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Resonant Dust: Stories - Volume 1
Get comfortable. Turn down the lights. Immerse yourself in the hypothetical.
Swarms of microscopic entities traveling through space are hidden within clouds of cosmic dust. A child knows what people will say before they even speak. Training on another planet for the Olympics, an athlete gets more than she bargained for. A smart house takes its job of entertaining its occupants rather seriously. An android attending a public school just wants to fit in with the other kids. An estranged husband and wife make a surprising discovery about the chemical nature of love.
Eighteen science fiction stories to challenge the way you perceive humanity and the world. Most are uplifting and hopeful, some are cautionary, and all are mind-bending. Settle in and treat yourself to these visionary explorations of what might be possible.
From the author of the Diffusion, Bridgers, and Across Horizons series.
Swarms of microscopic entities traveling through space are hidden within clouds of cosmic dust. A child knows what people will say before they even speak. Training on another planet for the Olympics, an athlete gets more than she bargained for. A smart house takes its job of entertaining its occupants rather seriously. An android attending a public school just wants to fit in with the other kids. An estranged husband and wife make a surprising discovery about the chemical nature of love.
Eighteen science fiction stories to challenge the way you perceive humanity and the world. Most are uplifting and hopeful, some are cautionary, and all are mind-bending. Settle in and treat yourself to these visionary explorations of what might be possible.
From the author of the Diffusion, Bridgers, and Across Horizons series.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
45 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 18, 2022
I am NOT usually a fan of short stories or the infamous “novella.” I don’t accept them as free reads or a “bonus,” and when something is advertised as a “book” and turns out to be a novella, I am NOT happy and usually discard without opening.
That being said – I have just finished reading a book of short stories. The only reason is that I have known and LOVED the work of Stan C. Smith for several years, and I have read some of these stories previously in private mailings. They are mostly wonderful. OK the best batter in the world occasionally strikes out, and not every story is as extraordinary. But even the weaker in the group are very good – and the extraordinary ones are truly that.
One word of advice – treat this little book like my grandmother’s fudge. My Nana made fudge that was too rich to “eat.” If you took a full bite, I think you would die. The only way to approach it and to fully appreciate its richness was to nibble – to slice a little bit with your teeth and let it melt in your mouth.
This book should be read one story at a time. When you finish that one story, close the book and spend some time thinking about the story – exploring the options – see what imagination it strikes in your own soul. I could almost see using this book as the material for a religious retreat. The stories aren’t “religious” – depending of course on how you define the term. But one of the joys of Stan Smith is that he throws curve balls at reality, and makes you react and respond to the new way of looking at things – which is what the characters in his stories do as well.
I would strongly suggest not only buying this book but perhaps getting several copies, to give to friends you really like. They will thank you for it. Oh – and put Stan C. Smith on your list of authors to read (there is a great treasure chest of books already written) now and in the future.
And by the way – for those for whom this is important – text to speech has been enabled for this book.
That being said – I have just finished reading a book of short stories. The only reason is that I have known and LOVED the work of Stan C. Smith for several years, and I have read some of these stories previously in private mailings. They are mostly wonderful. OK the best batter in the world occasionally strikes out, and not every story is as extraordinary. But even the weaker in the group are very good – and the extraordinary ones are truly that.
One word of advice – treat this little book like my grandmother’s fudge. My Nana made fudge that was too rich to “eat.” If you took a full bite, I think you would die. The only way to approach it and to fully appreciate its richness was to nibble – to slice a little bit with your teeth and let it melt in your mouth.
This book should be read one story at a time. When you finish that one story, close the book and spend some time thinking about the story – exploring the options – see what imagination it strikes in your own soul. I could almost see using this book as the material for a religious retreat. The stories aren’t “religious” – depending of course on how you define the term. But one of the joys of Stan Smith is that he throws curve balls at reality, and makes you react and respond to the new way of looking at things – which is what the characters in his stories do as well.
I would strongly suggest not only buying this book but perhaps getting several copies, to give to friends you really like. They will thank you for it. Oh – and put Stan C. Smith on your list of authors to read (there is a great treasure chest of books already written) now and in the future.
And by the way – for those for whom this is important – text to speech has been enabled for this book.
October 20, 2022
Thought-Provoking and Well Done !! . . .
This author is always entertaining and educating readers in so many ways. Now we have a collection of eighteen science fiction stories that will raise questions in your mind or entertain you in some way. Not all of them are joyous and happy. Instead you may be given something to think seriously about and wonder whether you accept what is presented or can imagine something different. But they make you think and wonder. For some, that may be a unique approach to have the ending not laid out for you; to be able to come to your own conclusions. But you can count on the stories to be well-written and indeed a challenge to your preconceived notions. And some will also make you smile. So grab your copy and devour these fascinating, fun, and awesome stories! It will definitely be worth your time.
