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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42: Illustrated Edition Featuring the Next Generation of Science Fiction & Fantasy
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.
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.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
480 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
L. Ron Hubbard
2,020 books681 followersWith 19 New York Times bestsellers and more than 350 million copies of his works in circulation, L. Ron Hubbard is among the most enduring and widely read authors of our time. As a leading light of American Pulp Fiction through the 1930s and '40s, he is further among the most influential authors of the modern age. Indeed, from Ray Bradbury to Stephen King, there is scarcely a master of imaginative tales who has not paid tribute to L. Ron Hubbard. Then too, of course, there is all L. Ron Hubbard represents as the Founder of Dianetics and Scientology and thus the only major religion born in the 20th century.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 1, 2026
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.
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.
May 15, 2026
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.
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.
April 28, 2026
“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.
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.
May 12, 2026
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. ✨
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. ✨
May 11, 2026
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.
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.
May 21, 2026
“𝖤𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋, 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗁𝗎𝗇𝖽𝗋𝖾𝖽𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍. 𝖤𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋, 𝖨 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖼𝖺𝗇'𝗍 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾. 𝖠𝗇𝖽, 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋, 𝖨'𝗆 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗇 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀,” (Intro). These are my own very thoughts of every time I read the latest edition of these books! Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Writers of the Future Vol 42 was a fantastic read. I think my favorite story was Skinny-Shins and Form 14B, but I enjoyed all the stories, writing tips, and art.
I definitely recommend you read this book if you enjoy fantasy and sci-fi stories - but I also would recommend this to any person who is just beginning their own writing journey, or are knee-deep into it. I found the advice alone worth buying this book for.
I enjoyed the art too - even though I’m not a huge art person, I really did enjoy seeing the talent. And this is why I always recommend these books - it’s not just stories, it’s not just art, it’s not just tips - it’s everything. Literally perfect. Will keep you entertained for years, as there’s always something new to focus on.
I also feel this is the one book that thriller lovers will want to read. The sci-fi mixed with all the thrills is what really stood out to me the most. And while I always this - every single time - I think this book is my new favorite. Will the next volume beat these thoughts? Who knows, but from where I stand now: nope!
If you’re a fan, you’ll love it. And if you’re not, trust me this is the book to start with. A must read and a fabulous selection of talented authors. These stories will all stay with me.
Writers of the Future Vol 42 was a fantastic read. I think my favorite story was Skinny-Shins and Form 14B, but I enjoyed all the stories, writing tips, and art.
I definitely recommend you read this book if you enjoy fantasy and sci-fi stories - but I also would recommend this to any person who is just beginning their own writing journey, or are knee-deep into it. I found the advice alone worth buying this book for.
I enjoyed the art too - even though I’m not a huge art person, I really did enjoy seeing the talent. And this is why I always recommend these books - it’s not just stories, it’s not just art, it’s not just tips - it’s everything. Literally perfect. Will keep you entertained for years, as there’s always something new to focus on.
I also feel this is the one book that thriller lovers will want to read. The sci-fi mixed with all the thrills is what really stood out to me the most. And while I always this - every single time - I think this book is my new favorite. Will the next volume beat these thoughts? Who knows, but from where I stand now: nope!
If you’re a fan, you’ll love it. And if you’re not, trust me this is the book to start with. A must read and a fabulous selection of talented authors. These stories will all stay with me.
May 29, 2026
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42, featuring 12 incredible emerging voices + genre masters like Orson Scott Card & Larry Niven
If you are a fan of anthology collections, or if you’re just looking for your next favorite sci-fi/fantasy author before they hit the massive bestseller lists, stop scrolling. Volume 42 has officially landed, and it is an absolute masterclass in speculative fiction.
What I love most about this anthology series is the sheer unpredictability. You open the book and have zero clue if you're about to be hit with a mind-bending tech noir, a whimsical fairy-world fantasy, or an existential time-travel crisis. Every single story resets the tone and keeps your brain firing.
⭐ A Few of My Personal Favorites from Vol 42:
* "Saffron and Marigolds" by Kathleen Powell – It centers on a baker, a dragon, and the fragile found-family bond they share. The real tension comes from the perilous fairy bargains that threaten to tear their lives apart.
* "Shell Game" by Zach Poulter - Poulter delivers a masterclass in tension. A "shell game" is inherently about misdirection, trickery, and trying to track something hidden right in front of your eyes. The narrative treats the reader like a participant, unfolding layers of mystery where you’re constantly trying to guess who is playing who, and what the ultimate stakes are.
