Beneath Ceaseless Skies #327, April 8, 2021
“Every Breath A Question, Every Heartbeat an Answer” by Cat Rambo
“Concerto for Winds and Resistance” by Cara Masten DiGirolamo
Reviewed by Seraph
“Every Breath A Question, Every Heartbeat an Answer” by Cat Rambo
Without a moment’s hesitation, this is probably the most well-crafted story I have reviewed to date. Take that for what it’s worth as I’m admittedly something of a relative newcomer to reviewing, but this story was put together with just as much thought and care as any of the books I grew up loving. In between the almost diary-like entries that yield constant insight into the mind of one Lady Callynahdra (though perhaps she prefers “Sarge”), take the time to read the carefully planned italic text that details the nature and meaning of the various flowers. It is not only central to the plot, but beautiful and creative as well. In the midst of a hospital in the aptly named Rose Kingdom, our centaur warrior recovers from the aftermath of a tragic battle with the help of a mysterious and magical elder Rose Knight. This is a high fantasy tale, which suggests might and magic, but the author tells of much deeper and older magicks: love and loss… and both the rending and the healing of the soul. It is far too easy in this modern world to just rush through one thing and on to another, and sometimes you don’t miss much on your way, but to do so here would genuinely be a mistake.
“Concerto for Winds and Resistance” by Cara Masten DiGirolamo
I both loved and wanted to tear my hair out with this story. I grew up immersed in music, especially of the orchestral variety, and so a high fantasy story that somehow manages to weave a wind ensemble into a story of ancient magic and high Rebellion was just too good to pass up. It all takes place in the nation of Biga, one that could give the latter days of Rome a run for its money politically. The story is told from the differing but unified perspectives of a good half dozen of the key musicians in the wind ensemble. Having played nearly a dozen different instruments and been in several of the different sections described in the story across the years, it’s beyond fun to see all of the little dramas and interactions between the sections and chairs so brought to life. It’s beautifully written, the pacing is elegant, the characters are intriguing, and it brought back so many good (and bad) memories. If I had to put what irks me about this story into words, it would be that the tyrant and his henchman are just… cardboard. Every other part of the story was lively, and colorful, and if not original then at least highly creative. Maybe “the Dictator” was supposed to be some clever reference I missed, but the way these villains are described is just so bland that it steals away nearly all of the suspense.