SFF Reviews - Science Fiction and Fantasy

Review of A Fall Backward Through the Hourglass by P.A. Cornell (1082 words) Cossmass Infinities, Issue 8, April 2022 : Purchase or Read Online A heartfelt fantasy by the author who also wrote Nine Lives . I enjoyed that story and loved this even more. If I had to use just one word, it would be poignant. The protagonist starts aging backwards after the birth of her daughter, born on her thirtieth birthday. As she keeps getting younger, she and her daughter go through different phases where their relationship changes as their relative ages change. It is often difficult for both of them, but there's no lack of love and affection, even through the hard times. As she keeps getting younger, some observations just slice through you, especially if you're a parent or have been a caregiver to a young child. The story was tight, with strong prose and emotional resonance. Loved it! Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

Review of Object! by Matt Goldberg (991 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 77, September 2022 : Donate or Read Online In this world, there is a game-show where people can be turned into objects! The protagonist is spiraling in life, and he thinks he doesn't have anything left to live for. Turns out, though, that he does. And much like life, sometimes you don't know what you're capable of till you're pushed into a corner. And from there, good things may begin. But you don't know that, because sometimes you need to challenge to understand yourself. Also, pretty fun wordplay here! Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks  

Review of Nine Lives by P.A. Cornell (799 words) If There's Anyone Left, Issue 2, January 2022 : Purchase or Read Online A very endearing bit of flash fiction. We hear that cats have nine lives, but this particular cat very literally has nine lives, and he keeps coming back as a cute little kitten every time. And his very lucky human gets to experience his cat's affection over the course of many lifetimes. Beautiful. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

Review of Greenfruit by Busayo Akinmoju (413 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 77, September 2022 : Donate or Read Online A boy is ill. There are no good choices and recovery looks bleak. However, he is more positive than his father is, at least in the sense of how he reacts to this news. While a child may not be able to fully articulate - or even be aware of - the ramifications of these decisions, they are often strong. Maybe wise beyond their years. They're just full of optimism and bravery. Much to learn, and this story has given me much to think about. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks