Unlike in Semiosis with the colonization of Pax and discovery of rainbow bamboo, humans on Earth are too familiar with their surroundings, too occupied with global turmoils, and too full of assumptions based on Terran life to give much deep thought to imports and immigrants from Pax such as the rainbow bamboo plant. The humans of Earth don’t realize the plant is sentient …
On Vicious Worlds continues, and significantly expands those themes of the first novel [These Burning Stars], with the continued stories of its characters and the introduction of some fascinating new characters.
It’s a dark-fantasy/supernatural-horror middle grade novel that would’ve delighted young me with its spookiness and darkness, but also the strong central story and its emotional resonance.
Two very different types of horror stories, the novellas are linked by female protagonists who struggle to survive the difficult situations of their lives and maintain control and choice in directing their futures.
Joke column: “In recent years, several critics have argued that there would surely have been no Princess Bride or Secrets (Trials) of Mana if it weren’t for the pioneering neo-realist folk fantasy of Cather and Cummings combining as Tolkien.”
Gothic creepiness pervades the entirety of the novella, with a self-contained story whose characters and plot perfectly fit into the strengths of that format’s length.