🎨 Every single story is paired with a gorgeous, full-color original illustration from the contest’s winning artists. It turns the reading experience into something incredibly immersive.
Whether you’re a hard sci-fi nerd, a cozy fantasy lover, or an aspiring writer yourself, this is an absolute must-add to your TBR list this season.
If you are a fan of anthology collections, or if you’re just looking for your next favorite sci-fi/fantasy author before they hit the massive bestseller lists, stop scrolling. Volume 42 has officially landed, and it is an absolute masterclass in speculative fiction.
What I love most about this anthology series is the sheer unpredictability. You open the book and have zero clue if you're about to be hit with a mind-bending tech noir, a whimsical fairy-world fantasy, or an existential time-travel crisis. Every single story resets the tone and keeps your brain firing.
⭐ A Few of My Personal Favorites from Vol 42:
* "Saffron and Marigolds" by Kathleen Powell – It centers on a baker, a dragon, and the fragile found-family bond they share. The real tension comes from the perilous fairy bargains that threaten to tear their lives apart.
* "Shell Game" by Zach Poulter - Poulter delivers a masterclass in tension. A "shell game" is inherently about misdirection, trickery, and trying to track something hidden right in front of your eyes. The narrative treats the reader like a participant, unfolding layers of mystery where you’re constantly trying to guess who is playing who, and what the ultimate stakes are.
🎨 Every single story is paired with a gorgeous, full-color original illustration from the contest’s winning artists. It turns the reading experience into something incredibly immersive.
Whether you’re a hard sci-fi nerd, a cozy fantasy lover, or an aspiring writer yourself, this is an absolute must-add to your TBR list this season.
May 29, 2026
I absolutely adored this collection! It contains fantasy/sci-fi themed illustrations and short stories! I am also pleased to say that it includes a lot of dragons. The quote above is from a play called "A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts" and it was a touching story throughout. (Particularly if, like me, you loved watching Pete's Dragon as a kid) The rest of the stories in the volume are filled with a similar whimsy and emotional moments, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of fiction. In 2002, Patrick Rothfuss won the Writers of the Future short story contest that lead to his publication of the Name of the Wind. I love that these volumes continue to bring exposure to new voices in the fantasy and sci-fi genres, and I hope they all publish great things next!
May 12, 2026
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.
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.
May 12, 2026
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.
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.
May 27, 2026
Writers of the Future Volume 42 is the kind of anthology that reminds you why speculative fiction is such an exciting genre space to begin with. The collection brings together fifteen illustrated short stories that range from imaginative science fiction to emotionally resonant fantasy, with touches of horror, folklore, humor, and surrealism woven throughout.
One of the strongest aspects of the anthology is the sheer variety of ideas packed into it. The stories constantly ask intriguing “what if” question - what if a rescue mission through time went disastrously wrong, what if an enhanced version of yourself no longer wanted to share your life, or what if love had to survive inside virtual reality? From body-hopping killers and unsettling beauty treatments to dragons that challenge mythology itself, the anthology never stays predictable for long.
What makes the collection especially engaging is the balance between emerging talent and established voices. Alongside stories from rising writers, contributions from authors such as Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and L. Ron Hubbard add an extra layer of depth and legacy to the volume. Every story is also paired with full-color artwork, which gives the anthology a vivid, immersive feel and makes each piece stand out even more.
Beyond the fiction itself, the inclusion of articles on writing and illustration adds another dimension to the book. It feels not only like a celebration of storytelling, but also a showcase of mentorship, creativity, and the future of the genre.
Overall, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is a bold and entertaining collection filled with inventive concepts, strong visual presentation, and fresh voices worth discovering. For readers who love science fiction and fantasy that experiments with ideas while still delivering emotional and imaginative impact, this anthology is an easy recommendation.
One of the strongest aspects of the anthology is the sheer variety of ideas packed into it. The stories constantly ask intriguing “what if” question - what if a rescue mission through time went disastrously wrong, what if an enhanced version of yourself no longer wanted to share your life, or what if love had to survive inside virtual reality? From body-hopping killers and unsettling beauty treatments to dragons that challenge mythology itself, the anthology never stays predictable for long.
What makes the collection especially engaging is the balance between emerging talent and established voices. Alongside stories from rising writers, contributions from authors such as Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and L. Ron Hubbard add an extra layer of depth and legacy to the volume. Every story is also paired with full-color artwork, which gives the anthology a vivid, immersive feel and makes each piece stand out even more.
