(High Fantasy) Solveig seeks vengeance for the magical plague that took her beloved husband, but she can’t act openly or else she risks dragging her own country into a war. (5,567 words; Time: 18m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"Across Pack Ice, a Fire," by Marissa Lingen [bio] (edited by Scott H. Andrews), appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies issue 233, published on August 24, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Solveig finds a suitable revenge, even if it’s a slow one. Noora’s idea of a plague that killed all the Veralduki’s only seems just. Solveig’s way honors Per’s memory much better.
Con: Is Solveig the only sorcerer in the world with this kind of power? If not, how has the empire avoided having this happen before?
The story spends a lot of time introducing the Prince but he plays no role in it. It’s really about the relationship between Solveig and Noora, but it never gives us a reason to see why Solveig cares about Noora at all.
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Marissa Lingen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Con: Is Solveig the only sorcerer in the world with this kind of power? If not, how has the empire avoided having this happen before?
The story spends a lot of time introducing the Prince but he plays no role in it. It’s really about the relationship between Solveig and Noora, but it never gives us a reason to see why Solveig cares about Noora at all.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 233)
Marissa Lingen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Neat solution of people being used as tools by each of their three countries planting a seed that can lead to peace. Seems like it could be part of a larger story.
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