Sweet & Salty Reviews - Lockdown Fantasy #1 by Black Hare Press
Beware of the spoilers!
The Dish
Another sizeable serving of free fiction from Black Hare Press. Here you will find no less than 20 fantasy tales, from the humorous to the horrifying, the poignant to the pithy. As before, I have dedicated some words to each story. You know the drill.
Fantastic Reads and Where to Find Them
Raven by Rich Rurshell
In a post-apocalyptic world, an old lady and her cats try to find home. A unique take on the concept, told from the perspective of one of the cats, Raven. The world-building is solid. The wasteland is populated by the usual suspects - raiders and mutants - and the story features several battles with them in rapid succession. Tension and pace are both high and the fights keep you invested. The ending is bittersweet, sad but hopeful. Trigger-warning for pet death, but it’s a sweet story about an awesome older character who just loves animals. What’s not to like?
Match to a Flame by Kimberly Rei
Short and sweet, like striking a match. An entire world is given to us in a slip of a story. A world where true love is deadly. It raises an interesting question. Would you really want to be destined for your partner if it meant the world ended around you?
Andromeda by Stephen Herczeg
Here’s an interesting story. A tale told from the perspective of the sacrifice to the Kraken. Evoking memories of the old Clash of the Titans, this is a short burst of Greek myth. What I liked most, I think, was that Andromeda managed to feel angry at her mother’s hubris even while awaiting her demise. The ending gives a glimmer of hope. Those of us who know Greek mythology remember what happens next.
The Groundskeeper by Galina Trefil
A tale set in my adoptive home of Scotland. Sadly, old castles, poorly maintained and filled with trash, aren’t that uncommon. Galina Trefil has done her homework. Brownies are a housekeeping sprite, they often take the form of an old man and they are appeased by an offering of milk (though I suspect the idea of scripture working to repel a Redcap was something invented by the Church).
This story deals with the descendent of an ancient Scottish family who has forgotten her heritage. It’s a stark warning about respect for tradition and just plain respect. The author creates uneasy tension through the mismatch between the mysterious stranger’s demanding manners and his apparent dishevelled state, leading to a tragic ending. Also, an interesting take on how a supernatural creature might use modern advancements to make themselves invulnerable to their age-old weaknesses.
If you’re ever in Scotland, you’re probably better carrying mountain ash tied with red string than scripture.
Festival Days by Raven Corinn Carluk
A snapshot in the life of a mysterious woman who slays monsters. I am ever-fond of the ‘woman from nowhere’ concept and this was an enjoyable short in this vein. A corgi is a strange choice of travelling companion for a wandering monster killer, but they are adorable and it gives the story an unusual quirk. The mystery woman is interesting and we’d love to see more. She comes and goes without saying a word and this just makes her seem all the more intriguing. A pleasant read.
The Witch and the Warlock by D.M. Burdett
Here’s another interesting short. A battle of wills between two magic users in the modern day. We aren’t sure who the hero is, or if there even is one, but we are given a brief glimpse of the tension, of the anger and resentment, that exists between them. The ‘man captures woman’ dynamic is one I am admittedly fond of (blog being called ‘The Basement of Love’ and all that).
Feed the Machine by Monica Schultz
A fusion of fantasy and dystopian misery. We have mentions of dragons and unicorns, as well as an energy crisis. We are not dealing with a run-of-the-mill genre story but something straddling two. The main character is defiant and strong-willed. It is a pleasure watching her escape from this terrible situation. The story is an interesting concept that could easily be developed into something longer. There is a lot here that could be of interest. I particularly liked the insidious voice of the machines, and the twist of the protagonist’s identity and parenthood. I would have loved to hear what she named herself after escaping.
The Ring of Fire by Ximena Escobar
An almost poetic short, showing us a ritual that is certainly terrible in origin. The final four words contain so much menace they are like a story in and amongst themselves. Fire and darkness are a constant theme in pagan and druidic mythology, and here their imagery is used to great and stirring effect.
The Magician’s Assistant by Kimberly Rei
Another drabble that gives us a picture of a larger universe. What has the magician done to earn this ire? Who is the little girl? The fact that he is shown to be do disingenuous leads us to believe that he might have deserved his fate, horrible as it was. The story also poses the question, who is, or was, the eponymous magician’s assistant? An intriguing story with a sinister thread running through it.
Sea-Changes by Joanna Michal Hoyt
What a first line! This story deals, primarily, with grief. It is a powerfully written, well-crafted piece that is rewarding in every line. The main character’s relationship with her sister unfolds beautifully, balancing love and resentment, animosity and longing. All of it enacted through the woman’s relationship with a fantastic creature who may or may not be there.
