A Friend to Dragons and Short Fiction Roundup
Inkbloom by E.D.E. Bell
Because I didn’t watch anything last week but read a lot I am giving you more fiction for Thanksgiving.
I’m thankful for books right now. And always.
Review: Inkbloom by E.D.E. Bell
Inkbloom is the sequel to Night Ivy. A world where magic is gatekept and there is no place for Xelle, marked aa dragonfriend and unwilling to commit to any one type of magic.
Because the world doesn’t let you do that. You have to choose. This is a story of magic and friendship, and about people who don’t fit in. It’s unsurprising, thus, that it is also quite inherently queer. There are nonbinary characters, and that, of course, is okay.
It’s also about dragons and plant magic…very, very much about plant magic. Bell tends to write quieter fantasy, and this series is no exception. Start with the first one, but recommended for people who like magic and queer fiction…and plants. So many plants.
Short fiction
“These Eternal Works so Wondrous” by Simon Christiansen (Synchronized Chaos). Not quite sure what to make of this almost, but not quite steampunk historical fantasy set in Denmark. Except I’m now trying to find out if the author is, as I suspect, a Marxist. All I can find out about him is he has a thing for magical power armor. I mean, nothing wrong with that. But it’s about the balance between the material and the spiritual. CW: Jewish stereotype (albeit appropriate to the setting) and the horse dies. Recommended for…I dunno, magical power armor fans. Link: https://synchchaos.com/story-from-simon-christiansen/
“The Dire Delusion” by Matthew Hughes (The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction). A magical heist story that turns into a mystery. Entertaining and recommended if you are fond of mysteries where magic is central (and the laws of magic).
“A Truth So Loyal and Vicious” by Fatima Taqvi (The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction). A magically gifted woman rejected by her people hears a prophecy delivered by birds. The protagonist is one of her twins…the unlucky one. Or is she? Recommended for anyone who, again, likes a bit of mystery with their fantasy.
“Six Reasons Why Bots Make the Worst Asteroid Miners” by Matt Bliss (Diabolical Plots May 2023). A fun story in the form of a listicle about why bots are so annoying as coworkers. Or really about coworkers. Recommended for fans of “blue collar” science fiction.
“Diamondback V. Tunnelrat” by Nick Thomas (Diabolical Plots May 2023). It’s a fantasy courtroom drama. It’s pretty well done. Involves ears, so there’s a bit of body stuff in there. Recommended for courtroom drama fans.
“Saturday’s Song” by Wole Talabi (Lightspeed Magazine). Seven cosmic entities tell a round robin story about forgiveness. Doesn’t sound like much but it’s an incredible exploration of family, storytelling and its power, and life. Recommended. Link: https://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/saturdays-song/
“Things Most Meaningful” by P.A. Cornell (Worlds of Possibility). A cute little story about a box that holds memories. Just plain sweet. Link: https://www.juliarios.com/things-most-meaningful-a-story-by-p-a-cornell/
“The Last Julia” by E.D.E. Bell (The Librarian Reshelved). A young woman is the last of the Julias. And she needs a book. There are infinite Julias and one Julia and…it’s just about getting into the multiverse through books, ultimately. Recommended for people who appreciate libraries. Isn’t that all of us?
“Stages of Pre-Bereavement” by A.P. Howell (Darkness Blooms). A war widow gets her husband back. Sort of. The clone isn’t going to last long. It can only offer closure. Warning: This story is in second person. Recommended for people who like some tears jerked.
“The Dream Thief” by Jenna Glover (Factor Four Magazine). The author got insomnia. She got mad about it. I’be been there. The story is about somebody who is stealing other people’s dreams…because they can’t dream. Darkly beautiful. Recommended for anyone who has tossed and turned too long. Link: https://factorfourmag.com/the-dream-thief-by-jenna-glover/
“Hibernation Heirloom” by Chelsea Muller (The Sunday Morning Transport). Another sleep story! This one is about how having a baby destroys your sleep patterns…and about a magical family gift that helps you out. Recommended for…anyone who hasn’t been able to sleep. I detect a theme here. Link:
“The Telepath and the Therapist” by John Walters (Silent Interviews and Other Tales of the Telepathic Guild). This is part of a collection set in the same world and unfortunately doesn’t quite stand apart from it. It’s an interesting exploration of teenage rebellion, but a bit light.
“Pamplona” by A.P. Howell (The Cosmic Background). A horror drabble about…well, you just have to read it. Link: https://www.thecosmicbackground.com/stories/a-p-howell-pamplona
Unless there is a link, assume all books and stories were sent to me for review and award consideration purposes.