(Horror) As kids, Lila and Beth had adventures exploring mysterious houses with strange rooms and scary occupants. Forty years later, Beth tries to discover whatever happened to those houses—and to her friend. (9,111 words; Time: 30m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"The Catastrophe Of Cities," by Lisa Goldstein [bio] (edited by Sheila Williams), appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 01-02|17, published on December 15, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Beth’s description of the houses is fascinating and her account of their close-calls adds a lot of tension to the story. By the end, Beth has learned most of the answers and she’s even found Lila, or her remains, anyway. It’s interesting (although creepy) that Beth decides to find the enemy who drove the aliens out and see if she can side with them.
Con: The resolution is ultimately too easy. Beth spots a strip mall with the logo of the houses, walks in, chats with the alien at the counter, and after a short argument, the alien shows here where Lila is entombed. That's it?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 01-02|17)
Lisa Goldstein Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Con: The resolution is ultimately too easy. Beth spots a strip mall with the logo of the houses, walks in, chats with the alien at the counter, and after a short argument, the alien shows here where Lila is entombed. That's it?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 01-02|17)
Lisa Goldstein Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
I found the set-up really interesting, but the style of narration put me off quite badly, and as you say the ending was too pat.
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