NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW ON-LINE

Just as science and fantasy fiction flourishes in its own dark niche, so small press historical fiction has tended to languish. From Brooklyn comes a magazine dedicated to reviving this neglected pulp genre.

PARADOX is a handsome publication, with some unusual and well-chosen artwork genuinely complimenting the text. George Bellows' lithographs of prizefighters, for instance, which accompany Steve Vance's time-travel-and-TV-ratings yarn, THE FIGHTERS. It also offers some good non-fiction. Howard Andrew Jones reviews the prolific output of historical pulpster Harold Lamb, once the popular author of Cossack adventure stories, now largely forgotten. And there's a short interview with another prolific author, Piers Anthony, which offers cogent thoughts on the influence of history, fantasy, culture and geography.

Fiction is the main business, though, and there are several highlights. Colin P. Davies provides a tale of a Sumerian death goddess in love. Sarah Prineas evokes a slightly, strangely different Britain in the last days of Queen Anne (a touch of the Kaspar Hausers about this one). In the purely historical realm, Kenneth B. Chiacchia's AND YET IT MOVES ruminates upon the Vatican trials of Galileo. This is offered, the author says, as an apology for the day job in PR.

An honourable mention must also go to Brenda W. Clough's ESCAPE HATCH, which brings Tolkein, C.S. Lewis and James Joyce together on a First World War battlefield. Although this requires a fairly hefty suspension of disbelief — James Joyce in the British Army? — it makes some intriguing points about the nature and necessity of fantasy.

More history and alternate history would have been appreciated. This issue leans quite heavily on the speculative/fantastic side. None of the fiction is earth-shattering, but this is a generally satisfying read, and PARADOX shows every sign of developing a unique identity. As there aren't too many of these publications in this particular timeline, this one is worthy of your attention and support.

Paradox is a glossily produced magazine of speculative writings, including futuristic pieces, alternative interpretations of history and pieces that combine history with horror or science fiction. The writing is complemented by a selection of paintings and drawings.

I was most interested in the non-fiction pieces. The interview with novelist Karen Essex offers fascinating insights into Kleopatra as a historical figure and the process of historical research, particularly when analysing a character with a great deal of myth around them. ARCHIVING HISTORY by the editor of Paradox, Christopher M Cevasco, is an interesting look at the role of American volunteers in the Spanish Civil War.

The fiction in this issue includes stories set in the Roman Empire, the Crusades, 19th Century New Jersey and the Jacobite Rebellion. The story I most enjoyed was David J Sakmyster's RESTORATION set in an India of the future, where immortality has become the norm. Although overlong, the story is very readable and brings up some interesting questions about immortality vs mortality.

One other story is worth mentioning as it highlights two pitfalls for writing fiction set in an identifiable geographical location. THE WAILING ON THE WATER by Paul Finch is set during the Jacobite Rebellion. The first pitfall concerns dialect: the Scottish characters in this story, apart from the occasional use of the word 'laddie', speak perfect Queen's English. Although dialect is notoriously difficult to get right, a subtle use of dialect words and rhythm make a voice much more believable and interesting. The second pitfall concerns geographical accuracy. The geographical references in the story are confusing, in particular the paragraph describing the Black Isle, from which I quote briefly:

...the sunlight falling in streaks over the jagged, misty peaks of the Black Isle.....

This issue also contains four sharply observed poems by the foremost Native American poet John E Smelcer.

In conclusion, if you like analysing history and speculating on 'what if's', Paradox offers a great variety of material to keep you reading and thinking!

Paradox is a nicely produced professional looking magazine that promotes and publishes historical fiction, and if this is your bag then issue 6 will be of particular interest to you as it is packed full of the stuff. Pages and pages of good quality in-depth fiction and poetry that revolve around historical timelines that I'd never even thought of or really heard of prior to reading Paradox. Locations and timelines that include 13th century Lincoln and a Zulu hill in Isanhlwana! Blimey!

This issue may also be of interest to Sharpe fans too as there is a nice little Bernard Cromwell interview included. And if that isn't enough there is a full in-depth reviews of such films as FINDING NEVERLAND and ALEXANDER. Phew!

All in all well worth a look in if speculative historical fiction is indeed your thing.