Broken Horizons

by Juan Venegas

What if an AI took over the world to guarantee everyone’s happiness but control your every move? What if a mischievous devil saved all your commuting time and gave it back to you at the end of your life? What if a mysterious pandemic forced everyone to stay closer than six feet from each other? It might all end up in tragedy, bliss, or just pure awkwardness.

Broken Horizons brings you fifteen short sci-fi stories about utopia, dystopia, and every scenario in between. Enter a world of mind-bending time travel, meditating robots, and mutations that turn people into the best meal you could ever have. Discover how futuristic technologies and natural disasters awaken our sharpest thoughts, darkest feelings, and bravest actions.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

Juan obtained his PhD in physics from Edinburgh University in 2013. But don’t worry—he soon realized his mistake and started writing film scripts.

He went on to create short films like Elle, Blind Justice, and Siguiente Nivel, which won multiple awards and were screened at international festivals. He also wrote others that won no awards and were utterly embarrassing. These things happen.

He turned to prose in 2017 and published numerous short stories in prominent blogs such as The Creative Cafe, The Junction, and DataDrivenInvestor. In 2022, Libros Indie published his first Spanish novel, Segunda Juventud. In 2024, CAAB Publishing released his first book in English, the anthology of short sci-fi stories Broken Horizons. His third book, The Infinite Walk, a story of young people clashing with the old traditions of Argentine tango, is just out!

Reviews

[Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Horizons is a collection of short stories by author Juan Venegas. Each story is a peek into a world that has been created for that tale. Some are futuristic, some are scary and some resemble our own world and the path we may take. Broken Horizons has some entertaining moments and some funny ones. It explores what it means to be human, what it means to be flawed, and speculates on what may be. How does the song go? "The futures not ours to see." Well, maybe this author has had a little peek but based on these stories, we can only hope not.

[Christine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology of stories by an author that has a unique perspective on the world. Every story is well crafted and sometimes has a twist to keep you on your toes. The characters are relatable, and as a reader, you can enjoy every word, live every emotion and face every obstacle alongside them. Good writing makes you want to read more, great writing makes you beg for more. Start reading, and then get yourself ready to beg.

[Suzi White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Horizons by Juan Venegas has a kick to its stories. I enjoyed some more than others, but every one was written very well. I like reading short stories as they are easy to pick up and put down when ever you wish. When I lack time I can grab a book like this and have a few moments of escapism. This array is no exception, the stories, although short, are constructed and executed with style. Easy to read but thought provoking. Enjoyable, recommended.

[Julia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant set of stories that are mostly sci-fi with a scary edge (but for the horror fans, you will not be disappointed). Even the simplest of concepts gets twisted and turned by the mind of this unique author. see more at https://simplyhonestreviews.webador.c...

[Jules Sub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing - a collection of stories that vary a great deal, it is impossible to know what genre this book would be best suited to. It has something for everyone. Stories that include A.I, devils, vampires, love, hate, dating, robots and so much more. Get a copy and find your favourite.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engrossing genre-fusing speculative stories. Black Mirror but more fun.

[Susan Middelkoop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! One more than the other, but each one will linger with me.
Looking forward to reading more by Juan Venegas, especially sci-fi/dystopian stories