(Historical Fantasy) Lovis uses her magic to help the resistance against the tyrannical brother of the king. When the king dies in battle, she has to make some hard decisions. (3,999 words; Time: 13m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"Out of the Woods," by Marissa Lingen [bio] (edited by Scott H. Andrews), appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies issue 218, published on January 26, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The plot is clear: Lovis is tired of the status quo and wants to change it. That she certainly does.
Con: Lovis’s magic is too powerful. If it were that easy to kill Eirik, they should have done it years before. It feels like a cheat. The hints that this kind of magic is frowned upon aren't enough to make it believable that it's never used in war nor defended against.
It’s also hard to believe her family have tolerated her long absences from home.
None of the characters is particularly sympathetic. There’s little tension when they confront Eirik because we don’t really care what happens to them.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 218)
Marissa Lingen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Con: Lovis’s magic is too powerful. If it were that easy to kill Eirik, they should have done it years before. It feels like a cheat. The hints that this kind of magic is frowned upon aren't enough to make it believable that it's never used in war nor defended against.
It’s also hard to believe her family have tolerated her long absences from home.
None of the characters is particularly sympathetic. There’s little tension when they confront Eirik because we don’t really care what happens to them.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 218)
Marissa Lingen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
They didn't kill Eirik before because they were just keeping him in check until his brother returned. Interesting idea that they split between those who lost the will to resist when Harald died and those who decide to actually fight for themselves.
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