Beyond the fiction itself, the inclusion of articles on writing and illustration adds another dimension to the book. It feels not only like a celebration of storytelling, but also a showcase of mentorship, creativity, and the future of the genre.
Overall, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is a bold and entertaining collection filled with inventive concepts, strong visual presentation, and fresh voices worth discovering. For readers who love science fiction and fantasy that experiments with ideas while still delivering emotional and imaginative impact, this anthology is an easy recommendation.
July 1, 2026
Writers of the Future Volume 42 is a curated collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories, and having read quite a few of the previous volumes, I was excited to dive into this one.
As with any anthology, some stories stood out more than others. My favourites were A Girl and Her Dragon and Canary, both of which completely pulled me in. There were also a few stories that left me a little confused, but that’s often the nature of collections with such a wide range of writing styles and ideas.
One thing I always appreciate about these books is the variety. Whether you enjoy science fiction, fantasy, or something that blends the two, there’s likely to be a story that appeals to you. Some of the writers have a wonderful way with words, creating immersive worlds and memorable characters in such a short space of time.
Another highlight for me is the artwork. The illustrations throughout the book add an extra layer to the reading experience, and I also enjoyed reading the short biographies of each author at the end.
Overall, this was a good collection, and I’m looking forward to reading more volumes in the future.
As with any anthology, some stories stood out more than others. My favourites were A Girl and Her Dragon and Canary, both of which completely pulled me in. There were also a few stories that left me a little confused, but that’s often the nature of collections with such a wide range of writing styles and ideas.
One thing I always appreciate about these books is the variety. Whether you enjoy science fiction, fantasy, or something that blends the two, there’s likely to be a story that appeals to you. Some of the writers have a wonderful way with words, creating immersive worlds and memorable characters in such a short space of time.
Another highlight for me is the artwork. The illustrations throughout the book add an extra layer to the reading experience, and I also enjoyed reading the short biographies of each author at the end.
Overall, this was a good collection, and I’m looking forward to reading more volumes in the future.
May 21, 2026
This collection brings together stories featuring time travel mishaps, body-hopping killers, fairy underworlds, virtual reality relationships, dragons, supernatural horror, and reality-bending mysteries, creating a wonderfully varied showcase of imagination across science fiction and fantasy. I've read the previous two volumes and I absolutely enjoyed this one equally.
The legacy behind the Writers of the Future contest is amazing. For decades, the competition has helped discover and support emerging voices in speculative fiction, giving new writers and illustrators a platform to share their creativity with the world.
Another volume of the best science fiction short stories anthologies! Writers of the Future Vol 42 tells us exactly why science fiction remains one of the most exciting spaces in storytelling. Every few pages, the entire atmosphere changes. One story takes us into futuristic chaos, another into magical realms, another into eerie psychological tension or emotional science fiction. That unpredictability makes the reading experience so addictive. This time I tried the audiobook. Man, it was awesome!
I also absolutely loved the artwork included in the book. The illustrations are marvellous. They bejewel the stories. The sheer variety in tone and storytelling styles is worth a mention. Some stories feel emotional and reflective, some are dark and unsettling, while others lean fully into adventure and spectacle. That balance keeps the collection fresh throughout because every story offers a different flavour of fantasy.
The legacy behind the Writers of the Future contest is amazing. For decades, the competition has helped discover and support emerging voices in speculative fiction, giving new writers and illustrators a platform to share their creativity with the world.
Another volume of the best science fiction short stories anthologies! Writers of the Future Vol 42 tells us exactly why science fiction remains one of the most exciting spaces in storytelling. Every few pages, the entire atmosphere changes. One story takes us into futuristic chaos, another into magical realms, another into eerie psychological tension or emotional science fiction. That unpredictability makes the reading experience so addictive. This time I tried the audiobook. Man, it was awesome!
I also absolutely loved the artwork included in the book. The illustrations are marvellous. They bejewel the stories. The sheer variety in tone and storytelling styles is worth a mention. Some stories feel emotional and reflective, some are dark and unsettling, while others lean fully into adventure and spectacle. That balance keeps the collection fresh throughout because every story offers a different flavour of fantasy.
