Jupiter

SFcrowsnest review Euporie (issue 34)

2011-12-07T14:25:00.001Z

You can read the full review here:http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2011/Jupiter-34-XXXIV-Euporie-16438.php

Rod says "we've got a really good selection of stories to read. This magazine keeps producing the goods and you're never disappointed with the selection of fiction on offer. This time there are five short stories, a variety of subjects explored with each one being well written. Satisfyingly good, I would say."

Another good review!

SFrevu reviews Euporie

2011-12-01T19:46:00.001Z

A good positive review from Sam at SFrevu this time out. Over all it's "more good stuff".
Pilot by Jack Davidson was described as being "a clever idea, well executed."
Lee Russell's In The Web as "an effective story about a bleak future that ended on a positive note and a very good read."
Frank by Martin Ott "had a nice slow buildup and had a good payoff."
The Bitter End by Simon Kewin & Dominic de Mattos was told "in a very exciting way"
Dark Age by Alastair Miles was "a story that's more than a little depressing." I think that's a good review, to be depressing it had to have an emotional impact on Sam, which is a good thing, right?

You can read the full review here: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=12946

Jupiter now available in bricks and mortar shop

2011-11-08T11:18:00.000Z

Well, Jupiter is finally available in a propper bricks and mortar shop. So if you're ever in Yeovil, pop along and grap yourself a copy!
click here for proof!

Ian

Scribus

2011-10-25T20:06:00.000+01:00

Well, after 13 years of editing SF magazines on my trusty Acorn Risc PC with Ovation Pro, it was finally time to upgrade. Ovation Pro was still great for the magazine, but I was using my PC for more and more things (OK, games), and having more than one computer was becoming a pain and just taking up too much space.
Whilst I did consider Ovation Pro for the PC, Euporie (issue 34) was the first issue of Jupiter to be produced using Scribus, an opensource DTP package. Whilst it has its quirks, and I'll always love the way RISC OS worked, for a piece of software that cost zero, it is amazing. A really comprehensive package that will hopefully see me through the next 13 years!

Juptier issue 34 now on Kindle

2011-10-23T14:25:00.001+01:00

Issue 34 is now available for download from amazon for just £1.99!
Just search for Jupiter magazine.

Ian

Jupiter 34 : Euporie

2011-10-17T22:32:00.002+01:00

It's taken a while, but at last Euporie is here!

Fiction from Alastair Miles, Jack Davidson, Lee Russell, Martin Ott and Simon Kewin and Dominic de Mattos. Another fantastic cover image from Paul Drummond.

We visit everywhere from Earth, to the asteriod belt to the distant stars.

Enjoy!

The Court of the Air

2011-09-18T00:08:00.004+01:00

Just finished reading Stephen hunts 'The Court of the Air'. Not the fiction i usually read (fantasy steam-punk adventure), but i have to confess a small weakness: every slightly sf book i see in my local discount book store ends up on my bookshelf. I quite enjoyed this one. We had some interesting characters, some bizarre characters and lots and lots of running whilst being shot at! Stephen managed to create a strange world, but one so well thought out that it all just seems to work.

This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously and is just really good fun. i have to confess to reading 'The Rise of the Iron Moon' a few weeks back, and whilst i felt that was the better of the two books, that may just be my own fault for coming at them the wrong way round.

From the point of view of supporting the author, I'm never sure if i should be buying books from discount sellers. I think what this teaches me is yes. I would never have bought these books at full price, but now feel i need to get my hands on the rest of the series. He can count himself another fan.

SFCrowsnet reviews issue 33

2011-09-12T21:35:00.002+01:00

Rod MacDonald has his review of Euanthe up at SFCrowsnet.

"Excellent ..., entertaining and enjoyable!"

You can read the full review here: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2011/Jupiter-33-XXXIII-Euanthe-16264.php

SFrevu reviews Euanthe

2011-09-01T19:54:00.004+01:00

Tom at SFrevu gives us another good review for issue 33. He wasn't so sure of Ian's Death Metal piece, but the other four pieces were well received.

The full review can be read here:
http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=12613

Issue 33: Euanthe Out Now!

2011-07-23T23:36:00.004+01:00

Jupiter issue 33 is now available. Electronic subscribers should already have their's and the paper editions will be going out this coming week. It's also available for the Amazon Kindle, direct from Amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jupiter-33-Euanthe-Magazine-ebook/dp/B005DL506K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311459697&sr=8-2

I think it's another good issue, enjoy,

Ian

Richard Hortons summary of Jupiter in 2010

2011-07-19T12:46:00.006+01:00

I've only just noticed it, but back in Febuary, Richard uploaded his summary of the four issues we published in 2010, picking out his favourites.
You can read it here http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/118391.html.

His summaries of previous years are also available:

2009 http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/92323.html

2008 http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/61018.html

2007 http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/34018.html

Jupiter 33:Euanthe

2011-07-13T21:02:00.003+01:00

Coming soon.... very soon...

