Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 179, August 2021

Candide; Life (4/5)

Very short but accomplishes what it wants to, I'd say! Artistry and emotion capture are the main aspects of this short story.

A Thousand Tiny Gods (4/5)

A fine story about new nanotechnology being used to treat cancer. What would happen if this technology were to suddenly become a reality? The same things that happened with e.g. COVID-vaccines: some distrust, conspiracy theories, but most of the public in favor.

The Clock, Having Seen It's Face in the Mirror, Still Knows Not the Hour (4.5/5)

An old clockwork man becomes the companion of a compassionate human. He's one of the remaining robots after a robot uprising. A gentle tale.

The Serpentine Band (4/5)

Equilibrium, Yin and Yang, Plato's Cave, time and many other things play an important role in this multi-facetted story. A good read.

A Heist in Fifteen Products from the Orion Spur's Longest-Running Catalog (4/5)

A delightful heist story told via the usage of various products created by the protagonist's company. Better than I was expecting! The format is cute, but it also works as a story.

An Instance (3.5/5)

Very Murderbot-esque story from the perspective of a search engine AI. Quick, fun but wish it did more with the concept.

Resistance in a Drop of DNA (3/5)

A very short story about DNA, war and resistance. Thought it was fine.