ReVisions

by Julie E. Czerneda (Editor/Contributor), Isaac Szpindel (Editor/Contributor), Kay Kenyon (Contributor)

Fifteen original tales of "what if"

Some of today's top science fiction writers explore the futures that might have been, including original stories from Julie E. Czerneda and other great names in the genre.

Contents:
The resonance of light / by Geoffrey Landis --
Out of China / by Julie E. Czerneda --
Site Fourteen / by Laura Anne Gilman --
Silent Leonardo / by Kage Baker --
A call from the wild / by Dorranna Durgin --
Axial axioms / by James Alan Gardner --
The terminal solution / by Robin Wayne Bailey --
The Ashbazu effect / by John G. McDaid --
A word for heathens / by Peter Watts --
A ghost story / by Jihane Noskateb --
The executioner's apprentice / by Kay Kenyon --
Swimming upstream in the wells of the desert / by Mike Resnick and Susan R. Matthews --
Unwirer / by Cory Doctorow and Charles Stross --
When the morning stars sang together / by Isaac Szpindel --
Herd mentality / by Jay Caselberg

Genres: Science Fiction, Anthologies, Alternate History, Short Stories, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

312 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Having written 25 novels (and counting) published by DAW Books, as well as numerous short stories, and editing several anthologies, in 2022, Julie E. Czerneda was inducted in the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. Her science fiction and fantasy combines her training and love of biology with a boundless curiosity and optimism, winning multiple awards. Julie's recent releases include the standalone novel To Each This World, her first collection Imaginings, and A Shift of Time, part of her Night's Edge fantasy series. For more visit czerneda.com Julie is represented by Sara Megibow of Megibow Literary Agency LLC.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories better than others (of course), but really liked the premise that the divergence was from scientific reasons, instead of the more usual military battle/political figure ones.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing really ground breaking in this anthology but it is a good basic starter for anyone who is interested in alternate history science fiction stories.

[Arwen Mellor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gathering of short stories all based on the premise of slightly altered history. The concepts for all of these stories were each very interesting.
What if the “printing press” had been invented by the ancient Sumerians?
What if the causes of Black Plague had been figured out before it was introduced to Europe.
And many others.
As with all compilations some suited my tastes better than did others. I find that some are way too formally written for me. I felt they lacked humor and emotion that I enjoy. However there were some that even in their short delivery showed me characters and fluid reading. It was worth the read in any case.

[Brian Gaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good premise with some decent stories.

[Diana Isaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite stories:
Out Of China
Silent Leonardo
A Call From the Wild
Axial Axioms

[Donny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is always involved and full of drama.

[James]

Some of today's top science fiction writers explore the futures that might have been, including original stories from Julie E. Czerneda and other great names in the genre.

[Jeremy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for more by Charles Stross, and though this collection of short stories by many authors would be fun. I was very disappointed, though I did enjoy the Charles Stross story in the collection. On the whole, the description of each short story tended to be far superior than the stories themselves.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pandemic possibilities are most memorable. Can horror story be more than present-day Corona virus? Bubonic Plague rat cause is found sooner, or Conan Doyle and mentor Bell infect each other with AIDS.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although a very interesting premise, the writing fell flat. Stories were forced and not very clever. A missed opportunity.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a big fan of "What if?" stories, and the editor has assembled a great collection here.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are a way of asking what if. Some make more sense than others., but it's definitely a fun read.

[Ginger Poulsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was . . . interesting. Some of the stories were thought-provoking. Some were confusing. Some I just didn't like.