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geekwayne's review
4.0
Zachary Jernigan is fast proving to be one of my favorite new writers. His writing is intelligent and imaginative and breathes new life into a genre that I love. THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA collects 5 of his stories. 4 have previously been in print and one is new to this collection. In Zachary's foreword, he mentions taking the chance to make some small changes to the stories.
The stories range all over the place. From a city racially divided after a war to a blind man dependent on a young boy to take him to the fish market daily. The title story feels like it could be in the same universe as Jernigan's excellent book NO RETURN. I loved all the stories, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be All My Ghosts, about a father who will do anything to save his ailing child, but he is no ordinary father.
It's a short collection, but every story is a great read. I look forward to seeing what Mr. Jernigan comes out with next.
The stories range all over the place. From a city racially divided after a war to a blind man dependent on a young boy to take him to the fish market daily. The title story feels like it could be in the same universe as Jernigan's excellent book NO RETURN. I loved all the stories, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be All My Ghosts, about a father who will do anything to save his ailing child, but he is no ordinary father.
It's a short collection, but every story is a great read. I look forward to seeing what Mr. Jernigan comes out with next.
miszczif's review
4.0
I bought this collection to try out this author before getting "No Return" . And I must say, this stories are powerful. From what I know "Fear of Drowning" gives a little glimpse at the "No Return" universe and is a great story on it's own. I liked the feeling that main character seems so small compared to other characters."At the Bottom of the Sea" starts out simple but delivers a blow to the head at the end. If I had to pick a favorite one it would be "Pairs". At first I struck me as "too much", but this "too much" SF story is skillfully written and quickly is turning into manifestation of great imagination of the author. Also this one left me wishing for a novel in this universe. The final story tackles immortality in a unique perspective and is the most emotional from the collection. Overall highly recommended short fiction.
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