F&SF, Sept 2007
Favorite: "Episode Seven: Last Stand Against the Pack in the Kingdom of the Purple Flowers" (novelette) by John Langan.
A post-apocalyptic tale about a couple on the run from a pack of mutant dogs. It made an interesting stylistic choice that worked, and I got a great sense of the narrator.
Also enjoyed:
"Requirements for the Mythology Merit Badge" (short story) by Kevin N. Haw. Funny, cute, intellectual.
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" (novelette) by Ted Chiang. Excellent writing style, intriguing story.
Asimov's, Sept 2007
Favorite: "The Bridge" (novelette) by Kathleen Ann Goonan.
A lyrical story, originally in French, about a detective, a woman, and a bridge from a city into a mysterious fog-shrouded land. I liked the definitely non-American feel of the story and the concept and the internal monologue of the detective. I doubt it's eligible for any awards, as it was published five years ago.
Also enjoyed:
"The Mists of Time" (novelette) by Tom Purdom. A military ship chases slavers, while time travelers watch the events and disagree about their meaning.
"Dead Horse Point" (short story) by Daryl Gregory. A woman goes back to her brother, who is taking care of their near-comatose savant sister.
