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I finished the September Asimov's quite a while ago, but I never got around to posting about it. I really enjoyed "In the Age of the Quiet Sun". It's an old school sci-fi adventure story with a lot of the comfortable cliches and a good portion of updating as well. I think it captured the fun of reading old school with some good enhancements. "Soldier for the Singularity" took a different approach to several themes that have run through science fiction. I found the premise of "Horse Racing" simply too unsustainable to be believable. I understand the approach, but don't believe it would have sufficient ROI. It was pleasant enough storytelling though. "Cut Loose the Bonds of Flesh and Bone" visits a different side of the current popular theme, old age and dying thereof. I was pleasantly surprised by "Usurpers", a story about running that was exciting and had a surprise finish after all. The cover story, "The Ice War", didn't melt my heart or freeze the blood in my veins.

Overall, a good issue with lots of new ideas on familiar themes.

44. Asimov's September 2008