Grimdark“The Blade’s Edge” by Peter McLean
“Flesh and Coin” by Anna Stephens (reprint, not reviewed)
“Scardevil” by Jeff Salyards
Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett
The 22nd issue of Grimdark has two strong original stories, plus another that was published previously.
“The Blade’s Edge” by Peter McLean
This horror short has Harry the Rat on a mission to snatch Bloody Anne’s whore mistress, Rosie. Harry’s boss plans to extort the rival gangland boss.
The problem for Harry is, he has no notion of just how mean Anne can be and capturing Rosie will be a damn sight easier than keeping her.
The story read like an old and entertaining pulp fiction classic.
“Scardevil” by Jeff Salyards
The family of a stricken farmer pleads to a scardevil for help in this short fantasy. Though none welcome the presence of such a powerful witch, the scardevil promises to do her best. After all, she has turned around her life from the days when she remorselessly killed men.
She looks over the man who fell off a ladder and impaled himself. And compounding her difficult task is the farmer’s brother who’s determined to stop her any way he can.
The perspective chosen by the author worked well and resulted in an entertaining read.