Review of Colleen Anderson, “Machine (r)Evolution” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 70-74 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This multi-page poem traces the history of machines, from the point of view of the people whose lives they changed. It’s a pretty depressing read, but well constructed.
Review of Alex Kingsley, “This is Not a Place of Honor” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 19-25 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
Knowing the reference the title is making (something I did already know, because ever since learning it I have had plans for my own story based on it!) is not necessary to understand the context of the story, which stands beautifully self-sufficient on its own feet, slightly scary and heartbreakingly sad.
Review of Christina Tang-Bernas, “Old School Sensibilities” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 33-39 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This was an absolutely beautiful and sweet little story of teenage love across the technological divide.
(First published in Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly, 2015.)
Review of Shaliz Bazldjoo, “Pandora’s Castle” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 48-55 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
There is so much tension and backstory and history in this story, right from the very start. Bazldjoo strikes an excellent balance for the reader between the enjoyable uncertainty about what’s going on and how everything fits in, and frustration about the exact same thing. I immediately want to know more about the narrator, who are they, why is their life like this. A great read.
Review of M. P. Rosalia, “Cocoon,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 40-47 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This story, of subterranean spinners, was entrancing, and the central conceit was a wonderful metaphor for the internet.
Review of Jonathan Olfert, “Whiskey Mud,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 1-7 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
Chalt is “a five-kilogram half-cybernetic brain capable of quick and easy transplant into specially printed bodies as per contract” — a distinctive choice of main character, even for an SF story. The bodies he (and Chalt is a “he,” no matter what body he wears) gets planted into are varied and diverse, more than just humanoid. In fact, there is a lot of time spent on describing the bodies, their limbs, their materials, their abilities, perhaps a bit more time than strictly speaking needed in what is otherwise a fairly short story. I could’ve done with a bit more story and a bit less description.
Review of Charlotte Ariel Finn, “User Warning,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 8-15 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
The premise of the story is a solid one: When we reach the point that parts of our brain go virtual, it’s inevitable that someone will hack into the backups and release into the internet. The story itself is off the fallout of this happening.
However, it’s a story that’s told in 2nd person, meaning it’s hard to latch on to a sympathetic character to empathise with. So for me, the execution didn’t quite live up to the premise.
Review of Angel Leal, “The Machines Had Accepted Me For So Long,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 62-64 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This was an absolutely gorgeous poem about both masking and transitioning.
Review of Sebastian Cole, “Reboot: Upgrade,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 61 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This is a poem of many layers, allowing for many different readings and interpretations, with beautiful lines like:
Some days I am “no preference,”
androgynous as a lamp post.
I really loved it.
Review of Bobby Parrott, “A Robot Would Never Kiss You With Its Tongue,” Radon Journal 2 (2022): 58 — Read online. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.
This sort of felt like a case of “how many SF terms can I throw into this poem?” People who prefer poetry that is more about words than about story may like this poem; for me, I’m a bit more on the “story” side of things for this to really be my type of thing.
SFF Reviews