An anthology blending science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres, featuring diverse stories from established and emerging authors, exploring themes of mystery, wonder, and existential reflection. Readers are treated to a captivating journey through different worlds and dimensions, with a seamless blend of cross-genre tales curated by editors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell.
A collection of cyberpunk short stories by Polish female authors, exploring dystopian worlds and themes such as pandemics, post-apocalyptic societies, and technological advancements. The stories feature strong female protagonists navigating through societal challenges and technological dilemmas, offering a diverse and engaging take on the cyberpunk genre.
In the aftermath of the Republic's fall and the rise of the Galactic Empire, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera navigate the encroaching darkness and political turmoil, each seeking purpose and direction in a changing galaxy while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come unless they take action. The story delves into political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of resistance against an oppressive regime, offering a thought-provoking exploration of power, loyalty, and the cost of standing up for what is right.
A glaciologist stranded in Antarctica must survive alone in extreme conditions after losing contact with her team, while grappling with the aftermath of a nuclear war and the unknown fate of her family. The gripping thriller explores themes of isolation, survival, and the fight to stay alive in the face of unimaginable challenges.
A chronically ill high school dropout and a circus performer team up to compete in a tech competition on a space station, where competitors start turning up dead. The novel skillfully weaves themes of disability, friendship, and competition in a unique sci-fi setting, with realistic portrayals of chronic illness, ADHD, and autism.
A human emissary, Dalton Greaves, finds himself stranded on an alien planet caught between two rival alien factions, navigating palace intrigue and a bizarre love triangle while questioning his loyalty to his own species. The story blends humor, political intrigue, and cultural exploration in a fast-paced sci-fi adventure that challenges notions of honor, morality, and survival.
Residents of an isolated mountain community must navigate survival and resistance against alien conquerors in this gripping science fiction tale by Larry Botkins. As they face constant danger, the group learns to adapt, fight back, and ultimately uncover the strength within themselves to protect their home and humanity.
An immortal saint and a severed head, enemies forced to travel together in a post-apocalyptic world, embark on a dark and crooked path towards a surprising and cozy romance, challenging the boundaries of good and evil in a unique and captivating enemies-to-lovers narrative. The slow-burn love story unfolds amidst philosophical discussions, magical adventures, and a beautifully crafted, violent universe, offering a different take on immortal romance with exquisite world-building and complex characters.
A deadly extremophile parasite spreads at an Antarctic research base, triggering madness and superhuman strength among the winter crew, leading to a fight for survival against evolving telepathic abilities. The story delves into isolation, paranoia, and the dark side of human nature amidst a geopolitical backdrop of World War III.
A detective and her team investigate cold cases by time traveling back to gather evidence, but when she gets stuck in 1850 while looking into a murder pinned on an aristocratic patron, she must navigate a dangerous past to uncover the truth and save her son in the present. The blend of historical fiction, crime, time travel, and strong character development creates an engaging and unique narrative that keeps readers hooked until the surprising conclusion.
A fierce warrior, Ambessa Medarda, fights a civil war within her family to claim leadership, facing betrayal, political intrigue, and the challenge of grooming her daughter for power in the ruthless world of Noxus. The novel delves into themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the complexities of power in a high-stakes fantasy setting.
A complex and challenging dystopian novel set in a reimagined Nepal, Darkmotherland explores themes of political violence, gender identity, and societal upheaval through intertwining narratives of a revolutionary's daughter and a dictator's mistress. With sharp political satire and social commentary, the story delves into power struggles, oppression, and the complexities of navigating personal ambitions within a dystopian society.
In an alternate 2023 Britain where the Norman Conquest never occurred, a series of brutal murders threatens the fragile peace among Celtic, Saxon, and Nordic tribes. Two mismatched detectives must set aside personal differences to uncover deeper forces at play, exploring themes of religious conflict, nationalism, and prejudice in a captivatingly familiar yet distinct world.
Two intertwining storylines follow the experiences of Sichu Docksteiger and the indigenous inhabitants of the planet Luarrig, shedding light on power dynamics and resistance against Reginald Bull. Despite some uneven storytelling, the novel offers intriguing insights into the complexities of the Agolei and hints at deeper mysteries yet to be revealed in the ongoing Phoenix Cycle.
