The Talosite

Campbell (Arboreality) puts her own spin on the mad scientist trope in this underdeveloped alternate history of WWI in which reanimating corpses is a common practice. The narrative alternates between soldier-turned-body-snatcher Ned, and Anne, the scientist who employs him. In the wake of her brilliant father’s death, Anne has taken up his mantle as reanimator, bringing dead soldiers back to life and sending them right back out onto the battlefield. She finds beauty in her increasingly odd creations and joy in constant innovation, pushing herself to create ever more unconventional amalgamations of the dead—even as the larger world grows ever more disturbed by her work. The story unfolds in gruesome and gothic manner, but even at novella length, the plot feels stretched thin. The dark, fascinating premise will be enough to draw readers in, but many will wish there was more to chew on here. (Oct.)