Tuesday 8 December 2009

Space, Time and Missing Things


A few weeks ago I won a copy of Space and Time when Robert Swartwood ran a competition on his blog, and it arrived this weekend. I, of course, had to place it on top of my 'to read' pile, and in fact shoved Cherie Priest's Boneshaker aside to read it.

What a fantastic magazine... And I'm left feeling guilty as I've had a copy of issue #106 (this is #109), unread, on my shelf since earlier this year, despite it containing stories by Camille Alexa and Kurt Newton. Wrists duly slapped.

My favourite stories were 'End of Our World As We Know It' by Robert Swartwood (and for those thinking well she would say that, I challenge you to pick up issue #109 and prove me wrong) and 'Small Motel' by Dennis Danvers.

Small Motel is a slice of small town science fiction with delicious characters and a sprinkling of green tea. There is an ease to Danvers tale about alien abduction, and I'll be searching out more of his stories next year. End of Our World is beautiful, brilliant, and an excellent example of how to write in second person narrative. Oh, and Robert... You might notice something missing from this post.*

*For those wishing to understand that final, cryptic note - you'll have to read End of Our World.

12 comments:

Fox Lee said...

How odd - I'm currently listening to a song, whose video involved space abduction.

Cate Gardner said...

Watch out for little green men.

Robert said...

Yes, I DID notice something missing :-) Very glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks for the extremely kind words.

Aaron Polson said...

I thought I had it all figured out...and then. *le sigh* Time to trundle off to the bookstore and nab the latest S&T issue.

Kimbra Kasch said...

You are one lucky woman.

Cate Gardner said...

Robert, thanks again for the freebie.

Aaron, le sigh indeed... Runs away chortling.

Kim, I know. :D

Danielle Birch said...

I've got books in my to be read pile that I've put on the back burner all year in favour of something newer and shinier.

Cate Gardner said...

I always think books go a little stale on the shelf.

K.C. Shaw said...

Sounds cool!

I bought Boneshaker for my brother for Christmas (don't tell him), speaking of Boneshaker. I figure I can always borrow it from him. :)

Anonymous said...

Slap! Slap! Slap! #106 was the Winter Issue and contains some great stories to snuggle up with a warm cup of [insert favorite hot beverage]. But no need to apologize, just read "The Way It Has Always Been, The Way It Will Always Be" and all will be forgiven.

Katey said...

Hmmm, I really do need more scifi in my life... I think you just solved my problem.

HildyS said...

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the issue!