Paul Abbamondi just reviewed Prime Codex the anthology from Paper Golem that I have a story in.
A short piece that is positively sure to get you to mutter “a-ha!” at its cruelly twisted reveal, “Rampion” by Mary Robinette Kowal is the sort of story that is most enjoyable on its first read. Read it without distractions, and enjoy.
He says equally nice things about the rest of the anthology and closes by saying:
Prime Codex has a bit of everything as well: from crisp offerings of science fiction to haunting tales of pure, magical fantasy, everything within is worthwhile. An excellent debut from Paper Golem, with smart choices from Lawrence M. Schoen and Michael Livingston. Come on, order your copy.
My sentiments exactly.
ooo, what a nice review. I’ve already ordered my copy 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate the support.
Thanks for the link! I noticed it was published in The First Line. Did you have any idea that was where the story was heading from your starting sentence?
Well, that’s a lovely review! How could I not link to it?
In answer to your question, yes, I thought about all the reasons someone might watch a warrior ride away. The fact that the character thought “warrior” instead of a name, implied to me that they didn’t know each other well. And yet, there was a sense of intimacy coming from the wondering about the future. It was easy to do a story about war, so I tried on a couple of different story ideas before I landed here. Once I decided that she seduced him, it was just a couple of “why” questions to arrive at “Rampion.”
Your story was excellent! Really a wonderful, haunting work. I liked the other edge of the fairy tale feel you brought to the story, too. An excellent read 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Did you know that I’ve got an audio version of that story?