Tom decides to have himself cryopreserved until a cure can be found for his terminal illness, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Strange things can and do happen when someone, in this case Tom’s doctor, tries to play God. “Tethered in Purgatory” by Terry W. Ervin, II focuses on the aftermath of the procedure and what it means for Tom, his wife, and anyone else who may decide on the process. I didn’t much care for this story, mostly because it’s told exclusively from Tom’s point of view, and I didn’t particularly like Tom. He’s as self-absorbed in death as he must have been in life. Even though our protagonist figures out halfway through why he’s “tethered,” he still acts in a way that won’t help him resolve anything, and an end-of-the-story turn around doesn’t seem genuine. Maybe input from other characters, for instance Tom’s wife or McCarver the janitor, would have made the story more compelling. Other readers might enjoy the larger themes this story addresses.
The Sword Review, #16, July 2006
Note: This post was imported from an old content-management system, so please excuse any inconsistencies in formatting.
"Chariots" by Matt Mikalatos
"I’ve Heard This Before" by David Bareford
"Protector" by Jeff Draper
The "Drama Queen" in question, in Mark Allan Gunnells‘s story, is named Christine, and she’s over the top in terms of her hysterics. During a routine meal with her mother and sister, she attempts to get to the bottom of why her childhood was “lacking.” The problem is, her mother and sister don’t know what she’s all in a tizzy about. The only time when Christine isn’t emoting like crazy is when she probably should be. “The Drama Queen” is a fun read, especially for anyone with a teenager or who is prone to exhibit a bit of histrionics themselves from time to time.
“Chariots” by Matt Mikalatos takes a lighthearted approach to address an age-old question: is there something greater than us? Benjamin Stanovich, a middle-aged, sagging, balding, bespectacled, unmarried professor of Hebraic studies is chosen to represent Earth when intelligent life is found on Abraxas Six. Except Benjamin was never meant to be chosen. It was all a joke by his Uncle Rory. Or was it? Maybe some things are meant to be. Benjamin is a fun narrator, even when the Uncle Rory stories start to bog down. If you like to think big thoughts without wading through all the words usually associated with them, “Chariots” is for you.
“I’ve Heard This Before” by David Bareford is an essay detailing how the author’s father influenced him to become the man he is today. Though the similarities between the two men may not seem apparent at first, the author clearly and lovingly states what motivated him. It’s a nicely written ode, but not something I would have expected in a magazine titled The Sword Review. “I’ve Heard This Before” definitely fits into the "& more" of the magazine’s subtitle.
Appointed by the King to act as protector to Princess Quendelyn, Jacob is a young, conscientious warrior in “Protector” by Jeff Draper. When an intruder threatens his charge, he swings into action, even though the foe in question might be something beyond his ken. Jacob’s loyalty, bravery, and good thinking all play a part, but what really wins the day is the secondary focus of the story: Jacob’s love for his mistress. He meets the first major challenge to Quendelyn’s safety since accepting his post head-on, partly because it’s his sworn duty, but mostly because he doesn’t want any harm to befall the object of his affection. Draper offers a good window into Jacob’s psyche and makes Quendelyn more than just a stock lady in distress. Small details within the plot and secondary characters like the King’s Sage really flesh out the tale. “Protector” is well worth the time.
“Absolution” by Rachel A. Marks focuses on Marcus, an assassin trapped in a way of life that haunts his dreams, without any hope of escape. As Marcus stalks his latest victim through the marketplace, we get glimpses of what might make the Lady Riannah special, as well as bits and pieces of Marcus’s past. The events that shaped our protagonist, who his current target might truly be, and whether or not Marcus is beyond salvation, are the questions addressed in Marks’s tightly-written tale. Every aspect of the story is seen through Marcus’s eyes. “Absolution” is a fitting companion to David Bareford’s “I’ve Heard This Before.” Though definitely a work of fiction, it tells a tale that is also inspirational. The only criticism I have with the story is the title. I usually love simplicity, and a one-word title is simplicity itself, but this particular word makes the path Marcus ends up on seem like a given.