L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42: Illustrated Edition Featuring the Next Generation of Science Fiction & Fantasy

by L. Ron Hubbard, Jody Lynn Nye (Editor), Ciruelo (Contributor)

The Future Is Here.

If 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything, Volume 42 asks the questions worth thinking about.

Discover the next generation of science fiction and fantasy with twelve emerging authors and three powerhouse storytellers. These unforgettable short stories deliver everything readers love—time travel, first contact, magical realism, monsters, fairy-tale twists, and pulse-pounding science fiction and fantasy—crafted to surprise, thrill, and keep you turning pages.

Dive into a time-rescue gone wrong, a beauty treatment with a terrifying side effect, a detective battling a body-hopping killer, and a homesteader uncovering a truth that rewrites Earth itself. Explore whimsical, high-stakes fantasy as a baker braves the fairy underworld; confront supernatural horror in “Ghost Dog”; and experience the emotional and ethical tension of love trapped in virtual reality in “As Long as You Both Shall Live.” Whether you’re seeking the genre-bending innovation of “Bloom Decay,” the emotional epic of “A Girl and Her Dragon,” the humor and chaos of “The Triceratops Effect,” or the visionary mystery of “Skinny-Shins,” this volume delivers standout stories readers will recommend, review, and remember.

Featuring original stories by Orson Scott Card and Nina Kiriki Hoffman.

Perfect for fans of:

Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Blake Crouch, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab, Naomi Novik, Michael Crichton, Ted Chiang, Ken Liu, and Black Mirror.

Includes:

*12 illustrated stories from emerging stars of speculative fiction
*3 bonus stories by bestselling authors
*3 articles on the craft and business of writing and illustrating from top creators

Selected from thousands of entries worldwide, Writers of the Future Volume 42 brings together a new generation of emerging authors and illustrators—your launchpad into the future of science fiction and fantasy.

Get it now.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

480 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

L. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.

Reviews

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to this anthology every year. I would love to enter the contest someday, but I’m not sure if I’d submit a story or some artwork. Maybe I’ll do both!

I could have done without Hubbard’s entry, but the other stories are more than just good. Honestly, the two standouts for me were the first two stories: “Form 14B—Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem) by Thomas K. Slee, and “Saffron and Marigolds” by Kathleen Powell. “Canary” by Brenda Posey has a really unique setting that I enjoyed. “Skinny-Shins” from Orson Scott Card kind of blew my mind, because Card once again reminds us that he is the smartest person in the room (pssst: this is why preteen Ender never, ever sounds like a kid, even if he is a genius).

I’ve now read a few of the volumes in this series, and I think this is the best of the bunch. I highly recommend picking this up if you’re into speculative fiction.

Until next year’s volume!

Thank you to NetGalley and Galaxy Press, LLC for the advance copy. All opinions are mine.

[Empress of Bookingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Food could do that. Flavors could summon a memory so strong the waking world fell away. It was the closest thing to magic a human could do.”

Saffron and Marigolds by Kathleen Powell

And perhaps that sums up another volume of Writers of the Future: wholesome food that leaves you sated, yet thirsting for more.

Writers of the Future Volume 42 is a vibrant showcase of emerging science fiction and fantasy voices, gathering twelve winning stories alongside works by established authors including Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and L. Ron Hubbard. Paired with original artwork from Illustrators of the Future winners, it becomes as much a visual feast as a literary one.

What struck me most is the range - speculative science fiction, emotionally resonant fantasy, quiet horror, satire, myth. Yet despite their variety, many of these stories seem to be in conversation with one another.

These stories ask:

What makes self? What survives loss? What futures are worth building? Can wonder coexist with critique? What does it mean to protect what is fragile?

Stories that stood out for me include:

Form 14B: Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem) by Thomas K. Slee was one of the most inventive in the collection. It's witty, sharp, and surprisingly moving. Slee asks profound questions about consciousness, identity, and what lingers after death.

Saffron and Marigolds by Kathleen Powell was pure delight. One of the anthology’s warmest stories, it blends folklore, food, memory, and everyday courage into something playful yet quietly profound. It reminded me how fantasy can be intimate as much as epic.

Bloom Decay by Elina Kumra carried shades of Orwellian unease, but felt wholly its own. A powerful dystopian meditation on surveillance, resistance, and the small rebellions that preserve personhood. This should be a whole book.

Shell Game by Zach Poulter was one of the most gripping pieces in the volume; a speculative detective story full of suspense, layered identity, and noir energy. It had me reading faster and slower at once.

Dragon Visits by Nina Kiriki Hoffman was tender and quietly haunting, using dragons not as spectacle but as vessels for grief, comfort, and memory.

And then there is A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts by Joseph Sidari, the emotional heart of the collection.This isn’t a story about slaying dragons or riding dragons. It is about growing old beside wonder, and refusing to abandon what the world calls impossible.

Structured across the arc of a life, it feels like a meditation on friendship, stewardship, mortality, and hope. It left me thinking about how some stories don’t end when you close the book, they keep breathing.

Another joy of Writers of the Future is that it is also an anthology about making art. Essays and advice are included by pros in the industry offering mentorship alongside imagination, making the volume feel like both a collection and a creative companion.

This anthology delivers imaginative storytelling, striking artwork, and practical inspiration for writers and artists. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy, as well as anyone interested in the future of genre literature. The book's blend of creativity, mentorship, and global talent makes it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

[Khushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers of the volume Is a scifin fantasy with a collection of award-winning science fiction and fantasy stories from the 2026 international contest and the illustrations included in the book make the experience even better.These illustrations adso much depth and atmosphere to the stories and makes the reading experience more enjoyable.

Some stories from the book

This book covers a wide range of subgenres, from bureaucratic satire to paranormal noir. Some stories are:

• "In Living Color" by Michael T. Kuester: A thriller filled with tension and is about a man who can walk through images to solve murders, only to find himself being hunted.

• "Form 14B: Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem)" by Thomas K. Slee:this story features a man who manages his lawyer from a tube after death follows a A bureaucratic satire.

• "Saffron and Marigolds" by Kathleen Powell: Here a pacifist baker falls in love with his fairy kindnapper its a fantasy story.

• "Shell Game" by Zach Poulter: A noir thriller involving "shells" human hosts controlled by aliens.

• "Canary" by Brenda Posey: A sci-fi tale with slow-burn set in Arkansas where the seasons and time have become impossible.

• "The Triceratops Effect" by S.J. Stevenson: a story of an agent’s last attempt to protect the last triceratops from his boss.

• "A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts" by Joseph Sidari: A story about a girls journey on meditation on longing and growth as her life unfolds in the shadow of a captive dragon.

What I loved in this book is how unique and interesting the writing felt while reading the whole book. In the book there are some short stories which fast-paced with action while some are emotionally written and deeply impactful at the same time. It’s the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy.

This is the genre combination that i don’t usually read, but I absolutely loved it.

[quillsandpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Writers of the Future Vol. 42. This was such a fun ride. One minute, I was dealing with time travel disasters; the next, having existential identity crises. 😭

But CAN we talk about the ART included inside?? Because the illustrations absolutely elevated the experience.

What I loved most was how fresh everything felt. You can really tell this collection is about celebrating new voices in speculative fiction, and some of these stories genuinely left me sitting there like: “okay… but what if that actually happened?” 👁️

If you love sci-fi that makes your brain spiral a little, fantasy with heart, weird concepts, creepy vibes, and stories you can finish in one sitting but think about for days… this one’s worth picking up. ✨

[A M Van Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read another issue cover to cover like this. The art is fantastic. The attention to detail comes across even on my iPad. I enjoyed the stories, Form 14B and Dragon Visits are my favorites. Short story anthologies are a great way to find new favorite authors and sub-genres.

#LRonHubbardPresentsWritersoftheFutureVolume42 #NetGalley
Thank you to Books Go Social for the ARC.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe I didn’t know that this yearly anthology existed! I’m seriously impressed by all the short stories’ quality and depth, enhanced by the beautiful and equally impressive illustrations. These are stories from emerging authors and illustrators that have won their place into the anthology as best new sci-fi & fantasy short stories and illustrations of the year.

I had high hopes after seeing that this yearly anthology is presented by none other than L. Ron Hubbard, and those hopes were definitely met!
I was surprised to see horror entries in addition to sci-fi and fantasy, with a couple on the more cyberpunk side, one of my favourite subgenres. There are also some essays that were very interesting, but that would be helpful for those wanting to become writers or illustrators.

I read and listened to the audiobook in tandem, and the various narrators were very good at bringing the stories to life, whilst the illustrations in the written version brought the stories closer to the reader. The styles in which they are written are also varied, ensuring the reader is continuously entertained.

I have some favourite stories, but it was honestly difficult to pick them because the quality is truly high. What amazes me is the originality of these tales and the unique voices in which they are told. I must add that, whilst most of the stories are from this year’s winners, a few others are from well known authors like L. Ron Hubbard, Orson Scott Card and Nina Kiriki Hoffman, a clear indication that you should add it to your reading list.

I’m unable to summarise what’s in the stories clearly due to their variety, but you can expect dragons, virtual reality, a cyberpunk noir, body horror with an underlying feminist social commentary, subtle subversive acts against the status quo, and more. You won’t regret picking this one up!

Thanks to Bookinfluencers.com for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[readingwithloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 42 volume of writers to the future. If you are like me and want to read sci-fi and fantasy, but short stories and not one massive book. This is definitely a book for you.

L. Ron Hubbard, introduces the works of this book, as a competition that is held to help show the latest of talented authors from all over the world. That's right, you heard me, all over the world!.
She mentions many authors who are well known today, who have taken part in this , such as Brandon Sanderson 👀. Yep you read that right.

This book is a collection of 12 amazing stories written by 12 amazing upcoming authors who are honestly so talented and have such captivating writing styles and the plots, Argh they are just French kisses.
Not only are there 12 amazing talented authors , but they are also 12 extremely, highly talented illustration artists who just aided in bringing the author's short stories to life with their amazing work. I absolutely loved the picture while reading this. It was such a great experience and really helped to turn the words into an image to see.

These short stories were so fast paced and well written from the captivating start to the story till the very end. It was Abit said that I couldn't have more of the author's work. But hopefully in the future we will be able to see their books out in the world.

This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who wants short stories and illustrations for those quick palate cleansers and does not want to be committed to a whole story.

Thank you @bookinfluencer for having me on this campaign

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a contest I would like to participate in one day as an artist-illustrator, but it also has an author.

Mainly Sci & Fantasy with also Horror and hints of mystery and thriller.

5 stars 🌟
I love jumping into this anthology to get a glimpse of future masters of sci-fi literature. Names like Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss among others won and participated in this contest making it a huge first step in their careers.

I love Dan Dos Santos' art and he is one of the illustration judges.

This is a L. Ron Hubbard contest, but as many other things, other authors and illustrators have taken over and run successful contests and workshops for creatives who dare to get critiques and improve.

This year we have the classics fae, dragons, time travel, but also focus on memory, statistics anomalies, algorithms, aliens, end of worlds, triceratops... and more.


The audiobook has different narrators for the different stories.

I love the warnings to keep originality, character and refuse to use AI.

Apart from the 15 stories we have interludes with critical and usually insightful tips that always motivate me to think maybe next year I'll participate in every quarter and one day Orbit or Tor will have me.

