Perimeter

by Will McIntosh

A chilling new short story from Hugo Award winner Will McIntosh.
The settlers of Cyan have not ventured far beyond the perimeter fence that keeps the planet's strange creatures at bay. But one unlucky woman is about to find out what lies beyond...
Word Count 7,109

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fiction

ebook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Will McIntosh is a Hugo Award-winning science fiction author, and a winner or finalist of many other awards. His alien invasion novel Defenders, is currently optioned for a feature film, while his Middle Grades novel The Classmate has been optioned for a TV series by Disney/ABC.

Along with ten novels that have been translated into nine different languages, Will has published over sixty short stories in magazines such as Asimov's Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Lightspeed.

Will was a psychology professor before turning to writing full time. He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is the father of twins. You can follow him on Twitter @willmcintoshSF.

Reviews

[Kate♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5stars

This could have been 5 stars if it wasn't literally THIRTY PAGES. Such a fascinating idea.

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay.

Our MC, Phillipa, appears to have fallen into a multi-generational colony spaceship while trying to climb into a New Adult novel. She was damn near unendurable at the beginning.

"Phillipa clapped her hand over her mouth to partially muffle a terrified squeal . . . Phillipa cried for help in an airy whimper. She was quivering uncontrollably, drenched with sweat and sobbing."

Grow a uterus and get with the program, alien-world-colonist-woman.

It did pick up eventually. Thank fuck. Read more like a first draft writing exercise than a finished story. Will check out more from this author.

[Veronica DelaCruz-Araki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang it! Wish it was a full length book instead of a short story. I want to know what happens next!

[Halley Hopson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Suuuuper short novella but definitely an interesting look on humans interacting with an alien species.

[sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow this was sooo entertaining and fascinating i honestly wish it was longer

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy short story about an alien parasite that latches on to a woman settler. Liked it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was creepy, interesting, and a genuinely fresh approach to what an encounter with alien life my be like.

[John Devenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent first contact short story from one of the best young SF writers working today. A unique take on alien/human interaction.

[Samantha A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a creepy little story that took off from the first sentence.

[Bob Reiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good. McIntosh is quickly becoming one of my absolute must reads. This is just a short but lots of fun. If you live sci-fi and alien invasion stories you have to read Defenders.

[Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good short story. :)

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ended way too soon, great short story. I would love to read a follow up book/series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hits the ground running. I'm looking forward to reading more from Mr. McIntosh.

[Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fantastic short story. starts with no preamble and just rushes headlong into scifi horror.