★★★☆☆ Average
(Historical SF) A British engineer comes to France at the height of the Terror to fix a steam engine that drives a unique electrical apparatus—something so valuable to the Revolution they may never let him leave. (8,275 words; Time: 27m)
"The Pendant Lens," by Sean McMullen [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 09-10|18, published on August 16, 2018 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: George and Clare made good their escape, and it looks like they eventually make a good business out of their device.
Con: George has very little agency for a protagonist. Robespierre is brought down by his own arrogance and impatience, not by anything George tries to do. Nor does he escape on his own; he’s dependent on Clare.
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Sean McMullen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Con: George has very little agency for a protagonist. Robespierre is brought down by his own arrogance and impatience, not by anything George tries to do. Nor does he escape on his own; he’s dependent on Clare.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 09-10|18)
Sean McMullen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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