Apex Magazine October 2018

Apex Magazine October 2018 presents a curated collection of speculative fiction and editorial content. Hassan Abdulrazzak contributes the story The Standard of Ur, bringing his established voice to the anthology alongside other notable writers. The volume opens with Cassandra Khaw’s Bargains by the Slant-Light, followed by Kristi DeMeester’s For Sale: Fantasy Coffins and Chesya Burke’s With Lips Sewn Shut. These narratives explore dark fantasy and horror themes through distinct stylistic lenses. Beyond fiction, the book includes nonfiction elements that provide context for the creative works. Andrea Johnson conducts an interview with Cassandra Khaw, offering insight into her process. Russell Dickerson discusses cover art in a conversation with Vinz El Tabanas. Tim Waggoner contributes the essay Someone Else's Sandbox, while columns by Laura Zats, Erik Hane, Mallory O'Meara, and Brea Grant offer advice and industry commentary. This structure balances narrative immersion with practical guidance for readers interested in the genre. The publication suits fans of short-form horror and fantasy who appreciate varied storytelling approaches. Readers seeking long novels or non-fiction analysis may find the format less satisfying. The inclusion of editor Jason Sizemore’s words frames the issue, connecting the diverse pieces through a unified editorial vision. This collection reflects the monthly release schedule typical of genre magazines, offering a snapshot of contemporary speculative writing.