Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores, September 2017

“The Sandwich Shack” by Patrick Hurley

Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett

There are two first publication stories in the September issue of Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores.

“The Sandwich Shack” by Patrick Hurley

Hard to find, and frequently not there, Chicago has the best sandwich bar in this short fantasy. This is the story of why.

Brady, the owner of the Sandwich Shack, dedicates his life to his craft, offering just five sandwiches, each of which is to die for. Over a period of time, he is tempted by three powerful beings. Each tries to get him to give up his ways. And each challenge is enough to turn a normal man. After the first two visits, can the third and most powerful being turn Brady?

This story had an easy flow and style to it. The mystery engaged the reader from the opening paragraph. A nice story.

“The Noisy World Before the Doors” by Melion Traverse

A dog is waiting for adoption in this flash story. When families come by, the dog tries to win each over, anything to go through the good door. Anything to avoid going through that other sad door.

But no one takes him; it is always a different excuse, too old, too big, too hairy. He is a loving dog, but no matter how he changes he is never the right one. Finally, when the uniforms come to take him out that other door, he keeps his promise to himself and goes with dignity. Is this to be his end?

This is a charming piece of flash fiction.