Jennifer Pelland – Cynthia D. Griffin

I don’t normally review short stories on my blog simply because I read so many of them that taking the time to do a review for each story would leave no time for writing my novel, but Captive Girl by Jennifer Pelland was such an amazing read, I couldn’t help taking the time to do this post. Yeah, the story is that good, and so felt the strong need to share.

Captive Girl is a science fiction short story, but not like most science fiction stories I’ve ever read. It has a fresh slant to the age old story of sacrifice, duty, and love. Alice makes great personal sacrifices in order to protect her world from an impending threat from the skies. Her life choice leaves her in physical pain and a mutilated distortion of what she once had been, but all for the greater good, or so she thinks. Even as Alice carries out her heavy burden of duty, she longs for the thing she can never have; Love, acceptance, and a physical connection with another human. Be prepared for an incredibly emotional journey of heart wrenching sacrifice that will leave you asking yourself… What would you do for love?

If you like well developed characters and emotionally charged stories, this is something to check out. You don’t even need to be a science fiction lover to enjoy it. The best part, Captive Girl is running a free promotion on Amazon, so now is the chance to get it. Check it out and see what you think. Based on this one story, I have personally fallen in love with Jennifer Pelland’s writing and look forward to reading more of her work.

Want to read more Jennifer Pelland too? Check out her website to find her work, or go to Apex Publications.

I am currently reading an anthology that I’m just loving and thought I’d share. Dark Faith: Invocations an anthology of 26 stories with authors like Tim Waggoner, Max Allen Collins, Jennifer Pelland, and Tom Piccirilli. These stories test the faith and expose the soul as they delve into the world of giant Buddas, human machine robotnicks, a man renting an apartment in God’s head, the cost of expelling one’s soul, and so much more. Reading each story is like opening a brand new shiny treasure of deep characters, strong emotion, and beautifully crafted worlds.

You can also join me and others as we spending the next few weeks discussing each story on Goodreads. I’ve been enjoying the chance to chat with others about these remarkable stories. It’s been a fun and enlightening experience as I get a chance to hear other people’s impressions and have the opportunity to share mine.