My little comments (see the 300-worder for my disclaimer)
Death on Venus
A clever little mini-mystery, and it's a rare talent that could fit such a thing into so few words. I think I got it, is there one in Europe and one in Texas?
Fairypower
A hilarious and inventive vision of the future that could easily happen. Eh, not. But amusing and well written.
The Debacle at Delphi
Clever wordplay. Never trust an oracle! Always happy to see a barbarian warrior taken down a peg. A whole peg!
Science, Magic, Discover: The Full Monty
Absolutely hilarious. Nobody ever expected another twist on a phrase so well used....
Beginner's Piece
For a moment I thought the opening lines were an entreaty from the author! Nice little story; simple, sweet, though I don't quite understand it (I don't like cocoa).
Powers Are Not For Playing
Like this one. Kids will be kids, after all, no matter what species they may be.
Holy Mass
A cynical stab at Christianity/organised religion? I don't quite understand it, but something about it makes me like it. Hey, maybe the devil made me do it.
A Meeting of Minds
Well written, nice imagery. I'm afraid I don't get the idea, but as I say, that's probably just me.
On A Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Anthropomorphism of the elements. Love it.
What's in a Word
Again, it's GMTA. Great story, great idea.
Lady in Red
Just one word covers this story: oops! Great job.
A Human Puzzle
A puzzle that has me stumped, I'm afraid. Nicely written. Could see this as a sort of archaeological report.
End of an Age
Chilling little story, placed in a kind of “middle America” setting. Nice.
An Introduction
Hi Carbon! Another anthropomorphism of the elements, with a real twist of humour.
Sword of the Werewolf Queen
Daydreaming, eh? Nicely done, and I like the twist.
The Last Elemental
Better to create than destroy, even if the latter is easier.
Out of Their Elements
Beautifully funny, and very topical. Lose one point for lack of endorsement though. Just kidding.
What Maketh a Man?
Very dark imagery, quite claustrophobic, and I'm a big fan of Anubis. Don't quite get it though. I could hear dark, sonorous music playing while I read this.
The Element of Satisfaction
A great story for anyone who has ever overpaid for a plumber, and who, after all, among us has not?
World's Saddest Painter
Almost too perfect for words. You're not the same guy who wrote White as Snow, Red as Blood, are you? Ah. No. Enthralling story.
This is How You Do a Science Fair Volcano
Funny little story with a tragic end – if you like tacos that is. Gives me a very Simpsons vibe. Nice.
A Journey
Lovely prose, great imagery, but I don't understand it. That's probably on me. Again.
Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
So perfect and succinct I am totally jealous! Superb. Brevity is the soul of prose, or something.
Experimental Teaching
Twisted little science fantasy. I like. Not so sure the Education Board would approve it though!
Subterfuge
The usage of classical mythology is very well done. It's another one I fail to grasp the meaning of though (I'm dumb, I know).
The Fault in our Star
Beautiful. Not only anthropomorphism of a star, but of the death of one. Beautiful. Did I say that already? It bears repeating.
Blown Away
A cheeky little story. I like the presence of the cat.
The Muse AI in 2042
Never a good idea to argue with your muse, surely? Nice depiction of the relationship between writer and muse.
The Shaman Troll's Coming of Age
No, I did not spend a week camped out in Scarpelius's brain, and any evidence, such as a receipt for a seven-day stay at the best hotel there, is circumstantial, and therefore inadmissible. Anyone who tries to use this will have to deal with the finest, cheapest lawyer I can afford.
I had the basic idea for my story, but I think scarp executed it far better than I. Hilarious and on point. Must have been fun to write (even more fun to spell check!)
Table 21
Simple, and though initially looking a little dry and academic, hits home hard with the last words. A triumph.
