An Unearned Death, by Marissa Lingen

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(High Fantasy) Osrith helps people near the end of life find a god who’ll take them, for in her world, no matter how old, worn, or broken you are, death must be earned. (4,259 words; Time: 14m)

Rating: ★★★★☆ Surprising, Effective, Touching

"An Unearned Death," by Marissa Lingen [bio] (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction issue 07-08|17, published on July 1, 2017 by Spilogale Inc.

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

Pro: Osrith the Stubborn. She wants everyone who needs it to find the release of death. She’s been after this for a while, and she’s finally talked Lorvosh into it.

The story is moving not because the old woman dies—she’s about as unsympathetic as they get—but rather because a human being prevails upon a god to be merciful.

The colorful collection of gods and goddesses makes for a fascinating setting.

There seems to be a subtle message about opening the afterlife up to those who aren’t elite, but I might be reading too much into it.

Con: The plot is simple and uncomplicated.

Teonett is presented as someone who clearly does not deserve an afterlife. It seems that Osrith has turned Heaven into Hell for all parties concerned.

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Marissa Lingen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline

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