Beneath Ceaseless Skies #373, January 12, 2023

“Constant Ivan and Clever Natalya” by M.A. Carrick

“Notes on The Seventh Battle of the Queen of the Ruby Mists” by Mari Ness

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two fantasies with very different narrative styles appear in this issue.

Written in the form of a folk tale, “Constant Ivan and Clever Natalya” by M.A. Carrick (pen name for coauthors Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms) involves a man who always keeps his promises, no matter how improbable or absurd, and a woman who always wins any conflict, no matter how difficult or extended. In a fantasy world with two moons, the man undertakes a seemingly impossible quest, while the woman presents an apparently unsolvable problem to her suitors.

This is a charming story, which perfectly captures the feeling of a legend passed down from generation to generation. The frequent use of parallel sentences, which might have proved tedious in less talented hands, enhances the authenticity of the story’s tribute to its inspiration. Although traditional in structure, the plot features unique and imaginative fantasy content.

In sharp contrast, “Notes on The Seventh Battle of the Queen of the Ruby Mists” by Mari Ness consists of a series of footnotes to what is apparently a scholarly volume about a war between rival fairy realms. Appropriately, the style is dry and factual. From what the reader is given, it is possible to deduce certain things about the conflict in question. However, many of the references remain unexplained. The work can be admired as an intellectual exercise, but hardly enjoyed as a fully developed story.

Victoria Silverwolf is working an extra day today.