Diabolical Plots #109, March 2024

“Level One: Blowtorch” by Jared Oliver Adams

“The Offer of Peace Between Two Worlds” by Renan Bernardo

Reviewed by László Szegedi

“Level One: Blowtorch” by Jared Oliver Adams

The author takes the readers on a thrilling journey into a roboticized world set in the distant future. The protagonist is raised by robots there, only to learn the purpose for which at story’s end. The setting feels both advanced, optimal for human living, and eerily cold on an emotional level. It’s a fun read, making it ripe for short film adaptation. I really hope Netflix will adapt in into its Love, Death and Robots series. One of the standout elements of the story is the humorous portrayal of the robots, which adds a delightful touch to the narrative.

“The Offer of Peace Between Two Worlds” by Renan Bernardo

This story offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology. The idea is not new, but Bernardo has chosen to combine a human baby with a space craft this time. The story follows the growth and development of both the child and the spaceship, their bond evolving in unexpected ways. However, as they eventually part ways, readers are left contemplating the complexities of their relationship and the implications of their separation.

The entire narrative, the characters and the setting, are very similar to the works of Ian M. Banks, to the point when I even considered this story to be an homage to the late author. Unfortunately, the story unfolds like a sketch, lacking in dialogue and supporting characters, and one can’t help but wish for its expansion into a full-fledged novel.