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Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine
July 1997

This month's issue of Asimov's features a somewhat quirky Reflections by Robert Silverberg. He starts off by commenting on the strange relationship authors have with modern conveniences like computers, then wanders off into a look at old thesaurus in which he finds various words that have fallen out of usage that he plans/hopes to use in future novels.

Stories featured in this issue are:

"The Holy Stomper vs. the Alien Barrel of Death" by R. Neube. Talk about a weird story! Imagine what happens when an alien craft passes by Earth and picks up only three transmissions: a news broadcast, a soap opera and a professional wrestling match! Thinking the messages are 'holy' they proceed to 'worship' them.
"Words and Music" by William Sanders. A fascinating Native-American tale about how magic and Indian gospel singing can intertwine especially when one of the singers has a devil of a voice-literally.
"Guest Law" by John C. Wright. A future space story about what could happen if the crews of space-ships wilfully choose to violate the 'guest law', a code of conduct on how crews of ships may meet to exchange goods or services. Neat writing, especially on the genetic changes done on the space crews.
"Black Canoes" by Tony Daniel. Another 'native magic' story with a difference. This time, it tells about what characters have to go through to ensure the past and future will exist.
"After I Killer Her" by Tanith Lee. Another 'warrior versus the dragon' story with a difference. This time, we get to see what effect killing the dragon had on the warrior when he realises what he has done.
"Izzy and the Father of Terror" by Eliot Fintushel. Unfortunately, this is one of Fintushel's more confusing stories (to me). A lot of characters with a lot of changing situations not allowing me (with my linear mind) to grasp exactly what was happening. Maybe if I had much more time, I would have concentrated more and given this story another go.

[Home Page][Index of Reviews][Previous][August 1997]

Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine July 1997

Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine
July 1997