The tale ends on a high note, as this visitation enables the main character to feel like a whole person again, and we are left wondering if magic was at play, or something older and even more mysterious that is common to us all. The prose is moving and majestic and left me captivated. Though not normally a fan of very long sentences, I loved the vein of irony that ran throughout. A marvellous read and, yes, my favourite of the anthology.
In Search of the Prince by Christopher T. Dabrowski
A twist on many a classic fairy tale, where no one is doing what they should. The prince is captured, the princess is rescuing and the witch is winning. It’s a fun little read where nothing is quite what it seems.
Freedom Ride by J.W. Garrett
A uniquely sad story about a boy bestride the line between life and death. We’re never really sure if the fantastic creature he meets is a figment of his imagination or very real, but the idea of a dragon serving to comfort a mortal in their dying moments is a touching thought. They tend to be depicted as far too self-important, so seeing one take such a vested interest in one, small human is an interesting take. The story evokes genuine sympathy for Kevin and his family, and the ending is bittersweet, but still sweet. A delight.
Banepyre and Bitewind by Shawn M. Klimek
Much like his entry to Sci-Fi #1, Shawn Klimek delivers a poem that breaks up the anthology’s other prose nicely. Focused on an argument between wizards, this seems like it might be an object lesson in the adage ‘do unto others before they do unto you’. Instead, we learn that the story serves a different purpose. That a society’s focus on expunging ‘weakness’ from its ranks can, instead, lead to resentment, anger and, eventually, cruelty. In a way, it has the makings of an origin story for any magical villain. A fun exploration of magical politics with a rhythm you can nod your head to.
The Princess Bribe by John H. Dromey
An odd little pastiche of fantasy fiction, tongue tucked firmly in cheek, poking fun at galivanting knights and the prizes they seek to win. Written with a wry and ironic tone, the story challenges fantasy characters with real problems, like the weight of armour, dirty castle moats and the inequitable ratio of knights to available princesses. A funny joint to balance out the book’s more poignant pieces.
Fade to White by Ximena Escobar
And, as if to restore the balance, a more poignant piece is delivered. Ximena Escobar delivers a haunting, symbolic short about a moment of curdled realisation. Sometimes, fear and misunderstanding can be just as dangerous as the thing that you think is following you. Strong imagery creates a canvas of light and dark, with a splash of red to shock the scene, and the ending moves and chills.
Deathbirth by Christopher T. Dabrowski
There is a theory that, once our universe is finished expanding to its utmost, it will begin to shrink and contract until everything becomes one, before bursting out again. Theoretically, this could well be caused by time starting to run in reverse, and this story is set in a world where this is the truth. Christopher Dabrowski unpacks the interesting aspects - love, memory, society - turning our conceptions of them on their heads. Would life be better with absolute certainty? Does the reverse of everything not also have its advantages? An intriguing read.
Down the Rabbit Hole by Stacey Jaine McIntosh
Alice by another name. A story with an entirely different vibe to the whimsical tales of Lewis Carrol. Here, our heroine is a suicide, either intentionally or perhaps simply lured by something she couldn’t fully understand. We do not know where this will lead her or what horrors she will find, but the story gives us a glimpse into a fairy tale world quite different from what we know. I would be very interested to know where this rabbit hole led.
Dear Martha by Gabriella Balcom
A tale of revenge from beyond the grave. A cheating husband gets his just desserts after trying to steal from the wife he murdered. Respecting the dead has been a focal point of many religious systems throughout time and the story suggests that this is maybe the reason why. In particular, I enjoyed the face that Thompson wore in public, versus when the mask was dropped in private. The title of the story is beautifully ironic, as Martha wasn’t quite as dear to Thompson as she maybe should have been.
Fire and Ice by Zoey Xolton
A drabble focused on the revenge of nature through magical creatures. A common thread that ran through mythology, but which has been largely pushed aside in the modern era. The issue remains a pertinent one, as the world around us seems to react to our ever-invasive presence. Zoey Xolton shows us the cost of modern conveniences through the eyes of a forest dweller and, frankly, it’s hard not to sympathise with the pixie. Does it say something about our species that just about anything makes a better hero than a human?
The Aftertaste
Black Hare Press has chosen a good mix of stories. Some are longer, some are shorter. All are entertaining for various reasons. My favourites are Raven, Feed the Machine, Fade to White and Deathbirth. Particular commendation goes to Sea-Changes by Joanna Michael Hoyt for a magnificently lyrical and genuinely emotive read that wins my ‘favourite of the anthology’ award.
Should you read Lockdown Fantasy #1, consider supporting Black Hare Press at their website or the authors who have contributed, whose hard work you can read for FREE in this collection.
The Dish
Another sizeable serving of free fiction from Black Hare Press. Here you will find no less than 20 fantasy tales, from the humorous to the horrifying, the poignant to the pithy. As before, I have dedicated some words to each story. You know the drill.
