My story “Crimson Birds of Small Miracles” is out now in the January-February issue of Asimov’s Science Fiction. 2017 marks the 40th year of Asimov’s. I’m honored to be included, and extra-honored to have my story illustrated for the cover with wonderful art by Maurizio Manzieri.
C.J. Penn does everything he can for his ailing daughter, including traveling across worlds in search of relief from her symptoms. When they find the opportunity to witness the displays of Shilinka Switalla’s crimson birds, Penn leaps at the opportunity.
The issue should be out in bookstores now, and it’s also available as an ebook from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and others.
Maurizio was kind enough to share with me (and grant permission for me to share here), the original image and his study work for the birds themselves. I’m thrilled with these. The images capture the story so well.
It just autoloaded onto my Kindle. Great cover.
Yes, I’m honored and stunned by that image. Captures the story so well. I hope you enjoy the story :-/
I finally had some free time last night so I read your story. Excellent, one of, if not the best short stories I read this year.
Thanks Alexandru. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, especially since Asimov’s isn’t quite your thing anymore. Happy New Year to you. 🙂
Wow, the cover story in Asimov’s. Congratulations, Sean! Great work!
Thanks Dane. I’m walking around in a stunned kind of dream-phase. Pinch me 🙂
Read this story last night. It’s one of the very few stories that left tears in my eyes. Beautiful tale, well-written and full of heart,.
Wow Paul. Thank you so much. So glad you enjoyed it.
This story moved me to tears and I felt compelled to Google your name just to tell you how good this piece was. Gut-punchingly emotional without being maudlin or cheesy.
Thank you Jessica. I’m so glad the story resonated for you.