Realms of Fantasy Feb 2009

My thoughts on the latest Realms issue -- Feb 2009

REALMS OF FANTASY - February 2009

 

"The Radio Magician" by James Van Pelt

I was utterly and completely enchanted by this tale of Clarence, a boy stricken with polio but not yet consigned to an iron lung, who spends his days and nights lying around with his legs encased in plaster, listening to the radio.  His favorite was a magic show:  Professor Gilded's Glorious Magical Extravaganza.  One day, Clarence's mother decides to take his recovery into her own hands, and removes his casts.  Possessed by a fever to see Professor Gilded and discover if somehow his magic is real, Clarence dons his metal braces and crutches and sets out for the radio station.  It's a heart-warming story about a boy's fear for his own future and finding the bravery to move forward despite it.  I can't say enough good things about this story.  It sucked me in quick and kept me entranced and desperate for good things to come for our little hero.

( The rest of the stories under the cut )