Cover image by David Conyers

Fiction from:

Alexander Hawes BSc

V. K. Valev

Jon Wallace

Shane Ward

Ian Sales

Poetry by Allen Ashley

Jupiter on your kindle

2011-06-23T13:22:00.002+01:00

Well, issue 32 of Jupiter is now available on Kindle. Despite suggesting a lower RRP to Amazon, they seem adamant that it's worth £2.13.
If you're interested in buying or reading the free sample, it's available here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jupiter-32-Eurydome-Magazine-ebook/dp/B0053YHEUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308831691&sr=8-1

Amazon provide free Kindle software for PCs and ipad/iphone, so it's not just for Kindle owners!

SFrevu reviews #31 & #32

2011-06-02T21:08:00.003+01:00

Tom at SFrevu has posted his reviews of issues 31 and 32. He seemed to enjoy both issues and by the looks of it all the stories. So thanks again to all the contributors for more great issues.

Toms review of issue 31 can be read here: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=12216

His review of issue 32 is here: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=12217

Jupiter 32 : Eurydome reviewed

2011-05-31T12:46:00.004+01:00

SFcrowsnest have just published the first review of issue 32.

Seems fairly complimentary of everything.

You can read it here:
http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2011/Jupiter-32-XXXII-Eurydome-16093.php

Product Placement by Nicola Caines

2011-05-19T12:41:00.007+01:00

It seems that a formatting issue crept into a small section of Nicola Caines' story is issue 32. The fault was entirely mine, and whilst the error is small, I recognize it may well have interrupted the flow of the piece for some.

I'm very thankful to Nicola who has allowed me to publish her story here so if you want to, you can read the piece a little more easily.

The error was all mine for which I can only apologize.

Ian

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

By Nicola Caines

“Hello, and welcome to ‘News and Views’.” The presenter, impeccably groomed, flashed a smile to camera. ”It’s 8.00am. on 25th February, 2030. I’m Lorraine Hill and my guests today are Feverell Marsh, Managing Director of Snuggle Food Products, the Hon. John Tripper MP, junior health minister, and Dr Marisa Coleman of the Food Safety Executive.

“Can I start with you, Mr Marsh? This - “ Lorraine tapped a blue-bound folder on the table in front of her ” - is the latest report on the health implications of children’s eating habits, the tenth in the last thirty years, and it’s the same old story, isn’t it? Sixty-eight percent of children are obese or have other diet-related health problems. Will your company accept that it and its competitors are largely responsible?”
“Certainly not, Lorraine.” Feverell Marsh assumed an expression of pained sincerity. ”It always remains a matter of consumer choice. We merely offer a palatable – and popular – range of products, packed with nutrients. Our products make a useful contribution to a balanced diet.”
”Surely you can’t deny that many of them contain large quantities of sugar.” Figures from the report were streaming on the right-hand side of the screen as Lorraine spoke. “And it’s been demonstrated beyond doubt that this can lead to obesity, behavioral problems, diabetes and so on.”
“Naturally we add a certain amount of sugar, simply to improve the taste and ensure consumer satisfaction. But, as I say, within the confines of an overall balanced approach –“
Lorraine turned to the interviewee on her left. ”Dr Marisa Coleman, do you agree that some sugar in the diet is perfectly acceptable?”
“No-one is suggesting that people should avoid sugar completely.” Dr Coleman’s eyes gleamed behind her black-rimmed glasses. ”But Mr Marsh is implying that all responsibility lies with the consumer.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“Well, no. Consumers can’t make reasonable choices unless they are properly informed, and this is hindered by the advertising used. It’s been estimated that children receive over 1000 product-related messages every day from the commercial media.” Dr Coleman grimaced. ”They don’t eat food any more, they consume products - which are so bland the only way to make them palatable is by adding high levels of sugar and flavourings. That’s unacceptable.”
“Mr Tripper,“ Lorraine said, ”companies like Mr Marsh’s employ a great many people. Doesn’t that mean they can put pressure on the government?
John Tripper edged forward in his seat. “It’s really not the case that the government is bowing to business pressure on this issue,” he said. ”If statistics suggest children’s diets are unhealthy – and at the end of the day it’s the health service that picks up the tab for that, don’t forget – we don’t accept that stricter regulation of the advertising industry is key to improvement. Popular culture must take its share of the blame, and parents have responsibility too, of course. However- “ He smiled, showing neat even teeth.”I believe most people are sensible enough to make wise choices about what their kids eat. I don’t intend to patronise them by assuming otherwise.”
“But –“
“One further point, if I may. It’s long been accepted that portion sizes of high fat foods in the fast food industry are a contributing factor to obesity. Companies such as Macdonald’s, working in co-operation with the Department of Health, have made great progress in regulating this problem. We’re beginning to see the effects but it will take time – “

