Author Archives: Editor

The Best Barista in a Time of Spiders Who are Addicted to the Rush of Caffeine

“The Best Barista in a Time of Spiders Who are Addicted to the Rush of Caffeine” by Cate Covert I stopped by the coffee shop to grab a triple-shot espresso and unexpectedly found my new life’s calling. But wait, I’m … Continue reading

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On Coffee, Writing, and Editing

“On Coffee, Writing, and Editing” Two of the selections in this edition of Abyss & Apex have to do with coffee: the extremely-long-titled “The Best Barista in a Time of Spiders Who are Addicted to the Rush of Caffeine” and … Continue reading

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The Winds of the Mind

“The Winds of the Mind” by Robert Luke Wilkins “It’s a remarkable piece, Mr. Zaraschel.” Jonathan smiled and nodded. The wealthy and influential milled around the exhibition—it was the first time he’d been in their company. They were the best-dressed … Continue reading

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The Silver Tree

“The Silver Tree” by Leona R Wisoker Tilling There is a tree in my memory that no longer exists in the real world. It was broad, with many sturdy branches and smooth bark that invited climbing; we called it the … Continue reading

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The Perfect Book

“The Perfect Book” by Ken Liu Every book is a quotation. – Ralph Waldo Emerson “I’d like something beautiful, set in a warm place,” the young woman said, a hint of melancholy in her voice. “Sun-dappled waves okay?” the barista … Continue reading

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Stone Time

“Stone Time” by Bo Balder Vink softened in the middle of a vigorous headshake. The fly she’d meant to scare off had long since died. She found herself under a mighty elm tree, dripping with generations of bird poop, crotch … Continue reading

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Night Sky in His Eyes

“Night Sky in His Eyes” by Bruno Lombardi I ran into a god I abandoned a long time ago, on the subway. It was really awkward. At first I thought he was a homeless guy; you know, the kind that … Continue reading

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The Devil’s Labyrinth

“The Devil’s Labyrinth” by Michaele Jordan He was afraid. There was simply no denying it. Don’t be a fool, he told himself. It’s just a cave. It’s not even wet. The footing’s a little uneven, and it’s a tight squeeze … Continue reading

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Sandcastles in a Clockwork Sea

“Sandcastles in a Clockwork Sea” by Helena O’Connor I remember the sandcastle days, floating in clear waters that were crystal blue and guilt free. The red ribbons you wore, tying your hair up in buns, made you look like a … Continue reading

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A&A reviews Shortcut by Bryan Thomas Schmidt and Hunt Lowry

Shortcut: A Jason Maxx thriller (Villainous Press) by Bryan Thomas Schmidt and Hunt Lowry Smart, original, and it twists like an ice dancer. You’ll want to read Shortcut or see the movie they’re  making from this page-turning thriller. Jason Maxx … Continue reading

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