Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Volume One

Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy #1

by Dustin Bilyk, Kevin Folliard, Gustavo Bondoni

Brought to life with the assistance of Brandon Sanderson's Dragonsteel Productions , as well as the backing of over 130 other Fantasy and Sci-fi enthusiasts! From editor Dustin Bilyk we bring you Summer of Sci-Fi & a treasure trove of speculative fiction that is sure to excite and captivate even the fussiest of goblins.

Dragons, AI, gods, parasitic wyrms, hellhounds, aquatic dinosaurs, aliens, and energy monsters…

These are just a few of the things you can expect in this professionally curated collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy!

Blast into this black hole of literature, and experience an exciting, lengthy escape with some of the best short stories on the market today. In this volume, we have included 23 stories from 23 very different authors. Whether you love summoned demons on New York subways, a dystopian civilization’s transformation into living, breathing plants, or the discovery of new worlds complete with lost-in-translation space battles with aliens, we have something for everyone.

Included are epic, never-before-seen short stories from Gustavo Bondoni, Elle Andrews Patt, Mike Morgan, Peter Medeiros, Ellen Forder Condon, Simone Martel, Michael H. Hanson, David A. Riley, J. M. Sinclair, Elyse Russell, Michael McCormick, Elizabeth Eve King and Dustin Bilyk.

PLUS reprints by Edward Willett, Robert Runte, Sarah Lyn Eaton, Andrew Rucker Jones, Gordon Linzner, Kevin Folliard, Shawn D. Brink, Robert Dawson, Noah JD Chinn, and Emily Martha Sorensen.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2022

About the author

Dustin is a prolific short story writer and novelist, as well as the Lead Editor of the Author's Hand. When he's not perfecting the works of others, he's writing Grimdark Epic Fantasy, and has been doing so since he first read the works of Joe Abercrombie and GRR Martin.

He published the first fantasy novel in the Tallindran Trilogy, The Librarian Gladiator, in March of 2024. With a novella coming out in April, and Book Two arriving on the shelves in early 2025, he's been busy at work in the writing chair, exploring his worlds and reveling in the fact that others will join him when he's done.

Dustin also runs the Worldstone Publishing house and produces the Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy annually. Each volume features 20+ incredible stories and the same numbers of established authors who specialize in the two genres.

Dustin has a Frenchie-Pug named Bilbo, and lives an enthusiastically full and wonderful life in the Canadian North.

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any anthology, there were some stories I liked more than others. But overall, it was a great book!

[Kelly Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible group of authors have joined together to create some wonderful short stories. I enjoyed reading them, but these are my favorites.


Baryonyx Crossing by Kevin M. Folliard

Baryonyx Crossing was refreshing. I’ve never read anything with the focus being on dinosaurs before, but if I would have had any expectations, they would have been blown away. Beautifully written, with pristine details, Kevin M. Folliard definitely held my attention. While this was my first time reading anything written by Folliard, I can’t wait to see what comes next


The Path of the Phoenix by Emily Martha Sorensen

Amazing! I had never heard of Emily Martha Sorensen until reading The Path of the Phoenix, but I am so excited to see more, that I will be checking out her Wicked Witches of Restva series. Interesting is an understatement. Well done, Emily.



Whatever Houses You May Visit by Michael H. Hanson

Whatever Houses You May Visit is a morbid tale about one woman thrust into unknown territory to save the human race. It begs the question, what lengths would you go to to ensure our very survival?




The Last Seven Tribes of Ketchari by Sarah Lyn Eaton

A heartbreaking story about the loss of the Ketchari people, the fear of being hunted, and then the unexpected survival of their leader, The Last Seven Tribes of Ketchari will induce sadness and then hope in its readers. 

[Sushila De · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I just loved this. I was getting bored of reading when this anthology popped up on Amazon. How refreshing. I enjoyed every single story. I definitely recommend it. Looking forward to volume 2!

