nataliya_x's review
3.0
This review is only for the Nebula Award nominated novelette (2019) A Strange Uncertain Light by G.V. Anderson:
It’s a delightfully creepy Gothic story alternating between two women who share a strange and likely supernatural connection - one on her honeymoon after impulsive elopement in the 1930s, another on a dangerous errand in the 1830s - with all the trappings of the genre: creepy haunted mansion, unfriendly Yorkshire moors, deeply buried secrets and, of course, ghosts. Plus an interesting concept of “chime children” which I was not aware of until this story.
The atmosphere is done very well, maintaining the oddly creepy feel throughout. Plotwise, there are a few threads and bits that I’m not quite clear on, but it compensates for it through the well-done tension and suspense. Overall quite an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars.
I could not find a free legal copy online, but this magazine that it is published in is free through Kindle Unlimited (if you have it).
—————
My Hugo and Nebula Awards Reading Project 2020: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3295830569
It’s a delightfully creepy Gothic story alternating between two women who share a strange and likely supernatural connection - one on her honeymoon after impulsive elopement in the 1930s, another on a dangerous errand in the 1830s - with all the trappings of the genre: creepy haunted mansion, unfriendly Yorkshire moors, deeply buried secrets and, of course, ghosts. Plus an interesting concept of “chime children” which I was not aware of until this story.
The atmosphere is done very well, maintaining the oddly creepy feel throughout. Plotwise, there are a few threads and bits that I’m not quite clear on, but it compensates for it through the well-done tension and suspense. Overall quite an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars.
I could not find a free legal copy online, but this magazine that it is published in is free through Kindle Unlimited (if you have it).
—————
My Hugo and Nebula Awards Reading Project 2020: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3295830569
verumsolum's review
4.0
This magazine was a travel impulse purchase: we were browsing in a Barnes & Noble and it was one of the few magazines to catch my eye. And wow, am I glad it did!
Most short story magazines I've read have been pleasant ways to spend some time reading, but nothing too exciting. This magazine, almost every story I read got me thinking and excited. Even the stories I didn't love, I could tell were high quality. I will definitely be looking to read more issues of this!
Most short story magazines I've read have been pleasant ways to spend some time reading, but nothing too exciting. This magazine, almost every story I read got me thinking and excited. Even the stories I didn't love, I could tell were high quality. I will definitely be looking to read more issues of this!
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