"Socks" by Alex Popkin
"MacCool’s Crusaders" by Sheldon G. Carter
"Speck" by John Kuhn
“Socks” by Alex Popkin is just a darn delight. The writer stretches this yarn out with intelligent humor and vivid descriptions. Without pulling any wool over our eyes, Popkin tells us about a gnome and his journey to domestic freedom. Unfortunately, he has to take a few of our Argyles with him. This writer is described as a "student," but the technique and style say otherwise.
The title of the next offering, “MacCool’s Crusaders” by Sheldon G. Carter, conjures visions of super cool, futuristic fighters, but this is not the case. It is a retelling of one man’s view of the Crusades. Galwain was not knight material. An accident left his hands twisted and almost useless. He returns home to find he is the sole believer in the new religion and fights not only his own doubt but that of his family that this new faith can help him. The end is predictable but beautiful.
The story’s premise is intriguing, but the presentation is scattered everywhere. Bits and pieces of history and Biblical teachings are inserted, almost as if upon second thought. Archaic dialogue and beautiful names abound, but it was difficult to discern the plot with the story laid out in jigsaw fashion.
John Kuhn gives readers an emotional testimony as to what happens after a Christian dies in “Speck.” Described almost as if he had been there, Kuhn uses a horrible tragedy to embellish the most wonderful moment of a Christian’s existence. His descriptions and dialogue are sublime. Though this particular event has been hashed and rehashed in recent literature, Kuhn gives it just the right touch, tugging at the heart and scouring the spirit.
Two angels are assigned to watch over two ordinary people. They do their jobs well, even to the end of a horrific battle. A character from some of Kuhn’s previous works makes an apperance, an angel named Jhilael, a protector. This story spurs readers to think about the power of God in an event of great devastation. One quote in this story that has stuck with me is where one angel is on the verge of losing hope and turns to his consort:
"We’re outnumbered," said Thaellus.
"We’re never outnumbered," Gaalen reminded him, conviction giving his voice an edge.