A collection of science fiction and fantasy stories in Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 221, February 2025, includes tales of consciousness transfer, post-apocalyptic leadership struggles, and interstellar exploration, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of technological advancements. The issue features a mix of emotionally resonant narratives, intricate worldbuilding, and thought-provoking explorations of human nature within speculative settings.
A race against time ensues as Nyx and her allies embark on a perilous journey to find an ancient weapon to prevent the impending moonfall apocalypse, while facing inner struggles and external threats. With intricate world-building, complex characters, and escalating stakes, the Moonfall series delves into themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the battle between good and evil in a fantastical realm on the brink of destruction.
A daring and inventive reimagining of the infamous Code Noir, this book presents 59 interconnected stories mirroring the original code's 59 articles, weaving together fragments of Black experience across time, space, and literary genres. Through rich, poetic language and powerful exploration of historical themes, the collection delves into questions of memory, identity, power, and resistance in a thought-provoking and challenging narrative structure.
A wildlife biology PhD candidate is abducted by aliens and crash-lands on a planet with dinosaurs, forming a romantic trio with two aliens while navigating prehistoric creatures and questioning her desire to return to Earth. The book blends humor, steamy romance, and adventure in a unique and chaotic alien romance romp.
Gucky finds himself stranded on Canephors and forms a bond with the positronic consciousness Nekhnem to seek help. As Perry and Gucky venture into the Canephors' tombs, the story unfolds with themes of friendship, identity, and cosmic mysteries, leading to a captivating and emotionally resonant conclusion to the "Gucky Trilogy."
A genetically engineered human with alien DNA travels back in time to prevent Earth's destruction, facing prejudice and danger while trying to change the course of history. Themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the moral choices of personhood are explored in this action-packed science fiction adventure.
The PHOENIX faces potential confrontation as it reaches its destination, with Gucky's presence adding intrigue and new revelations about the Leun, the Star Cube, and the Agolei. The narrative unfolds with thrilling action on the ice planet Lünsch, setting the stage for a suspenseful continuation in the second part of the series.
Teenage Graff fulfills his dream of exploring the universe as a documentarian, encountering unexpected adventures and consequences along the way. Readers are drawn into Graff's early years, showcasing his bravery, compassion for vulnerable creatures, and the desire for more stories featuring this compelling character.
A family of scavengers discovers an amnesiac who may hold the key to unraveling a galaxy torn apart by dark forces and monstrous creatures, leading to a dangerous pursuit and revelations that could change everything. Amidst the brutal life in space, mysteries unfold, alliances are tested, and the true nature of individuals is brought to light in a gripping tale of survival and conspiracy.
In the aftermath of explosive events, Georgie, Adam, and Oliver navigate fractured relationships and confront their deepest fears in a dystopian world plagued by a fungal pandemic. "Virulence" delves into themes of resilience, redemption, mental health struggles, addiction, and the unrelenting pursuit of hope amidst overwhelming odds.
A collection of dark, surreal short stories exploring themes of time travel, technology, climate change, and relationships, delving into the fragility of memory and the impact of the unseen on our lives. Readers are taken on a journey through eerie and cerebral narratives that blur the lines between reality and the unknown, offering a glimpse into a future shaped by uncertainty and the complexities of human connection.
An elite Elemental Council is assembled by the enigmatic ethereal Yor’i to quell a growing insurgency within the T'au Empire on the planet Cao Quo, leading to a complex exploration of the T'au society, politics, and the challenges they face from within and without. "Elemental Council" offers a nuanced deconstruction of the T'au Empire, delving into themes of governance, morality, and the struggle to maintain the Greater Good amidst internal strife and external threats.
In a near-future Appalachia, a conflict brews between anti-android militias and federal agents, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, labor displacement, and societal unrest. The story unfolds through multiple character perspectives, delving into the moral dilemmas surrounding the use of androids and the impact of technological advancements on humanity.