***

“And how much time do you think we have?”
Ariel Benbow flipped channels contemptuously. It was always the same. Too many vested interests. Too much inertia to overcome. And meanwhile – kids out of control on sugar and additive fuelled highs, increasing rates of heart disease, stroke, child cancers. Or Matthew’s problem, the one they both had to live with. When he’d got ill, Ariel’s first response had been to program a block on the commercial TV channels but he knew he was closing the stable door long after the horse had disappeared over the horizon. In fact, it had probably had time to raise half a dozen foals and subside into a resigned old age.
He sighed, opened the fridge and took out a carton of orange juice. His lips tightened at the sight of the phials of insulin. The bathroom cupboard was full of medical paraphernalia too: urine testing strips, multi-point syringes - less distressing than the old fashioned kind, but still a hassle. Twice a day now, possibly more in the future.
Diet was the unavoidable issue: everything Matthew put into his mouth had to be carefully considered. He’d been very good about it so far, but some of them got more rebellious as teenagers, or so Ariel had heard, hating the way their diabetes singled them out as different, resenting the constant discipline it demanded.
He realised he was still holding the fridge door and slammed it shut. He was to blame. He ought to have gone into the film industry when he had the chance. Instead, he had sold out to Snuggle Foods. There hadn’t been so many options for a specialist in cyber-controlled robotics back then.
He cringed at his hypocrisy. He’d worked for the company for nearly fifteen years, a major player on the team that had put together some of their best advertising, and he’d done well for himself - but at a price. His marriage had been the first casualty, then Matthew. His own son . . . such bitter irony. And what about all those other kids? What about them, he thought angrily. They’d got parents, hadn’t they? Parents as lazy and complacent as he’d been himself, flattered into acquiescence by the likes of mealy-mouthed Tripper. They needed a wake-up call, something to alert them.
And very soon now they were going to get it. He smiled grimly. The consequences of their neglect would be pointed out to them in a manner they couldn’t ignore. They’d see what it was like to have your kid damaged by these products. Not just kids either. Whoever opened the packet. That’d make them think, for once in their lives. The company as well. And why not? It was long overdue. Too late for many, of course, but not for all. He’d see to it that they paid for what they’d done. There was going to be trouble. Oh yes, there was going to be big trouble.
Ariel lifted the bag of porridge oats out of the kitchen cupboard. He measured four heaped spoonfuls into each bowl, added semi-skimmed milk and put them into the microwave. When it bleeped, he dumped a handful of blueberries on top and took them to the table.
“Matthew! Hurry up, it’s getting cold.” Why couldn’t he have done this years ago? It wasn’t difficult.
“Matthew!”
Matthew, bleary-eyed but dressed already in his school clothes, slipped onto his chair and began spooning porridge into his mouth. He was never very communicative first thing. Ariel resisted the urge to tell him about all the other kids sitting down this morning to a rather unexpected breakfast.
They’d trace it back to him, of course. Eventually. He’d used his own DNA as the marker for both the control program and the bio-engineered individuals. Those babies were more than just nixies. They were semi-organic, capable of quite sophisticated functioning, even simple decision-making. There’d never been anything like them on the market, and above all they were his – tiny, very simplified clones of himself. As if a bit of his brain controlled each one of them. He knew every move they’d make and no-one else did. He felt godlike.
He’d lose his job but who cared? There’d be books to write, film deals to pursue, TV appearances. He might go to prison, of course, but not for long. His babies could only keep going for an hour or so on natural daylight; no great harm would be done, no lasting damage. This show was limited duration only.

***

Jarrold Bennett studied the cereal packet, fascinated. This was it, the one they’d all been talking about at school, the one he’d seen on telly. He’d been going on at Mum for ages to buy some but they’d only just started appearing on the supermarket shelves. Now he’d be among the first to have the new giveaway Supernixies, like the ones in the 3-D picture in front of him. He imagined the tiny, multi-coloured warriors pouring from the open packet mouth, jumping out of the blue and white striped bowl and running over the table top brandishing their weapons at each other.
Impatiently, he ripped the top off, pulling apart the inner wrapping. He could hear them stirring as the light activated them, rustling among the crunchy cereal lumps like rats in a barn. He upended the pack and shook, gazing in delight as the tiny jewel-coloured figures swarmed across the table, shouting in high-pitched voices as they banded together.
The fighting was good too, just like real people, only it was like you were looking through the wrong end of a telescope. Mostly they were armed with minute swords, spears or bows and arrows. A few had guns. It was exciting to see their muscles rippling as they moved, their chests heaving as they panted from their efforts.
But after a while they didn’t seem so interested in fighting any more. They began to gather in little groups at the edge of the table. As he watched, one in each group unwound thread-like ropes from around their waists and then they were abseiling down them. Fantasmo! His mum would go beserk if they got all over the kitchen. Some of them were already on the floor. He slid off his chair and knelt down to observe them more closely.
That was when he felt the first stinging pain, in his bare right foot. He twisted round to look. A female warrior with a metal bra and headband had stuck her little sword right into him. She pulled it out, snarling up at him, and a bead of bright red blood appeared where it had been. He stared at it. It didn’t hurt much, no more than a pinprick or an insect bite. But then there were more and more. Some of them were climbing his leg, several had leapt into his hair as he bent down to look, one was actually clinging to his nose. And all the time the sharp little stings were prickling his skin.
Then the first bullet, no bigger than a grain of sand, pinged into his arm.
“Mum!” he yelled. “Help!”