[Ess-Jee Rautenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dazzling Anthology of Imagination!

🌟 A Dazzling Anthology of Imagination! 🌟

As an author myself, I’m always on the lookout for collections that ignite the creative spark, and Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Volume One does not disappoint! This anthology is a treasure trove of captivating tales that blend the realms of science fiction and fantasy in the most exhilarating ways.

Each story is a gem, transporting the reader to fantastical worlds brimming with adventure, intrigue, and wonder. The authors within this collection have masterfully crafted narratives that are not only imaginative but also deeply engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.

What stands out to me is the seamless integration of different genres and styles, which keeps the reader constantly surprised and entertained. Whether you’re a fan of high fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, or anything in between, there’s something in this anthology for everyone.

The diversity of the characters and the richness of the settings make each story unique and memorable. It’s clear that a lot of thought and creativity went into curating this collection, ensuring that readers are taken on a thrilling journey from start to finish.

As an author, I appreciate the skill and dedication it takes to bring such a diverse array of stories to life, and I commend the writers for their exceptional contributions to this anthology. Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Volume One is a must-read for anyone who loves to explore the endless possibilities of speculative fiction.

Highly recommended! 🌟

[Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read short stories. I never read fantasy. I do read SOME sci-fi, but usually only the humorous kind and...
this anthology blew me away!!!
Every single story was like starting an exciting new book. It felt like I was reading the first chapter of a novel with intricate characterisations, settings, and meaning. They all have satisfying conclusions (or unsettling, depending on the tone and theme desired by the author), but I felt myself wishing I could read an entire novel-length story after almost every short story. And I found an author or two to check out their other works.

If you love sci-fi and fantasy, give this a read. They are PERFECT for the summer - you can read a story here and there at the pool, lake, beach, wherever and not feel too tied down to finishing an entire book. AND you'll likely find some new authors to read at the same time.

Highly recommend.

[Beth Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading through this anthology. Short stories are sometimes a mixed bag but the variety and quality of these were excellent. There is something for everyone, from cozy to horror; urban and epic fantasy, soft and hard sci-fi; the range was fantastic! Some stand out stories for me were: ‘The Last Seven Tribes Of Ketchari’; ‘The Calamity Of Opid’; ‘M. Lane’s Memory Emporium’; ‘The Door In The Tree’; and ‘Anton’.

All the short stories have such interesting and unique concepts and I’m always amazed by how much depth authors manage to achieve in so few pages! Out of the 23 stories there were only 3 I didn’t connect with which is a great hit rate, especially as I can be a very fussy reader.
I’d definitely recommend this anthology to anyone looking for a well written, interesting collection of short stories. I will certainly be reading the other 2 published volumes.

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Kobo: 9781778101014; 370 pages

23 stories selected from almost 400 - a wide variety of styles here and obviously some stories are less resonant than others. I particularly lked the fact that the first three cover 'soft' sf (colonistion), fantasy and hard sf... There seem to be slightly more fantasy than sf (that appears to be the norm, anyway). Two I've read before - both towards the end of the book: Red-Eyed Devil is fantasy (Mages and Mage-killers in a rural middle ages) while 'Je Me Souviens' is sf - a shrine on the moon tended by a solitary monk... a disturbing, melancholy meditation on mortality. That is not to dismiss the remaining stories, all worthy of inclusion.

[M. L. Bran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great collection of stories! Anthologies can be hit-or-miss, and I usually find myself skipping stories here and there when I encounter something I'm not a fan of. However, that didn't happen with this book—I read and enjoyed them all. Whether you're looking for a suspenseful, unsettling, chilling, or even funny read, you'll find something you like within this anthology.

Reading through this book became a ritual I looked forward to every night. I'm happy there are several more volumes in the series—I can't wait to give them a read and see what new adventures lie within the pages.

True to its name, Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy helped take my summer to the next level.