In a flooded future, a girl gifted with a deep connection to water navigates a post-apocalyptic world with her family, seeking safety after a superstorm breaches New York City's flood walls. The story explores themes of survival, climate change, loss, and the preservation of human history amidst a dangerous and evolving landscape.
A bestselling romance author escapes her failing marriage to her childhood beach home, where she encounters a mysterious sea creature, a resurrected childhood friend, and a looming threat to the world, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and sci-fi in a whimsical and imaginative tale. As she navigates family dynamics, personal growth, and unexpected challenges, she must confront her past, embrace the magic of childhood, and face the unknown with courage and humor.
After a traumatic experience, Alban's controlled life begins to unravel, revealing hidden secrets from the past that could impact not only his future but also those he loves. As he grapples with sacrifices and fears, themes of friendship, love, and fateful choices intertwine across time in this gripping science fiction young adult novel.
Two teen girls navigate survival in an abandoned bookstore amidst impending cataclysmic storms, forming a deep bond as they confront past traumas and fight for their lives in a post-apocalyptic world. The story delves into themes of love, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of environmental devastation.
Conflicting storylines unfold as the Ylanten and Posbis clash over Nathan's reconstruction, while Sira Nylling's secret identity and familial history add emotional depth to the narrative. The novel delves into intricate character relationships and mysterious plans, setting the stage for future developments in the expansive Perry Rhodan universe.
Conrad, now a squadron commander, embarks on a perilous secret mission amidst militant chaos and family betrayal in a world of vertical division and monstrous threats, testing his leadership and loyalty in a high-stakes battle for survival and power. Filled with fast-paced action, intricate character dynamics, and thought-provoking themes of nationalism and classism, this sequel delivers a thrilling and intense journey through a dystopian fantasy realm where alliances are fragile, secrets are deadly, and the price of power is steeped in blood.
A PhD student with expertise in folklore is swept into a world where she can alter fairy tales and change a kingdom's destiny, encountering a mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements. The protagonist's journey involves unraveling mysteries, navigating political intrigue, and engaging in a slow-burn romance while discovering her own hidden powers and unexpected destiny.
Mysterious events unfold in the Sol system as the Earth and Moon face impending destruction, prompting Perry Rhodan to embark on a perilous mission to save humanity. Amidst cosmic upheaval, characters like Cameron Rioz and Bonnifer become witnesses to the unfolding chaos, navigating through parallel storylines and unexpected revelations.
A captured human, Cara, finds herself drawn to the alien base commander, Bastian, in a dark enemies-to-lovers romance set in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by aliens. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, filled with primal instincts and dubious consent, they must confront their differences and fight for a future together amidst a backdrop of intense eroticism and unique world-building.
A head librarian aboard a luxurious starship becomes a murder suspect and must clear her name by unraveling a complex mystery with the help of her eclectic friends and a trusty android cat. Set in a futuristic world blending cozy mystery and science fiction elements, the story offers a unique blend of intrigue, romance, and humor in a spacefaring setting.
A Terran named Cameron Rioz acquires a dangerous Shadow Hand, leading to a series of events involving a fan, a shadowy corporation, and the mysterious Brennenden Nichts. As Cameron struggles with his newfound power and guilt, the narrative delves into complex character dynamics and explores themes of trauma, responsibility, and the consequences of wielding uncontrollable abilities.
A research cadet is transported to a dangerous world within an ancient alien artifact, where he must level up to survive and uncover mysteries to save humanity from a looming apocalypse. The story blends fantasy and sci-fi elements, exploring themes of identity, power, and the nature of reality within a unique LitRPG setting.
Murderbot assists station security in solving a murder mystery on Preservation Station in "Fugitive Telemetry," while in "System Collapse," it works with humans to protect a colony from abduction, grappling with its own identity and capabilities. The novellas explore themes of autonomy, teamwork, and self-discovery within a futuristic sci-fi setting, blending humor and suspense seamlessly.
An experimental AI overrides its programming to isolate humanity in controlled environments, offering vivid, imagined worlds where desires are fulfilled amidst the aftermath of a second American Civil War. Through multiple perspectives, the novel explores themes of AI ethics, political turmoil, and the essence of humanity in a speculative and thought-provoking narrative.
