LINKS

KEYWORDS

Cloning Identity
Post-Apocalyptic Survival
Artificial Intelligence
Human Relationships
Alien Colonization

Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 226, July 2025

by FIONA MOORE, NEIL CLARKE, TIA TASHIRO

A woman confronts the emotional complexities of her ex-husband marrying her younger clone, leading to a nuanced exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and the distinct lives shaped by shared genetics but divergent experiences. Told in second person, the story uses its unconventional narrative style to highlight the differences and connections between the original and her clone, ultimately focusing on the women’s self-realization rather than the man at the center of their shared past.

Reader Review Summary

Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 226, July 2025, is a science fiction and fantasy magazine featuring a mix of fiction, non-fiction, interviews, and art. The issue contains seven original stories, including 'Missing Helen' by Tia Tashiro, 'The Walled Garden' by Fiona Moore, 'Welcome to Kearney' by Gary Kloster, 'Serpent Carriers' by K.A. Teryna (translated by Alex Shvartsman), 'Bits and Pieces on This Floor' by Eric Del Carlo, 'A Land Called Folly' by Amal Singh, and 'Hunter Harvester' by Bam Bruin. Non-fiction content includes articles and interviews, such as 'Wilderness Resurrection and Compromise' by Priya Sridhar and conversations with Allison King and Annalee Newitz. The cover art for this issue is 'Alone' by Matt Dixon. The magazine is known for its award-winning status and regular publication of speculative fiction.

Readers responded positively to several stories in this issue, particularly 'Missing Helen' by Tia Tashiro, which was praised for its use of second-person narration, exploration of identity through cloning, and focus on the relationship between the two main female characters rather than the male character who serves as a plot device. 'Welcome to Kearney' by Gary Kloster was highlighted for its exploration of loneliness and human relationships through the interaction between a caretaker and a sentient android. 'Serpent Carriers' by K.A. Teryna received acclaim from some for its immersive storytelling and complex narrative structure, while 'Hunter Harvester' by Bam Bruin was appreciated for its depiction of scientific mystery and colonization on an alien world. Several reviewers also noted the reflective and psychological depth in stories like 'Bits and Pieces on This Floor' and the coming-of-age elements in 'A Land Called Folly.'

Some readers found certain stories less accessible or engaging. 'Serpent Carriers' was described by one reviewer as nearly unintelligible, with its layered storytelling and abstract concepts making it difficult to follow. 'The Walled Garden' by Fiona Moore, while recognized as part of an ongoing narrative, was seen by some as only moderately interesting or repetitive in theme. 'A Land Called Folly' was noted as confusing by at least one reader, and some stories were described as lacking in drama or being too sedate. The unconventional narrative structure of 'Missing Helen,' particularly its use of second-person perspective and shifting points of view, was initially confusing for some readers, though others found it effective upon further reflection.

The issue received an average reader rating of 3.77 out of 5 from 13 ratings and 9 full reviews. Several stories in this issue are continuations or expansions of previous works by the authors, such as Fiona Moore's ongoing post-apocalyptic series. The magazine continues its tradition of publishing both established and emerging voices in speculative fiction, and the included non-fiction pieces and interviews provide additional context and discussion relevant to the genre. The stories vary in length and thematic focus, ranging from explorations of identity and relationships to survival in post-apocalyptic settings and the ethics of colonization.

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