Monday, August 15, 2016

Gorse Daughter, Sparrow Son, by Alena Indigo Anne Sullivan

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(Fairy Tale) Jocelyn is a princess a lot like Sleeping Beauty, but with a much better relationship with the fairies. Not that that helps her. (7,535 words; Time: 25m)

Rating: ★★★★☆ Recommended
Recommended By: RHorton:5

This story appeared in two parts, but it is reviewed here as a whole.
"," by (edited by Niall Harrison), appeared in issue 08/08/16, published on .

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

Pro: It's very moving that Matthias makes a big sacrifice to save the kingdom, made more poignant by his sad observation that being an eighth son wasn't much of a life anyway. He prefers chess to wooing women anyway, so it's arguable that he got what he most wanted in the end.

Jocelyn becomes queen when she isn't quite ready for it and when she doesn't understand just how much power she really has. Even so, once she realizes what she's done, she's not remorseful; she's happy to have found a way to preserve her people while hiding from her responsibilities.

Matthias is clever to figure out how to get across the brambles, and diligent in finding and talking with the fairies, but he's lucky that when he meets the princess, she has finally begin to tire of her isolation, and she's ready to hear his message of life and change.

Con: Although Matthias is a sympathetic character, Jocelyn isn't, really. She's spoiled in a quiet sort of way, and unable to accept her responsibilities, she hides from them.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 08/08/16)
Alena Indigo Anne Sullivan Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB

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