[Michael Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for short bursts of reading

Great collection. I really enjoyed the majority of them. The writing was excellent, and some great story telling!
Win 😁

[Ari Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for sci-fi/fantasy fans and lovers of good fiction!

First off: the scope of the subject matter and collective skill that went into this anthology is amazing. It's rare that I read an anthology without at some point feeling like there are "filler" stories - but this one delivers. From the first story, you are thrown into the centre of the action and it doesn't let up.

As a long-time sci-fi and fantasy fan, I'm always keen to read things that exemplify for me the best and most timeless uses of the genres - the use of fantastical storytelling that explores incredibly human, real, and timely struggles. Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy delivers on this in a wonderfully engaging way - dealing with human themes of desperation, temptation and morality, survival, our connection to land and primal forces, miscommunication and cultural exchange, and human frailty and perseverence. These are explored in the 23 stories with wonderful world-building that invites you in and only leaves you wanting more.

As a fan of the short story form, I was also impressed at the skill and attention to craft that the diverse authors brought to the table. Anyone who has tried to write in the short fiction form can attest to how difficult it can be to write an entire story within the confines of a briefer piece, especially when it involves the world-building that fantasy and sci-fi require. The authors here rose to this challenge admirably. Just as I felt there was no "filler" in the stories selected, I felt similarly that the authors delivered their stories with remarkable restraint and skill and avoided "filler" words or paragraphs that can be so tempting to include as a writer.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading. I enjoyed all of the stories but a few you won't want to miss in particular are The Calamity of Opus, Baby Box, The Discovery of Plants, Whatever Houses You May Visit, The Door in the Tree, Alison's Bluff, and Je Me Souviens.

[okaylib · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are, it will come as no surprise, often a mixed bag. Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy is no exception, but its variety of concepts and worlds kept me on my toes throughout all 23 of these stories.

Not only is SFF a broad genre, it’s two of them. And that was my favourite thing about this collection. I had literally no idea what to expect when I flipped the page and moved on to the next story. One minute I’d be reading about a deer-headed, magical-truffle shop owner, and the next I was thrown in the story of a sleeping-pill addicted blackjack dealer.

One of my favourite stories in the collection was “The Art of Failure,” by Robert Dawson. It follows a heavily indebted, spacefaring linguist making first contact with a potential new trading partner planet. I’m an absolute sucker for science fiction that explores linguists, and now I’m convinced that no SFF anthology is complete without a piece that tackles this theme.

I also enjoyed: “Babybox,” by Simon Martel (explores modern motherhood); “The Discovery of Plants,” by E. E. King (some Annihilation plant-people shit goes on in here); and “Alison’s Bluff,” by Noah Chinn (smart woman + poker table = haha, silly men).

While many of the stories were fun, I had difficulty connecting to quite a few of them. Not all the themes were exactly to my taste, and some of the writing styles just didn’t click with me. But with an expansive collection like this one, this isn’t surprising.

I also would have loved to see more diversity in perspective and authorship. Many of these stories fall into typical tropes of Western SFF. And there’s nothing exactly wrong with this, but for a collection that has such possibility for range, it would have been nice to read work that challenged Eurocentric tropes and included more underrepresented voices.

But on the whole, I’m certain there’s something in here for everyone. Summer of Sci-fi & Fantasy is a romp through time and space that I think pairs well with the season (and probably a cerveza or two).

[Marcus Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like just the other day I was musing about where someone could find anthologies. To my knowledge, the only time I’d ever come across an anthology was in the context of writing and literature courses. Then lo and behold, this shows up on my radar, so I was pretty eager to see what it had to offer. Especially since the anthologies I’ve read in the past were more focused on gothic, southern gothic, or dramatic pieces; I was really excited to see what the genres of Sci Fi and Fantasy would do with a shorter structure to tell their stories.

Some told a story from beginning to end, while others threw us somewhere in the middle and expected us to keep up. Some of the stories, for me, felt like I was reading a pilot to a larger story they wanted to get off the ground (one of the intros to the story outright stated it, if I remember right) and that made it harder for me to feel satisfied.

