A curated collection of the best science fiction and fantasy short stories from 2023, featuring a diverse range of authors and themes, including emotional impact, character-driven narratives, and a mix of established and emerging voices in the genre. The anthology offers a well-balanced selection of stories that explore the ever-expanding worlds of speculative fiction, showcasing both familiar names and new talents in the field.

Reader Review Summary

This stellar collection represents the cream of speculative fiction from 2023, masterfully curated by series editor John Joseph Adams and guest editor Hugh Howey. The anthology's unique selection process - where Howey read the stories blind, without knowing authors or sources - has resulted in an exceptionally strong and diverse collection that showcases both established voices and exciting new talents.

The twenty selected stories are perfectly balanced between science fiction and fantasy, alternating between genres throughout the book. This thoughtful arrangement creates an engaging rhythm while highlighting how both genres can tackle similar themes from different angles. The selection demonstrates the incredible range of contemporary speculative fiction, from intimate character studies to bold conceptual pieces.

Several stories emerge as particular standouts across multiple reader reviews. Rebecca Roanhorse impressively appears twice in the collection with "Eye & Tooth" and "Falling Bodies," a rare feat that speaks to her extraordinary talent. Isabel J. Kim's "Zeta-Epsilon," P. Djèlí Clark's "How to Raise a Kraken in Your Bathtub," and Amal El-Mohtar's "John Hollowback and the Witch" have also garnered significant praise from readers.

The anthology succeeds in balancing contributions from established authors like James S.A. Corey, Ann Leckie, and Grady Hendrix with fresh voices, creating a vibrant snapshot of where speculative fiction stands today. The stories are notably character-driven, with readers consistently highlighting their emotional impact - expect both laughter and tears throughout the collection.

The book includes valuable supplementary material that enhances the reading experience. The inclusion of author biographies, contributor notes about story inspirations, and information about the selection process provides fascinating context. The list of all eighty stories considered for the anthology offers readers a broader view of the field and additional reading recommendations.

The collection draws from a wide range of sources, including prestigious magazines like Clarkesworld and Asimov's, online publications like Lightspeed and Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and original anthologies. This variety demonstrates the vitality of contemporary speculative fiction across multiple platforms and markets.

With an impressive average rating of 4.0 out of 5, readers consistently praise the anthology's high quality and engaging storytelling. Many note that unlike typical anthologies where several stories might miss the mark, this collection maintains an exceptionally high standard throughout, with very few, if any, weak entries.

For both longtime fans of speculative fiction and newcomers to the genres, this anthology serves as an excellent survey of the field's current state and a gateway to discovering new favorite authors. The 2024 edition continues the series' tradition of excellence while bringing fresh perspectives and voices to the forefront of science fiction and fantasy.

This collection proves that short-form speculative fiction is thriving, with authors pushing boundaries and exploring new territories in both science fiction and fantasy. It's a must-read for anyone interested in where these genres are headed and who's leading the way.