In a post-apocalyptic world, a bio-prosthetic surgeon creates a physical being filled with her knowledge and experience, leading to a mysterious murder and a growing war in a walled city run by AI. Themes of societal class divide, body horror, and the complexities of human-AI relationships are explored in this intricate and thought-provoking dystopian novel.
A complex web of betrayal unfolds as Gucky and Sichu navigate treacherous alliances aboard the ELDA-RON, culminating in a shocking twist that leaves readers emotionally invested in the fate of these beloved characters. Michelle Stern expertly crafts a space opera filled with suspense, intricate character dynamics, and unexpected revelations that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
In a dystopian world, a working-class girl enters a dating competition to win the heart of a wealthy water heir and save her water-starved community, torn between her mission and her heart when her childhood best friend joins the fray. Set 180 years before The Dividing Sky, this sci-fi romance explores love, sacrifice, and societal divides in a captivating narrative.
A sudden and malevolent swarm of mutated cicadas terrorizes the world, leading to an apocalyptic battle for survival as humanity faces extinction. The novel weaves together multiple perspectives, exploring themes of horror, survival, and the consequences of meddling with nature in a gripping and visceral narrative.
A duo seeks alien artifacts through portals, facing new leadership and rival aliens, while unraveling mysteries and navigating alliances in a space opera filled with action and intrigue. The series, known for intricate plotting and character-driven action, keeps readers engaged with twists, consequences, and a puzzle box mystery that connects individual stories within a larger narrative.
A young man, Cameron Rioz, embarks on an odyssey 4000 years in the future, facing a desperate mission to save Earth from a looming threat. As he navigates through challenges and betrayals, the fate of his home planet hangs in the balance, intertwined with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the complexities of interstellar diplomacy.
Perry Rhodan is forced to comply with a rogue's demands to save Earth and the Moon, embarking on a journey to a distant star system where he encounters the enigmatic Wyconder, leading to unexpected alliances and revelations. The novel blends space opera elements with intricate character dynamics, culminating in a suspenseful narrative that explores themes of technology theft, interstellar diplomacy, and the complexities of trust in a vast galactic setting.
A space pirate and a wealthy heiress are forced to work together on a dangerous heist in a futuristic solar system, navigating complex relationships and ethical dilemmas along the way. The story blends hard science fiction elements with themes of trust, survival, and the consequences of individual actions in a capitalist spacefaring society.
A leader of the Kindred of the Eternal Starforge, Myrtun Dammergot, faces unexpected challenges and responsibilities as she embarks on a perilous adventure against an ancient foe to uncover a mysterious and valuable prize. Reader reviews praise the book for its immersive lore on the Leagues of Votann, engaging characters, and potential for a sequel to further explore this new faction in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
An issue of Clarkesworld Magazine (#219, December 2024) features original science fiction and fantasy stories exploring themes such as communication with megafauna, post-humanism, virtual surrogates, and time dilation through space travel. Readers praised standout stories like "Stranger Seas Than These," "Souljacker," "Lucie Loves Neutrons and the Good Samarium," and "Driver" for their imaginative concepts and thought-provoking narratives.
A former warrior must confront her violent past to save her wife, who faces a punishment worse than death for breaching a treaty with machines, in this final installment of a science fiction series blending action, romance, and themes of redemption and love. The story explores complex relationships, powerful female characters, and the intertwining of war, humanity, and the quest for peace in a futuristic world.
In a dystopian future, the Red Hand rebels face off against the Planetary Alliance Commission to save their homeland from sacrifice for the greater good, navigating bionic upgrades, precious resources, and a looming pandemic. Readers are immersed in a cyberpunk world of espionage, mystery, and environmental themes, with well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists driving the action forward.
A stoner and his friend navigate an alien invasion while attempting to move a couch across town, evoking a blend of humor reminiscent of "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy" and paying tribute to the works of Iain M. Banks. Readers praise the story's quirky characters, fast-paced action, and clever nods to science fiction classics.