I’m not saying I’m any better, but the thing that struck me repeatedly was how information is conveyed to the reader. Maybe I’m just used to the logic of film and television, and I understand that there’s a limit inherent to short stories, but something about how the stories conveyed background, context, worldbuilding often felt like it totally destroyed the pacing. I think I want something a little less told, and a little more demonstrated/inferred. Not a whole lot, I don’t want to have to dig for information like a Fromsoft video game. But I feel like inference and environmental storytelling help to keep the audience engaged.

And it’s a matter of realism. When characters talk to each other, do they say “Hello, Jason. My brother. My brother who I haven’t seen since the fire that killed our parents ten years ago” Or do they work under assumption and inference? These characters already have this information, so how can you both communicate it while also giving the audience the feeling like they’re observing a natural conversation? It’s a tricky balance, to be sure.

I’m also struck by how much word choice affects my aphantasia and therefore my immersion. Aphantasia, for those who don’t know, is a condition where you have a hard time conjuring mental images. It exists on a spectrum where some can’t imagine anything at all, and some have a few details. This is something I’ve dealt with forever but it’s changed as I’ve aged. I’m not entirely sure what dictates whether or not I’ll be able to visualize but I think one of the criteria is word choice. Simpler words give my mind more flexibility to imagine what’s happening.

So, to me, stories like Baryonyx Crossing was a rough read. It’s closer to a creature feature with a lot of setpieces and I couldn’t really keep track of what was going on aside from some high notes. So I didn’t enjoy those types of stories as much. Not to say they’re bad, just my own personal preference. Some were easier to engage with than others. I found Going Cold to be a great thriller. While more actiony, The Independent Fiend had other things going for it like the quippy dialogue that made me think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer; which made for an engaging and entertaining read and made up for any mental imagery lost.

For me, the anthology really shines when it tackles contemplative issues about parenting. Aging gracefully, and the inherent selfishness of parenting like in Baby Box, or the absolute horror imagined in Only Once A Year. That one was a particular favorite because the subject matter is a reflection of society’s fears on intimacy, empathy, and joy as finite resources to be siphoned off to saviors less than interested in saving humanity. The characters felt so real, Elias being a particular favorite of mine.

Other stories like Free Dreamers are examples of a pitch story like I mentioned earlier. Where the world of being able to access your dreams and check out of society yet still be sold ads in your literal mind is interesting and engaging. Yet there’s not really time to soak in the world, no time to explain the logic (at least to my understanding), and a rush through the three-act structure before anyone gets time to breathe.

As the stories went on, my interest in them definitely waned. Nothing about them was particularly bad or noteworthy, but that’s also my point: they were just okay. Which is understandable, you can’t keep the momentum going forever. Yet right when you’re lulled into a state of complacency, the anthology takes a turn to absolutely punch you in the face with the final story of Je Me Souviens. My god, what a whirlwind. It particularly made me think a lot about history. How in my generation I’ve seen things begin and start trends, only to then see the generations after me rediscover these things and engage in refreshing discourse with fresh eyes. Then there’s all those pieces of history my generation discovered that came before us. It makes you wonder just how the world will be seen in lifetimes after ours and what people will be thinking about.

Overall, Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Volume One is packed to the brim with stories that will entertain, engage you, excite you, scare you, break your mind, and break your heart. I highly recommend fans of the Sci Fi and fantasy genres to give it a read!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this set of anthropologies. I can whole heartedly say I have never had a full set that I enjoyed until now. Usually there are afew (or a lot) that just don’t speak to me, which is understandable.
But this set did not have a single story i disliked. I kept wanting to turn the page not knowing what I was going to find on the other side.
Amazing, great work.

[Aradhya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite my favorite genre being Fantasy and Sci-fi, this is my first Scifi-Fantasy anthology. The reason is - short stories are not really my thing. I often find them…well…short. The worldbuilding, the details, the twists, and the character depths that a writer can put in a novel, putting all those in one short story is quite hard. Right?

