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Science Fiction

Vol. 83, No. 2. Novelets: In the Land of grass; and The Vulture Maiden. Short Stories: The Real Story, By Jenny O'Toole; Synecdoche; The First Invention; Ondralume; Jessica; and Windark

I liked Vance Aandahl's story "The First Invention," which posits a crutch as the earliest tool used by humans. Ray Aldridge's "Winedark" also interested me. A drunken, failed American (who narrates) is possibly saved by an ancient goddess in a storm that swamps his boat on a Greek sea. Notable in the issue is Isaac Asimov's deathbed farewell to his "Gentle Readers" (it was later revealed that he had contracted HIV in a blood transfusion). His farewell was reprinted in the 27th Nebula Awards anthology. Tanith Lee's fantasy, "Ondralume," appeared in her story collection, "Tempting the Gods" (2009). The striking cover is by Terry Smith. Kristine Kathryn Rusch edited the issue. Edward L. Ferman (publisher) and Harlan Ellison also had statements about Asimov in the issue. Other stories were by Mark Laidlaw, Marina Fitch, Joyce Thompson, Barbara Owens, and Stephen Kraus. Algis Budrys and Orson Scott Card reviewed books; Gregory Benford replaced Asimov as science columnist. All in all, a nice issue.