Best of 2013 - The Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists
We picked The Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, by Ahimsa Kerp because we have a thing for long titles. That's it, really.
Okay, that's not true. We love this story because it's just the right dose of steampunk wonderment mixed with a vivid and believable description of a real time in human history. It's also a coming of age tale that beautifully illustrates the moment when we learn that the world is not as simple, or as just, as we previously believed it to be.
This is an important strength of stories, the ability to show both sides. We can see through the eyes of another that the answers are seldom yes/no, black/white, here/there. And The Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists is a perfect example of this, particularly as a window into a time and place that few people know about anymore.
But also, we really do like the title. How could we not?
Stay tuned as we revisit our favorite stories from 2013, and get ready to cast your vote in the biggest Reader’s Choice poll this side of whatever convenient landmark you are near.