Beneath Ceaseless Skies #420, November 14, 2024

“Another Tide” by Will Greatwich

“In Memory of the Daihani Revolution” by Miranda Rain

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two stories in which a pair of characters discuss the philosophy of rebellion appear in this issue.

The narrator of “Another Tide” by Will Greatwich is a scholar who undertakes a journey in order to interview the leader of those opposed to the ruling empire. The leader considers it a matter of honor to fight, even though he feels certain he will lose. The scholar believes that the leader is more important as a symbol than as a fighter. Each one changes the other’s life in an important way.

Although lives are lost in battle during the course of the story, this takes place offstage. The most interesting part of this rather abstract, thoughtful tale is the setting. It takes place in very shallow ocean waters, and the environment, described in vivid detail, plays a symbolic part. Other aspects of the plot, such as the fact that the female scholar is considered to be a man by the rebels because she is not skilled at diving, a task relegated to women, add an exotic touch but are more distracting than relevant.

The two main characters in “In Memory of the Daihani Revolution” by Miranda Rain fought on opposite sides during the rebellion mentioned in the title. Years later, they are on the same side during another revolution. The younger one is recovering from a wound, but is eager to return to battle. The older one shows him there are other things he can do.

Although the setting is an imaginary world, it is one with advanced technology such as radios and automobiles. There is very little fantasy content (one brief mention of ley lines) so the fairly simple plot could easily take place in the modern world.

Victoria Silverwolf bought a couple of books by Gene Wolfe at a used bookstore recently.