Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 220, January 2025 by Neil Clarke


"When There Are Two of A Documentary" by Zun Yu Tan - (5*) - Very timely. This, at least to me, makes me question our own sentience. Or if that fails, shows there's no difference either way. Hello, ChatGPT. Written evocatively.


"Child of the Mountain" by Gunnar De Winter - (4*) - Uploads, monks, immortality, and vultures. The subtle point about the sky burial is not lost on me. The story is pretty for what it is, but it kinda left a not-so-tasty impression in my mouth.


"Never Eaten Vegetables" by H.H. Pak - (4*) - So sad, aggravating. Half an unborn-philosophical question, half a sentience question, and all of a capitalist-bad story. Definitely and firmly an object lesson on what not to do in the future, oh, humanity. Not bad, but it seems like I keep reading way too many like this.


"The Temporary Murder of Thomas Monroe" by Tia Tashiro - (3*) - A decent story about strings, chemical-commentary mental health, and the inherent dystopia so many live, unseen in our midst.


"Beyond Everything" by Wang Yanzhong - (5*) - Surprisingly great, this scratched a long-desire to read something vast in scope, rich in adventure. Imagination. I really vibed to this.


"Autonomy" by Meg Elison - (2*) - It's fine if you want a thrilling near-rape and escape story. If you are easily triggered or just want to hit pause on the assumption that all men are assholes, then also be forewarned. I admit, after reading three of this author's novels, to getting massively burned-out. This story feels like it's just perpetuating hate--my opinion only. Let me be clear: I have always believed there are assholes everywhere. I do not espouse that they are always men. Unfortunately, this is the feeling I get from this author.


OKAY! Final impression of this January's fiction in Clarkesworld Mag!

Very strong stories for the most part. The writing was really great for the first two. Never Eaten Vegetables was solid, if not very unusual in SF. Beyond Everything gave me a great little taste of awe, which was VERY, VERY welcome.

I had a very distinct impression of incense and candlelight as I read one of these. The welcome one smelled of the ocean. Very pleasing to my Synesthesia.



Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.

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