June 4, 2026
in the interest of full disclosure, i was fortunate enough to have received an advance copy of this book from a giveaway listed here on goodreads. i thought a lot of these stories were really interesting, and a little over half of the stories in this anthology really stood out to me. if i had to pick a top three i would have to go with (in no particular order) “Shell Game”, “Thickly”, and “The Triceratops Effect.” “Form 14B”, “Bloom Decay”, “In Living Color”, and “Ready-Made Bubble of Light” were also super fun reads! Some of the other stories definitely weren’t up my alley, but they were all interesting concepts and i’m glad to have read them.
Read
July 10, 2026Each year Writers of the Future brings together a collection of sci-fi and fantasy authors and illustrators to present a wide variety of different stories. Like you literally never know what you’re gonna get cause the stories are so different!
As a big fantasy girlie I will say I’m loving the dragon and women rep on the cover 👌
My favourite thing about the Writers of the Future collections is that I get out of my comfort zone and read things I never would usually pick up and get pleasantly surprised! I look at the artwork and wonder where a story is gonna go and then after reading it's so fun to go back and look at the art understanding the context.
From a whimsical fairytale baker, to a noir thriller mystery, to dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone in this volume.
As a big fantasy girlie I will say I’m loving the dragon and women rep on the cover 👌
My favourite thing about the Writers of the Future collections is that I get out of my comfort zone and read things I never would usually pick up and get pleasantly surprised! I look at the artwork and wonder where a story is gonna go and then after reading it's so fun to go back and look at the art understanding the context.
From a whimsical fairytale baker, to a noir thriller mystery, to dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone in this volume.
May 29, 2026
4.5
For me, part of the magic of Writers of the Future has always been discovering emerging voices before everyone else starts talking about them. There’s something exciting about reading authors at the beginning of what could become huge careers. And I must say that Volume 42 has some really good ones!
I welcome you to explore this world of portals, virtual realities, monsters, existential crises, dragons, and body-hopping murderers. If you love anthologies that mix big imagination with emotional depth, this collection absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
Read my full spoiler-free review here: https://savoryourreads.com/2026/05/wr...
For me, part of the magic of Writers of the Future has always been discovering emerging voices before everyone else starts talking about them. There’s something exciting about reading authors at the beginning of what could become huge careers. And I must say that Volume 42 has some really good ones!
I welcome you to explore this world of portals, virtual realities, monsters, existential crises, dragons, and body-hopping murderers. If you love anthologies that mix big imagination with emotional depth, this collection absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
Read my full spoiler-free review here: https://savoryourreads.com/2026/05/wr...
May 21, 2026
✨After diving into Volume 41, I couldn't wait to grab Writers of the Future Volume 42 and wow, it did not disappoint! As someone who is still relatively new to diving deep into Sci-Fi ,I am completely hooked.
This anthology is an incredibly thoughtful, beautifully curated masterpiece. It features 12 striking stories that seamlessly blend mind-bending science fiction with breathtaking fantasy. From time travel slip ups to gorgeous magical realism, every single concept feels fresh and brilliant.
I like every story and illustrations but Saffron and marigold is my favourite story and the illustrations 🩷
"..The dragon’s name was Wantley, and he feasted on cheese. He was red, scaly, approximately twenty feet long, and extremely bored.The cheese was probably stolen. I didn’t question who brought it or how it appeared. Let’s say magic. Yeah. Sure..."
The writing is incredibly creative,
Every single story is paired with stunning illustrations that completely bring the worlds to life. It makes the entire reading experience feel so immersive and special.
If you want to discover the next generation of powerhouse speculative fiction writers before they hit the massive bestseller lists, you need to pick this up.
This anthology is an incredibly thoughtful, beautifully curated masterpiece. It features 12 striking stories that seamlessly blend mind-bending science fiction with breathtaking fantasy. From time travel slip ups to gorgeous magical realism, every single concept feels fresh and brilliant.
I like every story and illustrations but Saffron and marigold is my favourite story and the illustrations 🩷
"..The dragon’s name was Wantley, and he feasted on cheese. He was red, scaly, approximately twenty feet long, and extremely bored.The cheese was probably stolen. I didn’t question who brought it or how it appeared. Let’s say magic. Yeah. Sure..."
The writing is incredibly creative,
Every single story is paired with stunning illustrations that completely bring the worlds to life. It makes the entire reading experience feel so immersive and special.
If you want to discover the next generation of powerhouse speculative fiction writers before they hit the massive bestseller lists, you need to pick this up.
May 20, 2026
Writers of the Future Volume 42 was such an enjoyable read from start to finish. This anthology showcases an incredible mix of creativity, imagination, and storytelling talent, with every story offering something completely different and memorable in its own way.
