Reviews

As the Last I May Know by S.L. Huang

emilyready's review

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

kit_fox's review against another edition

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4.0

This story is available to read free online:
https://www.tor.com/2019/10/23/as-the-last-i-may-know-s-l-huang/

A fairly straightforward exploration of Roger Fisher's nuclear deterrence proposal, but it's well done.

Fisher wrote, in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, March 1981:
"My suggestion was quite simple: Put that needed code number in a little capsule, and then implant that capsule right next to the heart of a volunteer. The volunteer would carry with him a big, heavy butcher knife as he accompanied the President. If ever the President wanted to fire nuclear weapons, the only way he could do so would be for him first, with his own hands, to kill one human being. The President says, "George, I'm sorry but tens of millions must die." He has to look at someone and realize what death is—what an innocent death is. Blood on the White House carpet. It's reality brought home.

"When I suggested this to friends in the Pentagon they said, "My God, that's terrible. Having to kill someone would distort the President's judgment. He might never push the button.""

legocoffeecup's review against another edition

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4.25

damn… i cannot escape art about the atomic bomb huh

rick_k's review against another edition

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4.0

A thoughtful vignette about war and empathy.

eacolgan's review

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5.0

quick and brutal and beautiful.

ninj's review against another edition

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5.0

Tough decisions all round, but some good character development and world embedding really bring you along for the full ride of war, from children to advisers to leaders.

lizziebennett's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

kandicez's review against another edition

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3.0

That very definitely gives you something to think about. To mull over the wisdom of the custom/order set in place in the world Huang creates.

linguana's review

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4.0

4.5 stars

lillykc's review

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fast-paced

4.0