(High Fantasy) Bethenica Morning, humble, penny-pinching accountant to the wealthy and powerful Nahemiah Froll, travels abroad to acquire a famous statue for her mistress. (6,700 words; Time: 22m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"The Three Dancers of Gizari," by Tamara Vardomskaya [bio], appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies issue 192, published on February 4, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Bethenica's obsession with money starkly illuminates her fear of poverty. Even when she's spending Nahemiah's money, she's fearful.
Her deep love of art shines through as well; her whole reason for working for Nahemiah was to be close to the art she herself could never afford. It's completely plausible that she'd be swayed by an artwork that captured her soul.
It concludes nicely with her on the cusp of choosing to follow her passion.
Con: Bethenica is an awfully passive character. Nahemia, Estorges, and (to an extent) Izida are the ones who actually make things happen. Bethenica is just along for the ride.
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Her deep love of art shines through as well; her whole reason for working for Nahemiah was to be close to the art she herself could never afford. It's completely plausible that she'd be swayed by an artwork that captured her soul.
It concludes nicely with her on the cusp of choosing to follow her passion.
Con: Bethenica is an awfully passive character. Nahemia, Estorges, and (to an extent) Izida are the ones who actually make things happen. Bethenica is just along for the ride.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites
Nice story. It makes sense that the artist would rather his work go to the person who appreciates it the most.
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