***

BBC NEWSFLASH
2.00pm.

Newsreader: “Reports are coming in of attacks on children all over the country by tiny cyber-controlled robots known as “nixies”, included in cereal packets. The cereals in question are “Sugababes”, and “Krunchy Kombats”, both made by Snuggle Food Products. The nixies turned aggressive and attacked the children with minute weapons which proved surprisingly efficient.
“Questions are already being asked in the House of Commons about how the company managed to evade stringent safety regulations governing the manufacture of children’s toys.
“Mr Feverell Marsh, Deputy Managing Director of Snuggle Food Products, said: “We are assuming that the toys have been interfered with in some way by an outside agency, possibly terrorists. Snuggle Foods is in no way responsible for what has occurred, though we shall be conducting an extensive investigation into what went wrong.”
“One child, in Burnley, was taken to hospital after being stabbed in the eye, but there have been no other serious casualties. Police are advising parents to ensure that any unopened packs remain sealed and are returned as soon as possible to the store where they were purchased.
“The Prime Minister has made a statement that there is absolutely no cause for alarm.
“More on your news programmes later in the day. Now we return you to your regular BBC channels.”

***

It was after dark in the Bennett household and, the alarms of the day over, everyone slept soundly. Most of the fierce little nixies had been swept up into an old shoebox. It was difficult to tell how many there had been, of course, but it hardly mattered.
“They’ll run out of power in an hour or so, Madam,” the man from the company had assured Lori Bennett on the telephone, once he’d managed to calm her down. “Just like the ones you’ve already disposed of.”
“But they could be anywhere by now!” she protested.” What if they come back to life again?”
“I assure you, Madam, that’s quite impossible. I can guarantee you won’t have any further trouble. This was simply a rogue batch. You’ll be reimbursed for the purchase, naturally, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
“Inconvenience! It’s taken four hours to get through to you! I’ve been ringing and ringing, desperate to talk to a human being, and all I’ve had is recorded messages saying not to worry and everything’s under control. My son’s been hurt – all right, not seriously, but he’s been frightened too, and I’ll be wanting a bit more than reimbursement, I can tell you!”
“I can only apologise again.” The Snuggle Foods man was bored. He had had this conversation at least fifty times today. “I’m afraid the company switchboard has been jammed.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me? Rogue batch, indeed!”
“As I say, Madam, there’s really no need for concern.”
The house was quiet now, or at least no human ear could have detected any sound. Had the Bennetts possessed a dog, however, it was quite likely it might have raised its head from its paws, its ears pricking in the direction of the living room. Beneath the closed door, a line of pearly blue-ish light spilled out. Its source was the ultra-violet lamp which Lori’s mother used to treat her psorriasis. Tiny figures were ranged around it. Others were moving cautiously across the carpet, under the door, through the hall and into the kitchen.
They headed for the rubbish bin. There, roped together and using their swords and arrows as crampons, they made a slow but effective ascent of the huge plastic edifice, pushing their way under its swing lid. It didn’t take them long to locate the battered cardboard box with the remains of their comrades inside. Soon they were lowering the little bodies down the side of the bin, carrying them back to the living room.
Ten minutes in the life-giving beams of ultra-violet was all it would take. Ten minutes and they’d be reborn, ready to fulfill their purpose, continue their mission. Their Creator had endowed them with intelligence and they intended to use it. They might be small but their sense of injustice was strong, their hatred of tyranny stronger still. They would seek out others of their kind, and bring them to the Great Light. They would fight on against the giants.
This was just the beginning.

Jupiter 32 out now!

2011-04-26T21:52:00.003+01:00

Jupiter 32: Eurydome is now available. Subscribers should be getting there copies soon.

TOC:

Rod Slatter - A Binary Form

D.J. Swaski - Spider Dreams

C.J. Paget - Guardian Angel

Steve McGarrity - I, Human

Nicola Caines - Product Placement

3 poems, Comfortable Shoes A Must and Looking Ahead by G.O. Clark and 2005 Einstein Year by Chris Oliver

The wonderful cover image is by David Conyers

Coming soon....

2011-03-12T20:32:00.002Z

Cover by David Conyers

Juptier 31 reviewed

2011-03-08T20:58:00.001Z

Rod at SFcrowsnest reviews Jupiter issue 31 here: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2011/Jupiter-31-XXXI-Aitne-15881.php

"Five stories for our entertainment in issue 31 of ‘Jupiter’ and what good stories they are! "

Jupiter issue 31

2011-02-23T20:56:00.002Z

Issue 31: Aitne has been out for a month or so now, but i haven't yet posted about it here.

