Plague of 1348

PLAGUED by Rebecca R. Pierce is a flash fiction piece centered on a young woman caring for her mother during the Plague as everyone dies around them. This serves well as the intro of a fictional character in a historical time period, but does not hold up well as a short story.

While well-written, there doesn't seem to be a point, other than getting readers interested and then leaving them wanting to know more about the young woman's fate.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Only Skin Deep

THE GIRL WITHOUT A FACE by Rebecca R. Pierce left me with mixed feelings. First of all, I love the fairytale elements of the story, which is the reason I'm a fan of Pierce's stories. Veila's inner thoughts about her relationships with those around her kept me interested, especially with the introduction of her new friend, and, of course, the fae twists throughout the story.

Unfortunately, while this began as a coming-of-age-story, it ended as a love story, and I would have preferred one or the other. Either have Veila find her own way out of the curse, or spend more time on the romance, perhaps revealing more about her mysterious suitor. Seems almost sad Veila would be so desperate for someone to love her, she would accept a stranger without a backstory.

Normally, I would never get so hung up on the details of a short tale, but I've come to expect far more from the author. Strangely enough, I think the missing horror element Pierce usually mixes in would have given the story more depth.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Neverending Death

SHAMBLES by Rebecca R. Pierce manages to stand out from the plethora of undead stories. I'm impressed with the Pierce's post-apocalypse. This is not simply a story about a thinking zombie. Within a few pages, the author paints a portrait of a damned society crumbling into Hell, frighteningly believable too.

While this is not the kind of story I've come to expect from this author, Pierce still delivers a powerful message...food for thought.

As always,
AstraDaemon