(Horror) Something is taking over the bodies of human beings. No one is sure what or why, but Walsh’s mission is to kill them when he finds them. (2,392 words; Time: 07m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"New Teeth," by James Sallis [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 11-12|17, published on October 19, 2017 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The big tension is this story is wondering whether Walsh is imagining things or not. The fact that he hasn’t been arrested supports it, as does the fact that the pod-people don’t resist when he shoots them, but Dorn tells him “There’s no evidence they exist,” which leaves it open.
By the end, Walsh is convinced that he himself has been possessed. Unlike the rest, he doesn't intend to go down without a fight.
Con: It’s really, really hard to believe society allowing self-selected vigilantes to do something like this. The person in the bar who thanks Walsh is particularly hard to credit.
The ending is confusing in a variety of ways. If Walsh doesn't plan to go down without a fight, then presumably he isn't infected.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 11-12|17)
James Sallis Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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By the end, Walsh is convinced that he himself has been possessed. Unlike the rest, he doesn't intend to go down without a fight.
Con: It’s really, really hard to believe society allowing self-selected vigilantes to do something like this. The person in the bar who thanks Walsh is particularly hard to credit.
The ending is confusing in a variety of ways. If Walsh doesn't plan to go down without a fight, then presumably he isn't infected.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 11-12|17)
James Sallis Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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