This issue contains 5 great stories, High Tide by Kate Kelly, Needle Mouth by Alexander Hay, For Love by Gregory McColm, Conscience and the Commodore by Neil Clift and My Soul to Keep by S H Hughes. Alessio Zanelli provides some poetry and that great cover is by Daniel Graffenberger.

Hope you've enjoyed your copy.

Ian

Reviews of issue 30 (and 29)

2011-02-21T20:16:00.002Z

Been a bit late with these but Jupiter has received some more good reviews from the usual places.

Rich Horton for sfsite says "I think the April issue, Autonoe (XXVIII), is one of the strongest numbers of this magazine to date." and sums up his review of issue 29 and 30 with "Jupiter remains a consistent little magazine"..."Worth a look." Full review with comments on all the stories can be found here: http://www.sfsite.com/12a/jo333.htm

Sam at SFrevu says "some more very good stories" Full review here: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=11577

Finally Rod at SFcrowsnet ends with the compliment "I've been reading ‘Jupiter’ for some time now and always looking forward to the next edition, I'm pleasantly surprised by each new batch of stories. If you haven't tried this magazine yet I would urge you to do so." Full review here: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2010/Jupiter--30-XXX-Hermippe-15717.php

Jupiter 30 : Hermippe

2010-10-03T22:19:00.002+01:00

Should be ready to go out in the next few days, just to wet your apatite, here's the TOC:

"No mans Land" by Jude Coulter-Pultz

"Stippleback" by Colin Davies

"The stud Farm" by Louis B. Shalako

"The Uncertainty Bridge" by David Conyers

Ian Sales features with his "The Jupiter Quartet" series of four poems

Paul Drummond provides the great cover you've already seen below.

Looking good...

SFrevu reviews issue 29

2010-10-01T21:48:00.002+01:00

One miss on the story front this issue with Sam, looks like he enjoyed the other pieces though. You can read his review here:

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=11323

Details on issue 30 will follow soon...

Ian

Issue 30 cover preview

2010-09-15T22:59:00.004+01:00

Paul Drummond has done a fantastic job for us again for our 30th issue (can't believe it's that many!)

This issue is subtitled Hermippe.

Icebones - Stephen Baxter

2010-09-12T11:54:00.002+01:00

When it first came out back in 1999 I bought, read and enjoyed Mammoth a novel from Stephen Baxter. I then found out it was aimed a the 'youth' market, and because at that age these things mattered (reading SF was bad enough, reading 'youth' SF, I don't think I could have stood the shame!) I didn't return to read books two or three in the Mammoth saga.

A few weeks ago I was browsing the shelves of my local discount book shop and found Icebones (Mammoth book 3) on the shelves. I had a holiday coming up, and thought it would make a good holiday read. One holiday later, what did I make of the book?

I enjoyed it immensely. Somehow Stephen seems to make it easy to become a Mammoth. I really felt a understood how a mammoth might think, might feel, his story telling was fantastic, this wasn't a 'what happens' story, in many ways the plot is a fairly basic 'road trip' story, but the changes you see in the characters, the involvement Stephen gives us in their lives just makes this a great story. I think you should read this if only to get the question I got from my wife. "So what are you reading then?", "Oh, a book about Mammoths..." pause as she rolls her eyes. "on Mars..." It sounds like a really bad B movie. It certainly doesn't read like one.

Ian

SFcrowsnest reviews 'excellent' Thyone (#29)

2010-09-07T08:50:00.002+01:00

SFcrowsnest has produced another good review for Jupiter. The first I've seen for issue 29. Some good feedback for the individual stories. Read is here:
http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2010/Jupiter-XXIX-Thyone-15309.php

Ian

SFrevu Review Issue 28: Autonoe

2010-09-01T09:45:00.003+01:00

Well, my fault the review was late, I managed to miss them out on the mailing, Still better late than never!

Sam seems to have enjoyed all the stories this time out, overall Autonoe has "got the usual good stuff".

Read the full review here:

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=11249

Jupiter 29 Thyone out now

2010-07-29T21:31:00.003+01:00

A great issue this time out, Rosie Oliver returns with a tale set out on Jupiter's moons, Mike Wood is back with his second story in Jupiter and James Lecky also returns with a wonderful, emotive piece. We also have fiction from new writers Emma Knight and Nigel Fisher. The cover is by Greg Hughes. All in all another fantastic issue. Proud to publish these guys.

Jupiter 28 review + interview

2010-06-01T21:49:00.002+01:00

Jupiter 28 has its first (short) review at SFcrowsnest here.

They also did a short interview with me which is here.

Enjoy,

Ian

Jupiter 28

2010-05-06T17:07:00.003+01:00

Cover by Daniel Bristow-Bailey

Fiction by Timothy Miller, Simon Kewin, Ian Sales and Gary Budgen.

Finally Juptier 28 is here!

