Showing posts with label Helena Bell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helena Bell. Show all posts

Friday, November 4, 2016

I've Come to Marry the Princess, by Helena Bell

Read this issue
(Slipstream) Jack has been stranded at summer camp for seven years, since his parents keep forgetting to pick him up. On the bright side, his dragon egg is about to hatch. (5,717 words; Time: 19m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
Recommended By: RHorton:5

Add one star if you're fond of surreal humor.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

When We Were Giants, by Helena Bell

Lightspeed Magazine, November 2015; 3,128 words
Rating: 2, Not recommended

The narrator attends a Catholic girl's school. During recess, the girls play in an enchanted forest that transforms them into something else.

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Pro: The description of the relationships among the girls is very convincing.

Con: There's no actual plot to the story. Samantha's disappearance at the end seems purposeless. The magic isn't of any importance--it's just background.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Mouth

Lightspeed Magazine, May 2015; 3,762 words
Rating: 2, Not recommended

Ann discovers she can remove parts of people's bodies without hurting them--much.

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Pro: Unique concept. Interesting that Oliver is the one lover she never does it to.

Con: There's no story here. No spiritual or emotional development. Just a concept that goes nowhere.