What I loved most was the variety throughout the collection. Some stories were thought-provoking, others emotional or suspenseful, and some captured that classic sense of wonder that makes science fiction and fantasy so exciting to read. Even though each story had its own unique style and atmosphere, the quality stayed consistently strong the entire way through.
The illustrations added another layer to the experience and made the worlds feel even more vivid and immersive. It’s always exciting discovering new writers and artists, and this anthology is filled with fresh voices that absolutely deserve attention.
If you’re a fan of speculative fiction, creative storytelling, and discovering new talent, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is definitely worth reading. 📚✨
#WritersOfTheFuture #SciFiBooks #FantasyBooks #BookReview #SpeculativeFiction #ScienceFiction #FantasyReads #Bookstagram #ReadingCommunity #Anthology
What I loved most was the variety throughout the collection. Some stories were thought-provoking, others emotional or suspenseful, and some captured that classic sense of wonder that makes science fiction and fantasy so exciting to read. Even though each story had its own unique style and atmosphere, the quality stayed consistently strong the entire way through.
The illustrations added another layer to the experience and made the worlds feel even more vivid and immersive. It’s always exciting discovering new writers and artists, and this anthology is filled with fresh voices that absolutely deserve attention.
If you’re a fan of speculative fiction, creative storytelling, and discovering new talent, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is definitely worth reading. 📚✨
#WritersOfTheFuture #SciFiBooks #FantasyBooks #BookReview #SpeculativeFiction #ScienceFiction #FantasyReads #Bookstagram #ReadingCommunity #Anthology
May 26, 2026
I have been lucky enough to get to review the stories written by the Writers of the Future winners four years in a row now! There have been several stories that have stuck with me over the years, and I still keep tabs on the work of many authors that this competition has introduced me to. With that said, I can say without a doubt that the stories contained within volume 42 make up one of the best anthologies I have ever read.
Each story left me with something to think about and I felt just about every emotion on the spectrum as I moved my way through the 500 pages of dragons and dystopias. I am already looking forward to next year!
Each story left me with something to think about and I felt just about every emotion on the spectrum as I moved my way through the 500 pages of dragons and dystopias. I am already looking forward to next year!
May 21, 2026
I have a bad habit of skipping short fiction collections because I always assume at least half the stories won’t land. This one made me feel stupid for that assumption. Fifteen stories and I didn’t want to skip a single one. Form 14B is the one I’ve been telling people about — a dead man in a glass tube, still waiting in a government queue, still filling out paperwork, still flirting with the woman behind the counter. The bureaucracy survives the afterlife. That line sat with me for days. What the whole collection does well is use the genre as a vehicle rather than a destination — the sci-fi and fantasy elements are almost incidental. What you’re actually reading about is identity, grief, surveillance, beauty, time. The feeling underneath each premise is always more interesting than the premise itself. Jody Lynn Nye has put together something that respects both the form and the reader. The emerging writers here don’t read like emerging writers. That’s the best thing I can say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2026
This was such a great read. I loved the various short stories within this volume. They were all so different and I enjoyed both listening and reading them. The illustrations that accompanied each story were also really good.
Personally loved the stories Saffron and Marigolds and Thickly. Especially with the latter being so relatable as a fellow South African. I don't often read fantasy/sci-fi based in SA, so it was really nice to see that. Along with the other stories being set all over as well.
Narration was also well done and I liked that there were different narrators for each story. Excited to see what next year's volume holds.
Thank you Galaxy Press for the ALC and ARC.
Personally loved the stories Saffron and Marigolds and Thickly. Especially with the latter being so relatable as a fellow South African. I don't often read fantasy/sci-fi based in SA, so it was really nice to see that. Along with the other stories being set all over as well.
Narration was also well done and I liked that there were different narrators for each story. Excited to see what next year's volume holds.
Thank you Galaxy Press for the ALC and ARC.
June 10, 2026
Anthologies are tricky because there’s always a mix of stories you love and stories you forget. But Writers of the Future, Volume 42 stood out to me for a different reason: the hunger behind the writing.
These aren’t established authors relying on their reputation. They’re writers with one chance to make an impression, and you can feel that determination in every story. From a man who walks through photographs to solve murders to a world where art is systematically erased, the ideas are bold, original, and unafraid to take risks.
What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the creativity but the sense that every writer was giving it everything they had. There’s an authenticity to these stories that’s hard to ignore.
If you enjoy speculative fiction and discovering fresh voices before everyone else does, this anthology is absolutely worth picking up.