[Rex Gutiérrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to read new sci-fi and fantasy stories, specially by new authors. I was pleasantly surprised when this anthology of new fiction short stories got me so invested, mainly for the variety of topics. I was reading until late at night, smiling, in shock, laughing and even worried at times, trying to figure out what would happen next!

The scientific turns and fantastical tales made me question where our society is going and the uses new technology will have in the future. It’s both scary and exciting. But creativity and suspense interlaced with nostalgic storytelling are what made this anthology of 12 stories such a powerful and meaningful book.

From dragons and magical creatures, to humans with special abilities, a touch of horror and technology that can make us live forever or even be transferred to other bodies, I get why these authors and stories where selected as the best of the year by bestselling authors Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, and others.

The cherry on top were the illustrations in full color on each story by winners of the Illustrators of the Future contest. It’s like jumping directly on the authors mind, incredible! Additionally, there are 3 articles of writing and artist advice for those aspiring to make a path for themself, which I believe are really useful and insightful even just for the readers.

If you want to start reading science fiction or fantasy, this world be a good place to start. Or if you’re looking for your next read, without a doubt I recommend you pick this one.

[Amal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story was so unique and different from the others, and I genuinely had fun reading every chapter. I didn’t feel bored even for a second because every story touched on something different emotions, mystery, humanity, and imaginative science fiction elements.

I especially loved how strongly I could feel the emotions while imagining the worlds I was reading about. The writing made everything feel vivid and real.

My favorite story was “Bloom Decay,” and my favorite character was Theodore. I loved how realistic he felt. The way he held onto courage and protected creativity in such a controlled world was honestly amazing to read.

I think the book beautifully showed how humanity is shaped by emotions, memories, relationships, and creativity not just technology and power. It also highlighted themes like valuing individuality, questioning systems, standing up for yourself, compassion, and hope.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun yet powerful, emotional, and creative read filled with imaginative worlds and meaningful ideas.

[jlreadstoperpetuity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writers of the Future Volume 42 brings together fifteen short stories that explore different corners of sci-fi and fantasy.. from characters dealing with advanced tech and shifting realities to encounters with alien life and more traditional fantasy elements like dragons and magic. Some stories lean more into big concepts, while others focus on quieter, more personal moments, so the collection covers a wide range of tones and styles.

Reading this feels like jumping between completely different worlds every few pages. One story might focus on a strange technological concept or identity shift, while the next leans into something more emotional or atmospheric. I liked that constant reset because it keeps things fresh, though it also means not every story will land the same way depending on your taste. Overall, it works because there’s always another idea waiting right after, making it feel like a showcase of different voices and approaches to speculative fiction.

🚀 Sci-fi and fantasy anthology
🌌 Wide range of speculative concepts
🧠 Idea-driven storytelling
👽 Alien encounters and strange worlds
🐉 Classic and modern fantasy elements
📚 Showcase of emerging writers

[Once Upon a Maltese Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Bookstagrammers,

Trust you are well and in good health.

Writers of the Future Vol 42 is a vibrant showcase of emerging speculative fiction, blending imaginative worldbuilding with fresh narrative voices. Each story feels distinct, yet collectively they highlight the boundless creativity shaping the future of sci-fi and fantasy. From thought-provoking dystopias to hopeful, character-driven tales, the anthology keeps a steady pace that makes it easy to dip in and out while still feeling cohesive.

What stands out most is the sense of discovery. The new authors taking risks, experimenting with style, and delivering memorable twists. While not every story hits the same high note, the variety ensures there’s something that resonates with every reader. It’s an inspiring collection that reminds you why short fiction matters and why new voices deserve attention.

[Sally Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to start with the aspect that the artists and authors in the book are carefully selected and their bios are a lead into the 'tales" they tell. 
I wanted to be able to pick a favorite story and illustration, but could not. As I kept reading, I found that I liked each one for a different reason. The illustrations really represented the stories. The stories are well thought out, characters are fleshed out, the stories drew me in.

The authors describing writing techniques and philosophies make sense. The contest and how the judges, illustrations, and stories are selected are explained clearly. I even recommended a friend to enter the contest.  This is another great edition. Don't miss the opportunity to read this edition.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my fourth review of the annual Writers of the Future collection, and I think I’m starting to get the hang of things. By that I mean sussing out the themes of the year’s collection. It’s not that the collection starts out having a theme – because it doesn’t. These stories were the top three in each of the quarterly Writers of the Future contests last year. But this is a Fantasy and Science Fiction collection, all of whose stories were written or at least finalized during roughly the same time period.

The world, as always, is with us, and the stories tend to speak to something about their present moment. Something that is true in this collection as well.

Among this year’s winners, there are several stories that successfully combine science fiction with mystery, particularly mystery of the hard-boiled noir school. I’m not sure whether the number of these stories in the collection means anything more than just that SF/mystery is having a moment – which it is – but I’m delighted either way. Time travel and its consequences are more widely represented this year than they have been at least in the last few collections. While this year’s collection is more weighted towards SF, there are several standout fantasy stories so there’s plenty here for every reader of short-form SF and Fantasy to love.

As I said in previous years’ review, and I’ll repeat it because it’s still absolutely true, as with most collections, there were a couple of stories that just didn’t work for me, but for the most part the stories worked and worked well. I’d be thrilled to see more work from all of these award-winning authors.

While I will do some very fudgy math at the end to come up with an overall rating for the collection, that’s not fair to the individual stories, so I have brief thoughts of a review type and a rating for each of those new, individual stories so you can see which ones were the best of the best – at least in one reviewer’s humble opinion.

