Review of “Pieces of Me” by Hope Terrell

This is Ashley’s first solo jump as a teletrooper. “Focus,” the instructor tells the line of troops. “Concentrate on where you want to go and make the jump.”

The instructor has explained there are two dangers of getting lost during a jump. The first is physical death, which is painful but quick. The second is a spiral into madness. “In the event of an incomplete jump, whatever you do, don’t panic.”

Ashley steps to the teleport platform, touches the neural-interface on her headgear and then pushes the jump button.

I can’t do this, I’m not ready for a solo jump—

But it’s too late. She’s jumped.

This little story is remarkably complete. Ashley has to contend with things she doesn’t understand. She’s understandably terrified. Will she give in to that fear, or will she overcome it and save herself? No prince is going to come riding on a white horse to save her. Whatever happens is all up to Ashley.

I liked this little tale. I would have liked more it if it were longer. What happened to some of the other teletroopers, for example? Nevertheless, for the material given, I found it enjoyable.

Five of seven rocket dragons.

Title: “Pieces of Me”
Author: Hope Terrell
First published: Daily Science Fiction December 19, 2017
Source: DSF
Read in: Daily Science Fiction

According to the author’s note, this is her first professionally published work. Good for her.

This, and all entries on this site, © Denise Longrie 2017

Review of “Decennarchy” by Sean Vivier December 18, 2017

The Decennarchs are a government that appears only once every ten years. They are like the citizens, but not like them. They count the citizens, the dogs, and the cats, demand payment from a portion of the fruits of the citizens’ labors for the past ten years, which they then pay them to do their bidding. They remake rules, both big and small, to govern the lives of the citizens, then disappear.

This is told with a straight face, with the puzzlement of a citizen who will never understand the ways or whys of government. Happily for the citizens, the government is only around for one day every ten years. Once they’re gone, the people can shrug off the baffling government and get back to living.

I rather liked this little tale and gave it six of seven rocket dragons. Apparently, I liked it more than most people. At the time I rated it, it was rated 4.5.

© 2017 Denise Longrie

My Review of “He Loves Me, I Know He Does” by Jack X. Crawford

This was offered as a free download from amazon.com during a temporary promotion. I’ve done this before and have never been happy with result. Yes, I’ve heard the definition of insanity. I was hoping this would be different because of the author’s background in radio, a medium for which I’ve long had a soft spot. From the author’s amazon.com profile:

Jack X[.] Crawford has been a Top 40 and Country DJ, Program Director, Sales Executive, and Chief Engineer for radio stations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.

After reading this, I was hoping for some insight into the business and technological workings of a commercial radio station, especially now with technology changing so rapidly. No such luck.

The main character, Jesse Black, is a woman-beater and something of sex addict. Nevertheless, women flock to him. He’s good looking, but what makes him attractive to women is never quite explained. The women he comes into contact with are all damaged people, but then, so is nearly character in the book. Those who aren’t damaged are predators who would make Simon Legree shudder in horror.

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