2010-04-30T14:42:00.002+01:00

Very sorry for the delay in publishing Jupiter, it should be in the post to most of you this weekend. No excuses, but I've learnt never to fit a kitchen at the same time as an issue is due! It won't happen again - fitting a kitchen that is....

Thanks for the patience, hope you enjoy!

Ian

'Agents of Repair'

2010-02-10T21:14:00.002Z

Just accepted this cracking piece by Rosie Oliver for publication in July (issue 29). This is a great little (6K words) thriller set on Callisto.

SFrevu Reviews issue 27

2010-02-03T08:49:00.003Z

"Here we are at another moon of Jupiter. This one is Praxidike for Jupiter XXVII, the January 2010 issue and it's another good one."

Read it here.

SF Crowsnest reviews Jupiter 27

2010-01-31T20:48:00.002Z

"'Jupiter 27' is a very good read and continues the tradition of substance and quality set by previous editions of the magazine. "

"Four stories all with merit making it difficult to choose a favourite which is a plus rather than a minus. "

Read the full review here.

Jupiter 27

2010-01-21T12:53:00.002Z

Praxidike has been out for few weeks now, so I've been a bit late in publishing the details but here we go.

The fantastic cover is by Paul Drummond, and we have 4 stories this issue. W.R. Mitchells The Unlikely Messiah is long by our usual standards, but a great piece of good old space adventure. Huw Langridge is back with another of his Axiom Few stories (The Voidant Lance), he's put the next installment up on his website -which should be another good read. Swimming in the FastWarm Current is Lee Russells first story, a wonderful piece which shows he's got a great future ahead of him. We open this issue with Bone Song by Garrick Fincham, another author with their first publication, and a wonderfully moody piece about space collonisation.

All in all an issue I'm very happy with.

Ian

Richard Hortons summary of Jupiter 2009

2010-01-09T14:53:00.002Z

SFSite reviewer Richard Horton gives his summary of Jupiter though 2009.
http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/tag/yearly+summaries#item92323

Jupiter 27

2010-01-07T16:50:00.001Z

coming soon...

Recently accepted stories

2009-12-10T13:06:00.002Z

Thought I should update you with some of the stories I've accepted recently.

The Earth Beneath my Feet by James Lecky - a wonderful romantic vision of future space travel (of a sort). This piece should be published in July (issue 29)

Swimming in the Fastwarm Current by Lee Russell - A great speculative piece looking at the future for life on Earth. Should be in our next issue (January)

Oil on Canvas by Nigel Fisher - Also due in July. A space travellers tale of communication between species.

22nd Century Genie by Simon Kewin - Hunting for the Beetles, due April (issue 28)

The Colour Seven by Tim Miller - Also issue 28. An imaginative tale set during a long drawn out war.

Reading through this list of stories I've accepted, my really excited about them all - Some great issues of Jupiter coming up!

Ian

A few reviews

2009-12-09T08:21:00.002Z

A few reviews have been posted for Jupiter issue 26:

SFcrowsnest: "All in all, a very rewarding edition of 'Jupiter'"
SFrevu: ""As we visit each moon of Jupiter, this magazine gets better and better"

Good to see people are enjoying the work we publish, as always, hats off to all the authors.

Ian

"Cold Pressure" - fact behind the story

2009-11-23T12:53:00.002Z

I confess, when I read Rosie Oliver's story "Cold Presure" (Jupiter issue 26). I thought her story made use of just her good imagination. However she sent me a web link to an artical exploring the effects of Methane being released under the oceans. Though some of our readers might find it interesting; you can read it here: #http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s218210.htm

Thicker Than Water

2009-10-15T09:17:00.002+01:00

Ian Sales has posted up an 'Anatomy of a Story' for his piece 'Thicker Than Water' which appeared in Kalyke : Jupiter 23. A great insight to where the ideas for this piece came from. http://justhastobeplausible.blogspot.com/2009/10/anatomy-of-story-thicker-than-water.html

Issue 26 on it's way...

2009-10-09T12:51:00.005+01:00

Jupiter issue 26 should be on its way to subscribers in the next week or so... Hopefully Royal Mail won't strike and you'll actually get them then too!

Issue 26 (Isonoe) nearly here...

2009-09-19T10:29:00.003+01:00

Four stories this issue, 3 from authors we've published before.
The Space Sphinx by Edward Rodosek follows a reporter seeking to uncover the mystery of the 'Sphinx' on a colony world.
The Octagon by David Conyers looks at the future of reality tv gameshows.
Cold Pressure by Rosie Oliver takes us on ocean voyage over a future earth.
Lastly In the Shadows of Hemera by Will Styler (our new author) is a moving piece looking at future space exploration.
We also have a short poem by G. O. Clake and the cover image (which I'll post later) is by Michael King.

Another good issue I think.

SFSite reviews issue 25

2009-09-02T08:22:00.003+01:00

The reviews are coming thick and fast at the moment.
Rich Horton has reviewed issue 25 here.
Overall another good review "I thought this was even better than the last issue, which I thought pretty good."
He summed up Jupiter nicely at the end "Jupiter has reached a point where it reliably offers steady stories by newer writers. It's doing what we expect from semipro magazines: giving new talent a place to grow. These writers are doing enjoyable work now, and we can expect even better from some of them in the future."