“Form 14B: Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem)” by Thomas Slee, illustrated by Art Ikuta
This didn’t go quite where I thought it would go. I thought it was going the same place as Scalzi’s “3 Days, 9 Months, 27 Years” in being a story about the bureaucratic red tape that is likely to surround the most SFnal of future possibilities when they intersect with humans. Instead, OTOH it’s a story about potential fraud, and OTOH, and much more importantly, it’s a story about a real, true, honest-to-paperwork possibility of a fresh start provided by a tired but still vigilant bureaucrat. And it’s a redemption story, even if that redemption comes secondhand. Escape Rating A-

“Saffron and Marigolds” by Kathleen Powell, illustrated by Bafu
A human, a fairy, and a dragon. It sounds like the start of a really cute story – and it could have gone that way but is better because it doesn’t. It’s a story about love (not just romantic love), a story about wanting, and a story about wishes that really do have power, especially in the sense of the kind of power that corrupts until it becomes absolute and absolutely corrupting.

Arthur’s life was saved – and damned – when he baked a gingerbread cake that the fae king coveted so much that he sent his best agent to kidnap Arthur. Only she refused, leaving Arthur and her pet dragon while she did her damndest to work off her debt to a fae king who was NEVER going to free her. Arthur – and Wandley the dragon – decide to fix that all by themselves, and find a way to get the fairy Menura out from under her debt for all their sakes. This could have been a slight and simple story about the power of friendship, but the deeper it – and Wandley – got into the faery Underearth, the better and more powerful the story became. Escape Rating A

“Bloom Decay” by Elina Kumra, illustrated by Tray Streeter
In the end, this one reminded me of Thomas Ha’s Hugo nominated novelette, The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video, mixed with a whole lot about the way that “the algorithm” narrows our individual worlds by ‘optimizing’ what we see and hear, whether that’s in service of following our own preferences and predilections, in service of optimizing profit that can be raised from us in the marketplace, or in service of the prevailing winds of government or merely the status quo.

It begins by focusing on the homogenization of art through the packaging of artists and creators, then it expands outward into the world that serves, the company that promotes it and profits from it, and then turns its eye inside out to bring those who fight against it from the shadows. Not that they fight through weapons of war, but that they resist the dying of the light of creativity by protecting those who hold its spirit. The story was utterly human, totally thought provoking, and overwhelmingly beautiful. Escape Rating A+

“Shell Game” by Zach Poulter, illustrated by Tracy Eire
This has the gritty noir sensibilities of John Scalzi’s Dispatcher series. The central concept is that there are beings among us who are more than human, who are able to wear ordinary humans as meat-suits. It’s not that gruesome, except when it is. Because those with the ability dip into our minds see the world through our eyes for just a little bit at a time – except when they take over. But they are human in the worst ways, in that some of them get greedy for power and money and ‘clients’ and experiences so they muscle in on each other’s territories – meaning us – to take what they want.

In the end, like the Dispatcher series, this is also an SFnal noir mystery series, in that one ordinary human cop joins forces with one of these beings in order to stop a killer of both kinds of ‘people’ and they form an alliance. It might be the start of a beautiful friendship. But it makes for a fascinating story even if it isn’t. Escape Rating A-

“Canary” by Brenda Posey, illustrated by Roddy Taylor
This was interesting. I’m on the horns of the dilemma that it was a good story but it just didn’t grab me personally. The idea that someone would want to live ‘off grid’, especially in the midst of an ever-worsening climate apocalypse, has been done. That she’s so aggressive about being alone, also seems sensible. That an alien race would preserve humanity as an experiment is even plausible – and in some senses has been done and reminds me a bit of And Side by Side They Wander. I do love that she worked out a deal with the aliens that preserved both her choices AND still saved humanity. But it just didn’t gel for me and I think it’s a me thing. A good story but not a fave. Escape Rating B

“The Triceratops Effect” by S.J. Stevenson, illustrated by Art Ikuta
This was just fun. Also a bit sad in its way. It combines bits of Parker’s Making History, Boy with Accidental Dinosaur, Kaiju Preservation Society, Extremity by Nicholas Binge and pretty much every story about time travel, causality and human nature’s tendency to fuck up whatever it touches.

In the same way – but opposite – that I could see that Canary was a good story but it didn’t work for me, “The Triceratops Effect” just plain worked for me BECAUSE it carried so many elements of those other stories, all of which I enjoyed for either their very charismatic megafauna or the way they played around with time travel and its inevitable consequences. It’s hard to go wrong with a dinosaur story. Escape Rating A

“A Ready-Made Bubble of Light” by Thomas Rudolf Eggenberger, illustrated by Haotian Allen Zhang
This one was just plain weird. I mean really weird. Or it didn’t work for me. Or it’s so busy trying to be mysterious that it turns out to be impenetrable. Or all of the above.

The idea is very solidly SF, and in a peculiar way it’s similar to “The Triceratops Effect” – it just doesn’t work as well. It’s also very noir in the way that “Shell Game” is noir. The idea, and we’re back to “Triceratops” again, is that humans have figured out how to play with time travel and have broken causality. But differently, because in this case they’re breaking time and causality and putting time out of sync in the process – kind of like the way that long-haul space travel at near the speed of light takes the traveler out of sync with their time. Except that’s a universal constant while in this story the lack of sync is not. To the point where it’s going to break the universe. And, much like climate change, which it’s a stand in for, no one is going to believe it’s happening until it’s too late to fix – only with universe spanning consequences.

But that story is wrapped in a story about a mega-corporation playing with the time travel mechanisms in order to understand and then break them, as the story gets told to two time technicians who KNOW a crime has been committed but don’t believe in the justification, which might not be right in the first place. Escape Rating C because this one got to be a slog long before it ended.