Fantastic Reads and Where to Find Them
Raven by Rich Rurshell
In a post-apocalyptic world, an old lady and her cats try to find home. A unique take on the concept, told from the perspective of one of the cats, Raven. The world-building is solid. The wasteland is populated by the usual suspects - raiders and mutants - and the story features several battles with them in rapid succession. Tension and pace are both high and the fights keep you invested. The ending is bittersweet, sad but hopeful. Trigger-warning for pet death, but it’s a sweet story about an awesome older character who just loves animals. What’s not to like?
Match to a Flame by Kimberly Rei
Short and sweet, like striking a match. An entire world is given to us in a slip of a story. A world where true love is deadly. It raises an interesting question. Would you really want to be destined for your partner if it meant the world ended around you?
Andromeda by Stephen Herczeg
Here’s an interesting story. A tale told from the perspective of the sacrifice to the Kraken. Evoking memories of the old Clash of the Titans, this is a short burst of Greek myth. What I liked most, I think, was that Andromeda managed to feel angry at her mother’s hubris even while awaiting her demise. The ending gives a glimmer of hope. Those of us who know Greek mythology remember what happens next.
The Groundskeeper by Galina Trefil
A tale set in my adoptive home of Scotland. Sadly, old castles, poorly maintained and filled with trash, aren’t that uncommon. Galina Trefil has done her homework. Brownies are a housekeeping sprite, they often take the form of an old man and they are appeased by an offering of milk (though I suspect the idea of scripture working to repel a Redcap was something invented by the Church).
This story deals with the descendent of an ancient Scottish family who has forgotten her heritage. It’s a stark warning about respect for tradition and just plain respect. The author creates uneasy tension through the mismatch between the mysterious stranger’s demanding manners and his apparent dishevelled state, leading to a tragic ending. Also, an interesting take on how a supernatural creature might use modern advancements to make themselves invulnerable to their age-old weaknesses.
If you’re ever in Scotland, you’re probably better carrying mountain ash tied with red string than scripture.
Festival Days by Raven Corinn Carluk
A snapshot in the life of a mysterious woman who slays monsters. I am ever-fond of the ‘woman from nowhere’ concept and this was an enjoyable short in this vein. A corgi is a strange choice of travelling companion for a wandering monster killer, but they are adorable and it gives the story an unusual quirk. The mystery woman is interesting and we’d love to see more. She comes and goes without saying a word and this just makes her seem all the more intriguing. A pleasant read.
The Witch and the Warlock by D.M. Burdett
Here’s another interesting short. A battle of wills between two magic users in the modern day. We aren’t sure who the hero is, or if there even is one, but we are given a brief glimpse of the tension, of the anger and resentment, that exists between them. The ‘man captures woman’ dynamic is one I am admittedly fond of (blog being called ‘The Basement of Love’ and all that).
Feed the Machine by Monica Schultz
A fusion of fantasy and dystopian misery. We have mentions of dragons and unicorns, as well as an energy crisis. We are not dealing with a run-of-the-mill genre story but something straddling two. The main character is defiant and strong-willed. It is a pleasure watching her escape from this terrible situation. The story is an interesting concept that could easily be developed into something longer. There is a lot here that could be of interest. I particularly liked the insidious voice of the machines, and the twist of the protagonist’s identity and parenthood. I would have loved to hear what she named herself after escaping.
The Ring of Fire by Ximena Escobar
An almost poetic short, showing us a ritual that is certainly terrible in origin. The final four words contain so much menace they are like a story in and amongst themselves. Fire and darkness are a constant theme in pagan and druidic mythology, and here their imagery is used to great and stirring effect.
The Magician’s Assistant by Kimberly Rei
Another drabble that gives us a picture of a larger universe. What has the magician done to earn this ire? Who is the little girl? The fact that he is shown to be do disingenuous leads us to believe that he might have deserved his fate, horrible as it was. The story also poses the question, who is, or was, the eponymous magician’s assistant? An intriguing story with a sinister thread running through it.
Sea-Changes by Joanna Michal Hoyt
What a first line! This story deals, primarily, with grief. It is a powerfully written, well-crafted piece that is rewarding in every line. The main character’s relationship with her sister unfolds beautifully, balancing love and resentment, animosity and longing. All of it enacted through the woman’s relationship with a fantastic creature who may or may not be there.
The tale ends on a high note, as this visitation enables the main character to feel like a whole person again, and we are left wondering if magic was at play, or something older and even more mysterious that is common to us all. The prose is moving and majestic and left me captivated. Though not normally a fan of very long sentences, I loved the vein of irony that ran throughout. A marvellous read and, yes, my favourite of the anthology.
