Diabolical Plots #71, January 2021
“Everyone You Know is a Raven” by Phil Dyer
“Unstoned” by Jason Gruber
Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett
There are two new stories in the 71st issue of Diabolical Plots. One of which is flash fiction.
“Everyone You Know is a Raven” by Phil Dyer
The ravens are what’s real in this flash fantasy. The ravens imitate humans such that humans are no longer needed. Not all humans are mimicking ravens, but only a handful are genuine.
This story followed the premise that all was not as it seemed. However, the story itself had no storyline.
“Unstoned” by Jason Gruber
The last unstoned troll helps elves make ships for humans in this short fantasy. All his fellow trolls turned to stone before elves smashed them. Now, this last troll yearns for the day when he can show that trolls were not just engines of war, that they were artisans and shipwrights too.
As he helps the elves with specially crafted stone parts for their ships, he secretly fashions pieces to make another ship. He hopes to build a vessel that can once again show the world the true worth of a troll.
“Unstoned” was an unusual morsel of a story with a poignant touch.