Signals in the Static

by A.T. Sayre

Sayre's debut collection showcases the author's science fiction tales of determined robots, alien diplomacy, and space exploration; dark fantastical stories where natural laws are broken and monsters are revealed to wear a human face.

360 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2024

Reviews

[Lancelot Schaubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review's livelier than usual because it's a dialog / debate with the author. Go here:

• https://lanceschaubert.org/2024/05/23/at-sayre-interview/

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not every day you read a collection and love every single story in it, but I can say that in this case I enjoyed this book cover-to-cover. Sayre has a knack for grabbing the reader’s attention and not letting go with his flawless execution of imaginative concepts. Many of these stories stayed with me long after reading them.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My normal reading genre is historical fiction or narrative non-fiction history. But I picked up this collection of short stories (sci-fi and/or speculative fiction) from a friend and the very first of the 20 or so short stories grabbed hold of me. I found myself pulling for A ROBOT and its struggle for survival after hundreds of years sending messages and data from a far-off galaxy back to earth but had outlived its usefulness and battery life, even after years of snatching parts from dilapidated, no-longer-active robots to keep itself going. So, of course I had to read them all. Each one is equally fascinating and no two are alike. A.T. Sayre is obviously a great writer and storyteller (Dare I say genius?) with a huge imagination for science, particularly physics and astronomy. Five stars for sure!

[Sam Pisciotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader's copy of Signals in the Static by A.T. Sayre and very much enjoyed reading these short stories. Sayre gives us an assortment of tales both previously published and new to this collection. Most of these stories are science fiction that lean into the science, but some stories veer into fantasy as well. I found the mix to be satisfying and the collection kept me reading. My favorites included the opening story “Rover,” the intriguing mystery found in “Giant,” and the fascinating tale of death and rebirth told in “I’m Not Robert.”

Sayre creates interesting situations to drop us into, and he knows how to keep the tension high and the story moving forward. I found many of these short stories thought-provoking and centered around interesting characters in unusual situations. This is definitely a short story collection worth reading.

[Maria Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of speculative fiction stories, the kinds of tales that make your heart ache and your mind stretch. All the stories are good, but for a fan of Mars and robots, the story of that lonely but determined Mars rover will definitely linger.

[Sonja Ryst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and tightly crafted and imaginative book, with excellent pacing. Anyone who loves the Harlan Ellison crowd will love this one.