In Search of the Prince by Christopher T. Dabrowski
A twist on many a classic fairy tale, where no one is doing what they should. The prince is captured, the princess is rescuing and the witch is winning. It’s a fun little read where nothing is quite what it seems.
Freedom Ride by J.W. Garrett
A uniquely sad story about a boy bestride the line between life and death. We’re never really sure if the fantastic creature he meets is a figment of his imagination or very real, but the idea of a dragon serving to comfort a mortal in their dying moments is a touching thought. They tend to be depicted as far too self-important, so seeing one take such a vested interest in one, small human is an interesting take. The story evokes genuine sympathy for Kevin and his family, and the ending is bittersweet, but still sweet. A delight.
Two Went into the Forest by McKenzie Richardson
Friendship and betrayal intermingle in this adventure story about two young men who travel into dark and unexplored places. At first, it seems like a tale of loyalty, but there are ulterior motives at play. The encounters are pacy and tense, keeping the speed of the story high until the conclusion. The ending makes us wonder how good-hearted Austin really is, and if the fruit of the tree takes something while it gives life. We are left wondering if maybe a terrible thing is going to happen now that the circle is broken.Banepyre and Bitewind by Shawn M. Klimek
Much like his entry to Sci-Fi #1, Shawn Klimek delivers a poem that breaks up the anthology’s other prose nicely. Focused on an argument between wizards, this seems like it might be an object lesson in the adage ‘do unto others before they do unto you’. Instead, we learn that the story serves a different purpose. That a society’s focus on expunging ‘weakness’ from its ranks can, instead, lead to resentment, anger and, eventually, cruelty. In a way, it has the makings of an origin story for any magical villain. A fun exploration of magical politics with a rhythm you can nod your head to.
The Princess Bribe by John H. Dromey
An odd little pastiche of fantasy fiction, tongue tucked firmly in cheek, poking fun at galivanting knights and the prizes they seek to win. Written with a wry and ironic tone, the story challenges fantasy characters with real problems, like the weight of armour, dirty castle moats and the inequitable ratio of knights to available princesses. A funny joint to balance out the book’s more poignant pieces.
Fade to White by Ximena Escobar
And, as if to restore the balance, a more poignant piece is delivered. Ximena Escobar delivers a haunting, symbolic short about a moment of curdled realisation. Sometimes, fear and misunderstanding can be just as dangerous as the thing that you think is following you. Strong imagery creates a canvas of light and dark, with a splash of red to shock the scene, and the ending moves and chills.
Deathbirth by Christopher T. Dabrowski
There is a theory that, once our universe is finished expanding to its utmost, it will begin to shrink and contract until everything becomes one, before bursting out again. Theoretically, this could well be caused by time starting to run in reverse, and this story is set in a world where this is the truth. Christopher Dabrowski unpacks the interesting aspects - love, memory, society - turning our conceptions of them on their heads. Would life be better with absolute certainty? Does the reverse of everything not also have its advantages? An intriguing read.
Down the Rabbit Hole by Stacey Jaine McIntosh
Alice by another name. A story with an entirely different vibe to the whimsical tales of Lewis Carrol. Here, our heroine is a suicide, either intentionally or perhaps simply lured by something she couldn’t fully understand. We do not know where this will lead her or what horrors she will find, but the story gives us a glimpse into a fairy tale world quite different from what we know. I would be very interested to know where this rabbit hole led.
Dear Martha by Gabriella Balcom
A tale of revenge from beyond the grave. A cheating husband gets his just desserts after trying to steal from the wife he murdered. Respecting the dead has been a focal point of many religious systems throughout time and the story suggests that this is maybe the reason why. In particular, I enjoyed the face that Thompson wore in public, versus when the mask was dropped in private. The title of the story is beautifully ironic, as Martha wasn’t quite as dear to Thompson as she maybe should have been.
Fire and Ice by Zoey Xolton
A drabble focused on the revenge of nature through magical creatures. A common thread that ran through mythology, but which has been largely pushed aside in the modern era. The issue remains a pertinent one, as the world around us seems to react to our ever-invasive presence. Zoey Xolton shows us the cost of modern conveniences through the eyes of a forest dweller and, frankly, it’s hard not to sympathise with the pixie. Does it say something about our species that just about anything makes a better hero than a human?
The Aftertaste
Black Hare Press has chosen a good mix of stories. Some are longer, some are shorter. All are entertaining for various reasons. My favourites are Raven, Feed the Machine, Fade to White and Deathbirth. Particular commendation goes to Sea-Changes by Joanna Michael Hoyt for a magnificently lyrical and genuinely emotive read that wins my ‘favourite of the anthology’ award.
Should you read Lockdown Fantasy #1, consider supporting Black Hare Press at their website or the authors who have contributed, whose hard work you can read for FREE in this collection.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Unknown!
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