Remember a bit ago where I mentioned I was going to get to review an issue of Jim Baen’s Universe? Well, I finished it, and it’s time to let you know what I thought of it. I say “start” letting you know because this was a hefty piece of reading, in all the best ways possible. A little bit of everything for everyone who enjoys good storytelling, both in science fiction and fantasy genres. This whole gamut of blog reviews they’re running is to help spread awareness of this publication and hopefully keep it going with subscriptions. So, if you like what I have to say in these posts, maybe check out an issue or two for yourself, or even sign up for a year.
Now, I could just slap a review up saying, “It wuz gud.” But since there were so many stories and articles, I thought I’d break this up into a two or even three day review, so I can talk about each of the stories more in-depth. Don’t worry. I won’t spoil any of them for you (or, I’ll try not to) but there are some real gems in this issue, as well as ones that didn’t quite catch me.
Let’s dig in.
This issue is available from Jim Baen’s Universe. A few of the stories (or at least half-content previews) are available to read online here: Volume 1, Issue 3
It has several sections, one being for science fiction, another for fantasy, some serials (ongoing stories from issue to issue) and also a spot to introduce stories by new writers. Lastly were columns and nonfiction articles. I’ll do the science fiction stories today and give my opinion of them. And just to mention, all the illustrations throughout the issue were stellar, except for one story where an image entirely ruined the surprise. Anyways, let’s begin.
All the Things You Are, by Mike Resnick:
Synopsis: A space-military man sees some ordinary bloke die from a foolhardy, but courageous act. His brief interaction with him reveals the would-be-hero has tried to get himself killed numerous times, and links start to surface that connect the dead man to several other people who have gotten themselves killed in similar fashions. The main character begins to research why all these men are throwing their lives away, and his sleuthing leads him to a mysterious planet where he’ll get answers, whether he wants to or not.
My take: This is a bittersweet story that comes full circle. It takes a little while to build into the more interesting parts of the story, but this slower pace does have a more natural charm to it. I was, however, disappointed by the character’s choice at the end, in light of all that he experienced and knew.
(I know some of this will sound vague, but I’m really trying to not give anything away that would lessen your own reading of the issue.)
The Old Woman in the Young Woman, by Gene Wolfe:
Synopsis: A wandering man comes across a home where a young girl attends an ailing woman, where he learns some disturbing secrets about their arrangement. Not much more to say without giving the story away.
My take: This started out with a creepy vibe for me. It’s full of strong dialect, which the author pulls off well, except it started getting distracting for me by the end. It’s a story of sacrifice and moving on in life. It also had an odd feel to me…like I had picked up a book and started reading one of the middle chapters, disconnected from any other part of the plot. I expected more to happen, but most of the action is subtle here.
Every Hole is Outlined, by John Barnes:
Synopsis: This story begins with a load of backstory and setup, beginning with a spaceship crew determining to buy a slave on to train as a crewmember and how their lives play out through the generations of space travel.
My take: I thought it could’ve gotten off to a snappier start, but that’s just my opinion. I felt this was one of the “hard sci-fi” stories of the issue, which aren’t my favorite to read, but it does a good job of bringing a human element into the end. The conversation between one of the crew members and their to-be-acquired slave is humorously convoluted, showing very well how legal matters can garble the most straightforward discussions. Other than that, there were a few spots that I snagged on, such as “She trilled a soft trickle of sweet soprano sibilance.” I realize the effect the author was going for, but it’s a bit overkill.
A Time to Kill, by S. Andrew Swann:
Synopsis: A time-travel story stretched to the ultimate conclusion. If you could change history, how might the future be affected in ways you can’t imagine? Can history ever be remade once it is unmade?
My take: Nothing hugely surprising or plot twisting, but fun to read. It takes the time-travel premise further than most stories of this type I have read, showing how confusing events and consequences really can be. The story starts with the focus on Islamic terrorists and takes the reader on a journey through the world’s violent history.
The Man Who Wasn’t There, by Gregory Benford:
Synopsis: Oddly, another story dealing with the Middle East and terrorists. Kicks off with a good blast of super-secret infiltration using some clever technology (including some not-yet developed items that we’ve seen in the news lately). That’s pretty much all that happens…explosions, action scenes, conclusion.
My take: An intriguing forecast of how the war on terror might evolve, and what advances might be made in dealing with terrorist groups. There is some sympathy here for the main character, though most of the story doesn’t focus on any human element, but more the blow-em-up sequences showcased with advanced tech.
Little Sips, by Barbara J. Ferrenz:
Synopsis: People are dying from a condition called “dry brain” where the fluids in their skulls are vanishing. A detective and a doctor must discover what is causing this before more people are killed.
My take: Two problems with this story, as inventive as it was– 1. The characters felt rushed for sake of the story (such as a rather forced romance), and 2. There was an illustration early on in the pages that totally gave away any surprise the story might have had. So when the curtains were pulled back (figuratively) to reveal the big threat, I already knew exactly what it was. Still, a clever and fun read with a humorous twist at the end.
Great Minds, by Edward M. Lerner:
Synopsis: A man greets an unexpected, yet familiar guest in his den.
My take: This one made me laugh, if for the ironic humor of it. Based on the idea of multiple universes, this story starts out somewhat confusing (but rightfully so) and makes you keep reading with a dawning comprehension of what is going on. Just the right balance and length.
The Power of Illusion, by Christopher Anvil:
Synopsis: One of the longer reads. A story of a planet where the civilizations are still in a medieval state of technology, while being watched over by space-faring cultures. The conflict between two warring kingdoms escalates when one side is given advanced technology in order to wipe the others out. A space-military officer with secret ties to the planet must figure out how to save the outmatched kingdom without breaking rules of non-interference.
My take: Some people will like this. Others will not. It didn’t quite grab me, even though I know the author put a lot of effort into this story. The lessons learned here are good ones: Beware of free gifts. Beware of how lies and deception can have unintended consequences. Follow your nobler instincts and never give up hope. At the same time, the beginning conversation, I thought, took way too long, and it’s only purpose was to set the rest of the story up. This could’ve been expanded into a full novel, methinks.
And that’s it for today! Whew. Check back tomorrow for when I go over the fantasy stories in the issue.
I see that smile.
Yeah, that is sort of right in the middle of everything.
But at least you got to meet Grobney the ‘mining engineer’ and and Anoj the ‘former bartender’.
I do have to say, I found the conversation between Josh and his alien friend Doosam hilarious in and of itself.
“Are you breeding yet?”
Classic question. People should ask each other more often.
Glad you dropped by, John.