“Thickly” by Dorothy de Kok, illustrated by Tracy Eire
I think this story works on two levels. From one perspective, it’s about the beauty industry, and the way it convinces women that they are not “beautiful” enough to be worthy of happiness or a successful future or marriage or all of the above. Local standards of beauty may vary, but the concept itself is unfortunately universal.

And on the other hand, and much more SFnal, is that this is a story about women taking up more space in the world, about being seen, and about refusing to suppress their own voices. But the way that happens is through questionable pharmaceuticals that, at least on the surface, seem to be ‘improving’ the women but in truth is turning them into more popularly acceptable versions while reducing their original selves to ghosts on the fringes of what used to be their own lives.

This is a story that you think about a LOT after it’s finished because the implications can be taken in multiple ways and they’re all chilling. Escape Rating B+

“Ghost Dog” by Mark McWaters, illustrated by Anna Malone c2026
I loved this one because it pulled at my heartstrings really hard, and if you’ve loved and lost companion animals over the years it will yours too. On the surface, it’s a story about a haunting, along with more than a bit of a good ‘old skool’ paranormal romance. But the ghost doing the haunting isn’t human, it’s a spectral hellhound who wants to horn in on the beautiful relationship between tiny, fierce Bentley, a cute little Westie, and Mark, a human who has loved each and every one of his best dogs over the years with a fierce and wonderful affection. When the hellhound breaks in, it’s not just the little Westie that protects his person, it’s the ghosts of all the dogs who have come before him, just waiting for the chance to save their mutual best friend, beat off the interloper, and help their person get his happy ever after. Escape Rating A+ and be prepared for the dust in your eyes at the end.

“In Living Color” by Michael Thomas Kuester, illustrated by Nathan Deiwert
This is definitely noir in the same vein as another entry in the collection, “Shell Game”. It’s a police procedural investigation into a serial killer, but set in a world where ‘Talents’ are on the rise. In this particular case, it’s centered around a ‘Talent’ who helps the police with his psychometry. He can see the past of what he touches through pictures. He’s touched pictures of multiple crime scenes drenched in blood like ink with a killer who is a complete emotional and psychological void at their center. The reluctant investigator and the gleeful killer circle around each other, manifesting opposing aspects of the same Talent, until a chance encounter puts them in each other’s path for one brief and decisive moment. Escape Rating A: if you like SF mysteries, and I do, this one is terrific.

“As Long as You Both Shall Live” by Michael Strickland, illustrated by Karah Richardson
Coming close to the end of the collection, this story made me realize that there are no robots or artificial intelligence stories in the collection at all. That’s neither a good or a bad thing, more a comment on how commonplace AI stories have become in real life that they might be too ‘real’ to be SF. This story is the closest, although it’s not an AI story. It’s a story about living in a completely AI constructed world, and what that means for the humans who are living within it. It’s also a romance, but the romantic aspects made the story surprisingly predictable and made the story a bit lighter, in multiple ways, than most of the collection. A fun read but not all that deep. Escape Rating B

“A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts” by Joseph Sidari, illustrated by Josie Moore
This one, on the other hand, went very deep, was very nearly heartbreaking, and yet still managed to pull a light and happy ending out of a whole lot of angst. It’s a bit of alternate history, in that it takes place in our world, even in our time period, but a world where dragons and other magical creatures not only exist but have long and storied true histories.

But it’s also VERY much our world in the way that humans are gonna human – and be litigious – especially towards large, predatory animals that might be dangerous. So the last dragon is chained in the Bronx Zoo for decades, his only champion one young girl who believes in his magic and campaigns her entire life to get poor Ash unchained. It’s told from her perspective in a series of letters and letters to the editor of various newspapers and newspaper reports and ‘tweets’ and other social media posts. But the message is one that no one wants to hear because the powers-that-be have decided that Ash is dangerous and that he might hurt someone and that he needs to be chained for everyone else’s own good even if it is literally killing him. Which is when his lone champion, looking at the waning years of her own life, decides to stage a jailbreak – and find the land of Honah Lee that she’s been searching for all of her life. Escape Rating A+ and a fitting end to the collection.

Escape Rating A- for the collection as a whole, which fits as well as it did in previous years because I really do escape into these collections. Mostly one or two stories at a time – or an evening – because the whole thing is a lot. Generally delicious, but still a lot. I keep having a grand time with these collections, even though there are always one or two that don’t quite work because that’s the nature of the beast.

What it does mean is that I’ll be back next year with the 43rd volume in the series, with expectations of another collection of great stories that I expect to be fulfilled!

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Pop Glam Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there isn't a single unifying theme, the variety of stories and artistic styles is what makes this anthology stand out.

This anthology includes stories from the following 12 authors from the Future International Writers' Program: Thomas K. Slee, Kathleen Powell, Elina Kumra, Zach Poulter, Brenda Posey, S.J. Stevenson, Thomas R. Eggenberger, Dorothy De Kok, Mark McWaters, Michael T. Kuester, Mike Strickland, and Joseph Sidari

It also includes illustrations from the following 12 illustrators from the Future International Illustrators' Program: Art Ikuta, Bafu, Tray Streeter, Haileigh Enriquez, Tracy Eire, Roddy Taylor, Ciruelo Cabral, Haotian Allen Zhang, Tracy Eire, Anna Malone, April Solomon, Nathan Deiwert, Karah Richardson, and Josie Moore.

Three short stories from: L. Ron Hubbard, Orson Scott Card, and Nina Kiriki Hoffman.

And three essays from: L. Ron Hubbard, Brian C. Hailes, and Larry Niven.

The art featured in this anthology was magnificent and so unique and varied. One of my favorite illustrations was also the cover illustration by Ciruelo Cabral entitled "The Fire Tribe". Another favorite was "Dragon Visits" by April Solomon. The talent of all of the artists featured in this anthology stunned me and left me moved.

