SFF Reviews - Science Fiction and Fantasy

Review of Visiting by Avra Margariti (951 words) Tree And Stone, Issue 1, March 2022 : Donate , Read Issue or Read Online A short, touching tale about multi-generational relationships and how valuable they can be. It captured the essence of how a child's mind works, which is rare to pull off well. It's evocative and surreal, but it's also very everyday-ordinary-life. A lovely little story. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

Review of Beautiful Poison in Pastel by Beth Dawkins (3589 words) Apex Magazine, Issue 136 : Purchase or Read Online First of all, great descriptions! It’s always a treat to read such stories. If nightmares are pastel colored, are they still scary? The spread of pastel was a beautiful, intriguing concept. I’d have loved to see more exploration of that liminal space where nightmares exist, but as it stands, it’s still an engaging and fun read! Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks    

Review of Goosebumps Theory for Trans Girls by Angel Leal (222 words) Have Has Had, Oct 2023, Read Online A raw and tender account of a young trans girl discovering her own truth, while finding emotional support in an unexpected place: Goosebumps books. Validation for human experience can come from anywhere, and books have always provided emotional support to us readers. A poignant slice of life, and it's been nominated for a Pushcart Prize too! Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks

Review of Girl Oil by Grace P. Fong (5004 words) Reactor Mag (previously Tor.com), Feb 2022, Read Online One of those rare, haunting SFF stories that are able to meld fantasy and societal commentary. And to do so with such tenderness is rarer still. There’s a magic potion and mild body horror (trigger warning?), but the core of the story is self-identity, and the many facets that make it. If you change one aspect, some other aspects are likely change too. Like the protagonist, who started losing weight, but also started to lose her ability to swim in the sea. Made all the more meaningful by the fact that within the embrace of the sea was where she felt most comfortable just being herself. A lot of thought and poignancy in this story. A must read. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks

Review of A Guide for Working Breeds by Vina Jie-Min Prasad The Year's Best Science Fiction, Volume 2, Edited by Jonathan Strahan, Purchase Anthology A tough guy character plus a sweet and kind rambler equal a fantastic pair, and here they're AI! Might be one of my favorite character combination styles (tropes?) in fiction. What a great start to this collection! A lovely, layered story, plus epistolary narratives are one of my absolute favorites. It really does put you right in the moment, with these characters you quickly become fond of. Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks

Review of Old School Sensibilities by Christina Tang-Bernas (2350 words) Radon Journal, Issue 02, Sept 2022 : Support or Read Online This story is both sci-fi and very cute, which is not something that overlaps very often (in my experience so far). I really enjoyed this one, and its going on my list of short story recommendations for people new to the genre. I love how the author created so much depth and so many different “moments” throughout this story; I would love to read more of her work!   Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks

Review of To Slay a Goblin by Dylan Curry (974 words) Flash Fiction Online, October 2023 : Purchase or Read Online   A funny, unique take on a fantasy-style adventurer, doing some good ol’ adventuring. The sharp, sudden emotion makes this story so layered. A great example of how flash fiction can be such a wonderful format.        Support us on Ko-fi -  https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks