In sifting through the archives at Digital Dragon, I discovered an eclectic mix of stories–science fiction, space opera, fantasy high and low, humor, horror, and apocalyptic dystopian speculation. Something for everybody. Most of the authors have been published elsewhere, but are not yet widely known, so if you’re looking for fresh voices or want to begin following a new author with promise, this may be a good place to start.
Here’s a representative sample of stories I particularly enjoyed:
“Blessed are the Peacemakers,” by Johne Cook, from the July ‘09 issue. Two-fisted space opera diplomacy in the spirit of Keith Laumer’s classic Retief tales. I highlighted this story a few months back in my recurring “I Found a Cool Story the Other Day” feature, more details there.
“A Small Sacrifice,” by Mike Lynch, from the August ‘09 issue. Science fiction. Earth’s in the crossfire of a war between two alien empires, and our continued existence is in the hands of one soldier.
“The Gift,” by Kat Hechenbach, from the November ‘09 issue. Modern fantasy. A man has the ability to ease his wife’s pain as she nears death, but should he? A sad, sweet, reflective tale.
“The Seeker,” by Brandon Barr, a Christmas story from the December ‘09 issue (and also featured in the inaugural June ‘09 issue). A dangerous-looking alien visitor is taken in by a little girl–what does it want?
And finally, Becky Minor provides an epic tale of fantasy and adventure in her “Wind Rider” serial, beginning in the August ‘09 issue and now in its fifth installment. Knights, elves, dragons, and an heroic quest.
There’s usually also at least one poem in each issue. I’m not a connoisseur of poetry, but you might want to check out Tony Lavoie’s fun take on an epic poem, ala Beowulf, about a stranded starship crew that discovers their hiding place isn’t quite as safe as they hoped. It’s called “Evil Awakened,” and it’s in the September ‘09 issue.
I have no idea what I’m going to do for Day 3 of the CSFF Blog Tour. Come back tomorrow and find out!
Other sites on the tour:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Tina Kulesa
Melissa Lockcuff
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
Cara Powers
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher
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