Beneath Ceaseless Skies, December 2, 2021

“The Fox’s Daughter” by Richard Parks

“Fall to Rise” by David Tallerman

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Two stories with sharply contrasting moods appear in this issue.

Set in a fantasy version of ancient Japan, “The Fox’s Daughter” by Richard Parks features foxes who can take on the appearance of people. One such being entrusts the care of her adolescent daughter, who is partly human, to the narrator. Because of her vulpine nature, the teenager prefers to live in the ruins of a temple on the narrator’s estate rather than in his house. This leads to challenging situations for the narrator, and wisdom from an unexpected source.

This is a quiet story, best described as a fantasy of manners. Although the youngster’s inexperience causes potentially dangerous situations, these are dealt with in a calm, rational fashion. The conclusion provides a bit of gentle irony. A tale without villains serves as a refreshing change from most fantasies.

In “Fall to Rise” by David Tallerman, criminals are thrown into a large pit, at the bottom of which is an extremely deep hole, leading only to death. The sole way to survive is to make use of small ledges on the sides of the pit, and to defeat the other criminals in combat. The one person left alive is sent to prison, where a slower but just as certain demise awaits. The protagonist must use his wits, as well as special weapons, to overcome his opponents and escape the pit.

This is a grim tale, full of violence and death. Other than the imaginary setting, there are no magical or supernatural elements, so it is best thought of as an example of low fantasy. The author certainly knows how to create suspense, and readers who favor stories of survival against overwhelming odds will enjoy it, but others may find it old-fashioned and pulpish.

Victoria Silverwolf has never been to Japan, or in a deep pit.