Review of the Month: Clarkesworld Magazine
Michael Maag reviews the best and worst science fiction novels so you know what you should - or shouldn’t - read next.
Clarkesworld Magazine
Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine
What is the magazine about?
Clarkesworld is an award-winning, outstanding Science Fiction and Fantasy short story magazine and podcast. The magazine launched in 2006, which is when I first discovered them. The story selection, non-fiction, is always interesting. They select and publish the best topical, important and meaningful content monthly.
Clarkesworld has introduced me to many fantastic short story authors including Nnnedi Okorafor, Tobia S Beckell, Susan E Conolly, Andy Dudak, Ray Nayler and many others. They also publish short stories from many of the hottest and most prolific writers of the day.
Every month the collection of stories impacts me, creating room for thought and exploration. Usually at least one story brings a tear to the eye and there is often a wonderful comic story to make me laugh.
Kate Baker is the podcast director and narrates about 99.9 percent of the stories. She has an amazing voice, she is versatile, emotive and a joy to listen to. I think I foolishly tweeted at her (back in the day when we tweeted, not x’d) that I fell in love with her voice at first listen. Over the years, I have heard Kate narrate so many stories that she feels like a close friend.
On a scale from one to five, how much did you like this magazine?
Ranking: Five Stars
I rate this Magazine five out of five stars. I highly recommend that you visit the website and read a few stories, or at least listen to a few podcast narrations.
Is this magazine worth reading in full or can the content be covered in a skim?
I suggest that you diligently read each of the six to eight stories published by this magazine every month. The stories are fantastic and great window into the amazing art form of the short story. Though I am enjoying the nearly 700 page book I will be reviewing for next month, the short story form feels like a play to me. So much has to happen in such a short time, that the authors have to be efficient and artistic in a way that makes the read exciting and powerful.
What is the best or worst quote or item in the magazine?
Amazon changed the pay model for Kindle subscriptions, which will have huge negative financial impact on Clarkesworld. Neil Clarke, the publisher and editor-in-chief, wrote an article explaining it all: “A Farewell to Kindle Subscriptions.” If you like what you read or hear, please consider subscribing to this wonderful Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine.