Three Gowns for Clara, by Auston Habershaw

[F&SF]

★★★☆☆

(Fairy Tale Pastiche) When the king offers to elevate a pretty girl to the rank of princess, seamstresses like Clara are mobbed, but the worst is the local Duke, who demands three outstanding dresses in the time needed for just one. (6,537 words; Time: 21m)

Applied Linguistics, by Auston Habershaw

[Analog]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(SF Action/Adventure) In an alien prison, an ameboid scavenger learns language from the sole survivor of a genocide and starts to think of escape. (5,458 words; Time: 18m)

A Crystal Dipped in Dreams, by Auston Habershaw

[Analog]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(Post-Apocalypse) In a world so toxic he’s barely holding on, Goss finds a valuable artifact that might really change his life if he can live long enough to sell it. (8,574 words; Time: 28m)

The Masochist's Assistant, by Auston Habershaw

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(High Fantasy; Saga of the Redeemed) Georges has to help his master torture himself as part of his plan to make himself immune to almost all forms of death. (8,086 words; Time: 26m)

Rating: ★★★★☆ Amusing and Satisfying