Beneath Ceaseless Skies Issue 67, April 21, 2011

“Dancing the Warrior, Pt. 2” by Marie Brennan
“Memories of Her” by Greg Linklater

Reviewed by Jo-Anne Odell

In “Dancing the Warrior, Pt. 2” by Marie Brennan, Seniade continues her training under the Hunters. Her red hair hasn’t gone unnoticed, though the Grandmaster isn’t fool enough to believe it marks her as a witch. Neither is her friend, Kerestel. What he has noticed is her speed, and her ability to pick up moves no one has yet taught her.  

Being ostracized doesn’t stop Sen. With no other options, she takes more risks, pushing herself harder and harder. Finally, she goes too far. Though it could have ended badly, the gift she receives exceeds her wildest dreams.  

This story hooked me in and kept me reading.  

“Memories of Her” by Greg Linklater tells us of the struggle of a convert. He’s a soldier in the Chemist’s army, turned into a creature with skin of stone, but still retaining his memories of being a man. In between missions, he talks to the psychiatrist about his past, his life as an actor, and his memories of a woman. At least, he tries to remember her. Though he understands the threat in being seen as uncooperative, his reminiscences come back in bits and pieces.   

The situation caught my attention. I like characters that bring emotional depth, but I also like it directed, with purpose. As that seemed lacking, my interest soon waned. The story felt like one long exclamation of angst.