In the September 2024 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine, readers are treated to a diverse selection of science fiction stories exploring themes such as first contact, memory manipulation, alien refugees, and symbiotic relationships. The issue also features non-fiction articles and interviews with authors Aliette de Bodard and A.C. Wise.

Reader Review Summary

Clarkesworld once again delivers an excellent issue packed with imaginative and thought-provoking speculative fiction. The stories in Issue 216 showcase the magazine's strength in curating a diverse array of voices and styles within the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

The standout works demonstrate Clarkesworld's commitment to publishing fiction that expands the boundaries of the field. Marissa Lingen's "The Music Must Always Play" is praised as an intriguing first contact tale told through the lens of a linguist attempting to decipher an alien language and culture. Eric Schwitzgebel's "How to Remember Perfectly" emerges as a highlight - a poignant and unsettling exploration of memory augmentation that readers found "beautiful" and "excellent."

Another stellar piece is Cirilo Lemos' "The Children I Gave You, Oxalaia," translated by Thamirys Gênova. Multiple reviewers lavished praise on this novelette set in a Brazilian favela populated by Venusian refugees, admiring how it deftly weaves together themes of racism, poverty, colonialism, and family while immersing readers in a richly developed alien culture. The emotional depth and social commentary resonate strongly.

Ben Berman Ghan's weird fantasy "Those Who Remember the World" polarized some readers with its experimental prose and bizarre cityscape setting, but others delighted in its strangeness and mystery. R.H. Wesley's "A World of Milk and Promises" also earned acclaim as a beautiful and haunting short work brimming with fascinating ideas about symbiosis and adaptation.

The shorter stories were well-received overall, with many reviewers finding worthwhile ideas or intriguing narrative hooks in pieces like Tiffany Xue's post-apocalyptic "Fish Fear Me, You Need Me" and Renan Bernardo's "A Theory of Missing Affections." Even when a story didn't entirely click, reviewers appreciated the creativity and ambition on display.

While the nonfiction content didn't make as strong an impression, some reviewers engaged with Gunnar De Winter's science article and the author interviews. The variety of content caters to different reader interests.

With a great mix of longer and shorter speculative works spanning various styles and representing international authors, Clarkesworld Issue 216 exemplifies what makes the magazine award-worthy. It delivers a potent anthology of bold, well-written fiction that provokes contemplation and awe. Readers looking for daring visions and masterful storytelling will find plenty to appreciate in this eclectic and substantial issue.