This small press publication is printed in 8 1/2 by 11 format, with black and white art by WJA Morlan. The cover is unusually bound, but once into the magazine content, the format and layout are very professional.

The stories are much better than what I expected of a small press 'zine. The opening story, "Kinslayer", by Ryan G. Van Cleave, is a little wordier than might be necessary for the tale, with one anachronism on the part of the omniscient narrative voice, but is otherwise an entertaining fantasy tales with a solid hook, nice pace, and gratifying conclusion.

The body of work also includes pieces by Carol North, Tony Cobb, Robert Collins, A.R. Morlan, Barbara Malenky, Donna Taylor Burgess, David Rogers, and an appearance by editor Bryan Lindenberger himself. It is to his credit that his piece is among the best of the bunch.

A collection of short shorts includes a real gem, "My Shadowman", by Burgess.

A few typos slipped by the proofreader, but overall one of the better small press presentations I've seen with plenty of potential.

Lindenberger has indicated he expects the magazine to soon change to a 1-2 cent per word pay scale, a change that would put them in the semi-pro category. These pay change and an upgrade on the cover binding, plus more stories of the same caliber should allow Symphonie's Gift to bear up under any scrutiny.

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