★★★★☆ Great characters, great dialogue, great worldbuilding
(SF Action/Adventure; Draiken) Two series meet in this crossover episode where ex-assassin Draiken’s search for justice is interrupted when he’s arrested by ace prosecutor Andrea Cort. (23,544 words; Time: 1h:18m)
Recommended By: 👍GTognetti+2 👍RSR+1 👍STomaino+1 (Q&A)
Although this continues Draiken’s adventures and touches Andrea Cort’s series as well, it can be enjoyed by itself and probably serves as a good introduction to both series.
"A Stab of the Knife," by Adam-Troy Castro [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 07-08|18, published on June 15, 2018 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Review: 2018.331 (A Word for Authors)
Pro: Even without reading the earlier stories, one finds enough here to solidly develop Draiken, Andrea, and the Porrinyards. All come across as having issues, but we end up liking them all anyway.
The universe contains all sorts of elements related to the mind-control Draiken is trying to stamp out, as well as plenty of cool technology, including the vast rotating cylinder of New London itself.
Plus, the fight to protect the Porrinyards from being abducted has plenty of excitement.
There’s a good bit of humor too. Best line: “If this is the way you once conducted covert activities, I hope that you didn’t stick with that career for long.”
Con: This is Draiken’s story, but Andrea Cort overshadows him. He contributes to the adventure, so he’s not without agency, but he’s far from in control of what happens at any level.
Numerous minor editing errors detract from the story.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 07-08|18)
Adam-Troy Castro Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Pro: Even without reading the earlier stories, one finds enough here to solidly develop Draiken, Andrea, and the Porrinyards. All come across as having issues, but we end up liking them all anyway.
The universe contains all sorts of elements related to the mind-control Draiken is trying to stamp out, as well as plenty of cool technology, including the vast rotating cylinder of New London itself.
Plus, the fight to protect the Porrinyards from being abducted has plenty of excitement.
There’s a good bit of humor too. Best line: “If this is the way you once conducted covert activities, I hope that you didn’t stick with that career for long.”
Con: This is Draiken’s story, but Andrea Cort overshadows him. He contributes to the adventure, so he’s not without agency, but he’s far from in control of what happens at any level.
Numerous minor editing errors detract from the story.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 07-08|18)
Adam-Troy Castro Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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