Author Archives: Editor

A&A reviews Broken Stars by Jeremy Szal

. Broken Stars: Collected Stories by Jeremy Szal The blurb on the cover says, “Szal is adept at interweaving big SF ideas and fast-paced action to craft a compelling story.” That’s incredibly accurate, but I’d add that he is even … Continue reading

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A&A reviews Dead to Rites by Patrick Thomas

Dead to Rites (Padwolf Publishing) by Patrick Thomas (with C.J. Henderson and John L. French) I devoured this book. Devoured it. And I kept laughing out loud as I did so because of the dark humor and the cop banter … Continue reading

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My Journey to Abyss & Apex

As incoming editor of Abyss & Apex, let me take this opportunity to introduce myself as I look back on the journey that brought me here. I was born in Palo Alto, California. My father was a Biochemist with a … Continue reading

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“It’s Been a Great 20 Years”

This is my last edition at the helm of Abyss & Apex. I’ll still be around, as its book reviewer and publicist, but it’s time to hang up my Magazine Editor hat and put on my Writer hat. I’m not … Continue reading

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Introduction to October 2024 Poetry (Q4)

Please enjoy the variety of poetry this quarter, final of the year. You’ll find creepy mythological, and fantastical poems, some are inspired by Biblical stories and classic fairytales, others are nuanced with existential or mysterious elements. Some of the poem’s … Continue reading

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Naamah

  ______________ Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Vrenios’ award-winning chapbook, Special Delivery, was published in 2016, her second, Empty the Ocean with a Thimble in 2021, and her third, Concerto for an Empty Frame by Kelsay Books in 2023. Nominated four times for a Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, she … Continue reading

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Gretel Returns to the Gingerbread House

Gretchen Tessmer Gretel Returns to the Gingerbread House Gretel went back for Hansel but she fell into a trap that wily witch was waiting knowing love would bring her back same old tricks, sweet drinks and pie trays piled high … Continue reading

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You Rumpelstiltskin You

Francesca Leader You Rumpelstiltskin You You came, Spindly fingers sporing, Eyes boring, Voice dewdropped with innuendo That there was nothing You liked more Than a pretty whore With a problem— Pretty (and) helpless, pretty (and) nameless, Your name a secret … Continue reading

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It Happened Just Walking

Holly Hunt It Happened Just Walking A grove of pine trees in the pasture Grown wild uncut for fifty years. A place the old man never steps inside where you venture, on one certain day and time, encompassed by a … Continue reading

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Forbidden Fruit 

Fija Callaghan  Forbidden Fruit      Let us give a voice to the first woman, and reveal to her a world that lies just beyond her reach. Let us bring respite to the fairest of them all, and teach the cost … Continue reading

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