Aurealis #163, August 2023

“The Most Powerful Witch in Witchville” by Ephiny Gale

“Love is an Attack Missile Strike” by Baden M Chant

“My Ancestor’s Bones Lie in This Bay” by Andrew Knighton

Reviewed by Chuck Rothman

Aurealis starts out with “The Most Powerful Witch in Witchville” by Ephiny Gale. Nicolette “Coal” Ellisdaugh is competing for the honor listed in the title. Coal had missed out in the past, but is now 22 and in her prime. The story documents the competition, but really doesn’t introduce any conflict or major obstacles. Overall it seems pretty bland to me and Coal is not a well-developed character.

Baden M Chant’s “Love is an Attack Missile Strike” is told from the point of view of a sentient missile, which is on its way to attack. It falls in love with Hani—another missile sent out to stop it. Interesting concept, but I don’t think it amounts to much.

“My Ancestor’s Bones Lie in This Bay” by Andrew Knighton is set in the far north, in a bay that has been destroyed by overfishing. The protagonist is the descendant of Captain Wright, who discovered and opened up the bay to fishing and is there to help undo the damage he had done. A magic necklace allows her to swim in the icy water, and she learns the story of what actually happened. Not bad overall, but it doesn’t really stand out.

Chuck Rothman’s novels Staroamer’s Fate and Syron’s Fate are available from Fantastic Books. He will be running programming for the 2025 NASFIC.