The stories featured in this anthology range from imaginative to thought-provoking, with some pushing into more surreal and mind-bending territory. As with most anthologies, there are stories that resonated stronger than others for me, however I enjoyed this anthology and the mixture that made up its stories and illustrations.

One of the standout essays, "Artistic Presentation" by L. Ron Hubbard encourages the reader to think about the society we live in and the impact of automation on our lives. Hubbard emphasis the way society encourages to use the least amount effort in everything we do. However, art is not easy; It requires effort. In a world full of Artificial Intelligence and mainstreaming processes to the point of eliminating human interaction, this essay leaves the reader deep in thought. And the human element should not be lost.

I also loved the short story "Dragon Visits" by Nina Kiriki Hoffman paired with the illustration by April Solomon. This story had me feeling the music and emotion and asking Siri to play the referenced music so that I could hear it as well as feel it. The story and illustration paired perfectly together and left me fully immersed in the art produced by the two talents.

This anthology feels like a showcase of emerging talent across sci-fi and fantasy. I found myself drawn in by the creativity and range, and I'm curious to see where many of these authors and artists go next.

[Grant Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Galaxy Press have produced an excellent anthology of short speculative fiction in Writers of the Future Volume 42. Twelve short stories by new aspiring authors who entered the writing competition and as winners were chosen to be part of this wonderful book. The stories are accompanied by amazing illustrations throughout, again winners of the Illustrators competition.
The illustrations representing each story are for me an added bonus, as the artwork throughout is simply stunning capturing the essence of the stories they characterise.
The Writers of the Future anthologies are a great way to find new Sci-Fi and Fantasy authors. This book is without a doubt a wonderful read from the first story, Form 14B Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post Mortem) to the last A girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts, and there is something in these pages for everyone to enjoy, mystery, fantasy, space, aliens, dinosaurs and dragons being a few. This variety kept me constantly engaged, as each story introduced new themes, weird little twists and moral dilemmas.
There is also a short story by L Ron Hubbard written in the summer of 1941 called Space Can that gives an insight into a future battle in space, a notable read indeed.
Of course there were stories that I liked a little better than others, but that is completely understandable when reading so many different engaging prose in a short time. In future when reading another anthology from Galaxy Press I will take it at a slower pace in order to fully comprehend what each new author has achieved in their marvellous speculative stories.
This collection of short stories displays originality and motivation. Writers of the Future Volume 42 is certainly ideal for readers who enjoy exploring different perspectives within speculative fiction and are open to discovering new authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling collection of enthralling stories and accompanying artwork, and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending it as a fantastic and a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

[Danelle Clavelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and now I want to read about more evil fairy ex-girlfriends🧚🏼‍♀️

This is a fun anthology and I loved that it features a wide variety of authors, short stories, and illustrators! There’s something for everyone here - faeries, fantasy, horror, mystery, detectives, space, aliens, dinosaurs, ghosts, and dragons! It’s a diverse collection of many Sci-Fi and Fantasy subgenres.

The Writers of the Future anthologies are a great way to find new Sci-Fi and Fantasy authors. The stories from established authors are always good, but I especially enjoy reading the stories from authors I’m not familiar with to see if I like their writing and want to read more of their work.

My favorite part of this anthology was the words of wisdom and writing advice from both the new and established authors. I find the insight into the industry and making a career out of writing both valuable and really interesting.

“Saffron and Marigolds” by Kathleen Powell was incredibly funny and engaging, it made me laugh out loud and want to read more about evil ex-girlfriend fairies.

The illustrations for each story were a wonderful added bonus! I love seeing art included directly in the book and the artwork was very well done. It elevated my reading experience and I think it’s so fun to see illustrations that not only capture the short story it was made for but also remind me of other books I love too.

My favorite illustrations were:

· Roddy Taylor – Canary
· Ciruelo Cabral - The Fire Tribe
· Anna Malone - Ghost Dog


Overall, a fun, easy read and a great way to explore more authors and stories in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre!

Thank you to Books Go Social and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Atlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Galaxy Press for the gifted copy of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42: Illustrated Edition Featuring the Next Generation of Science Fiction & Fantasy.

This was such a fun mix of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, weird little twists, and big imaginative ideas. Anthologies can be hit or miss for me, but this one had enough variety that I kept finding something new to appreciate.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really liked how much range there was here. Some stories felt emotional, some were strange, some were more adventurous, and some leaned into that eerie speculative “wait, what is happening?” feeling. It’s also a great way to discover newer voices, which honestly might be my favorite part of collections like this.

The illustrations were a major highlight too. They didn’t feel randomly added, they actually matched the tone of the stories and made the whole edition feel more complete.

What I Loved
• The variety of genres and story styles
• The artwork, which added so much atmosphere
• Getting to sample new and emerging speculative fiction voices
• The mix of emotional, strange, and high-concept stories
• The behind-the-scenes writing and illustration pieces

What Didn’t Work for Me
• Like most anthologies, some stories stood out more than others
• A few pieces took longer to pull me in
• The collection has a lot going on, so it’s better read slowly than rushed

Overall, this is a strong anthology for readers who like speculative fiction in all its forms. It’s creative, visually engaging, and full of stories that show just how wide sci-fi and fantasy can really be.

[Taylor Hathcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed the stories in this collection. Some of them were absolutely phenomenal and a few I just couldn’t connect with.

Form 14B: I enjoyed the writing style on this one and thought the consciousness element was rather intriguing.

Saffron and Marigolds: I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style on this one. I felt like information just kept getting thrown at me. I didn’t really connect with this story.

