Musing Aloud

"The People's Republic of the Edelweiss Village Putt-Putt Golf Course" by M.K. Hobson

This was, by far, my favorite story of the issue, and according to a poll on slushmaster's LJ, a winner with other readers, too.  It was a cute, lighthearted fantasy about Jeremy Schutz, manager of afore-mentioned miniature golf course, and conscientious to boot.  But he shuts down one hole and quits reporting to his boss, Becky (who also just happened to be his girlfriend) when he discovers tiny people living in the castle.  Eventually Becky discovers his secret and goes forth to "liberate" the people from living under a monarchy, even though the people had nothing to complain about before.  Did I say this was a light-hearted story?  It is!

"Blood and Oil" by Josh Rountree

Richard the Remade leads his clockwork army to the Blessed Spire, determined to put an end to the master within, Simon Hollowmander.  Simon sacrifices the last remnants of his retinue, as we find out that Richard is his son.  Richard fulfills his destiny to destroy evil--or does he?  This was a gritty tale, full of menace and evil with a streak of sadness running through it at the lengths man, whether "real" or remade, will go to. 

"The King of the Djinn" by Benjamin Rosenbaum

Musa drives a sixteen-wheeler through the desert to deliver carbonated soda from the bottling plant to the decadent tongues of Cairo.  Every few years, Musa meets up with the King of the Djinn, whom he calls "Gil."  This day, Gil drives up in a jeep and gives Musa a gift for his son--a briefcase of explosives and an American passport.  Musa must now decide whether to give the gift to his son, try to talk him out of his actions, or something else altogether.  But no matter what his choice, can he stop the King of the Djinn, or his son?

"Hobnoblin Blues" by Elizabeth Bear

Loki is a rock star.  I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this story too much.  I know that Elizabeth Bear is a fine writer.  I suppose others found this story to their taste, but it surely was not my cuppa.  Never been a big fan of the gods of legends and whatnot living among the ordinary people.  I'm not sure why, because I often wonder to myself where those legends come from if there isn't some basis of truth in them.  Again, just me, I'm sure.

"And Spare Not the Flock" by Margaret Ronald

This was a different take on a werewolf saga.  Cormac, a priest, is exiled from his parish when he gives last rites to an old woman who was a werewolf.  Wolves now haunt his dreams, and even worse, one follows him, even inside a church.  On the road the next night, the wolf changes into a girl to save him from bandits.  But can Cormac be saved now?  The story wanders in and out of present and past, showing why he was forced to leave his flock.  Normally werewolf/shape changer stories don't appeal to me, but I did enjoy this one.  

"The Singers in the Tower" by Peni R. Griffin

The countries of Notrone and Rollin were always at war.  The king of Rollin captured the king of Notrone and locked him in a tower in order to learn his secrets.  But the king would not tell, and spent the next ten years singing.  His son comes to rescue him, but is also captured, along with four of his knights.  The singers continue singing, until they're long dead and gone, but still their ghosts sing on.  The people of the town "grew as used to the singing as they were to the sea fog and the cry of the gulls."  The story continues, filled with fine language and images presented within.  The rebellion continues too.  As with all wars and rebellions, there is no happy-ever-after ending here.  But I think you'll enjoy the story.