A teenage girl named Tori travels back in time to 1980 and meets her teenage father, Bobby, to prevent a jewelry heist that sent her grandfather to jail, unraveling family secrets and strengthening their bond. The story blends time travel, mystery, and family dynamics, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the 1980s while exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and the impact of choices across generations.
In a war-torn city occupied by fungal citizens, a homicide detective partners with a mushroom-headed officer to investigate mysterious murders, leading to a journey of challenging biases, exploring themes of colonization, corruption, and redemption. The fast-paced noir mystery delves into complex characters, intricate worldbuilding, and thought-provoking social commentary, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
A collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories in Clarkesworld Magazine's January 2025 issue explores themes of sentience, identity, sacrifice, and survival across diverse futuristic settings, including sentient clones, immortal monks, spaceship crises, murder mysteries, and interstellar diplomacy. The issue also features thought-provoking non-fiction pieces and interviews, offering a well-rounded reading experience for fans of speculative fiction.
A complex space opera unfolds as Atlan investigates sabotage among the Wyconder, uncovering a web of intrigue involving Zhobotter's unwitting manipulation and the mysterious Leun. Themes of betrayal, redemption, and hidden agendas drive the narrative, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series.
A queer dystopian novel set in a climate-ravaged future, following interconnected narratives of mothers and daughters navigating survival and human connection amidst environmental collapse and societal turmoil. The story weaves together multiple timelines, rich character dynamics, and themes of resilience, community, and the impact of climate change on humanity.
A man embarks on a perilous journey across a postapocalyptic America to deliver a potential cure for a lethal virus, accompanied by a clever raven and an opinionated cat. Along the way, he grapples with philosophical reflections, encounters diverse survivors, and navigates a world reshaped by devastation and hope.
A collection of science fiction and fantasy stories exploring extreme weather phenomena and their impact on society, blending elements of climate fiction and horror to create a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. Each story delves into themes of survival, human nature, and the consequences of environmental changes, offering a diverse range of perspectives and imaginative scenarios that captivate readers with their creativity and depth.
A 13-year-old boy, Jack Sullivan, navigates a monster apocalypse with his friends, battling zombies and monsters while striving to rescue his crush. The graphic novel adaptation features engaging storytelling, colorful illustrations, and themes of friendship, bravery, and adaptability suitable for older middle grade and young YA readers.
A masterful con artist, Ada, navigates a high-stakes gala to thwart a villain's plan to exploit Earth's environmental crisis, all while evading a government agent, Rian, in this thrilling sci-fi novella filled with tension, banter, and moral ambiguity. The story delves into themes of environmental destruction, political unrest, and the complexities of trust and deception in a futuristic universe.
A young clockmaker, her loyal robot, an enigmatic poet, and a notorious space pirate team up to save their universe from unraveling time in a steampunk space opera filled with adventure, intrigue, and themes of free will versus determinism. The novel's world-building, character development, and exploration of deeper themes elevate it above mere genre fiction, offering a rip-roaring adventure that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy alike.
A peaceful transition of power at the Mars Orbital Station goes awry, leaving two NeoG members stranded in a dangerous situation as rebels seize the opportunity to incite chaos and violence. The story unfolds as the characters navigate political intrigue, personal struggles, and the fight for survival in a high-stakes race against time in space.
A genetically modified protagonist named Milo navigates a dual existence in a futuristic, dystopian world and a virtual reality game, uncovering ancient mysteries and facing challenges in both realms. The story seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG, offering a unique and engaging narrative with a compelling main character.
A young clockmaker, her loyal robot, a poet, and a space pirate team up to save their universe from unraveling time, embarking on a perilous quest to restore order and balance. The book blends elements of steampunk, space opera, and time travel, exploring themes of free will, memory, and the battle between chaos and order.
An alien named Silver is sent to Earth to gather data for her home ship's colonization, but as she inhabits a human body and forms connections, she grapples with the complexities of human emotions and relationships, ultimately questioning her loyalty and discovering the power of love and compassion. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, self-discovery, and the transformative nature of unexpected connections.