Terror on Saturn VI – Neal Litherland
We’re introduced to Mercy who happens to have a bum leg. Immediately, we get to witness some technology of the world, a machine that can repair humans. And we also get introduced to Mercy’s witty tough girl attitude. We are introduced to other characters who are on this futuristic type SWAT team with Mercy .The characters had simple names that didn’t leave me confused: Cross, Voodoo, Boom Boom, for example. We get to go on a mission with this crew into a prison experiencing some…um…deathly technical difficulties. Once inside the prison we meet Roderick, who sort of explains what’s been going inside the prison that has this creepy mysterious “we’re all going to die” vibe going on. The author does a good job handling the action scenes and describing how the enemies Mercy and the gang face look and even move. This short had a very Super Troopers feel to it, but overall it was well written.
Folie a Deux – Megan Dorei
In this short we’re introduced to Blaise and Porter. Based on the definition we’re treated to, I’m easily interested in this short. I’ve mentioned this often since I started doing reviews, but I loathe dream sequences or endless nightmares in story. Based on the definition I went into this short wanting it to be like the movie Bug. This was well written, but not as interesting as the first short. I found myself skimming through this one waiting for the big twist honestly.
Distance Memory – Michael Barnette
Alright, now this short and the one written by Neal gels. The plot was sort of similar, a group heading into a location to solve the dark mystery. Unlike Neal’s book, the characters in this book had names that I didn’t even try to pronounce in my head. This short was equally as well written as Michael’s also. While the first short featured a lot of gun action, magic was used in this one. In my opinion, Michael’s characters were the most entertaining so far out of the shorts I’ve read.
Finder’s Keeper – Layla M. Wier
It didn’t take me long to like the setting of this short and the characters Cat and Mirsagh. I love crappy apartments, not living in them, but it makes the story connectable for me since my first apartment was just horrible. Anyways, Cat requests the help of Mirsagh, who has some cool abilities, to track down and find a missing boy named Azar. This short fits the mood of Michael’s and Neal’s, it was dark, and like a better version of Law and Order honestly. This short also included the most sexual tension.
Overall –
Three of these four shorts kept me entertained, but I wasn’t begging for more once I was done. I think Megan’s book wasn’t as dark as the other three, which made it the odd man…or woman out.