Tor.com, May 2023

“The Puppetmaster” by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

“Pretty Good Neighbor” by Jeffrey Ford

Reviewed by Mike Bickerdike

“The Puppetmaster” by Kemi Ashing-Giwa is a dark fantasy tale. A draconian emperor rules the imperium with an iron fist and has ordered the death of his niece. The story is told in large part through the last letter his niece is allowed to write before her execution. Offering some interesting world-building, this is predominantly a fantasy, but shares features with “sword and planet” style science-fantasy, with the ‘demons’ referred to in this world seeming like aliens from other worlds. The story arc is fine, and ends well with a nice conclusion, but the use of the letter as a way of presenting the tale keeps the action somewhat at arms-reach. It perhaps loses some sense of immediacy and drama accordingly.

“Pretty Good Neighbor” by Jeffrey Ford is a very engaging and entertaining short horror story. Enjoying a beer and a smoke in his yard one night with his neighbor, a man asks whether the neighbor has ever seen a ghost. What follows is the neighbor’s tale of his and his junkie cousin’s misadventures one night, when they cross the line with a mob boss, and get taken out to the marshes for execution. The horror idea that follows is simple but effective, and while the theme is rather grim, it’s actually quite funny in its imagery and off-hand style. This enjoyable story is recommended.

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