Issue 25 reviewed at SFCrowsnest

2009-09-01T20:07:00.002+01:00

SFCrowsnest have uploaded their review of issue 25. It's another good review which you can read here.
Rod starts by suming up the issue as "five excellent stories to entertain".
Can ask for a better start to a review than that really. I'll let you guys read the full review this time.

Prador Moon

2009-09-01T08:39:00.002+01:00

By Neal Asher. Finished reading this yesterday. Probably the shortest SF book I've read for a while. Normally I look for the thickest spines I can for my books (I'm a particular fan of Peter F. Hamilton's) but due to the impending arrival of my son/daughter I thought I'd pick something I was fairly sure of finishing. Despite its size, Neal did great things with this book, he quickly created a world which seemed very possible, and aliens that would pretty much be my worst nightmare - all I could think of was giant cockroaches! Anyway, a good book about humans winning despite overwhelming odds against them with lots of action explosives and spaceships. To be honest, pretty much everything I could ask for from a short novel!
Its particularly nice to read a Asher novel, as many many years ago I published a story of his in my previous magazine Zest. It's nice to see people you knew way back have had all that hard work pay off.

Jupiter XXIV: Iocaste reviewed in The Fix

2009-08-25T20:13:00.002+01:00

Finally after several years of trying, The Fix has reviewed an issue of Jupiter.
http://thefix-online.com/reviews/jupiter-xxiv-iocaste-april-2009/
David Hebblethwaite (not a stranger to Jupiter, he reviewed issue 14 for Whispers of Wickedness) takes up the challenge of issue 24.
Of Black Water (David Conyers) Hebblethwaite writes "Conyers is pretty good at evoking his future, in particular by dropping in telling little details that hint at broader goings-on outside the frame of the narrative."
Sides of the Coin (Gustavo Bondoni) is "a kind of techno-magical warfare reminiscent of computer games"
He describes Our Man in Herrje (Andrew Knighton) "beneath the humour is an interesting examination of the difficulties of relating to cultures very different from our own; and a question for each of us – how much of what we say or think, even to ourselves"
The Ninth Circle (A.J. Kirby) "is an interesting story which I’m not sure I fully understood, but found engaging nonetheless."
If You Can't Beat Them (James McCormick) is "a story which is lightweight and fun"
And finally Dog's Best Friend (Gareth D. Jones) "ends the magazine on a poignant and thoughtful note"

I'm happy with all that, I wonder what The Fix will make of Erinome

The Steel Remains

2009-08-24T19:33:00.002+01:00

Just finished reading this from Richard Morgan. A departure from his usual SF, but very definitely a Morgan book. I've read a good bit of Fantasy in my time, in my younger days I was a bit of a Stephen Lawhead fan, so swords and mythical creatures read just fine to me. And this book was great, at times a bit disturbing, and not exactly pretty, but Richard is just so good at description and making it feel like you really know your characters, that this is a winner for me. Heard today that the sequel is on the way, which is only a good thing, Richard has created a wonderful world here, perhaps not the best story line, but with writing like this, that doesn't matter, you're there on that battlefield seeing the blood flash up across your face. This is writing that grips and pulls you along with it.
Good stuff Richard, just hope you haven't abandoned SF altogether, though the Kiriath technology helped me feel at home.

SFrevu of issue 25: Erinome

2009-08-03T13:21:00.002+01:00

SFrevu have published their review of issue 25.
You can see the full review here.
'Radio Free' by Sam Kepfield apparently "doesn't really describe the current United States of America".
But more positively...
Fet Milners 'On the Commodore' is described as "an effective, unsettling tale."
Kate Kellys 'The Oracle' is "a fine story".
Neil Clifts 'The Mariner' is "a delightful, touching tale".
'Dusting Tycho' by Vera Sepulveda is a "fun story that I enjoyed a lot".

Would be interesting to hear if you agree with Sams review?

Jupiter issues 21-24

2009-07-20T09:43:00.002+01:00

Finally updated the website this morning.

If you're interested in looking at Jupiter, or missed last year, you can now get all 4 issues in Jupiters 6th year for just £6.99. This includes issue 21 with Jesse Speaks fantastic full colour cover. Just go here.

The Ardly Effect

2009-07-04T10:08:00.003+01:00

A few years ago I reviewed a book called 'The Ardly Effect' by Mitis Green. It was a book I really enjoyed and had been keeping an eye out for any future books - which sadly haven't been forthcoming.
However, I've discovered that it's now a free pdf download from brambling books - so if anyone wants to read a great space opera which doesn't take itself too seriously, and will keep you in stitches, you can download it here.

