EDITORIAL: “A Retreat Into Fantasy”

At the end of the year we all seem to reflect on what’s gone on before. One of the things I do is look at our statistics for Abyss & Apex readers. The information helps me find things you all like. So what stories and poems did our readers like, which book reviews caught their eyes, and what made them share our content with a wider audience?

There was a clear trend in both 2021 and 2022. On the whole, fantasy was vastly preferred over science fiction.

I’m pondering the heart-logic of this, and have come to the conclusion that technology has crossed a line in the real world. It’s more of a potential problem than a solution. We’re worried about what things like nanotechnology can do, about modern weapons like drones and robot dogs, about chips in our brains, and about the hypersurveillance state that just wants to sell us everything from possibly-not-tested-enough medicines to unwanted porn. We’re overwhelmed. We want an escape from all that, one that does not beat us over the head with even more pressure by being preachy.

Fantasy provides that escape. Entertainment provides that escape without the pressure of some sort of “message.” And one thing Abyss & Apex has consistently provided over the years is quality escapist fantasy fiction.

So make sure you take a look at the Harry Dresden-esque “The Price of Eggs” in this edition! And don’t miss the tale “Kintsugi” or our piece of flash “Birthday Card.” Check out our review of the steampunk novel Esprit de Corpse and our holiday story “Smudges in the Holiday Window.”

We’ll still provide science fiction that’s usually positive and always a good story. Either way, if you need a break from reality…let us entertain you.

– Wendy S. Delmater, Publisher

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