Diabolical Plots #11, January 2016

“The Osteomancer’s Husband” by Henry Szabranski

Reviewed by Eric Kimminau

From Henry Azabranski’s Author’s Note “The inspiration for this story were a couple of photographs used for a writing group prompt challenge. One image was of flowing water (“…the burbling mountain stream…”), the second was of a hand tossing what looked like tiny bones to the wind (“Like…tiny snowflake vertebrae…”). To me the bones looked like seedlings, so I immediately began to wonder what their origin might be.” The owner and editor of Diabolical Plots, David Steffen, states in the guidelines for what they are looking for as “Speculative fiction–science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Everything should have a speculative element–that includes horror.” With this direction in mind, let us begin with my first review for 2016.

Let us start with a definition. Osteomancy is an adjective describing divination by the examination of bones. I never knew that. I wanted to have a correct point of reference as I began reading. “The Osteomancer’s Husband” is a neat little story of a woman of some magic power, capable of healing the sick and injured, happily set in her ways and the home she shared with her husband. As the story progresses we find that her powers are far more than divination and far stronger than just healing the sick or wounded. We are left with curiosity and wonder of what may have been and what things will come. I hope that a follow on comes at some point because I really would like to know what happens next. I was captured by the story and in such a short time I give the author a great deal of credit. Well done.

Eric Kimminau is a BBS geek turned IT professional seeking those of like mind and character with whom I may share in wit and wisdom.