Fantasy and Science Fiction: May/June Issue

It's a pleasure to sit down with a nice, fat magazine and enjoy most of what's in it.  The May/June double issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction is a satisfying read, from the thoughtful book reviews by Charles de Lint and Michelle West to Kathi Maio's film reviews to, of course, the fiction.  While it's unlikely that every piece in a magazine will suit the preferences of every reader, this one had a lot of winners for me.  

The cover story, Michael Libling's "Why That Crazy Old Lady Goes Up the Mountain," had me scratching my head at times but included some nice dramatic moments.  More to my taste were "Thief of Shadows" by Fred Chappell, "The Gypsy's Boy" by Lokiko Hall, and the heartbreaking "Silence" by Dale Bailey. 

Elizabeth Bourne's "A History of Cadmium" edges toward literary style but still delivers a satisfying ending.  "The Real Martian Chronicles" by the late lamented John Sladek is a smile-reaper.  In the creepy department, Robert Onopa's "The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe" vies with Steven Popkes's "The Crocodiles" for top honors.  I happened to be on a train when reading the former, which enhanced the atmosphere. 

In all, I give the issue a definite thumbs-up.