Aurealis #109

by Stephen Higgins (Editor, Contributor), Terrence MacManus, Lynette Aspey

Issue #109 of Aurealis has new fiction from Terrance Macmanus, Gus Moreno and Lynette Aspey as well as reviews and two new compelling articles. It has enough to keep you entertained and up to date until, well until issue #110 comes along next month.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Short Stories, Horror, Ebooks, Speculative Fiction

ebook

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

As can be seen from all of the Aurealis magazine entries, I am one of the editors of that publication. However, I have published one book dealing with my career as a teacher. (Imaginativly titled ‘Teach’) and I have just released a collection of short stories and articles, all science fiction-ish, and that is titled ‘It is What it Isn’t’.
I also record instrumental music and that is available wherever you stream your music.
If you would like know more you can find me on X, Bluesky, FB and Instagram.



https://open.spotify.com/artist/0qcKR...

Reviews

[Lynxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurealis #76 was the last edition from 2014. It showcases the works of two Australian female authors, both of which were enjoyable, but for two completely different reasons.

Meryl Stenhouse's No Home For Us is a great showcase for some strong female characters. Swashbuckling and sailing the seas, these lasses do pirating business with men and foes far greater. An awesome welcome to the edition, Meryl's story was a strong opener. I certainly would enjoy reading more in this world.

Melanie Rees's shorter tale The Long Shadow was very, very Australian. Thrusting the reader into a remote farming community, the reader is taken along on a ride presented to them through the eyes of Jam, a young boy who watches shadows. A story with a far deeper message than what might initially come through, this story was also thoroughly enjoyable.

The art in this edition was quite nice, though I'm not too sure what the thing on the cover is meant to be. I like how each short story has art done for it by an independent artist. It allows the authors to see just what their words create in the minds of another.

Another good example of some local Aussie talent.

[Matthew Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed Chris Large's 'Prefect Kills' -- a futuristic contract killer struggles to find his humanity and achieve a kill that ticks all the right boxes.

And Daniel Thompson's non-fiction piece 'The Inherent Fridge Logic of Time Travel Stories' hit the mark for me too.

[Dave Versace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This issue was a mixed bag for me. My friend Leife's story "Breathing" is heartbreaking and lovely (but I would say that, wouldn't I?) but the other stories in the issue left me unmoved. The non-fiction was more interesting this issue - I particularly enjoyed Chris Large's interview with Jennifer Brandes Helper about video game writing.

[Kristian Thoroughgood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two great stories in #76 No Home For Us by M Stenhouse was an action-filled and quite grim fantasy-pirate tale (with a twist in the setting) and Melanie Rees wrote a rendingly sad story about rural Australian hardship & drought.

[Matthew Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed 'No Home for Us' by Meryl Stenhouse.

I am a sucker for high sea adventure, and this modern day take with an old world fantasy twist worked for me.

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite spec Fiction magazine. The fiction never disappoints. Full disclosure: I do some book reviews for this journal, but my rating is for the great stories and the interesting articles. The reviews are just a bonus

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise

[Lynxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cecilia Quirk's 'Scattered Souls' and 'The Nevermaw' by Miles Hurt feature in this edition of Aurealis magazine.

While I was intrigued by Scattered Souls I didn't find the story to be very creepy or dark, it read like a young adult story with hints of mysticism. I wanted a little more, perhaps a bit more of a twist or a little sting in the tail, alas it was missing.

The Nevermaw offered a rather intellectual approach to the fantastical. This turned me off as I felt removed from it because of the academic style of writing.

I liked the art in this edition, they matched the stories well and added a little oomph for a bit of a drab edition.

If you want to try Aurealis magazine, perhaps start with Aurealis #74.

[Matthew Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracie McBride's 'Breaking Windows' was an enjoyable sci-fi take on demonic possession.

But the interview with Thoraiya Dyer (by Chris Large) was worth the price of admission alone.

[Jarrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed both of the short stories but I didn't really enjoy the nonfiction portions. In particular I find the reviews of classic works as though they were being reviewed for the first time (in this case Lord of the Rings) to be overly contrived and somewhat stilted. Nevertheless, the fiction was worth reading.

[Melina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Monster Under My Bed by Melanie Rees - it actually made me teary, but I thought it was a beautifully told story of a young boy. (4/5)

I found The Whore and the Healer by Lachlan Huddy to be deeply problematic. I think the author made some choices which weren't necessary, which was a pity since the story telling and writing were quite good. (2/5)

[Matthew Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed Nick Nedeljkovic's 'Death and Mildred' in this issue - about a young girl's first encounter with Death. It was amusing, engaging and just the right amount of creepy. (My 10 year old daughter loved it.)

[H Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's nothing wrong with this edition of Aurealis, but it feels like the weakest volume I've read so far in terms of fiction, especially in regards to the concepts and execution. Great series, but I'd skip this book.

[Ephiny Gale]

Icarus is one of my all-time favourite sci-fi stories. Highly recommended to everyone who enjoys this genre. Wonderful!

[Matthew Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially enjoyed Jo Anderton's 'Traces' and Jordan Taylor's 'Sea Change'