. And also unbearably sad.
Review of Carolyn Zhao, “In Which Caruth is Correct”, Clarkesworld Issue 212, May (2024): Read Online. Reviewed by Myra Naik.
This story brings us to a world where time loops exist, taking you back to moments of singularity. These moments are often moments of regret, the regret of making the wrong choices. Many step in and don’t return, with the strength of belief that maybe a different decision would make life better.
Our protagonist has many of these time loops show up, and works through it with the help of meds and tempo-therapy. The vivid descriptions just add to the joy of this story, which is already an enjoyable experience because of its concept and world building.
Review of Ana Wesley, “Who We Are,” Luna Station Quarterly 57 (2024): 70-100 — Purchase online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This was a beautifully rich story (almost novelette/novella length, though I’m not sure of exact wordcount) — full of intriguing characters set against a well-constructed backdrop, the sort of story that feels like the prelude to a full-blown trilogy. And honestly, if Wesley is planning one, I’d read it.
Review of Kurt Pankau, “A Pin Drops,” Flash Fiction Online 129 (June 2024): 24-27 — Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
Pankau nails the set-up of this story: An opening paragraph that has an easy, obvious interpretation, followed quickly on by a statement that makes you go “wait, WHAT?” and reread the first paragraph again in a totally new light. From then, I was hooked. The premise is one that superficially seems amusing, but in truth wrung a good deal of sympathy and emotional connection from me.
SFF Reviews