Tuesday 9 September 2008

Allegory 7/34 Review

I've heard that Editors normally place the stories they believe to be the best at the beginning and the end of a book, and I wonder if this is the case with issue 7/34 of Allegory (even though it’s an ezine and more conducive to random clicks) for if I was to score the stories out of a hundred I would give the first story ‘Pan, the Pirate’ a full 100 and the final story ‘One Blink for Yes’ a 90. I thoroughly enjoyed both.

Here's a mini-review of some of the stories:

Pan, the Pirate by Christopher Schmitz

Peter Pan is in danger of becoming like his archenemy Captain Hook. From its atmospheric opening this fantastical tale is action-packed right the way through to its magical (and satisfying) ending.

The Tomorrow Tree by Ty Drago

Although they have completed their assignment, Richard and his wife Lira decide they don’t want to leave Mars, and their visitor is determined they won’t. Human stories set on Mars always make me think of Ray Bradbury and his excellent Martian Chronicles, The Tomorrow Tree is no exception and it stands up alongside Bradbury's tales.

The Accidental Mime by Jenna Waterford

After angering her boyfriend, our heroine finds herself standing on Santa Monica Pier inside an invisible box. According to Jenna Waterford’s live journal this is her first published story and I’m certain from this offering that many more will follow. A funny tale, that I have chosen as the one with the most enticing title this issue.

One Blink for Yes by Margaret Karmazin

Although trapped in his paralysed body, Charlie finds a way to escape. A pleasant tale (jeez, damn me with feint praise why don’t you) with a supernatural slant.

And to cap it off there is also a grisly tale from Tom Underhill, and stories from Michael A. Heald, Igor Teper and Roland Allnach. Oh and something from someone called Catherine J. Gardner (oh, hold on a sec – that’s me).

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pan, the Pirate sounds the same as that Scarlet book. But it's no matter... all the prequels and sequels contradict Barrie's original stories. Except one!
A new Peter Pan book is out... one that's faithful AND is based on Barrie's idea for more Pan adventure! Click on my name to see!

Anonymous said...

Pan, the Pirate sounds the same as that Scarlet book. But it's no matter... all the prequels and sequels contradict Barrie's original stories. Except one!
A new Peter Pan book is out... one that's faithful AND is based on Barrie's idea for more Pan adventure! Click on my name to see!
BELIEVE!

Kimbra Kasch said...

I guess it's like anything, you want to hook 'em in the beginning and leave 'em feeling satisfied at the end.

Felicity Dowker said...

Ahhhh! Really? Best stories first and last, eh? I was wondering if being the last story in "The Black Garden" was a good, bad or indifferent thing...you've made me feel quite chuffed with myself now.

Great to see you reviewing - you should do it more often! :o)

Cate Gardner said...

Getting into The Black Garden is a good thing whatever the placement of the story: that was one tough market to crack (and of course, I didn't crack it :0).

Carrie Harris said...

Man, you review all these stories and then mention yourself at the end and leave us hanging? What's up with THAT?

Cate Gardner said...

Well I wanted to say my story was brilliant but am too busy to deal with all the fan letters. :)