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True 3.0. This issue was fine, with a few stories that just weren't my taste (and that's honestly okay, considering SF is such a broad spectrum). Nothing that stood out to me as phenomenal though.
Maybe a little better issue than the last one. There were a few pretty nice stories. Bonehunters • novelette by Harry TurtledoveThe story happens in a world where dinosaurs were not wiped out and mammals are small irritating critters running around at night. Two intelligent species have evolved - one is on a higher technological level; another apparently still lives a nomadic life. A person who has worked as a guide is hired by a professor to find fossils. There are plentiful fossil beds on the
I don't feel like reviewing it, but I do feel like y'all should read At the Fall by Alec Nevala-Lee. (Link is to free read.)As always, it's to James W. Harris's blog Classics of Science Fiction that I owe my awareness of the best SF short fiction around.
This is a solid entry though with less of interest than I have found in this magazine in the last few issues. I did very much enjoy stories like “at the fall“ which is a very different take on a postapocalyptic tale. And, “the three laws of social robotics“ is a more optimistic AI story that I very much enjoyed. This issue is worth checking out but isn’t necessarily one I would insist you put at the top of your TBR.
"Welcome to Your Machines" by David Ebenbach is a must read that will have you rolling on the floor.
Overall, an excellent issue with a few flaws. For one thing, a couple of stories have some plotholes in them. Then there's Eric Cline's "Paradigm Shift". Just because your story mentions a science fiction author (Theodore Sturgeon), a couple of science fiction magazines ("If" and "Galaxy") and describe part of the plot of a science fiction story, that doesn't mean you've written a science fiction story yourself. "Paradigm Shift" is more a crime-mystery tale better suited for " Ellery Queen" or "...
Rating the stories in this issue:Grade A (excellent)Editorial: John & me: An Alternate View of the late John Campbell by Stanley SchmidtBonehunters by Harry TurtledoveMulligan by Bud SparhawkThe Gates of Paradise by Edward M. LernerB (very good)The Methusalah Generation by Stanley SchmidtCactus Season by Frank SmithGalena by Liam HoganFull Metal Mother by Joe McDermottForgetfulness by J T ShurrahThe Dominate Heart Begins to Race by Dave CreekOn Stony Ground by Cynthia WardWelcome to Your Machine...
9 • Bonehunters • 17 pages by Harry Turtledove Good/VG. An old-timey western, with a twist. Professor Otnil hires Rekek and Junior to lead him to where they can find fossils. This happens to be in the Black Hills ruled by the natives. Fortunately Otnil has gotten permission from Red Cloud. Otnil is more worried about a rival bonehunter than danger from the natives.32 • The Methuselah Generation • 10 pages by Stanley Schmidt OK. Emily takes a guided trip to Mexico to see the monarchs. One of the
This was a really solid issue, all the way through. I liked the thematic tie in for a number of pieces, the hunt for and management of resources, which doesn't sound nearly as inspiring as it is in a sci fi context.
++ 12:20 bus from the basicis - Wendy Nikel, ala The Outsiders++ Repairs at the beijing west space elevator - Alex Ahvartsman, good author++/- The three laws of social robotics - Mary E. Lowd++/- Mulligan - Bud Sparhawk, good author
