(SF) In a caste-based future officer John Blank investigates a serial killer whose victims seem to have mysterious connection to upper-caste people. (9,903 words; Time: 33m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
Recommended By: Readers"Playthings," by Stephen L. Burns [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 04|16, published on February 18, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The "Cop Ascetic" drugs are supposed to make Officer Blank uncritical of certain social policies, and this really comes through; his first-person narration does sound drugged.
Con: It's hard to believe in a society that harvested the children of its lower classes in such numbers. Particularly when we know there's an organized resistance. It's also hard to believe they don't have B or even A-caste cops investigating this rather than leaving it to a D-caste one.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 04|16)
Stephen L. Burns Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
No comments (may contain spoilers):
Post a Comment (comment policy)