🔍 (And unrelated to the actual book, if you get the chance, sign up for this author’s newsletters. He and his wife will amaze you with the stories they tell in the newsletter. The “Amazing Animal Facts” is my absolute favorite item in the newsletter. I eagerly read every single newsletter he sends to us!)
This author is always entertaining and educating readers in so many ways. Now we have a collection of eighteen science fiction stories that will raise questions in your mind or entertain you in some way. Not all of them are joyous and happy. Instead you may be given something to think seriously about and wonder whether you accept what is presented or can imagine something different. But they make you think and wonder. For some, that may be a unique approach to have the ending not laid out for you; to be able to come to your own conclusions. But you can count on the stories to be well-written and indeed a challenge to your preconceived notions. And some will also make you smile. So grab your copy and devour these fascinating, fun, and awesome stories! It will definitely be worth your time.
🔍 (And unrelated to the actual book, if you get the chance, sign up for this author’s newsletters. He and his wife will amaze you with the stories they tell in the newsletter. The “Amazing Animal Facts” is my absolute favorite item in the newsletter. I eagerly read every single newsletter he sends to us!)
October 19, 2022
From the foreword to the last page, I felt magnetically drawn to the stories in Resonant Dust. I have always been in awe of Stan C. Smith’s imagination and writing skills, yet my reaction to this set of short stories surprised me because I normally gravitate toward the cohesive storyline one finds in novels. While reading the unique stories of Resonant Dust Volume 1, I felt like I was selecting from a delicious candy box, with each being a new taste sensation. My three favorite stories were Human Equivalence Doctrine, What Love is, and Chain Letter. However, every item in this collection packed a punch that either: stirred my imagination, unnerved me, challenged my thinking, or connected to me in a personal way. I have to wonder if Stan C. Smith ever sleeps. How in the world does he come up with all of these wonderful story ideas? Don’t be surprised if Resonant Dust reverberates with you too.
October 7, 2022
Wow. A great, really unusual set of short stories from a very imaginative author.
I found it fascinating to read these varied stories - normally Stan's novels are full of weird and wonderful animals, and I was eager to see how he did on the more pure side of scifi. And the answer is, Very Well indeed! The stories are all very different to each other, a wide mix of speculative fiction, and there wasn't a bad one there! Obviously I liked some stories more than others - always the way with a book of mixed stories, but there were none I didn't like in some way. And that's pretty unusual for a mixed book!
So if you like scifi, or speculative fiction, or just some good, light reading, then I do recommend this captivating book to you!
I found it fascinating to read these varied stories - normally Stan's novels are full of weird and wonderful animals, and I was eager to see how he did on the more pure side of scifi. And the answer is, Very Well indeed! The stories are all very different to each other, a wide mix of speculative fiction, and there wasn't a bad one there! Obviously I liked some stories more than others - always the way with a book of mixed stories, but there were none I didn't like in some way. And that's pretty unusual for a mixed book!
So if you like scifi, or speculative fiction, or just some good, light reading, then I do recommend this captivating book to you!
October 20, 2022
A great selection of short stories
This is something new from Stan C. Smith in that almost all of his previous publications are novels belonging to a series of books. Personally, I pretty much gave up on reading short stories many years ago. Short stories typically seem to be by their constraints lacking in depth, detail and memorable characters. Often they end without closure. However, I’m a big fan of Stan, so I gave him a chance and I’m glad I did. It’s an engaging set of stories. In this collection he explores a variety of concepts, and who knows maybe one day some of them will even evolve into full length novels. The stories still have the same quality writing and interesting story lines as his other books. The first volume of several to come?
This is something new from Stan C. Smith in that almost all of his previous publications are novels belonging to a series of books. Personally, I pretty much gave up on reading short stories many years ago. Short stories typically seem to be by their constraints lacking in depth, detail and memorable characters. Often they end without closure. However, I’m a big fan of Stan, so I gave him a chance and I’m glad I did. It’s an engaging set of stories. In this collection he explores a variety of concepts, and who knows maybe one day some of them will even evolve into full length novels. The stories still have the same quality writing and interesting story lines as his other books. The first volume of several to come?
