Jessica (HDB)

Bravo! *slow claps* Seriously, I've been pushing my way through many short story magazines looking for one that caught my attention. Apex Magazine succeeded! It's a mix of poetry and short stories. Plus a mix of horror, sci fi, and fantasy.

Granted, this is my first issue of this. If the writing stays as strong as it was here though, I have no doubt in my mind that this will be my favorite. 

Here's the low down (with no spoilers, promise):

The Tetralogist's Brother (Short Story) by Brandon H. Bell - Beautifully dark, and at times unsettling, story about facing the demons inside. This had a horror vibe to it, and I appreciated it for that! A great way to start out this issue.

Fertility (Poetry) by Craig Finlay - Loved this. That's all I can say without spoiling anything, sorry.

The Laura Ingalls Experience (Short Story) by Andrew Neil Gray - My childhood, re-imagined into something futuristic and intriguing. If you read the "Little House" books as a kid, you're going to love this story.

Collecting James (Short Story) by Geoffrey Girard - *shudders* This was the type of story that you stare at, slack jawed, and afterwards think "What the HELL did I just read?".

The Farmer's Milk (Poetry) by John Yu Branscum - Errr... I don't want any milk or eggs for a while. I'm pretty sure this poem is harmless. Pretty... sure...

The Quidnunx (Novellete) by Catherynne M. Valente - My favorite! Well, I'm biased because I love Valente's writing. Her ability to charm you, to make you visualize a world that shouldn't exist, it comes through even in this shorter medium. I adored this novelette. I only wish there were more.

Myth of the Mud God (Poetry) by Michael VanCalbergh - Well, that was intense. Is this a poem about an inanimate object, or about a person? You decide.

Song of the Encantando (Poetry) by Jeremy Paden - Look, I'll be honest, I'm not the best at interpreting poetry. This one seems deep. It's gorgeous, but I still don't get it. I'll probably have to read it a few more times.

If you want a taste, you can wait patiently and read all the stories as they come out during the month, on the Apex website. But trust me, the small subscription fee to get it all at once is worth it.