(Near-Future SF) The narrator is a cyborg hitman, but the target is guarded by two Neanderthals, either of whom would be a challenge to defeat. (2,208 words; Time: 07m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"Neanderthals," by Gardner Dozois [bio] (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction issue 01-02|18, published on January 2, 2018 by Spilogale Inc.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The hit man (gender unknown) takes out their targets—all of them—including this particular Neanderthal, who presumably killed someone close to him/her.
It was a cute twist that the Neanderthal switched sides, and I even felt sorry for him when he expressed disappointment that they wouldn’t be working together.
Con: We never learn enough about the narrator to make the story interesting. This reads like a taster for a much longer work.
Separately, the Neanderthal’s dialogue sounded unnatural to me—even allowing for him being a Neanderthal.
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Gardner Dozois Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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It was a cute twist that the Neanderthal switched sides, and I even felt sorry for him when he expressed disappointment that they wouldn’t be working together.
Con: We never learn enough about the narrator to make the story interesting. This reads like a taster for a much longer work.
Separately, the Neanderthal’s dialogue sounded unnatural to me—even allowing for him being a Neanderthal.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 01-02|18)
Gardner Dozois Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Quick, fun story. The narrator seemed like the "unevolved" thug here. Taking out his personal vendetta against one Neanderthal on them all.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to write a story with a sympathetic hit man. :-)
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