(SF) In a colony on an almost uninhabitable planet, the technologically-superior Su share power with the humans, but some humans want independence. (16,433 words; Time: 54m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
Recommended By: GDozois:4 RHorton:4 NClarke JStrahan"The Charge and the Storm," by An Owomoyela [bio] (edited by Sheila Williams), appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 02|16, published on January 15, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The story arc starts with a confrontation between Perta and Amad, formerly close friends but now adversaries. Petra is a "Maker" but she hasn't made children and she hasn't made peace with the separatist humans. Or even remade her relationship with her ex-wife.
It concludes with her clearly ready to reconcile with Illen, but, more important, she calls Amad ready to discuss how to make peace, which brings it full circle to a natural conclusion.
Con: Not a lot actually happens except inside Petra's mind, and even that doesn't leave us with a strong emotional feeling.
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It concludes with her clearly ready to reconcile with Illen, but, more important, she calls Amad ready to discuss how to make peace, which brings it full circle to a natural conclusion.
Con: Not a lot actually happens except inside Petra's mind, and even that doesn't leave us with a strong emotional feeling.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 02|16)
An Owomoyela Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
I'm in two minds about this one. The premise and setting were really interesting and I wanted to hear more, but as you say the plot doesn't go far enough in any strand - lots get set up, but really it's just the character's internal journey and it stops before that is properly resolved IMO.
ReplyDeleteI also got the distinct impression that reconciliation was basically there for the asking, she just had to get herself to that point.
I've seen several stories like that lately, where it seemed as though the author had a big idea and a complex, well-thought-out world, but simply didn't have enough of a story to do it justice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with RSR's ★★★ rating. The heavy relationship-driven plot was a bit confusing and boring and got in the way of my enjoyment of the setting, or what little we learn about the colony and the alien Su.
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