Reactor, May 2025
“Squid Teeth” by Sarah Langan
“The Nölmyna” by David Erik Nelson
“Asymmetrical” by Garth Nix
Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf
The novelette “Squid Teeth” by Sarah Langan takes place in a version of the modern world where people have ink sacs in their mouths. These can be used to decorate ceramic discs that they create by spinning wet clay with their tongues. Many people have the sacs surgically removed early in life, and others give up creating the discs in childhood.
The protagonist is one who continues to produce art this way. She participates in a competition sponsored by wealthy patrons, eventually discovering the sacrifices made by those seeking success as artists.
As can be seen, the premise is an allegory for the passion to create, whether it be stifled in childhood or pursued throughout life. The competition serves as a metaphor for the ambiguous relationship between art and commerce. The sacrifices undergone by successful artists can be seen as symbols for compromising in order to make a living through one’s art.
The premise is certainly unique, and the author powerfully conveys the struggles faced by creators of art. However, much the same story could be told without the speculative content. A hint that the main character communicates with her past self, warning herself of the consequences of her actions, seems out of place in a story that is entirely realistic, other than the important exception of its bizarre main premise.
The title of “The Nölmyna” by David Erik Nelson refers to a type of chair. The creator of a reality television series that debunks haunted houses discovers that one such chair cannot be moved from its position, instead creating multiple copies of itself when anyone tries. He disappears after finding this out, leading his cousin, who worked on the show, to discover that sitting on the chair transports her to another reality.
This synopsis makes the story seem like a comedy. Although there is a certain smart aleck tone to some of the narrative, on the whole the story is serious, edging into horror. Much of the text deals with the death of the cousin’s husband, and how this influences her perception of the other reality.
There is no explanation for the existence of the chair. Some readers are likely to find the premise more ludicrous than intriguing.
In “Asymmetrical” by Garth Nix, a man summons up a demon that kills people who irritate him in small ways. Eager to rid himself of the homicidal being, he risks using more black magic in an attempt to discover how it can be destroyed.
The intent is clearly comic, with multiple bloody slayings played for black comedy. Readers who appreciate gory humor will best enjoy this gruesome farce.
Victoria Silverwolf notes that IKEA sells a chair called Nolmyra.