These aren’t established authors relying on their reputation. They’re writers with one chance to make an impression, and you can feel that determination in every story. From a man who walks through photographs to solve murders to a world where art is systematically erased, the ideas are bold, original, and unafraid to take risks.
What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the creativity but the sense that every writer was giving it everything they had. There’s an authenticity to these stories that’s hard to ignore.
If you enjoy speculative fiction and discovering fresh voices before everyone else does, this anthology is absolutely worth picking up.
May 17, 2026
This is another fantastic collection of science fiction short stories by some of the best up and coming writers of the genre. Prepare to be captivated by the imaginative storytelling, the creative plotlines, and the unexpected emotions brought forth in several of the tales.
I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the paperback copy and thoroughly enjoyed the immersive experience. The narration is excellent and I loved studying the illustrations as I was listening.
There is also the added bonus of helpful suggestions, tips, and advice in between the stories from some of the best in the industry creating an intimate learning experience within the entertainment. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read and review this fascinating anthology.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the paperback copy and thoroughly enjoyed the immersive experience. The narration is excellent and I loved studying the illustrations as I was listening.
There is also the added bonus of helpful suggestions, tips, and advice in between the stories from some of the best in the industry creating an intimate learning experience within the entertainment. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to read and review this fascinating anthology.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Just finished L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42, and this anthology is such a ride.
From eerie digital afterlives to emotional dragon tales, every story throws you into a completely different world and that’s what makes this collection so addictive. Some stories hit hard with deep, thought-provoking themes, while others are just pure fun sci-fi chaos.
As with any anthology, it’s a little uneven but the standout stories? Absolutely worth it. The creativity here is wild, and it honestly feels like getting a glimpse into the future of sci-fi and fantasy.
Also, the illustrations throughout the book add such a cool extra layer to the experience!
If you love discovering new authors and exploring fresh ideas, this one’s for you.
From eerie digital afterlives to emotional dragon tales, every story throws you into a completely different world and that’s what makes this collection so addictive. Some stories hit hard with deep, thought-provoking themes, while others are just pure fun sci-fi chaos.
As with any anthology, it’s a little uneven but the standout stories? Absolutely worth it. The creativity here is wild, and it honestly feels like getting a glimpse into the future of sci-fi and fantasy.
Also, the illustrations throughout the book add such a cool extra layer to the experience!
If you love discovering new authors and exploring fresh ideas, this one’s for you.
May 25, 2026
I love how accessible reading has become. Being able to listen to audiobooks means you can fit reading into your day wherever you are, and I’ve really been enjoying that lately with the hectic month life has thrown at me.
This was my fourth Writers of the Future collection I’ve read and every volume introduces me to new authors whose work I end up loving. My favourite stories from this edition were Saffron and Marigolds, Canary and Shell Game.
If you’re a sci-fi or fantasy reader looking to discover fresh voices and new worlds, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42 is definitely worth picking up.
This was my fourth Writers of the Future collection I’ve read and every volume introduces me to new authors whose work I end up loving. My favourite stories from this edition were Saffron and Marigolds, Canary and Shell Game.
If you’re a sci-fi or fantasy reader looking to discover fresh voices and new worlds, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42 is definitely worth picking up.
May 12, 2026
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.
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.
May 9, 2026
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
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
May 12, 2026
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.
May 8, 2026
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.
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.
June 12, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Short Story Collection
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Dystopian
Some Romance, No Spice
My favorite of the short stories were:
- Shell Game
- Applicatiom for Certification of Conciousness Transfer
- A Girl and Her Dragon
I love that this collection showcases new/up and coming authors. I really enjoyed the three stories I mentioned above, and most of the stories were thought provoking, which I liked. But most of the stories I just felt were a bit slow. I also feel like most of them were dystopian & philosophical, and there were a couple that were partially horror. I think I just expected more overt and fast paced sci-fi and fantasy stories based on the cover and marketing.
Short Story Collection
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Dystopian
Some Romance, No Spice
My favorite of the short stories were:
- Shell Game
- Applicatiom for Certification of Conciousness Transfer
- A Girl and Her Dragon
I love that this collection showcases new/up and coming authors. I really enjoyed the three stories I mentioned above, and most of the stories were thought provoking, which I liked. But most of the stories I just felt were a bit slow. I also feel like most of them were dystopian & philosophical, and there were a couple that were partially horror. I think I just expected more overt and fast paced sci-fi and fantasy stories based on the cover and marketing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews