(SF) Dal approaches the end of it's life and wishes to leave a worthy message to posterity--if the waterwraiths will leave it alone long enough. (2,104 words; Time: 07m)
Rating: ★★★★☆ Captivating, Moving, and yet Completely Alien
"Dall's Last Message," by Antha Ann Adkins [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 01-02|17, published on December 15, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Even though Dal is very, very alien to us, we completely understand its desire to leave something behind to guide future generations, and we admire the lengths it goes to to make that happen. In the moment of its death, it achieves a triumph beyond anything it had imagined.
The author does an excellent job of introducing us to the seasaucers and their world without ever resorting to an infodump. More impressive, we buy into Dal's quest and feel a mix of joy and pain when it succeeds right at the moment of its death.
Con: Arguably, the solution is too easy. Dal gets what it wants simply by asking nicely.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites
The author does an excellent job of introducing us to the seasaucers and their world without ever resorting to an infodump. More impressive, we buy into Dal's quest and feel a mix of joy and pain when it succeeds right at the moment of its death.
Con: Arguably, the solution is too easy. Dal gets what it wants simply by asking nicely.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites
No comments (may contain spoilers):
Post a Comment (comment policy)