Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores, October 2022

“The Cloud Knitters” by Han Whiteoak

“The Oaken Chocolate Box” by Gayle Beveridge

Reviewed by Mike Bickerdike

“The Cloud Knitters” by Han Whiteoak is very short, but rather sweet, telling the story of a child who learns how to knit clouds from their mother. The idea is fantastical, but quite original and has the semblance of an old English myth. The idea that clouds can be crafted with magic is suggestive of the connection we have with the basic forces of nature, perhaps reminding us that we can contribute to them in positive ways, as well as negative ones. This is referenced in the magazine as being for young readers, but it will be enjoyable for adults alike, I suspect.

“The Oaken Chocolate Box” by Gayle Beveridge is a fantasy tale set in modern times. A young women has been giving people magical chocolates from her oak chocolate box, after which she is able to obtain their money. But rather than steal the money for her own benefit, she improves the lives of her ‘victims’. As a morality tale this is rather confusing; the actions of the girl are highly unethical but are nonetheless well-meaning. I think we are meant to think the girl is very ‘good’, but that seems too simplistic, and as a protagonist she is not especially agreeable, being rather ‘holier-than-thou’.

More of Mike Bickerdike’s reviews and thoughts on science-fiction can be found at https://starfarersf.nicepage.io/