SFF Reviews - Science Fiction and Fantasy

  Review of Snail Mail by Steven S Fischer (649 words) Daily Science Fiction, May 2017 :  Read Online I promise I'm not unhealthily obsessed with Fischer; his words just absolutely resonate with me, and it isn't something that I find very often. When I do, out of the blue, can you blame me for latching on? Of all the stories I've read by him so far, I like this one best. It's about love and longing, but more than anything else, it is about belonging. It's about how something familiar can become unknown, and the strange slowly turns not-so-strange. Above all, it shows how we can find solace in unlikely places. And that's a hell of a thing to convey in 649 words. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks  

Review of A Beginner's Guide to Space Travel and Seafood by Steven S. Fischer (694 words) Nature, Dec 2018 :  Read Online A super interesting premise about a futuristic society where space travel is a way of life, and Earth is pretty much dead. The previous story I reviewed here is also by this author, and I loved it so much I had to seek out more. I was rewarded with this interesting tale. He quickly sets the scene and shows us what this world and it's people are like.  The ending is really cool too, throwing the essential qualities of humans into sharp relief, with a touch of humor as well. I really do enjoy Fischer's work, and if you do too, then check out his work at https://stevenbfischer.com/library/ Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks   

  Review of A List of Forty-Nine Lies by Steven S. Fischer (525 words) Flash Fiction Online, May 2021 Issue :  Read Online A clever story reminiscent of doublespeak, and the power of human spirit. This issue of Flash Fiction Online seems to have a common thread of indefatigable spirit and strength. Sometimes you can push a person to a corner, but they won't stay there for long. At least not for very long. I loved the set up and style, and you best believe I'll be stalking this author a little bit today. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks  

Review of I Wrote to My Queen by Saswati Chatterjee (683 words) Flash Fiction Online, May 2021 Issue :  Read Online A spider girl trying to find a way to be free. A spider girl is trying to find a way to be herself. She is confined to an attic, and would like to communicate with the ones she is most comfortable with. The 'normal' humans are abusive towards her and humiliate her, but not for long. Evocative descriptions with a fantastical ending.   Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks