Lonely Power Armor is an interesting sci-fi novella, written by Tim Akers, a piece that explores the clash between advance technology and tradition. A style that remembers to Elder Race, by Adrian Tchaikovsky, mixing fantasy and sci-fi in a way that is the best example of "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", while weaving an interesting story.

The war ended, but nothing changed for a power-armor; nobody told them, and they continued executing the same protocol for thousands of years. All changes when a small girl ends befriending this armor, breaking that routine and leading to consequences she couldn't imagine for her village; a clash between an advance technology and a society that is on a medieval tech level.

Akers interestingly change between the point of view of the armor and another one centered around the girl; giving a distinct voice to each one, reflecting how their technological level makes the perspective change. The armor is mostly cold steel and no feelings, but we can see how they develops a bond with their operators, but mostly ignores the value of most organic life; in contrast with the girl, which even with those whose acts are more despicable, she has empathy.

A fast-paced novella, with a clear and accessible prose, and that does an excellent job of playing with contrast between different levels of technology. Akers has written a great story, and a brilliant piece to read in one sit.

Note: The following review contains only my personal thoughts as a judge and does not reflect the views of the team as a whole. No cuts or semi-finalists will be announced until Team Bookend Elves has read all of our books!