Reflections from the Void

by Stefano Zappa

What happens when the reality we know cracks wide open, revealing what hides in the shadows?

This gripping anthology brings together 20 masterfully crafted stories where speculative fiction, cosmic horror, sci-fi, and myth collide to explore the darkest corners of the human soul. From the mists of a forgotten past to the bleakest dystopian futures, each self-contained universe is designed to shatter your certainties, grip you from the first page, and leave you breathless.

Inside this collection, you will

Speculative Futures & Climate Explore the fragile tomorrows of a humanity forced to reckon with technology, survival, and a changing planet, where global catastrophes intertwine with intimate, heartbreaking family dramas.

Alternate Histories & Reimagined Journey through time from unprecedented perspectives. Historical events and ancient legends are twisted under a disturbing new light, blurring the line between documented fact, military strategy, and the supernatural.

Existential Sci-Fi & Cosmic What happens when the inexplicable breaks into daily life? These stories delve into deep-space anomalies, quantum riddles, and the psychological dilemmas of individuals facing truths far greater than themselves.

Modern Gothic & Dark Step into the shadows of lethal hunts, claustrophobic sieges, and ancestral entities. Tales where psychological thrill meets raw action, proving that the real monsters aren't always hiding in the dark—sometimes, they walk among us.

Why you will love this

Unmatched Variety & 20 independent stories. The ideal structure for readers seeking a dynamic experience, whether you want to devour it in one sitting or savor it one tale at a time.

Evocative, Cinematic Razor-sharp, immersive prose that builds haunting atmospheres and complex, three-dimensional characters in just a few pages.

Unpredictable Every single story defies expectations. Just when you think you’ve figured out the rules, the game changes.

If you love the mind-bending tension of Black Mirror, the visceral imagination of Love, Death & Robots, and the philosophical depth of classic speculative fiction, this book belongs on your shelf.

The journey begins. Are you ready to look beyond the veil of reality?

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2026

Reviews

[Aidee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ARC of Reflections from the Void in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of short stories was such a unique reading experience for me, especially because it explores a variety of genres. It’s a concept I hadn’t encountered before, and I really enjoyed seeing how each story brought something different to the collection. The writing is beautifully done, and the author truly has a way with words. I also found it fascinating that the book was translated from Italian, the writing still feels incredibly expressive and atmospheric.
Some of my favorite stories were “Regrets,” “One Second,” “A New Encounter,” and “On the Hill.” While I definitely connected with some stories more than others, I appreciated that every story left me with something to think about. Some were thought provoking, some lingered with me longer than expected, and each offered its own little perspective.

If you enjoy short stories that span different genres and leave you reflecting long after you’ve finished reading, this might be one to add to your TBR.

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for offering me the opportunity to read and give an honest opinion about this title.

Reflections from the void by Stefano Zappa is collection of short stories, originally written in Italian, but being released simultaneously in English on October 9.
Both the writing and the translation are beautiful.

The stories are very eclectic, with genres ranging from literary fiction to sci-fi, passing through speculative and dystopian fiction. There is something for every reader.

It’s refreshing, with so many great ideas. This author seems to be able to write anything.

The themes explore loss, war and its horrors, grief, suicide, ecology, and how life goes on even after the most disturbing and horrific events.

I cried, I was surprised, shocked, and scared. Each story creates a completely new world. Once you start one, you never know when it will take you. There is always a deeper meaning beneath the surface.

The only remark I could make is that it doesn’t seem to be any particular link or order between the stories. But honestly, it was also nice to never know what to expect from one story to the next.

My favorites:
•The life of the president
•The unhappy bride
•The darkness of the night
•Regret

[Summer Seeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections from the Void is a collection of short stories in the same vein as Black Mirror and Love, Death, and Robots. Each story stands on its own but cumulatively act as a commentary on the human condition, from the lows to the highs and everything in between.

Originally written in Italian and translated into English, this is honestly one of those books where you fall in love with the writing itself. From the sentence structure to the word choice, I was enraptured by the beauty of the work. While some stories may have resonated with me more than others, I found myself completely taken with the collection.

The first story, “Regrets,” set the tone for what was to come and stayed with me long after I turned the last page. All of the tales are unique and thought provoking. The genres range from horror to sci-fi to the fantastical, but all have a message. Lovely, tragic, and full of imagination, I hope to see more from this author.

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Brittnie Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received from the Author in exchange for honest review*.

This is a quick entertaining read. It’s comprised of short stories that are thrilling, dark and emotional in their own ways! I enjoyed a majority of the stories. I liked how some were peppered with historical events. Each one tugged at my emotions in a different way and kept me engaged and wondering what the next would bring.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the copy of these translated stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the short stories. The first one was, to me, the best. Regrets- how can a short story be so short so sad and hit so deep? Its sad and beautiful. Its not easy to make me cry but that one brought tears. Def see parents in a new light. I dont usually get in my feelings but that one did it. It will probably stay with me. The rest of the stories were a bit more scifi or dystopian/apocalyptic. I agree with another reviewer that it would probably make sense to organize then by topics. The last story was my least favorite and didnt fit as much with the other stories. All in all, a great collection of short stories to make you reflect.

[Sarah Workman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of short stories! I enjoyed most of them, and all were very well written. I just wish they were organized differently. Maybe in sections? Horror with horror. Sci-fi with sci-fi. It would definitely help with the flow of things.

[Alex S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories, ranging from horror, paranormal, sci fi, fantasy, dystopian and more!

I really enjoyed the stories, some more than others, but overall very well written and thought provoking.

It is being translated to English and releasing in October. It was translated well and I didn’t find any issues!

Thank you for the copy Stefano!