Review: Scheherazade's Arabian Nights in space: Losely-related SF & fantasy tales. 1,001 LIGHTYEARS ENTERTAINMENTS by David Loeff
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 13, 2014
This is a mixed review, and it's partly because I'm still confused. David Loeff's 1,001 LIGHTYEARS ENTERTAINMENTS styles itself as the Arabian Nights of the SF genre. The claim is both true and not true. Many of the selection of tales he includes could just as easily be more correctly labeled "fantasy," and none of the SF stories are hard science-fiction, with that sub-genre's trademark explanations for how the tech of the day performs its functions. What does conform to the product description are the soft SF shorts of appropriately varying lengths and with similar plot devices (including those suited only for adults) to the Arabian Nights.My confusion arises from two issues. The first is the mix of fantasy in an anthology promoted as strictly SF prose. I like fantasy - especially vocabulary-rich fantasy - so I could overlook that flaw in consistency. The second concern I have is the manner in which many - but not all - of the stories are stitched together. Loeff links almost every-other tale with shared characters - telling a secondary character's history/future or jumping forward in the life of the primary characters previously under discussion. However, the author does not leave the reader with the impression that these tales are being told to someone over time in a Scheherazade-like situation.While some stories are humorous, "A Girl of Gloune" is emotionally-wrenching. A beloved daughter is orphaned. At least, she is until her long-lost father comes to claim her. In a small fishing village, Elgelt serves him in all wifely ways. Getting away from this abusive situation will be both an internal and external challenge. It may require a technologically-advanced rescue."Nouredan andNesjella" is a cautionary romance. First, the slave destined for the king is rescued. Yes, we've all heard the, "I love you, and I'll never sell you," in fantasy tales before. The "husband" gets hooked on their medieval drug equivalent to laced marijuana. He sells his who used to be the love of his life. What follows is a lesson in vengence and redemption.Hafwen is a character seen throughout this anthology. Her story concludes in "New Directions". I enjoy the timelapse social and legal transformations of the planet Thaj. Hafwen's xenophobic peers, political enigma, and physical danger provide a telling backdrop for a respectable piece of SF literature. I only wish Loeff hadn't broken such into chunks to spread among his other contributions to this collection, because that makes remaining in this character's headspace more difficult than it has to be. I realize copying the intent of Arabian Nights is the intention, but it's sometimes best to pattern work in your own way.One final point of note is the editing. There are mistakes, but they are few and minor. Issues may include stray commas or verb tenses. Also a product of editing (but on the positive side) is Loeff's creative use of euphemisms for body parts and specific acts during moments of 18+ content.* Thanks to David Loeff for this ARC. I'm always up for providing free reviews, as long as authors and publishers understand that gifting me their book is not "buying" a positive review. My readers count on my "honest" commentary; it's what my reputation is built upon. Freelance marketing services are also available.