Bloom Decay: I’m just gonna say it I had no idea what was happening for most of this one. I wasn’t invested and was glad when it was over.

Space Can: I felt like this one was just okay.

Shell Game: I was actually really into this one. I think it was an interesting premise. The writing was engaging if a bit confusing at times.

Canary: I mean she wants to be left alone to her slice of life even if she’s the only human in existence… relatable.

The Triceratops Effect: I think this one was engaging and had some funny moments. It was a cool story.

Skinny-Shins: I think this was one of my least favorite stories honestly.

A Ready Made Bubble of Light: I think this suffered from me being burnt out on the story beforehand.

Thickly: I actually thought the concept to this one was really interesting.

Ghost Dog: I didn’t get into this one.

Dragon Visits: Couldn’t get into this one either.

As Long as You Both Shall Live: Okay this one was short but super cute. I really liked the premise and the writing.

A Girl and Her Dragon: I think this one might have been my second favorite. It was an interesting writing style as it was told through snippets of things and covered random points of one life. It was just super cool.

[bubbleswrapherbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫 my review

i always find myself looking forward to this anthology, and now with writers of the future volume 42, i’m reminded again why i love it so much. i’ve read from previous volumes before, but this one feels extra special to me. i received my copy just a few days ago, started reading immediately, and i honestly couldn’t stop. i ended up finishing it because it was just that engaging.

what stood out to me is how each story feels unique but still connected through creativity and emotion. some stories are soft and reflective, the kind that quietly stays with you. others are imaginative and thought-provoking, exploring identity, choices, and human experiences even in futuristic or fantastical worlds. i really loved the stories that feel a bit melancholic and meaningful—they’re the ones i naturally connect with.

but what i loved the most are the illustrations. they are absolutely stunning. the one with the woman surrounded by flowers and the image of the man with the dragon—my jaw literally dropped. i was in awe. they’re so beautiful and powerful, and they made the stories feel even more alive and magical.

i also appreciate how the book highlights new voices. it feels inspiring to see emerging writers and artists share their work in such a big way. plus, the mix of stories and creative advice makes the experience even more special, especially for readers who dream of writing someday.

this book feels imaginative, heartfelt, and inspiring. it’s the kind of read that pulls you in and reminds you how powerful storytelling can be. 🤍📚

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review : " Writers of the Future Volume 42 " by L. Ron Hubbard
🚀
Writers of the Future Vol 42 is a great collection of stories. Each story is different and gives you something new to read from start to finish. No two stories are alike, with different settings, subjects, and issues addressed, this is a collection of fresh material.
🚀
What makes this anthology so special to me is that it has a lot of original thought and creativity, as well as an emotional core to many of the stories. Some of the stories have a reflective and sad nature to them and look at things like identity, mourning, and humanity. Other stories are pure action, horror, humour, and speculative concepts.
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Some of the more recurrent themes run from technological domination through élan, to loss and morality. Each theme has been interpreted in a very imaginative way, and although set in the future, they are also human.
🚀
The illustrations in Writers of the Future Vol 42 are all beautiful and contribute to making the whole experience of reading these stories much better. Each of the illustrations brings a unique atmosphere to the stories (e.g., dragons, futuristic cities).
🚀
Writers of the Future Vol 42 highlights a number of emerging writers and illustrators with a high level of originality and ambition. Consequently, it contains insightful essays and some creatively-sourced excerpts which will inspire future generations of writers/illustrators.
🚀
Imaginative, diverse, and emotionally rich, Writers of the Future Vol. 42 is an outstanding anthology for fans of speculative fiction.

[Hunter Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology, from start to finish! It has a good mix of everything within fantasy, science fiction, and light horror. I received an Advance Reader Copy. Because of the genre mix, I was naturally more drawn to some stories than others. Here were my favorites:

* Form 14B: Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem): This had a great twist on life after death, and what constitutes being alive. Had an unexpected twist.
* Shell Game: A hardboiled detective meets a mystery with a body-hopper out for blood. Lots of twists and turns.
* The Triceratops Effect: A team of time traveling construction workers finds out what REALLY happened to the dinosaurs--and gets to meet one.
* Ghost Dog: It's a . . . ghost dog haunting a man's living dog. By the end, I was crying because the resolution was so sweet. Had heart in spades.
* In Living Color: A police department consultant solves murders using photographs. Blends gritty and deeply human emotions on the way to catching the killer.
* Artistic Collaboration & bio notes: not a story but an essay on ethical use of artistic "shortcuts." It discussed the ethics of being efficient vs learning to do something yourself so you develop your skills.

I didn't connect strongly with every story, but even those ones were well-written and well-edited. Maybe someone else's cup of tea. Will read next year's anthology.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

I keep finding myself so impressed by this collection of stories and artwork. The level of detail and world-building each author achieves in this collection, and the way they hook readers so quickly, showcase a compelling understanding of these genres and the powerful themes they represent. The depth of emotion and brilliant characters these stories bring to life will have readers eagerly seeking more from each author.

The balance of story and artwork always leads me to choose a personal favorite, and my favorite story and matching artwork were Bloom Decay by Elina Kumra, illustrated by Tray Strreeter. The contrast between the beautiful artwork and the cold, machine-like, skewed worldview the story takes as art and human connection, filtered through a metric lens, was so in-depth, and the way the story makes readers question how they view the world now is what made this story so remarkable.

The Verdict

Enthralling, memorable, and compelling, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42: Illustrated Edition Featuring the Next Generation of Science Fiction & Fantasy” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy anthology. The depth of themes and strong character development in each story, along with the beautiful artwork, make this another thrilling collection in this series that readers won’t be able to put down.

