Status Updates From New Edge Sword & Sorcery Ma...

The last several installments have been essays and interviews about the genre. I don’t feel like reviewing them individually. Instead I have come with an idea for a story so I’m going to go write it while it is fresh!

“The Grief-Note of Vultues” by Bryn Hammond is a well-structured and fast-paced tale, but what the heck: gross giant vulture-human amalgams?! Great artwork by Gilead artist made it even more creepy.

“The Vapours of Zinai,” by J.M. Clarke features eldritch magic, demons, temples, slayers and lovers. A well defined plot and nice action drive this story to a satisfying but perhaps too soon end.

“The Beast of the Shadow Gum Trees,” by T.K. Rex, is a bit confusing. Creation, immortals, lovers and ecosystem elements converge in this story that seemed more visual than plot-driven.

The third story, “Old Moon Over Irukad,” by David C. Smith, has mystery, intrigue, action, death, magical resurrection, treasure hunting, and flirting! All great elements of a sword and sorcery story.

"The Ember Inside" by Remco van Straten & Angeline B. Adams is a tale of two histories, one real, and the other imagined, brought forth through magical(?) tea. Ymke the crippled heroine is the protagonist of both. Clever and ponderous!

Finally making traction on this after only reading the opening editor’s letter before. The first story, “The Curse of the Horsetail Banner” by Dariel R.A. Quiogue, has fine horse-mounted warrior battle sequences. But ultimately didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t identify or sympathize with the main character. Still, not a bad start to the issue.