What’s in Issue 299

Novels	Slawomir Rapala, The Three Kings In his self-imposed exile, Iskald finds himself at loose ends in the hot, southern capital of Arkeen. He espies a job opportunity: a prize fight. He strikes a good bargain; now he’ll just have to live to collect his winnings. Chapter X Redefinition, part 3; part 4 Michael E. Lloyd, Observation Three: Changing Hearts Maelene and Toni make things tough for the Brighter Vale boys in Hollywood. The State Department and financiers begin to shape up, but Harvey Kuhler won’t play ball. It’s time for Quo to take action. Chapter 6: I Get Around, part 1; part 2 Chapter 7: Sacramento, California
Novella	Tellen undergoes a change. Loeske, Hagar and the children, captured, discover long-missing Markin. And they seek to escape from their prison before the vampires return: Danielle L. Parker, The Bats of Elvidner, part 4; part 5; part 6.
Serial	‘But what of her in this stillness so tame, time meaning nothing, this beauty of hers the more powerful, sea under her, blue sky over her and with the eyes of another world right through her?’ New contributor Zane Coker, Victim of the Avenues, part 1.
Drama	Anthony Bensen is wealthy but has no heir and no way to engender one — or so he thinks: Bertil Falk, The Deep-Frozen Spark of Life, part 1; part 2; part 3; conclusion.
Short Stories	When invoking ancient gods in a magic spell, be sure to pronounce their names correctly: Gregory W. Ellis, Knock on Wood. When a mysterious black swarm attacks a rural town, an old, forgotten defense may be the most effective: Mary B. McArdle, Sister Mary Ellen’s Black Umbrella, part 1; conclusion.
Flash Fiction	New contributor Kendall Furlong depicts a man who knows not what awaits him as he ascends The Stairs. Electra has the principles of attraction all figured out. Now what does she need? Avis Hickman-Gibb, Mathematical Principles of Beauty.
Poetry	Carmen Ruggero, The Sound of Time Anna Ruiz, Words
Short Poetry	Arnold Hollander, Post-It Delirium
Essay	Ed Burger, A Duck is Not a Human, part 2

Departments

Welcome	*Bewildering Stories* welcomes Zane Coker.
The Critics’ Corner	Bertil Falk explains “The Deep-Frozen Spark of Life”
Challenge	Challenge 298 Response: Carmen Ruggero, Forces of Nature, Forces of Character Challenge 299 sings Gimme That Old-Time Umbrella.
Letters	Chuck Gregory writes about Observation Three
The Art Gallery	A randomly rotating selection of Bewildering Stories’ art NASA: Picture of the Day

Randomly selected Bewildering motto:

Randomly selected classic rejection notice:

Bewildering Stories’ official mottoes:

“Poems are not made with ideas; they are made with words.” — Stéphane Mallarmé
Ars longa, vita brevis. Rough translation: “Proofreading never ends.”

To Bewildering Stories’ schedule: In Times to Come

Readers’ reactions are always welcome.
Please write!

Return to top

Return to the issue index