Wayne Mack: What most distinguishes this tale of terror is the contrast between innocence and evil. Perhaps one cannot exist without the other, mirror images seen in a glass, darkly.
Rafellin: In this imaginative science fiction war story we see the crimes of humanity through new eyes, as well as the possibility of overcoming them. The narrator comes to understand that duty is often just an excuse for wickedness.
Astro Pen: The combination of a futuristic setting and a supernatural theme leads to a unique work of fiction. The protagonist's dilemma is a classic case of choosing between the frying pan and the fire.
Ashleyne: This tongue-in-cheek adventure is a classic comedy of misunderstandings and unlikely encounters. The contrast between rapaciousness on one side and whimsical desires on the other leads to much amusement.
paranoid marvin: The way in which this story slowly builds from optimistic calm to sudden horror increases the impact of its final image. There is, perhaps, a touch of very grim humor in the conclusion.
Guttersnipe: The vividness of the opening section of this tale causes the reader to share the doomed protagonist's agony. The unexpected revelation near the end intensifies the sensation of being put through a nightmare.
BT Jones: Small details, one by one, build a growing sense of unease and tension in this suspenseful story. By the end, it manages to be both frightening and moving.
Matchu: What at first seems to be a simple slice-of-life proves to be an extraordinary encounter in this offbeat creation. The subtle nature of its speculative content causes the reader to read through it more than once.
Provincial: The rollicking good humor of this modern sea chantey brings a smile to the reader's face. By throwing in concepts from a multitude of genres, the author displays wide-ranging creativity.
Danny McG: By boiling down the essence of a single image to its most vital and meaningful components, this miniature work of art conveys more in a few words than one would imagine possible. This adept minimalism allows readers to expand their imaginations.
Bren G: The author creates an entire alien culture, as well as characters with whom one can empathize, in a short space. By viewing events from eyes other than our own, what we might see as mundane becomes mythic.
Cat's Cradle: This science fiction story manages to be both wide-ranging and introspective, contrasting the vastness of humanity's fate with the despair of a single individual. The protagonist's actions may seem deplorable, but would we do something different, if we were in the same situation?
Capricorn42: Different levels of reality combine to create a mood of surrealism in this intriguing SF story. Perhaps most of us can relate to the urge to turn one's back on responsibility and simply exists in the moment.
JJewel: The contrast between a tragedy of the past and timeless, archetypical figures causes reality to seem legendary and legends seem real. In this way, one artist pays tribute to another.
MikeAnderson: A miraculous event serves as a metaphor for a new way of thinking in this mystical yet realistic tale. Like any good parable, it provides both entertainment and learning.
