Jason Waltz’s Reviews > The Iron Code > Status Update

Carey, "The Necessary Sword": cool story of a golem gaining a form of sentience he wasn't meant to have and giving soul to his purpose.

Deas, "The Apothecary": another version of revolution and standing in the gap, honoring those who came and stood before. A version of the fascists who tricked Germany and a dozen other places, though this time they were overcome.

Barker, "Shadow of the Ice Cross": dismal and ferocious tale of conquest and tradition and strength and sorrow. Damn dark, heroic in a different sense.

Chan, "Chung Kwai's Sister": odd story, oddly told, with a message. Good intentions did not make a good read.

Several typos on the last 2 tales.

Tchaikovsky, "Candles": slightly humorous slant on a revenant tale of salvation and revolution. And heroics.

Abnett, "The Other": great old campaigners story of horrible wars against tireless foes and other things with a nicely done twist in the climax. Good start to this anthology, both homage to Gemmell and Druss, and as heroic fantasy.