Fantasy Magazine, December 2010
“Holdfast” by Matthew Johnson
“The Gold Silkworm” by Tony Pi
“Malleus, Incus, Stapes” by Sarah Totton
“The Boy Who Made Stars” by Eliza Chan
Reviewed by Jo-Anne Odell
In “Holdfast” by Matthew Johnson, Irrel leaves the milking of the cow, the handling of the knot charms and the care of his young son to his daughter, Niiv, while he and his hired man take the horse and cart to collect dragon droppings. His son follows him. While working, he meets a neighbor who professes his love for Niiv.
I enjoyed the last tale I read by Matthew Johnson. With this one, I wish I could say the same. I’m not a fan of stories that lack plot. This has a few interesting ideas, but they aren’t enough to carry something of this length.
“The Gold Silkworm” by Tony Pi tells the tale of Yan Xue, a healer and martial artist inhabited by a spirit, Cao Shen. Cao gives Yan the ability to act as a healer. Yan visits with Madame Ke, who asks for Yan’s help in keeping her from miscarriage. Then Madame Ke asks for her assistance with her ailing husband. When Yan goes to Master Ke, she finds he’s been invaded by a sorcerous parasite, a golden silkworm. It’s making him ill.
Yan infers that Master Ke has an enemy who seeks his wealth, one who’s found his weakness. When Yan meets an old adversary, Liang, she discovers Liang has become the spirit vessel for Ke’s enemy.
This story would be stronger, not to mention shorter, without the convoluted opening. It doesn’t twist as much as it meanders, building questionable links in a narrative that feels forced.
“Malleus, Incus, Stapes” by Sarah Totton tells the story of Jack, who wants to give something to his blind love, Lillian. In a box in the attic, he finds a conch, and a small boat. He gives Lillian the boat, but he finds something that isn’t right.
There isn’t much to recommend this one. Neither the story nor the writing is strong. Though Lillian is the focus of Jack’s love, she remains almost a non-entity. The lines of menace past and present are suggested, but they remain merely shadows, not clearly drawn.
In “The Boy Who Made Stars” by Eliza Chan, Motoki makes an interesting new friend, and in doing so, creates stars.
The idea behind this tale is fun, a unique take on the moon’s pitted face. It should come across as cute and inventive. Its awkward tone, grammar errors and odd, convoluted sentences make it goofy, instead.
There are some clever concepts behind these tales. If, however, you enjoy solid, focused writing, well-rounded characters and sturdy plots, you’ll find this a weak offering.