Friday, January 13, 2017

Mag, the Habitat and We, by Lia Swope Mitchell

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(Horror) A city inspection in a week creates a crisis for the small creatures who scurry around Mag’s house. They think she’s their mother. She thinks they’re rats, when she thinks about them at all. (3,200 words; Time: 10m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

"," by (edited by Jason Sizemore), appeared in issue 92, published on .

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

Pro: A nice little tale with a good bit of tension just from the fears of discovery. Their love of Mag was eventually bound to lead to her fleeing. One expects the remodeling won’t be to their liking, though.

I call this horror because it’s really gross if you let yourself think about it. The thing in her mouth cleaning her teeth. The little one that tries a bite. The house filled with piles of garbage they use for their games.

Con: It’s a simple plot, there’s no character development, and no emotional attachment to anyone.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 92)
Lia Swope Mitchell Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB

3 comments (may contain spoilers):

  1. Creepy, creepy! Trying to figure out what these things were is what pulled me through the story. They're like a mash up of feral cats, rodents, and bug colony. Yet there's also a suggestion they're humanoid, maybe? They seem like a manifestation of the lonely hoarder, hermit mindset. Hence the phrase, "She's our mother..."

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  2. Great humor, quality writing, and an interesting POV (1st-person plural?). There's just enough mystery surrounding the creatures to keep them fun, weird, and intriguing. On top of that, there's a recognizable plot with a satisfying conclusion. What's not to love?

    5/5

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    Replies
    1. Well, thinking about things that crawl in your mouth while you're asleep for one. :-)

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