The Balance of the Spans by JD Baker
Posted: December 06, 2021, 12:57:58 AM
This is an excellent story overall, but one of the things about it that stood out to me is the way it's organized: each scene begins with an excerpt from this little society's historical record, and they're in reverse chronological order, so the reader gets deeper into their past as the story progresses. Nice touch, and it works well.
I figured out somewhere about the middle that Janeth was training Sheena to be her replacement, but the reason for that came as a surprise, only revealed at the very end.
This is a post-apocalyptic story, but a very human one, of hardship and endurance, and ultimately, of hope.
I'd be happy to see a sequel to this, set maybe a generation or two further along.
My only critique has to do with a specific part of the setting description. It's clear that these people are living on some sort of bridge, but I was never able to formulate a clear mental image of it.
Very good job with characterization and dialog.
I figured out somewhere about the middle that Janeth was training Sheena to be her replacement, but the reason for that came as a surprise, only revealed at the very end.
This is a post-apocalyptic story, but a very human one, of hardship and endurance, and ultimately, of hope.
I'd be happy to see a sequel to this, set maybe a generation or two further along.
My only critique has to do with a specific part of the setting description. It's clear that these people are living on some sort of bridge, but I was never able to formulate a clear mental image of it.
Very good job with characterization and dialog.