[BooksHub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than following a single narrative, the book offers multiple worlds. For instance, one story explores a post-mortem digital existence where identity is reduced to data and dependence, while another examines humanity’s ethical conflicts through a time-travel mission involving endangered dinosaurs. This variety keeps the reader constantly engaged, as each story introduces fresh ideas, settings, and moral dilemmas.

Many stories go beyond surface-level adventure to explore complex issues such as technological control, creativity, loss, and moral conflict. In Bloom Decay, for example, the narrative reflects on surveillance, corporate influence, and the tension between human authenticity and algorithmic control. Similarly, other pieces touch on grief and emotional healing, showing how speculative fiction can mirror real human struggles.

The writing styles vary from poetic and introspective to fast-paced and dialogue-driven yet they collectively highlight the creativity of new writers. This collection as a whole showcases originality and ambition. Writers of the Future Volume 42 is ideal for readers who enjoy exploring different perspectives within speculative fiction and are open to discovering fresh voices.

[Cray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galaxy Press Inc. has stepped it up with Writers of the Future, volume 42. I have been reading these books for a few years now, and while all of them were enjoyable, this volume was my favorite. From its eye-catching illustrations to unconventional stories, it offers timeless entertainment.

I had a tough time picking my three favorites from the winners, but here they are.

Thickly by Dorothy de Kok offers an Ethiopian twist on the Western GLP-1 craze. It’s an ageless story of inner versus outward beauty.
Bloom Decay by Elina Kumra started slow, but it rapidly picked up and left me satisfied that the rebels could keep their creative thoughts.
In Living Color by Michael T. Kuester is not for the faint of heart and contains violence, but it had me cheering for Gus, the heroine. All I can say without a spoiler is justice served.

Between stories told in multi-media, stories of never-ending love, stories about digital storage of the human soul, stories about shifting time, stories of dragons, and stories of pesky spirits, you are bound to find one you enjoy.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often recommend anthologies to those looking for something different, a new author/series, or anyone in a reading slump. The L Ron Hubbard Presents series combines new authors mixed with some of my favorite authors. A writer's skills are put to the test when writing short stories. The story must quickly grab the reader's attention and build an entire experience in fewer pages than many chapters of a novel. I have discovered many new-to-me authors and expanded my reading genres with anthologies. They are also great for those times you have a short amount of time to read. I typically have one or two tucked in my purse, briefcase, or coat pocket. Many of the collections revolve around a common theme. This one does not; these stories were culled from many submitted. You could say they are the best of the best.

The book contains:
*12 illustrated stories from emerging stars of speculative fiction
*3 bonus stories by bestselling authors
*3 articles on the craft and business of writing and illustrating from top creators

Whether choosing for yourself or a gift for someone else, anthologies are always a great choice.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will read like my review of “Writers of the Future” Volume 41 and other previous volumes because “Writers of the Future” consistently presents great stories and illustrations, and this version is no exception. And again, I am thrilled that there are so many great new voices in SFF. Among the 12 stories by future writers, there were 10 five- or four-star stories; and among the 12 illustrations by future illustrators, there were 9 five- or four- star illustrations. My favourite story/illustration combination was “The Triceratops Effect” by S. J. Stevenson, illustrated by Art Ikuta. Of the stories by established writers, I thought “Space Can” by L. Ron Hubbard and illustrated by Haileigh Enriquez was easily the best. On the other hand, I found “Skinny-Shins” by Orson Scott Card disappointing. I also enjoyed Larry Niven’s essay, “Collaboration”. Congratulations to editor Jody Lynn Nye and art director Echo Chernik for a fabulous anthology. Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Galaxy Press Inc for the advance reader copy.

[Sachin Karnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology feels surprisingly cohesive despite covering a wide range of speculative fiction styles and ideas.

What stayed with me most was how many stories explored deeply human emotions through futuristic or fantastical concepts. Themes like memory, mortality, identity, grief, and connection appear repeatedly throughout the collection, giving the anthology a reflective and sometimes haunting atmosphere.

Some stories are more concept-driven while others focus heavily on emotional impact, but the variety keeps the reading experience fresh. There are definitely a few standout entries that linger long after finishing.

The illustrations deserve special mention as well. They add personality and atmosphere without overwhelming the stories themselves.

Not every piece landed equally for me, but the anthology succeeds overall because of its ambition and imagination. It’s a strong collection for readers who enjoy thoughtful speculative fiction rather than purely action-driven stories.

[Shreya · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite story was Saffrons and Marigolds.

Im not a big fan of speculative fiction but this book made me into one. (At least volumes 41, 40 did) What I love most about Writers of the Future is the subgenres that it touches, there's everything, even dragons. And if I know one thing it's that the editor must be overworked because no way they curated this perfect list. And I love that contributors are contest winners which absolutely makes this the best compilation.

The tone is bleak in some stories, humorous in others, angry in some, lovely in others so we got the whole emotional flavours to keep going. This year's edition feels extra deep to me I don't know why.

The illustrations are something else entirely. Like there's one from A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts, and it's a simple one but so.... pretty and serene.

An anthology that celebrates new voices. I'm so in love.

[Laila Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 42 is a shimmering tapestry of the speculative and the sublime. This beautiful body of work stands as a luminous testament to the enduring power of the human imagination. Within its pages, a new selection of literary voices navigate the starlit currents of Science Fiction and the lush thickets of Fantasy with a precision and fierceness that belies these creatives’ emerging status.

From the poignant tale of bureaucratic consciousness transfer to the whimsical story of a woman’s passionate quest to return an earthbound dragon to the sky, each narrative is a masterwork of realized worlds.

The illustrations accompanying these works are arresting in their depth and color, breathing the visual fire of life into every concept. This Anthology is not merely a collection of stories, but a vibrant look at excellent craft, emotive storytelling, and resilience.