Science Fiction & Fantasy

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Illustrated Stories

Fantasy

The Ruby Incomparable

by Kage Baker

Author spotlight

The girl surprised everyone. To begin with, no one in the world below had thought her parents would have more children. Her parents’ marriage had created quite a scandal, a profound clash of philosophical extremes; for her father was the Master of the Mountain, a brigand and sorcerer, who had carried the Saint of the World off to his high fortress.

In May 2012 (Issue 24)

Science Fiction

Nightside on Callisto

by Linda Nagata

Author spotlight

A faint, steady vibration carried through the igloo’s massive ice walls—a vibration that shouldn’t have been there. Jayne heard it in her sleep. Age had not dulled her soldier’s reflexes, honed by decades spent on watch against incursions of the Red. Her eyes snapped open. She held her breath.

In May 2012 (Issue 24)

Fantasy

The Sympathy

by Eric Gregory

Author spotlight

The apartment was in his name, and the Accord was in hers. It took Lauren less than a minute to step out one door and into the other. She put her suitcase in the floorboard and her laptop bag in the passenger seat. Her container garden fit snugly in the back.

In Apr. 2012 (Issue 23)

Science Fiction

Ruminations in an Alien Tongue

by Vandana Singh

Author spotlight

Sitting on the sun-warmed step at the end of her workday, Birha laid her hand on the dog’s neck and let her mind drift. Like a gyre-moth finding the center of its desire, her mind inevitably spiraled inward to the defining moment of her life. It must be something to do with growing old, she thought irritably, that all she did was revisit what had happened all those years ago.

In Apr. 2012 (Issue 23)

Fantasy

Beauty

by David Barr Kirtley

Author spotlight

Nicole Sanders was beautiful. One night after work, she stopped off at a bar downtown, which is where she met the beast. “Hi,” the beast said, in a gentle voice. “Can I buy you a drink?”

In Mar. 2012 (Issue 22)