The Arcana of Maps and Other Stories

Reisman (Substrate Phantoms) showcases her mastery of immersive worldbuilding in these 17 speculative short stories, which range from fable to space opera. Science fiction tales, including “Threads” and “An Irdish Tale,” provide glimpses into potential future worlds that utilize radical advanced technology, while others are quieter and more dreamlike. “When the Ice Goes Out” draws from Slavic folklore to imbue a familiar narrative of familial grief with subtle magic. Similarly, “Nights at the Crimea” puts a mythological twist on the world of art house movies. Reisman’s well-tuned ear for description is most on display in “Before the Rain,” the only previously unpublished piece in the collection, which captures the distinct feeling of steadily rising humidity. Though there is little besides Reisman’s well-crafted sentences to link these stories together, they all center around a theme of connection, whether between lovers, friends, gods, or animals. Readers will enjoy sinking into the strange and lovely landscapes of this collection. Agent: Prentis Literary. (Nov.)