Dark bleatings, my lovely tribe! I’m reviewing a magazine today, Issue 4 of Parsec, to be precise! I’m also able to give you a discount on issues of this lovely publication, courtesy of the kind folk at PS Publishing.
This fabulous, gorgeous array of horrors is brought to you by PS Publishing, one of my absolute favourite presses of all time. Everything they put out is of such high quality and presented so beautifully, so I was thrilled to take part in this blog tour!
This issue contains a lovely introduction by Ian Whates, where he tells us what to expect in the coming pages. We are treated to 11 stories, 2 features, a review section, and an interview. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
My 3 favourite stories from this issue are:
BLAISE OF GLORY by Alexis Ames
Blaise and Enzo are a couple. Enzo lives on a space station, Blaise basically lives on his ship. Times are hard, money is tight, and Blaise is going to lose their home and livelihood. He enters a race to win money and make sure his ship isn’t seized for payment, or at least put it off a little longer as the ship can’t be seized while signed up for the race.
This story deals in sabotage, high stakes, love, priorities, and the lengths that people will go to for what they think is important. I was hooked!
UMBILICAL by Teika Marija Smits
Tamara finds out that, in her twenties, she has an aggressive form of cancer. It brings her closer to her mother, Ruth, who until then, she hadn’t really wanted to be much involved with. Tamara notices a weird growth coming out of her belly button, and Ruth gets the same growth but… elsewhere.
This story is as moving as it is horrific, and completely strange in where it goes. It’s messed up but wonderful.
FIVE-O-CLOCK IN THE BAR AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Bryony Pearce
Charlie is the bartender at the bar at the end of the world, a sort of waiting spot for folk who don’t know if they want another go around, or if they want to “go on”. No one knows what going on looks like, so they’re all just in there drinking. Charlie’s been there since half past three. It’s always half past three.
I really loved the idea for this one. It reminds me of a Stephen King story but for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it. The comparison is meant as a compliment though!
Next, let’s move on to my favourite feature piece!
UNCONVENTIONAL by Jared Shurin and Anne C. Perry
This article is about the hazards and risks, but also the ultimate benefit of conventions. I loved this piece and found it relatable, as someone who frequents and absolutely loves the UK convention circuit.
BOOK REVIEWS
Basically, this section is an absolute dream for anyone who loves reading thoughtful, detailed, and numerous book reviews.
INTERVIEW
The interview in this issue is with Dr Simon Morden, trained in planetary geology and geophysics. It was somewhat surprising and added variety to the issue, topic-wise, and was an interesting read.
Overall, I very much enjoyed my foray into Parsec, and I will… foray(?) more! If you’d like to check out any of the issue, you can find them through the link below. Don’t forget, if you’d like to purchase any of these lovely issues, you can do so at a 25% discount using the code 25PARSEC at the checkout!
If you’d like to move onto a review of Issue 5, and the next stop on the blog tour, go here:
Happy Goat Horror 
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