Jason Waltz’s Reviews > Swords & Larceny > Status Update

Ruocchio: what an interesting story. A grand heist conducted by far too few people, marvelous contraptions, mechanical/sorcerous critters (a walking temple!), and quite the unique protagonist who is on far more important a quest than a little theft. Powerful magics, beliefs, and characters.

Erdelac, "Black Bones of the White Hypaethral": lots of words, fell asleep twice reading this one in bed. Enjoyed it much more when the POV character changed. After that lots of creative action and fun survival.

Zub, "Just a Bit of Smoke": alright story, though a tad silly. Perhaps because it follows a rock star of a story, this one reads/feels like it is simply a quick romp on the beach read. Cool magical defenses and a brawler written fun are the highlights.

Akers, "To Steal a God": Da Bomb! Great story, super exciting world of powered-up sorcerous and divine characters. The MC isn't a typical hero by far but was quite spectacular in his role. Fun read - I want more of this world.

Akers story is Da Bomb!

Hocking, "The Darkflame Deception": good to read a new Archivist tale! This one's a doozy, mystery, crime, betrayal, death, sorcery. Well written.

Simmons, "Five Beneath the Palace of Kalgranis": delightful read, my favorite thus far. Loads of danger, dangerous alliances, even more dangerous action, and then a mad scram for survival! Good story!

Martinez, "The Orpheus Job": fun story told in a well-written and fun style. I'd read more of these Sword n Sorcery characters.

Spencer, "Legacy of Dragons": fun epic fantasy story, strong argument to be called "Legacy of Giants" but I'll not quibble. I enjoyed the heroine. I will quibble about...well, technically the anthology does not bill itself as Sword n Sorcery, but using 'Sword and' in the title sorta does...second story far more magical and epic than anticipated.

Aryan, "The Unworthy": an oddity of a story, again spending a lot of work and telling to get to the climactic fizzle. I didn't connect with any character let alone the protagonist. Treaded water with this one.