This brief tale takes the form of two letters addressed to the human race. Neither are signed. It’s not clear who the letters are from, but it doesn’t really matter. Some humans fear technology, particularly the internet of things, will become less of a tool and more of a master. The letter-writer wishes to assureContinue reading “Review of “Dear Human” by Cosmo Mercurio”
Category Archives: Daily Science Fiction
Review of “True Enough Believers” by Karl Lykken
This short piece looks at a time in the not-too-distant future when the algorithms that analyze our shopping and voting habits determine more than those. Cameras see more and microphones hear more. The average citizen puts on a show for the public as well as their closest family members. The consequences of non-conformity are notContinue reading “Review of “True Enough Believers” by Karl Lykken”
Review of “Universal Reality” by Michael Allen Lane
Jovak is about to enter the last keystroke that will implement drastic alterations to the software. The coding changes have been completed, and beta testing found no faults. These updates will test the versatility of the test subjects. He stretches his twenty-four arms, wiggling the twelve fingers on each and presses the button— The codingContinue reading “Review of “Universal Reality” by Michael Allen Lane”
Review of “takotsubo cardiomyopathy” by Gage Johnston
Ruby and Tom met at a “pitch,” a job interview. Neither got the job, but they went out together for a drink. They decided to “share a space.” Because they didn’t take a compatibility test, they had to pay an extra deposit. Everything goes well until Ruby gets a promotion. Now, she will be makingContinue reading “Review of “takotsubo cardiomyopathy” by Gage Johnston”
Review of “To the editor: Monsters belong in schools” by Zella Christensen
As the title implies, this story takes the form of a letter to the editor, echoing nicely all polite sneering and the righteous indignation often found in such missives. At issue is the time-honored tradition of keeping various monsters in the dungeons of schools. The letter-writer concedes an earlier point from a “well-intentioned” Miss TickalContinue reading “Review of “To the editor: Monsters belong in schools” by Zella Christensen”
Review of “Say ‘Cheese!'” by John Francis Keane
The story opens with an invitation: “Let us go to the place. It is time for us to live forever.” This could mean a couple of things. It becomes especially intriguing when the reader learns the tribe’s children stay behind in the care of “old Sundoo” because they cannot sit still long enough to liveContinue reading “Review of “Say ‘Cheese!’” by John Francis Keane”
Review of “After the First Comes the Last” by Holly Lyn Walrath
Plot: Aria’s first spell is almost an accident, but it fills a need. She wants to lift the stain out of the carpet, so her mother will not know she has been smoking. Beyond that, she fills a need she did not know she had. She is satisfied—happy, empowered—that she could make a spell work.Continue reading “Review of “After the First Comes the Last” by Holly Lyn Walrath”
Review of “It Will Be Under the Next Stone” by Jennifer Linnaea
She is the best, Hananh tells the reader. Her name is Gwenneth. Among her sensitivities are the ability to “overhear a conversation between spirits in a gurgling brook or overturn those rare rocks with djinn correspondence carved on the bottom.” Hananh herself is sensitive. She knows the acacias have been talking about her, but sheContinue reading “Review of “It Will Be Under the Next Stone” by Jennifer Linnaea”
Review of “The Things That We Will Never Say” by Vanessa Fogg
Aside from the science fiction trappings, this is a portrait of an adult daughter’s relationship with her aging mother. The daughter has left home—Earth—for a distant star. She returns, braving the hyperspace travel, bringing her children for a visit with their grandma. The daughter straddles both worlds now: her adopted home and Earth. She knowsContinue reading “Review of “The Things That We Will Never Say” by Vanessa Fogg”
Review of “Seeds of the Soul Flowers” by M. K. Hutchins
Babies born without souls die. Amma’s great-grandson, born with half a soul, appears to be failing. Vette, the baby’s mother, brings him to Amma, asking if there’s anything she can do. The baby is refusing to eat. Even if they spoon milk into his mouth, he pushes it out with his tongue and lets itContinue reading “Review of “Seeds of the Soul Flowers” by M. K. Hutchins”
Reviews of Old and New Stories. Mostly Old 