(Hard SF) A corroded railing gives way, and Kent falls from a Venusian cloud city to near-certain death. But it takes a long time to fall fifty kilometers. (4,511 words; Time: 15m)
Rating: ★★★★☆ Good science, good story, tense and exciting
"One Giant Leap," by Jay Werkheiser [bio] (edited by Niall Harrison), appeared in Strange Horizons issue 11/21/16, published on November 21, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: This is really the story of how Kent made his peace with his father before it was too late. The author makes the relationship between Kent and his dad very real for us in just a few words of dialogue, which simultaneously tell us what sort of people they are. This makes the ending intensely emotional.
The other story is Kent's attempt to stay alive long enough to actually reach the Venusian surface. The technical accuracy here is impressive, particularly regarding the hydrox breathing mixture. Likewise, the details about Venus are spot-on.
Con: The plot is a simple one, with no real twists or surprises.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 11/21/16)
Jay Werkheiser Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
The other story is Kent's attempt to stay alive long enough to actually reach the Venusian surface. The technical accuracy here is impressive, particularly regarding the hydrox breathing mixture. Likewise, the details about Venus are spot-on.
Con: The plot is a simple one, with no real twists or surprises.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 11/21/16)
Jay Werkheiser Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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