That's just ... wow ... read this. It's gory, but read this.

**Original review 7/22/15, updated 12/23/15**
Looking back, this bloody gem has stayed with me, stuck stubbornly in my mind, all year. I underrated this one for some reason when I first read it. Correcting that now. Five stars, easily. I don't want to review it or undress it in the slightest. (Not that it doesn't deserve it, but that it just might be best experienced with no prior explanation.) Really, just read it.

I wonder if there is a way to get this story onto the 2016 Hugo ballot? ( )

...The Language of Knives is a powerful story, one that swings between extremes. It is a story in which prose and perspective are used to emphasize this and as such, it is a well written tale. Whether all readers will appreciate having their buttons pushed quite so forcefully is doubtful but this story shows Markov is a talented author. I understand he is working on a novel at the moment. I for one, am curious to see what he can do in the long form.

Full Random Comments review. ( )

A bizarre death ritual brings together a mother and a daughter. Neat twist at the end. ( )