Diabolical Plots #35, January 2018

“Six Hundred Universes of Jenny Zars” by Wendy Nikel

Reviewed by Kevin P Hallett

There were two short stories in this issue.

“Six Hundred Universes of Jenny Zars” by Wendy Nikel

Jenny zips around the parallel universes in this short fantasy. She has issues in her own universe, but then she has issues in most of the others too.

When she finds herself in the wrong universe, by mistake, she discovers an opportunity to make things better. Or, at least, she hopes they will be nicer for her in this universe.

Told in a tongue-in-cheek style, the story’s tempo worked well, and the author soon pulled the reader into the intriguing mystery of Jenny’s many universes.

“Brooklyn Fantasia” by Marcy Arlin

In Arlin’s short fantasy, a griffin, fossilized leaf and semi-materialized being all face eviction from their run-down apartment. It won’t be easy finding new digs in New York City.

They go in search of a new place, but run into many issues including landlord requirements and high rents. Nor does it help when the griffin insists on eating anyone who annoys him. Can the eclectic group find a new home?

A curious story told in a whimsical style. But the easy-going style could not make up for the story’s lack of purpose.