Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 223, April 2025 by Neil Clarke


"Through These Moments, Darkly" by Samantha Murray -- (4*) While it does have some interesting SFnal aspects, it's primarily a short LitSF, a brief glimpse at a poetical notion wrapped in a longing. Good for what it is, but I found myself wanting a lot more.

"The Seed" by Sheryl Singerling -- (4*) Solid beginning and nicely eerie. I love stories that feel like hope but is twisted, nonetheless.

"Aegiopolis Testudo" by Gordon Li -- (5*) Beautiful story about a traveling parasite-colony of humans harvesting and tending to a leviathan alien creature, moral and sustainability questions being asked--with some interesting, measured answers. Very imaginative. So far, my favorite of the month.

"Still Water" by Zhang Ran -- (5*) A little series of vignettes that suddenly become a gorgeous little wish, and I found myself profoundly moved by it. A mother's wish for his son is a powerful thing.

"Symbiotic" by Carolyn Zhao -- (5*) This is an extremely immersive, sensational (as in senses) work. It gripped me the entire time. It isn't a commentary, but a full-on SFnal story about belonging, be it to yourself, or with another. It's very, very sharp.

"There Is No King in My Country" by Thomas Ha -- (5*) Easily one of the most clear unclear stories I've ever read. :) I love a good subtlety. I think we'll need a lot of that in the future, alas.

"An Even Greater Cold to Come" by Rich Larson -- (5*) A great little SF horror story. Satisfying little emotional romp with an even better bit of body-horror.


All told, this month's collection of stories were pretty solid. Three were wonderfully sensational and visceral: Aegiopolis Testudo, Symbiotic, and An Even Greater Cold to Come.

I also really loved the idea and execution of There Is No King in My Country, but it was easily a lot more intellectual than the rest.

Still Water was smooth and eventually quite rewarding, but it took a moment to get there.

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