(Post Apocalypse) Hanger lives in a canvas bag on the outside of the Empire State Building, but the secrets to survival are hidden in the deadly mist far below. (7,673 words; Time: 25m)
Rating: ★★★★☆ Recommended
Recommended By: SFRevu:4"Toppers," by Jason Sanford [bio] (edited by Sheila Williams), appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 08|16, published on July 23, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Hanger is an interesting character, and her struggle to learn about the mist is riveting. The story does a nice job of spacing out each bit of new information and alternating with tense scenes where Hanger's life is on the line. By the end, she's got it all figured out.
Con: That said, the ending is a bit of a let down. "Saving" everyone doesn't amount to somehow undoing the effect of the mist (as had been hinted at). Instead, everyone is going to live forever in a static dream world.
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Con: That said, the ending is a bit of a let down. "Saving" everyone doesn't amount to somehow undoing the effect of the mist (as had been hinted at). Instead, everyone is going to live forever in a static dream world.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites
This was very interesting but, as you say, the ending was a bit flat. Surely something more could have been done with the idea? That aside, overall it was well written and intriguing.
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