Sadly, Journey Books Publishing officially closed its doors June 1st, 2008. After a dozen or so years publishing speculative fiction novels and the Amazing Journeys Magazine, owner/editor Edward Knight made the decision to move ahead to something new. I was fortunate enough to interact with Mr. Knight on the SFReader.com forumfor a few years and was able to garner a tidbit or two about this business called publishing. Ed also wrote my favorite short story “The Morgwa” in the classic heroic fantasy anthology Sages & Swords (now available through Rogue Blades Entertainment at a terrific price).

Issue #9 of Amazing Journeys Magazine (Fall 2005), is 100 pages of fantasy and science fiction tales combined around what I believe is a common theme of redemption. At least, I found that to be true in all but “Price of Gold” and but the temptaion of it in “Ascension.” The magazine opens with Ed’s regular editorial “Speculative Thoughts” in which this issue he discusses the secrets of youth and the prospects of old age and how often these topics are dreamt with in speculative fiction. Now, on to the tales with a mild disclaimer: I am familiar with 6 of the 11 authors within these covers. Reader forewarned. 

Editor’s Choice “Song of the Universe” by Terofil Alexander Gizelbach is a beautifully told tale that speaks of the possibilities for mankind – but it just didn’t strike any chords with me. Give me the song of a singing blade over the music of space any day.

“Gram’s Gift” by my friend Steve Goble is, perhaps, the most rounded tale of his I’ve read. The pursuit of evil, even under the guise of honor, often makes the pursuer evil as well. How a character fights that battle is most telling, and can quite often determine if a story is memorable or not. This one certainly is.

Brian C. Petroziello’s “The Darwin Affair” involves a spaceship, interstellar travel, scientific exploration, and the discovery of life in a clever combination of tongue-in-cheek and reverence. A delightful read.

Amy M. Smith’s verse “Symphony of the Soul” is a message of the universal and eternal struggle of good versus evil. A bit overdone, yet imminently knowable.

“The Call of Mother Earth” by Jonathan Ruland is a touching tale (more so to me than the Editor’s Choice) of how life and chances will come full circle. A strong tale of redemption, this is the point in the magazine where I determined that to be the issue’s theme.

Michael Turner (another friend) delivers a fun-told tale in “Two Ravens,” a humorous discussion between two benefactors of warfare.

“Wind Songs” by Paul Turnberg was almost the most disappointing tale in the magazine. From the start it was an engrossing read, the action-driven tale of old magic against new drawing me right in. The ending was an immense let-down, though, emotionally disappointing and distinctly non-active. The strength of its opening is all that saves this story from the loss column.

Unfortunately, Issue 9’s most disappointing story “Death Marks” came at the hand of another friend, Sean T. M. Stiennon. Writing and editing errors run rampant, with numerous typos and way too much ‘telling’ via predictable exposition. Not only does this story rank at the tail end of the Stiennon tales I’ve read, I feel it also accomplishes the least. Many words are spent telling us Shabak gives folks a chance to redeem themselves – but we learn that in every Shabak tale. The character needs to move forward or else turn his tales over to his son, Drace.

Editor Knight contributes “In Those Days,” a well-written tale of old campaigners remembering. A quickly flowing, dialogue-driven tale that though predictable remains enjoyable.

“The Price of Gold” by Robert Mancebo (friend) kicks of with a tolerable yet weak beginning that seems also rather predictable. However, a steady increase in both humorous content and curiosity appeal roused my interest and I grew excited to learn where things would lead. In deference to non-revelation, all I will say is that something I anticipated occurred (wasn’t disappointed), and though I wished for something more glaringly speculative (mildly disappointed), the ending play on a famous personality was satisfactory.

In the nature of full disclosure, I cannot in good conscience, comment upon the final tale. At the time I jotted my notes for this review, Nathan Meyer’s “Ascension” had already been accepted for inclusion as a reprint in my RBE anthology Return of the Sword. This shall have to suffice as obvious recommendation of the tale.

I will say that I had not read Nathan’s story prior to his sending it to me, and that its inclusion in this issue of Amazing Journeys Magazine is what prompted me to look it up. Seeing the names of all the folks I know in it prompted me to purchase it, a decision I do not regret. 

Using my simple memorable-regrettable-average (won-loss-tie) calculation to rate the stories, the issue garners a respectable 6 - 1 – 4 (73%), recommending an outstanding 10 out of 11 stories. Would I recommend Issue #9 of Amazing Journeys Magazine edited by Edward Knight to my friends? Yes, I certainly would.

Related posts:

1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns & DK2 – Miller
2. All Possible Worlds – Champion (Ed)
3. Clash of Steel: Reluctant Hero – Rosamilia (Ed)
4. The Black Company – Cook
5. Shadows Linger – Cook