But, this one actually surprised me. It has 23 stories, and I didn’t just read all of these, I ended up liking almost all of them, which was completely, completely unexpected.

Since reviewing 23 stories in detail is quite hard, I will just go and write a 100% spoiler-free bit about all of them.

One of my favorite scenes out of this book is in ‘The Calamity of Opid’. I really liked the writing, the struggle of the main character, AND the ending here. If this author writes a full-length novel, I will read that.

Two of the stories that I know I am going to think the most about are ‘Only Once a Year’, and ‘Babybox’. Scary, scary stories! Perfect material for Black Mirror. If these authors write full-length novels, I will read those too. With one eye closed maybe, but I will.

‘The Door in the Tree’ - This is the first time ever I read a mind-blowing theory like this about trees. Mind-blowing! I am not gonna see another tree without thinking about it for at least months now!

‘Split Decision’ - This clever, funny story deals with a Sci-fi theory that my brother and I have loved since our childhood, to the extent that it’s sort of an in-joke b/w us. I enjoyed it a lot. Would definitely like to read more from this author.

Another topic I find very interesting is Memories. ‘M. Lane’s Memory Emporium’ and ‘The Thief of the Forgotten Encounters Human Cargo’ deals with this topic. While the former is a sweet story and makes you want to visit the emporium yourself, the latter is a different, more serious take. Both stories are quite well-written and I would like to read more from these authors too.

I also liked ‘The Last Seven Tribes of Ketchari’. It has everything - action, visual storytelling, and a strong story without any plot holes (which is usually my complaint for short stories).

‘The Path of the Phoenix’ and ‘Red-Eyed Devil’ are quite good for several reasons, but I am going to mention a special one. Their clever authors have used characters from their full-length novels to create these stories. So now, if you like these characters, or the settings, or anything about the worlds they built, you are already invested. Needless to say, I have added their books to my TBR. Such a smart move!!

‘The Art of Failure’ is one story that talks about language while dealing with aliens. I liked this one a lot too.

‘The Story of Plants’ - Another, very scary, black mirror kinda story with several interesting bits. This is going to remain with me for some time for sure.

‘Baryonyx Crossing’ and ‘Skinned’ are two of the most action-packed stories here. Fans of action scenes, these are for you.

‘The Independent Fiend’ - This has a demon! And the funny banter in it reminded me of my favorite show Supernatural.

The other stories that reminded me of my favorite Sci-fi movies and shows from my childhood were ‘Going Cold’, ‘Freedreamers’, ‘Allison’s Bluff’, ‘Cadillac’, ‘Anton’, ‘Je Me Souviens’, The Storyteller of Koss, and ‘Whatever Houses You May Visit’. Interesting stories.

Overall, this is a superb collection. I will wait for Volume 2 now. And I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Sci-fi and/or Fantasy. Go for it!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a group of mostly new fantasy and science fiction stories.

There is a story about a murderous creature attacking a space station. There is a dystopian tale about people having happiness sucked out of them, like they were having all of their blood sucked out of them. Sometimes, a person can be hooked up permanently.

A Las Vegas casino dealer is hooked on a drug called Sueno-Z. There is a nightly "human sacrifice" into a volcano that is part of the Las Vegas Strip. It is all about strange dreams broadcast to millions of people while they are asleep. In another story, an evil necromancer has been brought back to life using unearthly methods. A first contact story revolves around two spaceships orbiting around the same planet, intentionally firing at each other. It is kind of like medieval jousting. Then, they can get together and talk about mining and trade agreements.

The last story in the book takes place several hundred years from now, after mankind has started to spread throughout the galaxy. An asteroid destroyed most, if not all, life on Earth three centuries previously. For the past fifty years, a lone monk has taken care of a small religious shrine on the Moon. Each day, he dutifully cleans off the moondust, for any pilgrims who might wish to worship there; there are no visitors. One day, the monk receives a message from Headquarters. Abandon the shrine, and come home. What does he do?

