Beneath Ceaseless Skies #304, May 21, 2020

“Clever Jack, Heavy with Stories” by R. K. Duncan

“The Honey of the World and the Queen of Crows” by Dimitra Nikolaidou

Reviewed by Michelle Ristuccia

In “Clever Jack, Heavy with Stories” by R. K. Duncan, Jack’s princeling bosom friend disappears into a deadly fae realm similar to the Otherworld of the Tuath Dé Danann. While Duncan’s inclusion of homosexuality can be lauded for its matter-of-fact presentation sans in-story judgment, the tale’s use of the prince’s fiance may come off as overly convenient. The writing style and plot are a bit too straight forward for a tale that utilizes several tropes from fairy tales and mythology.

Set in a bar in the afterlife, “The Honey of the World and the Queen of Crows” by Dimitra Nikolaidou presents a fascinating first person narration that rotates between three characters to reveal new information to the reader. While section headings might have been helpful, it is soon clear who is speaking. Unique imagery adds an elevating touch of the weird to this medieval fantasy featuring kings and princes alongside sexually active nuns. At its heart, “The Honey of the World and the Queen of Crows” is about difficult decisions when one’s personal morals differ from societal prescriptions of war and religion.

Michelle Ristuccia enjoys slowing down time in the middle of the night to read and review speculative fiction, because sleeping offspring are the best inspiration and motivation. You can find out more about her other writing projects and geeky obsessions by visiting her blog and Facebook page.