C. Adam Volle’s Reviews > L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future, Volume 40 > Status Update

“Butter Side Down” by Kal M is a strong finish to the collection, as well as the only story that really tries to be funny. I rarely laughed but I was charmed by the central relationship and surprised by its big themes. It’s a good story.

Oof. Lisa Silverthorne’s “Summer of Thirty Years” is a real tearjerker. Good pick.

“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfire” by James Davies is much more like it. It’s got a good concept and heart, and that’s what I want in SFF.

“Halo” is fine (though I think the depiction of the main character’s cantankerous son is pretty cartoonish in an otherwise grounded story). I will repeat my objection that a writer like Nancy Kress has no place in this collection, however. Why are we including stories by old veterans (especially when they aren’t as good as the new authors’ stories)? Does the publisher need the sales boost? Is Kress a draw?

John Erich Schleicher’s “Squiddy” is another winner. I’ll be happy to read more work by him. That said, the man really ought to stop referring himself as “John Erich.” You’re not a pope, Buddy, pick a name.

“The Wall Isn’t A Circle” is the best story so far in this collection; it really has everything I want in a sci-fi tale. And it’s cute that author Rosalyn Robilliard is actually a pair of sisters, considering the protagonist’s inner conflict. Bravo.

I’m not sure why S.M. Stirling got to write a story for this anthology. Seems to me a clear violation of the series’ spirit. Also, I just didn’t like the story (which I read before the bio of the author, as I do every story, so I didn’t know Stirling was previously published, having never heard of him). “Shaman Dreams” devotes most of its space to anthropology, not drama.

Ah, well.

And there went another retrospective piece by Dean Wesley Smith. I like Benford’s more. Back to the stories.

Heartfelt little retrospective by author and longtime contest judge Gregory Benford in this volume. Cheers, Greg.

“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson is classic hard sci-fi. I’m not sure I buy that the main character’s epiphany toward the end solves his problem—really, he should redefine the concept of home somehow—but whatever.