Individually, these stories are excellent. There is a good variety of fantasy and science fiction included here. Put together, this collection is very much worth reading.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read sci fi or fantasy one of two things can happen…you get completely engrossed and cannot put the book down, or you struggle through to the end. Summer of Sci Fi and Fantasy will grab your hand and immerse you in to 23 stories of creativity. Each story is an almost realistic scenario if you pay attention to the world around us. From an abandoned ship slowly freezing, a box to place your children in to keep them young, young witches displaying or hiding their powers, to scenarios in which people save one another, to eventually finding our purpose in life, this book will keep your attention and ask yourself to imagine what you would do in the same situations. My favorite stories were The Calamity of Opid, Babybox, The Path of the Phoenix, The Art of Failure, and Je Me Souviens. Not to say the others were not good, but these really touched a nerve or my heart and truly made me think about what the author was trying to convey and how it relates to MY reality.
While reading this book, I found myself laughing out loud, crying, and questioning what I would do if I found myself living the inventive creations of this book. I don’t want to say too much and give any story away, but if you are a sci fi reader, or love fantasy stories that provoke your critical thinking skills and entertain at the same time, this book is for you!!! I can’t wait to share this book with my students and hear how they interpret each special story. Kudos to all the writers who made this work something incredibly creative and a special work of art. I cannot wait to read Volume Two!

[Dondi Ratliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 23 short stories of this collection range from hard sci-fi to more urban fantasy. None are particularly difficult to read, and all of them are entertaining. The collection really has something for everyone: dinosaurs, Old Ones, spaceships, and commentary on both the darkest and brightest of human existence.

Granted, as with all collections, not every story will be someone’s favorite. “The Calamity of Opid” seems to end a little too abruptly and on an awkward note. The first story, “Baryonyx Crossing,” is reminiscent of Jurassic Park in both the best and worst ways: it’s full of adventure suited to the big screen, but at the same time, it falls into territory already taken by the movies (which it has no relation to) with its antagonist. Other stories harken back to days of pulp magazines while one or two almost seem to try too hard to bludgeon their readers over their heads with their messages. The links to larger series or works from Emily Martha Sorensen and Gordon Linzner both tempt their audiences to check out said source material (and for good reason given how interesting the included shorts happen to be). Some production mistakes and typos exist; don’t let those distract you from the good stuff.

Overall, the collection warrants a good time for lovers of sci-fi and fantasy. Sit back under your beach umbrella or in the cool interior of your AC chilled room and enjoy.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid fan of fantasy and science fiction, I found this collection to be entirely up to snuff. You don't necessarily need to be a great big Sci-Fi or Fantasy geek to garner a lot of enjoyment from this, although it certainly wouldn't hurt.
Among the myriad short stories, "Going Cold" by Gustavo Bondoni was a particularly thrilling delight for me. Reminiscent of something like Alien mixed with eldritch horror. This particular anthology kept me well entertained through an otherwise very exhausting trip overseas, I highly recommend it!

[Shawn Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Aficionado

If you’re looking for an eclectic collection of science fiction and fantasy shorts by a group of talented authors, then this book is for you. All the stories in this anthology are examples of excellent storytelling. My personal favorites are ‘The Door in the Tree’, ‘Cadillac’, and ‘Je Me Souviens’. (This review conducted by one of the contributing authors).

[Brent Millis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obtained this anthology through the recent Kickstarter for thr fourth volume of the same title. Absolutely amazing. Brilliant authors and stories. Great mix of both scifi and fantasy. Highly recommended.

[Xenyx Void · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story in this collection is imaginative and fun to read. I couldn't put it down! I was surprised and delighted at the variety and quality of work here. A fantastic read!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang. This was a solid series of short stories. Some were a little bleak / horror-esque, but really all were amazing.