July 6, 2023
You won’t be surprised…
…if you’ve ever ready anything Stan Smith has written that this book is a winner! I get Stan’s newsletter and he does stories that I look forward to reading and stop everything to enjoy. This book is a gathering of some of the most original stories I’ve run upon and amazingly, they’re ALL good - not a stinker in the lot. The stories range from space aliens/exploration to ideas of “gifted” (and sometimes dangerous) earthlings. Makes me wonder how much Stan is getting first hand knowledge of others “out there”. I’m hot to start reading the next book, but for now, I’ll look forward to seeing the name “Stan Smith” show up in my email! Highly recommend - you will NOT be disappointed.
…if you’ve ever ready anything Stan Smith has written that this book is a winner! I get Stan’s newsletter and he does stories that I look forward to reading and stop everything to enjoy. This book is a gathering of some of the most original stories I’ve run upon and amazingly, they’re ALL good - not a stinker in the lot. The stories range from space aliens/exploration to ideas of “gifted” (and sometimes dangerous) earthlings. Makes me wonder how much Stan is getting first hand knowledge of others “out there”. I’m hot to start reading the next book, but for now, I’ll look forward to seeing the name “Stan Smith” show up in my email! Highly recommend - you will NOT be disappointed.
October 13, 2022
Stan C. Smith’s novels are full of interesting people, creatures and wondrous settings. This collection of short stories is much the same. The biggest difference is the variety. This is a writer whose great talent is matched by his seemingly inexhaustible imagination. Each and every story in this collection gripped me and held me spellbound. Each also left me wondering what happened to the characters after the events of the story. Rarely have I read a collection like this that has such differing tales that all demand the reader's attention and stay with you long after reading them. Simply put, this collection is excellent.
October 19, 2022
The stories in the book Resonant Dust are a fascinating group of diverse ideas that leave you wanting more. My favorites are the title short story "Resonant Dust " and the story " What Love Is " with grubs that make you fall in love (if you can bear to eat them). In "Resonant Dust" the protagonists are attacked by space dust and one human has her body temporarily taken over which they use to communicate with the other human on board. All of the stories are based on some aspect of science fiction but they all have entirely different premises and are very creative. I highly recommend this book and others by Stan Smith.
October 22, 2022
Resonant Dust showcases Stan C. Smith's creative mind at its finest. I am not normally a short story fan but I was sure since these stories were written by Stan that they would be extraordinarily good, and I was right. Each story is as different and mind-boggling as the one before. You will find an alien life form unlike any you have ever seen before. You will read about a little boy and his doll named Russ, and a man who gets messages in his Alpha Bits. There are these and so much more. There are 18 stories that will thrill and amaze you. Each one different, thought-provoking and worth reading. This is a collection of short stories you don't want to miss.
October 19, 2022
What an incredible imagination Stan Smith has; these short stories are so varied it is as though they are a collection from many varied authors. Most can be read in a single session, much like a regular novel’s chapters, so you are not left trying to remember what was happening when you stopped reading last. What I found so surprising was how satisfying each of the stories ended. All right, a couple left me a little disappointed, but overall the book is immensely enjoyable, and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
November 1, 2022
Stan has done it again! This time with a short story collection. In his imagination : strangers bonded over extreme tinnitus; a man sees the possibilities of his future selves; a woman finds a unique solution to an alien invasion; a man realizes he should carpe ídem; a strange bowl of alphabet cereal; a smart house tests a woman to her limits; the consequences of a sympathetic ear; and many more mind tingling stories. Each story also teaches a subtle lesson. I enjoyed them all. I’m looking forward to the next collection.
December 11, 2022
The author has a long list of published novels, but this is his first published volume of short stories. This collection of 18 sci-fi short stories consistently delivers enjoyable reading. If the stories in this collection have anything in common, it is that they all demonstrate the author’s ability to craft highly imaginative sci-fi scenarios. The characters in these stories are well-developed, which isn’t easy to accomplish in a short story, and that contributes crucially to the entertainment value of the stories.
October 13, 2022
Brilliant collection of short stories each different but all joined by the question What if
The situations and characters draw you in to there world’s. I was completely captivated quickly turning each page to reach the conclusion of each story. I’ve actually read each story several times and will continue to return to the over time. As the beauty of short stories is you can reread hen you have a spare moment. Really looking forward to the next collection.
The situations and characters draw you in to there world’s. I was completely captivated quickly turning each page to reach the conclusion of each story. I’ve actually read each story several times and will continue to return to the over time. As the beauty of short stories is you can reread hen you have a spare moment. Really looking forward to the next collection.
October 20, 2022
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. I must be honest and say I haven't completely finished the book, each short story I have read is thought provoking, and I've found it's better to read one at a time rather than gobble them up wholesale the way I usually read short stories. This author has some unique ways of looking at things and an entertaining way of telling his stories. I would recommend you check out this assortment of short stories.
October 29, 2022
A fascinating collection of unique possibilities, each deftly exploring warps of reality, far reaches of science, and the human factor which both drives and is driven by the worlds we help create. I felt fully satisfied in each succinct vignette, invested in the characters’ challenges, perceptions and dramas while I relished the vivid worlds and creative science gestalt which shaped each story. I’m eagerly looking forward to more delights in this series of short story collections.
March 26, 2024
Resonant Dust Volume 1
I’ve always enjoyed reading Stan C. Smith’s short stories. He writes intelligent science fiction rather than pure speculative, these are stories that make you think and question which is the hallmark of any good author but also of far too few.
It is quite an eclectic collection some whimsical others quite deep and introspective. Above all they are a delight to read.
I’ve always enjoyed reading Stan C. Smith’s short stories. He writes intelligent science fiction rather than pure speculative, these are stories that make you think and question which is the hallmark of any good author but also of far too few.
It is quite an eclectic collection some whimsical others quite deep and introspective. Above all they are a delight to read.
October 18, 2022
This book is a wonderfully eclectic collection of short stories with a definite sci fi bent. No two stories are anywhere near alike, and they explore many facets of the sci fi genre, from alien contact, to AI, to augmented reality, to strange phenomena not explained by our current level of science. Each story can be read rather quickly, and then you're on to something completely different.
January 6, 2023
What a great collection of science fiction short stories by Stan Smith!
You will be treated to a wide variety of topics and scenes that will keep you thrilled until you finish #18. Resident Dust is the best collection of sci fi short stories I've ever read.
So get started. You won't regret having this book on your bookshelf or in your Kindle
You will be treated to a wide variety of topics and scenes that will keep you thrilled until you finish #18. Resident Dust is the best collection of sci fi short stories I've ever read.
So get started. You won't regret having this book on your bookshelf or in your Kindle
October 14, 2022
Everything you've come to expect from Stan C. Smith's novels-- the memorable, in-depth characters, the engaging storytelling, the unique adventures-- all wrapped up in a nifty collection! I don't know how he is able to create such depth with shorter stories, but I'm hooked!
October 18, 2022
By publishing a book of short stories, Stan C. Smith has given the readers exactly what they need. An amazing selection of stories that can be read in the wink of an eye, or at least in a short amount of time. Read one of read them all, your choice.
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October 18, 2022Loved this collection of short stories. Stan never fails to amaze with his imagination. Each story is it's own little world. Read in one sitting or stretch it out, it's fun reading either way. Visit outer space or find the oddities on earth, they are all engaging. Enjoy!!
October 18, 2022
Everything Stan Smith writes is Magic. I loved these short stories. So original and creative. I never miss anything he writes.
I was given an ARC by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was given an ARC by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this compilation of short stories. Some were better than others but they're all well worth reading. Many of them really make me stop and think what might be...
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own
October 19, 2022
This is an amazing collection of short stories. I am not typically a fan of short stories, but Stan C Smith has put together a collection of some of the most amazing, original, and creative stories that I’ve ever read. These stories often leave one wondering… what if? Highly recommended!!
October 20, 2022
This was a great book! I really had fun with reading these very creative stories. Each one made me want more. How amazing it would be to read full novels that continue these prodigious tales. This writer has a true gift of imagination with the elements of surprise and suspense.
-Christina
-Christina
October 31, 2022
I used to love watching The Twilight Zone as a kid and this book is reminiscent of that. A collection of short creepy tales. Easy and fun to read. I’m not usually a fan of anthologies but this one was great!
December 11, 2022
Wonderful stories one after another!
One never quite knows where the story is going but they are all a wonderful journey. Stan has written a good number of books and I love every one!
One never quite knows where the story is going but they are all a wonderful journey. Stan has written a good number of books and I love every one!
November 6, 2024
More great stories from Stan
First book in this series of three short story books from Stan c Smith. I read the second book first but like that one the first has more of the awesome shorts that could be a good start of a great novel.
First book in this series of three short story books from Stan c Smith. I read the second book first but like that one the first has more of the awesome shorts that could be a good start of a great novel.
July 10, 2025
An eclectic collection of short SF stories.
Each story is quite different from the others, but quite enjoyable in its own unique way. Successful invasions of earth, thwarted invasions, AI, love, and other interesting SF memes are explored.
Each story is quite different from the others, but quite enjoyable in its own unique way. Successful invasions of earth, thwarted invasions, AI, love, and other interesting SF memes are explored.
October 13, 2022
I loved this book. It held my interest and was full of great characters. Some of the stories really got me thinking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews