Sunday, June 26, 2016

The Desert of Vanished Dreams, by Phyllis Eisenstein

[F&SF]
★★★☆☆ Average

(SF Fantasy; Alaric the Minstrel) Alaric the minstrel accompanies a caravan through the desert. When water runs short, they hazard a visit to a dangerous "city" from a forgotten past. (9,505 words; Time: 31m)

Recommended By: πŸ‘STomaino+1 (Q&A)


"The Desert Of Vanished Dreams," by (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in issue 07-08|16, published on by .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Review: 2016.607 (A Word for Authors)

Pro: Narration and dialogue are smooth and natural. There's enough tension to make the story interesting. And Alaric saves the day without getting trapped.

Con: The mix of magic (Alaric's teleportation ability) with science (the abandoned starship) is jarring. Worse, Alaric's ability is so powerful that his victory is too easy.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 07-08|16)
Phyllis Eisenstein Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline

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