SFF Reviews - Science Fiction and Fantasy

Review of Bead Lizards by Emily O. Gravett (1000 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 79, March 2023 : Donate or Read Online I must admit this story is neither science fiction nor fantasy, but I loved it so much I wanted to share it. An absolutely lovely story - plot and prose both impeccable. It was something that really resonated with me, the feeling of getting older and on the way to jaded, while some part of me still loves and enjoys the little things, still had childlike delight about small joys. I love that part of me and I want to hold on to it as long as possible. The author takes that feeling, turns it into better fiction than I could possibly write, and leaves me with a smile and some more hope. One of the best short stories I’ve read in a while. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

  Review of Death Drive by Pat Jameson (1001 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 78, December 2022 : Donate or Read Online   A story about how endings could also be new beginnings. What are the things that really matter in life, when it comes down to time for introspection? For an old man with a life full of regrets, what really matters? And are people willing to change their opinions, broaden their horizons? This story may be short, but raises a lot of important questions. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

Review of Mudslide Milkshake by Rachel Lastra (937 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 77, September 2022 : Donate or Read Online What a rich story! It's not often that I can find such poignant emotion in flash. The start and the end of the story is at basically the same point in time, so the rest of the story is how she got there and why she reacted like that at the beginning. Again, difficult to pull off in flash. I enjoyed the humor interspersed through this obviously not-humorous event in the narrator's life. A very thoughtful, raw story.  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 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  

Review of Three Acts of Self-Actualization by Lisa Muschinski (628 words) SmokeLong Quarterly, Issue 77, September 2022 : Donate or Read Online A story that takes on gender identity and the assumptions that surround it, even when you're not particularly trying to be coded in a particular way. The three-act script was reversed, which was a great stylistic and narrative choice. The usage of stock script characters to describe a person, trait or social situation made it beautifully descriptive with just a few words - also showing how much the traits of those characters are embedded in popular consciousness. It also showed how we often follow the same tropes or scripts in real life. Beautifully illuminating story on so many levels. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks