Highlander – As soon as I started to read I knew exactly what device was being talked about and it pulled an image right into my mind, I could just see the flickering dog playing; that somehow the girl is sucked into the device is a lovely twist. The whole thing gave such a great series of images that it’s worth a smile just for that.
TheTomG – The crafty machinations of the adjunct. I would never trust these guys, but perhaps the kings apparent disinterest in the toys means he deserves whatever downfall comes his way. Quite a lot squeezed into so few words; of course now I want to know what happens next.
Grizzgreen711 – A little corker this one, seeing the traditional green soldiers come to life, the description of their creation is just superlative. There is just the right amount of ambiguity included though, the use of the term ‘medical’ for the cabinet makes you wonder if there is something more here than just toys, or perhaps it is just the way the solider see themselves!
Chris – The idea behind this story appeals immediately. Who has not suffered the real tree, with pine needles in the feet and the cleaning up afterwards? The idea of replacing it with a mechanical contrivance is more than acceptable, especially as it is presented here, with so many other uses rather than just being a decoration. Of course, as always, the poem is well constructed, and the threat at the end is delicious.
Cul – There is something just heartbreaking in this one. You can almost see this delicate, beautiful creation, and in just a few lines learn so much about the harsh regime the toymaker lives in. There is such a sad emotional reaction to the crushing of the butterfly that the fate of its creator feels pale by comparison.
Anhalo – The ambiguity of the device created is what really makes this story. What is it that the professor has created? Whatever it is, it must be something important that his guest can see the potential. The burn out at the end just adds to the story, the future is within reach, it just needs a little tweak.
Boneman – Where to begin with comments on this one? It is brilliant, a great story, which is both though provoking and amusing at the same time. I don’t think I’ve seen so many clever lines in a short story in quite a while. There is so much in here I could attempt to write an essay, and still miss bits.
TDZ – Santa is revealed to be a steam powered automaton, probably created and controlled by the Elves. It makes a lot of sense actually. How many of them do the elves have? He could certainly cover a lot more houses as a multiple. And it fits in with the idea of the elves being so clever at creating things like toys – what better way to deliver them than with a bigger one!
Moonbat – First thought – that is one scary kid there! But the request of what he wants is brilliant, and the last line about the rabbit is just stunning. Just not for the rabbit. Another excellent tale this month, a great idea, and I wonder just what the little eccentric is going to build with all that stuff?
Bob – Ahh, Sheep. I’m sure Ewan and Shaun love this story (see last month’s photo challenge). I really liked the way the story bent back on its self. There is something so strangely perfect seeing the sheep sheared for their wool, just so it can be used as pullovers for the sheep – the line that they don’t like them is either a comment on the way things man makes might not be as good as the natural alternative, or just funny!