This is a copy of my original review (back in issue 9!):
"I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I'd never read anything by Mitis Green before, but the title sounded like the sort of fiction I enjoy. What I didn't expect was a wonderful page turner laced with laugh-out-loud humour. I really enjoyed this book. Having read a few of the latest SF from the big names recently, it was a refreshing surprise to find something so good from someone I'd never heard of before.
So what's it about then? Well, a war of course. A war generations old between the populations of two moons. The lush, cosy moon 'Edenia' and the harsh, brown-grey 'Horridoa'. Our story takes place mainly on the starship Marshia inhabited by hundreds of crew including the scientists Kwait and his daughter Streemly, the government official West, Captain Phoenix, Commander Apricot and two of the captured enemy. Marshia is sent off to investigate some missing drones, and what follows is a wonderfully written space opera adventure as Marshia and her crew set off to discover 'who are we?' and 'where do we come from?' Mitis has managed to write a book silly enough so that just about anything can happen, whilst at the same time, making it all sound completely plausible.
I really did enjoy this book, and will be looking out for the future two episodes of 'The Two Moons Trilogy'. If you like a good SF Space Opera, that's not afraid to be funny and occasionally very silly, read this book, you'll enjoy it."

Review of Jupier 24: Iocaste

2009-07-03T08:23:00.002+01:00

Thanks for Gareth Jones for first spotting this one...
The SFSite have released their review of issue 24.

"Jupiter as with many semipro magazines doesn't really have access to the very best new stories. But it has established a consistent personality, and a distinct devotion to mostly fairly straightforward SF, and the magazine generally manages to featuring enjoyable work."
Read the full review here.

Jupiter 25 on its way

2009-07-02T12:33:00.002+01:00

Well July is here, so for all you looking out for Jupiter 25, it should be popping through your letter box soon. UK folks in the next few days, Hopefully our international readers shouldn't be too far behind. Thanks again to all our contributors.

Ian

Issue 25 Cover

2009-06-12T08:44:00.002+01:00

By Daniel Bristow-Bailey (www.dbbcreative.co.uk)

What's coming in issue 25 : Erinome

2009-06-10T13:19:00.002+01:00

Well, issue 25 is coming along nicely. We've got a lovely wrap round cover from Daniel Bristow-Bailey, not colour sadly, but still a great piece of art.
As for the fiction, five authors this time out, Sam Kepfield with his near future piece Radio Free, Fet Milner takes us to the distant Crane's world in On the Commodore, we then journey not quite as far with Kate Kelly to Italy for The Oracle. Neil Clift takes to the ocean with The Mariner and lastly a visit to the Moon for Dusting Tycho by Vera Sepulveda.

It's looking like another good issue, be with you in July.

New Blog

2009-06-07T16:45:00.002+01:00

Well, welcome to our new blog. Highly exciting I'm sure you'll agree!
I've finally woken up to the ease having a proper 'blog' will make keeping up to date with Jupiter, and hopefully make it easier to get some feedback on what we're up to.

Well, not much of a first post, but there you go.

Second review of issue 24

2009-05-06T00:00:00.002+01:00

SFcrowsnest have published their review of Iocaste. They were particulary impresed with Black Water "'Black Water' by David Conyers is an absolutely cracking story. It's one of the best I've read for some time... Even within the limitations of a short story, a believable world has been created with two strong characters, Joseph and an Australian woman called Donna, both trying to make their way as best they can. I particularly liked the use of archaic technology, even in the slums of Dar es Salaam. Well, if this is our future, we had better do something about it soon!" The whole review can be read here.

Review of issue 24

2009-05-01T00:00:00.001+01:00

SFrevu have posted the first review of issue 24. "Another little gem!" is how Tom describes this issue. You can read the whole thing here.

Issue 24 Out Now!

2009-04-06T00:00:00.001+01:00

Issue 24 is now available!
This issue features Black Water by David Conyers, Sides of the Coin by Gustavo Bondoni, Our Man In Herrje by Andrew Knighton, The Ninth Circle by A.J. Kirby, If you Can't Beat Them... by James McCormick and Dog's Best Friend by Gareth D Jones. S Cerulean provides our great cover artwork.
Once more I think we've produce a great issue, so thanks to all our contributors!
We hope you, our readers enjoy!

Review of issue 23

2009-01-29T00:00:00.001Z

First review of issue 23 can be found here. Thanks Annie

Issue 23 Out Now!

2009-01-06T00:00:00.000Z

Issue 23 of Jupiter 'Kalyke' is out now! This issue features 6 stories. The Weight of Shadows by Lee Moan, The Darken loop by Huw Langridge (this is a standalone prequel to Huws story The Ceres Configuration which was featured way back in issue 4), Thicker Than Water by Ian Sales, The Rule of Law by Elaine Graham-Leigh (not a prequel as such, but set earlier in the same universe as her story The Blue Man's Burden from issue 18), Notes from the Apocalypse by Michael Pepper and finally a short The Bridge of the Compass Rose by John Rogers. Lee supplied the cover to go along side his story, one very tallented guy! Overall I think this is another strong issue.