Aurealis “Conquist” by Dirk Strasser
“Foretold” by Thomas K Slee
“San Juan’s Sowing” by JV Gachs
Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf
This special issue contains a work newly translated from Spanish, as well as a pair of stories, written in English, that are supposedly translated from fictional documents in Spanish.
“Conquist” by Dirk Strasser takes the form of a translation of fragments of a centuries-old manuscript written by a conquistador in the New World. It relates how he and his men entered a world inhabited by dwarves and flying beings at war with each other.
Despite the historical trappings, this is a typical portal fantasy adventure. The reader is likely to predict what happens to the conquistadors.
“Foretold” by Thomas K Slee is supposedly translated from a Spanish language article of the future. It takes place in a world where all persons born after a certain date know exactly when they will die. The author of the article spends time with a handful of very elderly people born before that day.
Although it contains some futuristic elements, this is really a fantasy story. There is no rational explanation for the premise. The story begins with a dramatic scene, but soon becomes much quieter and more introspective. More of a mood piece than a plot-oriented work, this somewhat shapeless tale is the author’s first published story, and shows promise.
“San Juan’s Sowing” by JV Gachs is translated from Spanish by the author. It takes place just after the death of an elderly woman who ruled over the community with an iron fist. Told mostly from the point of view of the woman who will replace her, it reveals the strange way the people exist, and how the replacement intends to change things.
This synopsis fails to point out that this is a gruesome horror story, with many disturbing elements. It takes quite a while for the reader to figure out exactly what is happening. The fact that part of the story is told from a different point of view adds to the difficulty.
Victoria Silverwolf is one-quarter Spanish, according to DNA testing.